It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday.  I've been listening to this song on my way to work and ...I love it.

It's called "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman.  The words have such meaning to me as I pray that I would live this way each day.



I try to remember this when:

• A small child is trying to tell me about her boo-boo and taking so long to use her words
• I am cleaning up the floor after a child vomits at school
• I am telling the children that we are all friends for the tenth time in the same day

I'm sure you can add your own scenarios.

Just remember to ...do everything you do to the Glory of the One who made you!  

I'm linking up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,

I will be hosting "In Other Words Tuesday" next Tuesday, December 6.

The quote that I've chosen for us to write about comes from Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista blog.

“We can thrive — and even offer life-giving rest to others — because God is at home in us.”Bonnie Gray, The Faith Barista 

This quote resonated within me when I first read it.  What does it say to you?

I encourage you to write a blog post and link up next Tuesday on Heart Choices.

If you're not a blogger, you are invited to add your thoughts in the comments Tuesday, December 6.

I look forward to reading your thoughts.  Many of us offer differing points of view and I love that.

Blessings and love,

Everything is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I hear the Salvation Army bells jingle as I enter the grocery store.  The decorations are up at our school.  I listen to Christmas carols on the radio.  I'm starting to feel the pressure of finding the perfect gift for loved ones.

But ...I want this Christmas to be different.  

I don't want to be stressed.

I want to experience what Christmas is all about; the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ.

Let me introduce you to Jennifer Walker.

Jennifer writes a blog called Smelling Coffee.  I began following her blog back in 2008.  I was drawn to her for many reasons.  We share a love for the Lord.  We had similar denominational backgrounds. She was a teaching leader in a well know Bible study organization.  She had to deal with struggles and life changing events.  I read her posts as she wrote about her faith and trust in God even when she and her husband had to sell their home and move to a new location and a new job.  Her words helped me in my own struggles and challenges.  Jennifer is authentic and kind and loving.  And did I mention how cute she is?
I read how she was writing an eBook called "Keeping Christ as Christmas".  She asked for feedback on Smelling Coffee.  I responded.

I was amazed at how quickly she was able to pen this book.  But then she felt the Lord leading her to do this so ...why was I surprised?

The more I heard about "Keeping Christ as Christmas" I knew I wanted to read it.  I emailed Jennifer and she sent me an advance copy of the eBook for free.

I read it and ...I loved it!

And now I want to ask you to check it out for yourself.

• Do you want to experience God's peace during this Christmas season?
• Do you want to make time to read God's Word even in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
• Do you want to teach your children what Christmas is all about?
• Do you want to experience a different Christmas this year?

Do you want to experience peace during this Christmas?

Blessings and love,

Source: Google image

For "In Other Words Tuesday" I have chosen several verses of Scripture that have special meaning for me in this season of my  life.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 says:




Habakkuk didn't understand God's ways.  It seemed that evil and wickedness prevailed in that time and that God did nothing.  He eventually came to a point of trusting God's timing and ways.

This past year has been a time of uncertainty for me.  I like to plan and dream.  What will my life be like next year?

I don't know.

I've learned what it is to have plenty.

And I've learned what it is to have nothing.

I've seen people seem to get away with lies and deceit.

But I've learned that God sees all and knows all.  He looks into the heart and motives of a person.

And so as I patiently wait ...I choose to rejoice.

How do I do this?

• I've learned to be on the lookout for the everyday blessings even in the midst of uncertainty
• I've learned to rejoice in the relationship I have with God through Jesus
• I've learned that material possessions are temporary and can easily be taken away
• I've learned to be grateful for all I have
• I've learned that God is faithful to provide what I need
• I've learned that God is my strength
• I've learned to allow God to work in me and through me for His purposes
• I'm learning ...to trust God by faith.

I'm linking up with Loni of Writing Canvas for In Other Words Tuesday.



Blessings and love,

I love Thanksgiving!  Yes, we always eat way too much food.  But it's a time when family can come together and simply enjoy one another.  This year Greg and I went to his sister Amy's house.

Amy and Paul, our hosts

I offered to bring the stuffing.  Last year I found the best stuffing recipe so I knew it would be good.  I 'pinned it' on Pinterest so it would be easy to find the recipe in the future.


After saying grace, we all went around the table to share what we were thankful for.  What a blessing that was for each one of us.  God is good!

Greg and I were invited to attend the Arizona State Football Finals on Saturday.  The game was between Desert Vista and Hamilton High School.  My niece Sarah attends Desert Vista and she is in the Color Guard.  They were performing before the big game so we wanted to see her in action on the field.

Sarah in the stands after the performance

It was the best game to attend.  Desert Vista were the underdogs as Hamilton was undefeated all season.  Well, here is the final score.  Desert Vista High School won 45-19!  There was lots of celebrating.


Of course, I had to share the blessings of the little children I get to work with each day.  The school had a special Thanksgiving feast and the parents were the hosts.  Our class of three year olds dressed up as Native Americans as they donned their felt vests and headdress with feathers.  They looked so cute!  They even got to sing a turkey song they'd been practicing.

#238  The blessing of family
#239  Answers to prayer regarding the health of my mother-in-love
#240  Spending time with my nieces and nephew
#241  Plenty of food to eat
#242  Giving thanks to God together as a family
#243  Cheering on Desert Vista High School football team
#244  Watching my niece Sarah perform in the University of Phoenix Stadium
#245  A winning state football title for the underdogs
#246  The blessing of listening to little children sing
#247  Seeing the children's sweet smiles 

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience as I continue to count my everyday blessings.  It's not too late to join in so I encourage you to start counting.



Blessings and love,