Idaho Mom

11.06.2008

Doggie's Late Night Snack

I just finished setting up for Mauryn's birthday party tomorrow morning.

I crawled into bed, patting myself on the back for being one step ahead for tomorrow, when I hear a crunching sound coming from downstairs.

I quickly ran downstairs and what do I see.... my dog eating the popcorn balls out of the goodie bags! Cellophane and all - gone! GRR!

I am sure I will have some lovely surprise from my dog in the morning when his body rejects the five cellophane wrapped popcorn balls.

Maybe prepping the night before isn't worth it.

I don't generally need a deadline when it comes to books but I have had one book on my nightstand for eight months. Eight LONG months. I needed a little push to finish it so I start something new and find joy in reading again.

A few weeks ago, Jessica posted about a book giveaway. I saw this as a good opportunity to give myself the nudge to finish that other book.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read Sin Boldly. Honestly, it is probably a book I would have passed by in a book store. The title seemed a little daunting, a little deep, and a little intimidating.

I found Sin Boldly to be a delightful surprise. It was not daunting nor was it intimidating. It was an easy read in the sense that the stories are engaging and each chapter takes you on a new journey. I found that I could identify with the author and gained some insight on grace.

For as far back as I can remember I have struggled with feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness when I messed up. I couldn't imagine how God could forgive me since I could not forgive myself. For the most part, I have been a rule follower my entire life. On the scale of mess ups, mine aren't huge. The statement that struck me, that had me nodding my head in agreement, was "When I understood, in God's grace, that there was nothing - not a thing - I could do to make God love me any less or any more, when I understood that there was nothing wrong or right about who I am in God's eyes, that I'm just loved, I started to live. Boldly." We are sinners, we are going to mess up but we need to believe in God's grace and accept the grace that is given. We need to "live this life."

Thanks Jessica for the opportunity to read something I would normally pass over.

Who Doesn't Love Free Stuff

Starting today and each day for the rest of November, 5 minutes for mom is doing three weeks of giveaways. Head on over and check it out!

11.05.2008

Wordless Wednesday: Racing Cows

11.04.2008

FYI: New Family Online Network

Phil Vischer the creator of Veggie Tales will launch a new online network with games and videos that are family friendly with a focus on the bible and Christian values. You can sign up for a free one month trial after that month the cost is $2.99/month for access to the network.

The official launch date is tomorrow but there are games and videos up now. Morgan, Landon, and I explored the network a little bit this evening and they loved the games and the video.

Head on over and check it out!