OK. Time for a giveaway! Blogging is all about readership, and I want to increase mine, as well as get the word out about my new historical fiction novella, "The Time Has Come." You want to know more? Setting? Plot? Aha! Read on...

I have posted the first chapter in my other blog, where I am holding the giveaway. I want to hear what you think about it. If you post a comment on the other blog, you will be automatically entered into a drawing to receive a PDF copy of the whole book.

Increase your chances of winning by referring someone! (Reader must also post a comment and site your name to be eligible).

The deadline to enter will be February 13th at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random by monkey ninjas and announced on February 23rd.

Here's the link. Thanks!

Yes, Jesus Loves Me...

This has been a hard weekend.

Hubby got laid off on Friday, and though I know in my head everything will be alright, it's been easy to be a bit nervous.

But as I was in church today, I was reminded a passage from one of one of my favorite books, "The Basket of Flowers."

"But God, who chastens even is best-loved children, will not suffer them to become too deeply attached to the things of earth. Afflictions (troubles) are sent to remind them that this world is not their rest-to wean their affections from earth, and fix them securely above."

In other words, God in His mercy allows to be taken away from us things that may distract us from depending on Him.

Things like a job.

Then at dinner, I was tidying and watching Lady bug, who is almost two, play after getting down from the table. She started singing:

"Yes, Jesus loves me. The bible tells me so."

Yes, Lord, I hear You. These words from my toddler hit home and I remember that You are in control.

Hubby's work is not my anchor or my security.

You are.

Thank you.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Superhero is an enigma.

On one hand, he is a super-kinetic ball of energy that tends to use the walls in the house to change his trajectory, rather than slowing down.

The other day I was trimming his nails, and he wouldn't quit moving. I cautioned him several times to hold still or he was going to get hurt, but he just couldn't do it. Finally I raised my voice so he knew I was very serious, and he managed to keep his body still.

However, all his energy went out his mouth. He babbled almost incomprehensibly the entire time he was still. As soon as I gave him the OK to move, his mouth closed and the never-ending movement started again.

But that's not what I came here to tell you.

On the other hand, there is another side to him that frankly freaks me out a bit. I've been told it's a boy thing, and I hope so.

Superhero is completely obsessed with all things villain. The only acceptable hero for him at the moment is the dark knight, and he doesn't even know what that is!! He's never seen the movie, heck I've never seen the movie, but it's dark and therefore somehow cool!!!

But that's not what I came here to tell you either.

On the other hand (yes, that's 3 hands), Superhero is the most generous, sweet and thoughtful person you could ever meet.

Tonight we were in the car and Princess asked what "shiny" meant. So we talked about the different things that were shiny, like metal, glass, gold, silver, the moon, sun, God, and then Superhero said, "Ponygirl's eyes are shiny. They light up when she smiles."

Well, that made more than Ponygirls's night. I was so touched, I just had to soak in the moment. It's so easy to get overwhelmed in day-to-day details of raising children that it's nice to experience a true heart exposure.

In reality, even though Superhero is rough, gruff and sometimes spiteful, he treasures his sisters. All of them. When he wants someone to play with, the first one he seeks out is Princess. He can be so gentle with Ladybug, and he dotes over her. He gets the "protection of sisters" thing with her.

And he adores his older sister. Truly.

One of my favorite songs has a chorus that says:
"I will look at You (God) and say it's gonna be worth it, it's gonna be worth it all."


It's worth it. It really is.