a little sunshine for your day :-)

It's been quite gloomy (the kind of weather that affects even the hardiest Minnesotan) - high time for a pick-me-up post!

First of all, I will be giving away this handmade journal AND the book "God Moments" by Alan D. Wright to one of you! If you'd like to have your name added to the drawing, please share one secret to surviving February in Minnesota. If you are not from Minne-SOH-tah, any old tip for surviving the bloppies will do.

I have some new music to share! Ever heard of Monk & Neagle? BooMama has been raving about them for some time... curious, I went to the website and sampled their latest album. I promise it WILL add a spring to your step!

Here's another little thing that makes me smile. Lisa's handstamped jewelry beautifully captures the power of the written word.

And then there is scrapbooking... that ALWAYS makes me feel good. Here's a link to some really cool surveys to add to your layouts. The book that spurned the idea is even better, it's called "Scrapbook Play" and you can find it here.

Then there is this book by Joyce Meyer; it has been an extremely valuable resource to me. Whether you're feeling anxious, scared, or stressed - the verses used in this book are just perfect for battling the bloppies. (Trust me, there is no better pick-me-up than wielding that sword.)

Feeling better yet? I am. Thanks for listening and don't forget to post a comment!! I'll announce the winner Thursday morning...

PS: You must read Lysa's post for today... H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!

Melting Pot or bust!

I'd heard about this restaurant long ago and always wanted to try it. After sharing my fondue-longing with several friends and neighbors, a "date night" was born!

And let me tell you, it was mighty delicious.

In addition to Tilly's entertaining and very detailed stories from her college days, several of us launched into a heavy discussion about LOST (is Charlie really dead?). We also tackled the highly controversial topic of turkeys (whether or not they drown when it rains).

It was quite stimulating.

The night ended with a few rounds of our favorite game. Tilly and I might have won if it weren't for the hours of intense conversation that had tapped our brains dry.

tomorrow is a *new* day

And the very first one for our new worship leader, Chris Greseth!

Of course, I just had to Google him. (It's one of my many God-given talents.) He was formerly the Assistant Music Director at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri and will make a mighty fine addition to the leadership team at Hosanna!

I hear he even plays harmonica. Oh, the Lord is faithful...

This talented young man is featured below:

It even looks like he has an album coming out soon. How cool is that?

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:1-5 (NLT)

you can vote...

If you have some time today, stop by Lysa's blog and browse through the contest posts. She's looking for a little help in narrowing down the choices (with 132 entries, I can't imagine why). You can email her directly with your favorites (Lysa1@Proverbs31.org). She will be tossing those names into a drawing for the She Speaks Conference Scholarship. With so many talented ladies out there, this is going to require a lot of man girl power!

it's a bible study NOT an obscene word!

BMBS is my nickname for our Wednesday Bible Study (Beth Moore Bible Study); I am laughed at and teased incessantly every time I use it.

Yes... they are the ones laughing. At me. My BMBS friends.

If you would like to join them, here's your chance (really, the ladies are wonderful)! Our next study is about to begin and I'd like to extend an invitation to you:

What: Stepping Up: Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore

Where: Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Lakeville, MN

When: Wednesdays, March 5-June 4

Time/Place: 9:30 am-11:30 am

Cost: $25

Childcare is available for a small fee. If you are interested in registering, let me know and I will send you a form!

pictures, papers & cutters, oh my!

You may not do it but I know you've at least heard of scrapbooking. Whether or not you partake in this crafty movement, you're sure to have strong opinions about it. Have you ever wondered what all of the buzz is about?

Wes Thomsen did. He even made a movie about it. A super cool make-you-laugh-and-cry sort of movie. My husband even watched and enjoyed it.

Here's one of the promotional clips:

Whether you are new to the "craft" or looking for a little inspiration, it is very much worth the $14.95 + shipping!! You can order your copy of Scrapped by clicking here.

one of those *inside* days.

The boys were both home yesterday and the weather was COLD; so much so, it would have been considered borderline abuse to send them out to play. Not that I wasn't tempted...

There is a lot going on in the lives that surround me. My hubby's aunt passed away unexpectedly, a 40-year-old friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, others are struggling with sick children and troubled marriages - it's enough to make my head spin! I desperately needed a refill and the Lord knowingly blessed me with a pocket of uninterrupted midday worship.

I grabbed my favorite CD, a pair of headphones, journal, and cup of coffee. I sat in my favorite chair and closed my eyes, letting the sunshine and music wash over me. The lyrics couldn't have been more perfect:

In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You're Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore

It was a gentle reminder. When feeling overwhelmed by life's circumstances, I need to keep my eyes squarely on Him. Despite the uncertainties of the world He remains stable, sure, and steadfast. He is Sovereign. He has a good plan and promises to follow through. His way is not my way and I can never assume know better. The Lord has repeatedly shown His faithfulness and love - of this I cannot doubt!

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 (NASB)