Welcome, grab a seat and a cup of coffee!

Welcome to Blog Schmog.  Come inside, curl up with me on the pillows here in my window seat.  We will watch the sky and the forest outside, pray and laugh together.  I am a born story-teller (that means I bla bla blab) and enjoy raising four kids with my husband on a small Idaho farm. 

Long and Short of It:  To find your way around my blog click on the page above titled Long and Short of It or click a catagory on the right toolbar.  Some of our ongoing real life stories or Bible study discussions are catalogued on the page above. 

Motherhood Uncensored: The mom chronicles!  The trouble and triumph of motherhood including  the mud and guts of raising boys.  My little girl provides her own set of fun in these stories.  Join us on Friday’s for Fu-get ABout it or (FAB Friday) where we share struggles and find ways to make lemonade out of lemons.

Random, Reality, Ruse:  This is where any daily thoughts, random pictures or just for fun posts go.

Don’t forget to sign the “guest book” by visiting the What About You  page.

My passion is in encouraging others to follow Christ while looking on the bright side of life. And when we don’t feel the warmth of the Son because circumstances cloud our perspective, I hope to seek together the promises in God’s word until he has made his glory known. In short I am on a joy journey and hope you will find nuggets that will give you hope and peace through our Abba Father.

Romans 5:3-5

We also have joy with our troubles because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the holy spirit whom God has given to us.

10 Things I Hate About Books

1. They make me loose sleep
2. They make me cry – I NEVER cry
3. They make me eat my words – “I hate romance novels.”  “I’m too chicken to read crime novels.”
4. They distract me from housework.
5. They CALL to me from the book store
6. They FIND me in the thrift store, and occasionally…
7. They pop into my amazon cart and show up on my porch.”How did YOU get here?”
8. Did I mention they make me cry?
9. They make me forget to eat.
10. If I don’t finish quickly enough they make me mope around my house until I can.

Here are the reviews for the books I’ve read and immensely enjoyed this month…

Eyes of Elisha by Brandilyn Collins -

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin -

Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins-

Eyes of Elisha Review

Oh man, if Violet Dawn was great Eyes of Elisha was awesome.  Brandilyn Collins sets the bar higher with each book she writes.  Now I’m wondering, “can it get any better?”   But apparently on the “suspense scale” I’ve yet to read a three!  MERCY.

Actually the truth of the matter is none of Brandilyn Collins’ books disappoint.

From the back of the book: “The murder was ugly.  The killer was sure no one saw him.  Someone did.  In a horrifying vision Chelsea Adams has relived the victims last moments.  But who will believe her? Certainly not the police, who must rely on hard evidence.  Nor her husband, who barely tolerates Chelsea’s newfound Christian faith.  Besides, he’s about to hire the man who Chelsea is certain is the killer to be a vice president in his company.”

I found myself ripping through the novel as if my life depended on it.  Riveting, mind bending, terrifying at times, Eyes of Elisha kept me glued to my chair all the way to the last word.  And yet, true to form, woven throughout the book were themes of forgiveness, hope in spite of our circumstances and unlikely friendship.

CLICK ME

Keep them coming Brandilyn!

I’m a newly converted “seatbelt suspense” fan! 

Click the goofy picture of me at the right to read my post “How to Read a Brandilyn Collins Novel” especially if you aren’t sure you can read suspense.  I didn’t think I could.

ONLY SLIGHTLY OFF SUBJECT:

Read on if you are curious about how Brandilyn handles the vision.

When I first read the back of the book I was a little worried about the vision bit.  I believe whole heartedly that God uses his people for his purposes and if that includes modern day visions I have no problem accepting that.  The problem lies in a past experience of my own. 

I dated a kid whose family was involved in a deeply charismatic church.  My church, being more conservative mysteriously avoided the subject of gifts unless it came to organ playing and hospitality.  I ended up smack dab in the middle of two extreme views.  The boyfriends parents believed, as their church taught, that unless you received the Spirit in the form of a tangible experience, being “slain in the spirit” you were not saved.  In their defense my home church believed unless you were Baptised in water you were not truly saved.  UGH!  I couldn’t win.

I know now that salvation doesn’t come by works or gifts but by the blood of Jesus.  In the book of James Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

At any rate, Brandilyn’s book beautifully portrayed a faithful follower of Christ who’s vision horrified even her.  Chelsea was not an overzealous, heavy handed believer whose goal was to convince everyone that visions are the only way to heaven.  Instead the vision was used to show the power of the Lord and the fallibility of mankind.  In Christ, through faith and by seeking Him even our mistakes can be used to the good of those who believe in Jesus.

SNOW!

Yep, its snowing. Are you sick of pictures yet? 

The big boys made a “Thing” size snowman.  Thing Two put on the head.

Thing One adds a carrot nose.

Poor snowman is dirty.

Boy it’s cold and windy!

Hi mom!

Cousins Crew

I’m only just beginning to realize how much of an alliteration nut I am.  You guys probably have already noticed.  News to me.

We got to spend some time with my brother, his lovely wife and their two boys.  Here are some pics from our adventures.

They are saying “HI GRAMMY!”  We take what we can get, it’s dang hard to get six eyes on the camera let alone smiles.  The cousins are those two Hamsters in the middle.

Gotta Love Em

Bubba is so far the only person in the world who leaves me speechless.

Gotta love him!

FAB Friday

She sucked in a haggard breath and cautiously tiptoed over the lifeless form.  Crack!  Her heart pumped into her throat as she wheeled around. What was that?  Still clutching a laundry basket full of shirts and socks she inhaled, smelling spring rain and something not at all pleasant.  This can’t be happening!  Backing her shoulders to the wall she stole quietly down the hallway.

How can this be happening?  I’ve only just begun.

She tip toed past the first door then inch by inch set the basket down.  The stench grew stronger.  She closed her eyes and prayed.  Lord help me!  Then as if her body was its own machine separated from her rational mind it propelled her through the door. Ah ha!

This is what she saw…

Guess what’s on her knee? But who could be mad at this face…

Do I need to tell you what the stench was or can you see for yourself at the far right corner of the mattress?

Oh and the lifeless form? A stuffed bunny on the floor of the laundry room. The crack? A baby gate falling down as I attempted to relocate a stack of clean laundry. Brandilyn, you’ve opened a whole new world to me. My imagination is only the beginning thanks to The Fly.

 This has been another Fab Friday Post at Blog Schmog

Fab as in Fu-get ABout it!

Fab in the “Fabulous I’m getting another cup of coffee before I tie myself to a rocket headed for the moon” kind of Friday.  Is there anyone out there that can relate? 

Read the first F.A.B. Friday post here.

Link up my clicking on the Mr. Linky icon below and adding a link to your post.  Not your blog address but your post, we’d like to see what you are going to “Fuget About” this week!

 

One Word Answers

One Word Answers:

I got this meme from Camy’s Loft and thought it would make a fun post.

ONE WORD ONLY!

Camy said: “Not as easy as you might think. Now copy, forward, or post this and change the answers to yours and pass it on. It’s really hard to only use one word answers.”

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket

2. Your significant other? Matt

3. Your hair? long

4. Your mother? short

5. Your father? short

6. Your favorite thing? horses

7. Your dream last night? absent

8. Your favorite drink? coffee

9. Your dream/goal? now?

10. The room you’re in? great

11. Your ex? dunno

12. Your fear? bees

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

14. Where were you last night? neighbors

15. What you’re not? patient

16. Muffins? gluten-free (ack that’s not technically 1)

17. One of your wish list items? peace

18. Where you grew up? Coeurd’Alene

19. The last thing you did? wrote

20. What are you wearing? green

21. Your TV? off

22. Your pets? 17

23. Your computer? dell

24. Your life? busy

25. Your mood? impatient

26. Missing someone? dad

27. Your car? Mustang

28. Something you’re not wearing? dress

29. Favorite store? thrift

30. Your summer? horseback

31. Like(love) someone? Hubby

32. Your favorite color? green

33. Last time you laughed? kids

34. Last time you cried? ages

35. Who will re-post this? another

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Did any of my answers surprise or enlighten you?

If you post on your blog be sure to link me so I can see your answers too!

Random Dozen

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be? Underwater basketweaving?  Okay not really but for anyone who poo poo’s my real “sport” I thought I’d start with the most unimaginable.  Truly I’d love to master horse jumping.  Not a sport you say, FINE, how about basketball.  Can you just see me all 4′ 11″ flying through the air Michael Jordan style?  Go 23!  See my tongue flapping in the wind? 

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision? Informed. I’m a cheap skate.

3. There is an old kids’ game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?  Ann Montana – haha is that Hannah Montana? ACK!

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food? Food.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?  None, sorry!

6. Your favorite tree is?  The beautiful and ever changing Maple, okay no how about Tamarack. Oh, I can’t pick!

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?  5

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?  Four of the six of us had some kind of flu.  Ah well there’s nothing like natural immunity.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing? Why do you ask? Who do you think I am?  Is this a TEST?   

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala? Snooty, independant, defiant.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?  Old friends are like fine wine.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?  I would gamble on the regular lane but most days I forget there is such thing as an express lane.  Come on, with four kids!?

Link up at 2nd cup of coffee and have a ball!

How to Read a Brandilyn Collins Book

How to Read a Brandilyn Collins Novel.

I was a little unprepared when I opened my first Brandilyn Collins novel.  Notwithstanding, I decided to write a tutorial so none of you have to experience this misfortune.

I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without reading her books.  Making up for lost time I read two crime novels in less than two weeks.  

To date she has published 19 novels, is an accomplished speaker who loves to connect with readers through her popular blog Forensics and Faith as well as her Facebook page.  

Buy a book, check out her blog and give her a shout on Facebook.   Don’t forget to tell her I sent you.

Without any further ado, here’s my how-to.

 

Paraphernalia:   Items to have close by when reading a Brandilyn Collins book.  Better yet have the following bag of tricks within reach  because once you “buckle in” you won’t want to get up. I promise.

1. the book - And as Brandilyn would say “Don’t forget to BREATHE!”
2. a pen and paper- This gal knows a lot of words and she’s not afraid to use them.  I keep pen and paper handy to jot down words I don’t know, words I know but want to get more familiar with and words that I simply like.
3. lights, lots of lights! – When possible, read only during the day.  Sadly I cannot so I carry a BIG FLASHLIGHT!  It has surprising dual benefit, its heavy enough to be a weapon.  Watch out Hon!
4. phone – Your gonna need a phone to call your mommy.

Which of Brandilyn’s books have you read?  Did I miss anything necessary for surviving her fast paced suspense novels?

Don’t think suspense is up your alley? I’m told she has some books just for you too.  Click the big honkin’ chicken’s club button below for suggestions on where to start if you aren’t sure about reading something that gets your heart pumping.

 How does a Christian author write about such terrifying circumstances and still stay true to her faith?  As Chrisitians we are not exempt from trouble in fact James says “Consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials for the testing of your faith produces endurance.”  Brandilyn’s ministry is in depicting how characters who face tragic circumstances react.  Some lean on Christ, others are driven to commit terrible crimes, still others stay ambiguous in their faith.  We see different people in different walks of life change, thus challenging each of us to take a hard look at how we deal with this imperfect world we live in.  

The Bible says that the whole earth moans as if in the pains of childbirth, waiting to be restored to Him.  Like a new baby we are in for a surprise when this life is up!  For those who know Jesus personally; restoration, peace, no more tears. For those who reject him they are given what they choose, eternal separation. 

Each of Brandilyn’s books takes you right up to the edge of life, ask the hard questions and leaves you with a choice.  Which path will you follow?

See what books I’ve read here.  Recently that is!

My Own Violet Dawn

 Deliciously creepy and yet mysteriously full of hope. 

What I enjoy about Brandilyn Collins is her candid approach to life, tragedy and hope.  Not only the “queen of suspense,” she is personable and a wonderful teacher.  Using the “rules” I learned from a blog tutorial on Forensics and Faith- Brandilyn’s popular blog, I will attempt to write a review of my first christian crime novel experience.

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Creepy describes the book Violet Dawn but so does heartwarming.  How can these both be true?  Brandilyn writes a heart pumping, edge of your seat novel that keeps you guessing all the way to the end.

Tucking my toes under a warm blanket I ran my fingers over the slick cover of my new book.  The 1st in the Kanner Lake series.  The wood stove crackled as it emitted pillows of warmth. Sniffing the pages I peered around the room.  The kids had been in bed for an hour but after a stunt like that I had to be sure.  I didn’t want anyone to see me smelling a book.  

Empty.  Not a soul in sight.  

Sucking in my breath I inclining my ear toward the bedroom.  I could hear light snoring coming from the darkened room where my husband slept.  I exhaled.   Expecting a leisurely tour through the streets of a sleepy little town modeled after my own beloved Coeur d’Alene I huddled lower in my chair and opened to the first chapter.

A gust of wind slammed into the living room window.  I jolted.  Heart pumping.  A murder.  An unfortunate set up.  The window rattled as the night unleashed one of Idaho’s grand storms.  Rain pelting the house.  A shiver crept up my spine and I yanked the fuzzy blanket to my chin.  Wild eyed I held my breath.  Is it him? 

Thump thump.  Thump thump.  I could hear my heart pounding in my head.  Curling my fists around the blanket I held them to my throat trying to muffle the drumming? 

The fire had gone cold as I read.  I’d forgotten my own reality.  My mind began to come around to the present.  Kids sleeping in their beds.  My own violet dawn fast approaching.  How long have I been here?  The clock chimed once.  Just a storm. Just the wee hours of the morning!

CLICK ME

Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  Three sittings are all it took to get to the end and yet the story is still with me. 

Through terrifying circumstances Paige Williams learned about God’s grace, hope and true friendship.  These books are not for the faint of heart!

Click the picture at right to read my tutorial “How to Read a Brandilyn Collins Novel”.