You want to plan something? Have an itch that won’t go away? An idea that just might work? Well, Andy Stanley’s Visoneering will give you some great advice on how to get started. He even talks about how one lonely guy, Nehemiah, set about planning for several years just to build a wall for a city he had lived in for who knows how long? And he did it too!
Andy uses the business aspect of having a vision as a example of how to go about what God has set before you. Think about how one must first identify a need, figure out how to meet that need and then start with plans to make it happen. Now a business that is in its infancy stage has to go through a lot of steps. Research, research, discussion, getting proper funding, permits you get the idea. Takes a while before you even see the building or web site go up. Everything must be in place and in working order.
Mr. Stanley gives a “project” at the end of each chapter so that your idea can be broken down in small steps and not so overwhelming. No head spinning. No fainting. He asks all the right questions and rightly so. Bottom line, make sure what you are doing is the right thing and God directed, don’t sacrifice your morals to get ahead and get informed on all aspects from reading, and people you know and don’t know.
I received a free copy of this e-reader edition of this book from Waterbrook Press and Edelweiss in exchange for reviewing it.
Author Archives: icetealover2
The Sweet and Side of Parenting
Today is Mother’s Day and it was a nice one. For starters I spent it with my two sons, my husband and our dog, who happens to be a male too. So you could say I was surrounded by men. We went out to eat and came home and just hung out.
Now what’s interesting about today is what I received. My youngest son, decided to buy some Klondike bars and potato chips for the occasion in addition to some peanut flavored M and Ms.
Both reminded me of the way parenting can be. Think about it, it’s never easy and there is no handbook given to you when you have a child. Trial and error is pretty much your teacher and yes, more error but then you learn what works and what does not. Our children grow and challenge us because they want to be their own person.
True, there are disagreements, tears, not so nice words exchanged, and the rare, “I don’t love you”, but believe me they do love you, they are just mad at the moment because getting caught in the wrong is embarrassing. Attitudes form and are flaunted in front of friends as sign of being cool and wanting to belong. Of course, we moms and dads just shake our heads and talk with our child later.
Homework wars, making sure it’s done and on time, getting to bed at a reasonable hour, and waking up in time to get ready for school. Yeah fun times, hu?
The reverse is like a Klondike bar, sweet and comforting and always leaving you wanting more of it. Joking around, making each other laugh, congratulating on a job well done, those times when your so called “young adult” son or daughter comes to you because they bothered by a problem or sick. You see, they always need mom and dad. That never changes.
My oldest son is twenty one and still like a little boy due to his autism and mental retardation so he will always think mom and dad are alright. My youngest son who is twenty, well, the relationship is on and off. Let me explain. He does love us, and he knows we are here for him, but he likes to be his own person most of the time. He has a job, still living at home since he doesn’t make enough to live on his own yet, but he is free to be his own man.
Hard to let go of the little one you once had, to shed that image you keep in your heart, but they have to grow up and learn as we did, when we walked out the door. The Klondike bar was great, and the chips are good too. What would I do for either? I don’t know, but I would not trade all the good and bad of parenting because the rewards are so sweet. Happy Mother’s Day!
The Music Filled Skies
Today another music legend passed away, this time a country music legend who influenced many singers and produced several hit songs. George Jones passed away at age 81. Will he be forgotten? No, because his music will always be played on radio stations, in bars, in homes and anywhere else he can be listened to. He seemed like such a down to earth kind of man, not too flashy just a regular guy doing what he loved best.
Not saying he lived a saintly life, just the way Mr. Jones always presented himself to the public.
Another artist passed away this week as well, Richie Havens, a folk singer who performed at Woodstock. My favorite song by him, “Here Comes the Sun” also from The Beatles, Abbey Road album. What an awesome remake. I can understand why he chose to sing that at Woodstock. The Vietnam War was happening and many were protesting and even more were terrified for thier loved ones overseas. That song provided a little bit of comfort during a time of uncertainty.
And then a lovely actress and singer turned activist passed away recently, Miss Funnicello. I remember watching remakes of the Beach Blanket Bingo movies and they were fun. A diversion, I’m sure, from reality back in the sixities. Something clean and harmless and light.
All I can say is, this planet is mourning the loss but the skies above are a bit livelier now, with great music, acting and grace.
Rest in Peace, George, Richie, Annette. You are not forgotton.
One Ambitious Goal- A Review
Dorthea Dix rocked in the nineteenth century! She declined her so called duty to marry and do her own thing. High five girlfriend! Now, there is nothing wrong with being a mom and me should I know because I am one, but for Miss Dix being married and having children just wasn’t in her game plan. Oh no.
Dorthea accomplished several goals in her lifetime: The first in becoming a published author and the next a teacher. The most impressive goal was her compassionate determination to make sure that all disabled, mentally ill and imprisoned individuals were treated with respect and cared for properly.
The best parts of the book are where she proves the naysayers wrong as she holds out her hand to touch another person’s hand and the awakening happens. The power of affection, just being allowed to be loved, to know that you are human and are worthy. That’s what I’m talking about. Of course back then anyone one who had mental illness or disability was locked away in horrible conditions and not treated so kindly. Dorthea never gave up and constantly badgered all politicians, local police authorities and make staggering progress.
I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and Edelweiss in exchange for reviewing it.
For more information:http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400074310
Sleeping Beauty - Day 87 of The Pollyanna Plan
Day 87, Reason 87: Today I am so grateful for the benefits of a decent night's sleep.
Ahhhh! The joys of sleep! It feels like ages since I've managed to sleep well enough for my body to feel properly rested and re-energised.
I know it's kind of stating the obvious, but it really is quite amazing how beneficial a decent night's sleep can be for one's health, wellbeing and energy.
Fortress of Mist- A Review
Thomas is back and man is his mind being messed with. Fortress of Mist is Book Two in The Orphan King series, and picks up with Thomas being ruler over Magnus. People are coming at him with suggestions to follow them and gain power, but he just doesn’t know whom he can trust. Can’t say that I blame him. Mind games seem to be played with each encounter but one common goal, not only to have Thomas join a given cause or group, but to have access to his books of knowledge. Tricks too! Some even try to poison the guy’s food!
Proceeding with caution and ever the curious soul, Thomas is careful about he reveals and the questions he asks of everyone he meets. Even Katherine, a woman from his past, whom he has great affection for, appears to mysterious and won’t reveal all the information that she is hiding. Faith is a huge test in this series and Thomas does finally test his towards the end when proving his innocence. He succeeds.
If you enjoy a mystery and want to keep turning the pages of a great adventure, Fortress of Mist is the novel for you. It’s not just for young adult readers, so grab a copy and enjoy!
I received this free copy from Waterbrook Press in exchange for reviewing it.
For more information: *Author’s web site)
http://orcabook.com/rockandroll-literacy/
More information on where to buy
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=221083
Read Chapter One:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/pdf/SneakPeek_FortressofMist.pdf
Shock and Sadness
Yesterday, thousands of people decided to run in a marathon that is tradition in Boston, Mass. Just a regular race with everyone expecting to finish at various times and celebrating their efforts. Unfortunately what happened was not happiness but horror and tragedy. At least three people were killed and many more were injured due to devices being set off near or at the marathon itself.
I kept asking myself, “Why do some feel this need to destroy innocent lives?” “How do they sleep at night?” The impact felt on the families and victims is more than they probably can comprehend. I doubt they are capable. One good thing does come out of such terrible events, is that help is always there. I read how one man offered his belt to another to stop the bleeding due to loss of a limb. Others were trying thier best to protect themselves and help those who needed it. Law enforement was quick to respond and they are to be commended.
Boston, Mass just know we are thinking of you and praying for healing and justice to be served.
In an ideal world, and I know I am dreaming, violence would be unheard of but peace would settle in and stay. There has to be a way to stop loss of life and to make everyday living safe for us all. Gotta wake up now, time to rise and greet another day.
Upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows
Despite my recent divorce, I'm still trying to move on with my life. Here's a schedule of upcoming arts and crafts shows that I will be taking part in over the next month or so.
18" x 18" Show
artdc Gallery at The Lustine Center
5710 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
April 29-May 25, 2013
Reception will be held on May 11 from 12-5 p.m.
Down But Not Out
hope for the future
not vanquished yet by evil
hold on for dear life
My prayers are with those affected by the explosions at the Boston Marathon. There are no words that suffice. There is no bliss here.
Waste of Space
I read an article in the Sunday edition of my local newspaper a debate on whether a woman who is age thirty and up should even have a baby. The two reporters were inspired by the recent news of Halle Berry announcing her second pregnancy at age 46. ReallY?? I had no idea that this was something so newsworthy, so important to even write about. Last time I checked the decision to have a family is a personal one and none of anyone else’s business.
Now yes there are risks involved with older women having children but that doesn’t mean that outcome will be terrible. Many women give birth to healthy babies with proper care and do just fine.
Still I have to laugh sometimes at the media for the subject matters that they choose to write about. Why do we need to know about a celebrities every day life, as in they went to the grocery store, and this is news how??? Oh, let’s not forget that when the President walks around the White House grounds or watches his kids play that is something to report too.
To be honest, I think we are overinformed and have forgotten the term “right to privacy”. Strange, hu? Everyone should have some privacy, some sense of a normal life so they aren’t constantly being stalked by a predatory photographer or reporter or cell phone camera. Techonology makes it too easy to broadcast our actions within seconds of it happening.
An individual’s love life is thier business, their family life is thier business, why can’t we go back to when some information was kept that way. Maybe because many of us are so curious, and have to know more that the media will tell us what we want on demand, regardless of the outcome.
Now back to Miss Berry, congratulations on your second baby and I wish you all the best on your upcoming marriage.
