Faith That Moves Mountains

Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado
elevation 9,898 feet

How Do You Pray for Someone You Don't Like?

Challenging.

That has been my work lately. There’s a person at work (not a fellow officer) I have to deal with on a daily basis that is…well, challenging.

At first, he just frustrated me. Then, when his attitude became personal, I took offense to it. I told my supervisor and everyone I could. And yet, nothing has changed.

So what is left?

I pray.

I pray for God’s protection, I pray for God’s guidance and I pray for God to make it stop.

But then, one evening this week, when I was at my wits end, I read Emmy’s post and I felt convicted.

I need to pray for this person. And I did. Not that I wanted to, mind you. But I did.

Nothing has changed yet, but at least I know I did what God wants me to do…pray.

Photo Credit

MomSense Book Review and Giveaway!

MomSense: 

A Common-Sense Guide to Confident Mothering

by Jean Blackmer

Description: What is the right way to mother? Can a mom trust her intuition? Or should she follow the advice of one of many parenting books? Into this fog of theory and philosophy, MomSense shines a light of refreshing clarity.

Through personal stories from real moms and proven, practical advice, MomSense helps moms honestly assess their skills, embrace their mothering instincts, and develop their own unique mothering style. Rather than pushing one "right" way to be a mom, this liberating book shows moms that they are the best mom for their kids and that they can have contentment, joy, and confidence in their role. A perfect gift for a new or experienced mom, MomSense is also an excellent resource for women's small groups and MOPS groups.

My Review: When I first learned I was pregnant with Sprout, doubts slowly crept their way into my mind.

"What kind of mom am I going to be?"

"How will I know what to do?"

Since my mom had died when I was 14, I was worried that I wouldn't have a clue about how to be a good mom.

One thing I learned reading, MomSense: A Common-Sense Guide to Confident Mothering by Jean Blackmer was I'm not alone. A lot of women struggle with their confidence as a mom. I think the best advice I got from the book was, "You are the best mom for your children and you have what it takes to raise them."

As I read MomSense, I felt both assured that I'm doing some things right, like showing affection and teaching my children to be respectful, and also convicted that I can do others things better, like not yelling and being more patient. I believe any mom, whether she has big kids or little kids, can take away some valuable insight from this book. 

Giveaway: Thanks to MOPS International Inc. (Mothers of Preschoolers), I have TWO copies of MomSense to give away!

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment on this post and include your email if not in your profile.

Additional entries:

• Follow my blog (A Little Lilac) via Google Friend Connect (or if you are a follower already), then leave a comment telling me so.
• Follow me (@CM_alittlelilac) on Twitter (or if you are a follower already), then leave a comment telling me so.
• Follow MOPS International on Twitter (@MOPS_Int), then leave a comment telling me so.

US residents only please. This giveaway will be open until 9 PM CST on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book and two free copies to give away. I was not paid for this review or in any way influenced. This is just my honest opinion after reading MomSense.

**Giveaway now closed**

Winners are comment #6 (SillyHille) and #10 (Emmy). I will be contacting the winners by email.

Creepy!

Considering it's Halloween season, I decided to post this entirely disturbing image I captured on the picture window in my living room. Okay, maybe only I think these nasty little things are creepy and yes, I was glad there was a thick sheet of glass separating me and my children from it. Remember, I hate bees! Or whatever this evil thing is!

PS. Let's pretend you didn't notice how dirty window is, ok? ;-)

I Love Preschool

My little fireman! 
Last week was fire prevention week at Cubbie's preschool.

Can you guess what he was here???

They made this hat the week before. The scripture for that week was: 

"God made the animals," Genesis 1:25.

Can you guess what he is???

I love preschool.

Miscellany Monday

I know with two boys, we are destined to end up in the emergency room sooner or later. So, last week, when Sprout fell while climbing on the retaining wall, I wasn't totally surprised.

What did surprise me when I got home from work (DH was home with the boys) was the HUGE goose egg on his forehead! Thank goodness it went down pretty quickly. Now, I just wonder what his Kindergarten teacher thinks of us! Bad parents...I know.

I made my first pumpkin pie from scratch (minus the crust.) And it was actually pretty tasty! I love fall!

I won! Thanks to Mountain Mama I won these awesome books! Talk about perfect timing. I've been wanting to find a new Christian book to read and now I have three!

Happy Monday! I hope you have a great week! :-)

I'm Free!

I've done it, I've gone two weeks without coffee! It's the best feeling. I feel normal. I'm not nervous or jittery, I'm less edgy or impatient. I'm just ME! No more once an hour bathroom breaks either.

And guess what???

I'VE LOST THREE POUNDS!!! 

WOO HOO!!! HAPPY DANCE!

See, our scale at home died right about the time DH and I quit drinking coffee. Yesterday at work, after PT time, I stepped on the scale in the locker room and it showed I lost 3 pounds! I was so shocked, I said out loud, "No way!" Yes, I got a few curious looks.

I'm sure it's because now I'm not chasing a ton of half and half with sugar or using flavored creamers. Not to mention that Oreo that always went so well with my coffee EVERY morning.

So what did I replace it with? This...

I've never been much of a tea drinker before but this stuff is awesome! Add a little honey and a hot bath, and I'm in heaven!

One Last Time...

Last weekend, we popped our pop up...

one last time.

We fished off the dock...

Parked our bikes beside Nana and Papa's cabin...

Broke

a stick

over our heads...

and played

in the leaves...

one last time.

How have YOU said Good-bye to Summer???