From My Library

I received this book free from Bethany House to review; I have not received any compensation or payment for my honest review.  This book is probably one of the most difficult books I've reviewed, for several reasons..  Firstly, it is a 21 day study with questions at the end of each chapter; thus making it a bit slower to read and  I was not familiar with the author either.  There were endorsements from teachers and speakers I was familiar with, which is why I choose to review it. 
It is a book divided into three sections:  The Lifestyle of Intimacy, The Lifestyle of Wisdom and The Lifestyle of Revelation;  each section cover seven chapters.  It was biblical, covering both Old Testament and New Testament Prophets as well as the work of the Holy Spirit in Christians today.
If you are interested in Prophetic Ministry I would recommend this book.  I was a bit disappointed because I felt it covered mainly those who have already been called into this work and not those who desire to walk in the anointing today.
It is not a book for everyone, but one I know I will go back to as reference in the future. 

Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Happy 35th Anniversary Babe

I met my best friend, man of my dreams, beloved babe when I was 14 or so. He had my eye from the first day; we were friends although I wanted more, but so glad we didn't date then. When I was in college we started dating; I remember our first dates~hiking and taking photographs, eating french bread and cheese at the beach, going dancing, discussing life plans. I knew by our third date that he was the one I wanted to spend my life with. It took him a little longer to come around, but that was part of the chase. I remember water skiing with him, being amazed at his skill on the water as well as on the tennis courts. My mom and dad always loved him and knew he was the best match for me, I have no doubt that the Lord made our match in heaven. There were so many adventures; camping and going to Oahu. Dreams of the future. The sports cars we had, the fun we had rebuilding them. Our days were filled with thoughts of a future; love filled our hearts.  I so remember this day; our wedding day filled with such joy and happiness.

This was the John Travolta era; Saturday Night Fever was all the rage. As I look back on these photos and all of our memories, the love in my heart makes me smile. Babe, do you remember taking disco lessons before our wedding so we could dance like the movies; I was so shocked to see that my brother and I danced so much alike.  The blessing of a brother and sister in law who paid for our wedding reception and became the best friends we could have.  Our song "Always and Forever", which we still love. The hand blown glass cake topper that was smashed to smithereens in the Loma Prieta earthquake.  Those skeptics who said we wouldn't make it; we have proved otherwise though.  What an amazing adventure it has been; I wouldn't trade one minute of it.  As I look back on these photos and all of our memories, the love in my heart makes me smile. The Lord gave me the best husband I could possible want or have dreamed of and I'm so thankful for you!  The friends we made and spent time with; the camping trips at Fallen Leaf Lake and Tahoe. Our days weren't always easy but you worked hard to make a good life for us.
Our first home and our first born daughter. It was a magical time for us; starting a family and having such fun together. Before we knew it, we had another daughter who blessed our lives. All the fun we had with them; do you remember driving in the Corvette with them?  Days spent at parks and lakes and my dad's swimming pool. More camping and fun adventures, the years passed quickly and then  a move to a new area and settling in as our girls got older.  The weekends spent on the wave runner, you also coached soccer and going to all the sports events. Camping at Hendy Woods with the girls; the cross country trips we took-incredible family times. Cross country skiing and winter get aways in the mountains, to enjoy snow.  Remember all the family weekends at Lake Pillsbury and the tiny cabin. The years flew by; we are blessed with the most incredible daughters!  Before we could think about life, our girls were flying the coop and building a nest of their own.  Oh the joy at and seeing them married to incredible men who mirror you more than you realize, the joy at being grandparents!  The changes that came with our move out of California; you've never left our side, even if you'd rather be in Hawaii. Embracing retirement and being able to go on a few more vacations. Ziplining on Kauai, more fun times with friends. Our upcoming cruise to Alaska; what fun and adventures we will have.
 You are such an incredible man, husband, friend, father and grandfather and I'm so thankful for every day together we have.  I am more in love with you today than I ever thought possible; you are still the One!!!!
 Always and Forever.  Nor

"You're Still The One"

(When I first saw you, I saw love.

And the first time you touched me, I felt love.

And after

all this time, you're still the one I love.)

Looks like we made it

Look how far we've come my baby

We mighta took the long way

We knew we'd get there someday



They said, "I bet they'll never make it"

But just look at us holding on

We're still together still going strong



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night



Ain't nothin' better

We beat the odds together

I'm glad we didn't listen

Look at what we would be missin'



They said, "I bet they'll never make it"

But just look at us holding on

We're still together still going strong



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night



(You're still the one)

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

(You're still the one)

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night".


Friends~We will be going out for dinner but our main celebrating will be done in July on our cruise.  I truly am the luckiest girl in the world; I am so thankful for this man God gave me.  We had a great weekend: a 10 mile bike ride, bonfire with one daughter and her family, Father's Day Celebration, as well as doing chores around the house.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend, filled with love.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Happy Friday Friends~How has your week been?  Mine has flown by again; as we get older, the days seem to pass more quickly-don't you think!  We went to our town summer concert series last night; it is always so fun during the summer.  The music venue is so diverse and last night featured Celtic Rock, with Piccolo and Bag Pipes.  We took Hunter and also our friends and their puppy Bentley.  Our youngest daughter and her kiddos met us there also; this made for a very fun evening.  I'm so thankful that I didn't come home with any mosquito bites and that I didn't have to put on any bug spray.  Hunter did really well and the puppy just wanted to play with him. It is so cute to watch them together.  I was impressed that all the dog owners had their dogs under control; something I've always taken for granted until we had our minor incident on Memorial Day.  It was pretty minor but for some reason made me somewhat  (very)anxious about large dogs; if you have known me at all for any length of time, you know I am a true dog lover and not had issues with fear of being knocked down.  I think that as I've gotten older, I realize how serious it was be to fall or be knocked down; add it the fact that Hunter has had dogs go after him four times in the last year.  So I am always watching now.  Enough of that! 
Yesterday I started cutting out fabric for the quilt and would love to finish today and start sewing.  I have my ladies group this morning but maybe this afternoon.  This Sunday we will have the entire gang over for breakfast to celebrate Father's Day and then Monday is our 35th wedding anniversary.  Yippee!!! Although we won't be celebrating until July, when we go on the cruise, we will probably go out to dinner.  Where did the years go? 
I hope you have a wonderful summery weekend! 
Hugs to you~
Noreen & Hunter

It's Thankful Thursday again; I'm hoping that your cup is overflowing and you have so many things to give thanks for.  This week has been busy and I have yet not gotten upstairs to my sewing room but today is a new day and the afternoon is wide open; at least right now and I'm planning on cutting fabric. I'm thankful that I found some coordinating fabric and that it is coming together in my head.
I am thankful that we completed several important errands yesterday, one of which was registering my car.  Now I just have to find a license plate holder for my car-o.k., so I can't decide if I want a dog one, a quilting one or something else.  It is overcast here today but at least the winds have died down.  I'm thankful for the men and women on the front lines of our fires, that risk their lives to protect our state and people's homes.  I'm thankful for cooler temps that will also help in the fight, as well as the lack of winds right now.  I'm thankful for my hubby; he is such an incredible husband and father; plus a wonderful guy who gives so much. 
I've got to get ready to walk in a few; I hope you have a day filled with contentment.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday

Morning friends~I realized how fickle I was today, when thinking it is already so hot outside at 8:00 a.m. and just a couple of weeks ago I was whining about needing summer weather-well girl, it is here! Reminds me of last year, when we had record heat with lots of fires.  Yes, even though we had more moisture this year, the fires have started already.
  As I mentioned one set of my grands have been taking swim lessons and this is the youngest grand(in the middle of the pool) of that family, who is taking them.  Doesn't that water look so inviting.  I grew up with a swimming pool and loved being able to go out first thing and swim.  Of course, once I became a mom and knew the dangers of a back yard pool, it was the last thing I wanted.  Maybe if there had been a fence but even still.  When I was in  6th grade, a toddler from a nearby street wandered away from his mom and somehow got into a neighbor's back yard(even though they had an 6' wood fence)and fell into the pool.  I was the one who found him lifeless on the bottom; but thankfully the fire department was summoned and he was revived. I also remember that it was truly the Lord who alerted me to that child and made me get help.  I remember, to this day, his little form under a couple of feet of water and the subsequent visit to the hospital to see him.  It was uncertain if he'd ever develop normally, because of the length of time he was not breathing.  These are things that impact you for life.  Even going through this, I did grow up loving water and swimming; just never wanted one in my yard.  I do realize this is a fluke thing to occur, but I always insisted my girls take lessons.  It is amazing, here I am 50 yrs older than when this accident occurred and it takes me right back to that day.
So, if it is hot in your area by all means enjoy some water-even sprinklers but keep an eye out for little ones.
Hope you have a blessed day! 
Noreen

Garden Shots

Happy Tuesday to you! Good morning friends; won't you come in for some ice tea? I wish I had enough room on my porch for a swing or couple of chairs, it is just too tight though.

 

I've been enjoying my front plant bed and thought I'd share; sorry the photos are a bit shaded. Two years ago, I planted a Bleeding Heart; at the time it was quite small, but you can see here that it is now huge. I love this plant! It seems to be in the perfect place.

 

 

I am so pleased with the way the front bed is looking; of course I could use a couple more perennials, but all in all for right now it is fine. The white ground cover is Snow in Summer and it has spread a lot-I love it! One of our Japanese Lacey Leaf Maples is front and center; these trees are our favorites.
We also have Clematis,two Hydrangea's and two Mums for the fall.
  We won't discuss my back yard though; when I was going to weed on Saturday, I kept getting bit by mosquitoes. Since I was working alone, I choose not to continue.

 

The other night while hubby and I were watching t.v., I happened to see a male and female Robin with worms in their mouths. Once they flew off, hubby and I investigated and found three babies in a nest; they were already pretty mature in size. Last night, all three granddaughters were over so we showed all three hatchlings to them. This morning I heard chirping from one of the beds and went to check on the babies-well there is only one today. I'm thinking dad and mom are teaching them how to fly; which means that I will have to keep Hunter inside(when I'm not here) so he doesn't see them and think they are toys. I can't believe we didn't realize we had an active nest in the backyard until Sunday.  We have also had several Grackles around and I think they might have a nest as well. These are the birds I can do without, do to the fact that they generally kill all the smaller birds.
I've been back on our walking schedule and love it; hubby and I even rode  14 miles on Sunday but this week it has been in the very high 90's, so riding will be in the evenings. I also ran out yesterday looking for more fabric for the baby quilt and of course it is no longer made.  I'm hoping to find some pink and white toile to use.  I may just have to scrap the original pattern and design one myself.
 I'm off the swim lessons for the grands this morning, got a couple of books I need to read and possibly run to a couple more fabric stores.
I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with sunshine and giggles.
Noreen & Hunter

From My Library

Many of you may be acquainted with author Dee Henderson; if not, she is a fantastic writer. I started reading her books back when my girls were in their late teens; in fact, the first book I read was The Negotiator. This book was so timely in my life because I was working in a bank and I had read it right before the first time(not the last)that I was held up. Dee's books are intriguing and riveting; suspenseful and filled with faith. When I saw that she had a new book out, I jumped at the chance to review it for Bethany House. Jennifer is the story of one of the O'Malley clan; she was introduced in The Negotiator but wasn't the central character. The family is comprised of seven members who became family when they were in the same orphanage. The characters are deeply developed and rich; fiercely loyal and protective of each other. Jennifer is a pediatric doctor in Texas who is actively involved with her patients, even when it means heartbreak over loosing them to disease. She meets a surgeon who wins her heart slowly and patiently; their future looks bright.
 I found this book impossible to put down and with only 154 pages, it was a quick read. I will say that the only disappointment I had is that the story leads into the first series, The O'Malley's-specifically "The Negotiator". Unfortunately, I gave all my books by Dee Henderson to my daughter ten years ago and she has since sold them. I remember the story line a bit, from the first series so won't go and reread it. I will say that if you haven't read anything by Dee, by all means get this book and then go to your library and read the rest of her books, you won't be disappointed. I'm hoping that Dee's next book, due out in 10/13, will be just as good. I'm glad to see she is writing again. I would rate Jennifer a 9 on a scale of 1-10; a 9 simply because it was so short and I wished the story didn't end. Reading this was like seeing an old friend and then not having the time to catch up.
 I received this book from Bethany House and was asked to review this book. I did not receive any payment or compensation for my review. Summer is a great time for easy reading, so take a chance on this book.
Have a great day!
Noreen