More reviews of my book, "Beyond the Greenhouse," have shown up on Amazon.com!
Please take a moment to read them, and then ask God if there is someone who could benefit from reading it. Perhaps that someone is you, a relative, a friend, or even an acquaintance God puts on your heart. Thank you in advance for following His lead, knowing He is purposed!
If you have read the book, feel free to add to the reviews at Amazon. (FYI: You do not have to reveal who you are or where you live.)
If you intend to purchase the book, I would ask that you do so through the ministry's website: Thank you!
Blessings always!
Deborah
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Picture Time!
Good morning to you!
It's picture sharing morning! (I have to confess as I am writing this the theme song to "Picture Pages" is running through my head. Do you remember that children's show from back in the early 80s, I believe? "Picture pages, picture pages, time to get your picture pages....")
Anyway -- here are some pictures from our sons' birthday. They were born on the same day, exactly five years apart. We always have a blast celebrating! And then following the birthday pictures are some pictures of our boat/coast trip that we took two weeks ago tomorrow. Enjoy!
(As always, you can click on any of the pictures to enlarge them for a better view.)
I was proud of Andrew, as the big brother. He let Victor pass him and win some of the races, though Victor certainly did give him a run for his money! In years to come, there will not be any "letting" him win... It will be "full-on" competition between them!
Now -- time for dry clothes and supper!
Super fabulous memories!
I'll share more later!
Have a great day!
Deborah
It's picture sharing morning! (I have to confess as I am writing this the theme song to "Picture Pages" is running through my head. Do you remember that children's show from back in the early 80s, I believe? "Picture pages, picture pages, time to get your picture pages....")
Anyway -- here are some pictures from our sons' birthday. They were born on the same day, exactly five years apart. We always have a blast celebrating! And then following the birthday pictures are some pictures of our boat/coast trip that we took two weeks ago tomorrow. Enjoy!
(As always, you can click on any of the pictures to enlarge them for a better view.)
Birthday bash -- September 2010
Let the good times roll!
We took the kids to a small theme park for laser tag, arcade, and go-karts.
We took the kids to a small theme park for laser tag, arcade, and go-karts.
Adventurous fellow!
Focused beauty!
Strong young man!
I was proud of Andrew, as the big brother. He let Victor pass him and win some of the races, though Victor certainly did give him a run for his money! In years to come, there will not be any "letting" him win... It will be "full-on" competition between them!
Boat/Coast Trip -- October 2010
(To review the details of this trip, follow this link.)
(To review the details of this trip, follow this link.)
We stopped by an uninhabited island with wild horses on it. We had to be very quiet, but it was totally a treat seeing these wild animals in their natural environment! Beautiful!
We returned back to the harbor wind-blown, tired, and wet! But what a fun time!
(The boat we went on is seen in the background.)
(The boat we went on is seen in the background.)
Now -- time for dry clothes and supper!
After supper, we went to the beach, hunted seashells, and watched the sun begin to set.....
To me, this is one of the better parts of the beach.
Cool, DRY sand!
We all pitched our shoes in the car and enjoyed bare feet!
Cool, DRY sand!
We all pitched our shoes in the car and enjoyed bare feet!
Super fabulous memories!
I'll share more later!
Have a great day!
Deborah
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Just for Fun...
For those of you who have read my book, you know I referenced the T-Shirt Brian was wearing the day we met. Well, this morning I was in our closet re-organizing things a bit, and of course, when I came upon the T-shirt thought, "It would be fun to take a picture and post it for my readers to see."
It is over two decades old! Years ago I confiscated it away from Brian so I would have it for posterity. So here it is!
On the back are the words: "Run with endurance... our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith." Heb. 12: 1-2
It is the theme to our marriage, to our life ... and it will be so until we breathe our last!
Deborah
It is over two decades old! Years ago I confiscated it away from Brian so I would have it for posterity. So here it is!
On the back are the words: "Run with endurance... our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith." Heb. 12: 1-2
It is the theme to our marriage, to our life ... and it will be so until we breathe our last!
Run to the finish, siblings.... Run to the finish...
HE DID!
HE DID!
Deborah
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thankful heart... What a Week!
It is hard to believe this week is coming to a close, and our normal schedule returns. I journaled today, "Lord, I am feeling overwhelmed this morning." It is a good thing to look back with a thankful heart over the past week!
As you already know from a previous post, we began our time last Friday with a boat trip, had a tremendous time Saturday with life-long friends, and made our way into this week with "R&R" being the main course on the menu!
We went to the State Fair and had a wonderful time. In the morning, we saw some of the most gorgeous gardens, looked in on some rabbits (One of them was the largest rabbit I have ever seen. It was larger than our dog!), and took in a BMX/motorcross bike show. At the point where one bike sailed off a ramp, flew through the air about 25 feet up, the rider TOTALLY letting go of his bike and then grabbing the rear of the seat to pull it back under him --- I stopped watching. Mercy! At lunch we headed home for a rest and some lunch. We returned later in the afternoon. The kids had such fun on the rides... maybe a bit too much fun. My eldest son went on a number of rides that spin, go vertical, and backward all at the same time. Oh yes, he did! Even the sky-loving, plane-riding kid that he is challenged his equilibrium almost to breaking point! My dear daughter LOVED the Draft Horse Show. I have to admit the animals were just stunning; seventeen hundred pounds of beauty! Mercy, I wonder how much those animals eat in a day! And our littlest one who isn't so little anymore... well, he was just thrilled with anything that moved. The wilder it moved, the better. He has always been full of life, and the Fair really brought that out of him! It was fun to see him bound off the rides and exclaim, "That was awesome!" We stayed late, arriving home at eleven, but it was a fabulous day!
One day we took the kids to see "Toy Story 3." If you are a parent and are ever feeling weary from the season of parenting, go see the movie or rent it. It brings home the reality of the fleeting parenting season! I know it certainly recharged my batteries to make the most of the season and to cherish every moment I am given with the three precious, fabulous children that surround my life!
In between our fun out and about, we have enjoyed long meals around the table (especially the breakfast meal), pitching in together and cleaning up the garage, bike rides (husband with dear sons), casual fun shopping (mom with dear daughter), and working in a few runs to the dump .... I LOVE decluttering! It has been a fabulous week, and to be honest, I grieve its departure!
Over the weekend, we have a camp-out to attend. Well, I should say my husband and youngest son have a camp-out to attend with Scouts. I am the Grub Master to the family meal at the camp-out, so I will be getting food together for 70+ people today. Dating back seven years to when my eldest was in Cub Scouts, it is an event that brings back a lot of fun memories!
Also over the weekend, my eldest two children are going to a corn maze with their youth group. Can I just share my "mama's heart" with you for a moment? I thrill that my two older children LOVE their youth group! I thought my heart would just burst when I picked them up after their very first visit and heard them both exclaim, "Wow, Mom, that was great!" They have been going now for a bit, and they still have such a positive take on this group of young people who flow God's realness to the world.... and NOT the world into the Church! I am so thankful God has rewarded their patience.... that He led us to such a place for their sake! Just this week, they were talking together about something they learned in youth group over TWO weeks ago! How cool is that!? It will be a precious place for them in the coming years!
Well, I pray you are following God wherever He leads. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go." God's nature is to give us the things we need most, but too often we are unwilling to give up what we have for what He has for us. Do we think of Him so poorly such that we mistrust His intentions, His requests, and His leadings?
Be careful what you give place to in your mind, siblings!
Follow Him, no matter where He leads. I have found such wisdom to be my finest treasure! Is it always easy? Absolutely not..... that is what makes it a treasure!
Worth the cost -- worth the flesh's perceived risk -- worth everything!
Blessings to you as you wrap up your week and snuggle yourself into the weekend!
Deborah
As you already know from a previous post, we began our time last Friday with a boat trip, had a tremendous time Saturday with life-long friends, and made our way into this week with "R&R" being the main course on the menu!
We went to the State Fair and had a wonderful time. In the morning, we saw some of the most gorgeous gardens, looked in on some rabbits (One of them was the largest rabbit I have ever seen. It was larger than our dog!), and took in a BMX/motorcross bike show. At the point where one bike sailed off a ramp, flew through the air about 25 feet up, the rider TOTALLY letting go of his bike and then grabbing the rear of the seat to pull it back under him --- I stopped watching. Mercy! At lunch we headed home for a rest and some lunch. We returned later in the afternoon. The kids had such fun on the rides... maybe a bit too much fun. My eldest son went on a number of rides that spin, go vertical, and backward all at the same time. Oh yes, he did! Even the sky-loving, plane-riding kid that he is challenged his equilibrium almost to breaking point! My dear daughter LOVED the Draft Horse Show. I have to admit the animals were just stunning; seventeen hundred pounds of beauty! Mercy, I wonder how much those animals eat in a day! And our littlest one who isn't so little anymore... well, he was just thrilled with anything that moved. The wilder it moved, the better. He has always been full of life, and the Fair really brought that out of him! It was fun to see him bound off the rides and exclaim, "That was awesome!" We stayed late, arriving home at eleven, but it was a fabulous day!
One day we took the kids to see "Toy Story 3." If you are a parent and are ever feeling weary from the season of parenting, go see the movie or rent it. It brings home the reality of the fleeting parenting season! I know it certainly recharged my batteries to make the most of the season and to cherish every moment I am given with the three precious, fabulous children that surround my life!
In between our fun out and about, we have enjoyed long meals around the table (especially the breakfast meal), pitching in together and cleaning up the garage, bike rides (husband with dear sons), casual fun shopping (mom with dear daughter), and working in a few runs to the dump .... I LOVE decluttering! It has been a fabulous week, and to be honest, I grieve its departure!
Over the weekend, we have a camp-out to attend. Well, I should say my husband and youngest son have a camp-out to attend with Scouts. I am the Grub Master to the family meal at the camp-out, so I will be getting food together for 70+ people today. Dating back seven years to when my eldest was in Cub Scouts, it is an event that brings back a lot of fun memories!
Also over the weekend, my eldest two children are going to a corn maze with their youth group. Can I just share my "mama's heart" with you for a moment? I thrill that my two older children LOVE their youth group! I thought my heart would just burst when I picked them up after their very first visit and heard them both exclaim, "Wow, Mom, that was great!" They have been going now for a bit, and they still have such a positive take on this group of young people who flow God's realness to the world.... and NOT the world into the Church! I am so thankful God has rewarded their patience.... that He led us to such a place for their sake! Just this week, they were talking together about something they learned in youth group over TWO weeks ago! How cool is that!? It will be a precious place for them in the coming years!
Well, I pray you are following God wherever He leads. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go." God's nature is to give us the things we need most, but too often we are unwilling to give up what we have for what He has for us. Do we think of Him so poorly such that we mistrust His intentions, His requests, and His leadings?
Be careful what you give place to in your mind, siblings!
Follow Him, no matter where He leads. I have found such wisdom to be my finest treasure! Is it always easy? Absolutely not..... that is what makes it a treasure!
Worth the cost -- worth the flesh's perceived risk -- worth everything!
Blessings to you as you wrap up your week and snuggle yourself into the weekend!
Deborah
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Blessing of Today
Life is amazing and rich because of GOD!
May He who inhabits me and surrounds me with surreal love, endless protection, and countless blessings consume every fiber of my being!
Here's to the gift of today and His company through every second of it! Let's knock it out of the park, siblings, with God today!
Much love to you!
Deborah
PS: Pictures coming soon! Upload of pictures on the blog site is currently disabled...
May He who inhabits me and surrounds me with surreal love, endless protection, and countless blessings consume every fiber of my being!
Here's to the gift of today and His company through every second of it! Let's knock it out of the park, siblings, with God today!
Much love to you!
Deborah
PS: Pictures coming soon! Upload of pictures on the blog site is currently disabled...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fun Times -- Continued!
Yesterday, we went shopping for a fire pit! And lo, we arrived home with one! We have long since desired one, but to be honest, when out and about, it has never advanced beyond just a thought. Well, yesterday we had additional motivation! On tap for yesterday afternoon/evening, a bunch of siblings in Christ were coming over for a shindig... and the time had come to advance our thought and desire to action!
It was a fabulous evening with our lifelong siblings and their children! The vast majority in attendance have been in our lives +/- 20 years! Needless to say, we have A LOT of history together! The Lord bonds us together far closer than many "flesh and blood" families. I so look forward to many more decades with these precious souls!
We had a few new siblings join in on the fun. It is an absolute thrill when Father brings along previously unknown siblings who cross our paths in very special ways, and then He causes their paths to run parallel with ours!
So much fun and laughs were had by all the whole evening long .... and you know, one cannot close out a wonderful evening around a fire pit without pulling out the necessities to make s'mores! Oh yeah! YUM!
So... day two of "fun" was yet another HUGE delight!
(Dear Lord, I sure am enjoying this rich season of refreshing and fun! Thank you!!)
Well -- off to see what day three holds for us!
Blessings!
Deborah
It was a fabulous evening with our lifelong siblings and their children! The vast majority in attendance have been in our lives +/- 20 years! Needless to say, we have A LOT of history together! The Lord bonds us together far closer than many "flesh and blood" families. I so look forward to many more decades with these precious souls!
We had a few new siblings join in on the fun. It is an absolute thrill when Father brings along previously unknown siblings who cross our paths in very special ways, and then He causes their paths to run parallel with ours!
So much fun and laughs were had by all the whole evening long .... and you know, one cannot close out a wonderful evening around a fire pit without pulling out the necessities to make s'mores! Oh yeah! YUM!
So... day two of "fun" was yet another HUGE delight!
(Dear Lord, I sure am enjoying this rich season of refreshing and fun! Thank you!!)
Well -- off to see what day three holds for us!
Blessings!
Deborah
Friday, October 15, 2010
The FUN has begun!
I am going to make this brief because I am about to fall directly on my face. It is now 11:30 pm. Three hours ago we arrived home from a day trip to the coast.
We had a blast!
We boarded a 100 ' boat and set out to dolphin watch today. In addition, while on the boat, the children were surprised with the opportunity to try their hand at fishing. The weather was beautiful. Several times I just closed my eyes, took in deep breaths, and richly enjoyed the wind in my face. We had the delight of docking on a deserted island that has wild horses on it. My daughter was totally excited about the prospects of seeing a wild horse. And sure enough, we were not disappointed. We slowly and quietly explored the island, and came upon three horses grazing. Amazing! After a bit of time exploring, we boarded the boat and began our ride back to the harbor.
We arrived back around 4:00 --- changed clothes -- and headed to a waterfront restaurant for an oh-so yummy supper! So thankful for recommendations from the local people who disclose the best places to eat!
After supper, we headed to the beach to look for shells. The sand was so white, so soft, and so cool to the touch. As the kids walked up and down the beach, Brian and I sat close by the ocean and watched the waves gently roll in. We watched the children gather their treasures. We watched the birds chase one another like remote controlled cars. We watched the boats and speculated about how long it takes the large freighters to cross the Atlantic. It was such a delightful time by all!
Then the time came to head home. We burned a trail up the highway, and arrived home in time to watch a late night movie with the kids... After all, it is Friday evening, right?!
So now it is nearly midnight... the children turned in around 11:00 - and now it is my turn! The posting of pictures will have to wait until tomorrow...
Night all!
Deborah
We had a blast!
We boarded a 100 ' boat and set out to dolphin watch today. In addition, while on the boat, the children were surprised with the opportunity to try their hand at fishing. The weather was beautiful. Several times I just closed my eyes, took in deep breaths, and richly enjoyed the wind in my face. We had the delight of docking on a deserted island that has wild horses on it. My daughter was totally excited about the prospects of seeing a wild horse. And sure enough, we were not disappointed. We slowly and quietly explored the island, and came upon three horses grazing. Amazing! After a bit of time exploring, we boarded the boat and began our ride back to the harbor.
We arrived back around 4:00 --- changed clothes -- and headed to a waterfront restaurant for an oh-so yummy supper! So thankful for recommendations from the local people who disclose the best places to eat!
After supper, we headed to the beach to look for shells. The sand was so white, so soft, and so cool to the touch. As the kids walked up and down the beach, Brian and I sat close by the ocean and watched the waves gently roll in. We watched the children gather their treasures. We watched the birds chase one another like remote controlled cars. We watched the boats and speculated about how long it takes the large freighters to cross the Atlantic. It was such a delightful time by all!
Then the time came to head home. We burned a trail up the highway, and arrived home in time to watch a late night movie with the kids... After all, it is Friday evening, right?!
So now it is nearly midnight... the children turned in around 11:00 - and now it is my turn! The posting of pictures will have to wait until tomorrow...
Night all!
Deborah
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Never Stop!
A treasured friend posted this video on Facebook this morning, and I knew immediately that I was to post it here.
As I told her, "It takes time and effort to push our roots down into the soil of our faith and God's Word -- necessary and essential roots that support us as we grow, drawing closer and closer to the SON's transforming character."
I pray this video ministers to all my siblings determined to grow in the face of the elements in life..... WE will GROW because our Creator reigns supremely, watches over us with great care, and enables our growth~!
As Eric Liddell said, "....when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt."
Giving up is not an option because of who HE is in us!
Love to you!
Deborah
As I told her, "It takes time and effort to push our roots down into the soil of our faith and God's Word -- necessary and essential roots that support us as we grow, drawing closer and closer to the SON's transforming character."
I pray this video ministers to all my siblings determined to grow in the face of the elements in life..... WE will GROW because our Creator reigns supremely, watches over us with great care, and enables our growth~!
As Eric Liddell said, "....when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt."
Giving up is not an option because of who HE is in us!
Love to you!
Deborah
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Gift
I am so excited to finally share this picture with you!
When my book, "Beyond the Greenhouse," was signed off on and out of my hands, my hubby and I came upon this picture while out browsing the shops one day. We both knew it had to come home with us! It now hangs in a very prominent place in my study.
For those of you who have read my book, you should know immediately why! I could hardly believe the picture when I saw it, and I tell you the truth... I know that I know Jesus was smiling from ear to ear when I "happened" upon it! Oh what a gift He did give to me!
For those of you who haven't read my book yet, read the reviews and then grab your own copy! You will not be sorry!
Blessings!
Deborah
When my book, "Beyond the Greenhouse," was signed off on and out of my hands, my hubby and I came upon this picture while out browsing the shops one day. We both knew it had to come home with us! It now hangs in a very prominent place in my study.
For those of you who have read my book, you should know immediately why! I could hardly believe the picture when I saw it, and I tell you the truth... I know that I know Jesus was smiling from ear to ear when I "happened" upon it! Oh what a gift He did give to me!
For those of you who haven't read my book yet, read the reviews and then grab your own copy! You will not be sorry!
Blessings!
Deborah
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Just Another Day in Paradise"
So I woke up this morning, and during my time with God, the phrase "just another day in paradise" came into my thoughts. I googled it and discovered it is a song. (No, I am not an innate music person. :o) ) When I read the lyrics, I smiled. As crazy as life can be at times, it is worth embracing to the fullest.....
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Fall Day
What a gorgeous Fall day this has been! Perhaps it is just a tad warm for my "ultimate" ideal Fall day, but even as I look out the window right now, I have such an appreciation for how the sunshine slants and adds the neatest shadows across the land.
Today has been a mixed bag kind of a day. My three children are currently working on homework, and meanwhile I am daydreaming about our pending Fall break! Oh how I pray time slows down so I can enjoy and marvel in every second of the break. I want to play already!!
Well -- I have to run! Got to get supper ready!
Enjoy your night! It's going to be a great one!
Deborah
Today has been a mixed bag kind of a day. My three children are currently working on homework, and meanwhile I am daydreaming about our pending Fall break! Oh how I pray time slows down so I can enjoy and marvel in every second of the break. I want to play already!!
Well -- I have to run! Got to get supper ready!
Enjoy your night! It's going to be a great one!
Deborah
Thursday, October 7, 2010
SORE!
Goodness, I started this month off with gusto.... and I am killer sore as a result!
All day Tuesday I worked out in the yard trimming shrubs, weeding, spreading mulch, planting mums, and tossing down lawn food. It looks beautiful, but yesterday my muscles were screaming... loudly.
Yesterday I reorganized and decluttered my kitchen, as well as shopped for a new knife set. I haven't shopped for knives in nearly twenty years, so I was a bit in shock at the prices. Nevertheless I found a set I liked that didn't break the bank. It felt good to replace the old ones that were way past their expiration date. I may not be a cook, but a kitchen without knives is like a car without wheels! Now I just hope to keep my fingers intact.
I also managed to shop for beds for our three children. Two of our children have gone through their teen growth and are now just about six feet tall. It doesn't bode well for nearly adult children to be sleeping on the beds they grew up on. They are excited about getting new comfy, cozy beds delivered next week, and I am thrilled to have another to-do accomplished!
So this has been a super busy week, but my goal is to get the to-dos done this week and relax the rest of the month. Feels good.... really good to be getting the list accomplished... I might actually get to throw the list away instead of adding to it.... Imagine that!
Have a wonderful week!
Deborah
All day Tuesday I worked out in the yard trimming shrubs, weeding, spreading mulch, planting mums, and tossing down lawn food. It looks beautiful, but yesterday my muscles were screaming... loudly.
Yesterday I reorganized and decluttered my kitchen, as well as shopped for a new knife set. I haven't shopped for knives in nearly twenty years, so I was a bit in shock at the prices. Nevertheless I found a set I liked that didn't break the bank. It felt good to replace the old ones that were way past their expiration date. I may not be a cook, but a kitchen without knives is like a car without wheels! Now I just hope to keep my fingers intact.
I also managed to shop for beds for our three children. Two of our children have gone through their teen growth and are now just about six feet tall. It doesn't bode well for nearly adult children to be sleeping on the beds they grew up on. They are excited about getting new comfy, cozy beds delivered next week, and I am thrilled to have another to-do accomplished!
So this has been a super busy week, but my goal is to get the to-dos done this week and relax the rest of the month. Feels good.... really good to be getting the list accomplished... I might actually get to throw the list away instead of adding to it.... Imagine that!
Have a wonderful week!
Deborah
Monday, October 4, 2010
October, how I love thee!
So, how's life been treating you out in "blog world"?
I trust you all are rejoicing with me that October is finally here! October is my favorite month! (Did you happen to hear me singing the Hallelujah Chorus on October 1st 'cause I was sure singing it!?) Last year, I felt robbed of it because of a crazy Fall schedule. This year, I am protecting it with the determination to enjoy every breath of crisp air... to delight in some of the bluest skies the mind can imagine... to take in the birth of colors hidden in green for the last few moments of summer's season. Oh indeed October will be a blessed month!
My precious husband came into the kitchen this morning and said he sensed God really desiring I partake in FUN this month. There is a degree of weightiness that comes with my walk, so when he shared this, I fought back a few tears ... joyful tears of pleasure, mind you, that Father has seen the last few months of intensity. It's like the boss noticing when an employee puts in hours of overtime and comes to the employee and says, "Job well done... take some time off." My response? "Gladly! Thank you, oh thank you!"
So, here's to deep breaths and family R&R.... and FUN!
I hope you enjoy your October too!
Richest of blessings to you!
Deborah
I trust you all are rejoicing with me that October is finally here! October is my favorite month! (Did you happen to hear me singing the Hallelujah Chorus on October 1st 'cause I was sure singing it!?) Last year, I felt robbed of it because of a crazy Fall schedule. This year, I am protecting it with the determination to enjoy every breath of crisp air... to delight in some of the bluest skies the mind can imagine... to take in the birth of colors hidden in green for the last few moments of summer's season. Oh indeed October will be a blessed month!
My precious husband came into the kitchen this morning and said he sensed God really desiring I partake in FUN this month. There is a degree of weightiness that comes with my walk, so when he shared this, I fought back a few tears ... joyful tears of pleasure, mind you, that Father has seen the last few months of intensity. It's like the boss noticing when an employee puts in hours of overtime and comes to the employee and says, "Job well done... take some time off." My response? "Gladly! Thank you, oh thank you!"
So, here's to deep breaths and family R&R.... and FUN!
I hope you enjoy your October too!
Richest of blessings to you!
Deborah