Review of Plan B by Pete Wilson

When I requested Plan B by Pete Wilson from Booksneeze, I had no idea the rough time we have been going through in life is a plan b situation. I read the first two chapters online while waiting for the book and cried through most of it. Luckily, once I received the book, I had gotten through some of the hardest examples(in my opinion). Plan B offers several examples of what a plan b situation might look like. It offers hope and scripture to help you get through your plan b situations. Pete offers encouragement that there is often a rainbow at the end of trials and suffering. He doesn't promise a rainbow, but the encouragement that there often is one was enough to give me hope. Pete points out several situations in the Bible where people are going through a plan b. I love reading books that have scripture to back up what they are saying. He points out that there is nowhere in the Bible that says God will not give us more than we can handle. I was taught that growing up and have been really learning this year that those thoughts are simply not true. God might give us more than we can handle so we have no other option than to give up complete control to Him. I loved reading those words from another pastor. I would definitely recommend this book to others. My 11 year old is currently reading it and really enjoying it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel

I went to my first Women of Faith conference this past weekend with a group of ladies from a local church. I only knew two people that were going and I wasn't very close friends with either one. I would classify them both as friends, but they weren't the type of friend that I would call out of the blue if I really needed help. Lisa Whelchel was there Friday night and I was really looking forward to listening to her speak. Several of my friends have read her book Creative Correction and a couple of others. I waited until I returned from the conference to open the book, because I knew I didn't have time to finish it before going and I wanted to hear her speak first. Lisa Whelchel is a new author for me and I was a worried about opening this book. I never imagined I would fly through it and sob like a baby while reading. From the first paragraph of the book, I did not want to put it down. Lisa's way of writing was very vulnerable and honest. I cried as I thought, I could write these exact same words. Of course, my writing would not be as beautiful and poignant as Lisa's were. This book is full of stories of situations that happened in Lisa's life with different relationships. There is scripture to back up a lot of what Lisa is saying. This book validated some feelings I have had after friendships ended. The book explained safe people and how we all need them. I realized that I have not always been a safe person and that several people I have considered safe people really are not at all safe. There was so much wisdom in this book, but at the same time it was an easy read. It felt like she was sitting across the table talking to me. I would recommend this book to others.

Per FTC guidelines: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Easter... after reading the Bible in 90 Days...

I was very nervous about Easter this year with Ernie's grandmother and Dad both gone for the 1st time. Ernie's family got together at his grandmother's house and I knew it was going to be full of memories. I will admit, I got a little stressed. I honestly just wanted Easter to be over, but I didn't want to get up Easter morning with that kind of attitude, because it is such a precious day. The three days before Easter were crazy busy with egg hunts with friends. They were so much fun, but I went into Easter exhausted. It was so sweet to treasure the time we had with Ernie's family Sunday. Stinky and Willie Mae not being there reminded me that we never know how long we have with anyone. I am thankful we had this Easter with them.

The peace that has overflowed since finishing reading the Bible a couple of weeks ago has been such a blessing. Just thinking that the Lord would help me complete reading the Bible and during the time that I wanted to complete the Bible makes me think that there are so many other things He would help me with, if I would just ask and pray about it. I have no doubt that that peace helped me get through this Easter. That peace helped me focus on how much better of a day Stinky and Mae must have had in Heaven than we had here on Earth. I know every day is a celebration in Heaven, but can you imagine how awesome Easter must be up there? I bet it was their best Easter, ever! I focused on that instead of being sad that they were not with us this year.

A rough day...

One of the things I have learned to accept is that not all days are flowers and sunshine! I sure wish they were, but they just aren't. My oldest had a stomachache last night and woke us up right before puking all over the living room floor and kitchen floor. Our kitchen has indoor/outdoor carpet and that might have to come up real soon. No matter how much we've cleaned it, it still stinks, BAD! He's still not feeling well, but thankfully I have Zofran on hand to fight morning sickness and after taking half of one, he's no longer getting sick.

I've been putting off buying a clothes hamper in my bathroom. We usually just throw our dirty clothes in one pile and move them to the laundry room the next day to wash. Well, my cat showed me that's not acceptable today by pooping in the pile of clothes!!!

At least I feel good today! That's a positive thing! I started Revelation this morning! I think I have about 14 chapters until I have finished reading the Bible all the way through! It's definitely been a God thing and not a me thing. There have been so many times that I have wanted to give up reading. There were many books that were very hard to press on through in the Old Testament, but God helped me stick with it!

Day 74 of Bible in 90 Days...

I cannot believe we are already at day 74! We entered the New Testament last week and now that I am there, I am not wanting to put my Bible down! I think I'm 4 days ahead right now. Once I see that I am really close to finishing something, I really like to finish! Finishing has never been something I excel in, so I am very excited. In less than 2 weeks, I will have read the Bible from cover to cover. I am trying to decide what to do after that. I might try a Beth Moore Bible study. I want to get more in depth and to understand things better.

Oh When the Saints... Go Marching In...

What a game tonight! The level of excitement all weekend long was contagious! We got together with some family tonight and yelled and shouted til we were almost hoarse. Bella was even yelling Go, Go, Go!!! Good family times, good food, being able to talk about a secret... it was a great evening! I am so proud of the Saints, Drew Brees and Sean Payton. They are class acts!

Bible in 90 Days update

I cannot believe I have not updated since I started committed to reading the Bible from cover to cover in 90 days. According to the schedule, we are on day 24. I have read through day 26. Two weeks ago I was 5 days behind in the reading. In order to read the Bible all the way through in 90 days, you must read 12 pages per day. Ernie had to work late one night and I spent 4 hours reading and catching up after the kids went to bed. I was planning on only reading 3 days worth, because the plan gives you two grace days. It's only 88 actual daily readings. I couldn't stand the idea of not having those extra two days later in the reading and possibly needing them. After I got caught up, the books started seeming more and more interesting. I am now at a place where I could sit for hours and really enjoy and soak in what I'm reading. There have been many places I've had to go over a couple of times before understanding.

I have heard many times that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so I'm hoping that the habit is formed now. I love my Bible and my reading time. I am excited when I look at the end of my Bible and see that the bookmark is about 1/4 of the way through the Bible. God is doing some mighty things during this time I have with his Word. I feel my heart softening and letting go of issues I might not otherwise let go of. I love the discussions it's led to between Ernie and me. I am finding myself feeling more compassionate and more friendly towards others. I am finding myself feeling more thankful for all of the little things in life that we have... the comforts and conveniences that we have now. I am feeling like my heart is ready to trust other people and form new friendships.

So far, 2010 has been leaps and bounds better than 2009!