My daughter and I went yesterday to purchase a new Bible for her. She had a pink Bible that just had the text and had been asking for something better. There is nothing more daunting than trying to decide exactly what kind to buy though. I studied what was out there and more than that, I prayed about it and finally decided on what to buy. There had been something within me that kept saying I 'ought to' get a hip, teen Bible for her. But I'm thankful I resisted that urge and found her a wonderful study Bible with lots of helps that will carry her into adulthood... especially since it doesn't have advice about boys and eye shadow amongst the pages.
When we got home, I got the privilege of showing her how to break in a new leather Bible. Someone told me this several years ago and I've used the technique on all my Bibles since. But I had not seen this info anywhere...until the other day I saw it in small print in the back of one of my old Bibles.. not the first place I would look for its care and keeping. And this new Bible has a website that I logged on to and it gave the exact same instructions. So I've gotten it verified in two places! LOL
Anyway.. here's what you do:
Hold the Bible with the spine on the table and the sides of the pages facing up. Begin by folding open the front and back covers and gently pressing them against the table while holding the rest of the pages up in middle still. Gather a few sheets from the beginning of the book and press them gently against the table near the binding (while holding the remainder of the pages 'up' still). Gather a few sheets from the end of the book and press them gently against the table at the binding (while holding the remainder of the pages 'up' still). Proceed gathering and flattening a few pages at a time from the beginning and the end until you have nothing left. The Bible should be folded open approximately in the Psalms when you are done.
Your new Bible is now broken in and ready to use. What this does is gently open the binding a little at a time rather than the first time you open it flat to Psalms or something and it cracks right down the center and ruins the binding the first time out of the gate. Like I said, I've used this technique on several leather Bibles and they've all held up well.
And now for a book marker tip... this is what I use. They last a pretty long time and I can position them at the exact spot I left off. I use them for all my reading. And they don't fall out! Very handy!
Breaking in my new Bible bindings works for me. For other tips and tricks, visit Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
a long time coming
Something happened Saturday night that was a long time coming. Something we had been waiting for. Sadly. (yes, get out your Kleenex for this one, ladies) It was one of those things that we didn't plan nor did we want to spring on her 'just to get it out in the open' when the time wasn't right. We just didn't know when the right time would present itself.
When Bub died, Boo had just turned 7 about two weeks earlier. She was very young. And the whole ordeal had taken it's toll on her, as well as us. We were so thankful that she was spared 'the death scene' in that he died in the night. And she has always been a good sleeper. so she didn't awaken in the night when the nurse arrived, or when he was taken from us. She awoke in the morning about 9am and came stumbling out of her bedroom in her usual manner. I hugged her and told her that Bub had gone to heaven in the night. She wanted to see his room. I guess when you're seven, you need a visual to set it in concrete. So I took her hand and we walked into his room and she looked at his bed. I had pulled up the covers so it wasn't so disheveled and looked more 'normal'. I pulled back the sheet and blanket. She looked and said ok. She cried, as was expected.
But then we had to decide some things pertaining to her. Just exactly how involved in everything were we prepared for her to be? That was a difficult question for us to answer. We talked to each other and to the minister who would perform the memorial. But most of all, I prayed about it. I had prayed about it before the moment 'to decide' came. And knew that she did not need to go see his body at the viewing or see the burial. So that's what we did. Everyone seemed supportive of our decision at the time. She stayed at home while we went to the family viewing time on Sunday. And then on the day of the memorial she went to a friend's house during the burial and then met back up with us for the memorial. I'm not saying this is the right choice for everyone out there. But it was the right choice for our girl at that time. He was in heaven and he was not hurting. Enough info!
But of course, that left her with some unanswered questions. Questions that only come with time. To be honest, I'm surprised she hasn't asked about these things sooner.
So Saturday night we were sitting in a booth at a restaurant after we placed an order when the conversation began. She related how a friend of hers went to a funeral and 'freaked out' at the things she experienced. (you know what I'm talking about here so I won't elaborate) And then she mentioned that she told her friend that her brother died and she did get to see those things. So the conversation began....
We did the viewing the day before. He was wearing a favorite pair of pajamas and holding hisblanket bonkie and his kitty. It was family only and you stayed with a sitter at home. Ahhhh.. she says. (So far so good.)
And then the next day, after the meal, you went home with so and so and that's when Mom and Dad and the family went to the burial. We didn't see him. Just the casket. The minister talked to us some, and then said a prayer. After we left, the people that work there got everything ready and did the burial. Ahhh... she says.
And then the tears came. She cried in her Daddy's arms. I sat across from her and buried my face in my hands and cried too. She and I both pulled it together as our food arrived and we enjoyed the rest of the meal. And then we headed out for a little bit of retail therapy. (this was planned before the discussion, btw) So new shoes, socks and shampoo in hand, we headed home.
She a little 'wiser' and all of us with heavy hearts.
When Bub died, Boo had just turned 7 about two weeks earlier. She was very young. And the whole ordeal had taken it's toll on her, as well as us. We were so thankful that she was spared 'the death scene' in that he died in the night. And she has always been a good sleeper. so she didn't awaken in the night when the nurse arrived, or when he was taken from us. She awoke in the morning about 9am and came stumbling out of her bedroom in her usual manner. I hugged her and told her that Bub had gone to heaven in the night. She wanted to see his room. I guess when you're seven, you need a visual to set it in concrete. So I took her hand and we walked into his room and she looked at his bed. I had pulled up the covers so it wasn't so disheveled and looked more 'normal'. I pulled back the sheet and blanket. She looked and said ok. She cried, as was expected.
But then we had to decide some things pertaining to her. Just exactly how involved in everything were we prepared for her to be? That was a difficult question for us to answer. We talked to each other and to the minister who would perform the memorial. But most of all, I prayed about it. I had prayed about it before the moment 'to decide' came. And knew that she did not need to go see his body at the viewing or see the burial. So that's what we did. Everyone seemed supportive of our decision at the time. She stayed at home while we went to the family viewing time on Sunday. And then on the day of the memorial she went to a friend's house during the burial and then met back up with us for the memorial. I'm not saying this is the right choice for everyone out there. But it was the right choice for our girl at that time. He was in heaven and he was not hurting. Enough info!
But of course, that left her with some unanswered questions. Questions that only come with time. To be honest, I'm surprised she hasn't asked about these things sooner.
So Saturday night we were sitting in a booth at a restaurant after we placed an order when the conversation began. She related how a friend of hers went to a funeral and 'freaked out' at the things she experienced. (you know what I'm talking about here so I won't elaborate) And then she mentioned that she told her friend that her brother died and she did get to see those things. So the conversation began....
We did the viewing the day before. He was wearing a favorite pair of pajamas and holding his
And then the next day, after the meal, you went home with so and so and that's when Mom and Dad and the family went to the burial. We didn't see him. Just the casket. The minister talked to us some, and then said a prayer. After we left, the people that work there got everything ready and did the burial. Ahhh... she says.
And then the tears came. She cried in her Daddy's arms. I sat across from her and buried my face in my hands and cried too. She and I both pulled it together as our food arrived and we enjoyed the rest of the meal. And then we headed out for a little bit of retail therapy. (this was planned before the discussion, btw) So new shoes, socks and shampoo in hand, we headed home.
She a little 'wiser' and all of us with heavy hearts.
Friday, January 16, 2009
because she inspired me
I read Donna's post this morning and it inspired me! I got out my WiiFit and gave it whirl. Right when we got it, we all took our turn on it everyday. And then life happened and it got pushed aside and you know what happened next. I haven't been on it in months.
I had been thinking I needed to do something. One of the first posts I ever did was about dieting and needing to lose weight. And I still do. As a matter of fact, I weighed 7.5 lbs more now than I did the last time I stepped on my WiiFit. ugh. Not to mention the things I can't even do anymore or worse yet.. my calculated 'age'. Double ugh. It's a discipline I've gotten out of the habit of and I need to get back into it again.
But not just the habit of stepping on the Fit. Discipline produces discipline. I know that since I worked up a sweat this morning and had to turn on my ceiling fan IN THE DEAD OF WINTER.. that I probably won't want to pig out at any point today. Isn't it cool how that works?! But not just for physical disciplines.. spiritual ones too. Everyone is making their resolutions of reading the Bible through or memorizing or whatever. And I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. It took me three years to read the Bible through. Some things I had read multiple times and other things not at all. So when I finally was able to cross off that last book, I was elated! God had taken me through the entire Bible.
I didn't know what my goals were going to be this year. I'd read a blog or two and come up with different ideas, but couldn't decide. Since I completed the Bible the first time, I had begun to be a willy nilly reader. And I had lost a lot of discipline in that area. And I had begun to rely on books rather than the Bible for a lot of my spiritual nourishment. (not that there is anything wrong with books, but they should supplement your diet... not be made up of it) I finally decided I would make a new 'list' and begin working my way through again. I am excited. I hope I make it through in less than three years. Whatever the length of time it takes me is ok. I know that He is filling me along the way. And I want reading and feasting on His word to be a pleasure, not a task to try to get done everyday.
So tomorrow, I hope to hop back on the WiiFit. And I also hope to spend even more time in God's word too.
I had been thinking I needed to do something. One of the first posts I ever did was about dieting and needing to lose weight. And I still do. As a matter of fact, I weighed 7.5 lbs more now than I did the last time I stepped on my WiiFit. ugh. Not to mention the things I can't even do anymore or worse yet.. my calculated 'age'. Double ugh. It's a discipline I've gotten out of the habit of and I need to get back into it again.
But not just the habit of stepping on the Fit. Discipline produces discipline. I know that since I worked up a sweat this morning and had to turn on my ceiling fan IN THE DEAD OF WINTER.. that I probably won't want to pig out at any point today. Isn't it cool how that works?! But not just for physical disciplines.. spiritual ones too. Everyone is making their resolutions of reading the Bible through or memorizing or whatever. And I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. It took me three years to read the Bible through. Some things I had read multiple times and other things not at all. So when I finally was able to cross off that last book, I was elated! God had taken me through the entire Bible.
I didn't know what my goals were going to be this year. I'd read a blog or two and come up with different ideas, but couldn't decide. Since I completed the Bible the first time, I had begun to be a willy nilly reader. And I had lost a lot of discipline in that area. And I had begun to rely on books rather than the Bible for a lot of my spiritual nourishment. (not that there is anything wrong with books, but they should supplement your diet... not be made up of it) I finally decided I would make a new 'list' and begin working my way through again. I am excited. I hope I make it through in less than three years. Whatever the length of time it takes me is ok. I know that He is filling me along the way. And I want reading and feasting on His word to be a pleasure, not a task to try to get done everyday.
So tomorrow, I hope to hop back on the WiiFit. And I also hope to spend even more time in God's word too.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
a haiku for you **updated**
Boo is doing a poetry unit at school. It's a change of pace and something a little more fun and imaginative. Part of the unit includes haiku writing. So to let you know that we here at the 'Wall' house have a little culture and class.... I present to you an original haiku-
Thank you..thankyouverymuch! She's a poet and she didn't even know it. Yeah I know.. I couldn't resist!
**updated**
So we found out that the haiku has to be about nature. Hmmm... How does this sound?
Yeah.. I didn't think so either!
Haikus can be fun
But sometimes they don't make sense
Refrigerator
But sometimes they don't make sense
Refrigerator
Thank you..thankyouverymuch! She's a poet and she didn't even know it. Yeah I know.. I couldn't resist!
**updated**
So we found out that the haiku has to be about nature. Hmmm... How does this sound?
Haikus can be fun
But sometimes they don't make sense
Emperor penguins
But sometimes they don't make sense
Emperor penguins
Yeah.. I didn't think so either!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
git'r done dinners
Some days getting dinner on the table is just a job. As much as we'd like to think otherwise, we just want to get it done.. or if you live in the south , git'r done! Some nights there may be time, energy and brain cells for fayn-cee meals. But then there are those other nights. I found these books at the book store and I love them for just that. One is called Desperation Dinners and the other one is called Cheap. Fast. Good. I think the titles say it all. These recipes are from scratch with healthy ingredients too. Yeah.. I know! They tell you step by step.. even from the frozen slab of meat.. to getting it on the table FAST. They also offer other tips along the way from getting the most from your warehouse style food store to whether fresh or from a jar crushed garlic is best for that particular recipe.
To see the website these two ladies have created, as well as pictures of their books, click here.
There are several recipes in these books that I love whether I'm in a hurry or not. Deee-lish. So if you're in a rush, check out one of these books. They work for me. Check out other tips at Rocks in My Dryer.
To see the website these two ladies have created, as well as pictures of their books, click here.
There are several recipes in these books that I love whether I'm in a hurry or not. Deee-lish. So if you're in a rush, check out one of these books. They work for me. Check out other tips at Rocks in My Dryer.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
the bad, the good and finding joy in the midst of it
This time of year holds a lot of memories for me. This is the time we found out something was wrong with Bubba. It took us over a week to get a correct diagnosis. I don't remember exact dates on this, since it was sort of a blur. But it was very early January. These things are nightmarish to 'regular parents'.. parents that haven't had to sit down and hear 'the odds' and then have to learn a new normal that's utterly indescribable.. So! I won't go there. Suffice to say.. it's early January.
I was talking to a good friend of mine at church Sunday. It's 'been a year'. She and I were both praising God for His healing of her body. A year ago she almost died and hung by a thread for a bit. I sat in the waiting room with a little girl Boo's age and we didn't know what was going to happen to her mama. My friend. Thankfully, God healed her. And then continued to heal her. She was rejoicing Sunday that it indeed has been a year and she finally feels strong and can do things like walk to the back of a department store and was just praising God for it. That was a rough patch last January.
I am also currently in the midst of a very spiritual (although people tend not to see things in a spiritual light and 'blame it' on other things) strugglethat I can't/won't be blogging about right now. I ended my day yesterday weighed down and exhausted. And then woke up in the night and couldn't go back to sleep. I took a nap this morning after I got everybody off for the day. And now I'm feeling much better.
I couldn't remember if I fed the cat early this morning and her bowl was nearly empty so I fed her... again? She's probably making out like a bandit today! A fat bandit, that is!
Interestingly Sunday morning there was discussion on finding joy. We watched a video and the speaker was describing a joyful moment he had with his daughter where she was just happy and reveling in that moment. And then urged 'us' listeners to look for moments to find joy. I can understand at some level what he is saying. And there are times I do that. It's a nothing day and rather than just be ho-hum, I chose to be happy and see the mundane as something delightful. But what if the things I see aren't mundane.. or happy in the least. Yesterday was such a day. By the end of it, I was bruised and beaten emotionally and spiritually and was crying out to God for comfort and contemplating joy as it had been presented to us in the video. Joy has to go beyond that. Joy has to be because of God and who He is rather than my ability to manufacture a nugget of happiness. Because sometimes life is not a season of happiness. But it can be a season of joy. Not by seeking 'it'.. but by seeking Him.
I was reading the Andrew Murray book in my sidebar today while mulling in my heart recent events in light of this 'challenge', if you will, to find joy. And found this:
Therefore, soul, only believe. Do not seek joy--in that case you will not find it, because you are seeking feeling. But seek Jesus, follow Jesus, believe in Jesus, and joy will be given to you. "...and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8
Only believing today.
I was talking to a good friend of mine at church Sunday. It's 'been a year'. She and I were both praising God for His healing of her body. A year ago she almost died and hung by a thread for a bit. I sat in the waiting room with a little girl Boo's age and we didn't know what was going to happen to her mama. My friend. Thankfully, God healed her. And then continued to heal her. She was rejoicing Sunday that it indeed has been a year and she finally feels strong and can do things like walk to the back of a department store and was just praising God for it. That was a rough patch last January.
I am also currently in the midst of a very spiritual (although people tend not to see things in a spiritual light and 'blame it' on other things) struggle
I couldn't remember if I fed the cat early this morning and her bowl was nearly empty so I fed her... again? She's probably making out like a bandit today! A fat bandit, that is!
Interestingly Sunday morning there was discussion on finding joy. We watched a video and the speaker was describing a joyful moment he had with his daughter where she was just happy and reveling in that moment. And then urged 'us' listeners to look for moments to find joy. I can understand at some level what he is saying. And there are times I do that. It's a nothing day and rather than just be ho-hum, I chose to be happy and see the mundane as something delightful. But what if the things I see aren't mundane.. or happy in the least. Yesterday was such a day. By the end of it, I was bruised and beaten emotionally and spiritually and was crying out to God for comfort and contemplating joy as it had been presented to us in the video. Joy has to go beyond that. Joy has to be because of God and who He is rather than my ability to manufacture a nugget of happiness. Because sometimes life is not a season of happiness. But it can be a season of joy. Not by seeking 'it'.. but by seeking Him.
I was reading the Andrew Murray book in my sidebar today while mulling in my heart recent events in light of this 'challenge', if you will, to find joy. And found this:
Therefore, soul, only believe. Do not seek joy--in that case you will not find it, because you are seeking feeling. But seek Jesus, follow Jesus, believe in Jesus, and joy will be given to you. "...and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8
Only believing today.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
a sneak peek
Here is a sneak peek of Little Miss Boo's room. I think it's going to turn out really cute.
Isn't the bedding great?! I love it. So does she. The paint is growing on me. I can go in there without squinting now! : ) Our new favorite word in her room is 'pop'. We've said this thing or that thing pops in front of the lime walls soo many times lately. Doesn't her pink lamp just pop now? (It did NOT pop in front of her bubble gum pink walls, btw.)
Like I said, I have a couple of do-it-myself projects I want to complete before we call her room 'done'. I'll try and show pics of those too.. especially if they turn out cute. I think they will. : )
Isn't the bedding great?! I love it. So does she. The paint is growing on me. I can go in there without squinting now! : ) Our new favorite word in her room is 'pop'. We've said this thing or that thing pops in front of the lime walls soo many times lately. Doesn't her pink lamp just pop now? (It did NOT pop in front of her bubble gum pink walls, btw.)
Like I said, I have a couple of do-it-myself projects I want to complete before we call her room 'done'. I'll try and show pics of those too.. especially if they turn out cute. I think they will. : )
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