Asking for prayers

All I can say is my family really needs your prayers right now...thanks!

Moving Over

For any of you unfortunate souls who watch this space for new posts, let me re-direct you:

I have decided to re-enter the blogiverse, but not on this blog :-)

Please visit http://www.thedailydoover.blogspot/.com.instead.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!!
Beth

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

No, this isn't like the movie of the same name with Ashton Kutcher.:-)  It's a new book by Andy Andrews, called "The Butterfly Effect."

This short gift book packs a lot of message into just over 100 pages.  Essentially, it tells you how just one event, no matter how tiny or mundane it seems, can have far reaching implications that you may never even see.

It's based on a theory (paraphrased here) "that even the flapping of a butterfly's wings would stir air molecules, which would in turn move other air molecules, eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet."  This idea became somewhat of an urban myth, but was later proven to have merit.  Science has now applied this idea to movement of any kind of matter, including people.

Once you read this book, it's easier to envision the likelihood that something that seems trivial to you - a kind word to the cashier in a grocery store, or a smile to a stranger - could make a significant difference down the road, and you would never even know it.

Read it for yourself, and you'll get the picture.

(I was provided a free copy of this book from the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze blogger program in exchange for the review.)

Book Review: The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

"The Boy Who Changed the World" is a new children's book by Andy Andrews.  It is a companion to the gift book "The Butterfly Effect," also by Andy Andrews.

This book tells the story of a young boy, Norman, and what he did that changed the world.  That then leads into the next story of  a second person and makes you wonder if, in fact, that person really changed the world.  More and more stories follow, showing how each one of them impacted the life of the next.  It's based on the premise that what we do - no matter how small an act - can have a significant effect on the lives of others.

It has a wonderful message, and positively challenges children to think that they, too, can change the world.

You never know what you might find...

I was making the rounds, collecting towels for a load of laundry, when I discovered this in my son's bathroom:

Can you tell what it is?

Yep.  Dirty golf balls.  I guess that's what happens when your kid works at a country club!!

Remembering Dad

Those of you who know me may be a bit confused by the title of this post, because my dad is still here.

Well, mostly.

Part of the reason for the huge funk I have been in recently is that dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a few months ago.  It is very hard news for a daddy's girl to take. 

I find that often, I grieve his loss already, even though he is still here.  I grieve the fact that I never know from day to day if I can have a decent conversation with him.  I grieve the things he's always done - the things that make Daddy who he is - that he can't do anymore.

But today, I choose to remember daddy like I've always known him, before the disease starting chipping away at him.

I remember the daddy who called me "Doodle" and "Pistol" when I was a little girl, and the way he introduced me to other people as "The Boss."

I remember the daddy who replaced one recliner after another because I squeezed in beside him in them so often that I worked the arms loose.

I remember the daddy who walked to Ingle's every night for a cup of coffee, and let me get a creme horn from the bakery.

I remember the daddy who took me to McDonald's for an ice cream cone, and waited while I played on the playground.

I remember the daddy who worked rotating shifts at the mill, and I never heard him complain.

I remember the daddy who always made fried potatoes and fireplace cornbread when he had to cook dinner.

I remember the daddy that couldn't stand to see anyone cry.

I remember the daddy that stopped smoking when I asked him to.

I remember the daddy that started fires with gasoline.

I remember the daddy who always had his shaving brush and a bottle of Old Spice on top of his medicine cabinet.

I remember the daddy that got me my first car from a junkyard :-)

I remember the way my daddy whistled when he was coming in from the garage for dinner.

I remember the daddy who constantly cut wood and gave it away (with delivery!) for free to anyone who needed it.

I remember the daddy who helped liberate my Barbie's from their plastic ties when ever I got a new one, which was often because I was spoiled rotten.  (just ask my sister)

I remember the daddy who doesn't like to pray out loud, but occasionally will and, when he does, it is the same every time.

I remember the daddy who scared my boyfriends.

I remember the daddy that many of my girlfriends wished was their dad.

I remember the daddy who told me that Randy Travis singing sounded like pig squealing.

I remember the daddy that adores his grandchildren.

I remember the daddy that means "Do you need money?" when he asks, "Do you need anything?"

I remember the daddy that made us listen to a Marty Robbins eight-track nonstop while we drove around the country for three weeks on vacation.

I have been blessed with an amazing earthly father, and I am thankful that my Heavenly Father put him in my life.  I could go on for days with the wonderful memories I have of him.  I've shared a few here, but the rest of my memories I'll tuck quietly in my heart to remember on the days that my daddy doesn't.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

Oh, the drama!

I know God is about to to a good work in me, because ever since the Esther Bible study began, the devil has been after me like crazy! Everywhere I turn:

Drama at work
Drama at home
Drama with the neighbors
Drama with extended family

If I wanted this much drama, I'd start watching soap operas again!

I need this to hold on to this week, and probably in the days to come as well:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9