And the Winners Are...

Are you ready for this? It's the moment you've all been waiting for - sitting on the edge of your seats, refreshing the page every 10 seconds, dying to know who the ecstatic new owners of these fantastic books are. And I don't blame you one bit. These books are the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the...why do all the "top-notch" sayings have to do with animals/insects? Who wants anything to do with such creatures when books are in one's sights?? Who -- wait, seriously, are you still reading this? If I were you, I would have scrolled down to see the winning names ages ago. I probably wouldn't even have read this paragraph. At least not until I skipped to the end and found out if I was a lucky book winner. I mean, seriously. What's the point? Who wants to read rambling words and tired thoughts when she could be doing a happy dance over new additions to the library? Aren't you sick of this yet? I am! :p

Sadly, there will be no video, as originally intended, to record the heart-stopping moment, as...well, you know all about Polly. Howsomeverso, I have the bowl of names right here, and as I reach into the bowl, I draw the name...

Lauren

Congrats! You have won The Book That Made Your World!!

Hooray! Can we hear a round of app- what? Ok, fine, I'll draw the next name. You ready for this? The winner is...

Grace!

Huzzah, Gracie! You have won Peter Pan!!

For all those of you who read, commented on, and participated in my bloggy-birthday: Thank You - you are truly the bee's knees!

And for those of you weeping now for not being a lucky winner: do not loose heart. There will be another just-for-fun giveaway in a few short weeks, courtesy of an adventure I am going on. Stay tuned!






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St. Patrick's Day, Give-Away Ending, the Death-Of-All-Things-Battery-Operated, and Lessons from Anna

Inspiring title, no?

This is a post wherein I hereby bestow upon you a potpourri of such thoughts and happenings as have so defined my wee Monday.

*ahem*

Part I:

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! I almost forgot to wear green, had soggy iceberg lettuce instead of cabbage (apparently brothers don't tend to notice the differences between the two when shopping...I mean, the label "iceberg lettuce" and "cabbage" have at least 3 letters in common) and didn't even remember to watch this 'dorable tradition-of-a-video with the Littles:

Nevertheless, the sentiments expressed in this post (coincidentally one of the first posts on my blog) remain the same as I consider the day. Pray for Ireland!

Part II:

I realized there was rather a lack of information regarding last week's give-away! It officially closes Tuesday night (March 18th), at 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time. Wednesday's video post will reveal the winners!

Part III:

And now, for a sad tale.

Once upon a time there lived a girl (that's me) who had a job (that's music teaching) to go to upon a Monday morn (that's today). She ventured forth into the sun and cold (that's March weather), only to be rudely stopped dead in her tracks by a dead car (that wouldn't even start!). Said girl (still me) called upon her helpful bro (Mr. Doesn't-Know-Cabbage-From-Iceberg-Lettuce) to assist her, and since said brother was brilliant (despite some minor deficiencies in reading skills), he righted the aforementioned wrong (that is, a dead car) in record time. Thankful girl (who had only had to cancel the first two lessons of the day) drove off into the sunshine, sure of a happily-ever-after ending.

But it was not to be.

Several hours later, tired girl (that is, the first person) returned home and opened up her computer to check email (that is, paperless communication). No sooner had she loaded the page then said laptop (that is, Polly) "popped off as you might say" (who knows that quote?), never to be resurrected again. Aforementioned girl (SarahJayne) nearly cried with remorse that all things battery-operated were thus withering beneath her touch, and bravely called her father (on a battery-operated cell phone which did not die), who promptly reassured her all would be well.

And so she hopes for her happily-ever-after ending...

Part IV:

We were studying Anna this last week in our girls' Bible study, and I found these discussion questions particularly convicting. Too often, I am tempted to think merely that how I act around people is testimony enough to my Savior. I mean, with the Holy Spirit in me, how could the difference not be obvious? These questions challenged me to look for every opportunity to faithfully, verbally point to Christ. If I am the only one who could speak to them of Truth...what a tragedy for me to say nothing and wait to be asked.

We don't know what happened to Anna after the experience described in Luke 2. We can only imagine that she told everyone she knew about God's revelation. What do you tell everyone you know? If their encounter with you is their only spiritual encounter, what are they learning? - John MacArthur, Twelve Extraordinary Women

What are ways you speak of Christ, even when just having met someone?

I'm Three! I'm Three!!

Banish all thoughts of a grey & cloudy morning and take a deep breath on this fine Monday! Are you sensing an air of excitement? Because you should be. This week is (drum roll, please)

My Third Bloggy-Birthday!!

For the last 1,093 days, this corner of the world wide web has been my home for thoughts, pictures, brainstorms, smiles, and insights. I've written through conviction and triumph. Through struggles and adventures. Through life-changing moments and daily memories. I've written when every word seemed forced, and when words just spilled out. As an open journal, this little blog has been an outlet for sharing where God has taken me thus far in life -- a memory of words.

How is it that characters on a page impact us so deeply? Cause us to be happy or sad, frightened or secure, adventurous or timid? Remind us of full months of our lives or unique experiences? How is it that using specific words, and arranging them in precise order, can have such an impact on us every moment? Words have always been a beautiful mystery to me.

So, in honor of 3 years of typing words for you, my dear readers, to ...read, I have three wonderful guest bloggers who will be visiting this week to share their thoughts on "logos"! Believe you me, these posts are wonderful, and something you certainly don't want to miss, so be sure to check back in over the course of this week!

And now, for the entertainment:

If you were to search "three" on a certain photo site, you would get pictures of three cute dwarf otters, with the middle one sticking out his tongue...

But, mom! Everyone knows I'm the cutest! Please-oh-please give me the snack!

Or three sleepy owls, in various disgruntled stages of awake-ness...

That. Coffee. Doesn't. Feel. Caffeinated.

...Or three zebras in someplace warm, dry, and colorless, wishing they could be here in Washington where life is green.

Ooh! Look guys! Color! I think it's gras-- oh, nope. Just a snake.

Ok, so, I know looking at pictures of animals doesn't traditionally count as party-level entertainment, but parties are supposed to be fun, and fun things are supposed to make you smile, and you can't tell me that those didn't make you grin, so it's kind of the same thing.

Moving On.

Of course, no self-respecting blog would dare to have a celebration without a GIVEAWAY! Right? Right. Do you want to see what kind of wonderfulness you can win? Here it goes:

The Book That Made Your World, by Vishal Mangalwadi.

Yes. I've been quoting this book. And reading it. And loving it. And thinking everyone else should, too! It's about the Word, and the words used to defend/study it throughout history. Incredibly insightful and thought-provoking, I am convinced that it should be in every Christian's library.

Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie

This book...ahh. I've spoken about it here. It holds a special place in my heart. This edition is absolutely the best, with gorgeous illustrations by Scott Gustafson. If this book isn't in your collection, it should be.

~~~~~~~

Pretty excitingamazingwonderful, isn't it? Here's how you can enter:

1. Be a follower of the blog (required to be entered at all) and leave a comment accordingly. {1 point}
2. Respond with your thoughts to the posts going up this week, then leave a comment on this post telling me you did! {1 point per comment}
3. Blog/Facebook about this here party and leave a comment with the link. {2 points}

Sound easy-peasy? It is! When you comment, be sure to tell me which drawing you would like to enter. See you back here soon!






Otters, Owls, Zebras

Giveaway Winners!

 



Sometimes I Wonder ~ Random Moments

Here's a random question for ya:
What is the "polite" way to eat fried chicken?

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Munching on a little lunch mama had brought home - the yummiest, most un-greasy, fried chicken I'd ever had - while teaching today {no lunch break on Thursdays} I was struck with a sudden terror: "Am I being rude, eating with my fingers? Is there a way I'm supposed to eat fried chicken?"

I remember my grandpa once telling us a story of going out to dinner with his dad for fried chicken at a "nice" restaurant. Being country boys, they were a little uncomfortable when they observed that all those around them were daintily {albeit rather unsuccessfully} slicing off bite-sized pieces of chicken using forks and knives. When my grandpas' plates were brought, it took all of 10 seconds for them to discard the "nonsense," abandon utensils, and turn fried chicken back into finger food! "All of a sudden," my grandpa said, laughing and chuckling away, "you could hear this collective sigh all throughout the restaurant, and we looked around and saw everyone else setting down their forks and knives and pickin' up that chicken!"

I love that story. It makes me grin every time I think of it. Yet, it doesn't seem to answer my question. Who was right? The prim-and-proper, unsuccessful, "polite" people? Or my pragmatic, down-to-earth grandpa and great-grandpa {who were promptly copied by everyone else}? What defines the line between manners and a lack thereof? What defines finger food? If you know, please, help me out of my Manners Predicament!!

~~~~~~~

Speaking of wondering, if you're wondering who the giveaway winners are, let my put your minds at ease...kind of. Monday. 10am. There will be an official announcement. Now you know. :)

Thanks muchly to all of you who came to my party ~ I had an amazing time, reading the insights of all my visitors, and I hope you did, too!

Blessings of a Bloggy Birthday!

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Hello, friends! Come in! So glad you could make it! As you can see, I've spruced up the place for all the rare fun that's to happen this week. Scrubbed the windows, dusted the cobwebs, put up some new paint ~ how do you like it? Pull up a chair, will you? Would you like some tea? How about some cake? Yes, yes, that's two candles ~ can you believe how old my little blog is growing?

As I look back over these last two years of blogging, I am overwhelmed (and grateful) for the BLESSINGS documented herein. There have been the blessings of memories, lessons, miracles, and musings. Blessings of adventures, smiles, stories, and amazement. And, of course, there has been YOU! Whether you're a bloggy friend, internet acquaintance, or a friend I run into in everyday life (sorry about that ~ I'll have to better watch where I'm going!), I want you to know that your comments put a smile on my face and give me a day of sunshine!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending some friends' church, and there I heard a beautiful truth which seems to me to perfectly define true blessing. "We do not," the pastor challenged, "come to God to get what we want, but rather what He has to give us." While I am quicker to label the gifts listed in the paragraph above as "blessings," I have learned - and am continuing to learn - that when we receive tenacity to withstand pressure, comfort to carry through grief, or ability to overcome incompetency, these are often the most rewarding of blessings. In this last year I have begun to learn that somehow, God, in the miracle of Who He is, creates the most perfect beauty out of the most hopeless circumstances. It is the nature of our God. Is He not beautiful? Is He not awesome? Is He not deserving of every form of worship?

As you munch on delicious chocolate-covered strawberries at my little bloggy-birthday party, I ask that you would meditate, would remember, would share with me the blessings ~ both the easy and the hard ~ that Christ has given you this year. Surely, as Christians, there is no greater encouragement than to hear the stories of the Saviour's work!

So settle in and make yourself comfortable. We have a lovely seven~days~of~a~party before us, with stories and encouragements galore from some truly special people. And what would a party be without prizes? ...Still a party, perhaps, but certainly not as much fun! Would you like to see the items for the give-away? Yes, I thought so. :)

The first lovely is this wonderful "Emerald of the Sea" bracelet, hand-made by none other than my own amazing Grandma! An elegant, deep green, beaded in a wave pattern, it is one of my favorite jewelry pieces Grandma has made (definitely makes me think "Ireland" :).

 

 

Next item up for the give-away is C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. I know that I've said this about nearly all his books, but this is my favorite work by C.S. Lewis. In his personal retelling of the mythological story of the goddess Psych, Lewis inexplicably grew my awe, fear, and love of the one true God. One of my top recommended books, to be sure!

 

photo credit (not the same cover picture as give-away book)

Are you as excited about these as I am?? Thought so! Here's how you can enter for your chance to win one of them!

 

1. Follow The Lord's Lass and comment with which prize you would prefer - 1 entry {required}

2. Vote on the polls which will be popping up on the sidebar this week - 1 entry per vote

3.  Blog about blessings and link to The Lord's Lass - 3 entries

 

Please leave one comment per entry you receive on this post. Give-away is open to both U.S. and international bloggers. :) Ends 11:59PM, March 18th, Pacific Time.

 

Now please, have another slice of cake and enjoy the party! Blessings!

 



And I'm Back (I think)! :)

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 Hello-hello! After a week of being back from Texas, I am finally feeling settled in to life again...although sitting down at 11:15 with a breakfast of scrambled eggs + avocado and the infamous "DDP" (diet dr. pepper, that is) hardly seems to affirm my claim. But believe me anyway because - although you'll never know for sure - it could be that this time and type of breakfast is normal for me. Just sayin'. :)



Photo Credit



On a much more interesting topic, I want to let you know 'bout all the fun happening over at One Bright Corner this week! Give-aways, guest posts (oh yeah, maybe this is a bit of a plug 'cause my post is up there today :), and a Saturday vlog are all on the agenda, and you don't want to miss it! So hop-skippy on over there - you know it's more interesting than reading this nonsense (but come back tomorrow, 'cause there will be the final video of Caleigh-bug and I performing a stellar arrangement of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" as a Texas-wrap-up post) - enter the give-away, read the posts *cough*, and explore a bright corner of blogosphere!

TTFN! :)