Owner: Laurel Wreath URL:http://lrlwreath.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:03:05 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: I am a mother trying to raise three boys who are beginning to enter their teen years. We are going non-stop. I am married to a wonderful, hard working, sports loving, God fearing manly man for the last 13 years. I love Jesus with all my heart. Now how ab Site statistics:Click here
And what would you do for $10 off? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ok I am linking, and my flattery for you girl, is that God would not get a post of yours out of my mind this week (hence this post).Two links in one week.God recalling one of your posts that you wrote way back when.And me agreeing with you.What more could a gal want?So head on over to Jeana's Days to Come, to see why I am linking this time. And see Jeana, I am giving you bloggy love too.
Thursday Thirteen #12 1970-01-01 00:59:59 (hey a Florida gal can dream)compliments of Chaotic Mom13 Things I am generally thankful for:1. Decorating my tree with my kids.2. A husband who listens and understands.3. Being able to buy presents for other people.4. Driving by and looking at all the beautiful lights on peoples houses.5. Warm snuggle blankets.5. The soft kind of socks (you know the fuzzy soft kind).6. I love nice sweat outfits, so comfortable.7. Singing along to the Christian station with my middle schooler. And talking to him about what the term"To Praise Him In The Storm" means.8. Dark Chocolate Dove mini bars. (they help in the sanity area big time)9. Coffee and/or hot chocolate. 10. Being able to chew all things now (since jaw surgery). I even ate peanuts for the first time on the airplane, I was so proud of myself.11. Good books to read, and people who suggest good books.12. Nice fluffy pillows I can put my feet up on at the end of the day.Last but certainly not least:13. Being blessed by my husband gettin Read more:Thursday
, Thirteen
Sting My Heart 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yep, that is what Iris did she Stung My Heart
. I spent all day yesterday putting up my Christmas tree, just doing the lights lasted until 9pm last night (I begun at 1pm). I had soooo much help with so many hands (I say this tongue in cheek). I was walking around saying to myself "Deck the Fricken Halls". Yep I am sad to say that was my attitude.You see I am a Mother (now I am being real here gals so no hate email) who struggles with having a "perfect tree" and having tons of little hands help me. Am I a terrible Mom if I say I cringe when they are hanging things? But I have to say, I leave them where they are hung and I did let them help. But I will admit I was not singing Deck The Halls or Fa La La La. I really dislike this about myself and I really try to be better each year. And I know there are sooooo many years ahead where I will miss them greatly and wish they were helping me.So here I am trying to get the tree completed, clean up my house because my Father in Law is coming for d Read more:Sting
Too good not to pass on.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I know I need to get a life and quit posting today, but this is too good not to post.Kim C at Life In a Shoe , and her whole family have launched a new on-line business. It is called Geneva Bible Pages, at this sight you can purchase an original, framed leaf from a 1599 Geneva Bible,"the Bible of the Puritans; the Bible of Shakespeare; the Bible of the great Reformers; the Bible of the common man." But that is not the best part (well ok it is the best part) but another wonderful part is she is hosting a contest. Head on over, look at the details of the contest and then head over the new online web site to view their new business.
You do know how to shock the socks off a gal.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I got a sweet comment from my friend Jennifer at Snapshot, telling me about this. And I click on over and you have me in the same category as Snapshot and Rocks In My Dryer...OH MY GOODNESS.Then I continue reading and I see my name AGAIN. Are you trying to give this girl a heart attack? I about fell out of my computer chair. You put me in the same category as Windows to My Soul and Healed Waters.What can I possibly say in return? You have left this girl speechless. I am so overwhelmed, surprised, blessed, honored, and speechless (guess I have already said that, but I really am!).Head on over to see the rest of the nominee's, all the nominee's are awesome women!!!!
Ok you may laugh but I am serious... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Some of you may think I am writing this tongue in cheek, but I assure you I am not. We are now entering a new phase here in the "Laurel" household.What is the new phase you ask?Well first let me preface this by saying I married a sports lover; I knew this when I married him. Early on in our marriage we had to learn how to balance sport watching with, paying attention to wife time (notice I said we). Manly Man has gotten a lot better, through the years he has turned off important games to listen to me. And I praised God for TiVo because now everything can be paused.Well the new phase we are entering is my two oldest sons have moved from watching cartoons to sports 24/7. Not that I let them watch TV 24/7. But now they watch the "saved" games Manly Man has on his TiVo.Ok that is not so bad, except while driving in the car all conversation rotates around "do you think so and so is a good player?", "what do you think of this team", etc... sometimes grumpy Mommy has to pipe up and say "NO MO Read more:serious
I am Plagiarizing.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Kind of, but this post says everything I am feeling right now. I know when I read it for the first time it really struck me, and then somethings that I am struggling with right now....this post says it all. And the Lord kept bringing this post to my mind all day because it says everything right now.Please go here to read: Days To Come 's post titled Some ThingsThanks Jeana.
Some pictures for your enjoyment... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 or torture whichever...Me, my niece, and my sister (isn't she beautiful)This is what "manly man" and I do while visiting, love on all the girls. I don't like the picture of me, but "manly man" is looking quiet cute so I post this for you honey.This is a picture I took of my youngest son leading his baby cousin around. Read more:enjoyment
In "Other" Words... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Writing about the quote:"God has delivered us, He has parted waters for us, He has made water gush forth from rocks and sent us our own manna from heaven. He has brought us into our own Promised Land. Will I miss the opportunity to tell the story to our children?"Ann Voskamp, Holy ExperienceSince the freedom from Egyptian slavery, Jews have celebrated this historical event by having a feast called the 'Seder'. The word 'Seder' means 'order' and refers to the order of historical events recalled in the Passover meal as well as the meal itself. (Holiday Spot)What is your personal Promise Land? Now I know God is not done with me until I see Him face to face. God has done a lot of things in my life. BUTWhat if I fail to tell my kids how God really worked through my marriage and how God brought us closer together during the difficult times. Or I fail to mention how I believe God breathed life into my first son because he was born to early and not breathing? What if I am quiet about how Read more:Words
A-Z of Me 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was tagged by Judi to do this! (and of course I would not be upset sweet friend, I am honored)A - Available/Single? Nope, marriedB - Best Friend? My Hubby/dog (tie, just kidding)C- Cake or Pie? cakeD - Drink Of Choice? Diet Dr PepperE - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Hello, my laptopF - Favorite Color? SageG - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Gummy BearsH - Hometown? (born in ) Tucson, AZI - Indulgence? Dove Dark Chocolate mini barsJ - January Or February? February (Valentines Day)K - Kids & Their Names? 3 boysL - Life Is Incomplete Without? coffee, ok and my familyM - Marriage Date? Sept. 25N- Number Of Siblings? 2 (3 including moi)O - Oranges Or Apples? ApplesP - Phobias/Fears? dying young, losing my husband, spiders (ok anything in the insect category)Q - Favorite Quote? We act out what we believe. Not what we know (Vickie Arruda)R - Reason to Smile - kids being kind to each other, good report cards, hubby coming home early.S - Season? FallT - Tag Four People? Lindsey, Blessed Assuranc
Book Poll 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Book pollI saw this book poll at Callpidder Days, and on Stray Thoughts, being an avid book lover, wanted to participate:1. Where do you most often buy your books? Online? Secondhand stores? Big name bookstores?I most often buy them online, Christian bookstore, and Barnes and Noble.2. If you buy online, which do you prefer - B&N or Amazon.com? Ebay? Christianbook.com? or elsewhere?I usually check Amazon.com and or ebay.3. Do you put your name in your books? If so, are you a bookplate or stamp person?No the only time I write in books is to underline, etc on a book that I KNOW I want to keep.4. How do you feel about loaning books to others?I love to hand out books. In fact I have so many books to get rid of and I can not seem to find a buy back book place I may start selling some or just giving them away. Hmmmm idea...maybe I can make a list and first come first serve. We will see.5. Do you highlight or mark your books as you read?See #36. How often do you visit your local library?Sad to
Fall Into Reading 1970-01-01 00:59:59 September 23, 2006 to December 21, 2006Here is my book list, as you can see I end with Christmas books. Also I will be laid up after my surgery and will be doing lots of reading, so I may have to add more to my list. But right now this is what is on the agenda (I guess I need to add some non-fiction in here):Fiction (the Lynn Austin books are Fiction but based on books of the bible, same for Joel Rosenberg)Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg (currently reading)The Strength of His Hand by Lynn Austin- completed Oct 06 Breaker's Reef by Terri Blackstock (completed October 06)Faith of My Fathers by Lynn Austin(completed Nov 06)Among the Gods by Lynn Austincompleted Dec 06Birthright by Nora Roberts (completed Oct 06)Memory Keeper's Daugther by Kim Edwardscompleted Nov 06The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley ( completed Nov 06)The Body In The Library by Agatha Christie (Completed Oct 06)A Breach of Promise by Anne Perry (completed Oct 06)Seasons of Storms by Susanna KearsleyHouses of Stone by B Read more:Reading
Fall Into Reading # 7, 8, 9 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have been so far behind in updating my Fall Into Reading
list, so I am catching up today. I have finished reading the following three books.Faith of My Fathers by Lynn AustinI really really really like this series. (hint, hint hint...go buy, check out etc.. the books). Lynn Austin really has a way of bringing some of the Old Testament figures to life.Among the Gods by Lynn AustinMemory Keeper's Daugther by Kim EdwardsThis is a book you will either love or hate, really there is no in-between. I like it, but I could totally see how someone could dislike it. This book was different in style then I am use to reading. I loved the story line, I loved seeing how choices made have a life altering effect to several parties involved. There are so many lessons in the book and the imagery I thought was good in the book also.Fall Into Reading #1Fall Into Reading #2Fall Into Reading #3Fall Into Reading #4Fall Into Reading #5Fall Into Reading #6
Works For Me Wednesday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have not done one in awhile, but I was up late last night using this little tool and I have to say I love it. It cuts paper very quickly.And that works for ME!! Head on over to Shannon's for more wonderful tips. Read more:Works
, Wednesday
Laurel Wreath's New Year's Meditations 1970-01-01 00:59:59 ( this is a sticky post, scroll down for more current posts, except on Tuesdays)Who: Everyone is invitedWhat: I would like you to post on your site about your hopes, dreams, goals, for the next year. What would you like to see God do in your life? How would you like to see Him move in things? Make this as general or as personal as you feel comfortable. What are your goals for next year? I am not looking for the "lose 10 lbs this year" answer, something a little bit deeper. When you look back December 2007 where would you like to be?Many of us look forward to new changes in the new year, some of us dread the changes. As a side note, this blog is going to go through some changes. Soon you will be arriving to a NEW IMPROVED look, but don't worry it will be the same 'ol me. Changes are sometimes good, sometimes dreaded, and sometimes dreamed. What is your change or dream for this next year?When: Come back the first week of January 2007 (January 1 through 5th).Where: I will put up a Mr. Read more:Laurel
, Wreath
, New Year
Favorite Holiday Recipe 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Loni at Joy In the Morning is hosting "Share Your Christmas Cookie or Dessert Baking Traditions."Now I will give you our Christmas cookie recipe that we make every Christmas Eve, but you have to promise not to tell I passed it on. =) This is what my husband looks forward to the most (he is worst than the kids when it comes to these Christmas cookies).Christmas Cut-Out cookies.1 3/4 cup of sugar2/3 c shortening1 tablespoon cinnamon2 teaspoons baking powder1 1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon vanilla1 8oz sour cream (sounds weird I know but this is what makes it!!)2 eggsMix the above ingredients well. Then add gradually 4 cups of flour. Stir/knead in 2 1/2 cups of flour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I usually make this the night before). Roll out 1/4" thick, cut out and decorate.Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.Enjoy Read more:Holiday
, Favorite
Announcement 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Something I am very excited about and humbled to be invited:I will now be contributing to Laced With Grace, I will be posting a devotional every Sunday.Ya'll better come by and say hi. I am a little nervous, there are some great women over there. Read more:Announcement
Favorite Christmas Memory 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Momrn2 has invited everyone to share their favorite Christmas
memory. She saidBe ready to pull up a chair and grab a warm throw. There will be a fire burning, warm drinks ready, snacks to munch on, Christmas music in the background, and warm hearts of friends sharing a quiet moment of Christmas together in "My Quiet Corner".I love to read these because memories are something special to our heart. So here in blogsphere this is what we call "getting personal".I think the joy for my Father was seeing our excitement on Christmas morning. Truly he could care less what was under the tree, but prolonging the excitement…now that was his gift. I know some of my siblings don't share the same joy in these things as I do, but to me they are special memories. We had a long hallway where I lived. So Mom and Dad would be up late the night before after we had all gone to bed, putting the presents under the tree and getting everything JUST RIGHT. Then right before going to bed Dad would do some Read more:Favorite
, Memory
In "Other" Words... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; his mind was preoccupied. This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowding interests. Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on reasonably well without Christianity.Billy GrahamThis quote really hit me when I read it. I have some relatives this describes perfectly. They are GOOD people, kind people, and would do almost anything for anyone. Many times they put me to shame. But being a Christian is just not important to them."All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowded interests.". These interest can be important things like family, Read more:Words
Could you do me a favor... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My friend Cyndi had a painful tragedy in her life and she really needs some prayer and support. Could you drop by and let her know you are thinking and praying for her.One More Day Read more:favor
Weekend Reflection #5 1970-01-01 00:59:59 1. It was a nice being back home this week, still getting over a bit of jet lag. But I have unpacked and most of the wash is done.2. I had a chance all Saturday morning to get a lot of Christmas shopping done and I did while listening to my new wonderful CD's I got from Iris at Sting My Heart.3. I completed all the my Christmas Chex mix my hubby hands out to his employees as a "thank you".4. I got to go see two movies in one week (a record for me).Head on over to Mommy of Two for more Weekend
Reflections.
What's the Shape of Your Faith? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 When we first began "What's the Shape
of Your Faith
" Heather asked us to find our personality. I learned I am not a person to step out and start something new unless God gives me a direct command. Also, I am more likely to follow the rules, AND expect others to do so, and am surprised when they don't. Most of this I "knew" but to see it in black and white confirms it. Some of the characteristics I liked some I didn't care for so much. BUT God knows my weakness' and can use them to His glory.Then we reviewed our Heart's passion. My passion is just to remind you or let you know if you forgot GOD LOVES YOU. I don't have any grand ideas for my life, I know God can use me wherever he plants me. But I want to sit, look you in the face and tell you "Sweet sister do you know how much God loves you, warts and all?". I want everyone to know that.Next we moved on to discussing our abilities, this is the one I approached with much hesitation wondering where it will lead me. God spok
Are they real or fake ? (got your attention on that one,heh?) 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Rachelle at Seek First His Kingdom did a post on Blogger friends last week and it really has been rolling around in my head since I have read it. I am still fairly new to blogging, I know I have some "rose colored glasses" on to some of the dangers of the internet, but I do try to protect myself somewhat. One thing I do is make sure manly man knows what I post, he is my computer "geek" and keeps me accountable.But anyways I am digressing. Rachelle touches on several topics that could be a several posts all on their own, but I am addressing the questions she asks right at the last part of her post:What do you think? Are the blogs the "real life" of the 21st century? Or, are we all just living in some parallel inauthentic cyber-universe that cannot substitute for the real thing?There are several differences between face to face friends and blogger friends. Non-verbal is a very powerful form of communication. I am a big believer in non-verbal (I majored in it in college~communications Read more:attention
Hosting "In Other Words" 1970-01-01 00:59:59 One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; his mind was preoccupied. This is the answer that millions are giving today. Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ. All the accommodations in their hearts are already taken up by other crowding interests. Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on reasonably well without Christianity.Billy GrahamI will be hosting Christian Women's Online "In Other Words
" this Tuesday the 5th. This is the following quote for the week:Join me in sharing about this Christmas quote. Write about it on your blog on Tuesday, and come back and leave a link here on Tuesday to your post. Read more:Hosting
I am getting soooo excited.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As I stated before here:this blog is going to go through some changes. Soon you will be arriving to a NEW IMPROVED look, but don't worry it will be the same 'ol me.Well it is almost done. And I can barely sit. I am tell you it is sooo pretty. Susie at Bluebird Blogs has really out done herself. I have to say I have NEVER seen one of her designs and did not like it. She had a God given talent. I'll let you know, but the change is coming soon. New Year, new look; But same 'ol charming self. Read more:excited
About Me 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My husband and I met in Tucson, AZ. He was a military brat going to the University and I was just a regular brat. So we connected right away. We married our senior year in college and celebrated 13 years of marriage this last September. We currently live in Small Town, Florida. We have a houseful of boys (three to be exact) but our cat and dog are male also. So I am greatly out numbered and love female conversation anywhere I can get it. My husband is the Office Manager and Project Engineer to a medium size satellite office in Small Town, Florida. I will officially have a teenager next year, so life is bringing more adventures and challenges.God has given me a heart to remind women, "You are loved". The End. Period. That is my passion. To remind you God loves you with all His Heart, He sent his Only Son to die for you. God has taken me on some crazy rides, some that have given me great highs and some where I have found myself in great lows. I am here to say God is Fait
Contact 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You can email me at lrlwreath - at - gmail - dot - com.
What I Believe 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Christian doctrine - What are the basics? It is important as a Christian to know the basic Christian doctrines in order to answer those questions that arise about why you believe what you believe. Most people who come to know Jesus know little more than the idea that they are sinners and Jesus is their Savior, but we must know more than these two truths in order to grow in our Christian walk.The following are six of the essential doctrines that we as Christians believe.Human Beings - We believe we are created in the image of God. In the Garden of Eden, God created the first man, Adam, who was formed from the dust of earth and brought to life by the breath of God. God also created the first woman, Eve, by taking a rib from Adam. This is creation of man, so we are all descendants of Adam and Eve.The Bible - We as Christians believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, which came about by "God breathed". This means that even though men, starting with Moses and ending with the disc