tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40476942426752962622024-03-14T07:08:21.711-05:00Author Laura JacksonI love books! I'm a librarian and the author of Christian YA novels. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.comBlogger640125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-36017771906468162232018-10-29T20:53:00.001-05:002018-10-29T21:20:39.945-05:00I'm Debt Free!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I realized I never blogged about being debt free! I gave my testimony of what God did on my journey to becoming debt free at church, so I'm just going to copy and paste it here. Maybe it will encourage someone on their journey. (Feel free to reach out if you want to talk while you work to becoming debt free.)</i></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Sorry there are no pictures or anything to break up the long text. :)</i></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">Money is one of those topics no one wants to discuss. It’s
personal. It makes us uncomfortable. When Pastor Nathan asked me to share about
what Christ did for me on my journey to becoming debt free, I immediately
thought--no one wants to hear about budgets and Dave Ramsey and debt snowballs.
But in reality, my journey had less to do with money and more to do with
surrendering myself to Christ. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">When I started the Dave Ramsey program eight years ago, I had
never written down a budget, much less calculated how much debt I had, so I was
in complete shock when I realized I owed 59,496.03. Other than a car and a few
thousand dollars of student loans, I honestly cannot tell you what I bought. I
serve as a school librarian, so I’m guessing it was a lot of cardigans. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">I began working the plan, full of optimism and determination to
make a budget, stick to it, and get out of debt. But regret over bad decisions
only gets you so far. Some months I would do well, but many months, I would
drain my savings or use my credit card. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">I continued in that cycle until a year and a half ago. On a
Wednesday night, Pastor Nathan talked about reaching unreached people groups.
He said there were people who had not heard the gospel because they are in such
remote places that we’d have to build roads just to reach them. He spoke about
the money it would take to build those roads and the training for the
missionaries to share the gospel and the cost of translating Bibles into that
language. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">I can’t tell you what he preached on that night because I couldn’t
quit thinking what 59,496.03 plus interest throughout the years could have done
to advance the gospel. I know God doesn’t need my money, but I had missed a
chance to join him in the work he’s doing to make the name of Jesus known around
the world. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">The regret I had over bad financial choices turned to godly sorrow
that I had put stuff I can’t even remember buying above the advancement of the
gospel. I went home, got on my face in my prayer closet, and repented for not
trusting His plan for the money He had given me. I realized God’s goal wasn’t
just for me to be debt free--it was for me to completely surrender control of
my finances to him. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">I had only told two people ever how much debt I had. Now, I was
sharing my monthly totals on social media with strangers. With a changed heart,
I began to make different decisions, not just with the mindset of getting out
of debt but with pleasing the Lord with my money. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">I wish I could tell you that I surrendered to his lordship, and it
was easy. It was still a year and a half of hard choices, of lonely weekends,
of dying to my selfish desires. But, it was one of the most beautiful times, as
Jesus poured out His grace to me through His word and encouragement from
friends and even strangers. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">On February 15th, I made my last payment to Discover, and with the
next paycheck, I paid to go on my first mission trip with NEHBC. While being
debt free feels amazing, the true blessing was Christ using the long journey to
fill my greatest need--more of him. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 200%;">Throughout my journey, I kept coming back to Philippians 4:11,
where Paul wrote “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned
in whatever situation I am to be content.” Even though I hated dying to my
selfish desires, the more I surrendered to Christ, the more content I became
despite my circumstances. He is enough. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="ssnoshadow" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We all have areas of
our lives that we don’t want to surrender completely to Christ’s authority.
Maybe yours is finances like mine was. Maybe it’s something else. I want to
encourage you to trust Christ and His authority over every aspect of your life.
When we surrender things to Him, He never leaves us empty-handed. He will
always give us more of Himself. And when we have Him, we can be content
wherever He has us</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-48610469493910335562018-10-29T20:33:00.002-05:002018-10-29T20:44:17.863-05:00Mozambique: What the Women Taught Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been six months since I got back from Mozambique. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can't travel to a country halfway around the world and not be changed, but I wanted to wait and see what feelings were a mission trip hangover and which ones were real changes God was making in my life. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4dyko7MptsqgSk3XRMoq8eS5WFeC2XFkYrkgKm2joiKApttDo_-m6_UrygHI9GFwTMTKc6y-iQzzR6ZnpLGRL9-9ZEBVdpTsoQlM6InAuFuk-xX9S5XlW8rbHHaQjIDYd9V1djwb4DM/s1600/IMG_5006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="960" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4dyko7MptsqgSk3XRMoq8eS5WFeC2XFkYrkgKm2joiKApttDo_-m6_UrygHI9GFwTMTKc6y-iQzzR6ZnpLGRL9-9ZEBVdpTsoQlM6InAuFuk-xX9S5XlW8rbHHaQjIDYd9V1djwb4DM/s320/IMG_5006.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The women of Mozambique are beautiful. I love their bright colors, vibrant laughs, and open friendliness. Their front porches are a place to work and watch their kids and build relationships. They <span style="text-align: left;">sit and laugh and call out to those passing by. Even though I didn't understand a word of Portuguese, I understood the sense of community. Stories would be told and the gospel would be shared, and it was glorious. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10Z2FV-1CXk75inJWEyXUgSong7HDTfOdjMw0DTwEnXVugOzXwX55zrtDC8Wrex0gl7rjO33cg6tirvPdU5S7HvuAkfhtP7UCbyx2A62C0l2m3VL979_N6VrZWLrcYjtpRh3dp6CO3hs/s1600/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10Z2FV-1CXk75inJWEyXUgSong7HDTfOdjMw0DTwEnXVugOzXwX55zrtDC8Wrex0gl7rjO33cg6tirvPdU5S7HvuAkfhtP7UCbyx2A62C0l2m3VL979_N6VrZWLrcYjtpRh3dp6CO3hs/s320/IMG_5005.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I have missed it. I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I like people and enjoy their company, but I have to have quiet, alone time every day. I'm not quick to introduce myself to a stranger in a crowd. I'm better one on one than with a group. I can be shy. But God used Mozambique to change me. I call out to women in passing and pause to see if they're willing to talk. Every Sunday night, I purposefully think of who I can reach out to that week to encourage or to pray for or to just hang out with. I long to be still and hear their stories and share my own. </span></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's a longing in me to build a community, one of women who encourage and build each other up, women who are different than I am, women who will sit on the porch and talk about life and Jesus, women who laugh, women who challenge each other. And I think women in my area desperately need it. We run in rat races and fight comparisons and worry so much about status that we have become empty. We have nothing to give those around us. We're too busy to sit on our porches, making a meal together while the kids play. We don't have time to be still and talk about our struggles and the answer to them--Jesus. We don't have people who will call us out in love because we're too afraid of offending and too scared to be vulnerable and open. And our community suffers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The world is broken. We live under the curse of sin. Suffering surrounds us, suffocating us. Anxiety and panic plague us. All too often, we trudge through it alone. And we don't have to. There are so many women looking for something beyond surface level acquaintances, women who desire true friends who stick closer than a brother. One of us just needs to be brave enough to ask, "Hey, you want to come hang out on my porch later?" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Consider this your invitation. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnPk__l1crO8MEbprCOp0RDN2rlb03nKYirOVKqjKIqf08r_U05sURJj_ljZcxRYH7OR5wmA5uDNVYo4eHeIXU-uDPztI8sfpU1fv6Gm7zSmxtK2jAXfmJcGkU8yNoL-7zxv2kMtcwO4/s1600/IMG_1367.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnPk__l1crO8MEbprCOp0RDN2rlb03nKYirOVKqjKIqf08r_U05sURJj_ljZcxRYH7OR5wmA5uDNVYo4eHeIXU-uDPztI8sfpU1fv6Gm7zSmxtK2jAXfmJcGkU8yNoL-7zxv2kMtcwO4/s320/IMG_1367.HEIC" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think of the women of Mozambique every day. Out of respect for them, I didn't take many pictures of them, but their smiles fill my memories. They inspired me to reach out to those around me, to build relationships, to form a community. I don't want to have a busy social calendar but not one woman who is like a sister to me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I pray I can go back. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-90754777626555895172017-06-17T22:23:00.000-05:002017-06-17T22:23:02.920-05:00Waiting for Wonder: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3H5ST35SVI2PWd61OpLQqQMlI7SSEmnz46UqsCzohnX2H6Jse1aGPP9YgE3L5hjADQXEptz6iuwqNdJHL3Gk8gvFxeXxlPJE7CeflRuEm-z9pOK7ZBVumjIFeH7nP8D2I4290PdquiM/s1600/waiting+for+wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3H5ST35SVI2PWd61OpLQqQMlI7SSEmnz46UqsCzohnX2H6Jse1aGPP9YgE3L5hjADQXEptz6iuwqNdJHL3Gk8gvFxeXxlPJE7CeflRuEm-z9pOK7ZBVumjIFeH7nP8D2I4290PdquiM/s320/waiting+for+wonder.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Waiting is really hard. And when you're in a long season of waiting, you're desperate to find any answer or encouragement along the journey. And this book is just that--an encouraging reminder of God's sovereignty and His hand in every season of life. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What I loved about this book was that it followed the life of Sarah from the Bible, gleaning lessons from each part of her story. I also appreciated that the book didn't give the false hope that if you just follow these steps, you'll get whatever it is you're waiting for. Instead, it focused on the ultimate gift, Jesus.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found myself skipping the narrative parts, where the author imagined what Sarah may have been feeling or thinking during her experiences, but perhaps others will find that a nice bonus. I preferred the focus on the scriptures, their meaning, and the application.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who has grown weary in her season of waiting.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-17817472781918649282016-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:002016-12-06T05:00:19.350-06:00Debt and the Single Girl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eT0ycDBeeIFq7ePrQBMnyGDDgNDWayKh38YWjdX-dOs5rH1f75UkGCKApZNuLldGQNvy-t9R4y8WFHwIFKnlqXLnL82EjP6VmWPF-_kzP0JCV4U-q3QXtz3d6fUopZ3e_7LIetUBLDo/s1600/IMG_6056.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eT0ycDBeeIFq7ePrQBMnyGDDgNDWayKh38YWjdX-dOs5rH1f75UkGCKApZNuLldGQNvy-t9R4y8WFHwIFKnlqXLnL82EjP6VmWPF-_kzP0JCV4U-q3QXtz3d6fUopZ3e_7LIetUBLDo/s320/IMG_6056.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This summer I dated this guy. On paper, he was exactly what I had been praying for. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loves Jesus. Thoughtful. Quirky. And he's debt free. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My sister has been telling me for years that my debt would be a problem when it came to dating relationships. I didn't believe her. After all, I had embraced the lie that everyone has debt, that debt is normal, and that debt is even expected. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, it's not. My debt was a huge concern for him--and rightfully so. We didn't date long and there were other reasons it didn't work, but I'm very thankful for those couple of months this summer because it woke me up to debt's effect on my entire life--including dating relationships.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Being single and in debt is hard. There's no one to go over your budget, bring up issues, and hold you accountable. Find someone to be your Budget Buddy (or something a little more clever). Someone who can ask you questions, go over numbers with you, encourage you. And listen to them. There were people who tried to hold me accountable in this area before, and I shrugged off their advice. But there's such encouragement when we allow people to speak bold truth into our lives for our good...even if it hurts to hear it. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Recognize debt for what it is. My friend Lauren described it to me as "tangible gluttony," and that's so true. We get into debt because we want more than we can afford and often because our desires overrule our common sense. We can get out of debt, but if our hearts don't change, we'll find ourselves right back where we started. Like with other sins, to overcome tangible gluttony, our hearts have to be transformed by the power of Christ to crave the things He wants us to crave more than we want another cardigan or tickets to a Rockets game. And it's really hard to die to our selfishness. But, it's for our good and His glory. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. "They" say that money is the number one reason couples get divorced. So, why would we want to carry debt into our marriages? Singlehood can be a time to focus on getting out of debt and becoming financially secure on our own. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any other advice or encouragement for us single girls struggling with debt? </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-41862475336459239282016-11-22T03:11:00.000-06:002016-11-22T03:11:14.810-06:00Don't Believe the Lie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighRWjbbnmXWq-UzJYTS1qlRzRRaNtjIlRo5mvxoMXfKSpH7NJ4ESq0yCfeOFC2QSA6Bg_KpQd2mVS_OyjmIVDyuta7sE2P6kfcVq8JyFBlc9Tav3DgNWLm-sZe-8WCsCS2h4672RCGOA/s1600/Attachment-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighRWjbbnmXWq-UzJYTS1qlRzRRaNtjIlRo5mvxoMXfKSpH7NJ4ESq0yCfeOFC2QSA6Bg_KpQd2mVS_OyjmIVDyuta7sE2P6kfcVq8JyFBlc9Tav3DgNWLm-sZe-8WCsCS2h4672RCGOA/s320/Attachment-1.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us believe the lie that debt is normal. School loans. Car payments. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's not. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 22:7 says "the borrow is slave to the lender." If I clear 1, 686 dollars a paycheck but have to pay 800 or more to either Bank of America or Discover, I'm not in control over that money, the credit card companies are.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's 800 a check (1,600 a month) that I have no say over. It's money I can't give to organizations like A21, a non-profit fighting human trafficking. It's money I can't use to go on a mission trip or give to a missionary spreading the gospel to unreached people groups. It's money I can't use to buy books to give to kids who don't have books at home. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that sobering thought is why I'm up at 2:30 in the morning writing this blog.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Debt is unacceptable because it keeps me at the mercy of credit card companies--how much interest will they charge and what will my minimum payment due be? Debt keeps me tied to earthly things when my heart wants to invest in spiritual things. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so I'm left with sorrow, great sorrow at what my sin has cost me--the chance to give lavishly to the kingdom of God. But the beautiful thing about Christ's grace is that it is always there, whether it's the first time I've sinned or the hundredth. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's not too late for me. Or you. When I look at my debt numbers (read about it <a href="http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/2016/11/debt.html?m=1" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/2016/11/debt-update_14.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>), it makes me sad to think of what I could be using that money for. It also makes me mad I was selfish and greedy. It breaks my heart that I let sin guide my choices.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." -2 Corinthians 7:10</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I lie here broken but thankful. Because godly grief over my sin changes me, it produces a repentance that refuses to live in sin any more. And that is incredibly freeing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But to be financially free, we have to take action. First, we can take a long, honest look at our debt and what our selfish choices have cost us--not just financially but emotionally and spiritually as well. And then we can let that grief and anger change us for the better. Because I don't know about you, but once I climb out of this hole, I'm never going back again. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-53583118431856406302016-11-14T20:19:00.001-06:002016-11-14T20:19:36.265-06:00Debt Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyi71f_yd4Sb46Pfuz8RZZtLjoAQscc5mt_SvG_5xbOmSlb7JhLkYXMdex-XjwUHniy-B0ByrsFGTfRHbzVjsoVZjbCD38bB_2L5HIPmL0q8_GbrMREv8nVcQGJmqKgA4AxFWe3hvbtw/s1600/debt+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyi71f_yd4Sb46Pfuz8RZZtLjoAQscc5mt_SvG_5xbOmSlb7JhLkYXMdex-XjwUHniy-B0ByrsFGTfRHbzVjsoVZjbCD38bB_2L5HIPmL0q8_GbrMREv8nVcQGJmqKgA4AxFWe3hvbtw/s320/debt+update.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two weeks ago, I opened up about my debt journey. It was hard. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, today feels harder because I should be debt free by now. I can list a hundred things I should have done differently over the years. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This summer was the first time in six years where my debt went up each month instead of down. I went on a second vacation when I should've stayed home. I had some car repairs that drained my emergency fund. Then, a I battled a bad case of bronchitis that was not only painful but also very costly. (Just got another bill from that this weekend.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't change those things. Seeing my total debt go up the last couple months was a huge wake-up call. I had to pray and ask the Lord to forgive me for using His money for my own desires instead of advancing His kingdom. He's so faithful to forgive, and I'm eager to see how He uses even my own failures for my good and His glory. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here's where I am. Only two debts left. The light is there at the end of the tunnel.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6euuqQ8r_zqyoMJmq2BTpEjIviGoTmhugE0BNvGuTt6gACX7_SOAsxqQarcpfHzq4fX-8VJDFtlYtlMXfj6IDgLZNMHPvjjZUZruAl7cUY3XiCAmvISFbEoyqeTzZJ-OIOjZ2W815jg/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6euuqQ8r_zqyoMJmq2BTpEjIviGoTmhugE0BNvGuTt6gACX7_SOAsxqQarcpfHzq4fX-8VJDFtlYtlMXfj6IDgLZNMHPvjjZUZruAl7cUY3XiCAmvISFbEoyqeTzZJ-OIOjZ2W815jg/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, you may notice that my Discover balance is <b>HUGE</b>, a lot higher than when I started. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm sure a lot of it I can't explain. I did put some of my graduate school on it. I went on this vacation this summer. I was in a wedding and spent more than I expected. There's no excuse. Just transparency with complete strangers. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The biggest mistake I made was having my Discover card connected to my Amazon account. I had great intentions--I would just transfer money to Discover after charging something...like I didn't listen to Dave Ramsey rant and rave about how stupid it is to think credit card points help you in any way. (Sidenote--if you have the will power to pay off a credit card every month and take advantage of those points in some way, that's awesome. I lack such self-control and know that.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, tonight I changed the card connected to my Amazon account to my debit card. It's a start.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, y'all, it's kinda exciting to look at that Bank of America change. :) </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What can you do today to tackle your debt? It may be something small, but those little things make huge differences over time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-68255981369865855282016-11-01T17:49:00.000-05:002016-11-01T17:51:35.572-05:00Debt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoMWxDDP9KVhnZ63EvQsG8O6pr9Yjwstrx1JCU4kq8K6_zyiYNXNodTP3ps83QT9IghrB7M-ju6LnaHokVJ2FeKmEWayEqjYszvz4zJmtqldspNiStu0K0Yg3Dc6ITr3YzLwyYeOzXN4/s1600/debtsucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoMWxDDP9KVhnZ63EvQsG8O6pr9Yjwstrx1JCU4kq8K6_zyiYNXNodTP3ps83QT9IghrB7M-ju6LnaHokVJ2FeKmEWayEqjYszvz4zJmtqldspNiStu0K0Yg3Dc6ITr3YzLwyYeOzXN4/s320/debtsucks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've started this post about fifteen times, sure that I want to talk honestly about debt but unsure of how to start. So I started thinking--why do I want to share about my long, arduous journey to get debt free.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And here it is. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you start getting serious about clawing your way out of the slime pit of debt, you hear all these stories of people who did "this" or "that" and paid off 100, 000 dollars in eight months. You tune into Dave Ramsey, the debt-free guru, and you get so excited to hear people's success stories and hope that's your testimony too. (I HIGHLY recommend Dave Ramsey. I attended his 13-week class, which was one of the best decisions of my life.) </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then reality sinks in. You already work three jobs (teacher, coach, babysitter) just to make ends meet, so where are you going to find hundreds of extra dollars each check to tackle this debt mountain? It takes you months just to get the 1,000 emergency fund in savings. You cut everything you can, but you still have exactly 75 dollars a month to add to your debt snowball. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And so years pass, and you're slowly plugging away, but some months you fail. You use a credit card for a vacation you're desperate to take. You blow your emergency fund on "extras" instead of emergencies. And you think you're never going to be debt free, so you might as well enjoy life.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's why I'm sharing. Because surely I'm not alone in that struggle. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have so much to say, and I plan to post regularly about different aspects of getting out of debt. But I wanted to start by encouraging people who feel there is no end, the ones who hear those amazing stories of people who got out of debt quickly and then get discouraged. Your story is different. Mine is different. But, there's beauty in the journey. And I want to find it and share it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have this notebook where I've kept track each month of how much debt I have and how much I've paid off. This is my first entry from April 2010 when I started this journey.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't believe I'm sharing this. I've only shared this number with a couple people--like literally two people. Feel special. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqRkNpOk-kXeB2SBb8RwrZBHRTwR_aJa7LP5Ykim9DCubAJcungiNVZAG35P3Un3x3p3uDb5-SM4PLPbOne-NJRm3D04-DzgSQqdUPmttMwTNsgUiL5PkQU4ByD2sftav9kxiD6EhvY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqRkNpOk-kXeB2SBb8RwrZBHRTwR_aJa7LP5Ykim9DCubAJcungiNVZAG35P3Un3x3p3uDb5-SM4PLPbOne-NJRm3D04-DzgSQqdUPmttMwTNsgUiL5PkQU4ByD2sftav9kxiD6EhvY/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="158" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no clue why I thought I needed a new outfit from Gap every week. I can't tell you what the heck I bought using that Bank of America card. And Target? Who knows. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 22:7 "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">The rich rules over the poor, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">and the borrower is the slave of the lender." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, it's good to see those numbers because they make me mad. Mad enough to want to change. Because I definitely don't want to be Discover's slave. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's your debt story? If you've never had the nerve to add up your debt, I encourage you to do it. It will be hard and probably discouraging, but it's the first step. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-37732506919534941562016-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-15T07:00:34.529-05:00Chicago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> don’t know when I first fell in love with Chicago. I’ve never been. I don’t have family or even any friends from there.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-f34d5ab4-521a-4688-1f0b-c92539ba2d5a" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But she has stolen my heart. Maybe it’s because Michael Jordan posters lined my walls and his books filled my shelves. Maybe it’s because I read an article once about Chicago students who were afraid to go to school because of the violence on the streets. I thought of my own students, states away from Chicago but often living in similar unsafe neighborhoods surrounded by preying pimps and the alluring temptation of gangs. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pro-gun advocates love to talk about Chicago. After all, they can make memes about the fact that Chicago leads the nation in murders per year despite having strict gun laws. Those in favor of gun control rarely mention Chicago because it doesn’t fit their narrative.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But what gets lost in the shuffle of Facebook debates and Twitter hashtags are people. People who are just like us. People who dream the same dreams for their kids that we do. People who worry daily about becoming a victim of gun violence. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">468 people were murdered in Chicago last year. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2,900 people were shot. (</span><a href="http://time.com/4165576/chicago-murders-shootings-rise-2015/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://time.com/4165576/chicago-murders-shootings-rise-2015/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just stop and think about that a moment. Let that number sink in. Do you even know 468 people? I definitely don’t know 2,900! There are 837 kids at my school. I’m sitting here numb, unable to fathom the idea of over half of them losing their lives in one year. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s gut-wrenching. It’s the unimaginable that feeds our fears and inspires horror films. But it’s reality for the city of Chicago. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every number is a person, an image-bearer of God Himself. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And if things continue, 2016 will be deadlier than 2015. (</span><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/04/01/murders-shootings-soar-chicago-through-first-three-months-2016/82507210/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/04/01/murders-shootings-soar-chicago-through-first-three-months-2016/82507210/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So why are the people of Chicago forgotten? Is it because most of the victims are minorities? Because many are poor? Is it because one murder at a time isn’t a mass shooting and therefore not as newsworthy?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why in the world does the city of Chicago not matter to us? I think about her often, but she’s heavier on my heart every time I see something as gruesome as Orlando. And I want to cry out, “Why don’t we love Chicago? Why aren’t we changing our profile pictures for those we lost? Why aren’t...why aren’t...why aren’t?” </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As if their 468 lives weren’t valuable. As if the shattered pieces of 468 families can just be put back together. As if 2,900 lives can just go back to normal after they’ve felt the impact of a bullet and lived to endure the nightmares. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just this weekend, while we all justly mourned the lives lost in the horrific shooting in Orlando, 7 people in Chicago died. Another 35 were shot, including a five-year-old girl. (</span><a href="http://abc7chicago.com/news/42-people-shot-7-killed-in-chicago-weekend-violence/1383393/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://abc7chicago.com/news/42-people-shot-7-killed-in-chicago-weekend-violence/1383393/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I ask you. When you’re thinking about the devastation in Orlando, please remember Chicago. Post about her. Grieve with her. Pray for her. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Isaiah 49, God makes a promise to His people. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">14 But Zion said, “The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has not forgotten the people of Chicago. He loves them. He sees them. He knows them. And if our hearts are beating in one with His, full of love for the lost and compassion for the hurting, then we should remember Chicago too. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 11pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you feel led to help, here is a link to organizations in Chicago working to end violence and to help those who have been affected. </span><a href="http://abc7chicago.com/archive/9009544/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://abc7chicago.com/archive/9009544/</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">**I have not researched all of these organizations, so check them out carefully. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-30072897587092482742016-03-29T18:30:00.000-05:002016-03-29T20:41:24.422-05:00When God Speaks to You Through a Children's Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love Mo Willems. When I’m not sure which book to read to my students, I can always turn to his books for a good laugh.</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e350de2e-c4aa-4409-1a04-67ab85e900fa" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHKYrC7z5ZuXTUN83Lk6WNQFX6-R-wQ7fveLwFuPAPWhyBFF-yvhifcMSh6SfDl2PghyIvR5tZYBWZH_tUnmiY6TKP635FCktxvFqFLtnBaHWmhgP6Rpc4r3lLu_2pwKI8MJAawA8G0/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHKYrC7z5ZuXTUN83Lk6WNQFX6-R-wQ7fveLwFuPAPWhyBFF-yvhifcMSh6SfDl2PghyIvR5tZYBWZH_tUnmiY6TKP635FCktxvFqFLtnBaHWmhgP6Rpc4r3lLu_2pwKI8MJAawA8G0/s200/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="143" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I ordered </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waiting is Not Easy</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for the library, I expected a good read aloud.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t expect for God to speak to me all twelve times I read it. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">See, Piggie and Gerald are best friends. Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but Gerald has to wait. For the next twenty pages, they argue in the funny way only Mo Willems can write. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gerald wants to give up.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Surely the surprise can’t be worth all that waiting. After all, he’s waited the whole day. It's growing dark, and the surprise still hasn't come. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am Gerald.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I scream and holler when I have to wait. I don’t trust that what God has planned for me is good. I don’t believe that His plan will be worth weeks, months, and even years of waiting. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I get impatient. I ask how long, and why, and myriad other questions.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But like Piggie is with Gerald, God is patient to remind me that His plans are amazing because they are for my good and His glory. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>If I’ve trusted Him with my eternity, can’t I trust Him with my present? </i></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve got this book of a life, and I can either whine and moan about the wait, or I can enjoy the story, fully trusting God to write a beautiful ending. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I bought a copy of the book for my personal library. I have it out on my night stand, next to my Bible. It’s a reminder that even while I’m waiting, God is faithful to speak to me--even if it’s through a children’s picture book. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-91090390879655617682016-01-29T20:07:00.002-06:002016-01-29T20:07:43.730-06:00Still <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRbyYBtgxPkFZf_gUCM5noulXLTSl0tQCEZ1ey2p1cYubR1iLuloMkNqf4PF6sMNWs_V3SNaUPPZ8FeE2WIfblSxgSag7epKMuUjtPLtXsCZ7f09KVKMIQkFXdYPTrsnbEq7K35CERr4/s1600/still+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRbyYBtgxPkFZf_gUCM5noulXLTSl0tQCEZ1ey2p1cYubR1iLuloMkNqf4PF6sMNWs_V3SNaUPPZ8FeE2WIfblSxgSag7epKMuUjtPLtXsCZ7f09KVKMIQkFXdYPTrsnbEq7K35CERr4/s320/still+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know I haven't posted in forever. I was posting on Fridays, which meant I had get the posts ready on Thursday nights. Then, Thursdays became busy fairly regularly. And other things took over. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, I hope to be back. Hope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because life seems to have hit the pause button. Seems as all the major parts of my life are still. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing is happening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it's discouraging. And full of loneliness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But isn't that when God usually works?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the quietness of our hearts?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the stillness of our souls?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, that's been my word for this year. When I picked it at the beginning of December, I had no clue what God would be asking me to go through, how hard it would be to trust Him when I can't see or understand what He's doing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I trust Him, I believe He's working even when I can't see anything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I will be still and wait.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-75934275408136683472015-10-02T07:00:00.000-05:002015-10-02T07:00:08.177-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so tired that I can't even think of things that happened this week to know what my favorites are. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXrqYVh-lhRl6u6Tlc6m6vW03eSOUejk8XM7yL9PnufT5mQrEvEL7WyAI3KgSQOf9jfKBgSnYsOILsRAxxCy3n7wYh2OPammhsHY24w2cO0ifQpERKMOHqfawrKxZwRSIE3bnQ1UNiXw/s1600/2015-09-16+07.12.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXrqYVh-lhRl6u6Tlc6m6vW03eSOUejk8XM7yL9PnufT5mQrEvEL7WyAI3KgSQOf9jfKBgSnYsOILsRAxxCy3n7wYh2OPammhsHY24w2cO0ifQpERKMOHqfawrKxZwRSIE3bnQ1UNiXw/s200/2015-09-16+07.12.42.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think I shared that I passed another milestone on my debt snowball. I've been following the Dave Ramsey plan for a long time now. I'm not as strict as I should be, but it's hard to be that strict for years on end. Each month, my debt has gone down, and I try to focus on that instead of times I spent money I shouldn't have?</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqCXQSaWg-QQW8gaI2aor_ksYAIiwttfnBW5gvW3H1DZgTArh7Lh53NrIsKBI32lWYKiLPUCpFQJEvxzNsLgHAfK2QTLelJJEvhccznxvnEoVZp-gKcqPb_C7pY_NhbqLrzBOYQg1vOA/s1600/2015-09-28+08.03.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqCXQSaWg-QQW8gaI2aor_ksYAIiwttfnBW5gvW3H1DZgTArh7Lh53NrIsKBI32lWYKiLPUCpFQJEvxzNsLgHAfK2QTLelJJEvhccznxvnEoVZp-gKcqPb_C7pY_NhbqLrzBOYQg1vOA/s200/2015-09-28+08.03.31.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought tickets to the Rockets-Oklahoma City Thunder. I'm a huge Rockets fan, but I've wanted to see Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play in person for a few years. November 2nd, I'll finally see them!</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I deleted the email for the Kate Spade 75% off sale. There are no words to express my pride and joy in myself. :)</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a new phone. Syncing all of my stuff nearly drove me crazy. I can't keep up with the passwords. Why do they keep making me change them. And why is it such a hassle to merge everything?<br />AND why does every app want to send me notifications? I hate notifications. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, I like my phone, so all is well.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How was your week?</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-9444885497797041782015-09-25T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-25T07:00:13.493-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> always have a ton of questions. So, for today, I'm going to throw out a couple of things I'm wondering about?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. How does the Internet really work?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Why is my computer suddenly not downloading my pictures from my phone when I plug it in?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. How can you lose a few pounds but a pair of jeans feels tighter?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. How could every single computer in my library have a different time (26)?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Why aren't any of my favorite stores putting out the cardigans I love yet? </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Why is it still over 90 degrees even though it's the end of September? </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Why does my hair look like a frizzy mess all day and then looks fantastic when I'm home in my pajamas?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's on your mind?</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-48676179107442537622015-09-18T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-18T06:00:05.092-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1Trmt1TsqoQGwiQVs-3236QRecr1ARiwPYeuJYRs7Y4COvuOTQXDhr-EVmB2YQNDzaZPCMF7LBhFeceuoAFUunPrqABiaAY43kQE7KLmuwBd7Z-VDAMG745zY0lKrXP1KgtNZ3SLomg/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1Trmt1TsqoQGwiQVs-3236QRecr1ARiwPYeuJYRs7Y4COvuOTQXDhr-EVmB2YQNDzaZPCMF7LBhFeceuoAFUunPrqABiaAY43kQE7KLmuwBd7Z-VDAMG745zY0lKrXP1KgtNZ3SLomg/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to the Taylor Swift concert, and it was one of the best concerts I've been too. I only wish I had gone to one of her concerts earlier so that I could hear more of her country songs. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OBD9hpuCIe-m_OuAFBz-3XitFrCaYPpNOUgngZEYAJwiyhoR4b0Uc6-XdrkQq8DxZ2Vyt2x_p0P930n7BPZBd9TCBe8IBhwgzPct0VZL9AvjHpyj3MHY20ln-SKWM4pVsQ2nD04p84g/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OBD9hpuCIe-m_OuAFBz-3XitFrCaYPpNOUgngZEYAJwiyhoR4b0Uc6-XdrkQq8DxZ2Vyt2x_p0P930n7BPZBd9TCBe8IBhwgzPct0VZL9AvjHpyj3MHY20ln-SKWM4pVsQ2nD04p84g/s200/IMG_2642.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I'm a big fan of Taylor. I love her music, and I think she's a genuinely nice person. I love how she looks for fans to interact with online--making a big difference with her kind words and her help. Each song was a huge production and entertaining. I didn't know what to watch half the time because so much was happening on stage. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got to the show, they had bracelets on our seats. Then, we got instructions when to pull the tag. Finally, during the show, the bracelets flashed colors in sync. It was amazing to see the whole crowd lighting up in unison. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWtlOfcXHccfcOWGmKoo-h4iNsMkBpyQi8roZwBy70rS4jKSzclMEzhWA0UdNGcQm5Q3n1WG40HBzG4hETinrVLa6Cy79p9kBNI-reKfnZfxiX2JJgXHTlPmU0_JlILy2KNPLPHszfnk/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWtlOfcXHccfcOWGmKoo-h4iNsMkBpyQi8roZwBy70rS4jKSzclMEzhWA0UdNGcQm5Q3n1WG40HBzG4hETinrVLa6Cy79p9kBNI-reKfnZfxiX2JJgXHTlPmU0_JlILy2KNPLPHszfnk/s320/IMG_2609.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDGIxwXnnHJjN4eu9nnn0b7ZrVLftPvmKTb-7IW75-CG90DguNpnGbMGl5zq8DnaQtA9Gouo0qD9kUdPNaD_VXakUy2Wsw3A9MfjKquODbRwDxkx62WC0zpr7sAWIMiXmvzIsG9h2XV0/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDGIxwXnnHJjN4eu9nnn0b7ZrVLftPvmKTb-7IW75-CG90DguNpnGbMGl5zq8DnaQtA9Gouo0qD9kUdPNaD_VXakUy2Wsw3A9MfjKquODbRwDxkx62WC0zpr7sAWIMiXmvzIsG9h2XV0/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admit I suffer from shoe gluttony. I was looking for some brown sandals and found four pairs. These are just the flat sandals. I defend it by saying brown has so many shades that you need multiple pairs of very similar shoes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3C0baxuZeQhWvlyStf4OONlXnUVchGTj7tNR-LpKAr9KhxYNmPf4tkoHVXiScUlOVDl_HVUjvImakQP-Rs2YZJZuNGdb4GV8hfXJ0j8oX7uDG6djDzd1QprX_TLYj9cszpGNuBCio5E/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3C0baxuZeQhWvlyStf4OONlXnUVchGTj7tNR-LpKAr9KhxYNmPf4tkoHVXiScUlOVDl_HVUjvImakQP-Rs2YZJZuNGdb4GV8hfXJ0j8oX7uDG6djDzd1QprX_TLYj9cszpGNuBCio5E/s200/IMG_2562.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, the other day, this was delivered in my box at work. There was no name, no indication of where it should be delivered. I do get a lot of magazines for the library, but not Bride magazine. I'm taking this as a sign of good things to come. :) </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great weekend! </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-4199415965416372002015-09-11T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-11T07:00:03.671-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have stuff to blog about for Friday Favorites as it has been a good week.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, then I was thinking about what tomorrow is. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9/11.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And all I could think about was what happened that day. How enemies of America tried to take us down. How Americans united. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love my country. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so thankful to live here, free.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God bless America. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZLXNf_U5xq3bv-vISixTqf97qXl6OzDXHzikN0ipBCKcn6q8T7csCnvNp0wWfPmiX3wl17Kw0Y5WdsTue4EdEUHZeO_KqmswpmbzvkzzhACoC3Grn-LDQVlsfsOaYLNHPKwgpp1N-SQ/s1600/2015-05-29+13.09.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZLXNf_U5xq3bv-vISixTqf97qXl6OzDXHzikN0ipBCKcn6q8T7csCnvNp0wWfPmiX3wl17Kw0Y5WdsTue4EdEUHZeO_KqmswpmbzvkzzhACoC3Grn-LDQVlsfsOaYLNHPKwgpp1N-SQ/s320/2015-05-29+13.09.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-88667823934288047372015-09-04T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-04T06:00:05.244-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, everyone!</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I'm going to share some of my favorite book series. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAeL34UvZc4tfLsQN1r8ZQh7CDx28eXKFoCOC8UZiTUqm2XkySI2GG1P5LBCHAk9uAnq03juGaCAcR9t2LkIYcSQBwGs_6kUHT7EUlV7WVZ9tUzDbcj97FORDV_I3LEran7P17x9KCqs/s1600/wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAeL34UvZc4tfLsQN1r8ZQh7CDx28eXKFoCOC8UZiTUqm2XkySI2GG1P5LBCHAk9uAnq03juGaCAcR9t2LkIYcSQBwGs_6kUHT7EUlV7WVZ9tUzDbcj97FORDV_I3LEran7P17x9KCqs/s1600/wonder.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Susan May Warren: I love any of her books, but I LOVE this series about the Christiansen family.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan does such a great job of making realistic characters with real struggles. Such a good series. </span></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYTFdYp4FBXLwaUzWky_SNk7CDRGvpNO76txofg7U6a_GcL3LGp5JNhi17tgk9h1t8K2gSpffeJmK3vY2duIoo80zQqREzHGg56RxtmFrAmNQ6OZ4wjVI3d4aZPf0RgFd2R7TxBEyZww/s1600/gallagher+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYTFdYp4FBXLwaUzWky_SNk7CDRGvpNO76txofg7U6a_GcL3LGp5JNhi17tgk9h1t8K2gSpffeJmK3vY2duIoo80zQqREzHGg56RxtmFrAmNQ6OZ4wjVI3d4aZPf0RgFd2R7TxBEyZww/s1600/gallagher+girl.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Ally Carter: She's my favorite YA author. Her books are so well written. The Gallagher Girl series is about girls who are at a "finishing" school but are really in training as spies. Amazing. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Dee Henderson: Her O'Malley series is one of my all-time favorite series. Complex, strong characters, fast-paced plot, and a spiritual theme. Can't go wrong with that formula!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCUqPMK0mYoro4Ql1X7WkJoNk14I_31NATXzGv9kLnTudRXxG7UTY1xFWJjlzFS-GCktiSIny0mRbEKaXUMLHrnpXUL3UH9niiLU1v3ThE1XWamySNsW3nPz6NYoM8ZGSBJZkMyn1ySc/s1600/henderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCUqPMK0mYoro4Ql1X7WkJoNk14I_31NATXzGv9kLnTudRXxG7UTY1xFWJjlzFS-GCktiSIny0mRbEKaXUMLHrnpXUL3UH9niiLU1v3ThE1XWamySNsW3nPz6NYoM8ZGSBJZkMyn1ySc/s1600/henderson.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you reading? </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And speaking of reading, my first novel (Christian YA) is on sale for 99 cents on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Wait-Waltham-Academy-Book-ebook/dp/B00I7IVTMA/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1441325330&sr=8-1&keywords=worth+the+wait+laura+jackson" target="_blank">Worth the Wait on Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-84720414551318336642015-08-28T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-28T06:00:04.924-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Friday Favorites!</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was back to school week here in the great state of Texas, so I'm going to share my favorite parts of my job.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. I see students in grades 1-5 every day for an hour each. This means, I get to work with all different ages/abilities/interests. It's never boring.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. I get to read great books to kids. Like the one we're reading this week. If you haven't read it or the first book, <i>The Day the Crayons Quit</i>, pick them up NOW. You won't regret it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW6CQcZNqMPHD_YIszcSH7rf2lIPQZyPyWWA8Y7igHMxV_mBsmN-pdGor2Lm6Iq33cl8LbS5-HO8uy0NXa6AiVEnvrnIlVDh7KlUZnJKp6vHbfdbzJ6hENwZnh_iyq46sESb2y0nZGfU/s1600/crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW6CQcZNqMPHD_YIszcSH7rf2lIPQZyPyWWA8Y7igHMxV_mBsmN-pdGor2Lm6Iq33cl8LbS5-HO8uy0NXa6AiVEnvrnIlVDh7KlUZnJKp6vHbfdbzJ6hENwZnh_iyq46sESb2y0nZGfU/s1600/crayons.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. We have Sonic ice in the teacher's lounge. It's the little things that make life great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. This week I was told I'm the best librarian ever. Sure, I'm the only librarian the kid has ever had, but I'll take it. A first grader wouldn't lie to me, would she?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great week. I hope you love your job too!</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-41754881398941179812015-08-21T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-21T06:00:04.185-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Friday Favorites!</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
School started back Monday, so I'm now officially VERY aware of what day it is. :)</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDCMJN8oM1uNahqpBGlVx7FQqi0TkBCz4i4qY_YCSXA9LgpeertgnG7FBnUQ7edhnH3sJRYr6ps8jYxj0yMyIuEY2Iyy5GBPX0504uEPVOj_iSFre3EArUFwK5MnkiKEtJgAe_JKBCCQ/s1600/fitbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDCMJN8oM1uNahqpBGlVx7FQqi0TkBCz4i4qY_YCSXA9LgpeertgnG7FBnUQ7edhnH3sJRYr6ps8jYxj0yMyIuEY2Iyy5GBPX0504uEPVOj_iSFre3EArUFwK5MnkiKEtJgAe_JKBCCQ/s200/fitbit.jpg" width="147" /></a>1. I got a Fitbit a month or so ago. And I learned quickly how lazy I have been this summer. The goal is 10,000 steps a day, and I'll be honest. There were a couple days I didn't hit 2,000 steps. Now that I'm back at work, it's much closer to 10,000. I love it helping me stay focused on moving more. </div>
<div class="" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVFXa_MIid6ztRQdrfA-uoE6yEbqkE-Q_nadvsRepRUPLEhNrcghGOwCCNXF0AV8ier8ZGx0INt4B1JNFe096zIMqtu_Lbxmq78gPXSHQ6UgsJUQOarxP1BNkSIf_3ZBbbUc4AF8mIKs/s1600/lip+balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVFXa_MIid6ztRQdrfA-uoE6yEbqkE-Q_nadvsRepRUPLEhNrcghGOwCCNXF0AV8ier8ZGx0INt4B1JNFe096zIMqtu_Lbxmq78gPXSHQ6UgsJUQOarxP1BNkSIf_3ZBbbUc4AF8mIKs/s200/lip+balm.jpg" width="200" /></a>2. I bought these lip balms in Talkeetna, Alaska, which was an amazing little village. They are locally made and fantastic. I just need to go back to Alaska to get more! </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Meet the Teacher Night: This is my 14th year in education, and I still love Meet the Teacher. There's just a hopeful excitement in the air, the promise of what could happen. I love it, and I hope it never gets old.</div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would write more, but I'm tired. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until next week. </div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-70602329104261260612015-07-31T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-31T06:00:00.145-05:00Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm supposed to post my favorites for this week, but I just can't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before I did Friday Favorites, I used to do Confessional Fridays, linking up with Leslie over at <a href="http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/">http://www.blondeambitionblog.com/</a>. She passed away this week, leaving behind a husband and two little girls under the age of 2. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are no words. The internet is a strange thing. It can make you feel like you're friends with people you don't know. It can bring people who will never meet together for some common interest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In a world where there is so much cyber bullying, it was refreshing to read her blog, mostly about fashion and then about her husband and kids. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, today, I'm thankful for people sharing their lives on their blogs, putting their thoughts out there for anyone to read, sharing their moments, becoming friends with people they won't meet until we're all in heaven together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-31680635660548128912015-07-24T07:00:00.000-05:002015-07-24T07:00:04.730-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm back! Yay!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are a few of my favorites.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SlqaKLHqp0Y81KzlAuikKv-13SxzW16U8hhyphenhyphenVkhrmpgbx76VF-cKgGnt_Vrm1LhWd_QjpE4WMz-i_lE3S8aK0jR0LGJfZ_pt4tYGpXR2v_OJIlY5LfmH6tigyRFV2KzTSwNWSvI3VhQ/s1600/2015-07-15+12.44.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SlqaKLHqp0Y81KzlAuikKv-13SxzW16U8hhyphenhyphenVkhrmpgbx76VF-cKgGnt_Vrm1LhWd_QjpE4WMz-i_lE3S8aK0jR0LGJfZ_pt4tYGpXR2v_OJIlY5LfmH6tigyRFV2KzTSwNWSvI3VhQ/s1600/2015-07-15+12.44.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SlqaKLHqp0Y81KzlAuikKv-13SxzW16U8hhyphenhyphenVkhrmpgbx76VF-cKgGnt_Vrm1LhWd_QjpE4WMz-i_lE3S8aK0jR0LGJfZ_pt4tYGpXR2v_OJIlY5LfmH6tigyRFV2KzTSwNWSvI3VhQ/s200/2015-07-15+12.44.55.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It took me several days of gagging, but I now love blueberries in my smoothies. I do kale and blueberries with ice and a dab of milk. Sometimes I add a banana. Bananas are great because they mask any other taste. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9l9OXd7AnLjmBF97iAfY3zWlnJKUm3O-c57Qfsia9iEUUTNq9ddQN_sEjHqY1pUkr28ON-sqHga9KoIyeqiczSpHY3FvrVyTGX69OXBP4Q-SwG2ndJA-mvDx0sFl-DXhg8dpf34OJFE/s1600/2015-07-02+16.31.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9l9OXd7AnLjmBF97iAfY3zWlnJKUm3O-c57Qfsia9iEUUTNq9ddQN_sEjHqY1pUkr28ON-sqHga9KoIyeqiczSpHY3FvrVyTGX69OXBP4Q-SwG2ndJA-mvDx0sFl-DXhg8dpf34OJFE/s200/2015-07-02+16.31.57.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I bought this cute little clutch. I've never tried a clutch, and it only took one day before I decided this would just be a wallet in a huge purse. I like big purses. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Like this: I'd been looking for a simple black purse that was big and didn't have designs, buckles, etc. I found this one on CLEARANCE at the Coach Outlet. Yay for good deals!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8iz3hOsW6NrRWUan0uL9mPTCU-H8UMbROx91Zzj7kXD1uY6JbecLdW2SC-ShCBjgjw1sYvK8u2bNpMXazKxy5wqnocOLOFnZesWFKfBHVTG5BRpT6rJfAF_VEAPew6xrWtxVNqC3TQg/s1600/2015-07-23+21.25.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8iz3hOsW6NrRWUan0uL9mPTCU-H8UMbROx91Zzj7kXD1uY6JbecLdW2SC-ShCBjgjw1sYvK8u2bNpMXazKxy5wqnocOLOFnZesWFKfBHVTG5BRpT6rJfAF_VEAPew6xrWtxVNqC3TQg/s200/2015-07-23+21.25.51.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASglSbQTfM7PTcrz760bcaS25eaf7U8quXvLeKZkYLRBBoAE4TyDdT6uHk3DJfLjlS2jUJ9jvPI3BykP-6xnZswVFXESgeXqAyTO_At3mFIg1UTTl18AbmNNDl6KBv5MhGX5L6HAZfAY/s1600/2015-07-08+22.49.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASglSbQTfM7PTcrz760bcaS25eaf7U8quXvLeKZkYLRBBoAE4TyDdT6uHk3DJfLjlS2jUJ9jvPI3BykP-6xnZswVFXESgeXqAyTO_At3mFIg1UTTl18AbmNNDl6KBv5MhGX5L6HAZfAY/s200/2015-07-08+22.49.46.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I finally finished this book. I don't read much nonfiction. I don't enjoy it, and I'd rather go to the Bible for comfort, instruction, etc. instead of someone's opinion. BUT, someone recommended it to me (thanks, Jenny from </span><a href="http://muchadoaboutjenny.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://muchadoaboutjenny.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">), and I LOVED it. It took me a while to read because I was thinking, praying, and taking the words to heart. I highly recommend it to Christian, single women, especially if you are over 30. The author was single until 38 if I remember correctly, so she knows what it's like to be single and over 30. The struggle is real, and if you need encouragement, check out this book!</span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-49642233003766403002015-07-21T17:01:00.001-05:002015-07-21T17:01:13.783-05:00MIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to apologize for not posting more often this summer. I was in a routine with my Friday Favorites, but I must make a confession.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's summer. I forget what day it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I forget to post my Friday Favorites on Thursday nights because I couldn't tell you what day it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will be better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Starting this Friday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay tuned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-22049724959576987772015-06-21T21:59:00.002-05:002015-06-21T21:59:58.801-05:00In Good Company: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20LFTUDyMCnDvmdnFynkLoOYAaHKA2GS9CBb5ZwudCZyWgdhC8hTRIBUHp7ulnaXyehCChtgp0X9GVsb041z7z_e1eQsziv4RPs6_fRzGPwSGh_-l_W4_vcQfQg413w6bLIDoDq7mCMo/s1600/company.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20LFTUDyMCnDvmdnFynkLoOYAaHKA2GS9CBb5ZwudCZyWgdhC8hTRIBUHp7ulnaXyehCChtgp0X9GVsb041z7z_e1eQsziv4RPs6_fRzGPwSGh_-l_W4_vcQfQg413w6bLIDoDq7mCMo/s200/company.png" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summary:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position. <br /><br />Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare. Will they find they are the perfect company for each other?<br /><br />My Thoughts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved this book even more than book one. I loved Millie from the first book, and I was really excited to read her story. She's fun, strong, and quirky. She carries around a dictionary and misuses words, and it's funny and endearing. I really like how both books in the series have strong women who influence men to do the right thing. It's not the man rescuing the woman like so many romances. Instead, they are both strong characters who balance and encourage each other. I think that's why Jen Turano is quickly moving up my favorite author lists. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The plot moves quickly and has some twists and turns, making this book a must-read!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I received this book in exchange for my review, but my thoughts are my own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-52650709857690623482015-06-21T21:52:00.000-05:002015-06-21T21:52:10.519-05:00A Love Like Ours: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jLOWfTQyg0uiWZPXYNWzQ6deCXum4NYam97QQmjApxAbT76ItR59u0XwCD7pkHGt0iMwFrGFWynf0JbKBgw74tCvn3ObOGE_nsLo9j-IxxZP-0ciEnhn4p3xhO6cKPq2FA0uZq9nLck/s1600/love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jLOWfTQyg0uiWZPXYNWzQ6deCXum4NYam97QQmjApxAbT76ItR59u0XwCD7pkHGt0iMwFrGFWynf0JbKBgw74tCvn3ObOGE_nsLo9j-IxxZP-0ciEnhn4p3xhO6cKPq2FA0uZq9nLck/s320/love.png" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What I loved:<br />The complex characters. I love that Becky Wade didn't treat PTSD as an "easy fix" where Jake finds love and suddenly has no issues/problems.<br />I really liked Lyndie. She's strong and independent.<br />I LOVED seeing the characters from the two earlier books in the series--catching up with old friends. <br />I thought the faith element was solid and added to the story.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What I didn't like:<br />Ty is described throughout the series as very good looking. However, in this book, he is married. YET, Lyndie's friend (and side story in the book) gets flustered around him because he's so hot and comments/notices his good looks too many times. It had an uncomfortable feel to it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overall, this is a great book. Becky Wade is a fantastic writer, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-80103353283011369442015-06-15T17:17:00.002-05:002015-06-15T17:17:51.647-05:00After a Fashion: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-7NmH1w_2Zu_iCfaWdrWw-qQhj4oUqsmImAhjaRTBAlZq5JYPgshF1e4IypEUMYv1i_eJr1pNiFjns0dle2iQ3EgRdSCo5HWNewBW_1cF1D2g0N1thC9yT7papZDltFMvFhdJsQzBYI/s1600/fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-7NmH1w_2Zu_iCfaWdrWw-qQhj4oUqsmImAhjaRTBAlZq5JYPgshF1e4IypEUMYv1i_eJr1pNiFjns0dle2iQ3EgRdSCo5HWNewBW_1cF1D2g0N1thC9yT7papZDltFMvFhdJsQzBYI/s1600/fashion.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summary:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="freeText7391316725034977532">Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income.<br /><br />Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is on the verge of his biggest business deal yet when he learns his potential partner prefers to deal with men who are settled down and wed. When Oliver witnesses his ex not-quite-fiance cause the hapless Harriet to lose her job, he tries to make it up to her by enlisting her help in making a good impression on his business partner.<br /><br />Will Oliver and Harriet discover that love can come in the most surprising packages?</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Thoughts:</span></div>
<table border="0" cellspacing="1" id="myReview" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><th valign="top"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></th><td colspan="1"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview1303846607"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first book by Jen Turano, and I loved it.<br />Harriet was spunky and strong, and the rest of the characters were unique and just as interesting. Even the dog added to the fun of the story.<br />The plot is quick--things happening on every page, funny mishaps and serious social implications.<br />Everything is tied together in a neat little package at the end and presented as a fun, lighthearted read. <br />I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.</span> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-48454627338426803342015-06-12T07:00:00.000-05:002015-06-12T07:00:09.152-05:00Friday Favorites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After two days of workshops, I'm not officially on summer break. And I'm excited.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did my first book art at our libarian's meeting. It's a great thing to do with weeded books. I had to delete this book from my library because it was missing pages. But, look at what I did. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step One: Fold two corners to make a triangle.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdaOFdkrIN-bdkbYh6KMHYX8NNE0GyFBwOhQu-l5HiQW50cBHamvTcPo2u2GdOYQSI97T1UXS9opj_yYLK4uUf5Tie4tfNU-sYaTlrH5XNdF5TjBcIN8hm14hOmo0Pr5wwA2SiUCePTA/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdaOFdkrIN-bdkbYh6KMHYX8NNE0GyFBwOhQu-l5HiQW50cBHamvTcPo2u2GdOYQSI97T1UXS9opj_yYLK4uUf5Tie4tfNU-sYaTlrH5XNdF5TjBcIN8hm14hOmo0Pr5wwA2SiUCePTA/s200/IMG_2248.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step two: Fold the next page in half.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm2Ef64wcr-q5PqPqOQ8GZkg72jkDF-GVWbrH8Yy_4ZprTz_johscUjO2fAu51xpxf26ErwHD3mOxg_RZjLMRNgp6IBHnLGDym9-5Ys8C1jpK3Dp-reL9BwjqJm-crBFsqjX1PNIjMHY/s1600/IMG_2247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm2Ef64wcr-q5PqPqOQ8GZkg72jkDF-GVWbrH8Yy_4ZprTz_johscUjO2fAu51xpxf26ErwHD3mOxg_RZjLMRNgp6IBHnLGDym9-5Ys8C1jpK3Dp-reL9BwjqJm-crBFsqjX1PNIjMHY/s200/IMG_2247.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The end product: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS1O1ZaaHpbMTuQaK4UkYSvExbo15eOMqHUQBTLdtnLtAhLAdj77iVyiO6u6BG98P25kI5u4i8n33tRof8a6pRgdzqeISWaN-6mz0pkTPHyOk1zsk6WVsMnUaBWIse3xxVZfWVK8L9EY/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS1O1ZaaHpbMTuQaK4UkYSvExbo15eOMqHUQBTLdtnLtAhLAdj77iVyiO6u6BG98P25kI5u4i8n33tRof8a6pRgdzqeISWaN-6mz0pkTPHyOk1zsk6WVsMnUaBWIse3xxVZfWVK8L9EY/s200/IMG_2253.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love it! It was easier than I expected. Now, I want to try more difficult ones, like where they spell things. Pinterest to the rescue!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My niece and nephew had their piano recital last weekend. They are SO talented. I tried piano once. It was horrible. I'm not musically talented, so I appreciate it in others. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ5Vwl69b55OuZY7xJvMcZkorIxq87DppkHmiEBFLq4U10Zc7OBqPfRzQQ9M60WHUE44LcI1kiqYB52JqcQ2NrXzg7Vqtlvgy7HqJXvgl0K29u4Bb3WaPcdXIwZ_9Aju3wA5Jc34MLyI/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ5Vwl69b55OuZY7xJvMcZkorIxq87DppkHmiEBFLq4U10Zc7OBqPfRzQQ9M60WHUE44LcI1kiqYB52JqcQ2NrXzg7Vqtlvgy7HqJXvgl0K29u4Bb3WaPcdXIwZ_9Aju3wA5Jc34MLyI/s200/IMG_2236.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZa4SIeh24_a1TrJQImvtb1RVoAAG53RxIIjYQkZAyW7NTPquhwl6M-PY-wv60fvlamaVrEyMWx_oVeh9WBQqYJz8iGVVOfgO0GtUY8ztbYomjhQGTMhjul6M0We1Z3m7I2W9v1uuIrI/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZa4SIeh24_a1TrJQImvtb1RVoAAG53RxIIjYQkZAyW7NTPquhwl6M-PY-wv60fvlamaVrEyMWx_oVeh9WBQqYJz8iGVVOfgO0GtUY8ztbYomjhQGTMhjul6M0We1Z3m7I2W9v1uuIrI/s200/IMG_2239.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUo2XS-0PtEK43YQEydjGubNrTCp42NEZ_Gx6uTJoYWavnCtJIhAMFukpq3P-1OykOHsOSHeFl_9Y9JoXuPLXF8xsO3v7nK5jyn1NepAMrMid_4Q8eptm05VfJhvjlmRgCuK0SgPri_DU/s1600/IMG_2245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUo2XS-0PtEK43YQEydjGubNrTCp42NEZ_Gx6uTJoYWavnCtJIhAMFukpq3P-1OykOHsOSHeFl_9Y9JoXuPLXF8xsO3v7nK5jyn1NepAMrMid_4Q8eptm05VfJhvjlmRgCuK0SgPri_DU/s200/IMG_2245.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, Worth the Time is still on sale for 99 cents. Link: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Time-Waltham-Academy-Book-ebook/dp/B00PL259DK/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=191JCEFQXWG57AH4XHBF" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth the Time on Amazon</span></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't anyone feel she's worth their time? <br />Routinely ignored by her single mother, high school senior Lindsey Hamilton hides her loneliness behind a mask of flirtatious self-confidence that has many boys wrapped around her finger. However, during community service required for graduation, she meets a shy guy with a haunted past who barely gives her the time of day. Why doesn't he like her? <br />Then the father she thought had abandoned her before birth wants to meet, and she discovers everything she believed about him is a lie. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How will Lindsey learn to trust so she can realize that she has been loved all along? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it. Have a great week!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047694242675296262.post-81936864361842134002015-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:002015-06-10T07:00:14.308-05:00Need a Summer Beach Read? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwhgiFgmS6ycftMuyTB3ATvm_1EHC9cBo7cA9n4pV16pkwlU6UQuVMaTu7fWXWSs_tm3pr9TSD-O1O4zbqCAAL7y-wiLOL22m6yUAGgNyVHa9HOhegN923U0B1inoD-b8vdliKMWq-5Y/s1600/WTT+Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwhgiFgmS6ycftMuyTB3ATvm_1EHC9cBo7cA9n4pV16pkwlU6UQuVMaTu7fWXWSs_tm3pr9TSD-O1O4zbqCAAL7y-wiLOL22m6yUAGgNyVHa9HOhegN923U0B1inoD-b8vdliKMWq-5Y/s320/WTT+Sale.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Worth the Time</em> is on sale for 99 cents. It's book two in the Waltham Academy series. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find it here: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Time-Waltham-Academy-Book-ebook/dp/B00PL259DK/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=191JCEFQXWG57AH4XHBF" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth the Time on Amazon</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't have to read book one to follow book two, but if you're like me and like to read things in order, book one--<em>Worth the Wait</em>--is 3.99 on Amazon. Find it here: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Wait-Waltham-Academy-Book-ebook/dp/B00I7IVTMA/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0B1CQSMDK4XDBB0J261Y" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth the Wait on Amazon</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What other books are you reading this summer?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in the middle of Jen Turano's book <em>After a Fashion</em>, and I'm loving it! You can check that book out here (It's 9.99 for the kindle): </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/After-Fashion-Class-Their-Book-ebook/dp/B00MBTYF5E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433909329&sr=1-1&keywords=after+a+fashion" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a Fashion on Amazon</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">'
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3xFcpYMt_AoaBhyywOiK6fZzvy31ZPOlwMoqOejZibRiE3P52cYcSfoVA58Y2z_tnnQ9MvOUZysRnC-p1jF-6pIJePdMt2jSj9DtDystCd8EqLvh0VuDl9nqP9VKUI_IZHowyjTUnWXf/s1600/laura+signature.png" />
</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847194842336700052noreply@blogger.com0