Friday, December 29, 2017

2017 Reading Quest 32

Book:  How to Pray for Lost Loved Ones.

Author: Dutch Sheets

InfoCopyright 2001: Ventura, CA:  Regal Books

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):  ✮✮

Where Acquired:  Unknown

What it's about:  Dutch Sheets touches on the heart's desire of the committed Christian--the salvation of loved ones.  Using Scripture and historical examples, Sheets sets out to prove that not only should the Christian pray for the conversion of others, but also to absolutely expect that prayer to be answered.

Favorite Quote(s): 

I want you to be so convinced that God will save the person you love, the one for whom you pray, that you would be shocked it they didn't get saved. - p. 10

Biblical meditation...means to ponder, muse on, think about and even mutter to one's self.  In other words, it is repetitious thinking on and speaking on God's word.  This allows the Holy Spirit to transform the Word from information in the mind to revelation of the heart. - p. 21

...we must allow ourselves to receive the burden of the Lord.  We must let His heart for people become ours so much that when we pray, it is really Him praying through us. - p. 82

Some would contend that we cannot command God to do something.  I would agree.  But there is a great difference between dictating and simply being a spokesperson.  We are not telling God what to do.  We are decreeing for Him, releasing His Word to perform its work. - p. 105

What I liked:
  • The author's taking the time to give the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew words used in many of the quoted biblical passages enhanced the text.
What I didn’t like: 
  • While I applaud the author's research of significant prayer warriors and revivals from history, I would have also liked to see more examples of the principles working in his own life and in the lives of his friends and family. 
  • The publisher's use of the aside box.
  • Sheets did a great job of explaining why a Christian needs to pray for and expect the conversion of loved ones, but he doesn't give much direction on how and what to pray.  Because of the scholarly nature of his research, I gather that he assumes the reader would know what scriptures to stand on and what prayers to pray.  That's not always true, especially for those new to the faith, or those who are not versed in in-depth biblical study.
  • There are questions at the end of each chapter.  However, many of the questions didn't relate to the text.  Also, how would the reader know if his answers were correct?  There's no study guide or answer key included.
  • The author waxed a little too political for my taste.  It didn't seem to fit the theme of the book.

Takeaway:

I enjoyed the encouragement presented in this book.  I also gleaned a lot from the scholarly research of the author.  However, I felt the book needed more.  It seemed like the author told us what to do, but not really how to do it, as the title implied. 

I do own a copy of Sheet's book Intercessory Prayer.  Perhaps this book will be a better guide on this subject.  We'll see...

Thursday, December 28, 2017

2017 Reading Quest 31

Book:  Reduce Me to Love.

Author:  Joyce Meyer

Info:  Copyright 2000: New York:  Warner Faith

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):  ✮✮✮✮

Where Acquired:  Borrowed from a friend.
What it's about:  Love:  many people say they know what it is.  However, many others, including some Christians, really don’t know what God’s love is or how to live in it.  Using I Corinthians 13 as the foundation, Meyer shares the meaning and practice of Bible-based love.  She also gives many personal examples of how walking in the true love of God has enhanced her life and ministry.

Favorite Quotes:
Love is tangible; it is not just an emotional feeling, a spiritual thing that cannot be seen or touched.  It is evident to everyone who comes in contact with it.  p. 12

Love has a beginning and a completion.  First, God loves us, and by faith, we receive His love.  We then love ourselves in a balanced way, we give love back to God and we learn to love other people.  Love must follow this course or it is not complete.  p. 18
As believers in Jesus Christ, the love we are to manifest to the world is the unconditional love of God flowing through us to them.  We don’t receive God’s love and then try to give them ours.  Our love has conditions and limits; His does not. p. 94

Unconditional love does not allow people to remain the same; instead, it loves them while they are changing…. Unconditional love will overcome sin and transform lives.  p. 103
In the current church age, we need more teaching on obedience and holiness (moral goodness).  There is a great deal of teaching on faith, prosperity, and success, all of which are very important.  I am very thankful that someone taught me I could prosper.  But God is not going to give a bunch of spiritual babies radical prosperity that would only serve to make them more carnal. – p. 136.
Love offers people both roots and wings.  It proves a sense of belonging (roots) and a sense of freedom (wings).  p. 161.

Love is actually a form of spiritual warfare.  We must never lose our burning desire to practice it every day because by waling in love, we become overcomers in life.  - p. 169.
What I liked:

There was nothing flowery or shallow about Meyer’s approach to this book.  It’s not, as my friend Suzanne B. would say, “God is love. Love is God. Let’s color a picture about it.”  This isn’t a book full of mealy-mouthed platitudes about love.

While the author does mention marriage principles on love, the book is not written only from the marriage vantage point.  It does not alienate those who are in various stages of life.
This is one of the few—if not the only—book on Christian love that has tackled the need to love oneself in order to fully love God and others.
Meyer’s use of honest personal stories is a plus.  I’m not fond of authors who tell people what to do, but never do it themselves, or are sketchy about how they apply what they write to themselves.

What I didn’t like:
I honestly couldn’t find anything unlikable in this volume. 

Takeaway:
For me, this book reminded of concepts I’d learned early in my Christian walk while instructing me in new ways to walk in and share the love of Christ.  I definitely want to purchase this book for my collection to refer to again.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

2017 Reading Quest 30

Book:  How to Fix a Broken Record.

Author:  Amena Brown

Info:  Copyright 2017: Grand Rapids:  Zondervan

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars):  ✮✮

Where Acquired:  Borrowed from a friend.
Category:  Impulse reads.  My sister-in-blog, Annie’s review on her blog sounded interesting, so I borrowed the book and dove in.

What it's about:  
Amena Brown, a poet and spoken word artist, gives the reader part coming-of-age chronicle, part pop culture lesson, as she explores the “broken records” that have shaped her life.  Events from her early years to her current role as a new wife and businesswoman are fused with a soundtrack of her favorite albums.

Favorite Quote(s):

I ask myself all sorts of things:  Does true womanhood really hinge on a woman’s ability to become a mother?  Why do I hold myself to this ticking biological clock and some ridiculous social media standard that says I should have children by now?  Is my identity wrapped in checking off some arbitrary list of achievements?  Does my life not matter if I am not married with kids, with a certain income bracket, with a house in a certain neighborhood, with a list of ways to describe my cool life to people I meet at parties? – p. 156

What I liked:

Brown’s conversational, yet sophisticated writing style was engaging, which made the read quite enjoyable.

I found Brown’s take on purity rings and True Love Waits rather refreshing.  In my experience, when a writer/speaker starts off with “Yeah, I did the purity ring/True Love Waits thing, but after a while I said screw it because insert lame excuse for fornication here.”  Brown actually waited for her wedding night.  She wrote of the experience as something beautiful and not as deprivation.

What I didn’t like:
The author hinted that any black woman who didn’t wear her hair naturally wasn’t embracing her true self.  Sorry, honey, but I don’t consider my coarse, matted tresses a gift from God; I consider them part of the Curse of the Law.  Pass me the relaxer, please.  I need to touch up my nappy roots.

Her attempts at finding love using Dr. Henry Cloud’s book How to Get a Date Worth Keeping were disturbing.  Initially, I thought she was making it up.  I said to myself:  This can’t be real. Dr. Cloud would never write something as horrid as that.  When I saw on goodreads.com and amazon.com that the book does exist, I thought I was going to hurl. The fact that she followed a book that essentially puts women in the position of huntress and requires that she seeks a date with any and every man within ten feet sent my stomach churning.  Ironically, she didn’t meet her husband through any technique in the book; she actually hooked up with him because she left one of those required hunting sessions.  Sheesh, Dr. Cloud should have just called his book The Christian Side of Hoochie.  And, no, I will NOT be reading it. 
Personally, this book wasn’t for me.  This book would be more appropriate for newlyweds or those contemplating marriage.  However, for someone single, older, and not pining for “Boaz” while lamenting over bad past relationships, a majority of the chapters were an unappealing dissertation on marriage and dating relationships.
I find it funny that when Annie and I discussed How to Fix a Broken Record, she thought I would “get” the book more because I grew up more immersed in pop culture.  However, I didn’t understand the record metaphor any more than she did.  First, I’m a child of the 70’s and 80’s where, for a while, vinyl records were our main option.  Brown is a child of the 90’s and 2000’s, where vinyl records were a novelty, not a necessity.  Also, I knew nothing of any of her musical references…well, except for The Wiz.  That vinyl album I played about a hundred times while visiting my Aunt Anne’s in Detroit in the early 80’s.  I’m sorry, but much of the material just didn’t resonate with me.  I had to work too hard to comprehend what her “broken records” were and how/if they were fixed.  She also didn’t fully explain the meaning behind the metaphor until the last chapters of the book.  If those explanations had come earlier, I may have gleaned more meaning from the rest of the work.

Takeaway:

One thing I’m learning through my own writings and reading the works of others is that good writing is very cathartic.  For the author, honest, raw writing helps to cleanse the soul from wounds.  For the reader, pouring over the writings of others is cathartic only if the author can craft his story in a way that connects with the reader.  I think Brown’s book was very cathartic for her, but I didn’t feel connected with her at all.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 30: The Weekly Hodgepodge


Join the fun! 
Come on over to 
for the Hodgepodge link-up!
Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?

Because I have kept my shopping trips at a minimum, I've not been bombarded with months of Christmas music that made me tired of it by Thanksgiving.  I really enjoyed humming along with the music playing in the stores this past weekend.  Simple things mean a lot.

What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?

Informal gatherings with lots of food, lots of laughter, and no one feeling left out.  Spending a gathering that supposed to celebrate the holidays feeling like an outsider isn't a great way to spend what is slated as a joyous time.  Our team Christmas potluck last week was a good example of a joyous gathering.

Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment)  'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?

I don't care one way or the other.  I'm just glad it wasn't Colin Kaepernick.

How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate.

My life was pretty mundane before my move to Colorado in late summer.  I spent this year trying to improve my finances, health, opportunities, and spiritual life (among other things).  I'm still on that same path of improvement, but with much more hope for success.  I'm very pleased to finally feel like I'm in God's will, instead of just taking what comes.  It's not easy, but it sure is fun.

Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.

Had a great time.  Can't wait for next year! Cya!

Insert your own random thought here.


Thankful for laughter.  Here's a giggle for you.

Monday, December 18, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 27: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Monday, December 18, 2017
 
 
Outside my window… Cold, clear skies greet this week before Christmas.  I'm not sure if I'll get it, but I'm hoping for a white Christmas.
 
I am thinking…  

This is the final push before Christmas vacation, so thinking is at a minimum right now.  :)

I am thankful

 
  • I'm thankful for God's love and provision.

From the Workshop… I'm using my leftover yarn to make a few baby booties and squares for a scrap blanket.

I am reading

How to Fix a Broken Record by Amena Brown
Reduce Me to Love by Joyce Meyer
The Ultimate Weight Solution by Dr. Phillip C. McGraw
The Miraculous Journey by Marty A. Bullis
 
I am learning
  • I'm learning to deal with a garbage disposal.  I've never had one before.  In reading up on their maintenance and use, I'm mystified by something.  Everything they tell you to put down them are things I normally put in the trash can.  What's wrong with that?  No muss, no fuss.
Favorite quote(s) of the week...
 
"When someone tells you, 'You can't do that,' they're not talking to you; they're talking to themselves.  That is self-doubt coming out of them." - Jesse Duplantis

I am looking forward to…Christmas, of course!
 
And now for something totally different

Five Minute Friday word of the week:  Different.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Five Minute Friday: "Different" [40 Days of Gratitude: Day 24]



Throughout my life, there was a lot of "different" that I was not thankful for.  For a long time, the difference between my peers and I wasn't a good thing; they didn't make me special, they isolated me.  Now that I'm older (much older), I'm slowly learning to embrace the good parts of my uniqueness. 

This morning, a coworker asked me how different my work environment at CCU is from other jobs I've had.  Now, as far as the YMCA (my last job)  is concerned, they are both wonderful environments.  However, I did tell her about a job from long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far way that nearly killed me.  There's absolutely no comparison in environments.  That difference is a wonderful answer to prayer.

-----
Prompts provided by Mrs. Kate over at Five Minute Friday.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 22: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Join the fun! 
Come on over to 
for the Hodgepodge link-up!
'Hurry less, worry less'...what's your strategy for making that happen this holiday season? How's it going so far?

"No worry, no hurry" has been my theme since preparing for the drive from Alabama to Colorado.  Since this is my first Christmas in Lakewood and I'm still nailing my budget, I've kept the holiday expenditures to a minimum.  There's not much worry or hurry in that.

 Do you have a list of to-dos that need accomplishing in order to prepare your home and/or property for the winter season? What are some of the jobs on your list? Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone to accomplish these tasks?

Nope.

According to dietitians surveyed, the most popular health foods for 2018 will be -turmeric, sprouted foods (bean sprouts, breads with sprouted grains, etc), veggies in place of grains, dairy free milk, and pulses (lentils, chickpeas, etc).  What's the first thought that ran through your head when you read this list? Of the foods listed which one might you add to your regular diet? Also, can milk really be dairy free? Is it still milk?

First thoughts?  Meh.

What would I add?  I already eat hummus (made of garbanzo beans or chickpeas) and veggies, and I'm not drinking anything labeled "dairy free milk"--unless you count non-dairy coffee creamer.

Non-dairy milk?  The dictionary definition of milk is "an opaque white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young."  If it ain't this, it ain't milk.  Sure, they call it milk because "Almond Squeeze" or "So Much Soy You'll Put More Methane in the Air Than a Dairy Cow Juice" isn't good marketing.  Praise God I'm not lactose intolerant.

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet. According to the Pantone site 'Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking pointing us to the future.' What say you? Do you like the color purple? Did you see the movie or read the book-ha!?  Is purple a color you wear often? Describe for us one purple item in your home without using the word purple.  If you were in charge of such things what color would you select for 2018?

First, who or what is Pantone and why do they get to tell us what color is what?  Yes, I looked the website and no, it didn't help.  Anyway.  Purple is one of my favorite colors.  I do wear purple, but don't yet have anything purple in my décor.  My sister and I have seen The Color Purple so many times that we have portions of it memorized.  I may read the book in the future..

I wouldn't pick a color for 2018.  It takes all colors to beautify the world.  Let's use them all.

Favorite book read this year?

So far, my favorite book for the year is Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins.  If you'd like to read my review, it's here.

I plan to read a lot during my Christmas vacation, so my opinion of a favorite may change.

Insert your own random thought here.


We had our team Christmas potluck today.  From the food to lovely gifts exchanged, there was a bounty of things to be thankful for.

Monday, December 11, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 20: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Monday, December 11, 2017
 
 
Outside my window… This week promises to be warmer than last week.  It's clear and cool in Lakewood today.
 
I am thinking…  

  • I've been pondering this off and on, but this morning's devotional during staff prayer time brought it to the forefront of my mind once again.  So, what's wrong with happiness?  Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that life does not consist of selfishly chasing after what just makes us happy.  Real life is about chasing after what makes God happy, and in turn, we experience supreme happiness.  What I'm talking about is people who absolutely faint at the sound of the word happy and act as if happiness is a sin against God.  "Oh, no, no," they say, "I'm not worried about happiness, only the joy of the Lord."  O...K.  Normally this is said in an ultra-pious voice by someone looking like they were baptized in pickle juice.  Where did this disconnect between joy and happiness occur?  Did you know that happiness and joy are synonymous (I checked the dictionary)?  It's been said that happiness is circumstantial while joy is an attitude of the heart and a fruit of the Spirit.  I don't see how you can have one without the other.  The Bible says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).  and "...for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (Luke 6:45).  So how can someone say he has joy in his heart, but it never shows up on his face or in his actions?
  • I wonder about why a shirt that looks great when I'm standing in the mirror looks a hot mess one I sit down?  Grrr...  I think I'm going to start buying men's button down shirts for myself at the thrift store; buying women's button downs is NOT working.  I'm either doing the Picard maneuver all day, or buttons are popping open, thus making me very paranoid.  Double grr....
  • I'm thinking about buying a clothing rack to dry my hanging clothes on instead of putting them in the dryer.  My one annoyance with my apartment complex is that the dryers only give a 45 minute cycle.  You know, I'd be willing to pay an extra quarter for 15 more minutes so I could have thoroughly dry clothes instead of partially damp garments that I have to hang up to finish drying anyway.  I could use the money I'd save to make sure my towels were completely dry.
  • I'm still thinking about what I'm going to do (or not do) for Christmas.
  • I'm thinking about a service project that all of us can get involved in on my sister blog.  More details to come.

I am thankful

 
  • I'm thankful to be the proud owner of both a microwave oven and a vacuum cleaner.  No more half burnt, half cold "reheated" leftovers, and unkempt carpet.  Hey, I've been in my apartment for a month; it was driving me nuts not to be able to vacuum.
  • I'm thankful for the fun weekend.  I attended some holiday celebrations and put some Christmas cheer in my humble abode.
  • I'm thankful for upcoming new year with its new fun challenges.
  • Grateful for the chicken biscuit from Chick-Fil-A my co-worker brought me after she heard about the McDonald's debacle:

From the Workshop… I finished up my Christmas card project for this year. 



 
I know it's a little really late, but if you're interested in purchasing a set of any of these cards, or a variety pack of the five different designs (the Grinch card and poinsettia card were shared earlier) of half-page folded cards with envelopes, e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com.  You may not get them in time for this holiday season, but you'll be ready for next year.

I am reading

The Ultimate Weight Solution by Dr. Phillip C. McGraw
The Miraculous Journey by Marty A. Bullis
 
I am learning
  • Goal strategies for making the next year successful.
  • I learned where the nearest movie theater was and watched my first new movie in the theater in over four years.  I saw The Man Who Invented Christmas.  It's based on the book about how Charles Dickens crafted the story of A Christmas Carol.  I really enjoyed the movie and plan to read the book at some point.
  • I've learned that you really don't know how necessary ordinary things are until you don't have them.  Yes, I'm talking about a Crock Pot.  Hey, if you've been reading my A-Z challenge, I've already admitted that I'm not the greatest cook in the world.  Cut me some slack.

Favorite quote(s) of the week...

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you don't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover." - H. Jackson Brown Jr., qtd. by Michael Hyatt.

I am looking forward to
  • Setting and meeting my goals in the coming year.
  • Attempting to finish all the books I've started this year.
  • Finding more ways to serve the community.
  • This:





And now for something totally different

Five Minute Friday word of the week:  Only.



If you will indulge me please, I feel it necessary to go on another mini rant.  I want to talk about lazy for a minute.  I know that the Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and for retail, they've been going on since Easter.  However, with so much time to prepare, you would think retail would do a better job.

You would think.

I went into Wal-Mart (why is it always Wal-Mart?) Friday to purchase a Christmas tree and some decorations.  I was hunting for a simple tree, a pack or two of clear lights, and some pretty-pretties for the tree.  Stores are usually very good about displaying the trees on the floor so that the customer can make the best choice for their space and budget.  Now, remember, Wal-Mart, like most large retailers, put out Christmas items early (too early in my opinion).  So, the department managers and associates have PLENTY of time to put out a decent display.  I don't know if Ray-Ray went out for a smoke break at the dispensary and ended up in the McDonald's for the rest of the day or what, but this has got to be the laziest tree display I've ever seen.


Their tree.
My tree.  Please note that these are the SAME trees.

Lord, help.  Charlie Brown wouldn't even claim that tree.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Five Minute Friday: "Only" [40 Days of Gratitude: Day 17]




Got to work a few minutes early, so I was the only one in the office for a short bit.  I got a chance to take a few photos of the sunrise.  I know they're blurry, but it's the best I could get with my phone. 


I hope I'm not the only one who stopped to see this gorgeous sky Father God painted this morning.

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Prompts provided by Mrs. Kate over at Five Minute Friday.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 15: The Weekly Hodgepodge


Join the fun! 
Come on over to 
for the Hodgepodge link-up!
What title would you give this current chapter of your life?

"I Wish James Spann Was Here." The alternate title would be "What Was That Daytime Temperature Again?"  First, yes I knew prior to my move that Colorado's climate is not only drier, but cooler than Alabama, so no finger wagging, people!  HOWEVER, I need more reliable weather information than my apps.  I need a meteorologist with all the thoroughness of Mr. Spann...and I ain't found him yet.

December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

Like I said last week, I have learned that I am horrible at reheating food on the stove, so a microwave has become necessary.  This is payday weekend, so I'm headed out for a microwave, and another necessity, a vacuum cleaner.  Along with reheating food and popping popcorn, I can safely heat milk for hot chocolate or Chai Lattes.  I also make Rice-A-Roni's Spanish Rice in the microwave.  It doesn't come out as well on the stove.

If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

Little Drummer Boy

Why?

Ok, so I'm not a boy (so I guess the lyrics would have to be altered slightly to accommodate a girl), but God has given me the gift of drumming.  Getting to drum for Him is an honor.  Yes, I know that playing a drum solo for a newborn isn't practical, but it's a Christmas carol; cut me some slack.


One of my favorite versions of the song.


Tried for 5 years to get my Worship Pastor to let us do something like this!  Unfortunately, he said no...every year.


Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken.

This one is hard to answer.  When I'm driving, I'm usually very focused on driving instead of scenery, plus I can't take pictures while I drive.  Most of the beauty I've experienced has been once I got still.  I probably haven't taken my most beautiful drive yet.  Next fall, I plan to take a mountain drive here in Colorado.  I hear it's gorgeous.

What's something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one).

On my real Christmas list:  Gift cards; they always fit.

On my praying to God for a miracle list:  A newer car.  Preferably at 2014 or newer Honda Accord, crimson in color.

Insert your own random thought here.


In case you missed (or don't read) my Daybooks:
I'm making an executive decision.  Since I don't have internet at home, I'm not going to keep trying to keep up a daily gratitude blog.  I will post for whatever day I can.  Even if you don't see a post, just know that I am thankful everyday of the 40 days; I just can't write about it daily online.

I'm thankful that I now have couch in my apartment.  Like a microwave, a couch is something you take for granted until you don't have one.  I've enjoyed sitting on the couch and crocheting for the past couple of days.  My place is feeling more and more like home.

Monday, December 4, 2017

40 Days of Gratitude: Day 13 The Simple Woman's Daybook [+ 2017 Reading Quest 29]

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Monday, December 4, 2017
 
 

Note:  If you are here just for the book review, scroll down to the "I am reading" section.  Thanks.

 

Outside my window… Cloudy and cool.  It's starting to feel like December outside.
 
I am thinking…  

  • About Christmas Day.  I've been asked by several people what my plans are for the day.  I honestly don't know.  I've been invited to several parties and open houses, plus I'm trying to figure out how to get pictures made with Santa.  I thought about just staying home that day and enjoying the quiet (of course, I will be home if it snows).  I'm just not sure yet.
  • About McDonald's.  I had a weird thing happen at a local McDonald's.  OK, pardon my ignorance, but I thought their basic menu was universal to eateries around the country.  Apparently not.  On the way to church, I stopped at one of the Aurora locations.  All I ordered was a chicken biscuit.  The girl behind the counter looked at me like I'd ordered a bugger sandwich.  She curled up her lips and said "We don't serve those."  "You don't serve a chicken biscuit?"  "No, ma'am.   I've never even had someone order one."  "Wait, what?!"  **silence** **crickets**  "OK, may I have a sausage biscuit then?"  "Sure!" **grrr**  I've been to McDonald's from Georgia to California and they ALL had chicken biscuits!  I think the girl behind the counter was smoking something (well, I am in Colorado).  Can't have nothin'!
  • About my wardrobe.  I'm in a colder climate where layering is a must and snow and ice are not anomalies.  How do I go about doing that without breaking the budget?  Not only that, but I need to get waterproof boots and these things call YakTracks so I can safely walk to work when the roads are too icy.  See, we didn't deal with this back home because if it was snowy and icy, everybody stayed home.
  • About how I'm going to get proper hair care products.  I've not found a beauty supply place yet that carries what I use.  I may end up ordering it online (and paying twice as much for it), but I've got to do something.  Buckwheat is starting to show on my head.
  • About how to safely help the homeless.  I see many out on the street corners with signs saying they are in need.  I know that some may be on the con, but that's not my call.  I saw where people make packets with food and toiletries to give out, but how can I, as a woman alone, safely do that?  I'm just not sure what to do.  There were points in my life where I was nearly homeless.  I would want someone to care.
I am thankful

I'm making an executive decision.  Since I don't have internet at home, I'm not going to keep trying to keep up a daily gratitude blog.  I will post for whatever day I can.  Even if you don't see a post, just know that I am thankful everyday of the 40 days; I just can't write about it daily online.

 
  • With nighttime temperatures in the teens and 20's this week, I'm very thankful for a nice warm place to live.
  • I'm thankful for our Pastor's new message series:
  • I'm thankful that my car continues to be up and running.
  • I'm thankful for caring friends and coworkers.
  • I'm thankful that I now have a couch and more lamps in my apartment.

From the Workshop…I'm currently in a stretch of Christmas painting. Here's one I've finished for use as a Christmas card. 



I am reading

Reduce Me to Love by Joyce Meyer
Over the Top by Zig Ziglar
The Miraculous Journey by Marty A. Bullis

Books I’ve completed since my last Daybook:
 
Book:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
 
Author: Jeff Kinney

InfoCopyright 2007: New York:  Amulet Books

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 stars): 

Where Acquired:  Library check out.

What it's about:  At the behest of his mom, Greg Heffley chronicles a year of middle school in his diary...err...journal.  Typical middle school problems like parents, teachers, and flaky best friends (not to mention a piece of cheese with the staying power of a cockroach) are displayed on each page in both written and cartoon/comic strip form.

Favorite Quote(s): 

Most kids wake up early on Saturday to watch cartoons are whatever, but not me.  The only reason I get out of bed at all on weekends is because eventually, I can't stand the taste of my own breath anymore. - p. 16

What I liked:
  • The Kindle Edition has real page numbers.

What I didn’t like: 
  • The font of the Kindle Edition was not scrollable, which made the book difficult to read.
  • There's so much more not to like, I'm just going to cut to the chase...
Takeaway:

I enjoy reading children's literature, even silly boy humor.  I'm not so stuffy that I don't laugh out loud at this kind of stuff.  However, unlike Captain Underpants that I read earlier this year, Diary of a Wimpy Kid was anything but funny.  The book was, in a word, annoying.  Little Greg Heffley was not a "wimpy kid" as the title implies; quite frankly, he was a little turd!

Several years ago, the Ad Council had a series of radio commercials encouraging literacy.  One of them featured a narrator reading some funny excerpts from Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Apparently, it wasn't from the first book of the series because I heard none of those funny quotes.  Even with the lack of ability to enlarge the font, fortunately, this book was a quick read.  Otherwise it would have been a DNF.

Even with my not liking the book, I wouldn't discourage a child from reading it.  Maybe they can find more humor in it that I did.  Or, maybe not.

Now, back to the Daybook...

I am learning
  • ...that apparently a money order isn't a money order.  Apparently, in some businesses, where you buy them makes a difference.  Go figure.

Favorite quote(s) of the week
 


I am looking forward to
  • My boss's Christmas open house on Sunday.
  • Part two of my Pastor's sermon series.
  • Sitting on my couch and crocheting, reading, loafing, or whatever else I want.
  • Decorating my place for Christmas.  But first, I have to go buy some decorations. 

And now for something totally different

Five Minute Friday word of the week:  Near.



Sh%t Southern Women Say, Episode 10
 
 
How 'Bama fans watched the 2017 Conference Championship