Friday's Fave Five - October 30, 2009

It's once again Friday and time to participate in Susanne's delightful meme at Living to Tell the Story. I love this meme and the group that posts at FFF. They are a witty and caring bunch!

1. Last week I shared how I bought some new dishes for fall, but missed my opportunity to buy goblets to match them. Well, I found glasses that match with the dishes pretty well, so decided to get them, too. They weren't my first choice, but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. So, here is a picture of my new plates and glasses along with my famous pumpkin placemats!



2. Here's a picture of the scenery outside the door where I work. I love when the leaves turn colors!

3. Last week's Ladies Retreat went so well. We had an amazing speaker who was very humorous. I always think you get your point across better with humor. More importantly, the presence of the Lord was felt strongly.

4. Food for thought:

"The life we live on earth is merely practice for heaven. So why is it so difficult at times to maintain our spiritual growth and press on toward our goal? We get distracted by the world, we get lazy in our effort, and we live in a culture that demands immediate gratification rather than appreciating long-term goals" … from David Jeremiah, Turning Point Devotionals

5. Home made Amish butter mints - I bought some this past summer when we visited Amish country. Sad to say, my stash is almost depleted. But I can order from them and they will ship to me those little morsels of buttery perfection.

So, how was your week? Join the gang at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and share your favorites.

Random Dozen #9

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher from my elementary days was a little German lady named Miss Siebert. I had her for both 3rd and 4th grade. She always made me feel like I could accomplish anything that needed to be done. But the thing I remember most about her was that she would not put up with any whining. I struggled with having eczema on my hands, and the kids would make fun of me. I went whining to her about it one day. She turned red and grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me and said that she was tired of me feeling sorry for myself! And so I learned that people do not want to hear your problems. (Imagine in today's world if Miss Siebert shook a student!)

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

You mean besides the one above? Actually, I think there are many pivotal points in a person's life. Every decision you make changes the path you're on. For example, when I lived at home, my parents were frequently coming up to So. Illinois (we lived in Florida) to visit relatives. Once I was old enough to have a job, I usually stayed home while they traveled. But in 1975, for some reason, I decided to go with them. While visiting my granny, I met my future hubby, and the rest is history.

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

For many years, my favorite color was blue. I wanted everything blue. I think maybe because blue is calming and serene, just like me ... Lately, I've decided that burgundy is my new fave. I think it looks warm and rich.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

My love for sleep is increasing.

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?

No Halloween, no way, shape or form. (Too bad I can't sermonize, this is a topic I am passionate about!)

6. What's your favorite musical?

(I can't believe Linda is asking this question!) My all time favorite musical would be "Sound of Music." My second favorite is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" starring Leslie Ann Downes.

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

First of all, when it comes to mice ... EWWWW! I would like to be a city mouse because there are fewer mice to get into my house! Right now, I'm a country mouse surrounded by fields, where field mice like to play and then try to get into people's houses.

Seriously, it's always been a dream of mine to live in the city where I can get pizza delivered to my door, where Wal-Mart is less than 5 minutes away and where libraries are just around the corner ...

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn." This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.

Well, yeah! I'd love to have a star named after me! My love language is words of affirmation; I'm pretty sure having a star named after you would feel like a good word.

9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't. Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

Texting while at a stoplight. It is a known fact that if you want a long stoplight to do something, it will immediately turn green. It's like "Jerri's Law" or something.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

It's not a party unless we play Apples to Apples! I've taken this game to every party I'm ever invited to since I first discovered it. Also, it is required for a party to have some form of chocolate served.

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Play TextTwist Turbo on my cell phone, or make notes in my planner. Once I've done that for awhile, if I still have to wait, I imagine a dream home and decorate it in my mind.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

Well, I'm kind of shy, so I don't know if I'd approach me to introduce myself or not. (This concept cracks me up.) But once I got to know me, I believe we'd be best friends! *grin

If you'd like to read other random answers, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Pathway to Someday

On the last Tuesday of the month, Shane, our What's On Your Mind, '09, hostess asks us to take a picture and write about it. I've probably written about this picture before but I love it and it speaks to my imagination so well!

I took this photo a couple years ago when we were at Pine Hills in the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. I've always liked it because to me it looks like a road going through a tunnel of trees. If you follow the road through the tunnel, it curves just outside and opens up into two meadows, one on either side of the road. It's dark with patches of sun shining throught the leaves going through the tunnel, but once you hit the meadowlands, it's bright and open.

To me, this is an illustration of the pathway I'm traveling to eternal life. I'm in the tunnel now. I can't really see what is up ahead. It's dark where I am, but I do have those patches of sunlight. Those patches, spiritually speaking, represent illumination when God reveals something to me. I need to pray for more and more illumination so the way doesn't seem so dark, or so puzzling to me. Jesus said that He was light for my path. He is traveling with me. As long as I keep my eyes on Him, I can follow Him out of that tunnel. When I look back at where I've been, I lose sight of Him and stumble.

Someday, I'll break through that tunnel. When I do, it will be so unimaginable! God's word says that what He has prepared for us is beyond what we can dream. I've always been a big dreamer, so this excites me very much. I know one thing, Heaven will be filled with light, because He is the light. Wherever He dwells will be pure radiance.

Someday, I'll look back at that time in the tunnel as nothing, because my time toiling on the pathway to heaven is like a blip in the radar screen of eternity. It's going to be worth the journey, no matter how long it takes to get there.

Someday, I'll experience these words:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Would you like to share a picture and tell its story? Join us at Heart Reflections!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 26, 2009

FOR TODAY...October 26th from Jerri's Daybook

Outside my window... still dark and 46°. I'm not looking forward to Daylight Savings Time ending.

I am thinking... about how wonderful our ladies' retreat was this weekend. The presence of the Lord was so strong!

I am thankful for... the blessings of family, home, church and my jobs. I'm surrounded by those who love me!

I am wearing... brown dress pants, lime green cami, brown, lime green, yellow and white tunic. I see that I'm in a rut - I'm sure I've posted this outfit many times ...

I am remembering... the words to this old chorus:

I'll say yes, Lord, yes

to Your will and to Your way.

I'll say yes, Lord, yes

I will trust You and obey.

When the Spirit speaks to me,

with my whole heart I'll agree

and my answer will be

yes, Lord yes.

I am going... to our Harvest Festival at church Friday night. There will be chili, roasted hotdogs, and singing around the bonfire. I hear there's going to be chocolate, too ...

I am reading... I just finished Deborah Raney's "Yesterday's Embers." I'm going to have to find something new to read.

I am hoping... to get a lot accomplished this week. (I always say this!)

On my mind... a bunch of filing that needs to be done ...

Noticing that... I feel so much more productive when my desk is clear of clutter!

Pondering these words... "You can't have victory by osmosis." Joyce Meyer

From the kitchen... homemade pizza tonight, oven fried chicken tenders tomorrow. Also, I want to make an apple pie with some apples that are past their prime.

Around the house... I'm getting all my candles ready to be used in these fall and winter evenings. I love the glow of candlelight.

One of my favorite things~ Sunday afternoon naps.

From my picture journal..

This a picture taken years ago of my sister and me. Dig those huge glasses I'm wearing!

To read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday's Fave Five - October 23, 2009

It's time to reflect on my week and find 5 favorites. Some weeks are easier to find the favorites than others, but they're always there - you just have to look for them!

1. I may have mentioned on my blog before my excessive love of dishes. This week I added a few more to my collection. Kroger was carrying some great fall dishes. I debated for a few weeks then decided to buy the burnt orange plates and the fall goblets. Well, remember the quotation, "He who hesitates is lost"? The goblets were gone when I went back, but the plates were still there. I have some fall placemats with pumpkins on them. The plates look awesome with them. (Sorry, I didn't get a photo of them yet.)

2. My friend, Marti, is a multi-talented woman. She is our church librarian, a quilter, a great cook, and a gardener extraordinaire. She shared the fruits of her labor with me and brought me a jar of some awesome-tasting apple butter. Apple butter holds fond memories for me, because while we were dating, my hubby and I shared many an apple butter sandwich sitting at my granny's table after a date. (I lived with my granny.)

3. Double-stuff oreos. Need I say more?

4. I'm reading a new-to-me author, Deborah Raney. I just finished "Remember to Forget" and "Leaving November." I enjoyed them very much.

5. Favorite quote of the week:

"Anything made with love, bam! ~ it's a beautiful meal." Emeril Lagasse

May all your meals be served with love!

If you'd like to read other favorites, visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

Random Dozen #8

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts? I love candy corn! I like to mix candy corn with peanuts, then it tastes like a Payday candy bar, but much easier to chew!

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.) Hmmm... after 33 years I can't remember the exact words, but the first thing I remember my hubby asking me the day we met was if I had plans that afternoon.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian? I could, but I wouldn't want to!

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume? No, it would be hard to dress a parakeet in a costume.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year). Ooh, I did like Teaberry Gum! And Barbies with lots of clothes to dress her with. And books like the Bobbsey Twins (seriously - I did read them) and Bambi and The Wind in the Willows. Later on, I read all the Nancy Drew mysteries. I also miss The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. I also liked all the variety shows they used to have on TV. It exposed me to all kinds of different talent. Now you never see things like that, except for maybe America's Got Talent ... And playing jacks and jumping rope. You never see kids do that anymore either.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for? I once won a trophy for placing 2nd in a Florida state FBLA clerical competition. I was proud of it for a long time, but years later it became a dust catcher and I sold it at a yard sale. Now, I'm wondering, why would anybody buy a used trophy?

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year? December 1st.

8. What's your favorite board game? Definitely Scrabble. I love word games. Scrabble means good memories for me because my granny loved me to play Scrabble with her. We did it for many years.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)? A few times I have been surprised with gifts, I like that, but generally I do not like surprises, nor am I gifted in giving people surprises.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?" Yes, it is. I'm not perfect, never claimed to be perfect, so why not just admit it when I goof up?

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

I have several, I like black cherry, mocha, sugar cookies, french vanilla. I also like cinnamon, but sometimes it is paired with apple in an overpowering way.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you? What an interesting question (how do you come up with these questions, Lid?) Let's see, my all time favorite snack to serve people is Taco Dip. I've served it so many years that I'm getting tired of it, but if I were having an open house, I'd go for easy, so yeah, it would be taco dip. As for what I would show them at my house that represents me, that is a toughie. I would say my scrapbooks, only I haven't gotten too far on them. I could say all my dishes, candlesticks, etc., because I believe that setting a nice table to have family meals are important. I could say all my books because I will always be known as a reader.

Maybe I will have to make some kind of display that uniquely represents me ... This will take a lot of thought! More than I have time for today ...

If you'd like to see other random answers, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Prayer - Just Like A Clock

Today's challenge from Shane at Heart Reflections:

Daniel 6:10: “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Do you take God seriously? Do you cry out to God for everything? Read through Daniel’s story. What moved you? How can it change your own prayer life?

I have always loved the story of Daniel. What a guy! What a testimony!

If you read the whole chapter, you'll see that the administration searched and searched but could find nothing to accuse Daniel. Nothing except he prayed too much!

If people searched my life today, could the only thing they'd take exception with be my prayer life?

I personally think that Daniel prayed all the time, just as I do. I keep a running conversation with the Lord all day long. However, Daniel also made a point of praying intentionally. He prayed formally three times a day with the windows open toward Jerusalem. I wonder if he did it in that manner so as to be a testimony for those around him?

Another thing I noticed, the bible said he prayed giving thanks. Three times a day, every day, just like a clock, Daniel made a point to find something to be thankful and gave God praise.

Well, you know the story. Daniel went through the trial of being put in a lion's den with very hungry lions. Yet, God, stopped the mouths of the lions and kept Daniel safe.

Would the story have turned out differently if Daniel had not been a man of prayer? A man of thanksgiving?

The bible says that satan is like a hungry lion seeking whom he may devour. We need to take seriously being in close communication with God. It should be an utmost priority.

Let me be intentional about giving my Lord praise, intentional about asking him for help just like Daniel did. Daniel 6:11 says that Daniel was found praying and asking God for help.

I'd like to be found praying and asking God for help the next time a trial comes my way!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 19, 2009

FOR TODAY... October 19, 2009, Edition

Outside my window... cool fall morning - there is frost on the van's windshield!

I am thinking... how fast the days are flying by ...

I am thankful for... the promise, "I'll never leave you" from my Savior.

I am wearing... gray slacks, black cami, and red blazer.

I am remembering... all the examples of faithfulness that I have seen in my life. Yesterday, I started making a list of all the faithful servants of the Lord that I have known over the years. I'm not finished yet, but I hope to share them with you soon.

I am going... to give God all the praise!

I am reading... a Deborah Raney novel, "Remember to Forget." Sounds very interesting ...

I am hoping... to be a blessing.

On my mind... people from my past. Again, I've been thinking about their example to me.

Noticing that... Wal-Mart always discontinues carrying products that I really like!

Pondering these words... "Faithfulness in little things is a big thing." Chrysostom

From the kitchen... Fried Chicken Drumsticks, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans

Around the house... peace and quiet.

One of my favorite things~ grapes!

From my picture journal...

Blast from the past: picture of Elissa's first Christmas. Her Dad SAID he was buying the basketball for her, but I think it was for him.

To read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Friday's Fave Five - October 16, 2009

Friday has rolled around again. It's time to join Susanne at Living to Tell the Story and reflect on five favorites of our week.

1. It's gotten cool enough to once again have my favorite early-morning beverage, hot tea. I like it best in my cup that bears the college logo of the school my oldest daughter attended.

2. It's also cool enough to have my favorite fall dish - chili!

3. Fall also means the ceiling fans are off, so now I can burn candles! Last night, I lit one of my favorite scents, banana cream pie.

4. As I have shared elsewhere on my blog, my boss recently suffered a light stroke. I, along with many others, have been praying for him. He is slowly improving and taking therapy. My favorite this week is that he was able to come to the office for an hour.

5. I love to collect favorite quotes. Here is another one I found this week: Catherine Martin writes in Passionate Prayer “The time you spend with God in private will make you who you are in public.”

To see other favorites, visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. She is not feeling well today, so drop by and say hello and pray for her.

Thankful Thursday - Riches Everywhere I Look

Today's question from Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage , hostess for this month's Thankful Thursday, is "What are the riches right before your eyes?"

I was born incredibly privileged. No, I wasn't born into great wealth. I was born into a home that had heard of the gospel. I was born to a mother who took me to church. Because of that, because the Holy Spirit drew me to God, because I had the good sense to believe and then accept Jesus' free gift of salvation, now I am royalty. I'm a child of the King of the universe!

Not only that, but I was born healthy. I can breathe, have all of my five senses, and have never been in a hospital except to have my children.

And if that wasn't enough, I was born in America. I was born free to pursue my dreams. I have hopes, desires and plans that keep me going.

Does it matter that there is very little in my bank account? I don't think so; I'm already rich in things that others would give all they possess to have!

Thank you, Lynn, for your question today. I see now that I really have nothing to complain about!

To read other thankful hearts, visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Random Dozen #7

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)

Actually, most of the time I do a combination of the two! Maybe I need therapy ...

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?

Totally a dreamer. Living in a dreamworld was how I coped with the reality of living around an alcoholic father.

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?

Sorry, neither.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.

I've always tried to stay away from scary movies. Believe it or not, I had to sleep with my sister after I saw the movie "Ghostbusters." If it's a suspenseful movie (I did see Flightplan) I sit on the edge of my chair wringing my hands.

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?

When my daughter was missing. I haven't got over it yet. (It's a long story ...)

6. What word do you misspell without fail?

I have trouble spelling wierd... or is it weird?

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.

I only like to do things that I'm good at! No, wait, I just remembered that I like to go bowling but I'm a lousy bowler. If I break 100 I feel good about it. I keep believing that I will figure out the secret to making strikes all the time.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?

Alone time - that's how I get into my dreamworld!

9. Have you ever been on TV?

No. Since I've heard that being on TV adds 10 lbs. to the way you look, I sure don't want to be on TV ever.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)

Pumpkin

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?

None

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?

I learn over and over again how dangerous it is to procrastinate.

If you'd like to see how others answered these questions, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Prayer - Don't Give Up!

The topic for this month's What's On Your Mind, '09, is prayer. I'm linking this post at Shane's Heart Reflections. Please visit her to read more on this subject.

I hesitate to share the following because I do not want any credit for doing what God told me to do, but I think this kind of thing happens all the time. I want to encourage my sisters in the Lord to pray and not give up when it seems nothing is happening, or it seems too hard.

Recently, our church has been talking about the need for prayer. We feel that our church really needs a move of God and that requires prayer.

I felt that the time for talking about it was past; now, it was time to start praying! I felt that God wanted me to start coming about 45 minutes early to evening church on Sundays to pray.

Let me be honest. I didn't want to do that. Sunday afternoons are sacred to me - it's my one opportunity to take a nap. If things went well, by that I mean if I got dinner on the table at a reasonable time and got the kitchen cleaned up quickly, I might have an hour on Sundays to nap. If I have to leave early to pray, there goes my nap.

But I have needs. My family has needs. My church has needs. I have all these things that I want to see God do and yet I can't give up a nap to seek His face?

So, the first week, I went early and prayed. I had invited others to come but things happened and I was the only one there. I felt good about it, though, and even though I didn't see any change yet, I felt groundwork had been laid.

Let me tell you, that all hell broke loose that week. Some of these things I had discussed in earlier posts, some I haven't shared.

I thought about quitting. But no, I am not a quitter, and I had made a commitment to PUSH - pray until something happens.

The next week, a lady joined me in coming early to pray. You're not going to believe this, but the next day, that lady found out her brother was murdered! Later on in the week, I got stung by a wasp and my leg swelled up and made life miserable. (I'm highly allergic to wasps.) Our ladies retreat had to be postponed due to bad weather and several of the ladies having emergencies in their families.

I hesitated to share this with you because I'm sure you're thinking, "well, what good did that praying do?"

Of course, I've been asking God the same thing. Here is a scripture that the Holy Spirit brought to mind:

"Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia." Daniel 10:12-13 NIV

The prince of the Persian kingdom is a demonic spirit trying to keep God's answer to prayer from getting through.

I take comfort from this. Even though it may not feel like it, my call to prayer was from God. Even though it may not feel like it, God does hear my prayer. Even though it may not feel like it, an answer is on its way.

Is this the time to quit praying? NO!

Do I pray even though evidence against it seems overwhelming? YES!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

This past Sunday, I was at it again. I know the answer is coming.

I hope you'll continue to check in here at Jerri's Journey, because when the answers start coming in, I'll be sharing about it!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 12, 2009

FOR TODAY...October 12th from Jerri's Daybook

Outside my window... a cool fall morning.

I am thinking... about what it means to be a worshipper.

I am thankful for... health. Last week, I was stung on my leg by a wasp. I am highly allergic to wasps. My leg swelled and turned red and I was sooo uncomfortable for two days. But on the third day, I was back to normal. I'm telling you, you don't realize how great it is just to feel normal until you've had some part of your body give you trouble!

I am wearing... gray slacks, black top, and black shoes and socks.

I am remembering... my granny and how much I miss her.

I am going... to make this week count!

I am reading... Philippians.

I am hoping... to be a positive influence.

On my mind... responsibilities of leadership. May I not take them lightly!

Noticing that... mums are everywhere now that fall is here! My favorite mums are the yellow ones. What is your favorite color of mums?

Pondering these words... "Our God is Bigger than Our Circumstances."

From the kitchen... chili or spaghetti, I haven't decided yet.

Around the house... I need to change the summer clothes to fall clothes ...

One of my favorite things... new clothes! (Just keepin' it real ...)

From my picture journal...

I took this picture last spring of my friend Brenda standing beneath one of the prettiest flowering trees I've ever seen. The tree was all blossoms!

Would you like to read other daybooks? Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Random Dozen #5

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

Unfortunately, every time I go into Penney's so I try to stay out of there!

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

A wall arrangment made out of items I bought at a yard sale and then my hubby spray painted them.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

Too little. We have 4 females and one bathroom. Enough said.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

Ummm... well, I'm not an outdoor person. My hubby and I kind of follow the pattern my parents established - Mom does the inside chores, Dad does the outside.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

No, I would never use cigarettes, I think it's a bad witness, and also I can't afford them!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Definitely ride, I like to look at the scenery more than pay attention to the road!

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

Trying to please everyone - it will never happen!

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

I'll try to read a book at least half way through to see if it will finally get better (ususally it does!) but my attention span for movies is not very long at all, so I give up after 10 minutes or so.


9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

I love songs from the Sound of Music - Doe A Deer, and These Are a Few of My Favorite Things. I also like "Just a Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins. Oh no! I've quoted songs from MUSICALS. LOL.


10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

Umm.. 2.


11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

Nope, I eat it all ... unfortunately.


12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?

This is an interesting question. My first thought was to say my kids, but they're nearly grown. Really, trying to control myself is a full time occupation!


Would you like to see other bloggers answers to the Random Dozen? Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 5, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH EDITION...

Outside my window... a cool, fall morning.

I am thinking... of yesterday's sermon regarding Caleb and Joshua who believed and the ten spies who didn't. Did you know the spies were all leaders from each tribe? So, sometimes leadership is wrong!

I am thankful for... health and safety. My boss had a mild stroke this week, and two ladies just up the road from me were attacked and beaten.

From the kitchen... hot dog roll ups tonight, crockpot rotisserie chicken tomorrow.

I am wearing... gray slacks, black cami and a red blazer. And shoes and socks, not sandals, for the first time this year!

I am creating... some essays in my mind that will hopefully become a blog post later on.

I am going... to direct more effort into finding time for prayer. It's vital!

I am reading... the new Karen Kingsbury novel, "Take Two."

I am hoping... and praying that my boss heals quickly from his stoke and is able to come back to the office (and pulpit) SOON.

I am hearing... the clock ticking.

Around the house... my refrigerator needs to be cleaned out. :(

One of my favorite things... candles and candlesticks. It's finally cool enough to start using them again!

A few plans for the rest of the week: planning the songs for worship at our Ladies Retreat this Friday, figuring out what food to take to the Retreat, and I need to send some cards to several people. I must call my brother tonight - it's his birthday!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The mighty Mississippi!

If you'd like to read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.