Are you a Christian One-Upper?

So, can I just share with you a little pet peeve of mine? Since moving to Nashville this tiny irritation has been magnified.

One-upping each other.

What? You don't know what I'm talking about? Let me explain.

Okay, so we're new to the church here which means we're new to our small group who meets bi-monthly, and new to our adult Sunday school class, and I'm new to the women's Bible study each Thursday morning.

Being new means there's been loads of introductions. I couldn't begin to remember names if I tried. Manners in these parts are on steroids so when I say lots of introductions, I mean LOTS.

Here's how the average introduction goes:

Stranger: "Hey, I haven't met you. I'm Margory McButterpants."

Me: "So nice to meet you, Margory. I'm Joanne Kraft. We're new to the area."

Stranger: "You're new? Where are you from? You know, we've been attending church here for nine years now. I was here when the podium caught fire during the women's Christmas tea."

Me: "That's nice?"

No matter where we are, people in church feel the need to mark their holy territory by one-upping each other with how long they've been attending or how much better they know the pastor than you ever will.

As a matter of fact,when I speak at a women's conference, I can't begin to tell you how many women introduce themselves to me this way. They share their first name and then include some unholy snippet, like it's their last name.

"Hi, I'm Gloria...been going here for fifteen years."

One of these days I'm going to answer: "Nice to meet you Gloria Beengoinghereforfifteenyears, You wouldn't happen to be related to Sharon Mydaughterismarriedtothepastorsson? No? So sorry, I'm probably confusing you with Jean Mysonleadsworshiphere."

Your God-Adventure

What scares you? Is there something you won't risk? Something that makes you anxious just thinking about it?

Here's the truth: all God-ordained adventures include a few knee-knocking moments.

 The circumstances of life will either shrink or stretch your faith. - James McDonald

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after a slew of heart thumping miracles their God-adventure began. I can just imagine the hoots and hollering of a people free at last. What incredible joy! What explosive excitement! Can you just see them all dancing and laughing, maybe even a few emotional gals like me bursting out in tears? As millions gathered to march out of bondage into their promised land, the buzz in the air of continual celebration was felt by all.

Then the Red Sea happened...

God's chosen people, the apple of His eye, went from a mountain top high to a deep valley low. I can just hear them now, "Really, God? Are you serious? You saved us for this?" Their joy quickly snuffed out as they faced a sea they couldn't cross. Yet, here's where a God-adventure and our faith journey really begins...when we lean "again" on the very God who brought us out of slavery.

With the Egyptians close on the Israelites heels, their reliance would be fully and wholly on God to rescue them - again.

What impossibility has God brought you out of? Better yet, what impossibility has He brought you to? God loves to use ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things. His glory shines brightest through humble hearts in a posture of holy neediness that can only be filled by His son Jesus Christ.

Great faith believes in God even when He plays His hand close to His vest, never showing all His cards. He has His reason for doing so. He wants to increase your "measure of faith". He does this whenever He conceals a matter and you trust Him nevertheless. - Joni Erickson Tada

Do you dare to dream anymore?

Can you still remember that one thing you always wanted to do or be?

Has life crowded your dreams out?

Tomorrow morning my interview with Focus on the Family is going to air. To say I'm a bit nervous is a teensy bit of an understatement. I'm not just nervous. I'm I-feel-like-throwing up-nervous. Each time I feel a bit queasy  I turn my anxiety into a reminder to pray for every busy mom who might turn on her radio in between filling her dishwasher or driving to work.

So, what's my greatest dream? Encouraging women.

I just had no idea God would make my dream a reality, turn it into a book and launch it out to the world. 

I shared with Paul, "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I'm going to be on Focus on the Family tomorrow."

"Why not?"

"It's just such a big deal to me. I never thought my little book would get this far. I never even prayed those kinds of prayers. It was a dream I never thought would happen, so I didn't even ask for it." I smiled.

"You don't dream big enough. Apparently, you've forgotten how big God is.." He smiled back.

What about you? Do you dream big enough? Do you realize just how BIG your God is?

If you're thoughts are filled with lots of Not me. I can't. It's too hard. It will never happen. kinds of thoughts then you have most definitely forgotten.

Today is the day. Take out a piece of paper and start writing down your dreams. It's about time you see with your own eyes just what it is God might have in store for you.

 

Lonely at Christmas?

Moving to Tennessee has had it's ups and downs. The upside? Kind people. Incredible fall colors. Considerate drivers. Teenagers who say ma'am and hold open doors. A deeply rooted civil war history. A community that LOVES our US military.

The downside? The unfamiliar. Everywhere I go. Everyone I meet. Everything I see is unfamiliar. It's frustrating when I don't know the short cut when a passing train holds our car hostage, or which grocery store has the "best deals" or which neighborhoods have the prettiest Christmas lights.

Me and Jesus have had lots of quality time here. It's been so sweet. But, I admit, I'm lonely for some face-to-face friend time. Relationships are my specialty. My batteries are recharged after visits to tiny little coffee shops and long conversations with friends. Sadly, coffee shops are not a Tennessee specialty and I'm grieving my sweet Caffe Santoro's and Peet's frothy mugs of heaven.

Still, I know God is up to something. My little light of hope is flickering but not out. I refuse to let loneliness win today. I'm heading out this morning to sit in a live taping at Lifeway. Priscilla Shirer is teaching and I can't wait.

If you happen to be there too, I'll be the gal in the cute black boots talking to perfect strangers and yapping about anything and everything.

Get behind me loneliness! Me and God have a date in Nashville today.

Bella Rustica - Shabby Vintage LOVE

If you can't tell by the adorable country chair in my header or my Pinterest boards - I LOVE vintage things. Words like old, broken down, chipped and worn out become refurnished, shabby chic and cottage-worthy in my eyes.

Maybe it's because I look at something tired and broken down and want to know who owned it and what's the story behind it. I don't know, maybe I think too much.

Since our move here to Tennessee I've discovered lots of little treasures. One of them was Bella Rustica - an annual vintage barn sale about thirty miles from my home.

It was incredible.

Enough of my jibber-jabbering. Let's just let my pictures do the talking.



Barn sale is right. We stepped inside and the hay covered the floor.
Each of the stalls was a room set aside for a vintage vendor.

 

 

Fall decorations were everywhere. These jack o' lanterns were painted glass jars.

 I wanted them ALL.

 

 

I LOVED the ornate frames with the chicken wire and colorful material. Perfect for hanging earrings or necklaces. But, there's some things I know I can make on my own.

 

 

Candlesticks look great in groupings like this. Wow.

 

 

My parents put a basket like this on my bicycle when I was a kid.

 Apparently, they didn't care about my "cool" factor.

 

 

This pillow was adorable. Scroll down for a better peek.

 

 

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."

 

 

Almost makes me want to jump rope again...almost.

 

 

I just had to get a pair of these candlesticks. Mine have French words scrolled alongside them. Some had musical notes. ADORABLE. I have one out right now on my fireplace in our family room.

 

 

Flower box on a car? Makes sense to me.

 

 

"Vintage Junky" the reason I was there. LOVE her blog. Michelle lives in my area, yay! This gal is gifted. Wish my phone-camera was better. Her booth was packed with shabby chic awesomeness and LOTS of customers. I bought two vintage windows from her (see below). Can't wait to show you what I do with them.

 

 

The best part of this whole Bella Rustica-morning?

Telling my kids, "Let's go back and check out ALL the booths one more time!"

 

 



Nashville Update

Well, we've survived the hottest temps in Nashville history. Impressive for us weather-pampered Californians, huh?

What's even more impressive? We're surviving in a 400 square foot hotel room - all FIVE of us. Making LOTS of family memories, that's for sure.

The kids are enjoying the hotel pool and being able to watch more TV than we've ever let them before.

Just hearing iCarly's voice sets my teeth on edge.

We had our first Sunday church service in Franklin, yesterday. One of their large churches. When a police officer is handling traffic control in and out of the church parking lot, that's usually a sign they're pretty big. Nice people. But, we're not much for light shows and mist machines. I know some people love that sort of thing, I try to enjoy those extras at Broadway shows. So, next Sunday we'll try again.

Paul and I took a nice drive into Leiper's Fork after dinner at Puckett's Grocery Store and Restaurant. The drive was beautiful. Lots of green hills and lazy creeks meandering through...what you'd expect a country drive to be. It smelled delicious outside, like warm cut grass and a light scent of flowers.  This here is a picture of two special greeters along our travels.

Our waitress, Chelsea Oren, at Puckett's last night is from our neck of the woods. An adorable country gal who served us our delecious pulled pork sliders, and fantastic sweet potatoe fries. She's a cutie pie who is working hard at country music and song writing. Make sure to click on the link and "Like" her Facebook page. She was a doll. Great talent, too!

And, if you're interested, the blackberry cobbler there was to die for! Seriously. It was slap-your-mama-good.

I'm starting to really get the hang of this country life. Paul likes to tell everyone that I dropped my first "Ya'll" yesterday afternoon while talking with a gentleman from these parts.

Oh boy, I swore I'd never compromise the King's English.

If you feel like reading more, I've included a little devotional ditty about FAITH over on my website.

Last but not least, my adorable daughter, Meghan has her very own blog now. Make sure to stop by her place and become one of her newest "Followers". She's a pretty incredible writer. (I'm biased but honest!)

I can't tell you how much it does this mama's heart good to know my little girl is doing well on the west coast. I miss her alot. Seeing pictures she's posted from our home ties my stomach in knots. Can't wait until we find a home to live in and she's out for a visit.

Must be something in a mother's DNA that wants her baby's all in one little nest.

In honor of my daughter's Music Monday's I've included a song that has held Paul and I up and encouraged us this week.

Brilliant Moments

"Where are you moving?"

Nashville

"Do you have family there?"

No

"Is there a job that's moving you there?"

No, actually my husband can't even practice law there.

This is usually where I envision my kids and I living in a van down by the river.

For months, my conversations have gone like this. With a shake of their head and usually much laughter, many say: "Wow. You're going on an adventure. Good for you!"

Which I take to mean: Good for you, you crazy fools.

We picked up our oldest from the airport last night. She's home for the weekend to help us pack and to cheer her brother on at the county fair this morning.

His pig; Kevin Bacon, will be auctioned off in a few hours.

So, why are we moving? My husband would tell you it's for economical reasons. He knows too much about the fiscal future here. If you read a local paper or two, you'll discover my beautiful home-state of California is drowning in a sea of legislative failure.

Just like my great-grandmother one hundred years before me got on a boat and left her precious loved ones in Yugoslavia- I too, want to adventure to a land where my children can have a better chance at getting through college in four years for less than $120,000.00 and where my sons will learn saying yes ma'am and no sir is common.

I won't over-spiritualize our decision. The longer I'm a Christian, the more I know He expects me to walk by faith not by sight. Yet, I believe God has put this on our hearts, given us His word to hang on to and asked like He asks each one of us...to lay down our lives for Him.

Tough to do when you just remodeled your kitchen.

Oswald Chambers said, "We are not made for brilliant moments, but we have to walk in them in ordinary ways."

I want those brilliant moments. I crave those mountain-top morsels. Will my grandchildren talk about their California born and bred granny moving 2300 miles away from everyone she loves for better opportunities for them?

Brilliant moments come when you ignore fear, refuse comfort and trudge through the ordinary.

Today, I'll ignore the fears of not knowing what's in store for us. I'll continue to wrap my life in bubble wrap and newspaper and pray for His peace.

Dear Jesus, help me to show my children adventures aren't to be feared. Keep my eyes off of all that I have here.

I'm ready Lord, send me.

Six Twinkies in a Ding Dong World

Apparently, I won't need this in Nashville.

In 9 days we're moving.

Our family thinks we're crazy. Some of our friends think we've lost our mind.

After two years of wondering, thinking, researching and praying about it -we're taking a leap of faith, stuffing everything in a trailer and moving south to Tennessee.

For now, I will keep my blog public, but in the next couple months I may go private. So make sure to follow along on my sidebar or through my RSS feed.

Why so exclusive?

I want to be able to share more intimately with all of my family and friends (blog friends, too!) what moving 2300 miles away with no job, no family, and no home to meet us there looks like. Care to join us for the adventure of our lives?

Oh, sweet blog friends...I've missed you so!

Are You a Writer? What Are You Waiting For?

Walking towards me, I sized up the assistant manager. Skinny jeans, lip ring, black circular tattoos nicely framing his elbows.

“Hi, I’m Barrett” He reached his hand out, “You need some help?”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Joanne Kraft. I live in the area and have a parenting book coming out in a few weeks; Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical. I want to make sure the Border’s in my hometown has copies on hand before my book launch party.” I smiled, handing him one of the 1,000 colorful marketing postcards my publishing house sent me.

Walking over to a computer, Barrett found my book and confirmed that they already knew about it and even shared where it was going to be placed in their store, “General parenting section, right over there.” Sticking out his arm he pointed. He went on to explain how they were willing to accommodate a local writer; book signings, book placement in the store, etc.

While hip-bookstore-guy was mid sentence, I had this pressing feeling to ask him a question. “Are you a writer?” I asked.

Looking surprised he answered, “Yes, actually I am.” We went on to talk about favorite authors, his was John Irving. He shared the type of writing he loved and his manuscript left undone and forgotten, a tombstone somewhere on his Mac at home representing his dead work.

“So, what are you waiting for?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” He replied.

“Barrett, you work here around millions of books and sell other writer’s work - some of which I’d venture to guess you’re not all that impressed with. It must be like living out some Twilight Zone-writer-hell.”

He laughed. “Yeah, actually it is difficult. I’m shocked at what sells sometimes.” He reminisced. “I have thought about taking out my manuscript and working on it again, maybe while my daughter is asleep, but then I think that maybe I need to go back to college and get an accelerated writing degree and…”

Forgetting my manners, I interrupted, “Look at me.” I smiled, recapturing his attention. “I have diagnosed you’re problem, you suffer from analysis paralysis!”

Looking down and focusing on some unseen object, he agreed. “Yes, I think you’re right. What am I waiting for?”

For the next few minutes we laughed and talked the way writers do, the love of the written word a deep common bond to share. So, what about you? What are you waiting for?

• Do you suffer from analysis paralysis? Do you over analyze every writer-blog, fiction technique, and social marketing plan? Stop watching everyone else and take the plunge.

• What is holding you back from your next publishing step? Is your greatest fear a magazine article, query letter, or book proposal? Every writer has experienced the anxiety of all of the above, so what makes them so special? Why are they published? Answer: They follow through.

• What tombstones of your work are lying forgotten on your hard drive between your resume and your child's book report on President Lincoln? Give them new life, dust them off and send them out.

Grow Up Church!

If you don't feel like listening to a bit of frustrated ranting and raving, move along. You've been warned. For those of you who like a bit of sass with your morning coffee put your feet up and stay awhile.

While visiting a church recently I about fell out of my chair. The pastor was getting ready to teach when he told the congregation, "I'm not going to put any of you on the spot if you haven't brought your Bible this morning."

Was he kidding? I had barely noticed anyone carrying Bibles...and this was the encouragement from the pulpit?

Attempting to befriend every person in the audience, this pastor went on to explain, "I believe pastors shame their congregation when they ask them to raise their hands for a Bible before a Sunday teaching."

I was floored. Shame us? What shame is there in raising your hand for a Bible in church? If we were taking a math class we'd bring our math books. Would a math teacher be shaming his student by loaning him a math book before a lesson?

My girlfriend leads a woman's Bible study and shared with me how the majority of the women don't bring their Bibles to study with them and how she is going to have to address this at their next gathering.

Really?!?

Ministry leaders listen up: what we draw them with we draw them to. Stop trying to please people in your pews with shiny lights, silly whistles and pretty bells and start pleasing God by expecting more from your congregation. Here's a tip: Bringing a Bible to church is a good place to start.

The church is standing on very dangerous ground when they attempt to bring God to the people without His Word instead of bringing the people to God with His Word.

If you find yourself coming to church without your Bible and attending for the sole purpose of benefits such as friends, business contacts, and free donuts, join a club instead.

There is NEVER shame in bringing a Bible anywhere. God's Word convicts the comfortable and comforts the convicted. As much as we all enjoy an entertaining speaker during a Sunday service, only the supernatural Word of God will be an anchor for a person during storms that inevitably come. When a life shatters upon the rocks and despair sets in, they won't be hanging onto a funny punch line or witty retort as their lifesaver.

Grow up church! My own children have never known hunger or thirst. Yet, if they behaved like they were entitled to the gifts I give them it would infuriate me. The same feelings erupt when I see believers take their salvation and freedom of religion lightly. Children of God remember this - you have been saved by grace - undeserved, unmerited favor. Stop whining and crying for your one Sunday feeding, just to return your gratefulness by leaving your Bible behind each week.

With your tummies now full, you retreat to your long winters nap of self-centered, me-me-me spiritual mediocrity.

How very sad.

I think somebody needs a spanking.


Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1Peter 2:2-3

MOPS Convention in Nashville - Guess who's coming?

Click on over to my author page and see who is coming to the MOPS International convention in Nashville this August, and hear what my husband had to say about it.


I'll be there! Will you?


I'm a teensy weensy bit excited. If you haven't already made the move to my author page, make sure to follow along there. I'll eventually be making the transition from Blessed... to my author site. I'd hate to lose my connection with you.

I have lots of good things planned over there. I'm also trying to figure out vlogging. I think it would be fun to send you snippets of our cross-country road trip. Who doesn't have funny moments from road trips, right?

Any you'd like to share?

What Dream Have You Given Up On?

Is there something in your heart to do? Have you silenced that still, small voice that once upon a time pleaded; Just try. You can do this thing. Have you buried your calling, shoved aside a dream that begged to be lived out?

Three years ago, God gave me a promise. You are going to write a book for Me. It wasn't audible, but it was clear. God confirmed over and over and over again, using His word to tell me what I would do.

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

I recite my composition concerning the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Psalm 45:1 

I would write for Him. Once my writing was complete, I would share what I'd written publicly. Unfortunately, as is my nature, I ignored, argued and even questioned His promise.

Lord, forgive me, but do you realize who you're talking to? This is me, remember? I'm a wife and a mom,end of story. I'm too busy with that calling. I'm disorganized, forgetful, and don't even know where to start. I am not able. I don't have the credentials. I barely have time to clean the bathrooms. I don't know enough about grammar. I can't.

 Then came His answer. You're right. You can't, but I can.


Yesterday, one of God's most precious promises to me was released publicly. My book, Just Too Busy,  was launched into the world. When I checked the ranking last it was listed in the top 100 books for parenting today. (Never underestimate the power of family and friends to alter an Amazon ranking!) Thankful tears have come quite easy this week. Requests to speak publicly at women's events are making their way to me as well, just like He promised: I recite my composition concerning the King.

Friends, promises are God's specialty. Depending on who you talk to, there are between 3,000 and 8,000 promises in the Bible. No matter which camp you fall under, promises from God are reserved for His children.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

What promise has He given you lately? What are you arguing and debating Him about? Stop making excuses. Did I just hear you say, I can't? You're exactly right, you can't.

You can't. But, I can.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13



Interested in seeing how this new-author celebrated her book release, head over to my author site.


joanne kraft, just too busy-taking your family on a radical sabbatical, busy mom, christian mom, faith, christian parenting, parenting

Guess What Arrived!

I am absolutely giddy. Something arrived on Friday. Something I've been waiting on for quite awhile.

Head over to my author-site and see what it is. Any guesses?

Mom Guilt Strikes a Fatal Blow

Mom-guilt. I hate it. The moment the nurse placed each of my four babies into my eager arms, I could physically feel a lump form in my throat, a lead brick settle in my stomach, and some type of hot, painful, guilt-hormone race through my veins.


He has ear infections because I didn't breastfeed long enough.

I should've put an extra blanket on her when she fell asleep.

I knew his friend was sick when he came over, why didn't I cancel their play date?

She wouldn't have stitches in her lip if I'd left her training wheels on.

So, this morning I'm sitting in an audience filled with camera-toting parents and grandparents. Samuel, my 4th grader, has made the cut. He's one of five top spellers in his grammar school's 3rd and 4th grade classes.

This means one thing...district championships. Nineteen schools participate from the county and only the best of the best spellers compete.

Driving there this morning my inner dialogue began:

Hmmmm, you know, come to think of it, I don't recall going over the spelling words with Samuel.

That's okay, he's in the gifted program, remember? I'm sure he's got this figured out. I mean , who can't spell "friend" or "flimsy"?

But, you went over spelling words with his sisters and brother when they were in spelling bee's. You took the time for them.

Yeah, but I'm not a "new" parent anymore. I am much more relaxed about Samuel.

Or, maybe "Just Too Busy" working on your book?

Mom-guilt struck its fatal blow.

*******************
Sitting through three hours of a spelling bee, on a multi-purpose room bench can be painful. But, do you know what is excruciatingly painful?

Seeing tears well up in my son's eyes and watching the anguished look on his face as he missed the only two words on his team - losing the district championship for his school.

ACCUSE and MEASLES will go down in infamy, right alongside a few Kraft family spelling bee favorites like NASAL and BALLOON.

With that said, I'm going to be absent for a week or two. I'll be back on June 1st when the book comes out. I need to be present for the ones who need me most. It's time to focus on my one true calling, and the sweetest, most rewarding ministry God could ever give me - my family.

(But, if I'm not back in two weeks, don't send flowers - send BALLOONS. And, don't ACCUSE me of having the MEASLES. It's probably just a NASAL infection.)

Boys Will Be Boys

"Dad will love this!" David grabbed the navy blue t-shirt off the rack and shoved it under my nose.

Had my teenage son lost his mind?

"Oh, son, you've got to be kidding me. Your father would never be caught dead in that." Visions of my 80's high school years and a parade of muscle-shirt-wearing teen males flashed before my eyes.

"Awww, cmon' Mom. We could get one for Sam too." Master manipulation at its best. He knew to include his little brother (who thought he hung the moon) into his diabolical plan. "We could match out on the beach."

"Yeah Mom! Cmon." Samuel stood by his big brother pleading.

"You're father would not look good in that, David. It is SO not his style."

My son walked up and put his arm around me, whispering loudly in my ear, "But, you know how good I'd look in it." He smiled, flexing his one free arm for me.

His newfound muscles were getting lots of attention lately. "Law and Order. That's what I named them, Mom." David smirked, unwrapping me from his hug and kissing each bicep.

Three days later...

Unpacking in the hotel room, the boys knew I'd had a weak moment at Walmart and were so excited they could barely stand it. I grabbed the secret bag and opened it up, tossing navy blue t-shirts to all the boys.

My husband unfolded his, "What's this?"

"You're beach attire." 

I'm married to an amazing husband and father. Amidst the audience of snickering and laughter, he put on his new shirt and I snapped a photo.

Two hours later we were all at the beach.

Eight hours later he was nursing the most ridiculous sunburn I've ever seen.



What about you? Do you ever step out of character for your kids? How have you surprised them lately?

My Amazing Moms - A Mother's Day Tribute

My husband is a Hallmark-holiday-hater. He tries to convince me that he would have no problem remembering me throughout the year without commercial prodding.

Yeah right.

Mother's Day is still pretty special to me. What mama-heart doesn't melt over rubber pancakes and runny eggs in bed? My heart swells when I receive homemade cards and Popsicle stick creations. Ahhhh, sweet mom bliss.

With my mom gone now, it can be bittersweet if I think on how much I miss her. But, then I'm reminded of how her own children have grown up (I'm proud of my sisters and brother), and I remember how her children rise up and call her blessed.

Her children arise and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28

On Mother's Day I focus on my four beautiful kids and the special moms God has put in my life. They hold an exclusive place in my life, and stand in the gap where my mother once stood.

I thought I'd introduce you to a few of them. I've been pretty protective of their privacy, and have committed a cardinal blog-sin by not getting their permission first. It's easier to ask forgiveness, right?

This is my grandma. Also known as: Grandma Cuckoo, Granny Goose, Gram, or as we lovingly call her...GRANDMA!!! (She's extremely hard of hearing.) At 91yrs old, she has been a pivotal part of my life. Words can't convey the love I have for her.

This is my mother-in-law, Jane. She is always available to babysit and her competitive nature (wonder where her son gets it?) usually allows us to squeeze a few more days out of her. How blessed am I that she would take time out of her life to make me curtains and seat covers for our kitchen? She is so talented and generous. Because of her we're able to take a trip to Palm Springs. I thank God for her.

This is my Aunt Judy (on the left). The second in line to the matriarchal throne of the family. She has a gift of cooking, quilting, and anything else that includes hot glue, thread, or colorful material. She loves her family passionately and it shows. Did I mention she can speak Slovonian?  Her faith in God is her foundation. I can talk with her about Jesus. Though I'm not as creative, we're still alot alike. I love our phone calls.


This is my Aunt Cathy (on the right, my sister Jennifer is in between them.). The youngest of my mom's sisters, we're only fourteen years apart. She's a new grandma with another on the way. Her kids are her crowning glory and I love to tease her about her obsessive love for them all. She has a knack for finding the most thoughtful gifts ever. My earliest memories are sitting on her lap while she tickled my arms. I share a bond with her that runs deep.

This is my step-mom Linda. She is the beauty from ashes after my mother's death. When Dad married her I was the least bit thrilled. I'm ashamed to admit it-I tried not to like her. But, God had other plans. Over the past ten years, her love for me and my children has grabbed my heart and won't let go. She's shown grace through many an uncomfortable moment. When she discovered I'd be traveling for my book she gifted me with ruby red luggage. When I bounced our 11lb Easter ham on my knee (I am a former high school soccer star, ya know) to get it to the kitchen counter (cheap aluminum pan!) she supplied me with a roasting pan. When I've struggled with hurts and fears she's called and sent cards full of prayers and scriptures pointing me to the only One who can lift pain and burdens. What a gift she is to me.

These amazing women have played a big part in my own mom-journey. They cut the path for me to walk on- and were beautiful examples of selfless acts of kindness, loyalty, love, and laughter. I love them dearly.

I pray this weekend your home is filled with tiny clay hand prints and paper clip creations. Remember to take a moment and pray for those moms the Lord has placed in your life.

Set Free to Live Free

When my children were very young, one of the first lessons learned was to never tell a lie. Our kids understood that a lie came with a consequence. We treated dishonesty as a childhood felony, especially if we had to discipline repeat offenders.

So, why was it okay to lie to myself?

Author, Saundra Dalton-Smith M.D., shares the answer to this question in her new book Set Free to Live Free - Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves.

Imagine life with unlimited possibility, where fear, misconception, and insecurities don't have the power to rob  you of your potential or your dreams. Many women have trouble seeing this vision because they are bound by lies that keep them from living free. (Back Cover)



7 Lies Us Gals Need Freedom From:

1. Perfection is the goal


2. I would be happy too if I had her life


3. If I do this, I can look like that


4. Life is an all-or-nothing activity


5. Being in control is better than spontaneity


6. Emotional imbalance is only for crazy women


7. Everything comes with conditions

This morning while taking my walk, I was listening to a podcast teaching from  TMC. What was the topic? Lying. The pastor shared in detail what God's truth is and why lying is listed as commandment number nine: Thou shalt not bear false witness. Saundra's book is a wonderful reminder of the lies that are holding women back from God's best for their lives.
 
What I especially loved about this book were the personal stories. Author, Saundra Dalton-Smith is a physician and from the dialogue with her patients- a darn good one. Set Free to Live Free shares the personal heartaches of her patients and the struggles and successes they've encountered by believing wrongly about themselves.
 
If you're looking for a book that will encourage you and stretch you to who you are in Christ, make sure to get this book!
 
Set Free to Live Free is out May 11th. Make sure to follow Saundra on her Facebook Fan Page too. Though I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her in person, after reading her book I feel like I've found a new friend.
 
 

Soul Surfer Movie Review

There's been lots of movie watching going on at our house lately.

 I tried to keep my eyes open through Eat Pray Love. Sorry Julia Roberts fans, I couldn't stand it. Thankfully, the Italian food kept my attention. I outlasted Paul through Hereafter and felt betrayed by legendary director Clint Eastwood, and his executive producer Steven Spielberg - big yawn.

This afternoon, I surprised Grace and took her to see Soul Surfer - The New York Times even gave it a thumbs up. Are you looking for an inspirational movie for the whole family - then look no further.

National surf champion, Bethany Hamilton, was just 13yrs old when she was attacked by a shark off the north shore of Kauai.

Realizing that the shark could attack again,

Bethany knew her life depended on getting

ashore a quarter of a mile away. Alana’s father

made a tourniquet to stop the loss of blood

by using his rash guard, a protective surfing

shirt. He pushed her as she paddled with her

right arm. Bethany prayed for the Lord to

help her get to the beach. She remembers the

Lord’s calm voice assuring her that she was in

His hands. After reaching shore, they began

the torturous 45-minute ride to the hospital.

A Kauai paramedic whispered in her ear,

“God will never leave you or forsake you.”

 Calvary Chapel Magazine.

It was refreshing to see a solid Christian family portrayed as normal, happy, and even successful. A far cry from the token Christian in the movie Hereafter who has a cameo appearance and shares the only way to Heaven is through Christ (John 14:6). Hollywood didn't disappoint, this guy spoke the gospel truth but looked like a nut.

I digress.

When Grace and I left the theatre, we decided this was a must-see for the whole family. I'll definitely be purchasing this one.

If you'd like to read the full article in Calvary Chapel Magazine
Click here.


Bethany's Blog here.  

A.D.D. Mothering? A Busy-Mom Epidemic!

Only five weeks and two days until my book Just Too Busy-Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical hits the shelves.

I was at Border's last week and met with their assistant manager. After inquiring about my book being readily available in my hometown area, he went to their computer and looked it up. "Here it is." He smiled. "It's going to be in our "general parenting" section. Overjoyed, I floated home.

My blog family has been with me from the very beginning of this book-journey, so I thought it fitting to share a sneak peek with all of you.

A.D.D. - Activity Denial Disorder

It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept.

Bill Watterson

Addiction. The word means to have a habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity. Or, in my case, over activity which led me straight into the center of a busy-mom hurricane. Busyness is an addiction. I couldn’t slow down no matter how hard I tried. If I did find a peaceful pause in my day it felt unnatural, almost uncomfortable. My body was used to 100mph days, high in busyness and high in stress.

Imagine my surprise when I read this quote in a magazine article, “Because the adrenaline rush from stress creates an unconscious “reward” in the brain, it can become habit-forming,” says addiction specialist John Montgomery, Ph.D.

So, it was true. I wasn’t making this up. Busyness is stressful and stress becomes habit-forming. Like any bad habit, I had to find a way to stop.

The realization I was living on a constant habitual stress-filled adrenaline rush came to me one afternoon. A friend of mine, who was extremely health conscious, encouraged me to begin taking a daily vitamin supplement. I respected her wisdom and began taking them. After the first day, I was immediately on the phone with her.

“Hi Sharon, it’s me. Could you please tell me what was in that vitamin? I have been sitting on my couch all afternoon and I feel like I’ve fallen down Alice’s rabbit hole.”

“What in the world are you talking about Joanne?”

“Wasted. That’s the first word that comes to mind. Like, I’m much too relaxed. I thought you were a godly woman Sharon!” I teased her, but it was true, I felt like a zombie.

“Joanne, I gave you a vitamin B supplement. That’s all you have there. Vitamin B feeds your adrenal glands. If you’re living on a regular dose of adrenaline, I’m guessing the supplement gave your adrenals a good helping of support today. That’s probably why you feel “wasted.” I can assure you everything in the capsule is natural—and legal!”

Living a life of busyness can easily lead to stress and stress was something I was apparently becoming accustomed to. But, even with this new evidence pointing to my mom-addiction of busyness, like every addict, for the longest time I lived in the land of denial.


Want to read more? Head over to my author site and learn what Activity Denial Disorder is and discover if you're a victim of this mom-disorder.

Please help spread the word to all the busy-moms you love, and post this or my Facebook Author page to your Twitter or Facebook.

Hugging you all with my heart, my precious Blessed... friends!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Book GIveaway Today

And the winner of a signed copy of Winning Him Without Words is.....

Maphibashef

Email me with your address and I'll drop this puppy in the mail!