Mailbox Monday - Dec 31

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Welcome to the last Monday of 2018 and last day of the year. I will be hanging out at home. Do you have any fun plans?

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. The three kids were here on Christmas Eve. Then we traveled to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house for Christmas Day. Since I cooked the night before, there was no cooking mess to clean up. I simply brought some leftovers with us to their house. It was so wonderful not staying up late to clean.

As you can tell from the reviews I've been posting, I'm trying to catch up on some reading. I've also got book reviews coming up in January, so I better get started soon.

My mailbox has been busy lately. These are all for virtual book tours:

I also downloaded some Kindle freebies (I guess the other 555 aren't enough to keep me busy).

I will be setting goals for the new year soon. I'm also in the middle of working on my vision board. Still haven't put my 2019 business plan together. That's coming up soon too.

Wishing all of your a happy and healthy new year filled with blessings. 

Book Review: Prayers for the Battlefield by Heidi St. John

We might not always think of ourselves as warriors, but the battle is real and moms need to stay steadfast in protecting their faith and their families.

Prayers for the Battlefield by Heidi St. John is a book you're going to want to have on your nightstand to help you through the battles--the big ones and the little ones--that come to moms everywhere. Filled with scripture, prayers, and meaningful reflections, this devotional will meet you where you are in the daily world moms find themselves. Broken down into six sections, Prayers for the Battlefield will take you from the battlefield and beyond, with inspiration, compassion, and empowerment. So many of these reflections touched my heart, it would be impossible for me to choose a favorite. This beautiful hardcover with black, white, and gold text is the perfect gift.

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (September 18, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 149641277X
ISBN-13: 978-1496412775

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Angry Christian by Bert Ghezzi

The Angry Christian is a helpful and thought-provoking resource for those seeking to understand this powerful emotion.

While browsing the new offerings at our local library, I stumbled upon The Angry Christian by Bert Ghezzi. While not a new book, this is a 2018 new edition with foreword by Brandon Vogt. Just barely over 100 pages, this amazing book provides a Bible-based way to approach anger.

The Angry Christian answers questions like:

• Is anger always sinful?
• When is anger okay? 
• What is the difference between self-help and God-help?

It provides instruction on how to get angry the right way. Most importantly, it is filled with examples from the Bible.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up The Angry Christian, but I am so glad I did. It gave me an entirely different perspective on an emotion I've always struggled with. I'm going to buy my own copy so I have it as a reference when I need it.

Highly recommended!


Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Paraclete Press; New edition (March 20, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1640600396
ISBN-13: 978-1640600393

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas To-Do List

Well, if it hasn't gotten done now, I don't have much time. LOL! Here's where I am at:

• Decorating - DONE
• Cleaning - DONE
• Wrapping - 98% DONE
• Baking - Kids are making sugar cookies and sweet rolls for dinner. I will make fudge and chocolate chip cookies.

John Boy is coming home tonight to celebrate Christmas Eve with us. Hope our daughter-in-law will join us after work. You know, I never came up with a nickname for her. Hmmm...I'll have to think on it.

Wishing one and all a blessed Christmas.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you[a] a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and[c] will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

Christmas To-Do List

The Christmas countdown is on. Only four days until Christmas. Here is what has been accomplished:

• Christmas shopping 
• Grocery shopping
• Christmas letter/cards 

Here are the next items on my to-do list:

• Decorating
• Cleaning
• Wrapping
• Baking

I refuse to feel stress over these undone items. What gets done, gets done. What doesn't, just doesn't. We spent Wednesday evening at the Soldiers' Home with my father-in-law for their Christmas party. Other than celebrating the birth of our Savior, spending time with family is the most important part of this time of year. 

I'm not sure how much more I will be blogging, but if this is the last post before Christmas, please know I wish you and your family a blessed holiday filled with the peace, love, and joy the Savior's birth brings.

Book Spotlight: The Wonder of Christmas by Rocky Henriques

Enjoy reading about the birth of Christ? Constantly looking for fresh sermons for Christmas? Preaching at Christmas can be one of the most challenging times of the year, mainly because most of our hearers have already heard the story numerous times already! Here are 24 original, full-manuscript Christmas sermons from a Biblically-conservative pastor with forty years' preaching experience. Each sermon is loaded with Scripture references, and you will find numerous sermon illustrations throughout. A great addition to your library, to make sure you always have a great sermon idea at your fingertips for Christmas!

File Size: 1620 KB
Print Length: 203 pages
Publication Date: November 13, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07KJSRXM3


Purchase at Amazon!

Task it Tuesday - Dec 18

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

We are down to the wire--only seven days until Christmas. Here's my list:

• Shopping - done
• Christmas letter - written but need to mail out
• Decorate - one tree up with lights on it, but need to finish the rest of the house
• Grocery shopping - mostly done 
• Wrapping - probably Thursday

Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas!

Voting Now Open: 2018 Clean Wholesome Romance Readers' Choice Awards

Here is your chance to vote for your FAVORITE Clean Wholesome Romance books that were published this year! Voting for the 2018 Clean Wholesome Romance Readers' Choice Awards has begun! If you write or read clean wholesome romance it's time to cast your vote for this year's winners!

VOTE HERE

Voting runs from December 18, 2018 to January 2, 2019.

Product Review: Children's Toys from PBS KIDS

As you are shopping this holiday season and wondering how you can give back and make a difference, consider purchasing one of these adorable PBS KIDS toys sold exclusively at Whole Foods locations nationwide.

An Imperfect Christian Mom was privileged to receive the following three samples:

Isn't this fuzzy little one too cute for words? A perfect stocking stuffer, she has a little clip so your child can attach it to a backpack, bag, or belt loop. 

Next comes the Narwhal. Not only does this make your child think of the Kratt Brothers and their narwhal episode, this plush toy comes with a tag that shares information about narwhals. 

Finally, is this colorful Numbers in Space wood puzzle. I can't tell you how many days were spent with the kids working on puzzles like this when they were little. The puzzle pieces have little notches to make it easy for tiny fingers to lift them out and reveal the picture underneath. 

The best part of purchasing these toys: 100% of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of these toys will support PBS KIDS’ mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life.

I would highly recommend this new line of PBS KIDS toys and applaud their partnership with Whole Foods Market. 

I received free samples of these products from PBS KIDS. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Task it Tuesday - Dec 11

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

What a productive week I had. The dumpster is full and will be picked up today. The big areas of our house: shed, bonus room, and basement have been cleaned up to a degree that I can stand it. The outside Christmas lights are hung and the large tree for the family room is in position waiting for me to fluff it and get the lights and ribbon on. Not bad considering I have three listings due to hit the market this month.

For this week, I know what I need to accomplish. It is going to be tough with my schedule, but I will give it a shot.

1. Tidy up the few remaining messy spots on the second floor to get the house ready for decorating.
2. Organize the gifts I've bought to make sure I haven't missed anyone. Then finish shopping.
3. Get groceries for Christmas dinner.
4. Compile and send out the annual Christmas letter--which hasn't gone out in the last three years, but I am determined to get out the door.

What is on your to-do list this week?

Mailbox Monday - Dec 10

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Here we are back to Monday. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I worked my tail off, which is worth every aching muscle, because the dumpster leaves today and my house is much cleaner for it. Between donating things and tossing stuff, our house is definitely more organized. I am looking forward to getting this place ready for Christmas. That was made a bit easier when I won this beautiful wreath at our work holiday luncheon.

Trying to read, but I've got a lot going on here. These are two I am trying to finish up:

My physical mailbox was empty last week, but I picked up these two books that were Kindle freebies. 

What was in your mailbox? Hope you have a blessed week.

New on PBS Kids: Let's Go, Luna!: Luna's Christmas Around the World Premiers Tomorrow

I just got a chance to preview the new Let's Go, Luna!: Luna's Christmas Around the World episode that will air tomorrow on PBS KIDS. When the Circo gets stuck at the South Pole on Christmas eve, Leo, Andy, and Carmen are convinced that Santa will never find them. With the help of their friend Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about holiday traditions from around the world along the way. This is a one-hour special event.

What a fun show that is educational and entertaining. I wish my girls were still little, because they would love it.

Let's Go, Luna!: Luna's Christmas Around the World premiers Monday, December 10, and will also air December 12, 14 (on PBS KIDS Family Night), 20, 24, 25. Check your local station for times.

Here are some other holiday favorites airing in December:

Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Airs December 10, 11, 14 and 21 (on PBS KIDS Family Night), 24, 25

Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
Airs December 10, 12, 14, 18, 21 (on PBS KIDS Family Night) 24, 25

The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!
Airs December 10, 13, 17, 21 (on PBS KIDS Family Night) 24, 25

Peg + Cat + Holidays
Airs December 10, 13, 14, 24, 25

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Airs December 10, 12, 14, 19, 24, 25

Task It Tuesday - Dec 4

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

It's been a while since I posted a Task it Tuesday. There are still lots of tasks, but not a lot of posting time. I really need to time block my calendar better and more often.

I'm still focused on cleaning the house. That dumpster needs to get out here. Problem is I have so many work appointments I am rarely home. Hopefully, next week will start a slow down in the work schedule, but it's not looking promising.

There are two things I want to finish by this weekend:

1. Cleaning my office: the closet and supply cabinet are all that is left. Then I need to clean the bonus room so I can move the boxes of unread books from my little office into that room.
2. Put up some Christmas decorations. The kids are eager to get this place looking seasonal, and I truly enjoy doing it. We bought new stockings and a new Christmas tree skirt this year, so I would love to see how it looks.

What are some tasks you would like to tackle this week?

Sifting through Memories

As part of project Get Rid of the Clutter, I cleaned out the shed this weekend. I had forgotten how many playthings were in there from the girls' younger days: sand toys from the boat shaped sand box, the Barbie® jeep they and their friends drove around the cul-de-sac while playing tunes on a battery operated radio, a myriad of water guns that no longer work, and tiny bicycles that have long since been outgrown. So many memories and so many treasures.

I was able to part with most things, but couldn't quite let go of these:

The twin shovels the girls used to help Paddy clear the snow. That usually lasted five minutes before they wanted to come in for hot chocolate with marshmallows in front of the fireplace.

The bird house the Lil' Diva made on a school field trip and the training wheels off her bicycle when she finally felt brave enough to ride on her own.

As I tucked away the remaining gardening tools in a cleaner shed, those memories brought a tear to my eye. Those days will never come again. But with God's grace, new adventures and fond memories are in the making. 

Book Review: Going for Broke by Shannon Medisky

Are you looking for a book that can help change your perspective? Then Going for Broke: How to Suffer Well by Shannon Medisky should be on your list.

Medisky has spent the last ten years learning a lot about suffering, but her book isn't going to be about how to get out of it or how to avoid it, because she knows that God allows us to suffer, but also "meets us in our mess." In those moments when life just "sucks," she encourages us to face suffering in "anticipation of meeting God personally in brand new ways."

Providing a fresh perspective on how God called Noah and Moses and what they suffered through, along with sharing her own journey, the reader is inspired to accept suffering, but not be defeated by it. She boils it down to three easy-to-remember steps to help you and guide you to intentionally lean on God in meaningful ways.

I loved everything about this book; especially because Medisky's style of writing makes the reader feel like she is speaking solely to her. I'll be on the lookout for more of the author's work, and have visited her website to check on additional resources.

Paperback: 134 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (September 14, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1986546292
ISBN-13: 978-1986546294

I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Mailbox Monday - Nov 26

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

With the crazy weather around here, I might have to switch my fall mailbox to a winter one soon. Gosh, we didn't even get a chance to pick up our leaves before the first storm hit us. Right now it looks like we will have rain instead of snow this week. There are still some frozen white mounds hanging around, but the snow is mostly gone. Sounds like the Midwest got slammed with the white stuff and high winds this past weekend. Are we ready for this?

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. The family was here, so that was nice. Project Get Rid of the Clutter isn't even close to done yet, so the house wasn't in as good of shape as I wanted. Hopefully, I'll make a dent in my office this week. The kitchen is done and two closets. The living room was cleaned this week and the new couch arrives today. The Lil' Princess made a huge dent in her room this weekend. Any progress is good progress as far as I am concerned.

I am reading, but haven't received anything new lately. That's okay with me. I have six boxes of unread books and a huge pile on my floor yet. I think that will keep me busy. LOL!

Hope you'll share your new arrivals with me. Have a great week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As our family gathers around the table, we will be wishing all of you a blessed Thanksgiving.

New on PBS Kids: Let's Go Luna Premiers on November 21

PBS KIDS recently announced episode destinations and a holiday special from its new animated social studies series, LET’S GO LUNA! It premieres tomorrow, November 21 nationwide on PBS stations and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel. Want a sneak peek? Catch eight stories from the series that can now be streamed on pbskids.org and the free PBS KIDS Video app. Featuring countries, cultures and customs from around the globe, LET’S GO LUNA! encourages kids ages 4-7 to learn about world cultures while developing social skills.

LET’S GO LUNA! follows the adventures of three animal friends – Leo, a wombat from Australia; Carmen, a butterfly from Mexico; and Andy, a frog from the U.S. – as they traverse the globe with their parents’ traveling performance troupe. At each stop, the trio learns about the differences and similarities of the countries they visit – from language and music, to food and art – with the help of their friend Luna the moon, voiced by Judy Greer. The series takes kids on an informative and imaginative exploration of global culture to make connections between communities all over the world, integrating concepts of anthropology, history, ecology, geography and sociology.

“LET’S GO LUNA! has an important role to play in helping children explore world cultures and learn about all the ways we’re both different and the same,” said Judy Greer. “LET’S GO LUNA! helps kids develop an appreciation for cultural diversity while exploring the fun facets that make up our global community. I’m thrilled to be part of such an impactful and imaginative show that will delight everyone from age 2 to 100!”

Each LET’S GO LUNA! episode consists of two 11-minute animated stories based in a single country, joined together by an interstitial featuring a traditional folktale associated with each location. Two consecutive episodes – a total of four stories – are dedicated to a single city or country, to help kids better understand and retain the deep and vibrant culture that makes up each destination. While the locations are different, the core lessons and experiences of the characters are relatable – leading children through funny and entertaining storylines with friends all over the world.

LET’S GO LUNA! Season 1 Destinations:

• Mexico City, Mexico
• Moscow, Russia
• Cairo, Egypt
• Beijing, China
• London, England
• Delhi, India
• Sydney, Australia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Paris, France
• Juneau, Alaska
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Barcelona, Spain
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Munich, Germany
• Nairobi, Kenya,
• Qosqo, Peru
• Bangkok, Thailand
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Rome, Italy
• Antarctica (Christmas Special)

PBS KIDS will premiere a one-hour LET’S GO LUNA! holiday special on Monday, December 10: “Luna’s Christmas Around the World.” When Leo, Andy and Carmen get stuck at the South Pole with the performance troupe on Christmas Eve, the friends are convinced that Santa will never find them. With help from Luna, the kids endeavor to save Christmas, learning about gift-giver traditions and holiday customs from around the world along the way. 

Working closely with a team of cultural anthropologists, each episode of LET’S GO LUNA! is meticulously researched to ensure cities and regions are authentically and respectfully portrayed. One of the few storyboard-driven shows for preschoolers, writers work with storyboard artists to create visually-driven narratives that highlight each city’s distinctive landscape and features.

Created by Emmy Award-winning animator, writer and artist Joe Murray (“Rocko’s Modern Life,” “Camp Lazlo”), the series pulls artistic inspiration from vintage travel posters, the UPA, retro style found in timeless animated shows from the 20^th century and Murray’s popular animation style. The show is produced by 9 Story Media Group’s award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films.

For TV schedules on their local PBS station, viewers can check local listings. LET’S GO LUNA! will offer a variety of games at pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Games App, including Chef Leo’s Crazy Kitchen, launching the week of November 21, as well as clips and full episodes across PBS KIDS’ streaming video platforms, including the PBS KIDS Video App.

Mailbox Monday - Nov 12

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Welcome back to Monday, everyone. Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine involved cleaning. Reclaimed the kitchen and a closet and started emptying out the basement. My goal is to be done before Thanksgiving. The weekend was also about family: final soccer game of the season, church, and lunch with my father-in-law on Sunday to thank him for his service in Korea.

The mailbox was a bit skinny this week, but what is probably the most important book I've received this year arrived on Saturday.

I've never been much of a planner person, but when social media marketing, blogging, and then real estate came into my world, I realized the only way I could keep things straight was to start time blocking. I'm still not great at it, but I am getting there. 

I didn't know this until today-- www.christianplanner.com is a veteran-owned business. So glad I am supporting them.

After the instructions page, the next two pages are a vision board and bucket list for 2019, the next 5 years, and lifetime. The photo below shows the "My Healthy Habit Goals" pages. The Eucharist is divided into four sections: Daily/Often, 1-2 Times a Week, 1-2 Time a Month, and 1-3 Time a Year. The Chalice is where you write down your 2019 goals. 

There is full month calendar page with a memory verse, and a section at the bottom with reflection questions and an action item, followed by a weekly devotional page where you can list sermon notes and Bible study notes (this page has a lot of white space and you are encouraged to sketch). This page also has reflection questions and action items.

Then your monthly calendar is broken down by week where you can list your weekly goals at the bottom of the left page and the bottom of the right page can be used to track your daily healthy habits. 

This looks like a great way to plan all aspects of my life. Do you use a planner? What do you like about it? On another note, what was in your mailbox last week?

Mailbox Monday - Nov 5

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Wow! Where did October go? It has been such a hectic one around here. My beautiful niece got married.

Looking at this peaceful face you would have no idea her outside wedding was rearranged last minute thanks to a Nor'easter and lack of power until the middle of the reception.

Lots of sports, planning the WriteAngles Conference that takes place on November 17, and tons of real estate transactions keeping me busy. Today is the Lil' Princess' birthday. How is she already 15?

In my book world, the mailbox had been full for one reason or another. Here are my most recent mailbox finds:

What have you found in your mailbox lately? Anything fun and geared toward the holidays?

On a side note, the girls have been bugging me since November 1 to put up the Christmas tree. Have any of you started decorating yet?