More creations.....

A few of my favorite Christian Fictions

Those who know me best know that I love, love, love to read. I even started a book club at my church. I've always love Christian books, but only recently have I become a fan of Christian fiction. Here are a few of my favorites and some recent reads.

My first Christian fiction book was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. If you have not read it then I beg of you to give it a try. Go right now and get a copy! You'll never regret this read. It's one of those books where you constantly think about the characters. After I finished the book I actually missed reading about the lives of these unforgettable characters. When I started the book club this was one of the books I introduced to the class. The book is based on the story of Hosea from the Bible. For those of you not familiar- God calls Hosea to marry a prostitute. Needless to say their early relationship is a bit rocky. I recommend reading the book of Hosea from the Bible before reading Redeeming Love. This way you can better connect the book to the original scripture.
Lately, my newest Christian fiction phase has focused on books about the Amish. Here are a few of my recent reads. I must warn you that in both series the last book is not out yet. I did not know this until I went to buy the last books. Now I'm in agony waiting for their release!

The Sister's of Homes County series by Wanda Brunstetter is a really good read. This series includes A Sister's Secret, A Sister's Test, and coming in July is A Sister's Hope.

My favorite series thus far is the Sister's of the Quilt series by Cindy Woodsmall. This series includes When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and coming in September is When the Mending Comes.

I highly recommend all of the books mentioned in this blog. But if I could make you read one it would be Redeeming Love. So give them a try and let me know how you like them. One word of caution- reading the Amish series may have an effect on you. In my case I began baking homemade bread! Happy reading to all who share my love of reading- you are my kindred spirit!

It's all about the Day Planner

In one of my earliest blogs I promised to give you a glimpse of my day planner obsession! I bought my first day planner in October of 2005. Big mistake because now I'm addicted. My first planner was by DayOne (great brand-I recommend it!) and it was red. The following year when it came time to buy a new one I decided to go with was I knew worked! So, I bought the exact same day planner. My relationship with my beloved day planner was going great until October of 2007. WalMart no longer sold my favorite planner.......Gasp.....at that moment I do believe Earth's spin drastically slowed! For two weeks I searched and searched for my beloved planner. It was nowhere to be found. So, I began looking for a new one- but I just couldn't find one that was a good as my 'ole faithful. Then one day my dear friend Layla helped convince me to buy the planner I now have. I decided to get one that lasted for 18 months (delay the heartache of having to buy a new one a bit longer!). My current planner is read and it a great Christian planner in that it have some great scripture and quotes all throughout it!

What's the big deal about a day planner? My planner doubles as my diary. I even have secret codes that only I know the meaning of! Haha so middle school I know. However, my planner is a very personal thing. You can flip through and know exactly what I've done every day. My close friends know that if it's written in my planner then it's law!

In all seriousness, I highly recommend a planner to anyone. It's a great way to stay organized. And on rainy days you can flip through old ones and it's like reading your own life story! So, what's the moral? Cool people carry planners!

I've decided that for my next planner, I think I'm going pink!

Quote of the week

This week's quote comes from our great Thomas Jefferson. I really became a fan of his writings after taking an American Literature class in college. My favorite professor of English, Ms. Peggy Van Devender introduced him to me and I fell in love. I highly recommend checking out his works. His quotes are very wise and cover everything from friendship to fashion! Many of our presidents were great writers, especially Abraham Lincoln. This week I'm working on completing a huge literature review for my research class. Obviously, this quote spoke to me. Enjoy!

"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."
Thomas Jefferson

Being as how I love history (it's one of my concentrations in teaching), let's have a quiz. Use your own knowledge, NOT Google or Ask.com!

Question: What number president was Thomas Jefferson?

Hints: The first was George Washington and the tenth was John Tyler. Jefferson is somewhere in between!

Week 2 of Tori and Dean

I hate to admit that I almost missed last night's episode! I was so focused on designing blog headings that I forgot all about it! Gasp..... However, being the faithful fan that I am, I watched the 2 a.m. showing. Now that's being a loyal fan!

This week's episode was a bit ironic. Dean has become obsessed with scuba diving. Tori learns that his scuba instructor is young and really cute. She begins to worry. The ironic part is that if you know the history of these two you'd know that: 1) They were both married when they met each other, 2)They cheated on their spouses with each other and eventually left them and married. Last night Tori realized that if Dean would cheat with her then he could possibly cheat on her. (Which I fully believe!) Tori decides to tag along on a scuba trip to catch the alleged flirting and sure enough, they're flirting up a storm! All of this is going on on top of the fact that they have only a month to find a new house, buy it, and move in! The drama is getting good! Tune in next week for more on Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood!

Trying my hand at blog designing......

I've decided to try and design layouts for my blog. Now, I'm just starting out so don't be too harsh of critics! How did this all get started? Well, my girlfriend Layla added a super cute layout to her page over the weekend (see Ordered Chaos). I had no idea that you could get ready made backgrounds. So, I started browsing. I came upon several that I liked- only problem was they wouldn't have matched my previous blog heading. So, I decided to do some research on designing headings. One website mentioned ways to create your own. One way suggested was through a program I have on my computer. So, I stated playing around and this is what I came up with......

For the teacher in me....

I actually applied this to my page and did the entire blog in black and white. It was really cute...although it only lasted about twenty minutes. It was good until I created.....

This one!

Although, I really like this one! Maybe for next week!

Another version.....Possibly my favorite!
Still playing around.....Okay, this could be my new favorite. I think I'm getting addicted to blog designing. I'm going to end up changing my blog daily if I keep this up!

Other designs coming soon!

My Love of Autumn

Fall is without a doubt my favorite season! There's just something about that time of year that warms my soul. October is my favorite month, but November and December are close behind! I love carving pumpkins, the crisp, cool air, football season (even though I don't go to many games), and of course the gorgeous Autumn leaves! Spring and Summer are not bad seasons, but I love wearing coats, gloves, sweaters, and scarves. Lately I've been so impatient waiting on Fall to come around. I love starting back to school, raking leaves, decorating (Autumn and Christmas are the only times I really decorate), and getting ready for the holidays! It seems the more I miss Fall, the hotter and more humid these Summer days get. Oh well, I know my time will come around soon. In the meantime, I'll continue to wish away this Summer. One request though, Fall please hurry and don't be late!

Layla's Ordered Chaos

One of my most dear friends, Layla, also has a blog. She is extremely funny, sarcastic at times, and full of wit. Her blogs are guaranteed to never be dull! Just sit back, read, and ENJOY!

ORDERED CHAOS

Welcome Back Tori and Dean!

I'd been looking forward to last night for a while! Why? It was the start of season three for Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood! I LOVE their show. I've been a faithful fan since the very first episode. I'm super excited that she's pregnant again (although this news is very old). I can't wait to see their new baby girl. Liam is such a cutie, so I know their daughter will be gorgeous! I was never a big Tori fan until this show. I've never watched a single episode of Beverly Hills 90210. However, I'm now a loyal Tori and Dean fan! I was so thrilled about the new season that I watched the episode twice! Poor Bobby was miserable!

On another note, I've been thinking about getting a new haircut. When I went in May I just had it trimmed because I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it. Well, problem solved thanks to Tori. I loved her hair cut on the show last night! So, I'm going to make an appointment and chop it off! Thanks Tori!

The Love Passage- Devotional

After thinking about my favorite Bible passage (this weeks quote), I dug through my old devotionals and found this thoughtful.

The Love Chapter

"This passage is universally considered one of the great 'jewels of Scripture'.For its sheer beauty and moral force, it has been admired by believers as well as unbelievers through the ages. Paul's intent is to draw the Corinthians away from questions of who is wiser, more spiritual or more important. Love is the point. Without love, no other gift matters.

Love takes many forms, all active: patience, kindness, humility, unselfishness, forgiveness, holiness, protection, trust. The three impeccable Christian graces are faith and hope and love. But love reigns supreme.

Review the words used in this chapter, making special note of those that describe what love is and what love is not. Over the next weeks and months, ask God to work in your life to build up loving characteristics."

Quote of the Week

This week's quote is a my favorite passage in the Bible. Shortly after I was saved I memorized the entire passage! It's a good one to have memorized- whenever I feel myself getting impatient or frustrated with someone I silently say this passage. Enjoy!

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Happy Father's Day!

My Dad is no ordinary dad. The story of how this wonderful man became my father is not ordinary. My Daddy met me shortly after my first birthday. He fell in love with me and I was adopted on April 4, 1988. (April 4th is also my husband's birthday- the two most significant men in my life have a strong connection with that day. Neat right!) My Daddy has always been my hero! Growing up Daddy filled my childhood with wonderful memories through fishing trips, hunting trips, going swimming, building 'forts' and tepee's, and just having a good 'ole time! Even as an adult my Daddy continues to influence my life. He's taught me to love gardening and the outdoors. He's always teaching me something, even when he doesn't realize it. My Daddy is a hard working, Christian man. Growing up, he always made sure that we were taken care of, had what we needed, and provided most of what we wanted. Now, I realize having what we needed and wanted meant that most often he went without. Today I am more thankful than ever to have been blessed with such a wonderful Daddy!

I also have a wonderful father-in law. Little Bobby (my husband) lived with his dad most of his life. My husband was named after Big Bobby, and if you ask me they look just alike! I jokingly blame Big Bobby for my husband's racing obsession. Never the less, Big Bobby is a fun person to hang out with and I couldn't have asked for a better father-in law! Since our race cars/shop is at Big Bobby's house, we see him quite a bit. Every year at Christmas we enjoy watching a good father vs. son pool tournament. Both men are excellent 'pool sharks'!

Happy Father's Day to both of our Dad's!
We love you!


And Happy Father's Day to the best grandfather ever, my Poppy John!
We love you too!

Heart-warmers!

One thing that I try to do often is send out 'Thank You' cards or 'Thinking of You' notes. I found some really cute sets of cards at LifeWay for only $1 a set- each set contains 8 cards/envelopes. I especially like these because they have Bible verses on them! It's so heart-warming to receive a card in the mail- it's even better when it's hand delivered! So, send someone a handwritten card and see how much it brightens their day!

A Must Have for the Home

I love candles! My candle of choice is Yankee Candles. My favorite scent is 'Clean Cotton'- then again I love almost any scent by Yankee Candle. I keep it in our bedroom, but, when it's lit it can invigorate the entire house! Yankee Candle also makes car fresheners in this scent- which I also have! So, if you're looking for a great scent for your home, or car, I highly recommend this!

Quotes of the Week

"The criterion of true beauty is that it increases on examination; if false, that it lessens."
Lord Grenville

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting- a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue."
Eugene O'Neill

Run, Sylvia, Run!

I've been a jogger for about two years or so now. However, lately my jogging has slacked off. It's so much easier to have a jogging buddy. In my case, my buddy is my brother. He's in the army, so he's used to the brutality of running. We went running this afternoon (the first time for me in a month or so) and I'm proud to say I was able to jog just over 1 and 1/2 miles in a very short amount of time (without stopping/walking). My brother could practically run circles around me, but he's patient. My goal is that by Thursday I'll be able to break the 2 mile mark. Hey, I've got to step up the pace if I plan on surviving a kindergarten class!

Hmm.... maybe I'll sign up for a race later on this Summer or in the Fall. That would be fun and a great way to stay motivated!

Shrimp Boil

On Saturday we had a shrimp boil at my Dad's house. I love having family cookouts. It was relaxing just hanging out with my dad, Kris (step-mom), nephew, and brother. I forgot to get a good family picture- sorry! I did get some great pics of the delicious food! (And one snapshot of me). After having such a great time on Saturday, I can't wait for July 4th weekend! Hopefully we'll have another great Carter family cookout! Maybe then we'll have something on the menu that my picky husband will eat! The funny thing about Bobby is that he will not eat anything that comes out of the water! Sorry you missed out honeydo! We love you, picky appetite and all!

Oh, and here's the snapshot of me......

Favorite Quotes

I've decided that each week I'm going to post a favorite quote, poem, Bible verse, or excerpt from a book. I keep a quote book in my 'faith bag' (bag for Bibles, devotionals, etc...). I've been writing down my favorite quotes, Bible verses, songs, and sayings since I first got saved. Each week I'll flip through and find one that speaks to me. I found this quote in Oprah's magazine several years ago. I keep it on a sticky note stuck to my refrigerator. Here's this week's quote...ENJOY!

"We want the Spring to come and the Winter to pass. We want whoever to call or not call, a letter, a kiss- we want more and more- and then more of it. But there are moments, walking, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the window glass, say, the window of the corner video store, and I'm gripped by a cherishing so deep for my own blowing hair, chapped face, and unbuttoned coat that I am speechless: I am living!"
Marie Howe

Hey, 'You've Got Mail'

Last night we were couch potatoes! I love spending the evening on the couch watching movies with my husband (those nights are few and far between). What made the night extra special was that Bobby let me pick the movie. So, we watched one of my favorites, 'You've Got Mail'. After the movie was over I began thinking about how much I love Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Tom is one of my favorite actors! I envy Meg's hair! Short and a bit curly! The movie made me want to go out and open my own children's book store! It's a sweet movie with no graphic scenes (which is hard to come by these days!) If you've never seen it then you definitely need to put it on your to-do list! I highly recommend it- but then again, I love any movie with Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks in it! So, I salute you, Meg and Tom! I hope you continue to star in great movies!

Ode to the Tomato

Summer is not my favorite season. Although it should be in that as a teacher I 'supposedly' have summers off. I do look forward to summer for one reason: tomatoes! Every year my Dad grows tomato plants. I am grateful that he supplies them for me because if it we up to me to grow them then our family would miss out on this delectable treat! I try to follow the advice of the great Paula Deen, "Every southern woman should know how to grow tomatoes". I've tried three years and never mastered it. I'm trying though, does that count? Anyway, this afternoon I ate the first tomato of the season from my Dad's garden. Yummy! During the summer I practically live off of tomato sandwiches! I could eat them forever and never tire of them! I also love the small 'Tommy Toes' tomatoes (some call these grape tomatoes). They are perfect in salads. Bobby loves fried green tomatoes- which I plan to surprise him with at dinner tonight! After doing a bit of research I've discovered that in the South we consider tomatoes to be vegetables, but in fact they are actually fruit. The health benefits of tomatoes are too many to count- one more reason why I love this summertime treat! So, here's to you tomato! May I enjoy many more lunchtime visits with you!

"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad"

Grad School and the dreaded GRE

Several of my friends and family have officially labeled me 'insane' and 'a career student'. Here's why- I just graduated with my bachelor's from Mississippi State (go bulldogs!) and decided to jump head first into graduate school. Everyone told me to wait, take a year off, focus on my career, and just give myself a break. Did I listen? Unfortunately no. My poor husband is afraid I'm going to be in school the rest of my life! This being that I'm now going for my master's and am seriously thinking about then getting my specialist. So, two big events were scheduled in my day planner (blog on this coming soon) to take place this week. First, I started back to school on Monday, and tomorrow I'm schedule to take the GRE.

I'm taking two classes this month and one next month. So, for my Monday class we have to read two books a week. At first I thought, no problem, I'm already doing that now. Wrong! These are not my interesting Amish books- the two I'm required to read now are posted on this page. I'll update my current reads each week for those who are interested. For my second class I'm required to read two books and write this huge paper. I was thinking the book reading would be no problem- I'd use two of the books I'll have to read from the other class. Sounds sly right? It was until Dr. M informed us that we cannot do that. I whole heartedly believe she can read my mind! After only two classes I'm really beginning to wonder if I'm cut out to get a master's degree. It's tough because we're having to cram 3 months of work into only one! I can see already that grad school might just get the best of me! However, due to the high gas prices, MSU has cut back on our days. I was supposed to go M,T,W,and TH. Now, I only have to go on Mondays and Tuesdays! That was generous!

So, tomorrow I'm taking the dreaded GRE. Now, technically this was supposed to be done before I entered grad school. But, I found a loop hole. I entered as unclassified- couldn't decide between counseling and elementary ed. Well, I decided on the latter so now I must take this four hour long test to officially be entered into the El. Ed. program. There is a good side to this! My tradition for test taking (and there have been several over the years) is that once I'm finished I always get Krispy Kreme chocolate glazed with sprinkles doughnuts! Yummo! Now, my only problem is this- I'm not sure if Hattiesburg, MS has a Krispy Kreme shop! I do have a backup plan- if there isn't a Krispy Kreme shop (as was the case last November for the Praxis 2) then I'll get a Carmel Macchiatto from Joe Muggs! Either way, I believe I deserve a treat!

Yummo! Home baked sourdough bread!

Bobby's grandmother, Nanny, never fails to have fresh, home baked, sourdough bread just waiting to be devoured! Lately, I've been on this Christian Fiction about the Amish kick (blog on this coming soon). Well, while reading several of these books I've decided that I could turn Amish and live quite happily! What's stopping me? Two things: 1)My husband, and 2) The thought that I might not be able to survive Alabama summers without air conditioning! However, reading all of these Christian Fiction Amish books has left an impression on me. I've been talking with Nanny for a while about getting a sourdough starter from her and baking my own bread. I never decided to go through with it until I finished my last Amish book. Last week I received my sourdough starter from Nanny! That night I fed it and and was kneading dough the next day! The recipe makes three loaves; I kept two and gave the other to my Daddy. It's embarrassing to admit but I ate both loaves in less than 24 hours! Oh, it's irresistibly delicious! Let me tell you, Sara Lee has nothing on home baked bread!

After seeing how much my Daddy and family enjoyed it, I've decided that home baked bread would make nice 'thank you' gifts. To spruce up the bread as a gift I thought I could place the bread in a clear, plastic, 'treat' bag, tie the top with a bow, and place a cute label or card onto it - and voila, I've 'Martha Deen'ed' it! (Martha Deen is a term often used by my girlfriend and I to describe me or someone creative. It means a twist between creative Martha Stewart and the very southern Paula Deen! We are in Alabama- the 'Dirty South' after all!)

There's a lot of preparation and work involved in making this scrumptious treat. It is a three day process but it's very much worth the time. After baking my own I now have a deeper appreciation for Nanny's readily available treat. So, I'm now in the process of baking my second batch of sourdough bread. By 8:00 tomorrow morning I will be enjoying a fresh, hot piece of sourdough bread for breakfast! In the words of the great Rachel Ray- YUMMO!


I'd like to give a big THANK YOU to my unbelievably creative friend, Mrs. Jamie Grizzle, for designing our new blog! Thanks so much Jamie - you totally rocked out our blog!