Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Points Continued

So the "winter" camping outing was intended to be a fun get away with a hike. One wife listened to the weather forecast and decided that she did not need any uber-wife points (or frostbite, thank you very much) and stayed home. So then there were four (two couples) plus two (a wifeless adventurer and a grand kid).

To prepare I pulled out layer upon layer of clothing items and I whined a little, tried to come up with a good excuse for why it would be in Rob's best interest for me not to go.

He didn't budge and so finally I marinated the chicken he would cook for me over a campfire and packed my stuff.


We arrived at our campsite right about twilight. The state park offered haunted hay rides so I was able to listen to the howling of werewolves while I glanced around at the dark foreboding trees that surrounded our campsite.

Rob, on the other hand, was having a blast. Exhibit C and Exhibit D showing the putting up of the two man tent and the sweet little forehead light. His enthusiasm is pretty cute. But that kind of trashes his whole Mano a Mano image so I retract that statement.

Oh, there's still more...to be continued.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Gathers Points

Rob is kind of an outdoor Mano a Mano. Right now, as we speak -- figuratively because you may read this at an odd time of day and what I'm sharing wouldn't be true at that particular moment -- but I digress -- he is bow-hunting in 40 degrees and rain. Maybe it's warmer than 40, I'm only guessing but it isn't snow. Trust me, I know what snow looks like.

Exhibit A:

This weekend we got snow. In October. It only snows when the temp reaches freezing.

This weekend. I went tent camping with my husband.

Yes. On the same weekend it snowed I went tent camping. And hiking. Did I mention hiking?

A few of his backpacking buddies wanted to get together for a fun overnight mini-adventure and decided to ask the wives to come along. In their defense October is usually a very mild and perfect month to enjoy the slow ease into winter. But not this October. Winter happened with a vengeance.

We were an hour south of town and we didn't get the four inches of snow like we got at home. We got a smattering of flurries. But Exhibit B shows my insulated cup that held water the night before now holding ice.

to be continued......

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Hmmm Gene Pool?

This odd weekend coincidence totally cracked me up.

We have Pat and 23. Grandfather and grand-daughter. Do you see the resemblance?

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Aw Cheek Pinching Cute, Eh?

Do I have great lookin kids or what?

From left to right. 18. 22 (soon to be 23). Toad-Boy and his lovely wife who has no specific blog-nickname. Hmmm. I will call her Wife of Toad-Boy...or WT-B. (Which is equal to an unpronounceable symbol.)

Serials and Scenarios ~ Extraordinary ~ John Bevere

Summary:

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life--didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Here is a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”


About the author:

John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit his ministry website at www.messengerinternational.org.

My Review:

Extraordinary is a book that could revolutionize the way you think or leave you cold. It depends on how new John Bevere's information is for you. Many Bible teachers are sharing the same few key spiritual messages. This one is about living life abundantly and fully trusting God in the details. All the details including the willingness to be transformed. The message isn't a new one but Bevere shares unique insight and thoughts worthy of a few hours of time investment.

If you are struggling in your spiritual walk and wondering how you've gotten so dry or empty, Bevere's words might help you find the path to vibrancy. Many of us within the church read book after book, watch broadcast after broadcast and still refuse to do what God wants us to do... love Him with our entire hearts, souls, minds and strength. If this is your situation and you are not willing to believe God and trust Him with your obedience and yourself this book won't help.

Though not all folks from all denominations are going to be able to swallow all Bevere preaches, I believe the mature will be able to grab the value out of what is relevant and "right" with their particular party line without getting horribly twisted over details that they might not agree with.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Sound Bites.

Well. It's been a busy couple of days.

Birthday.

Drama.

Swine flu exposure.

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Rulings.



In a nutshell birthday menu...mango/raspberries/nectarines. Yum. Eggplant (from our garden) Parmesan. Yum. Cucumbers (last ones fresh from the vine)/tomato/mozzarella salad. Yum. All made by 22 who may be the Martha Stewart of her generation. A delightful family gathering, great presents, lovely sentiments and lots of laughter. Sigh. It was the best.

Drama does not need further explanation. Reality television visited 22's coffee shop, though.

Swine flu. 22 again. Worked on Saturday with someone diagnosed on Monday. But, looks like she missed it this time.

FTC ruling has nothing to do with 22. Ha.


Watch for the fancy disclaimer coming soon to this book/movie review site.
: )

(Temporarily let me just clearly state that I don't think I'm making a living via blogging...or walking around moulah, either.

But, I did get a free coffee the other day.

But, once again, that was a 22 connection. Maybe I should come up with a 22 disclaimer, too.

Serials and Scenarios ~Though Waters Roar ~ Lynn Austin

I haven't received a copy of this novel yet. But I'll be sure to check it out when it arrives.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Though Waters Roar
· Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Lynn Austin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction.

Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning.

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly, to be the arresting officer.

Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Though Waters Roar, go HERE