Monday Worship...with a Special Guest

Yesterday Rita Springer led worship for us. We are blessed because she is friends with our pastors, and visits out church regularly. Below are the songs she blessed us with.

Since it's probably illegal for me to post the lyrics for them, I will give links if the words are not on the videos. Take a listen to this very gifted singer/songwriter. Note: Not all of the below songs were available on you tube sung by Rita, so I found the ones that most closely resembled yesterday's worship.

And...

Lyrics for I Found a Love

Blessings,

Ginger

Just Because

I missed "I", but here I am with "J".

This week I made lasagna roll-ups, using a conglomeration of recipes to make it the way I wanted. I think it turned out great. So I thought I'd share my invention...just because. :)

This is my mix:

It included a large container of ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, a generous shake or two of grated parmesan cheese, 2 small eggs (about 1 large), 1 box frozen spinach, and 1 lb of cooked ground beef. Mix.

I then spread it onto the lasagna noodles cooked just to al dente(about 8 min).

After which I rolled them up and put them into a sprayed 9x13 pan. I had a few extra, so also used a 8x8 pan.

  

I poured pre-made spaghetti sauce over the top (whichever flavor your family prefers would work), and then sprinkled with more grated parmesan cheese.  

 After cooking at 350 for 30 minutes, they came out looking like this:

 And this:

And, while I had a few leftover (the whole family wasn't here), and I served garlic toast and salad with it, they were GONE the next day--with a little arguing over who got to eat the few that were left. :)

In my house that means they were a hit, and will be fixed again. :D (I wish I could make a very big grin smiley face right now.)

So this is the meal I made this week...Just because I felt like it. hahaha (which is rare)

Blessings,
Ginger

Unexpected Revelation

On Monday, I posted about how unorganized I've been lately. It's actually been since school started in mid-August, but because of other demands on my time, it has escalated to a point of ridiculousness. As a person whose gifting centers around organization (administration), it drives me batty to be so out-of-it.

This morning I read in my devotional about feeling guilty. Joyce Meyer wrote, "I see guilt as an illegal invader that attacks our mind and conscience, attempting to prevent us from enjoying anything God has provided for us." She goes on to say that we are not built for guilt. 

Did I know this? Yes. Did I need the reminder? Absolutely.

And because I have lagged on my devotions as well (Friday through Sunday are on a different schedule and I forget to read), I have been going back and reading past devotions, so I don't miss anything. In that devotion she shares Romans 15:13, "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (NLT) She goes on to say, "I realized that I had plunged into doubt and unbelief, allowing the devil to torment me with negativity, anger, and impatience. In the process, I had forgotten that believing in God and trusting His Word brings peace and hope and overcomes my weakness."

Wow. A double whammy this morning. Not only have I been steeping myself in guilt because of my own inability to focus on certain priorities, I was also angry, and impatient. 

I've been praying for a few days--weeks, if I'm honest--for a schedule to help facilitate my new responsibilities. The problem comes in the fact that a lot of them are floating--doctor's appointments, grocery trips (which I just took back from my husband after 15 years), etc. It's hard to make a permanent schedule--yes, I'm one of THOSE--that's flexible. So I haven't, and consequently, I haven't been functioning at my best.

And, since I know this has become quite long--and I hate long blog posts--let's suffice it to say, I haven't made that schedule. What I have decided, however, is to spend less time on Candy Crush (gasp), and reading (DOUBLE gasp). I enjoy those two things to distraction. They were stealing large chunks of time that I don't really have at the moment. Notice I didn't say I was giving them up entirely. Candy Crush will be a reward for finishing something (or played while watching tv LOL), and reading...well, it's my time to relax and rest, so it's also going to become a reward. Finish something, read for a bit, but with a time limit.

Okay, now it's your turn. What do you do when life throws a bunch of "balls" your way and you have to do a lot of fancy juggling to make it all work?

Blessings,
Ginger

Wednesday Review: Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl has done it again. She's given us another wonderful story from the town of Kingdom. Though it's categorized as a romantic suspense, the romance is really not the forefront of this novel. Callie and Levi are already engaged at the beginning of the story, so we don't get to see them fall in love, but we do see how that love is tested.

I enjoyed Unforeseeable, more so toward the last half of the book, where the story became more intriguing.

Back cover:

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting 

Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe. 

However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this. 

Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons. 

As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

Rating: 4.3 Roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Apologies, Monday Worship

I apologize to all of you who are faithful readers. With the new school year, a publishing contract for one book, and a request for another manuscript which I am feverishly editing, in addition to my normal responsibilities, I am struggling with getting it all done and keeping up with my blog.

I will be back. I have bunches of new book reviews to post, so keep watch for them. It just may be hit or miss in the next few weeks as I work out a new way to get it all done.

I pray your schedules are not as hectic as mine, and I pray blessings on all of you.

We sang a portion of this song yesterday in service. Enjoy Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture:

Blessings,
Ginger

Monday Worship: Hallelujah

I completely forgot to post on Friday for the A2Z Meme, and so I'm combining Friday's H post with Monday's worship post.

No particular song in mind today, well, there is, but it's not available on YouTube. Why? Because it was written, and sung today, by our seventeen year old pianist.

It was such an awesome song, and when I have permission I will post a copy of the words. "Here I Am" was about giving our dreams to God, laying them at the foot of the cross, and letting Him have them.

So why did I name this post Hallelujah?

First let me give you a definition of hallelujah (from dictionary.com):

interjection

1.

Praise ye the Lord!

noun

2.

an exclamation of “hallelujah!”

3.

a shout of joy, praise, or gratitude.

4.

a musical composition wholly or principally based upon theword “hallelujah.”

Also, hal·le·lu·iah.

Origin: 

1525–35;  < Hebrew halălūyāh  praise ye Yahweh; cf. alleluia

The original Hebrew is what we did in church with "Here I Am"--we praised God. The glory of God fell in the room, and it was WONDERFUL!

Blessings,
Ginger

Review: A Little Bit of Charm by Mary Ellis

A Little Bit of Charm is the third book in The New Beginnings series. It is not necessary to have read books one and two to understand this novel. It actually has very little to do with those books except a few references to events in the past.

While I found the story charming, it was also a bit slow for me. The conflict was mostly internal, when it occurred. I didn't connect with Jake or Rachel--despite my love for all things horses--which made it hard for me to "get into" their story. Throughout the story, I kept wondering at the believability of the characters' actions and reactions.

All in all I enjoyed the book and look forward to Beth's story, which I assume will be the fourth and final book in this series.

Back cover:

A Little Bit of Charm, the third book in bestselling author Mary Ellis's New Beginnings series, is about fresh starts...and how faith in God and His perfect plans provide the peace and joy all long for.

After the death of her parents and then watching both of her older sisters find happiness in homes of their own with husbands who adore them, Rachel King yearns for a new beginning. Her cousin Sarah lives near a thoroughbred stable in Kentucky, and working around beautiful horses is Rachel's dream come true. She leaves Lancaster County to find a job at Twelve Elms Stables and believes God has answered her prayers.

And then she meets Jake, an attractive and charming Englisch man. At first she refuses to go out with him, but he eventually convinces her to give him a chance. When Amish men who also wish to date Rachel start encountering strange mishaps, she wonders if Jake is really who he seems to be.

What does a young woman do when her heart is pulled in two directions?

Rating: 4.0 Roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Monday Worship - I AM

I've had this song on before, but yesterday the lyrics struck me as something that needed to be pointed out. A reminder, if you will. Even if you don't like this style of music, the message is powerful.

God says, "I AM:

• the Lord
• the Almighty God
• the One for whom nothing is too hard
• the Shepherd
• the Door
• the Good News to the bound and the poor
• the Righteous One
• the Lamb
• the Ram in the bush for Abraham
• the ultimate Sacrifice for sin
• your Redeemer
• the Beginning
• the End
• Jehovah
• the King
• Messiah
• David's offspring
• your High Priest
• the Christ
• the Resurrection
• the Light
• the Bread
• the Wine
• your Future
• the One in the midst of two or three
• your Tabernacle
• your Jubilee
• Hope
• Peace
• Joy
• Rest
• your Comfort
• Relief from your stress
• Strength
• Faith
• Love
• Power
• your Freedom this very hour"

He has been those things to me and so much more. Who is He to you?

Blessings,

Ginger

G-words

I am perpetually behind this week. Right now I don't even know what letter we're on, so I have to go look...okay, I'm back. The letter G.

I'm stumped. My brain has been working hard the last few weeks, learning to juggle more stuff than usual, which equates to less reading time, which equates to a Grumpy woman--me. Reading is a Good break for me. It allows me the down-time I need as an introvert.

So...G -- random words that I know that start with this letter

God
Good
Google
Gracious
Golly (said with a Gomer Pyle accent)....Goooooollly....
Grief
Glad
Gratitude
Giving
Get-up-and-go (I think mine has gotten up and gone  LOL)
Gingerale (which I don't like, btw)
Gingersnaps (don't like them either)
Gnat (nope, don't like them either LOL)
Gorgeous
Gallant
Gone

What G words can you come up with (without cheating and looking in a dictionary)?

Blessings,
Ginger-- my final G word  :)

Wednesday Review: Romantic Suspense, & Historical Fiction

Yes, I know I'm posting this on Thursday. It should have been done yesterday, but I forgot it was Wednesday since I had Monday "off".  LOL  I know ya'll will forgive me though. :)

I'm reviewing three books today: Lifeline by Christy Barritt, a romantic suspense; Trouble in Store by Carol Cox, and Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, both Historical Fiction with hints of romance.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

PS. I'm also adding decimals to my rating system. Some books deserve 4's but may not be as interesting as others, so I needed to add a way to differentiate the almost 5's from the barely 4's. :)

~~~

Lifeline by Christy Barritt was so good I stayed up until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. When I woke the next morning, after only a few hours of necessary sleep, I had to finish it.

Ms. Barritt rolled all the suspense and romance you could want into one excellent story. The question of who-done-it is left hanging throughout, and you're never quite sure if you have the answer or not. At least I wasn't.

How many ways can I say I loved it?

Back cover:

"I did it for you."

The chilling words in the text message have Julianne Grace fearing for her life. She's sure that her abusive ex-fiancé has killed two people—and that she's the next target. But will anyone believe that her presumed dead ex is really alive? The only man who can help Julianne is cool, aloof security specialist Bradley Stone. Not only does she need his protection, but he's also the link to finding answers about her ex-fiancé's death. And the closer Bradley and Julianne get to the truth—and to each other—the angrier the madman after Julianne becomes. One wrong move and they could both fall prey to the killer's deadly scheme.

Rating: 5.9 Roses (since 5 is the highest I can go, LOL)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carol Cox brings us another wonderful story. Trouble in Store takes us back to the 1880's when women had few choices. So what did feisty women like Melanie Ross do? They winged it, and sometimes managed to land in an excellent situation that also allowed for love.

From page one, I enjoyed this novel. The story line kept me riveted to my seat and the banter between Caleb and Melanie made me smile on more than one occasion.

Back cover:

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he's worked for. He's determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry up with any of them. He's drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn't want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps--and the man obviously didn't die from natural causes--things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb's business--and romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

Rating: 4.5 Roses

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I thoroughly enjoyed Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, it was a bit slower paced than I typically prefer. Ms. Camden did an excellent job of showing us the fear and confusion generated by the Chicago fire. I'm thankful I wasn't there. She also did a wonderful job of portraying the difficulties of women doing business in that time frame. Having a man in her life, whether a friend, brother or husband, allowed greater access to many necessities. I'm glad times have changed so much--thanks to the many people like Mollie Knox.

Back cover:

As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.

In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

Rating: 4.2 Roses


Blessings,
Ginger

What is Worship?

For the last month our church--The Rock Family Worship Center--has been doing a series on worship. Several powerful messages have touched my heart and recentered my focus on God. The series has been titled The Prize and can be viewed here (it doesn't look like they're all there yet, but I'm sure they will be soon).

In essence, worship is what we present to God--our sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). It's not just about songs, or hymns, or musical scores. It's what we do when no one is looking, how we think, speak, and live our lives outside of the four walls of the church building.

Dictionary.com defines worship this way:

noun

1. reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage,or to any object regarded as sacred.

2. formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage:They attended worship this morning.

3. adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.

4. the object of adoring reverence or regard.

Is what you do Monday through Saturday consistent with your performance on Sunday? Or Sunday through Friday, if you attend services on Saturday? Do you live your everyday life as an act of worship to God?

Just something to think about.

As has become my custom, I'm adding a youtube video of a song we did yesterday. (I know I didn't last week. I had stayed home with a sick child and forgot.)

Take a listen to this one. I hope you like it.

I'm not going to ask anymore questions to incite a response. My goal of this blog post was to get you to think about your personal relationship with Jesus.

He's the same yesterday, today, and forever and is waiting for you.

Blessings,
Ginger