Under Construction

I did something I shouldn't have done--I started messing around with my blog template. Now, I have a huge mess. If you stop by my blog know that I'm trying to figure it out. The beauty in it all is learning new things about blogging!

And, if you have any pointers please let me know!

Remember Me?

Remember me? That gal who used to blog way back when?

What was meant to be a summer of daily blogging quickly become the summer that flew right past me. Excuses, excuses I know!

This summer was suppose to have been relatively quite with no official plans, yet it was one of our busiest in years. Traveling, visitors, and two vacation Bible schools doesn't sound like much, but believe me with four kids, a husband and running a household it all adds up. Now at summer's end I'm sheepishly reintroducing myself to all you dear MMCW blog followers.

There's nothing like kicking off a new season of blogging with a give-a-way. Don't you just love them!

Several months back I was blessed to receive an advance copy of Virginia Hill's new CD, Truth and Love. It quickly become a favorite--even the kids love listening to it. You can check out MMCW's artist profile on Virginia here.

Hands down, my favorite song on Truth and Love is I Am Here. When things are hectic and life is speeding by as fast as a roller coaster it's easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and completely worn-out. We all know what that feels like.

I Am Here is a reminder to worship God and rely upon Him for our strength. As Viriginia sings, "He's the healer of my heart, the lover of my soul." Beautiful. Be sure and watch the I Am Here video either at MMCW or on the blog.

There are four ways to enter the drawing this week for Truth and Love over on MMCW's blog. The deadline to enter is Friday at noon. One winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced Friday afternoon. To learn how you can enter up to four times in the drawing head on over to the blog.

Interesting Sites & Sounds

Things have been busy around our house the last few weeks. We were honored to host family and friends followed by a trip of our own to see the grandparents. In the midst of it all I've been planning our school year slated to begin next week. Lots to do--lots to do.

Whether you homeschool or not, here's some sites I've visited this week in my search for better organization that you may enjoy. Plus, there's a good article and of course some freebies.

Project Girl pretty menu planning forms to print--for free!

SpellingCity is a free site that allows kids to enter their spelling list and it will test, teach, or play games using the list. Great for daily practice leading up to a test!

My Audio School. Molly has put together a subscription site filled with audio books. Great site--check it out!

Freebies this week include everything from Queso dip at Moe's to a free eReader for iPhones, Blackberry, PC or Mac from Barnes & Noble with six free eBooks including The Last of the Mochicans and Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary.

Tebow Leaves Reporters Speechless. Good article on Florida QB Tim Tebow.

PJs for Christmas

My family has a tradition of opening one present each on Christmas Eve. The gift is no surprise--a new pair of pajamas.

Even though they know what the gift is, everyons still gets excited. Of course there is always a picture taken of the kids sporting their new duds by the Christmas tree.

I used to work hard to find four matching pajama sets. The kids did not enjoy looking alike if even for one night, so the tradition got tweaked a bit. Now, I search for fun pjs for each child--ones on sale of course.

Right now is a good time to buy fall and winter pajamas--really. The Disney Store currently has most of their cold weather pjs $4.99. The key is to get in there and get the needed sizes before they sell out or begin stocking new styles.

The pajamas are well-made and are also perfect for niece and nephew gifts.

If you do not have a Disney Store near you, shop the outlet store online. Instore sales will have a better selection and price, but you can still get some good deals online.

Run for Your Life

I watched Run for Your Life this week.

It is amazing how anointed words spoken in 2001 are just as relevant-- if not more so--in 2009.

Powerful.

Convicting.

Watch it yourself and then let me know your thoughts.




Related Oasis Blogs:

Is the Cross False Advertising?

Let Me Re-Introduce the Christ

I am Patrick, a Sinner

Do You Believe the Bible?

Christmas Photos

Now is a great time to take pictures for Christmas letter or cards. While visiting the beach or grandma's house, gather the family for a group picture.

While cousins visited this week we headed over to the lake and took pictures of all the grandkids together. If it is a rare treat for everyone to be together, like it is for us, take advantage of the opportunity.

All you need for your own photo session is a camera (preferably digital), tripod, and lots of patience. Be prepared to take plenty of photos to get one or two keepers.

These special family photos make wonderful gifts--especially for hard-to-buy for grandparents.
* Enlarge and frame one of the photos.
* Make a special album of all the photos. Use Photoshop and put some in sepia or black and white tones for a unique touch.
* Create a CD and set it to music.

Crazy Love for Free

I just started Francis Chan's bestseller, Crazy Love. By the end of chapter one I realized it would be good to read and discuss as a family. One thing that sets Crazy Love apart is how Chan includes a link at the end of each chapter for the reader to go online and watch a short video. You can view these videos at http://www.crazylovebook.com/.

Yes--the videos are free.

Don't you just love men and women of God who are focused on sharing the gospel instead of seeing how much money they can make from it? That's a soapbox for another time. Back to Crazy Love...

Here's a snippet from chapter one:

"What if I said, "Stop praying?" What if I told you to stop talking at God for a while, but instead to take a long, hard look at Him before you speak another word? Solomon warned us not to rush into God's presence with words. That's what fools do. And often, that's what we do.

We are a culture that relies on technology over community, a society in which spoken and written words are cheap, easy to come by, and excessive. Our culture says anything goes; fear of God is almost unheard of. We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry.

The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him. It may seem a hopeless endeavor, to gaze at the invisible God. But Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation, we see His invisible qualities and divine nature."

This month Christian Audio is giving away a FREE audio book download of Crazy Love. That's right--you can download the entire book for FREE!

Hop over to Christian Audio before the end of the month and get your download!

When you've listened to the book come back and share your thoughts.