Washington DC - here we come!

FABULOUS

Although I never received "official" permission, I don't think Adam Sabados from Tyndale House Publishing will mind....

Reflection

For those OLD friends, you'll remember this photo (and what it means). Reflection changed my life - in numerous ways! Mostly the two women that joined me on the journey! These ladies are the most wonderful friends in the world - OH my, the memories we shared (and continue to share)! I think I'll list a few brief highlights.....

1. "Luv Ya"- thanks Malcolm!
2. Debbie's Porch in Elizabeth City
3. Santa FINGER
4. Speeding Ticket
5. Tara's SICK!
6. Debbie's COOKING!!!!
7. Deb's FINGER
8. Tara's prep in the AM (BEFORE kids!)

These are not listed in any particular order...all very fond thoughts!

Ladies, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!

Don't Look Back - by Lynette Eason

There were numerous things I liked about this book – the first (and most important to me), is that I finished it! As a matter of fact, I couldn’t put it down! Most books tend to lose me rather quickly. If the book is non-fiction, I keep reading because I KNOW there HAS to be at least one priceless jewel hidden deep inside that will teach me something! But with fiction, if it’s not exciting and I’m not INVOLVED and ENGROSSED, I put it down and promise to finish it later (which I never do!). This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end! I absolutely LOVED it! As a matter of fact, I immediately noticed this book is the second in a series (Women of Justice Series), now I HAVE to go buy the first one (and her other books that I found on her web-site: http://www.lynetteeason.com/books.html)! Even my eleven year old daughter (I summarized the story leaving some of the details out) wants me to read the first book (and provide details WHILE I read it)! She loves to watch NCIS with her daddy (not something I enjoy or support, but it’s their thing – some times you just have to LET IT GO!).

I adore the way the love story develops and the tender relationship they share throughout the book. I also love the detailed descriptions; allowing me to create graphic pictures in my mind of the individuals and the situations while reading. And I would have written the ending the exact same way! I didn’t think the story was too long or too short – I was fully engaged throughout.

Another thing I really loved about this book-as a Christian woman and mother, was how Jamie WALKED THE WALK of her faith. She didn’t try to SELL her faith to the man she was attracted to; she just LIVED her faith – and she lived it so well. Not only did he notice (and observe the calming effect only the Lord can supply), but he WANTED it! That’s exactly what my mother did; she was the most amazing woman I ever knew – and I wanted what she had (although when she passed away I was 18 years old) and didn’t even know what it was. Praise God, He carried me for miles and years until I found it - HIM!

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The most amazing revelation!

Yesterday, while reading Navy leadership presentations on-line, I came across something that really struck me (because it’s something I do when I teach – but didn’t realize how important it was): If you lecture for 2 ½ hours, but tell a story that lasts 2 minutes – everyone will remember the 2 minute story; NOT the 2 ½ hour lecture. In teaching children, I have tried desperately to get their attention using real life stories to help get the point across. I know I modeled this approach after all the fabulous leaders I have listened to.

This morning, while listening to a daily devotional CD on the drive to work, the teacher was explaining one of Christ’s parables in the Bible when it dawned on me….maybe THAT is why Christ taught with parables (stories)! Because He knew we would listen/remember/learn by applying the lesson to our lives.

HE never ceases to amaze me….