Life or Something Like It

Well, here I sit at 11:30 at night trying to recuperate from the day. Ballgame at 9:00 this morning which wasn't so bad. I did find a tree to hibernate under to get out of the heat. But the game at 2:00 this afternoon was another story-heat that totally left me drained of energy. But when I looked up to see 4 kids covered in mud from the top of their heads to the bottoms of their feet I really felt totally defeated. The manager of the ball park told them they could run in the sprinklers to stay cool. But, when the sprinklers were turned off, the little darlins' decided to just roll in the mud. Can you imagine 4 little mud pies walking to the car--with upholstered seats. Welllllllllllllllll you can imagine my temperature rising (and not just from the summer sun). I took the darlins' home and hosed them off before I let them come into the house. Now, I can just hear your thoughts--"that's mean, how can she do that to kids?" Just remember they had been running through water for fun. But you are right, you would have thought I was killing them. I once read that "whatever don't kill you will make you stronger" so I think me and the kids are getting stronger every day.

Until next time just be glad you are not on the edge. Ain't life grand!!!!!!!

Unburdened by Chris Tiegreen

This book was a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

This book details how to live an unburdened life by "letting go and giving your worries to God." I found this book to be encouraging because I too often have trouble giving my fears and burdens over to Him. I know this is what God wants us to do and even commands it--it is difficult to do. Tiegreen's suggestions and anecdotes will help me to remember that He is always ready to take my cares but I must first give them to Him.

As Tiegreen states at the beginning of the book, "The unburdened life is less about getting rid of our baggage than about carrying our loads with ease". This book does not teach us how to get rid of responsibility or become detached and uncaring about what is happening to us and our loved ones. It will teach you how to take our cares to the One that is always waiting for us.

I will recommend this book to others because it is encouraging and should be on every bookshelf. I plan to return to the book oftn when I feel overwhelmed by life.

Lazy Summer Days vs Crazy Summer Days

A lazy summer day is lying in a hammock
drinking ice tea and reading a book.

A crazy summer day is trying to get five kids
to stop jumping on the furniture.

A lazy summer day is like a day in heaven
where even the dog will not be demanding

A crazy summer day is trying to feed the dog
while a cyclone of kids are running through the kitchen.

A lazy summer day is a day at the beach
with the warm sun and gentle breeze kissing your skin.

A crazy summer day is fighting the water the
kids are throwing out of the bath tub at an imaginery spider.

Although I dream of lazy summer days I have to face it my reality is more like the crazy summer days. But what good would a lazy summer day be without the kids to add spice to the days of our life.

I will have ample time for the lazy summer days when the kids are grown. Although by then I will be too old to climb into the hammock. Ah well, life is life after all.

Which would you choose? A lazy summer day alone or a crazy summer day with the boundless energy of kids around.

Maybe for just one day hmmm.....................................

Summer, Hot Dogs, and Baseball

Well friends, it has been a busy summer. With four kids in t-ball, baseball, and softball I have been running and running. Some nights I do believe I have met myself sometimes "running in all directions". There have been nights that I have had to be in three places at once. Don't ask me how but I have managed to get everyone where they needed to be at the time they were supposed to be there (o.k. sometimes one of the darlins' has been a few minutes late). Last weekend was the annual little league picnic. That meant three games at once plus (I don't know what I was thinking) I volunteered to help at a game. I must have been in the sun too long. You know a little heat stroke or brain dysfunction. Whatever, I did make it through all eight hours of being out in the sun amid all the screaming and running--I don't know what the kids did. Just kidding. I did push a little kid out of the small amount of shade under a tree. Hey, she was young and could handle the heat better than me. Besides the stroller stopped before it hit the water. People have got to learn--don't get between an old woman and a shade tree when the temperature is 95.

OK, time to feed my brood. I had three extra mouths to feed last night and just one to feed tonight so maybe my luck is changing.

Until next time friends, this is life on the edge.

Storm Warning by Billy Graham

"Tsunami kills thousands"
"Earthquakes rumble and wreak havoc for millions."
"Terrorists attack on U.S. soil."
"Largest oil spill un history."

Headlines grab our attention. Videos of disasters play on tv screens continuously. Every day we see or read about devastations the world over. Famines, wars, homeless, diseases that kill both the body and spirit of the world's peoples vie for our attention. As Billy Graham states in his newest book--"the hoof beats can be heard rushing toward us now."J30H63AW5

Mr. Graham, world renowned preacher and evangelist takes us on a tour of the biblical book of Revelation. Through the visions of John on the isle of Patmos, Mr. Graham explains the four horsemen and what each one represents. Through the journeys of the Israelites, we see what happened when God's warnings went unheeded.

God is warning us today to repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. If we do not heed these warnings we must face the consequences of our failures. According to Mr. Graham, much of the biblical prophecies are unfolding in the world today.

I have not really read Revelation because, to be honest, I was frightened by the symbolisms. But with Mr. Graham's explanation and clarity in his writing I will read Revelation because I see the good news for the sincere believer.

I will recommend this book to friends and family. It is a thought provoking and eye opening book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Summer is Here

Summer is here now. The kids are home for vacation and the house never gets cleaned as it should. I have had computer problems too so I am really living on the edge. I had to replace the computer but now maybe my sanity will return.

I hope to stay in contact with my blogging friends and hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. I was at the Gulf Coast last week and saw a lot of the effects of the oil spill. My prayers are with all the families involved and pray that this will soon be just a page in history.

Until next time------I am still living "on the edge". and sliding closer all the time.