The 160 Acre Woods — Deep in the 160 Acrewoods where our family plays… you’ll find an enchanted neighbourhood where craziness fills our days!

Love starts with Elle ~ Win a copy!!

October 11, 2008 – 12:01 am

I know I normally don’t post on Saturday, but I’m in a bloggy book tour and let me just say Boy oh boy! I was actually starting to feel my body tense up in this book! Will Elle do this? Or will she do that? oooooooh what is that girl thinking??? arghhh she had me biting my nails at a few points in the book!

Can you tell I liked it? Rachel Hauck did a fabulous job of drawing me into the characters and bringing life to her story. I loved that it was realistic, and was still a romantic dreamy kinda thang if that makes sense?

While there are a few parts that some people may not like (because it does portray the realistic sides of life and our slip ups). I have to say I totally loved this book because of it. It showed how God can work in our lives regardless of our situations and our desperation!

So if you’re looking for a fantastic Chick Lit to read you need this book!!! I seriously couldn’t put it down!

Now for an amusing intro into the book:

You can win a copy of the book by leaving a comment on Rachel’s blog tour post, here:
http://www.rachelhauck.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-blog-tour.html

About the book:

Elle’s living the dream-but is it her dream or his?

Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends sharing a lifetime of memories. And she’s found her niche as the owner of a successful art gallery too. Life is good.

Then the dynamic pastor of her small town church sweeps her off her feet. She’s never known a man like Jeremiah-one who breathes in confidence and exhales all doubt. When he proposes in the setting sunlight, Elle hands him her heart on a silver platter.

But Jeremiah’s just accepted a large pastorate in a different state. If she’s serious about their relationship, Elle will take “the call,” too, leaving behind the people and place she loves so dearly. Elle’s friendship with her new tenant, widower Heath McCord, and his young daughter make things even more complicated.

Is love transferrable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?

You can buy the book

Blog Tour Post and Schedule link:
http://www.rachelhauck.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-blog-tour.html

About Rachel:

Rachel Hauck is the author of ten, going on eleven novels.

Her current release, Love Starts With Elle (July 2008, Thomas Nelson) is set in the South Carolina lowcountry, and earned 4.5 Stars and Top Pick from Romantic Times Book Club.

Look for her next release next spring, The Sweet By and By, the first book in the Born To Fly series with award winning country artist, Sara Evans.

Of the writing journey, Rachel says, “I’m humbled by the amazing things God is doing in my life. I love what I do, and am so privileged to work with Thomas Nelson fiction and am excited to see what God has in store for all of His authors and writers. Just keep praying and writing!”

Visit her blog and website at www.rachelhauck.com

Amydeanne |

Contests, books |

Comments (2)

Random things about me!

October 10, 2008 – 8:49 am

Well I normally blog on Thursday, but took a break yesterday because we had our anniversary and had to pick my mom up from the airport and had our caregroup as well.

Anyhow, thought I’d do something fun today.

Now this meme goes around a lot, so I’m going to have to think hard (so if you see smoke coming out of my ears fear not!)

I’ve been tagged by my friends Sherry and Vicki, If you get a chance, check their great blogs!

Random Facts about me:

I never thought I’d have kids!
My eyes change colors depending on my mood (green-blue only! lol)
I have always wanted chickens.
I was all about ninjas growing up. I think my brother and I watched every old ninja movie we could find.. not to mention the karate kid movies were out at that time..
I always wanted to be a missionary!
Saskatoon berry pie is my favorite.

Here are the rules:
Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write six random things about yourself.
Tag six people at the end of your post.
Let each person know he or she has been tagged.
Let the tagger know when your entry is up

As for who I’m tagging! Anyone who wants to participate!

I hope you have a great weekend! It’s Thanksgiving weekend here for us Canadians so a long weekend! I’m looking forward to spending some family time!

Amydeanne |

Uncategorized |

Comments (13)

WFW- Is praise your habit?

October 8, 2008 – 12:01 am

Welcome to the Home of Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

Be glad, good people! Fly to God! Good-hearted people, make praise your habit.

Psalms 64:10

——————–

Do you make praise a habit? I listen to my children sing songs to God; simple ones that we used to sing, yet it is so refreshing b/c it’s new for them. They love the songs and they make their own versions of the songs… love songs to Jesus.

If your habits are bad, why not try replacing them with a good one like praise!?

God Bless!

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday,

simply add your name to Mr. Linky (do not put Mr. linky in your blog),

post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site)

Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day!

Please read the WFW page if you have any questions or are unsure if you have an appropriate post.

Amydeanne |

word filled Wednesday |

Comments (51)

Tackling Tuesday.

October 7, 2008 – 8:28 am

Okay. I’m going to attempt taking all four kids to get groceries… pray for me! lol. I hate hate doing this, but we need milk and cereal! Amongst other things.

I thought I’d show a picture of my new gaget. This cereal dispenser is so awesome! the kids can get their own cereal just by turning the handle and putting the bowl under neath! it was around $20.00!

My other tackles are:

* actually working on my Christmas cards.. I’ve got my list done.. just need to get the cards ready.

* find someone for the last puppy (still working on that one from the other week!)

* laundry.. our sewer has been backed up for about 2 weeks, so hubby has been out emptying it everyday (good thing we live on a farm!) but I think we’re finally fixed (not positive on that) so I need to catch up on the 100 loads sitting downstairs!!

What are you tackling today?

See more tacklers @ 5 Minutes For Mom.

Amydeanne |

Uncategorized |

Comments (5)

Frugal tips for living! :)

October 6, 2008 – 8:11 am

Want this button?

It’s Marriage Monday again! I love Marriage Monday, we have great topics!

This months topics is frugal living!

Tips For Frugal Living

Where I live there is no double coupon days or hardly any coupons, so I don’t get the added benefit of bargain hunting here (which I love!!) But these are a few things we do for frugal living here.

Plan weekly menus, and shop for staples where there are big bulk items are sold. Remember to divide out so you actually don’t just eat it all in one sitting (I mention this b/c my hubby loves meat and if we buy something like baby back ribs.. he would eat them all! lol)
Map out your shopping trip… it will save you time and money!
Shop at one place.. or closely linked stored.. I say that because here we don’t have many malls anymore and with the price of gas to save on something that is 10c cheaper at store #2 isn’t a saving b/c gas is more to get to store b than it is to just stay at your current location.
Make my own cake & bisquik mixes (divide out into bags and store as such, so they are easy to take out like betty crocker!)
Have a garden! It gives you exercise, tastes 10X better than anything store bought and teaches children responsibility and the value of nurturing and life!
Go green! We’re a geothermal family.. and yes the initial cost is more, but the long-term effects and eventual pay off outweighs the downside of a bit more upfront than a traditional furnace!
Quality not quanity. With a large family I find buying quality is a big thing! If I buy clothing or toys that are actual good quality they will last through ALL of my 4 children, whom play rough with their toys. We trash any broken or wrecked toys asap so we know what’s left.
Accept hand-me-downs!!! or we have a recycling group online locally which I sometimes use. It’s amazing what people want to get rid of! My rule is receive freely and give freely! This will reduce clutter!
Go to after season season sales… sometimes you can get as much as 90% off in stores like Micheals for Christmas items.. last year I spent $50 and got everything I needed for Christmas for this year brand spankin new for the 90% off.. I wouldn’t have been able to afford if I would have bought new during the season.
Work on pick out your themes... ie. if you know what you like, you are less apt to buy things you don’t need.
kids treasure chest - I have a little box of kids gifts I keep handy when I find exceptional sales, so I have gifts available all year round.
Look up local events. With small kids I find the simplest entertainment is usually the most fun and memorable for all! And best of all they are usually cheap or free. The ones that do cost
When we travel, always stop at the visitors centres. Sometimes they offer 50% off discounts for local hotels!
swap babysitting services.. find another couple and offer to swap once a month! I also swap for photo shoots!
Go digital! I’m sure most of you are digital camera people already, but if you aren’t, it’s so much cheaper to edit/crop and find the pictures you like than to take them to the printers and try to figure it out there. Not to mention the wealth of information from great sites.

Given more time, I’m sure I can think of more, but for now that’s good! What are your frugal tips?

Amydeanne |

bloggy fun, marriage mondays |

Comments (15)

Sending out an S.O.S. for PMS… Win a copy! :)

October 2, 2008 – 8:14 pm

I left early on Monday morning and headed to the doctors office. As usual, even the early appointments get behind faster than you can say butter, so I brought a book with me. (yes! I finally remembered to stick one in my purse!)

A book that I really didn’t want to read and figured that I KNEW EVERYTHING I already needed to know about it. Can you guess the topic? PMS.

(note any male readers may want to stop reading now if they’re not comfortable with “womanly thangs” lol)

Now was a young lady, my periods were abnormal and thus I wouldn’t have a period (or a visit from aunty flo as we preferred to call it) for months, or when it finally came I was keeled over so bad that I stayed in bed for 2 days while it went away. When I got married they pretty much stopped completely from my boughs of having PCOS and the fertility drugs I was on. Eventually after giving up on fertility issues (8 years later) and losing enough weight, eating properly my periods kicked in and I was back to a healthy functional woman… of course than came the children… they are now 5, 4, 3, and one. I could tell you exactly when I was ovulating, and I could tell you exactly when my period was going to start.. Ibut a new thing happened when I had my babies… I started to get emotional… I mean really emotional. Now if you knew me before I could easily do a deadpan and my moods didn’t really vary much… but now.. I cry at the drop of milk.. or make milk.. lol one other!

So why am I telling you this. Well, I thought most of my issues was this and that, and than some. But not PMS. I opened this book up on Monday and started reading… and it was like I wrote this book.. the stories of the ladies.. it was like reading about my own emotions… splattered across a page… just raw and real. I started crying in the doctors office (which by the way leads to weird looks)… I wasn’t expecting to read about someone else going through issues like myself.

So what is this book?

The S.O.S. for PMS - Practical Help and Relief for Moms by Mary M. Byers

Here are some interesting things you’ll find in this book.

Did you know :

PMS gets worse in your 30’s?? (Seeing I’m 30ish and I found I’m an emotional basket-case these days lol)
That you can still have PMS if you get a partial hysterectomy
66% experience depression
76% struggle with anger
98% become irritable

in this book you’ll find:

specific symptoms and their causes
foods and activities to avoid or indulge in to minimize PMS
ways to ease the PMS impact on your kids
God’s first aid for stress, depression, and anxiety
how to enlist help from your husband and friends when PMS strikes

Can I just say this is one of the best books I’ve read on PMS and how to deal with it, so we can be the women God created us to be. To stop the excuses and face our womanliness head on with the help of our family.

I am tired of setting bad examples and I’m praying that I’ll be able to set out some of the steps this book has pointed out in dealing with the emotional and physical issues I face as a woman.

While I can’t blame everything on PMS, I can say that acknowledging the affect it has on my body and hormones makes it easier to deal with the OTHER things in my life. And that’s the point of this book. If we can plan ahead and be ready for it, it’s easier to stay on top of it!

As a mom, I’d suggest that EVERY mother should pick up this book and make sure they understand what’s happening with their bodies! I can’t even begin to describe the relief that flooded through me as I read this book.

In Fact, even though I already have a post for a book giveaway, I’m going to giveaway a copy of this book as well! Just leave me a comment on this post by October 31st, telling me your biggest PMS peeve! lol

Contest closes October 31, 2008

You may want to check out: Mary M.’s website: www.marybyers.com

God Bless!

Amydeanne |

Contests, books |

Comments (16)

And the winner is…

October 2, 2008 – 12:01 am

The winner of my September “Favorite things” is Jen from reflectionsinthewindow

She wins the copy of Whispers of the Bayou!

Congratulations!!!

If you haven’t signed up to win a copy of The Diamond of Darkhold you’ve got until October 10th!!

Amydeanne |

Contests, bloggy fun, books |

Comments (2)

WFW - Thanksgiving

October 1, 2008 – 12:01 am

Welcome to the Home of Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

For Everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected

if it is received with thanksgiving.

1 Timothy

——————–

I’m so thankful we can share with each other God’s precious Word. I hope you’ll receive His love and grace today with thanksgiving!

God Bless!

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday,

simply add your name to Mr. Linky (do not put Mr. linky in your blog),

post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site)

Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day!

Please read the WFW page if you have any questions or are unsure if you have an appropriate post.

Amydeanne |

Uncategorized |

Comments (46)

The Diamond Of Darkhold ~ Win a copy!

September 29, 2008 – 12:14 pm

Diamond of Darkhold ~ the fourth Book Of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

It’s been several months since Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember and, along with the rest of their people, joined the town of Sparks. Now, struggling through the harsh winter aboveground, they find an unusual book. Torn up and missing most of its pages, it alludes to a mysterious device from before the Disaster, which they believe is still in Ember. Together, Lina and Doon must go back underground to retrieve what was lost and bring light to a dark world.

In the fourth Book of Ember, bestselling author Jeanne DuPrau juxtaposes yet another action-packed adventure with powerful themes about hope, learning, and the search for truth.

Have you heard of this series yet? I know there are a variety of books out their for our youngsters, so I thought I’d test the waters by reading some of them. Stuff my children will be interested in shortly.

I actually enjoyed this book. This sci-fi book has a great lesson for children who give up too easily when a challenge is too hard or difficult for them. It was an easy read for me and though I know I got lost in a few places, I’m sure if I would have read them in order it would be much easier to understand! The characters were likable and the book moved swiftly so you could get into it. This series of books is for kids ages 9-12. It could be read out loud to younger ones (I’m actually going to read it to Miss H shortly as I think she would probably enjoy that!).

I really like the fact that the novel sends a message of inspiration and encouragement to readers! I enjoyed it enough that I am going to get the first book and check out the movie!

Earlier books in the series are:

And there is even a movie coming out in October! I’m actually stoked to see it now that I’ve read the book! and the fact Bill Murray is it! I hope it comes here!

————————-

The list of participating bloggers is as follows:

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Childhood of Dreams, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, And Another Book Read, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Comox Valley Kids, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, Looking Glass Reviews, Never Jam Today

sites to check out:

Jeanne’s website: http://www.jeanneduprau.com

www.booksofember.com

If you’d like to win an advance reading copy of this book! For yourself or someone, Leave me a comment let me know if you’ve read any of the previous books in the series and if you so, which was your favorite! (if you haven’t read any of them, that’s okay too! what a great way to try and win one right?) If you sign up for my feedburner you get an extra chance to win!

Contest closes Thursday October 9th 2008!

Amydeanne |

books |

Comments (15)

friends, parties and puppies!

September 28, 2008 – 9:23 am

well, my bday rolled around last week and my friend Kelly had us over for supper on Friday.. we rocked the house til about 9ish before the desparate cries for bed from her husband my children happened hehe.

Kelly made me the most amazing cake(s) i’ve ever had for my bday!

of course being the dork that I am, I had to take many many pictures:

but my favorite one (and you can laugh) is:

hehe they’re with my new shoes (you know the ones I dream about wearing, but can’t wear b/c I can’t reach the kiddies hands when I try and walk with them and am scared I’ll take them all out when I crash!)

But perhaps the most memorable part of my whole bday was that Mr. C went out and bought me a present that I was Sooooooooo not expecting! It is so beautiful i’m actually a little scared to wear it, and so I have to show it… not b/c of what it is, but b/c he remembered!!!! (w/o any prompting or anything!) (So there is my post about my boyfriend mahaha he is so romanticccccccccccccc :p

and a new picture of the puppies… it’s been what a whole week that I didn’t post any.. I’d say they’re getting so big, but honestly they are so small still.. just adorable! We’re still enjoying them, but I know Patches will go to her new family shortly, and i haven’t really done too much yet to find the last one a home, but he’s sure a cutie pie! Anyhow, here they are at 6 weeks old! Where has the time gone?

So for my lack of big words I had a fantastico birthday!

How was your weekend?

Amydeanne |

Family, photography |

Comments (14)

elementary dear watson?

September 26, 2008 – 12:18 am

First I tried this little fun bloggy test, and I thought oh boy.. elementary… than I thought about it as to why I keep my reading level simple (yes, it actually is a conscientious choice).

1. I use a lot of photography (which at the moment may come to a halt as Master J stole my camera card and isn’t telling me where he put it!!!)

2. It’s easier to read when you don’t use a lot of big words -> the average person reads between a grade 3 - grade 6 level

3. It’s the stage I’m at right now (seeing most of the conversations in my house are “yes”, “no no no”, and “say please and thank-you”. lol

So, while I wish my reading level was higher (for my blog), that doesn’t mean I can’t read on a higher level myself, and it doesn’t mean that I’m at the bottom of the list! In fact, it means that it’s easy to read, and basic enough for most people to understand!

Anyhow, writing about using big words has hurt my brain, so I must stop!

what’s your blog reading level?

Have a great weekend!

Amydeanne |

bloggy fun |

Comments (9)

all you fashionistas!

September 25, 2008 – 12:53 am

Okay all you Fashionistas! I have the book for you!

From the hit show Project Runway, Nina Garcia put out this amazing little number..

The One Hundred ~ A Guide to The Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

I loved this book! I get giddy picking up a book like this. There are certain things that are just so appealing about this book to girls of all ages, and I definitely found it drawing me in.

Okay, let me start off by saying the illustrations by Ruben Toledo is amazing! Anyone who loves a fun retro-ish fashion drawing (and I know all you girly girls do!) you’ll find these very tasteful and just lovely!

Nina really gives you the full low down on her One Hundred list. I love it because she really stresses that it’s important to figure out what you like, and how it can work for you rather than trying to “copy” someone else. It’s all about having style - not being in style. (not that you’d ever be out of style than cuz you have style.. if you catch my drift? lol) I love the fact that Nina focus’s on timeless pieces as opposed to the latest trends. I found her answers to “what should every woman have in her wardrobe” excellent and useful.

Nina laces this book with fun facts throughout the book on the tops. One that i found really interesting was the one on Denier. “Denier is the measure of density for tights and pantyhose. The higher the denier, the more opaque the hose. The sheerest denier is 5; the most opaque is 80.”

The other neat thing about this book is the quotes from famous fashion icons through out the world! As someone who enjoys reading quotes, I find out quite interesting to see what some of them say about their own products or fashion in general.

Now you may ask what is a new farm girl doing with a book like this? Well, first, i’m only a farm girl in training hahaha, and secondly, even farm girls need to be fashionistas in their own special ways! Of course anyone who knows me BFK (before kids) I was a fashionista! I goobled up just about everything/anything that had to do with style, but more importantly I had my own style. ~ some day it will return (the dreaded throw up tee’s are almost gone… yes!!!) and so I read with ideas to make my wardrobe restyled into something I enjoy once again!

And so I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Here’s a peak inside:

ps. for all you hot mama’s out there, even the “hoodie” has made it onto the list! Just remember to keep it fitted not sloppy and frumpy looking! gotta love that!

What’s in your book bag today?

Amydeanne |

books |

Comments (6)

It will happen again… WFW

September 24, 2008 – 12:01 am

Welcome to the Home of the Original Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

What was will be again, what happened will happen again. There’s nothing new on this earth. Year after year it’s the same old thing

Ecclesiastes 1:9 ~ The Message

——————–

What a week. I’ve been extra hormonal as it is and with the celebration of 9-11 last week memories flood my brain of remembrance. I was living just outside of Manhattan at that time and the horror sometimes still seems fresh to me. IT was a day that I was SUPPOSE to be there… and yet only by the grace of God did I change my plans last minute, and did not stand in deaths wake… yet I was still close enough to taste it.

Yesterday, one of our local schools - where my nephew goes; had a 300 student hostage situation. He was suppose to be in chapel with his class.. he skipped out… I don’t know why, but I do know God’s hand removed him from the situation… Here out in the boonies of Saskatchewan we think we’re immune to 9-11’s and Columbine’s. But we’re not. Evil lurks everywhere… and yet it is not new.. nothing is new under the sun.. Ecclesiastes says it well.

So, even though I know it’s not new… we are still shocked, hurt, frustrated and angered by these actions… Please pray with me for our children; your children, and especially those who don’t have a good family life; that they may cry out to the One God who truly cares what they do, instead of pointing a gun.

(ps. if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out my September giveaway! Last week for this one! It’s on the sidebar)

God Bless!

(ps. happy birthday to me! )

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday,

simply add your name to Mr. Linky (do not put Mr. linky in your blog),

post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site)

Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day!

Please read the WFW page if you have any questions or are unsure if you have an appropriate post.

Amydeanne |

word filled Wednesday |

Comments (45)

Tackling my Tuesday….

September 23, 2008 – 12:01 am

oh the list…

lets see..

i need to move my book shelves downstairs… which means empty all the books off and take them down the stairs.. than refill them…
start my Christmas card list
decide on what we’re going to do for Christmas pictures (I’m thinking Santa hats in the back of the 160 … maybe..)
and I need to find a good asparagus dip recipe… suggestions??????
Heading off to the doctors this morning for a check up type thing as my hormones have gone crazy… say a little prayer for me.. i’m getting frustrated with it!

and for sheer amusement, I found this funny pic on the web (sorry can’t remember where) it says a lot about me LOL.

What are you tackling today?

Amydeanne |

Tackle it Tuesday |

Comments (14)

feedburner

September 22, 2008 – 8:19 am

okay, i finally think i did it! my feedburner (for some weird reason) wasn’t accepting my new rrs feed, so hopefully it’s fixed now! Everyone should actually be able to recieve it now. If someone could let me know if they’ve actually got it, i’d greatly appreciate that!

Today’s my day of cleaning up my coding mess! lol (like the RRS feed thingy).

We had a nice quiet weekend of going to the local pumpkin patch and picking out our pumpkins (which are all pint size ) so …… hmmm noticing Master J is standing on a stool stealing bananas from the counter… ever so quietly….. and the puppies are escaping from their basket… good good…. thus the day begins.. coffee anyone?

Amydeanne |

Uncategorized |

Comments (8)

Fall into Reading

September 22, 2008 – 12:01 am

Okay! Here’s my (starter) Fall reading list!

Breaking Everday Addictions - Finding Freedom from the things that trip us up by Dr. David Hawkins
Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau
The Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy
Set -Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy
White Soul by Brandt Dodson
Original Sin by Brandt Dodson
and a few more i’m sure will sneak it’s way onto this list!

I hope you’ll join me with some fun fall reading on those cold days when there is nothing more exciting than sitting snuggled up with a warm cup of tea to read! If you haven’t seen “Fall into Reading” before, click on the logo above and head on over to http://www.callapidderdays.com to join in the fun!

Amydeanne |

books |

Comments (8)

I think this says it all…

September 19, 2008 – 12:04 am

Amydeanne |

Family, photography |

Comments (19)

Hi my name is Amy and I’m an addict…

September 18, 2008 – 12:01 am

Hi,

My name’s Amy, and I’m an addicted to… shopping, computers, photography, coffee….. There is the addiction of having just one more cup of coffee b/c I deserve the break from the rowdy children… or maybe it was the just one extra little chocolate that I deserve b/c i’ve sacrificed my day…..than there is the addiction of buying just one more stamp set b/c I need a stress outlet (yet I have a zillion in the closet that I don’t use).. or don’t get me started on my shoe collection (which has had to restart up since it’s the only thing that fits since I’ve had my children..)..let’s not forget about my ebay buying…. oh wait, I don’t do that one.. (yet lol)… I’m sure I can think of more if given several hours of your time. I joke (somewhat) but

The truth of the matter is, we can be addicted to many things.

“…let’s make a list of ever day addictions. Let’s take a look at the activities and substances that can hook us. Let’s look at the ways we can lose our souls to the power of these addictions, relinquishing our ability to choose what is best for us along the way. Here are some ever day addictions:

drugs, alcohol, and gambling
food, caffeine, and sugar
sex and pornography
work and perfectionism
codependency, approval, and worry
spending, shopping, and coupon - clipping
television, video, and video-gaming
exercise and sports
love, romance, and romance novels
money, accumulation, and success
religion
email, internet, and chat rooms
cell phones
power and anger

Do I have your attention yet?

Breaking Everyday Addictions ~ Finding Freedom from Things That Trip Us Up!

by Dr. David Hawkins ~ The Relationship Doctor

This book made me double take and re-think a lot of things lately (like my coffee addiction.. yes, I admit it.. I’m addicted and get darn grumpy if i don’t get my coffee lol..) laughing aside, I appreciate Dr. Hawkins book because it really makes us dig deep in our life… all of us are prone to addictions and no one is immune. It goes on to discuss how family’s can help and how families hinder addictions (even though they may think they’re helping!) It discusses those issues we all have dealt with as women (ie. Barbie Doll Syndrome - ya know being the perfect size 6.. or 0 these days). But it also covers more of today’s issues like video games, internet surfing (gulp), chat rooms, cell phones, blogging, and internet addiction disorder…

The bottom line that Dr. Hawkins points out is that “Besides taking us away from ourselves, addictions take us away from God.” He points out biblical issues that “Jesus knows the folly of chasing after riches….(see Matthew 6:21). I love how he uses practical and straightforward advice, as well as God’s word and wisdom to help us through our issues.

a few of the chapters you’ll find in this book are:

Sexual Sanity
Chasing your losses
When Pleasing Others is Hurting You
Facing Our Addictions
Letting Go
Healing Our Addictions

So if you’re looking for some self improvement and want to deal with your own addictions (yes, even the coffee..) or know of someone in your family that needs help, this is a great place to begin and end.

Am I changed after reading this book? I think this book has made me aware of some things I hadn’t thought about (or denied to acknowledge out loud), so yes. I am hoping to change some of my addictions.. to put my life back in focus. It reminds me that I’m still prone to past attractions and that I need to keep myself recovering as opposed to believing I can touch the stove and not get burnt.

Check out David Hawkins website: http://www.yourrelationshipdoctor.com/

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What are you reading this week?

*Don’t forget to sign up for my September giveaway if you haven’t already (see the pink button on my sidebar!!)

Amydeanne |

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Comments (15)

making music to the Lord!

September 17, 2008 – 12:01 am

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday!

What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God!

Psalms 92:1 ~ The Message

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I love this picture.. My little man here is now 4. Since an early age he inherited his father’s gift for music. He can sing on key and has perfect pitch, (unlike his mother *cough cough*)

… but God loves the songs of our heart! Even if we can’t sing, or play instruments he loves to hear our hearts and voices pour out to him! Join with me today as I sing in my own voice that I know is pleasing to God’s ear!!

(ps. if you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out my September giveaway! It’s on the sidebar)

I also want to mention how much I appreciate and love your posts! I can’t tell you how much your comments and encouragements mean to me! Thanks for being a part of my bloggy friends! I feel truly blessed.

God Bless!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

download it,

read it,

print it,

share with others!

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday, simply add your name to Mr. Linky, post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site) Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day! Please read the WFW page if you have any questions or are unsure if you have an appropriate post.

(don’t forget to leave me a comment too! And visit other blogs too! It’s nice to hear from everyone!!)

If you’d like to be added to the blogroll (on my Link page), please let me know, and I will add you.

Amydeanne |

word filled Wednesday |

Comments (55)

Sweet thangs! :) Tackle it Tuesday

September 16, 2008 – 12:01 am

So… it’s fall and i’m getting into the moooood of fall! here’s my latest creation! Watch out Martha!
Mini candy apples are great b/c they are bite size and not to mention you get more carmel!

I’m still working on perfecting it b/c the carmel doesn’t stick on as well w/o the skins.. so great for same day serving, not so great for longer.