A Father's Day Tribute

I got up this morning to write this post about my dad, yet as I sat here I had so much more to say so please excuse my ramblings and understand that these guys are/were important in my life.  The first man in my life was my daddy.  I loved him dearly and like most little girls thought he was the most handsome man on the face of the earth.  I became who I am because of this man (and my momma too).  He taught me how to love, be loved, share, tll a good story, but most of all he taught me to love God.  My father was a Christian and when it was time to leave this earthly home I had no doubt of where he would be going.  My father loved and cared for people.  He was an amazing man.  He had the prettiest white hair, the most infectious smile/laugh, strong hands, a wonderful hug....and a story for everything. 

(my dad is on the right and Bob Berry is on the left)

(Tenessee Ernie Ford look alike - my dad on Georgia Avenue)

(my brother Dougie, my dad, and me)

 

(back row - cousins:  Garry, Mark, Rob, Jerry - front row  my dad at his 80th birthday party.)

The second man in my life is my son, Eric.  He is the father of my grandchildren and he is a very special young man.  I love him dearly too.  I married his dad when he was almost five but before we married Eric had wound his hand around my heart and he would hold on to it forever.  He is fun to be with, loving, hard working, a loving father and husband, andbut most of all he is a Christian.  He accepted Christ last Father's Day in my father's church, Kellyton Baptist.  He called me in Canada to let me know what he had done and I have been so very impressed with who he has become.  I like to think I had a small part in him becoming the man he is today.  I adore him.

 

 

The next important guy in my life is Stephen, our son-in-law.  He is in the military and he and our daughter, Amy live in Fort Walton Beach.  They are new parents and their precious sweetheart Amelia will be one in July.  He is funny, hard working, loves games, a family man, is a good dad, a loving husband, and just an all around great guy.  I enjoy his company and his stories. 

The last guy on my list of favorites for today is my special guy.  He is my precious husband, Frank.  I love him dearly.  He is funny, passionate about his God, people, and his scroll saw work, talented, an amazing cook, loving, a good dad, a wonderful husband.  He is my best friend.  He makes traveling fun and always has a good story or two to tell.  I am amazed when I sit in his church as one of his congregation and listen to him preach.  He is a Christian.  If I had to pick a man who was near to what my daddy was.....it would be Frank.  He touches lives just like my dad did.  I am a truly blessed woman.

(Frank and brother, Bill - Aunt Kay and mom, Connie)

(Frank and Holly)

(Dancing for applause at the fair)

(niece, Kelly, Frank, and daughter Amy)

(Preacherman)

(Traveling buddy in our new ride)

I would be remiss to say that these are the only Fathers in my life.  There are so many more and I wish I could tell you about each one of them and their impact on my life....but time is slipping away and it is getting close to time for me to go and worship my Heavenly Father.  Happy Father's Day to all dads out there.  I hope you have a wonderful day....get breakfast in bed....and do what you want to do.....but most of all....spend time with the ones you love. 

101 Things I Plan To Accomplish In 1001 Days

A year ago I made a new blogger friend, Shannon over at Sincerely Shannon.  She had started this project on July first and I thought it tied in perfectly with my plan to do more with each day.

Why did she choose 1001 days?  Big resolutions always seem to fall short. So instead this is a mis-matched list of long term and short term things to simply check off. It's stretched over 3 years period so there's less pressure and retirement looming in the future. Some of them are silly little things I want to try or be able to say I've done. Others are more serious things that I'd like to make permanent fixtures in my life.I thought I would keep myself on track and accountable so here is what I have done so far.  I changed a few because after attempting them they did not suit my fancy.  I am running a bit behind so I have to beef up my game.  I have until July 24th to accomplish some more....and plan to utilize my summer to do just that.  You don't have to be a blogger to do this.  You can write it down and keep it hidden away somewhere and see how many things you too can accomplish in 1001 days.  Good luck!

The start date: 7/24/12 - The end date: 7/24/15

1. Plan and take an Alaskan cruise.

2. Spend a night in the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

3. Read a book a week.( I have exceeded this one so far and am reading at least 2 per week)

4. Spend more time with friends (old and new).

5. Hone my shooting skills with my pistol.

6. Meet a blog friend in real life.(Met Mary Cooper from Knoxville, TN)

7. Get my Karen’s Korner business up and running.

8.  Spend two weeks in Ireland.

9. Attend a big photography class somewhere fun.

10. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio.

11. Finish cleaning out my mom’s house.

12. Hit the 50 state marker (I lack 2 more).

13. Spend some time every fall in the Smokies.

14. Attend my 40 year class reunion from high school.(Went with Susan in 2012)

15. Do Route 66 with someone special.

16. Learn to crochet.(Took baby steps and learned to crochet these cute wraps)

17. Finish all my unfinished projects before starting new ones.

18. Walk regularly.

19. Visit Charleston again.(Thanks Allen for getting married in Charleston and giving me this chance)

20. Start a women’s bible study at my church.

21. Be a part of putting on a women’s mini conference somewhere.

22. Sing more.

23. Get another new stamp in my passport.

24. Purge “things” from my house.

25. Learn how to make a pound cake.

26. Drag out my sewing machine and sew stuff again.

27. Complete Pinterest projects I have pinned.

28. Finish and publish my book.

29. Do a Christmas of all handmade gifts.(Did a Pinterest Christmas with Kat and Brian.)

30. Study my bible every day..

31. Be more adventuresome with my cooking.

32. Pick one cookbook and try every recipe in it and blog about it.

33. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or for UMCOR.

34. Drink 8 glasses of water a day for a week.

35. Read all of Karen Kingsbury’s books.

36. Take a cooking class.

37. Learn to play 5 new songs on my guitar, from memory.

38.Learn to play the mandolin.

39. Learn to make jelly.

40. Take Frank to Washington D.C.

41. Buy a fancy pair of cowboy boots.

42. Take a girls trip each year.

43. Eat healthier.

44. Manage my diabetes

45. Pray more.

46. Save six month’s salary.

47. Go to a blogger/writer/storytellers conference.

48. Pack a healthy  lunch every day during the school year.

49. Organize craft supplies and my office.

50. Load all my CDs on my ipod.

51. Deep clean my car interior and exterior.

52. Learn how to properly knot a man’s tie and bow tie.

53. Have a mani and pedi on a regular basis.

54. Paint the second rocker on my front porch white.

55. Get a hammock for my backyard and use it.

56. Get a swing for my backyard and set it up.

57. Use this list as a springboard for my blog.

58. Plan a great ten year anniversary surprise for Frank in 2013.  (Made sure he got to go to Israel and get his first adult passport stamp).

59. Use my camera daily.

60. Get a 300 lens for my camera.

61. Photograph eagles.

62. Vote in the presidential election.

63. Eat a fish taco

64. Develop a clothing style that fits me.

65. Go to a movie  or out to dinner in a restaurant by myself.

66. Make bread pudding and wine sauce (like Mary Mac’s Tea Room)

67. Increase my herb garden.

68. Spend time with the people I love.

69. Let my nails grow out.

70. Finish my painted mailbox.

71. Blog every single day for a year….or at least get 365 posts in in a year.

72. Use my professional camera more and my iPhone camera less.

73. Modge Podge more

74. Surprise someone special.

75. Take a trip to Germany.

76. Do something selfless or unexpected for someone each week.

77. Organize myself at home.

78. Start catering more.

79. Host a Christmas Open House at the parsonage.

80.Learn to use my Cricut with ease.

81. See a truly amazing sunrise and get a picture of it.

82. Send birthday cards to all the special people in my life.

83. Visit museums quarterly.

84. Go through my vinyl records and get rid of most of them

85. Copy all my vinyl  to my computer and ipod.

86. Copy all my cassettes onto my computer and ipod..

87. Stock my car for emergencies.

88. Learn to make fried apple pies like Aunt Virginias.

89. Go to Mallorca and Spain.

90. Join the local volunteer fire department.

91. Make notecards for myself and others.

92. Design my own business card.

93. Complete my Charm dishes set.

94. Attend a bagpipes concert to hear my friend Janice's group perform.

95. View Christmas lights that are amazing.”

96. Update my resume.

97. Complete a teacher portfolio for myself.

98. Do some you tube training videos for fun things.(making mesh wreaths and a few other things)

99. Make and sell (or give away)salt/sugar scrubs locally.

100. Retire from teaching with 25 years.

101. Keep a positive attitude at work for the next three years.

Five Minute Friday - Listen

I look forward to Five Minute Friday each week mainly because it is just a brainstorming in five minutes....Your words. This shared feast.

How to Join:

It’s easy to join in, just:

1. Check what the prompt is on Lisa Jo's blog.
2. Write a post in only five minutes on that topic on your blog (or in the comments if you don’t have a blog).
3. Link over here and invite friends to join in.
4. Select the permalink to your post {so not your blog url www.lisajobaker.com but your post url www.lisajobaker.com/2012/07/five-minute-friday-2/ }
5. Using the blue linky tool at the bottom of Lisa Jo's Five Minute Friday post enter your link.
6. It will also walk you through selecting which photo you want to show up in the linky.
7. Your post will show up in her Five Minute Friday linky.
8. Be sure and encourage the person who linked up before you!

Our most important requirement for participation: There’s really only one absolute, no ifs, ands or buts about it Five Minute Friday rule: you must visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

So, now be brave, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on the word:::

Listen…

GO:

It is five in the morning and I am sitting in the den in the dark...listening.  What do I hear.  I hear quiet.  The sun is not up yet and I love this quiet time.  I use it to listen to God.  This is my time to have conversation with my heavenly Father.  Sometimes I pray about what is going on in my life, sometimes I find a verse and dwell on what it is saying to me, everytime I listen to see what the Father has to tell me.  When I am in school I use my hour drive time to listen.  I call them my Hwy 22 Prayers.  This is when I talk out loud to God and listen for what he tells me in return. Proverbs 23:19:  Listen, my child, and be wise! Keep your mind straight on the path.

I was once a young mother with a small child and I remember listening for the sound of a wee small one in another room chatting to herself in her crib.  I remember how I would listen for her to wake up from a nap so we could spend time together.  I remember listening for her during the night telling me if she was wet, hungry, cold, wanting to play....

I listen when my students speak to me.  Sometimes they have questions about something we are learning and I make sure I listen carefully so I can answer them correctly.  Other times they have issues outside of school and I listen so I can help them get help.  In my 20+ years of teaching I have listened to them cry out to me with issues they don't understand in their lives and my heart breaks.  I have listened to their horror stories of home and I have to report what I see physically or hear.  I have listened to the high school drama that sometimes makes me want to laugh and tell them "this too shall pass."  I listen....and because I do...they talk to me.

I listened to the storm come up last night.  I listened to the thunder and watched the lightening.  I listened to the rain pelting the house, the room, the windows.  I snuggled under my blanket a little deeper, listened, and eventually found sweet sleep.

I listen when my friends or family have something to say.  There could be a wonderful story there or an opportunity to hug.  I listen when they say their good byes and hello.  I love to listen. If there is no conversation started I will ask questions to get them to respond....and then listen.  I come from a long line of storytellers....so I learned at a young age....Listen....you never know what you will hear.

STOP:

 

When God Makes Lemonade

About The Book: In When God Makes Lemonade, author Don Jacobson has collected real-life stories from around the world that show everyday folks discovering unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances. Some are funny, others are sobering, and more than a few will bring tears of amazement. But these true stories all have one thing in common: hope. There's no question that life gives us "lemons," like issues with health, employment, and relationships. But when those lemons become lemonade, it's as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day.  It's true that in life "stuff" happens, but as you'll see in these stories, lemonade happens too!

About The Author:  Living Lemonade Story(in his own words)."Hi, I’m Don Jacobson, and I’m a walking, talking lemonade story.  Back in 1980, I was a happily married twenty-four-year-old who enjoyed a physically demanding job in commercial construction. I knew my future was bright, and I knew what it would take to get there: hard work, planning, and dedication.  Then, one winter night, a shooting accident changed everything. I nearly died as I lay for hours beneath a tree, but miracle after miracle happened to keep me alive—a story you can read in full in God Makes Lemonade. I spent nine agonizing days in critical condition, and nearly a month in the hospital. When I left, things looked bleak, and I could no longer physically provide for my family.  It took a while for God to turn that lemon into lemonade, but in the end it was wonderfully sweet. I began to work in Christian publishing, and the shape of my life changed forever. Now, 25 years later, I see that not being able to work with my hands forced me to work with my head and heart, and both my family and my career became better than I could ever have imagined.  My wife, Brenda, and I know that the hardships of life have molded our characters and turned us into people we would never have been apart from the pain. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the hardest times of my life for anything, because they led me toward something better . . . something God had planned all along.  When I share my lemonade story with friends, two amazing things happen. My story inspires others and gives them hope. Then, almost without fail, my friends excitedly tell me their lemonade story, and I’m filled with inspiration and hope in return.  Recently it hit me: we all have lemonade stories—so what would happen if we could share them with the people around the world who need them most? That’s the dream of the God Makes Lemonade series: to publish true stories to encourage people in sour circumstances that God is at work making lemonade.  What’s your story?"

My Thoughts On The Book:  We all have a lemonade story or two tucked back in our memories.  I am no exception.  This book touched every fiber of my being.  Each story was different and although they may not have all touched me directly, as a paster's wife they all provided some nugget I could keep with me for future reference.  Each dramatic story is woven together in this tight night book and very encouraging.  It is the kind of book you can read in one sitting (if you have enough kleenex on hand), or read a few at each sitting.  We all need hope in our lives and this book is exactly what the doctor ordered.  Each story is filled with hope and grace....and love.  It was a blessing to read this book and I hope my readers will want to read it too.  It is captivating and filled with gifts just for the reader. Life does give us lemons sometimes but God can take those hardships and make them into something better....Lemonade.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Thomas Nelson's review program for bloggers, Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Promise Box

About The Book:  With her heart – and her loyalty – on the line, can she let true love in her life?
Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death.
She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational ‘tell-all’ book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. Will the pain of her childhood—and her potential betrayal of her community—keep her from committing her whole heart?
Purchase a copy here.

About The Author:  Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.

In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

My Thoughts On The Book:  The Promise Box is the second book in Tricia Goyer's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.  The first book, The Memory Jar does not have to be read first in order to keep up with the story line but I plan on reading it because I loved The Promise Box so much  The Promise Box is a story about a former Amish woman returning to the Amish after spending some time in the English world. It was very interesting to see how the community treats Lydia. One of my favorite things about this book and series  I really love the setting,  West Kootenai, Montana.  It sounds like a wonderful place to live and the Amish that live there are not so staunch in their ways.  Tricia Goyer breathes life into her characters wonderfully.  I felt as if during the course of the novel I got to know each of them personally.  Lydia’s story makes this book one that is hard to put down!  Within the confines of the story, Lydia’s discovery of who she really is and her finding out who God made her to be gives the story character. When Lydia begins to come- to terms with the circumstances of her birth and embraces the Amish community my heart was singing.  Once again, the master wordsmith, Tricia Goyer, has done a wonderful job.  I'm a huge fan of Goyer's writing, and I'm happy to say that The Promise Box showcases her talents well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Company as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Hodge Podge - Vol 129

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge...answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to see what the neighbors are saying.

1. What do you think makes a good dad?  Someone who is a fair disciplinarian, is open-minded, allows his kids to make mistakes, spends quality time with his children, leads by example, is supportive and loyal, challenges his kids and teaches his children.  Oh!  We are talking about MY dad!

2. What's something you learned from your own father?  "God doesn't want your capability. He only wants your availability. If you'll give Him your availability, He'll provide the capability."

3. It's your birthday-what kind of cake will we be having?  One of my friend Deborah's Cakes.  She is a caterer and I love her cakes.  It would be Lemon Cream Cheese or just plain white on white cake.  Her cakes will absolutely melt in your mouth. 

 

4. When you're faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?  I tend to go both ways.  More often than not I will be in prayer about it.  I am this way even with the small stuff.  Although, sometimes if I get a strong feeling about something I am a go with my gut kind of girl.  Other times if there is no gut feeling I will weigh the pros and cons and do a whole lot of praying about it.

5. June is National Dairy Month. What's your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?  I am not a huge dairy fan.  Dairy and I don't get along really well.  I do love ice cream and yogurt.  If I have to have dairy those are my choices.

6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910....what's something you've recently discovered or something you'd like to explore?  All the lighthouses in Floriday.  About a year ago my dear friend Susan and I got a Lighthouse passport and we want to get a stamp for every lighthouse in Florida....then move on to the other states.  I would love to complete the book.

7. Are you typical of your generation?  I am a baby boomer and somewhat typical of my generation.  I am a bit free spirited but as  Christian I tend to be more grounded by the Word. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Please pray for my friend Susan and her family.  I got an email just a bit ago from her that read:  Talked with mom's hospice nurse yesterday and she said mom wants to see her son and then she is going to be with Jesus. Even though this is hard I am rejoicing knowing she is ready to be with her Lord. Today mom told Carol (my sister) that she wanted to see her children and that she was tired and can feel His presence. Keep us in your prayers as I will be picking up my sister in South Carolina tomorrow and head down to Orlando. Chuck will be flying down on Thursday evening rent a car get my brother and hopefully a couple of friends, and bring Joel up to see mom. Pray for traveling mercy for all of us and for my mom:)....Susan

Susan is my oldest and one of my dearest friends.  She is my soulmate.  We can be apart for a many months and when we are together again it is as if our conversation continues.  I feel her presence in my heart daily.  Please pray for her....this is a tough time....I know I have been there.

Pennsylvania Patchwork

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what – and who – really matters.  Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.  Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:  I just finished the second book in this series, and enjoyed it. I did not read the first one and enjoyed this one tremendously, but I would recommend reading book one first.  I plan to read it as soon as I can. There are three powerful women characters in this novel.  Both Holly and Esther Fisher are now living in PA, with Mamm, Esther's ailing mother,  Anna. The familial chatter between the three women makes you feel as if they have always been together and you have known them forever. There is a good bit of  romance budding between Esther and Nathaniel, and Holly and Zack, and Armin, and Larry. Nothing is going smoothly for any of the lovebirds and just when you think you have it all figured out,  it changes! I know you will enjoy this book.  It is a fun read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publishing Company as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.