Love My Husband

I don't want to brag...ok maybe I do.  I am married to an amazing man.  He is the first person to admit when he has done something wrong and he is always willing to give the other person a way out.  By that I mean, if someone wronged him, Chris first of all gives them the benefit of the doubt and then gives them an opportunity to save face.  While these are characteristics instilled in him by his parents he also has refined his actions by trying to have a like mind of Christ. 

Honey, if you read this (and I know you don't) I want you to know how proud I am of you.  You are a blessing to me.  I love you!

Pruning

This morning before church I sat in the dinning room looking out the window to the north noticing our overgrown bush and wondering when I should prune those branches back.  The bush is pretty scraggly which makes it an easy target for weeds. Timing is everything when it comes to gardening.. 

Just as I need to prune the bush in my yard to rid the dead or unhealthy branches to insure growth, I am noticing that this is a season of pruning in my life.  God's ways are always loving so I know that even though I am feeling pain, He is preparing me for growth.

Not too long ago I wrote a blog entry titled "Change Your World."  I had no idea how much God was preparing my own heart for what was about to come.  In that post I made mention of how God comes at me from so many directions and He did it again.  This weekend I was in Grand Island at our old church for a Beth Moore Simulcast. (LOVED IT!!!) Beth talked about "The Law of Kindness."  How did she know I was going to need a refresher to keep me from saying and doing things I would later regret?  God's attention to the details is amazing.  Kindness is not an action it's a disposition.  When I open my mouth (and I will) I prayerfully ask God to let the words that flow be words of wisdom.

So this week when it warms up a little, while I am in my yard pruning the dead or overgrown branches from bushes and flowers I will be thinking about my Father in Heaven who is doing a good work within me. I challenge each of you to show kindness today.  Not just being nice which can be faked, I mean genuine kindness.

Have a great week.

Going Hard

Reagan knows only one way to play soccer...going all out! 

The girls played a hard fast paced game today.  We all were so proud of their effort!  Another "W" for the girls, 4-3.

Love My 'Skers

Two of my favorite things together...my handsome hubby and Husker Football!!!  Chris and I had a great day watching the Huskers put it to Idaho.  What was I thinking wearing jeans?  It was hotter than heck today!

Brook Berringer #18 played football at UNL in the 90's.  Brook and I got to know each really well during our college years and then the night before the NFL draft Brook was killed in an airplane accident.  I'll never understand why he was taken to Heaven at such a young age.

Today was the 9 year anniversary of the terrorist attack on American soil. 

Change Your World

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."  I Thessalonians 5:14-15

This verse and a few others have been in my thoughts each day this week.  I love Random Acts of Kindness but this verse goes beyond a few nice things we can do.  These words from the bible could radically change the world if only people (not even everyone) would embrace the idea of being kind, encouraging, helping the weak and practicing patience.  I'll be honest, that last one really gets me.

When God tries to get my attention, it seems that He comes at me from several avenues.  First, our church has started a campaign called "Double Your Impact." Basically, our church leadership feels a call from God to keep doing what we have been doing but BIGGER!  So I have prayerfully been asking "what does this mean for me?"  I want to meet the needs of others.  I want to show love.  I want to make a difference.  Yes, God uses me as His hands and feet for my family and some times those around me but I'm ready to step out in faith and do something big.

Secondly, I started reading Debbie Macombers "One Simple Act."

She is rocking my world and I love it.

Thirdly, I started a bible study on Tuesday mornings with bunch of ladies from church by Priscilla Shirer.

 Being a big fan of Beth Moore I was reluctant to join this study but already in week #2 I have been challenged and blessed by what Priscilla Shirer shares in both the videos and daily study.

See, God doesn't mess around with me.  He knows if there is a mission He can't beat around the bush. So I am excited to see where this takes me and a little afraid too.  I know the Creator of the universe cares about the smallest of details and won't take me somewhere that He hasn't already equiped me to go but a road map to get there would be nice.  :)

This is a random smattering of thoughts that are not well planned out rather iy is a window into my heart.  I pray that fear does not take over when I am presented with an opportunity to brighten my little spot of the world.

Book Facebook Page

As of tonight there is a The NEW PHENOM3NON facebook page. (The New Phenomenon by Chris Raabe)

No, the book has not been released.
No, we don't have a release date, yet.
Trust me...this blog will be one of the first to release that information!

The good news is that we can start getting the word out about Chris' book and keep interested parties up to date on it's progress. Chris has been burning the candle at both ends, often working 16 hours a day.  There just isn't time to work on the final draft.  Soon, after October 17th this handsome author who I so dearly love, will have time to finish up his literary work of art.  I can't wait for each of you to read The NEW PHENOM3NON.  

The very creative Leah Amirouche designed our book cover and will look something like the above picture.  This isn't an exact but will give you an idea when you are looking on Amazon.com.

God Can

When things get too big, I get scared but God can do more. 
When life is crazy, I don't know what to do but God can calm the storm.

Let me start by saying our church is running a campaign called "Double Your Impact."  Tonight we had Group Link at our church.  I like to call it speed dating for small group.  Chris and I lead a group in our home and we were looking for only two or three more couples. I guess God wasn't interested in what I had planned, He has is own plan.  Tonight we had nine couples join our group.  Internally, I was FREAKING out (ok I still am) and Chris just kept saying this is God's design.  He can take care of the details.  So I'm wondering if God is also going to give us a new BIG house in the next 2 weeks.  Where will all these people fit?  So forget about "Double Your Impact", let's make it a "Quadruple Our Impact!"

Again, I go back to asking God for his guidance because I know He can do more than I can even dream. 

Thank you God for trusting Chris and I with new families. I pray that your will be done and we don't get in the way. We live to serve and love you.  Amen

Fall Ball

Parents who say, "I will never..." or "I can't believe those parents..." better be careful.  I do remember saying, "My kids do NOT play more than one sport at a time!"  Guess what is going on this fall...Reagan is playing soccer at an advanced rec level and competitive softball.  So now I'm eating crow.  Honestly, this was an accident.

Comets soccer started the season in a tournament after only 2 practices and missing most of the team but still brought home 2nd place medals.  Way to Go!

Preseason Tourne:  2nd place

I'm tired of buying soccer jerseys, four different clubs in four years! On the bright side, we finally have some good competition.  The girls won their first game by 2. Reagan came on strong as a defensive specialist; the other team went home with a great big ZERO on the scoreboard.

4th Soccer Club in 4 years

This year Reagan moved from playing Recreational ball to Competitive softball.  As a mom, I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  In short: lots of time and lots of money!! We are learning what fund raising and time management is all about.

HINT: you gotta swing to hit the ball

Chris' high school softball team has started the season with strong 5 game winning streak.  Every win is a big deal but crushing a rival is a sweet defeat!  Tonight the Patriots proudly trampled the Wildcats.  We are so proud of you girls!

Family Date

For a girl like me, a day like today is about as good as it gets. (Keeping in mind that I have never been on a cruise or a fabulous vacation like Hawaii.)  My family is second priority in my life, only God comes first. So hanging out with Chris and the girls really rocks my world. Honestly I don't think I should have to celebrate a day with the family. Shouldn't it be a normal thing?  It's not and with our crazy fall schedule, this is what it has come to.

Insert Note about spacing here...Vicki, I'm having a hard time remembering to not double space after each period.

We started off our family date at BREWBURGERS at 108th and L St. Great burgers and service to top things off we had a 25% off coupon. Oh how I love coupons! Sneaking in a little bit of work we "toured" PRECISION SPORTS looking for bats, bags and softball pants. Do you know that composite bats are $300, even for little kids? I almost fell over. Needless to say, Reagan didn't get a new bat today. The last leg of our date was the HENRY DOORLY ZOO. Since it was 96 degrees and the humidity was out of control we just rode the train and took in the Madagascar exhibit. Then it was naps for everyone. As we were waiting for dinner to come out of the oven we worked on Christmas gifts so I can find deals and have a good budget worked out. If we are going to Disney next summer Christmas will need to be a little more tame. To cap off the evening we enjoyed amazing homemade pizza.

Aww, I love my family.

Happy Birthday

To my Dear Sweet Friend Becki! 

We met her freshmen year of college and it's probably safe to say that she never was the same again.  :)  It might be fair to say that I was the corrupting force in her life.  There are many great qualities to Becki, loyal friend, caring, compassionate, honest loving mommy, hard worker but best of all... incredible chocolate chip cookie maker!

Love you Beck!  Have a super day!

A blog from my friend Vicki....

 I know Vicki reads my blog so she can stop right here.  :)  This is really for anyone else.  I loved what Vicki wrote yesterday and just had to share it with my readers.  Hmm, I think there are more than one.  ha 

I know God is a big God, he's amazing, all knowing, loving, just... the list goes on.  And on top of all that, He knows me personally.  I LOVE THAT!  Have a great day

As of 10:17 am on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 the population of the US was 310,023,002. The population of the world was 6,863,174,350. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? If you really want to blow your mind think of this, God knows the most minute details of each of those 6,863,174,350 lives. He knows each name. He knows the spiritual condition of each person. He knows their needs, even when they haven't talked to Him about them. He knows the future of each and every person on our planet. He's known all of that for each person since time began. He knows all of it for each person yet to come.

This what I've been thinking about lately as I pray for the people on my prayer list. I can't even imagine how many people are praying at the same time that I am. I can't imagine how many people might be praying for the same person I'm praying for. And I can't fathom what it sounds like in God's ears.

To my ears it would be a jumble. A babble of indistinct voices whispering, talking, crying, pleading, shouting, praising in a variety of languages. But I believe that to God, it's beautiful like music. I believe He can distinguish each voice, indeed, He recognizes each voice. He welcomes hearing each voice... after all, these are the voices of His creation.

For some reason these thoughts have added a new dimension to my prayer life. As I prepare to pray now, I envision God leaning forward expectantly, waiting to hear what I have to say. Waiting to hear if my prayer is all me, me, me, or if I have the needs of others on my heart. Anticipating this action from Him, causes me to lean forward a little, waiting to hear His voice, waiting for His presence to calm me, reassure me, strengthen me to the day ahead.

As I get ready to publish this post it is 6:54 am on Thursday, 8/19/10. The US population is 310,030,273. The world population is 6,863,353,548. And God knows the smallest detail of each of those lives...

Yumminess In A Cup

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE


4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug (Microwave Safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly before pouring in the milk and oil in. Keep mixing. Add the optional chocolate chips next (who makes that an option!) and vanilla extract, and mix again…
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for three minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow it to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Honestly, I haven't tried it yet but sound wonderful.  Can't wait until my cleanse is over.  :)

Added note on Friday...
I made this last night.  It was ok, but nothing to blog about that's for sure.  Maybe my microwave was too powerful, I found it to a little rubbery.  Just wanted to let you know.

RAIN!

Yes it's finally a break from the heat!  It has gently rained all day.  Thank you God for the beauty of nature!

BACK 2 SCHOOL

It's early August and the summer has ended, for my children anyway.  I love having the whole family around the house all summer.  Quality time is one of my top love languages so you won't hear me cheering on the start of school.  I actually like my children and enjoy being a full time mom.  (There are days that challenge this statement.) 

My first born has entered a new world of being an "in-between ager".  Emma isn't a little girl any more but she isn't a teenager either.  Before I know it she will be driving to the mall, making her own decisions and spending less and less time at home.  Not so easy to accept for a "quality time" person.  It's not all bad.  Em is so happy to be moving up to bigger and better things.  She's a great kid, I can't wait to see what she accomplishes this year.  Love you babe!

How can it be true that Reagan has already completed half of her years in elementary school?  This kiddo loves school and excels at everything she tries.  I'm so proud of you, keep up the great work!

As if 2 different school buildings isn't enough to keep me busy, this year we are introducing a third school.  My baby is out of the house and out of my possession four days a week and SHE LOVES IT!  I'm sad and excited all at once.  You are such a bright light, you will certainly bring new sparkle to that class room.

If you want to catch up with me this year you might find me in my van taking, dropping off or waiting for a child.  As I hang out in parking lots, I look forward to getting a lot of reading done.  Can't wait to get my hands on the new series that will be released soon....The New Phenomenon.

The Cleanse

First let me say, it isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  It would be excellent if I could have a cup of coffee and maybe one piece of cheese this month.

I decided to take part in a 28-day cleanse.  The first week I started out by eating only clean food.  Eating as much raw food as possible, no processed foods, no dairy, no gluten, only lean meats (obviously not raw), no peanuts, low sugar and organic when I can afford it.  Some of these things are already in our family diet.  The great thing about this is introducing new foods to the family.  So far the kids have liked everything I have made. (Yes, they are still eating pizza etc)

Standard Process is an excellent brand of food supplements that we have taken for over a year.  Naturally I am doing their product for the one week cleanse.  It's a lot of pills three times a day.

Here are a couple positives:  I have more energy already.  I have lost a few pounds.  It feels good to be doing something for myself.

My goal is to be healthier; rid my body of nasty toxins.  This isn't to see the scale read a lower number even though I need to be working on that.  When I eat right it makes me more interested in working out consistently and the next thing I know I'm a better person to be around.  One more benefit:  I read that the colon can store from 5-25 pounds of waste.  Well that would be a great way to drop 25 pounds quick.  ha ha 

My eating has not been 100% right but I'm trying.

At the end of 28 days I will slowly introduce each food back into my diet to see if there are adverse reactions.  Gluten, peanuts, soy and dairy are some of the most frequent allergens in our foods.  Most people don't even realize the inflammation that is going on within that causes aches, pains and illnesses.  If I can avoid those foods that don't agree with me, I'm all over that. The bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of God.  Why do I allow trash in the temple?

To be honest, I don't even know what day is my last.  You can be sure I will be posting an update later this month.

Happy Birthday

Today is my dear friend Vicki's birthday.  Even tho I had an email reminder and it was written on my calendar, I still forgot to send a card.  That's what happens when you are too wrapped up in your own little life to remember those you love. 

Vicki, I hope you have a wonderful day!  Best wishes to an amazing Christian woman who challenges me, makes me laugh and sometimes laughs at me too.  Talk to you soon.

Hugs and Prayers to you, Melanie

Book Update

The New Phenomenon is in fact coming soon.  The last revision was done by the author in late May not a word to date from the publisher.  I know all this takes time but it's driving me CRAZY!!  I want to know the next step and how long it will take.  I want to start doing something or at least planning something.  Absolutely, I believe in God's timing.  Certainly, there are things I just don't have to plan out.  Now with that said just because I know something doesn't mean I like it. 

Today author Chris Raabe had a Fine Lines meeting (he's a volunteer editor for them) and met the last editor to read his book.  "Frank" was excited to meet the fellow who wrote The New Phenomenon.  He loved it and can't wait to read the next book.  Let me try to quote Frank, "You really wrote to your audience.  This book is going to be well read and loved." Woo Hoo!!  That sounds pretty good to me.  He also asked to have a note put on the next manuscript so the publisher would get book #2 to him.

I am so excited for all of you to get a copy of this book.  The reviews have been amazing.  Just so you know, it will be available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.  No worries, we'll let you know where else it can be found.

Now for info on book #2.  The first draft was completed last week and Chris has been working morning, noon and night to get the first revision done before school starts.  Right now he's at school reading, writing and revising (3 R's sorta) in hopes to break the 100 page barrier of 255.  Book #2 is a little shorter but dare I say even better content than #1?

My hubby is an amazingly talented writer, obviously not my God given gift.  Chris had a dream and worked hard to make it come true.  The dream was writing a young adult novel everything else is just icing on the cake.  One day soon we will have a published book sitting on our bookshelf, what an incredible achievement. 

Girls Get-A-Way

One last time to get out of town before school. I don't know how this happens but Mindi and I never seem to get a photo of US together. ha That's ok, here are 4/5 of our beautiful girls having a great time in Kansas City.

Some of the best friends are old ones. I'm talking about the kind of friend that knows too much because they've been through it all with you. That's Mindi! We have been friends since the summer before 7th grade. I remember the old house that just begged us to "break" in...how about the time we drove 90 miles to a mall when it was too cold to have school (and our parents didn't know)...boyfriends...our weddings...pepper spray at the VFW...there's so much more that I dare not say.  And now our daughters are friends, I pray they don't pull the same stuff we did in our youth.

Step Out & Serve

Today our family had the privilege to "step out" of our comfort zone and serve some families in a less fortunate area of town.  I feel like we kind of cheated, instead of manual labor we have done in years past, we put on a carnival for the neighborhood kids.  We gave out school supplies, backpacks, hot dogs, drinks, prizes, played games, had face painting, a balloon artist, etc. The kids had a blast and as well as the volunteers.  To finish off a hot day of playing, someone broke out the waterballoons.  Chris took off for the car...you know to bring it us for us.  haha  The rest of us drenched each other in refreshing water. Our girls not only saw the joy we brought to many deserving children but experienced the joy of helping God's family. 

our work stations included the stilts and later grilling

On our drive back home I begin thinking about what our family can do in the following months to serve others.  My heart is full tonight.  My prayer is that there were hundreds and thousands of people touched today as churches across our city "stepped out" to make a difference.  What compels us to do this...simply the love of Jesus. 

??Body Piercing??