Sunday Meditation--Life

You cannot glorify God better than by a calm and joyous life.

Nehemiah 8:10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection! (The Voice)

Unconventional

Unconventional is the perfect novel for anyone who has ever had a dream or striven for purpose and then doubted him or herself along the way. Hebert beautifully illustrates the pain and heartache that accompanies creativity and talent.  Hebert helps readers to make sense of all the rejection in the end by revealing a greater purpose. 

"Young James Frost just knows, deep in his bones, that he's a writer. He writes far into early mornings, after his wearying hours of scrubbing toilets and sweeping floors. He loves writing that much. Then he meets and falls in love with Leigh, the one bright spot in his endless misery of self-doubt. A quiet but resolutely religious girl, she has to fight off disapproval of her own from overly critical parents, whose insults are countered by James's often-voiced admiration of her. Likewise, Leigh's faith in his talents begins to build his confidence, eventually allowing her to introduce him to a different way to help himself: relying on God."

James Frost's journey of doubt, depression, hopelessness, and eventually, faith and joy, is one that will truly inspire readers who have ever dared to chase their dreams.

Friday Favorite Things

These are some of my favorite things this week

Window of heaven

Monsoon Moon

Sunrise

Sunset

Breakfast Date

Card I made for Summer Card Camp 2 Challenge

Each week, Hilary listi four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at Hilary@feelingbeachie.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!

This week’s statements:
1. I don’t have a lot of __time to get ready for my granddaughters birthday on Saturday____
2. When it is a __cloudy day____ I hate that __ there is no rain____
3. When I was little, my dream job was __being a nurse and it happened________.
4. I could write a book about __growing up in the wild west__.

Grocery Shopping

I went grocery shopping yesterday, and did it ever hurt.  I have a journal that I kept in 1962 and one page I had listed prices of some of things I needed for the weeks groceries.
                   Then                Now
Chicken  --     .29 a pound      1.39 a pound
Eggs             .55 a dozen      1.93 a dozen
Coffee           .41 a pound      5.91 a pound
Sugar            .06 a pound        .68 a pound
Cheerios        .25 a box          1.68 a box on sale
Potatoes        .39-10 pounds   3.88 - 10 pounds

Ah for the good old days!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day. Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. What's something you've recently accomplished solo?
I completed decorating my bedroom.  Paint, reupholstered an easy chair, refinished an antique dresser.

2. What's one product you use that never ever fails?
I always use baking soda for a lot of household cleaning, healthy living, deodorizing and even cooking.  It is cheap and works.

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?
I have found the place that gives me peace and happiness with a sense of challenge and adventure and that is right where I am.

4. Worst movie you ever saw?
Battleship

5. What's the last fun thing you did?
Had a pedicure last week

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?
I have never been to Rome, but would like to go.  I love most Italian food. Antipasto sounds good about now.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?
Don't listen to all the experts.  Just enjoy your son.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had our first big rain of the year this week.  It was wonderful.

Monday Quiz About Me

           

Welcome to Monday Quiz About Me - hosted by Acting Balanced and Touristic.  
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! 

  

1. Wednesday, July 24th is Drive Thru day - do you have any drive thrus that you have a hard time passing?

Since it is so hot, my car just automatically goes to Dunkin Donuts for an iced coffee, they have the best value, second choice is an iced coffee at MdDonalds.

2. Other than signing your name, when was the last time you physically wrote something?
I wrote a greeting on a card that I made for my SIL's birthday this week.

3. What was the first movie you saw in a movie theater? the latest one?
When I was a kid I know that we saw some western movies, occasionally, I saw one of those super hero ones with the grands a couple of months ago.

4. Have you ever visited Disney?

I have visited Disney Land in LA several times.  I enjoy it as much as the kids.  It is about a seven hour drive across the desert which I don't life.

Now a Question for you--

5.  How many children, and grandchildren to you have?

I have 3 biological children, one adopted child; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Sunday Meditation--Today

Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You no longer have yesterday. You do not yet have tomorrow. You have only today. This is the day the Lord has made. Live in it.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made.We will rejoice and be glad in it. (NLT)

The Lamp

A tale of hope, wishes, dreams, and what can happen when you just believe. 

This is the story of Stanley and Lisa.  For Stanley, life stopped dead in its tracks the day his young son was accidentally killed. His wife, Lisa, tried to push forward into the future but her husband didn't even know where to begin.

Then Charles Montgomery III appeared out of nowhere and challenged the couple to consider the inconceivable, What I am about to tell you will change your life. You can have anything you want, including true happiness, and I am going to tell you the secret of how to get it. 

The Lamp brings Stanley and Lisa face to face with past tragedy and future hope all wrapped in the gift of three wishes that will challenge you to live beyond the hurt and pain, if you just believe.

Stanley is made to realize life is what we make it. We all have the power to find happiness, despite our circumstances, if we Just Believe.

Jim Stovall is the president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network. He is the author of the bestselling book, The Ultimate Gift, which is now a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. He has authored 15 other books which have been translated into over 20 languages. Jim@JimStovall.com

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of this weeks highlights

Card I made for Summer Card Camp 2--10 minute challenge

Monsoon sunrise

Another beautiful monsoon sunrise sky

Look for the rainbow in the center of this sunrise sky

Each week, Hilary listi four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at Hilary@feelingbeachie.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!
1. Lately I have been _tired in the middle of the day__ and it is driving me crazy
2. I sometimes have a _desire to run away from home___
3 .My favorite type of music is __country western__ because _most songs tell a story__
4. I’m always amazed by how much _mischief__ my __puppy___ can make.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard? Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

I will occasionally buy a postcard if photo ops are lacking.  The only postcards that I receive are ads in the mail.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?
Immersing myself in the local life--eating off the beaten path, walking through neighborhoods, chatting with the locals.

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?
I pretty much wear my feelings on my sleeve.  Everyone knows how I feel, its a good thing that I am mostly very happy.

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?
We receive some specified telephone books, which I promptly through in the garbage--you can't even recycle them.  I use the internet for numbers.

5. Would you rather be first or last?
I would rather be first in line at the doctor's office, outside of that last is fine for me.

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park? Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?
There are several parks close to my house.  I like to walk them.  I will watch a pick up baseball game, but I am not a participant.

7. What was one of your worst ideas?
I baked a cake with whole wheat flour cause I was out of regular flour.  The dogs wouldn't even eat it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It is monsoon season here, one of the benefits is the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  This was the sunrise this morning.  Note the rainbow in the center.

Monday Quiz About Me

Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Grab the badge for your post if you like: 

1. July is National Ice Cream month - are you celebrating?

I could celebrate with ice cream every day. I love chocolate the best, but any other flavor will make me happy

2. What is your favorite rainy day activity?

Reading a book

3. What is the one book from High School that you remember reading most?  Why?

I read so many that no one was outstanding.

4. Have you ever visited Charleston, SC?

No, I have never visited, but I certainly would like to.

And now my question for you

5.  Where were you born?

Me--Cody, Wyoming; just 50 miles east of Yellowstone Park.

Sunday Meditation--What's in your Cup

I will be controlled by what I allow to fill me.

Philippians 4: 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (The Message)

The Thing About Beauty

This is a modern day tale with a nod to the famous Cyrona de Bergerac story of Rostand.  It is a light read with a theme about what really makes up beauty.  The message at the heart of the book is found In I Samuel 16:7  "The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

The people are entertaining, the situations funny but the book contains a lot of wisdom. 

As of this writing Amazon is selling the Kindle version for $0.99.

Friday Favorite Things

These are some of the highlight pictures for this week

Sunset yesterday

Meet Molly

Daughter and baby beagle going for a walk

Granddaughter playing with Molly

Truck Cemetery above Big Bug Creek east of Prescott 

Class project working with inks for Summer Card Camp

Homework for Summer Card Camp

Each week, Hilary listi four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at Hilary@feelingbeachie.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! This week’s statements:
1. I never _eat a big breakfast.  Maybe just a bowl of cereal.__
2. _Saying good-bye to family___ is hard for me
3. My favorite place is __the mountains__ to vacation in the __summer__because Phoenix is so hot in the summer and it is good to get away.
4. The best concert I’ve seen was _Miranda Lambert__in _Phoenix___because__she has the perfect voice for country, cracking in all the appropriate places to telegraph heartache and vulnerability with vast reserves of personality and grit for the feistier numbers that require her to throw a little attitude.   Favorite song--Mama's broken Heart.__

Pondering with a Purpose--Break

Today's prompt is: Break

It is with sadness that I read Brenda's post today.  She is taking a blogging break.  I have looked forward to Thursdays to stretch my thinking with my beloved words.  I love words and will miss this blog.  Hope you will return to us refreshed.

I am on my way to see my grandkids latest family member.  A puppy--But now they will have to house break it.

My grandson fell, he hurt his arm but it wasn't a break, thank goodness.

Well, I am on my way to babysit all day without a break.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's something people might ask you for help with?
Sewing or mixed media art

2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?
Computer repair--good thing I have a daughter who is a computer tech.

3. Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so, where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?
When I was a child, my Mom and us kids would go to visit my grandma near Salt Lake City Utah.  My dad never went.  Because he was a rancher he couldn't get away.  When my kids were growing up we took several vacations in our motor home to visit family in the midwest.  Now that the kids are all gone, I vacation where ever and when ever I want.

4. Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?
Lakes are more accessible here in Phoenix, but they aren't all that cool.  I would truly love to go to the mid Oregon coast--absolutely love it there.

5. Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to be kind'? Was it really necessary or were you rationalizing?
I don't think there is ever any justification for being cruel.  I try to be firm but reasonable.

6. The Journal of Psychology recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as-liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatin. Of those foods, how many do you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list?
Of that list only lima beans would rate on my unfav list.

7. What's your favorite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?
I just finished reading Seaside--a story about a mother engineering a vacation with her two grown daughters at a beach house in Florida.  As Maggie, a professional photographer, sets out to capture on film the faces and moods of her daughters, more than film develops. A picture emerges of possibilities that come only by slowing down and savoring the simple treasures of the moment. It takes a mother's love and honesty to teach her two daughters a wiser, uncluttered way of life.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am starting to experience the dog days of summer.  I am in need of a jump start.  Between the heat, arthritis flare, and tiredness, I am wishing for September.

Monday Quiz About Me

           
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! 

  

1. What is your favorite summer activity?

Traveling to cooler places

2. Do you have a honey-do list? or a to-do-list of your own?

I am a list person, I have lists for just about everything.

3. Would you go for a massage?  Facial?  Spa treatment?

I wouldn't pass up a massage.  I sometimes have so many knots in my muscles.

4. What was the last song you danced to?

Does doing the bunny hop with the grandkids count?

Now a question for you--

5.  Do you like to swim or are you a beach bum?

My answer--I know how to swim, but I would much rather play at the water's edge or look for pretty rocks or shells.

Hike to Heaven

Hike to Heaven by Gary Martin is a tale intended to inspire and build up the reader.The author tells a story that combines biblical truth, compelling characters and an encouraging message. 

A community healthcare van has crashed and its occupants are forced to escape for their lives. Those who survive all carry their own dark secrets, hurts and fears. During their journey through the New Zealand wilderness they are each given the chance to learn, make changes in their lives and to discover true freedom. 

As they enter deeper into the forest, the things they learn will begin to challenge their emotional strongholds and they will be tested both physically and spiritually. During their ordeal they hear stories of people that have overcome horrific situations through faith in God. The testimonies of a child soldier from Sudan - a survivor from the killing fields in Cambodia and a woman rescued from a life of shame and regret - all share about God's transforming power, seeking to inspire faith and trust in the weary seekers.

Hike to Heaven follows the time-honored practice used in Pilgrim's Progress and The Great Divorce of using a journey to inspire and provide insight into the Kingdom of God. It's an inspirational, gritty and sometimes humorous story showing how a loving God can heal broken people. 

I would recommend this book not only for the story but also for the truths that it addresses.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

Corn field a few blocks from my house in the city

Grandson doing yard work without being asked

Good Morning Phoenix

A little local color

Granddaughter waiting for dinner

Daughter thought I needed a little holiday color

Grandson waiting for bbq dinner

Wonderful fire works viewed from son's yard

  

Each week, Hilary lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at Hilary@feelingbeachie.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!
This week’s statements:
1. I don’t like _lima beans and too short shorts__
2. I have a difficult time using _the keyboard on my cell phone.  It's not made for arthritic fingers___
3. I love _mystery___ movies because _they keep guessing who is guilty___
4. I prefer to read _in the living room___because _there is good light and a good view__

Pondering with a Purpose--Fire

Today's prompt is:  Fire
Fire--Here in Arizona we are mourning the loss of 19 firefighters who gave their lives fighting a wildfire south of Prescott.  This lightning caused fire has also burned half the town of Yarnell.
I had some tulips that were called fire flower.  I loved the vibrant blooms.
Last night sitting on my front porch I was able to watch the fire works from a nearby park.  I have been fortunate to be able to see 4th of July fireworks displays around the country.  They always touch me when I remember the reason that we celebrate today.
Wishing all of you a good day on this our Independance Day.