Happy New Year!!

Another new year. A new beginning. A chance to begin anew. A "do over"!

As the new year has began, everyone makes their resolutions, hoping to make these last the entire year. Some go strongly toward their resolves and tire very easily. Some take it "one day at a time" and get through half the year at least. And then go I... I do not make resolutions, but goals. I try to choose a "doable" number of these goals, make them attainable and write them down.
My 2012 Goals are:
1. Continue my journey of weight loss. I have set a goal of losing 50 additional pounds by Jan. 1, 2013.
2. Read my Bible daily. I am also taking on the challenge of reading through the Bible this year. I hope to gain more wisdom and strength in God's word.
3. Exercise every day. That might be my regular walking, or I would like to add warm water exercise to help with the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain.
Three goals, all attainable, written down for all to see. Some days I may "mess up", but I get right back on schedule the next day. I think some of us are so unforgiving of ourselves, that we tend to QUIT if things don't go as we planned. Quitting will only get you one thing - Failure to accomplish your goals. If you fall down a day or two, no big deal! Pick yourself up, ask God to help you in your journey, and start again. We get a "do over" every morning we wake up. It's like God is saying "Here is my gift to you".
As you probably noticed, my word for the year is PERSEVERANCE. I love this word. It is a strong word, yet gentle. It does not sound like someone yelling KEEP GOING!! I is a simple request - Persevere! Do not give up. Push through your anxiety, your fear, your pain. Distance yourself from people that do not believe in and support you. Just keep on fighting the good fight, because your reward will be imminent.
I hope to blog more this year and add more pictures to my blog. I also hope you will help me increase my followers by recommending my blog to your friends. Of Course, I love comments and would love to make many more friends throughout this new year of change in all our lives.
My God richly bless each of you and please,

Y'all Come Back Soon!!

Blessings,
Donna

Smitten By: Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt & Denise Hunter

Smitten is a collection of 4 stories by 4 different authors that all take place in the same place, Smitten, Vermont. Four friends try to help this small town come back from a devastation to their economy. These friends endeavor to have their town become the most romantic town in America. Getting the men of the town involved in this scheme takes a lot of work and maybe a little manipulation. I enjoyed how all the stories were connected, so that you felt like you were reading an entire novel! You also have a chance to get "a taste" of 4 different authors in 1 book and if you like what you read you can search for their other writings.

The Christmas Singing By: Cindy Woodsmall

I have ready many books by Cindy Woodsmall, a New York Times best-selling author of When the Soul Mends. This book, The Christmas Singing, does not disappoint Cindy's many fans.
The book is a story of Mattie and Gideon and a love that began as young love, yet had a shocking ending for Mattie. An ending that she did not understand and that causes Mattie to leave her home, begin a business, and find a new beau. But, after a tragedy occurs, Mattie is forced to return home. She hopes it will only be temporary, but circumstances change and the truth of Gideon's rejection comes to light.
Read this inspiring story as a Christmas gift to yourself! Please watch the video posted below.

And also, please read the first chapter by following this link. Enjoy!
The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/69473983?access_key=key-rgtk38e2713pbbb4tc2

Free Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke

Free Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke

Hospitality: What Matters

What does hospitality mean to you? To me and my family it is welcoming friends and family around the table to share fellowship. It also means making everyone feel "at home" as we say in the south.
The kitchen is the heart of most homes. For some reason, people start out in the family room or den, but end up in the kitchen! The warm feelings, the smells of fresh baked goodies, and remembrances of seeing our mamas taking care of us are all things that bring us together in the kitchen.
I received this beautiful apron and will be wearing it for our Thanksgiving meal. I loved the beautiful words embroidered on the top. It is very well made and looks as if it would wear well for years to come.

Courageous

A group of police officers, fatherhood, and a terrible tragedy causes a “Resolution”. As these courageous men go about their responsibilities, the families sometimes suffer. Worries about finances, conflicts within families, and time management cause these fathers to not be as committed as they should be to their children and their Christian upbringing.
After one father experiences the greatest lost possible, lives begin to change. Follow the story of these men, their families, and the final resolution that changes everyone’s life and is spreading throughout the land.
This is a book worth reading and a movie worth seeing. If you cherish your family-you will be blessed.

A Simple Amish Christmas

Annie Weaver felt she was not a good fit for the Amish community into which she was born. After losing several jobs, her parents decide she may need a break. So, they sent her to the city to live with her aunt. Having always had a great interest in taking care of people and healing, she pursues her education and earns her RN degree.
While in Philadelphia, she gets an emergency call from home and immediately leaves the life she has known for 3 years to help her family. Annie’s father was involved in an accident and needs round the clock care.
She meets Samuel, who is not a doctor, although he tends to the Amish as best he can. Samuel is somewhat taken aback by Annie’s expertise. As Annie and Samuel continue to work together feelings begin to build.
A difficult romance begins and First Christmas will never be the same for Annie and Samuel.
This is an excellent book. This was one I had trouble putting down for very long!