Post Note Tuesday ~ Spring Cleaning

Now I've never seen this meme before, but I thought it looked cute. Thanks to The Rheindlanders for introducing this meme to me today. It is ever so cute.

How it works visit the site at Only Parent Chronicles and click on the link to make your own post notes.  Make your own and download them to your computer and presto post them  on your blog it is super easy.  Especially if I can figure out how to do it.

The theme for post notes today is Spring Cleaning.  Here are three I made.  Read mine then head over to Only Parent Chronicles here and read others' post notes and be sure to make your own and link up.

I just had to try each background color.  hehehehehe.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop Winner

No Safe Haven by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing No Safe Haven B&H Books (March 15, 2011) by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

A devoted wife and mother, Kimberley Woodhouse is a third generation Liszt student, she has passed down her love of the arts to hundreds of students over the years.

About fifteen years ago, Kimberley began writing seriously. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters - you name it - she's written it. It wasn't until a dear friend challenged her to "do something with it", that she pursued publication.

Kimberley and her family's story have been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel's Mystery ER. She has recorded three albums, and has appeared at over 700 venues. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly "Extreme" home.

Thirteen-year-old Kayla Woodhouse’s zest for writing comes not only from her natural ability, but also from her love of the written word as witnessed by her voracious reading appetite. One of only a few dozen cases in the world, Kayla was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain, she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extreme hardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with her mom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week in training. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishers in 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to have a full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It's news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna's husband (Andi's dad) in a car accident.

But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but to kill them.

Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or AndiÑand they both sense Cole is hiding something.

A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna's late husband that some would do anything to possess.

Watch the Book Video:



If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Haven, go HERE.

FNSi done for the month

Little more was accomplished on my cross stitch last night. 

cross-stitch before FNSI

cross-stitch after FNSI

One more thing I wanted to post about this giveaway that The Quilt ladies collection is having.  She is giving away a lapel stick.  Ever heard of it?  well, check out her giveaway here. She has several bonus ways to win too.

Also don't forget about the....

UGH!! Sometimes they flop...

I tried a new recipe last night...  but sometimes they just flop...

 

 

The new jelly roll style cake.. hehehehe...The crumbs taste good, but if it was judged for looks it would get an "F" big time.  Doesn't even have any resemblance of a jelly roll cake.  Think maybe I'll try a different recipe next time.  Don't know what went wrong.

Don't forget about the monthly sew in tonight.  Don't know what the Friday Night Sew in is all about check details out at Handmade by Heidi.  I can't wait to get sewing.  My daughter and I did a little last night since she has to work tonight, but I'll be cross-stitching for a little while tonight.  

Don't forget about the Lucky Leprechaun Book Hop Giveaway this weekend.  Enter here. 

The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Caregiver Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 8, 2011) by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to cleveland

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Caregiver, go HERE.

Daybook ~ Mar. 14, 2011

Outside my window...it is just starting to get dusk. 

I am thinking…that this blog has been neglected.

I am thankful for...nice cuppa joe with vanilla.

From the kitchen…all is quiet.

I am wearing…jean skirt and sweatshirt

I am creating…a counted cross-stitch for my mom

I am going…to get in my comfy sweats soon.

I am reading…Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

I am hoping…to get some reading accomplished

I am hearing...the hum of the humidifier and the ticking of several clocks.

Around the house…daughter is still working on school work because we had a doctors appointment so had to take this afternoon off and she had to work for a few hours so now we're back at it again. 

One of my favorite things…homemade items

A few plans for the rest of the week…getting some mending accomplished and books organized.

Photo for thought…hard work pays off.

daughter accepting scholarship award ~ Mar. 2011

I Must Tell Jesus

HYMN HISTORY:

The author and composer of this hymn, Elisha A. Hoffman, gives the following account of its writing:
During a pastorate in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, there was a woman to whom God permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, “Brother Hoffman, what shall I do? What shall I do?” I quoted from the word, then added. “You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.”

For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, “Yes, I must tell Jesus.”

As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face...and I heard all along my pathway the echo, “I must tell Jesus...I must tell Jesus.”
Reaching his study, Rev. Hoffman penned the words quickly for what has become on of his best-loved hymn. And before very long, he had composed the melody to fit the words as well. The hymn first appeared in the 1894edition of Pentecostal Hymns, of which Mr, Hoffman was one of the music editors. The tune “Orwigsburg” is named
for Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, where Elisha Hoffman was born on May 7, 1839.

Elisha Albright Hoffman, though never formally trained in music, has contributed more than 2,000 gospel songs to Christian hymnody. For most of his hymns, Mr. Hoffman supplied both the words and the music. Several of his still
popular gospel songs include: “Are You Washed in the Blood?”, “Is Your All on the Altar?”, “What a Wonderful Savior!”, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and “Glory to His Name.”

In addition to his song writing and assisting in the compilation and editing of fifty different song books, Hoffman pastored several Evangelical and Presbyterian churches throughout the country. He also served with the Evangelical Association Publishing House in Cleveland, Ohio, for eleven years. It is through his gospel songs, however, that Elisha Hoffman ministered most effectively to the greatest number of people around the world.
~101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

Elisha Albright Hoffman - Lyrics & Music
1839-1929
Born: May 7, 1839, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania.
Died: November 25, 1929, Chicago, Illinois.
Buried: Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.

I Must Tell Jesus

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior;
One Who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.


taken from Bible Study charts
A Ministry of:
www.biblestudycharts.com

gearing up for March sew-in

Just a reminder that the Friday Night Sew-In is next Friday. I'm planning on sewing. Probably work on my counted cross-stitch some more. Haven't done anything on it since last month's sew in. If my daughter doesn't have to work she'll probably work on her rag quilt. Sew plan on setting aside the date and sew all night. Check out all the details at Heidi's blog here.

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Heart Most Worthy Bethany House (March 1, 2011) by Siri Mitchell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

Her ninth novel, A Heart Most Worthy, follows prior Bethany House releases: A Constant Heart (October 2008), Love's Pursuit (June 2009), and She Walks in Beauty (Apr 2010). She Walks in Beauty won the inaugural INSPY Award for Historical Fiction in Dec 2010. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. Love's Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.

Publishers Weekly proclaimed, "Mitchell delivers the historical goods."

ABOUT THE BOOK

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times.

Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client.

Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Heart Most Worthy, go HERE.

Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hearts Aglow Bethany House (March 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books

ABOUT THE BOOK

The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.

A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.

But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher's family? Is there hope for the two of them...or will Jake Wyeth's attentions finally catch Deborah's eye instead?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.

The Sock eater...

My 15 year-old daughter told me the other day, "Mom, next time we're at Wal-Mart I need some new socks.  I don't have any."  Well, Saturday afternoon I made a trip up to her bedroom to borrow some finger nail polish and low and behold.  I found the sock eater....

No wonder she doesn't have any socks.  Well, I'll be.  Wonder why she doesn't have any socks????   Hum?  I think she should have said, "Mom, I don't have any clean socks."  I just had to chuckle and share. 

Make way for the NEW....

out with the old

in with the new