When You Need to Move a Mountain

I received a preview copy of this book in exchange for my review. 
Linda Evans Shepherd's newest book was one I really enjoyed reading!
Not only does Shepherd name different types of prayer for different situations, but she provides excellent explanations and instances of when each type of prayer has been used.  Additionally, she gives prayer formats as examples which the reader can begin using immediately. 
This book helped prompt me to pray for people and situations as I read it. 

Girl Meets Change (Book review)

I don't like change.  

Let me just put that out there right away.
Yet, I know change is inevitable in life.
So, I was excited to have the opportunity to read Kristen Strong's new book Girl Meets Change, because I hoped I could glean some nugged of wisdom or insight from this book.
I was right.

Kristen's story was a wonderful one to read. As a military wife, her adult life has been filled with relocations and all the changes that go with that. She shares her thoughts, insights, and wisdom regarding accepting and adjusting to change as it presents itself in one's life.  Change even when we are the ones who initiate it, can be stressful and unnerving. Acknowledging that change isn't easy, especially when waiting for direction, Kristen shares:

Wait time isn't dead time; it's time spent awake and alive to all God wants to show and give us. p.105 

Throughout the book, Kristen does more than focus only on change.  I appreciate what she shares regarding gratitude.  To me, gratitude is such a critical part of life.  Through the story of a family medical emergency, finding herself in a waiting room with no windows, Kristen shares this reflection:

When we look around our windowless rooms and aren't sure what to do, we say what we're thankful for out loud because that forces light through the densest walls. p.113

As many times, and in as many ways as I have thought about gratitude, and taught about gratitude, I had never thought of it in this way.  I am appreciative of this new insight.

When visiting with her son about gratitude and optimism, the wisdom her son shows is precious:

So it's not about having an optimistic attitude when it comes to gratitude. It's about having a God-timistic one. Ethan, on p.116

The importance of friends as one goes through change is unquestionable one of the most important aspects of thriving, not just surviving such circumstances.  A good portion of the book addresses this specific need.  My eyes filled with tears as I read these words, overflowing with wisdom:

...the blessing of a good friend: they outlast the protests. They stick close and refuse to let their friend go through their change alone. They see through all the "I'm fine" and "I'm good" statements to the heart of the matter and help where they can. p.159

I always like when a book can be read as though you're sitting down with the person, who has become a friend in sharing their heart, enjoying a cup of coffee with them. This is one such book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review of it. Affiliate links are present in this post. 

My friend, Kristen

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."  

                       -- Coco Chanel 

My friend Kristen used this quote as her senior quote in our yearbook.  I've been thinking about this quote in the past few weeks, and how well these words played out in Kristen's life.  

Kristen died at the beginning of this summer. 

Kristen was one of my oldest friends. Her family moved to town when we were in high school.  We became fast friends, both of us being involved in many of the same activities at school.  My family  lived in the country, so there were many times after school I needed a place to "hang out" until I could catch a ride home, or until an evening activity would begin.  Kristen's house became that place. Her parents, Alan and Marti, were so welcoming, and her two sisters, Amy and Carrie, were generous to share their space as well.  

Kristen and her family were genuine and passionate about living their lives for Christ, and sharing Him with everyone they encountered.  I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with them: going to aerobics classes with Marti and Kristen, early morning Bible study and devotionals, sharing fresh, homemade whole grain bread (what we affectionately referred to as "Marti bread") with delicious meals prepared with love, getting ready for prom and other dances --- all those things that go along with being teenagers.  

After we graduated from high school, Kristen and I continued our friendship, although our lives started to take different turns.  Kristen and Steve were married that first year after graduation and began working in different jobs and ministry positions, always finding ways to share their love and lives in Christ with others, in several states, including Hawaii. (I know -- Hawaii!)  Meanwhile, I college-hopped and graduated with my teaching degree, and continued my education to get my administrative certification.  Throughout all this time, Kristen and I kept in touch, originally through old-fashioned letters, then we grew into the then-new-fangled thing known as e-mail, and then of course through Facebook and texting.  We didn't get to see each other too often, generally when she and Steve would be in Nebraska for family gatherings with the McHargue family, we'd try to squeeze in a quick lunch or couple hours on the couch to visit and get caught up. But we found that although our time was limited to visit in real life, our friendship, planted and grown in the Lord, continued to grow and flourish. 

My friend was an amazingly strong woman, fighting health issues for many years. Health issues that often baffled her doctors and care team, and issues that had claimed the lives of other patients much earlier than how long Kristen was battling them.  We were shocked when her beloved husband Steve was called to his heavenly home unexpectedly a few years ago.  I marveled at the peace and grace with which Kristen and their kids handled that time.  When I talked to her following Steve's death, she explained how the peace of Christ had just surrounded her, blanketed her from the moment of his passing.  

When Corin and Marti each posted in May that Kristen was in the hospital, I think most of us thought it would be a few weeks, and she'd be out, as had been the case so many times.  But I soon started to realize and feel this time was different.  Marti posted on June 7 that Kristen had been reunited with Steve in Heaven.  As much sadness as filled my heart, there was an equal amount of joy and peace knowing that Kristen's earthly struggle was done, that she was now celebrating in the presence of the Lord, where she will be for eternity.  

There's peace in knowing that. 

But in the last six weeks or so, there have been so many things I've thought of about Kristen.  What I've learned from her, what I miss about her, what I remember about her.  Here's my partial list:

*Live wildly, boldly for God.  All out.  All the time.  

*Love others, where they are, pray for them, and share Christ with them. 

*Live creatively.  Kristen designed spectacular dance costumes, sewed wonderful gifts, found ways to bring color and flair (and bling) to her world in beautiful ways.  Even her handwriting was creative and beautiful. 

*Be generous.  Our birthdays were just four days apart, so when her family invited me out for birthday dinner one year, I wanted to share the "spotlight" with her - but she insisted on unselfishly, lavishly, generously celebrating ME.  How many teenagers do that?! 

*Be inviting.  Kristen and I became friends even with differences in our religious traditions and practices.  In a community that sometimes seemed to separate friendships based on where and how you worshiped God, we became friends anyway due in large part to Kristen and her family being open and inviting to share in their lives.  

I see Steve and Kristen in Corin and Izzy in every picture they post on Facebook or Instagram. In their smile, in their eyes, in the comments or story they tell of their adventures. In how they are continuing the work for Christ that was begun generations ago in both families.  I love these things about these two "kids" - that even though they may not recognize me if we were to meet in person, that they keep me connected with their family. A family I deeply love. 

I purchased a James Avery ring with a cross design a few days after Kristen's death.  She was the one who originally introduced me to his jewelry.  I wear this ring as a reminder to live boldly for God, and to keep the memory of my friend with me.  

Because, now, six weeks later, I still miss my friend.  

On Friendship: My wedding gift to Susan and Rick

It's not a surprise or newsflash to say that friends are important in life.
I've been blessed with amazing, faith-filled friendships throughout my lifetime already.  A few friendships going back 30 years or more include those with whom I went to grade school and graduated with in high school.  After almost thirty years, some of these people are still my friends because we have chosen to continue our simple friendships begun "back in the day".  Of course, Facebook and other technology helps us stay in touch.  Some of my friends have been people I started to connect with while in college.  Commiserating over common situations like roommates, classes, tests, (and in many cases) recitals allowed us to share more of ourselves with those we choose.  Church and other faith groups provide incredible opportunities for friendships.  Due to the nature of some jobs, coworkers can become friends when responsibilities are shared and time is spent together.
One of my friends is getting married today.  Susan is a friend I first met during my first year teaching.  If I remember back correctly, I was the only new teacher hired the year I started at my first job, so all the other teachers knew each other already since most of them had taught together for many years. As is the case in most schools (and other job situations, I've come to realize), birds of a feather flock together, so the elementary teachers worked very well together, specialized staff members connected, and of course, coaches just "clicked".  After one of the home football games that fall, several teachers got together after the game, and they invited me.  Susan was there, and although we had greeted each other at school and such, she always ate with "the coaches", so in my mind, I had her pegged as one of those athletic-y people who probably wouldn't chat much with a new music teacher.  Wow, was I wrong.
During the course of the past twenty-some years, Susan has become one of my most treasured friends.  As I've been thinking about her this morning, knowing she is preparing for such a happy, joyous day, so many memories have been coming to mind.  Good times and other times....oh my.  So many fun, funny, silly moments: road tripping to Farm Aid, creating a song-and-dance to "Mack the Knife" when we couldn't afford a gift for a friend, our inside story of "She'll be comin' 'round the mountain when she comes" (which still cracks US up anytime we tell it, even though others just kind of smile and nod), concerts, programs, shopping trips including our much-loved annual "weekend o'fun" with our friends Carol and Linda, house-sitting for Jim and Julie in St. Augustine, sharing recipes.....all those things of friends.
Our families have created connections as well:  me being blessed and fortunate to travel to Charleston on vacation and meeting her beautiful mother and her cherished Dad, spending time with her siblings and their families, travelling from Charleston to Florida in the backseat of the car between her kids, us staying with my aunt and uncle on a different trip to Florida (where we discovered the rare but dangerous bird "swooptisaurusgitanticus"), holidays, weddings, graduations, receptions, and funerals.
One of the most difficult things I've experienced was when Susan's previous husband Jim was going through cancer.  Susan and Jim were not married long when his diagnosis came.  Seeing their faith, their commitment, their love not just endure that painful journey, but grow and be deepened, touched me greatly.  I remember, with sadness and tears coming to my eyes even now, what a privilege it was to observe that, and to help her through those difficult days following his death.  Although a strong soul, my friend needed me, and I am grateful I was able to be there for her, and so humbled to honor her late husband in that way.
As things go, life moves on. Life has happened. Through different situations, I've moved a couple times since then, she's moved as well.  I've had different jobs.  She's been blessed with gorgeous sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and is so taken by her adorable grandbabies.  I've gotten married, and have had (yet) another new job.
Life has gotten busy, but we've stayed connected.
So I was so happy for her....no, wait....happy's not right....I was thrilled, ecstatic, elated when I found out she and Rick had gotten engaged. I was happy when I knew she had found someone special, but since then, and with this big event?  Thrilled, ecstatic, elated are closer to what I felt.  And what I feel knowing today is their special day.
Susan is the kind of person who puts people at ease, she has blessed so many people with her smile, her warmth, her friendship. Scores of people call Susan their friend. Today there will be many people celebrating the love that Susan and Rick share. Knowing the road she has traveled to get to this day makes the celebration that much sweeter.  I am glad that I will get to hug her kids, her sisters, her friends as we all enjoy each other's company, and the goodness of God that surrounds us.

Susan and Rick: On this, your special day, I am sending up simple prayers of praise and thanksgiving to our Lord for his blessing over your life you begin as one today.  I know I join with many, many, many other friends and family members in rejoicing in God's abundance and goodness for you.  I know there is a great celebration of your loved ones in Heaven today, and our hearts here on earth join with theirs in wishing you all happiness, riches, and love as you celebrate today and begin to live together as husband and wife.  

All my love, congratulations, and best wishes --- 

Amy    

The Beauty of Grace (A book review)

I received a copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my opinion.  Affiliate links are present.   

For the past few years, I've been following several bloggers and bloggers whose words tend to resonate within my heart.  A new book has just been released which features several of these writers.  Dawn Camp has created a collection of writing from some of my favorite contemporary women.  "The Beauty of Grace" is this recent release, and you can get to know Dawn here.
I love me some good girlfriend time.  Time to get together, kick off your shoes, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of tea, and get real.  This book is like girlfriend time in print.  If I could collect up some of the most loving, generous, real writing going on today, there's no way I could have done better than the amazing job Dawn did putting this book together.  These ladies?  They're the real deal.  Their stories are honest, encouraging, forward, real.  Although I have never met any of these women in real life, their writing helps me imagine that if I were to, in fact, meet them some day, an easy friendship would develop, based on the openness and vulnerability they share in their writing.
The topics these ladies write on? Topics with which I believe every woman is challenged. I mean, who hasn't (or doesn't) struggle with purpose, surrender, trust, encouragement at some time?
As a compilation book, each entry is relatively brief.  (Think "Chicken Soup for the Soul" here.) This feature makes it really easy to pick the book up during those few free minutes we may find here and there.  While I was reading each entry and would come to the end of it, I found myself thinking, "Oh, that was my favorite one."  Then, sure enough, I'd read another entry, and the same thought would come to mind.  And on, and on, and on.
This book is a great choice for any woman needing to be encouraged.  Or challenged.  Or assured.  Or needing girlfriend time.
Like I said, this is the best example of girlfriend time in print I've ever seen.  I have a feeling I will be ordering additional copies to have as gifts for my girlfriends when we can't be face to face.

It's Not Who You Know (A book review)

I received a copy of this book from Revell, a division of the Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my opinion of the book.

Everyone has a different idea of success. For some, success means having a fat bank account.  For some, success means people recognize your name.  For some, success means earning a particular title or position at their place of work. Finally, for some, success means being surrounded by a happy, healthy family.
Pat Williams, with Jim Denney, explores all these ideas and more, in his book "It's Not Who You Know, It's Who You Are".  Subtitled "Life Lessons from Winners", this book contains five major subject areas: success, leadership, family and friends, impact and influence, and becoming a person of influence.
This is a great book that is made up of brief lessons to be learned from many people.  Drawing from the examples and wisdom of individuals such as Walt Disney, Paul Simon, Martin Luther King Jr., Rudy Giuliani, and Tony Dungy, this is absolutely a delightful and insightful read.
What I appreciated about this book is the fact that I could easily share it with students in my Leadership class at school. The lessons discussed are brief and concise, with most between one and three pages.  This fact will make adding it to my teaching library a logical choice.  Additionally, I appreciate how strong character and right choices are emphasized, regardless of what area of expertise is being discussed.  For instance, I may not always fully understand what's being discussed from an NFL coach's perspective when discussing football plays, but I can easily grasp the wisdom of life lessons that are taught and learned on the football field.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. I don't know that I would have picked it up otherwise, but I am glad to now recommend it to others!

Give Me Grace

John 1:15-17 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, 

“This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, 

because he was before me.'”) 

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 

For the law was given through Moses; 

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-inspirational-bible-verses-about-grace/#ixzz3JvKEMhni

“Grace, then, is grace,

–that is to say, it is sovereign, 

it is free, it is sure, 

it is unconditional, 

and it is everlasting.” 

~ Alexander Whyte

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-inspirational-bible-verses-about-grace/#ixzz3JvKi48sM

Linking today with Give Me Grace with Lisha Epperson. 

Prescription for Life (Book review)

I received a copy of Prescription for Life from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my review of the book.  Affiliate links may also present in this review.

We need to do better for our health.
We need to do better with our exercise and lifestyle choices.
We need to do better with our eating choices.
We know all these things.
Maybe we've heard these things from our spouse, or children, or parents.
Maybe we've heard these things from our doctor.
Maybe we've even tried to make some changes.

 
The book Prescription for Life, by Dr. Richard Furman, was an informative read.
As a vascular surgeon, Dr. Furman approaches the topic for better living from a unique perspective.  Focusing on weight, eating/food choices, and maintaining an active exercise/lifestyle plan, the book contains many helpful tips and hints for starting on the path to making changes to lead to a healthier lifestyle.
This book is full of examples from Dr. Furman's years of medical practice.  There are stories of people who successfully changed their lives for the better.  There are stories of people who chose not to make changes in their lives.  There are stories of people who made healthier choices for some time, but then chose to go back to what their previous habits had been.
Woven within all these stories are medical facts and explanations that are difficult, if not impossible, with which to argue.  Dr. Furman shares his knowledge authoritatively, yet with an underlying sense of urgency and sincerity being conveyed.  Additional topics such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer are also addressed.
In a way, reading this book felt a little bit like "everything you wanted to know about living healthy but were afraid to ask" given all the information that is shared.  If you don't have access to your own personal vascular surgeon, Dr. Furman's book provides a great opportunity to find answers to so many things we know we need to do, but maybe haven't done.
Yet.

Everlasting Light (New Dayspring Products!)

I've started to notice one word coming up in my life quite a bit lately. 
Light. 
I've been picking up on this for a couple weeks now.  
First, in an email message.  Then in a daily Scripture email that arrives in my inbox each morning. Then at Mass. Then on the radio. 
Now, I have moments of incredible brilliance.  Really.  Believe me. I do. 
But once in a while, I need to be reminded of a particular point a few times. 
Or, sometimes, more than a few times.  
More like lots of times over the course of a couple weeks.  
I have moments of spiritual blindness.  Really.  Believe me.  I do. 
But I am so grateful for God's gentle goodness to help me see what He's trying to call me to. 
In this case? 
Light.  
We hear the word so many times throughout the Bible. 

• Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.  Psalms 119:105 
• You will succeed in all you do, and light will shine on your path. Job 22:28 
• The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.  John 1:5 

I love that in some Scripture passages, when the word "light" is used, it is referring to God.  In some passages, Jesus is the Light.  In other passages, WE are called to be the light, and to bring the Light to others.

Light is where the "good stuff" is.  We are called into the light of life that Jesus claimed for us through his death and resurrection! 

It has been said that the light from a single candle can be seen from two miles away.  I've never set that experiment up to test it for sure, but I think the point it well taken that light will break through darkness.  Good will prevail.  We are called by Christ to let our light shine.  I love the verse inscribed on this ring from Philippians 2:15: "You will shine like stars..." 

 

This ring is part of the Everlasting Light collection from DaySpring.  Don't you love that name?  

I am fortunate that our home is situated outside of any town or city, which allows us to see the stars on any clear (or relatively clear) night.  I never cease to be amazed at the vastness of the sky, filled with stars.  The Bible says that God calls each star by name.  With all the billions of trillions of stars in the sky, God knows every.single.one.  
To borrow a phrase from my teenage years, that blows my mind.  Really.  
In the same way that God calls each star by name, each of us are called to let our light shine as well.  To bring Christ, the Light of the world, to this broken world of today in which we live.  

So even though it takes me a while to "get it" sometimes, I have loved God's reminders of light -- to be light, to live in the light, to let my light shine.  
I think I get it now, Lord.  Really.  Believe me.  I do. 


This post contains images and my opinion on the Everlasting Light Collection from DaySpring.  I received a gift from them in exchange for my review of these products.  Affiliate links are present.  

The Woman Code (Book Review)

NOTE:  I was provided with a copy of Sophia Nelson's newly published book The Woman Code from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my review of it.  In addition, affiliate links are present in this blog post.

Something's going on.
Within my heart.
Ever get that feeling?
Nothing major, mind you. I'm not talking changing jobs, or locations, or anything like that.  I'm very happy in my physical space and in my life situation right now.
I love my husband.  I'm enjoying my job.  I have hobbies and interests I enjoy.
But still.....there's something.
This last book I read?  It touched on that "something" within me.

Women live by an inner "code", according to author Sophia Nelson in her new book The Woman Code (see it here).  This code is actually a combination of a number of codes which fall into five major categories: Personal Codes, Emotional Codes, Spiritual Codes, Professional Codes, and Relational Codes.
I have always enjoyed self-improvement books, methods, resources.  As a result, several of the ideas contained within this book I have heard before, but not in this way.
Sophia Nelson takes examples and personal incidents, and shares them in wonderfully beautiful ways to help us, the readers, understand what she is helping us learn.  The examples of Donna and Janet in "Know Your Value" are examples that, I believe, will resonate with every woman.  When we can look at this third-party instance, we realize the impact our understood value as girls has created us to be the women we are today.  Additionally, her grandmother's reminder to "never cut what you can untie" is a poignant reminder to keep the right doors open in our lives.  In the same Code, she helps us understand when to "cut" and when to "untie" to best serve the needs and times in our lives.
One part of this book that was a little overwhelming was the number of Codes Nelson introduces (twenty of them!).  However, once I got into this book, I saw how they were easy to group together under the major Code areas.  Although they were each separate, they were all interwoven with one another which made it easy to continue to read and grow from her writing.
An added bonus to this book is the Study Guide that is included as part of this book.  This is going to be an invaluable resource as I go back to study and learn the Woman Code in more instances in my own life.
That feeling of something going on?
Are you feeling it now, too?

Breathing Room (Book Review)

I was fortunate to receive a copy of Leeana Tankersley's upcoming book Breathing Room from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. In exchange, I am offering my thoughts on the book.  

Normally, I am a relatively fast reader.
I've always enjoyed reading, and am able to read and process material pretty quickly.
When I started Leeana Tankersley's new book Breathing Room, I figured I'd get through it within a day or two.  After all, it wasn't that long a book (just over 200 pages), and written in part as a memoir, I thought the story would move at a nice, brisk pace, allowing me to be done with the book in a brief period of time.
I soon learned Leeana's story, and her magnificent insights, would not be such a quick read.

 Within the first few pages of this book, Leeana drew me in to her world, in to her life.  I could imagine her life as a new mom, married to a Navy SEAL.  I could picture her struggles and challenges as she worked to put together their life in Bahrain.  I could imagine the scents and smells of the cities she described.
I could relate to the Come Aparts.  The Brain Vultures.
I couldn't bring myself to skim through her story.  I didn't want to miss out on how she handled the Hard, when it came around.  I didn't want to miss any of her wonderfully worded insights.  Beautifully phrased thoughts, like:

We are both lost and found.  And no matter where we are on the road home, we are loved.  That's it.  

I couldn't breeze through the chapter called "Saying No to Bad Pants."  

And, I mean - an author who quotes Dr. Seuss and Henri Nouwen within five pages of each other?
Brilliant.

With each story shared, I found myself wanting to talk with Leeana.  I also found myself feeling ashamed of the times I've judged other women at first glance, without knowing their real stories.  Yet I found a new appreciation and respect for women who deal with emotional and mental health issues from which they take on and work to rise above every day.  A new tender spot in my heart developed for these women after reading this book.

I love reading books like this, where real women share their real struggles.  In her vulnerability, in sharing her ups and downs, in her honesty, in opening up with her weakest moments, Leeana helped me realize our struggles and challenges are shared.  We can relate to one another, understand one another, when we allow ourselves to open our hearts to each other, but mostly, when we invite God to "sit down on the floor with us" and come into the Hard with us.  When we give ourselves permission to just rest in Him.
To realize we can be blessed, but still struggle.
To see life can be hard, but it is beautiful.
To know it's OK to do what we need to do to take care of ourselves, to give ourselves breathing room.

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days (A review)

I received a copy of Holley Gerth's new book What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  

And honestly?  

I love it.  

Because really? 

There are days I get home from school, and the only thing I can think of is cutoff jeans, a fresh glass of water, and just simply putting my feet up.  

Ever have days like that?  Maybe not even one of *those* days, but a day when life just wears on you?

If so, you are going to relate to this book in a second.  

Have you read any of Holley's writings before? 

She has this fantastic way of writing that makes you feel like you're sitting down with a dear friend.  A sister, an aunt, or that wise friend with whom you love spending time.  

I've not yet met Holley in person, but from all I gather about her and read of her in her books, on Twitter, on Facebook, she's the real deal.  

She cares about helping women know their worth in Christ, but perhaps more importantly -- she helps women know Christ.  

Presenting ideas that we know that we know, Holley gives gentle reminders to us of how God is working in our lives, of what God has done and is doing for us, every moment of every day.  

This book contains 52 short reflections, and includes space with guided questions for personal journaling for each reading.  My first thought when I saw the number of readings, was, of course, one each week.  But it's not that easy  

I.Can't.Put.It.Down! 

And I can't stop thinking of how many hearts will be blessed by this book.  

Thank you Holley Gerth and Revell Books for the opportunity to read this book and offer my review!  

Blog Hop

I am so glad to have been asked to participate in a Blog Hop. Not familiar with it? My friend Amy Boyd, who lives in Alabama and writes at Living in Harmony invited me to take part in this activity. 

She linked to my blog from hers, making it easy for people to "hop" from her blog to mine. I hope you will continue the hopping when I introduce my friend Kristen to you in a short bit.

As part of this Blog Hop, I've been asked to respond to the following questions. I feel I need to include a small disclaimer at this point: These are great questions to ask people who I would consider to be real writers. I struggle with really calling myself a "real" writer. I'm just posting some thoughts from my little corner of the world. So - that being said - here are the questions and my responses:
1. What am I writing or working on? At this point, I am putting thoughts together to write something later this week about summer coming to an end, the start of the school year, just general ramblings.
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? Hmmm, my best response for this is simply -- it's mine! I don't set out to write posts like anyone else, nor do I try to *not* be like anyone else. I just.....write.
3. Why do I write what I do? Sometimes it's just a way to get something off my chest. Sometimes it's to help me sort through something myself. Sometimes it's in response to something I've read or seen. Always - it's just to share what's on my heart.
4. How does my writing process work? OK - seriously - this makes me laugh. A process?? Good one. But, OK. With most of my posts, I've just sat with my laptop, tapping out my ideas, then hit the little orange "publish" button. Once in a while, I will sit with what I've written and go back and amend it as needed.
So that's it. That's how I write.

So now the fun part: I get to introduce you to a good friend of mine who agreed to take part in the Blog Hop.  Her name is Kristen McHargue, and she is one of the real life friends I've had for the longest time in my life.  I met Kristen wayyyy back in the day when her family moved to my hometown.  We became fast friends, and I am so grateful that the Lord has maintained our heart connection throughout the past almost 30 years.  
She is an amazing woman.  I know that word "amazing" is used almost to the point of abuse these days, but truly, that word fits Kristen.  Marrying her high school sweetheart Steve, giving birth to their son Corin, opening their hearts to welcome their daughter Izzy, Kristen and her family had incredible adventures: living in Hawaii, sharing the Gospel literally around the world, pouring their hearts and lives into countless young people to inspire them to live full-out for God.  In the midst of these adventures, they have endured hardships and hurts that would have flattened others of lesser faith: hospital stays, debilitating and life-threatening illness, the sudden death of her beloved Steve.  Yet to talk with Kristen today (something that doesn't happen NEARLY enough for me!), what is evident is her faithful trusting walk with her Lord.  In all her creative, whimsical, thoughtful, beautiful ways, Kristen is a daughter of the King.  You will love her, just as I do.  Do yourself a favor, hop over to Kristen's blog.  She writes at A Divergent Life: Living Out of the Box.   

Summer baking....just add zucchini!

Normally, in the middle of July, there's not much baking going on at our house.  It's hot. I don't want the oven on. I don't want to be standing guard over the oven. I'd rather be downstairs in my sewing room, away from the heat.
But yesterday and today have been unseasonably cool.  In fact, new record low temperatures of 50 degrees were set last night.  Our high temperature yesterday and today is only in the mid-70's.  So I have taken advantage of this cooler weather, and abundance of garden produce, to get some baking done.
It seems everyone has zucchini from their gardens right now.  Including us.  I keep telling Dave to quit going to the garden, because every time he comes back to the house from being out there, he brings in more zucchini and more cucumbers.  And this is after I've picked things already!  But we love our garden produce.  I chose to plant zucchini this year because of the versatility of it. I love it plain.  Dave likes it breaded and cooked.  I like being able to bake side dishes with it, as well as breads or other treats.
So - due to the high production of my plants in the garden, I'm on a quest for yummy, tasty ways to use zucchini.  This is what I've found so far.

I started last night with Parmesan-encrusted zucchini served with chicken for dinner.  I found the recipe here after a friend posted a link to zucchini recipes on my Facebook page.  The dish ended up similar to lasagna, and was delicious.  Dave said part way through dinner, "You could make this again anytime."  It's a winner.
While I was searching around for dinner ideas, I came across a number of recipes for cookies and brownies and other tasty-sounding treats. I did make two batches of cookies this afternoon: Chocolate fudge zucchini cookies, and Zucchini applesauce oatmeal cookies.

I have to be honest, when I made a chocolate zucchini cake a couple weeks ago, I didn't think the difference in using zucchini would be THAT big of a deal.  Oh.My.Goodness.  I thought wrong!  It made such a rich, moist cake.  So when I saw this recipe for the chocolate fudge cookies, I thought they might end up with a pretty good taste.  Ho.Ly.Cow.  Honestly, I don't know when I've had a cookie this chocolaty, moist, and just doggone GOOD lately.  It has been an exercise in self-control with these bad boys in the kitchen for the past hour or so.

The applesauce oatmeal cookies are equally yummy, but in a completely different way.  They are a more coarse textured cookie.  The ingredients include oatmeal, applesauce, and zucchini (obviously!), but also raisins and chocolate chips.  I was telling my mother-in-law about this recipe, and I joked that I think they could almost be considered a health food given what's included.

My 2 suggestions for zucchini:
1.  Blot out excess moisture before cooking/baking.  I've been going through a lot of paper towels, but it definitely makes a difference in how the food turns out.
2. If you live in a small town, lock your car doors when you get out of your car so it won't be as easy for your generous neighbors to dump, er, share their zucchini mother lode with you. :)
Enjoy!