Love & War Book Review

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Summary:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.


My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed reading this book, Love & War, by John and Stasi Eldridge.  I have always been very intrigued by books on marriage.  I am always wanting to learn more on how to make my  marriage better.  This past year was definitely one of those years when the marriage just didn't feel like it was "working".  This book was a great eye-opener.  The first thing I appreciate about this book is how candid the authors are about their own personal marriage.  Sometimes, as an outsider, we stand back and look at our friends and acquaintances and wish we had their marriage, but do we really want their marriage?  After reading what the Eldridges had to say about marriage, it truly has made me feel normal in my marriage. 

Marriage is truly a WAR.  It's a war to fight for your mate no matter what.  As stated in the book, (marriage) "It's like throwing a dog and a cat in a dryer."  How true!  Sometimes I do feel that way.  It's okay to feel the struggle in our marriage.  It is just a growing process and makes us stronger as we learn and grow.

My favorite paragraph in the book is this:  "Learning to live with our opposite and all their little quirkinesses is part of learning to love.  'Love is a rock', Shawn Mullins sings, 'smoothed over by a stream'.  We want love to be stable and immovable, like a rock.  Steady and sure.  But that stream part is another matter.  Some force constantly washing over us, smoothing our rough edges.  We don't much go in for that.  But let's face it - we've all got some roughness to our personalities, don't we?  We've all got a good bit of smoothing over to do.  For this wonderful process, God gives us...each other.  Marriage is the rushing stream God uses to shape us into more loving people."

I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone out there who is married, about to be married or wanting to be married.  A book like this would've truly enlightened me a little more and allowed me to realize that the "fairytale marriage" is just that, a fairytale.  I believe this is one of those books that I will have to read a few more times to dig a few more gems out.  I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.  It was definitely great timing to read this book this close to the Valentine weekend. 

If you would like more information about where to purchase this book, please click here.

Book Review: Angels

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Summary (by Multnomah): What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?

Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.

More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.

Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.


My Thoughts:
When I was asked to review this book and saw the title Angels, I must confess the first thing that came to my mind was winged creatures that fly around in white gowns with a glow about them and their long blonde hair flowing behind them as they soar gently and wisp by.  Dreamy...  As I dove into this book, truly not knowing what to expect, it surpassed any previous mindset I had. 

Dr. Jeremiah's detail and scripture references put a new and renewed thinking in my mind of Angels.  This is not one of those books that will sit on a shelf collecting dust over the next several years until it's donated to Goodwill.  This is the type of book that you need to take down every now and again and DIG a little deeper and find out more information.  I typically don't read these kinds of books.  I usually migrate more to the fiction novels.  This book has left me craving more and wanting to know more.

Dr. Jeremiah takes us on a journey from the beginning of time to the end of the world explaining to us the role of angels.  They are seen in so many different ways throughout the Bible and makes you wonder and think, how many ways can they be showing up all around us and we don't have the spiritual insight to notice?  This book will take you on a journey like no other and enlighten you to a realm of beings that know nothing but to worship God.  How truly wonderful that must be!  I highly recommend you to read this book if you are ready for a look into a spiritual world that will blow your mind!!   

Author Bio:
Dr. David Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego , and founder of Turning Point Radio and TV Ministries. His radio program is carried on over 2,500 stations worldwide, while the TV broadcast is received by 500 million homes via cable and satellite. The recipient of numerous awards for broadcast excellence, his books have garnered Gold Medallion awards and become bestsellers with The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times. He is a sought-after conference speaker by organizations nationwide.

Valentines Is Coming

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching us.  I love this time of year!  I love Valentine's Day.  I don't enjoy the crowds or the push to buy expensive things for each other but I do enjoy knowing that we are going to be taking time out for each other!  That is what I look forward to.  I have something up my sleeve this year.  I don't want to mention anything as of yet - just in case hubby reads this blog.  I'm sooooo excited I can't hardly stand it!! 

Moving on, before I spill the beans!  We had a great night last night at OFA's Ladies Night.  We played bunco until we just had to make ourselves stop.  It was so nice to see all of the new faces and familiar faces.  We had about 50 women there...WOW!  We had baked potatoes and the best desserts you could ask for!!  I took my camera to take pics of the event and do you know I got so wrapped up in talking and playing that I did not take a single pic?  Shocking, I know!!  I saw other people taking pictures.  I am hoping to maybe "steal" some of theirs. 

I know I mentioned on my blog yesterday about having to be in 3 or 4 places at the same time.  Well, about 4:30 yesterday, Drew's coach sent a text saying that they had cancelled the basketball game.  All of that planning and shuffling for nothing.  Bummer for Drew but yay for the family!  It sure made things a lot easier for all of us.  We now have a game scheduled for tonight, Thursday night and Friday night!!  Not to mention Saturday morning Pinewood Derby Car Races!  Drew is our busy one this week it looks like.

The kids FINALLY went back to school today.  I think they were ready to go back.  Five days of being home gets to them after a while.  Hopefully we will get our lives back to normal (what is that?) again soon and pray that is the last of the "ice storms" for this season.  A little snow doesn't hurt but Ice...GO AWAY!!

We Made It! - ALMOST

Well, we made it through the storm - almost.  It's not even close to being melted away as of yet but we are all still living and breathing and warm in our homes!!  The kids are out of school today because the roads are still AWFUL!!

I would like to report that my hubby made it home safe and sound on Saturday morning.  He had been in Alabama since Tuesday of last week.  I got to brave this storm all by myself!!  It was a little intimidating at first because of the thought of having no electricity without him here to take care of us, but I made it through!  Hallelujah!!  We all got out and went to Hobby Lobby to get supplies for my son's pinewood derby race that's coming up this Saturday.  He is so excited!  It's always such a fun time!!  While we were out, the kids begged to go to CiCi's Pizza.  Sooooo, I caved and treated them to that.  What is the fascination with CiCi's to a child?  I don't get it!

Sunday was a great day as well.  We got up and went to church, which had been re-arranged because of the storm.  We had one service (10:00) and after that, we had our annual business meeting, followed by our annual steak dinner and evening service was cancelled.  We went straight home after church, changed into our PJ's, Jeff and Andrew worked on the pinewood derby car, Andrew had a buddy come spend the night, and Hannah and I enjoyed watching the Grammy's together.  Oh did you see Lady Gaga??  Woah!

It's going to be very busy tonight around here.  It seems we all have something going on!  I have a ladies church event to be at, Jeff has physical therapy and my son has a basketball game.  Wouldn't you know they are all happening at the same time tonight??  We are having to make some major adjustments to get to all of these things.  WHEW!!  Feels like just another Conner Night!

More To Say

OK, I'm sorry, but I guess you can tell by now I am a little bored after being home for two days!!  I've been on my blog and facebook more today than I have in three months.  So Sad!!

I decided to make some snow ice cream tonight.  Andrew had never heard of snow ice cream and was sooooo excited when I told him I was going to do this for us.  So, enjoy:

Here is Andrew enjoying his bowl of Pumpkin Spice Snow Ice Cream.  He chose the flavor.  He has already informed me that tomorrow we will make more snow ice cream and he wants Peppermint flavored.  He's got a plan!!

Now, doesn't that look soooooooo yummy???

We have a little over 7" of snow on the ground and it is STILL falling.  My lights are beginning to flicker a bit this evening and it's getting a little scary thinking about the electricity going out.  At least our bellies are full of good soup, no bake cookies and snow ice cream!!  We are a happy bunch!

Golden Creamy Potato Soup

With the snow/ice storm still going in full force, my baking/cooking mode has kicked into full gear!!  Soooo, I thought I would share a recipe that I have made for probably 10 years.  It's so good.  Who doesn't enjoy a good bowl of soup when it's cold outside.

Golden Creamy Potato Soup

3 c. chopped potatoes

1 c. water

1/2 c. celery chopped

1/2 c. carrot slice

1/4 c. onion chopped

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1 chicken bouillon cube

1/2 tsp. salt

dash pepper

1 1/2 c. milk

2 T. flour

1/2 lb. velveeta, cubed

In a large saucepan, combine potatoes, water, celery, carrots, onion, parsley flakes, bouillon cube and seasonings; mix well.  Cover; simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until veggies are tender.  Gradually add milk to flour; mixing until well blended.  Add milk mixture to vegetables; cook until thickened.  Add velveeta; stir until melted.  Makes 6-8 servings.

**The mixture will get thick very fast and I usually wind up adding some milk or water to the soup mixture before putting in the velveeta.

This soup is so divine!!  Such a good thick potato soup.  It really sticks to your ribs!! I always tend to tweak my soups with different spices.  It's just kind of trial and error to me.  ENJOY!!

Good Morning Ice, Good Morning Snow!

Well, I woke up this morning WITH ELECTRICITY and wondered what my eyes would see.  Here's what's going on today at our home:

This is how much ice we got at our home.  It looks to be 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 inch.  It's now snowing and it is B-E-A-UTIFUL!!  I am hoping to get some pics later of the beautiful snow.  We'll see what I can do.  Hope everyone else in the storm has electricity and is enjoying their families!!  Those not going through a storm, I pray that you are having a wonderful Friday and remember to enjoy your family!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Here we go!!!  It's beginning!!  Winter Ice Storm of 2010

What are your favorite things during a winter storm??  Here are mine:

A WARM FIRE.......AHHHHHH!

MY KINDLE UPLOADED WITH LOTS OF BOOKS!!

IN MY RECLINER WRAPPED UP IN MY COZY SLANKET!  (JUST FOR YOU LORI)

A CAKE IN THE OVEN.....MMMM, SMELLS SO GOOD IN MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW!

That's just a few of my favorite things.

Signing off to enjoy my piece of cake!!  Keep warm and toasty!

Oh, That Lurking Storm of 2010!!

As I've heard and seen all of the hustle and bustle over the past couple of days about the "ice storm" that's coming in tomorrow, I couldn't help but think about our ice storm we had a couple of yrs. ago.  We were without power for 10 days!!  Yes, you heard me!!  10 days!!  I was MISERABLE!!  The kids had gone to their dads house and got stuck there because I was NOT going to get out and drive an hour away to get them.  I spent most of my days at my neighbor's house because they had a generator.  I call her Momma Linda because she's like a mother to me!  When we moved here to Oklahoma in 1986, my mother and Linda became super close friends.  Ever since then we have had a family friend in her and her family.  It's a very close bond and I love every minute of it!!  I was on the phone with her yesterdy asking if she was ready for us.  She started laughing and proceeded to let me know the generator is out and ready!!  YAY!!  No worries this time!

I have already spoke to our bus drive about my plans tomorrow and her plans tomorrow.  Wood is on the back porch ready to be thrown into the fireplace.  Fridge is stocked and so is the pantry.  I believe we are ready to brave whatever comes our way!!  I can't help but have a tiny thought in the back of my head about it not doing very much.  Every indication is there that it's going to be bad.  I guess we will see!  Enjoy today because if tomorrow plays out as predicted...we're in for a doosie!!

The 5AM Club

Dear Blog,

"Hello, yeah, it's been a while...Not much, how 'bout you?" - Name that tune??

I figured it has been several days and maybe I should sit down and write a new post to my blog that I sometimes neglect.  Last week at the Conner-Mock Blend was a pretty laid back week.  We don't get those very often so when I do get a chance to "lay-back", I don't know when to stop!!  I lazed around all weekend and decided it was time to get some type of motivation so I could do my grocery shopping and laundry and organize at least one room.  Caleb and I went out Saturday to get groceries and 5 HOURS later, we came home...haha!  We had sooo much fun!  He was a little bored but oh well.....mommy had help, someone to talk to and she was a happy camper.  After that I decided to start some laundry and ATTEMPT to organize the laundry room (which turns into the catch-all room at times).  I started but didn't completely finish.  That's on the plans to do this week during our down time.

During the weekend I started reading a book that I found on my Kindle.  Yeah, I dont' remember buying it BUT, it was on there and it struck my interest.  The title of the book is:  Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and Not Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney (from the blog girltalk).  She has some great ideas in this book about reigning ourselves in and slowing down so we can focus on what the most important thing is in our lives - Time Spent in Communion with God.

They have what they called a "5AM Club".  Her and her three daughters started this several years ago together.  They made a commitment to wake up at 5AM, everyday, to sit at Jesus' feet and schedule their day.  How great!!  Yes, I've known others who have done this same thing and Yes, I've attempted a version before but, after reading some things out of this book, it really brought it back to my attention that I needed to do something like this.  Here is a small excerpt from the book which really drew me in and made this 5AM club something that I needed desperately to attempt and succeed at:

"I knew I needed to wake up earlier, but I kept telling myself that I'd never be able to do it.  I dreaded the thought of failing yet again.  Then it occurred to me that I made time for other things I considered important such as grocery shopping, showering, doing my makeup, eating, date night with my husband, spending time with friends.  Was my love for God truly my highest priority?  The realization:  My daily schedule was not reflective of a heart set on seeking God first.  I needed to take radical measures.  If I was going to have consistent and quality time with the Lord, it would need to happen before the rest of the family was up and before the day was rolling."

How true that holds for me!!  I can schedule and schedule and manipulate time around to fit anything and everything that my little heart desires but when it comes to spending that quality consistent time with the Lover of my Soul, I can't seem to do it.  How unfair we treat God who loves us so unconditionally!!  I've always said that I was a night owl.  I'm not a morning person.  In this book she makes a very valid point by arguing this point:

"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being 'night people'.  That means they have trouble getting up in the mornings because they come alive at night.  They may stay up till all hours reading, watching television, or pursuing some sort of interest.  The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not 'night people'.  They are lazy and selfish.  Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day?"

WOW!  Seriously...mouth is open on the floor, I have two black eyes from being beat by this statement and WOW!!  Guilty, guilty and guilty!!

Soooo, I am going to attempt (and succeed) this 5AM club.  I must say I set my alarm this morning for 5AM and have to admit with shame that I went back to bed.  I felt so ashamed and guilty after I woke up this morning.  I put God on the backburner and traded him for sleep.  What am I doing??  I've got to get this right!  Soooo, with all sincerity, if anyone would like to join me or even help keep me accountable on this, I would owe you big time!  I've got to change the way I am, who I have become and what I am headed for.  I have a hunger and a deep desire for something more and the mortal inside of me is kicking and screaming relentlessly against all of this change!

Pray for me and God's guidance in my life at this time!  I pray for all of my friends and bloggy friends out there that you would find that time to commune with God and create a CLUB of your own!  God Bless!!