Spiritual Game Plan

Ryan has made me into a golf fan.  We always would root for Tiger Woods in the major tournaments and loved to see him dominating in his red shirt on Sundays.  We liked his focus and raw talent.  His daughter Sam was born a couple months before Molly.  So, we also had an interest in seeing glimpses of his family, too.  Because of the recent events in his life, golf this year won't be the same.  As one of his fans, he let me down.

We also like college football.  While we are, of course, Michigan State fans at heart, we follow other teams, too.  We like to watch the Florida Gators.  Tim Tebow is one of our favorite players because of his leadership and great playing on the field, but also because of his unwavering faith. 

These men are contrasting examples of those without and with their priorities ordered correctly.  Living Life in the Zone:  A 40-Day Spiritual Gameplan for Men by Kyle Rote Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew is a daily guidebook for men that want to order their lives God's way.  The book is full of motivating examples of famous men in sport that honored God by the way they love Him and their families.  The daily readings are both very practical and very specific.  All of a man's priorities:  God, marriage, children, friends, and career, are front and center in this book. 

As a woman, and also a wife, my opinion of this book is obviously somewhat skewed.  I thought the challenges to the reader cut straight to the heart.  It brings perspectives to a husband and father that he might not have previously considered.  I'll be placing this one suggestively on Ryan's nightstand!


I like the highly structured format of this book.  Daily, there are scripture references, questions for thought, and an assignment for life application, in addition to the discussion of the day's topic that is filled with examples and exhortations.  At the end of each of the forty chapters is a box to write praises and concerns.  This feature could serve as a kind of a mini-journal to review life issues. 

The writing is very readable.  If I were using this as a daily devotional, I would have a hard time not turning to the next chapter after finishing one.  That's how I felt as I read through it from cover to cover.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on my blog.

OX

Today while shopping at Target, Molly suddenly exclaimed, "That word says 'ox'!"  I looked in the direction she was pointing and saw this scene:

It took me a few seconds of scanning the shelves for a product containing the word "ox", but then I saw the Valentine decorations hanging from the ceiling.  Here's a closer view:

I found it amazing and hilarious that she spotted these from afar and recognized a familiar word.  I started teaching Molly a couple sight words a few months ago.  I decided to start with really useful and common words, for example, ox and vacuum.  She learned the word ox when I showed her one of her Sesame Street flashcards alongside two of her storybooks that just happen to contain ox.  (You can see these titles at the bottom of this post.)  She started pointing out the ox whenever we'd read one of these books or use her flashcards.  When we practiced words, I'd help her spell "ox". 

A couple weeks ago at storytime at Borders, Elaine, the leader, asked another little girl what her favorite animal is.  Sweetly, she replied, "A dog."  Next, she asked Molly, who answered, "Um... ox!"  Elaine very politely commented that Molly would fit right in in the 19th century.  I was somewhat shocked by Molly's answer because she absolutely loves her stuffed bear, bunnies and kitties (turkey, too), and is really interested in dogs and cats when we encounter them.  Having heard me recount this story, Molly loves to answer, "Ox!" whenever she's asked about her favorite animal because she knows it will get a laugh. 

I will never look at the sweet OXOXOXs written by Ryan's mom on card she sends the same way again! 

No Napping

This is the third day this week that Molly hasn't taken a nap.  It's been wonderful, BECAUSE.... she goes to bed by 7!  Molly has always been a deep napper.  I almost always would have to wake her up.  At about 18 months, I would let her sleep three hours.  Since then, I have decreased the length of her naps down to an hour and a half.  I'd then wait five hours until bedtime.  She was rarely ready for bed even then.  She'd party for about an hour, running out of her room, even with me consistently carrying her back repeatedly.  I'm sure some days she'll still need to nap, but I'm keeping her up as long as she's happy. 

Right now, she's hanging out by me using a pen and pencil.  The trick will be to still accomplish as much as I did during her long naps!  I'm planning to do my ironing after she's in bed tonight.  Hmmm, the dilemmas of a housewife/mom!

Abilene

Last weekend we took a road trip to Abilene.  Ryan made fun of me because given the opportunity, most people would travel to Austin or Dallas.  There isn't much in Abilene, but I am drawn to places like that.  I like to find the interesting in the ordinary.  Besides, I haven't been much west of where we live, and I wanted to see the landscape. 

The drive was 2 1/2 hours.  Beginning about 45 minutes from here, the land became hilly and had these unique tree-filled plateau formations.  The town of Abilene itself has around 100,000 people and is not very pretty.  There are some interesting attractions, like Fort Phantom Hill, ruins of an abandoned army fort and Frontier Texas!, an old west museum.  Our short visit didn't allow for trips to these places, but we'll be sure to put them on our agenda next time.  We did visit the children's museum that is part of the Grace Museum and the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature.  We were really impressed with the latter.  There is no admission charged, and we showed up in time for a free children's art activity.  There are visiting exhibits, and we heard that the Berenstein Bears exhibit would be coming soon.

According to Trip Advisor, the best place to eat in town is Harold's Pit BAR-B-Q.  We were a little taken aback by the appearance of the building and the neighborhood in which it sits, but we loved the brisket, flavorful sauce and especially the pan-fried corn bread nuggets.  They didn't contain any flour, so Ryan could enjoy them, too.  We had a nice time chatting with Harold as it was 4:00 in the afternoon, and business was slow.  This meal alone was reason enough to go to Abilene. 

The Mountain of God

I like to read the Bible online at youversion.com.  This morning, I read Exodus 24.  The chapter starts out as God says, "Come up to the Lord."  He is referring to a mountain when he says "Come up".  Later in the chapter, this is what it says:

Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself.
11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.
12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.”
13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God.

What was it like hanging out with God on the mountain?  Mountains feel like holy places.  There is something about their immense size that makes me feel so small and in awe.  For some reason, God wasn't standing directly on the mountain but was on a jewel-like material.  Interesting.  The author also tells us that God did not raise his hand against the people.  The assumption is that He would have been justified in doing so.  So, God had gracious intentions as he called the leaders to be with Him.  They saw God, and they ate and drank.  What was that like???  What did they eat?  Were they nervous and formal?  Or was it comfortable and celebratory?  I'm sure it was the latter.  In God's presence, I'm sure they experienced fullness and immense joy.  Then, God calls Moses up to the mountain alone, to stay there.  Wow!  To have the privilege of taking a solitary mountain climb sounds perfect to me right now.  This summer on our family trip to Wyoming, my parents watched Molly so Ryan, Tim and I could take a morning hike in the foothills of the Tetons.  The air was clean.  There was a stillness and calm that evaded everything.  I'm sure this is what Moses experienced but with God himself! 

While reading I was overcome with a desire for more intimacy with God and also with nature.  There is a nature center near here with 25 miles of trails, lots of wildlife and wetlands.  I need to make visiting this beautiful place a priority and make nature a constant in my life. 

White Horse

This is the first of my dad's birthdays that he's spending in heaven.  (He would have been 68 today.)  Molly and I headed out this morning to spend some time with my mom and brother - and to eat catfish in honor of Dad!  Shortly after leaving our house, Molly began throwing an abrupt and intense tantrum.  Trying to distract her, I pointed out the cows on the right-hand side of the road.  In turn, she told me that there were horses out the window.  I looked to the other side and saw several horses in a beautiful field (I've written about this sight before.)  There were horses of many colors and a couple gray burros, too.  As we continued driving, Molly said, "There's a white horse!"  I didn't recall seeing a white one.  I asked her if anyone was on the horse.  She said, "Yes."  "Who's on the white horse?"  I inquired.  "Papa.  Papa's on the white horse.  Papa's on the white horse."  I asked if he looked strong and happy.  She said, "He's feeling better!" 

While I'm sure that much of this image was in Molly's imagination, maybe it wasn't.  Maybe God gave her a glimpse of her beloved Papa doing something he fully enjoyed.  He did use the words of a toddler to increase my faith and show me His love on this day of remembrance. 

I'm thankful today for my two Fathers in heaven.

The Language of Love and Respect

As a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson publishers, I occasionally get a complimentary copy of a book to review on my blog.  A couple months ago, I requested one titled The Language of Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs.  I was excited to read this book because Emerson pastored the church I attended in Michigan.  Now he and his wife have a marriage ministry called Love and Respect.  Several years ago, Ryan and I attended one of his marriage conferences and read his first book entitled Love and Respect. 

For some reason, the book did not arrive within a month.  I contacted Thomas Nelson and was told that an error occurred.  They sent a new one out immediately.  Ironically, the book arrived just about the time Ryan and I started experiencing some difficulties in our marriage.  One of the major reasons for our troubles is that we misperceive each others' words.  This book is written to confront this situation head-on specifically stressing the communication differences between men and women.  It was previously released as Cracking the Communication Code.

I love the writing style of this book.  It is rich in principles, scripture references, illustrations and real-life examples from readers and marriage professionals.  The book begins with a "Short Course on Love and Respect" to familiarize new readers with the basic concepts of his first book and seminar.  The underlying principle is that husbands are commanded by God to unconditionally love their wives and wives to unconditionally respect their husbands.  He skillfully explains how husbands and wives can move from the "crazy cycle" and enjoy a richer marriage in the "rewarded cycle" by employing specific acts of love and respect, respectively!

The remainder of the book motivates readers to effectively communicate with their spouses with a goal of experiencing the "rewarded cycle".   Like in his first title, Emerson pulls from his Ph.D. studies in Child and Family Ecology to educate the reader on the differences between men and women, specifically in marriage and communication.  I find the writing very motivating, and the practical applications are helpful.  I especially like the basic premise throughout the book that your words need to be honoring and loving as an act of obedience to God and regardless of whether your spouse deserves it.  The wisdom in this book would benefit any marriage.  This is one worth reading!

I'm Not Waikiki!

Molly often pronounces the "L" sound in her name like a "W". This evening Ryan was teasing her that her name sounds like "Maui". He was making comments about her being Hawaiian. Then he said, "We should have named her Waikiki."

I'm amazed she processed what he said and instantly retorted, "I'm Maui; I'm not Waikiki!" It is probably the first time she's heard the word, and her pronunciation was perfect!

Random Pictures from my Phone

These are a couple pictures that I just uploaded from my phone. Dan and Katie, my cousins were here visiting this past week. Molly loved them! They all enjoyed playing with the 100 balloons Uncle Tim gave Molly for Christmas!

Texas Snow

It's a snowy Christmas Eve in Texas. It is beautiful and looks just like a midwest snowfall. Usually when it snows here, the temps hover around freezing and the snow doesn't last long. However, it's pretty cold, so it'll be around at least until the morning! No one has snow shovels or car scrapers down here! It is dark outside now, and there are snow crystals frozen on our front windows. It's beautiful!

Little Miss Chatterbox

Molly is at my very favorite age right now. I learn so much about her because she is talking so much. Now that her binky is gone, and temper tantrums don't bother me much (I usually ignore them), I love this stage! She started putting words together three weeks ago around the time my dad died. Ryan thinks it is a neat remembrance of this milestone- for her and for him. (I really believe it is a milestone for dad- he graduated to heaven!)

Some cute things she's said lately:

Yesterday morning, I told Molly that baby Joe and Xander were coming over later in the day. Molly recalled that the previous week Xander had left his toy train here. (I had put it away and hadn't mentioned the train in a week.) She said, "Xander forgot train. I'm sorry!"

A short time later, she was put in time-out. After two minutes were up, I asked her why she had received a time-out. She answered, "Stop touching mama's phone."

My phone was ringing, and she came to tell me, "Hear phone, mama. Go get it."

Molly can be a loud talker, especially when she wishes to say something embarassing. A male grocery employee was stocking a shelf. He had somewhat shaggy hair, but not long. Twice we walked by him as we shopped. Both times she yelled repeatedly, "What's lady doing, mama?" Oops!

A new house is being constructed next to ours. Workers were framing out the first floor. Molly was feeling outgoing and yelled to them, "Hi!" After no response she continued, "Hey! Hey guys!"

Driving today, I began singing "Twist and Shout!" After singing, "Shake it up baby now," Molly challenged me, "Oh, no shaking baby, mama."

At the grocery store, Molly got a free balloon. She played with it some but grew tired of it. When we returned to the car, she became interested in it again. She told me sweetly, "Thank you mama, getting Molly balloon." I love that she can be grateful and polite. It warms my heart.

Country music often reminds me of my dad and makes me cry. Today, Molly heard me and asked, "What's the matter, mama?" I told her. She then made some fake crying sounds and said, "I'm sad, too." It was both sweet and sassy!

Reminders of Dad

I've had glimpses of beauty lately that make me think of my dad. Of course it brings me to tears, but I'm joyfully remembering the things he loved.

Our neighborhood consists of new subdivisions surrounded by ranchlands and homes with small plots of land sometimes housing horses. Yesterday I noticed an old lone horse in a yard very close to our home. I looked for a minute and was amazed to see an antique bathtub near the fence with a hose poised above it. At our family's home in Michigan, my dad used a nearly identical tub for watering his horses. I smiled as I remembered him filling it.

At a beautiful hilltop, I occasionally see a herd of horses. They are varied in color, healthy and cause me to pause and enjoy. A few days ago, I saw just one shiny black horse running through the field. I thought of my dad, healthy and free in heaven.

A nearby ranch has rolling hills dotted with robust cattle. They are so peaceful, merely grazing and rhythmically swinging their tails. I love that sight. I know that my dad would love it, too. So, I stop and imagine he's standing with me enjoying the beauty.

Bye Bye Binky

Monday morning we had Molly throw away her binkies. She complied, but I don't think she understood the permanence of them being gone. I quickly took the trash out to the garage. Sure enough a couple hours later, she was in the kitchen looking in the trash! She has done a great job not whining or throwing temper tantrums about her binkies. At prayer time that night, she asked God for her binky! Cute! She also has been a little sad, crying softly while asking for her binky. I reminded her that her friends don't use binkies anymore, "Xander said, 'Bye bye binky'." "Ella said, 'Bye bye binky'." She seemed pretty content with this.

I'm proud of her, and she seems so grown up. I'm also relieved because the binky battle was becoming a pain! We restricted it to her bedroom, but she'd bring it out often, and we'd have to discipline her for it. I'm very happy to say, "Bye bye binky!"

Cooking with Jack Daniels

I recently started reviewing books on my blogs for Thomas Nelson publishers. The first title I chose was The Search for God and Guinness. Fittingly, I selected a Jack Daniel’s cookbook for my next review. My husband is worrying a little about my focus on alcohol… And to think that Thomas Nelson is a Christian publisher!

Having lived mostly in suburban Midwest and Texas, I felt like I was reading about the culture and food of a foreign people when I browsed the pages of the Jack Daniel’s Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook. Scattered among the recipes are stories of people, places and customs. Not to be missed is the history “Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House”, while I wish I had skipped “Possum and Sweet ‘Taters”!

The recipes themselves are a thorough collection of Southern favorites with modern adaptations and creations. While every chapter contains recipes calling for Jack Daniel’s Whisky, like Intoxicated Chicken, there are many dishes that are just representative of the food served in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. I am eager to try Lynchburg Lemonade (p.20), a spiked citrus drink. I also have dog-eared the page with instructions for Chocolate Souffle Cake (p.160), a flourless cake perfect for my gluten intolerant husband. I think I’ll skip the possum and just make the Tipsy Sweet Potatoes (p.74)!

Halloween

Sadly, my dad passed away last Friday. On Saturday, we celebrated his life with some close family members. Molly and her second cousin Ella went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. Molly was really cute as she said, "Trick-or-treat!" She very politely waited for candy. She wasn't sure what to do next but usually stood still smiling. She would sweetly say, "Thank you!"