Daybook Monday

06 August 2012

Outside my window...Hot...a few teasing clouds...almost sunset...

I am thinking...Really just overwhelmed these days with God's goodness and mercy.  Over and over.  In and among and through everything else.  He just keeps reminding me. 

I am thankful...Again today, as Billy brought home another month's supply, I am thankful for our medicine miracle. And so thankful that the meds are working well, side effects appear to be completely gone, and life has gone back to a much more normal state than we would ever have thought possible just a few short months ago. 

In the kitchen...Meatball sliders with meatballs from the crock pot today...yum. :)

I am creating...Tweaking the blog a bit...working on some projects for the Everything Launch Team...catching up on my art journal...and actually making music on the piano for the first time in ages...

I am going...to see Guy Penrod again 2 months from today!!  We're going to have a whole crew at this concert...can. not. wait! 

I am reading...Mary DeMuth's latest book, Everything.  It's due to release in October, but I was selected to be part of the Launch Team, so I'm reading it early.  SUPER-excited about this book!  Mary's writings have impacted my life tremendously, and I was honored to be able to guest post on her blog (here and here) a few months ago.  SO thrilled to be part of this team!

I am looking forward to..."Birthday Week" approaching!  Bay's 13th on Sunday, and Em's 11th on the following Saturday.  How did THAT happen??? :) 

I am hoping...for a calm, quiet, productive week!

I am listening to...

I am learning...God is teaching me much about obedience being a joy, not a drudgery.  Working on a Bible study on obedience that I hope to share on the blog at some point. 

Around the house...Trying to stay cool while keeping up with the basics...sorting through a bunch of paperwork this week...mapping out our plan of attack for needed work when the weather cools a bit...

I am pondering...upcoming changes on the blog...

A favorite quote for today...

 “Servants of Jesus Christ, never be discouraged when you are opposed, but when things run counter to your wishes, expect that the Lord has provided some better thing for you!..." ~ C.H. Spurgeon

So true!  I need to remember this when I feel that "things aren't going my way" angst creeping up. 

One of my favorite things...a brand spanking-new journal and a new package of pens.  Ahhhh.....:)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

     Big kids to TATWH tomorrow...

     Church at OCBC Wednesday night...

     Preparations for a certain young lady's 13th birthday on Sunday...

     Special day at Grace on Sunday...Salad luncheon and early afternoon service...can't wait!

     

A peek into our lives right now...

Officially our new church home, as of yesterday!
God is working mightily, and we are so excited to be  part of it!

Linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook today.

Blog Tour ~ A Slow Burn

Mary DeMuth has done it again! Before I had turned the last page in the first book in her Defiance Texas Trilogy, I was practically panting for the sequel. Apparently I wasn't the only one...it seems everyone who read Daisy Chain can't get their hands on A Slow Burn fast enough. My word of warning to those who ask...and those who don't, I suppose :)...is this: A Slow Burn *is* as good as Daisy Chain, but the similarities don't stop at the characters with whom you become entwined, the plot in which you immediately become immersed, and the thought-provoking underlying messages. As you reach the last page or two of the book, you realize you have come to the end...and yet you haven't. There must be more...because you are still grasping for answers and resolution. But the only "more" to be found is the tantalizing preview of the *third* book in the Defiance Trilogy. Ahhh...the agony of well-written series fiction!

A Slow Burn starts where Daisy Chain left off, with the discovery of young Daisy Chance's body two months after her mysterious disappearance. In the sequel, however, the focus moves from Jed Pepper, Daisy's best friend, to Emory Chance, Daisy's mother, and her grief, guilt, and struggle for survival. Hixon Jones has a strong supporting role again, now protecting and pursuing "Missy", as he calls Emory.

One caution: This book is not for younger readers. Its subject matter is dark and gritty, with accompanying raw emotions. However, DeMuth tackles hard issues...drug abuse, depression, guilt, shame...with a large infusion of truth, grace, forgiveness, unconditional love, and hope. She describes the themes of the book this way:

"You’re never too far from God’s grace and love and forgiveness. That God is a pursuing, redemptive, relentless God. He loves His children, even when they run far, far away. That Jesus comes to us in surprising packages, and sometimes we’re so bothered by appearances that we miss Him."

Then she explains what she would like for readers to take away from this book:

"That God is bigger than our sin, our regret, our hopelessness. He takes delight in intersecting the darkest of circumstances. He is there, available."

Mary DeMuth is a master writer. She can spin a story that weaves its web around you and draws you in until the final page, and doesn't completely let go even then. She is also a devoted follower of Jesus. Her writing reflects her love for Him and her compassion for others. A Slow Burn is a gripping, compelling read. It is available at Amazon and bookstores everywhere. More reviews from this week's blog tour can be found at Blog Tour Spot. And be sure to visit Mary's website and blog for more information on Mary and her books!

I am excited to be participating as an Influencer for this book, courtesy of Zondervan Publishing, and to be a part of this week's blog tour, sponsored by Blog Tour Spot. Thanks to both for the opportunity to receive an advance copy of the book and participate in this week's release party activities!