Expired By Eggnog Release!

   So, first off, I know. I've gotten WAY behind on posting. No, I haven't died. No, I'm not in a relationship. No, I haven't fallen ill. I've just been . . . busy? 

     Over the summer, I've been writing articles every week for the local newspaper, so in the time I'd usually be writing a blog post, I've been writing articles. 

Then, I started a job at a local coffee shop, and while it's only part time, it has filled up some of my other writing time. So, basically, I don't have an excuse. I'll be attempting to blog once a month from here on out, but I can't make any promises.

Another thing that's kept me busy, is this new book! Expired By Eggnog, will be officially released on December 5th! If you're in the area, stop on by at Caribou Coffee! Books are also available on Amazon.

Until next time, happy Thanksgiving! Stay thankful, and remember to let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

A Series Contract!

 So, most of you probably saw that I signed an exciting contract last week, and you've all been asking me WHAT is this contract for?!?!? Well, I'm excited to announce that I've signed a series book contract with a publishing house in TN. 

   Not only is this my dream publishing house, but I'm also super excited to have a series contract where we'll be doing multiple books.

  It'll be the Preacher Kid Detective Series that I've been working on for awhile, and I'm thrilled about this next step!

I'm Still Alive!

  Yes, I realize that after almost five years of posting on my blog every week, I just went four weeks without posting, but I'm still here!

  I'm just going to do a couple of quick pictures to give you a brief update on what kinds of things have been keeping me so busy that I haven't posted, and then I'll give a bit of a book update at the end.

I was a local host this year for the Bible Bee, and we had our Proclaim Day in early August. It was a great group and a real privilege to be their host!

We had fun Bible BEE decorations, complete with Bible BEE cupcakes.

Then, the same week, Mom, Marie, and I were the 'camp cooks' for Farm Camp this year, and that kept us busy full time. Not the cooking itself, but everything else it entailed. Like defrosting the freezer when the fridge quit . . . and harvesting beans, and weeding flowers at the maze. Thank you, Marie for all the help! It was a great week.

Then, I ended up being an election judge at the local MN primary election. It was a new experience for me, but a great one! I enjoyed it, and encourage everyone to get involved when they get the chance.

Then, Miriam got home from New York, and we jumped into maze prep. The corn maze opens this weekend, and we're still working frantically to get everything done. Here, Miriam is stirring paint so that we can touch some things up.

Then, of course, the cows decided to get out, and Miriam and I got to go help Dad and Isaac get the beef herd back where it belongs.

So, with everything going on, and the maze opening this weekend, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post over the next eight weeks, but I'll do my best.

As for writing, I was in contact with a publisher on my first PK Detective book, but they wanted to read the second book in the series before we signed any contracts. So, I frantically finished a book, and sent it off, and should hear back in a few weeks with a definite yes or no.

VBS!

So, our church did Vacation Bible School a little later this summer than normal, and obviously, things had to be run slightly differently, but we still had a great group, and I'm SO thankful for all of the people who helped out!

Thank you, everyone who prayed! God really blessed this past week, and we saw several children get saved. I had the opportunity to pray with a girl and it just reminded me of the joy of Salvation!

This little niece seemed to be trying to strangle me with her hug!

But aunt-life is the best so I don't mind! :) 

Have a Great Week!

4th of July!

  While things were a little different this year for the 4th, I still had a wonderful time celebrating Independence Day with family.

I made frosted-lemonade, which I'd heard about many times but never taken the time to make before. It was every bit as good as everyone said!

Recently, I got this new .22, and Mom customized the stock for me with her cricket machine. I love the dot scope!

Matching necklaces!

I hadn't been fishing in years, so getting out on the water again was amazing!! I did get a sunburn, but it was TOTALLY worth it! We had great weather, great fishing, and great fellowship!

Happy Independence Day!

Cousins for Life

Helping out at a Vacation Bible School is always fun, but especially when you get to go out for coffee afterwards with awesome cousins!!

And running game time is fun . . . but working with cousins can bring out a weird side of me . . . But seriously! If someone asks you to hold their hat and glasses . . . why not have some fun!

Praise God for a great week of Vacation Bible School where many children got to hear the Word of God and hide it in their hearts.

With summer, I've had to majorly cut back on my writing and while I still do a bit here and there, I'm looking forward to this fall when I can get back at it full force. :) 

Unlocked Devotionals

  Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to write a few articles for the Unlocked teen devotionals. If you're familiar with Keys For Kids, Unlocked is the same ministry, just the teen branch.

   The devotionals are available online, in print, or as audio, and they're always looking for new writers. If you're interested in submitting some articles to them, it's super easy to do it here. https://unlocked.org/writers-guidelines/

Thoughts From The Past

I've been reading back in my blog posts lately. In some ways, it's like reading my diary. So, I thought I'd share this post from Monday, March 21, 2016. While things have changed in my life, God hasn't changed. He's the same yesterday, today, and FOREVER.


What writing has taught me about God being in control.

When I was writing 'Adventures of Amy' book four, (Never Forget,) I said something to my sister. I'm not sure what my exact wording was but it was something like this...

    "It sure is stressful being in control of so many people. I mean I have to decide everything about my characters... their gender, their hair color, where they live, how they talk, if they live or die and... well EVERYTHING! I'm sure glad God's in control of real people because it's hard work making these decisions."

 That got me thinking about all the little things God has to plan about each and every one of us. I mean God has to decide when we live and die, what we look like, what family we have and tons of other things.

  We often like to have control over some of these things, but next time you feel like God's not being fair with you and you wish he would change the way He made you or something, just remember that it's God's love for you that doesn't let you have control over every area of your life. God knows that we would get worn out really fast if we had control over some things in our lives and I think it's best for us to just leave them to God and trust Him.

  I heard a quote the other day, not sure where it came from, but it says, "When God pushes you to the cliff edge of your life and you can't hold on any more, relax... God will either catch you when you fall, or He will teach you how to fly." I think too often we complain about circumstances in our lives that we have no control over, when really, we should be thanking God for providing opportunities for us to grow in grace.

   You may look at the circumstances in your life and doubt God's love, but we're not supposed to be caught up in life's circumstances. We're supposed to keep our eyes on Jesus, and when the cross is always in sight, doubting God's love shouldn't happen. I heard someone say once, "I'm doing the best I can, under the circumstances." The real question is, "What are you doing under the circumstances?" We shouldn't be bogged down by circumstances! God's in control, you don't have to worry.

We can't always see God's hand, but rest assured, it's there.

How's Your Attitude?

I was looking back on this post from October of 2018, and a poem that I shared. It's still true today. The only difference between a good day, and a bad day, is our attitude.

http://priscillakrahn.blogspot.com/2018/10/trauma-drama-vs-peace.html

Bible Bee and Book Spotlight

Since I aged out of Bible Bee, I haven't done much in-depth study. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it, and how much there is to learn from deeply studying the Word of God!

It’s June 1st people!!!! And this year, as a local host, I’m back at it. Already, it’s been SO fun and a real blessing! It's amazing the things that pop out from God's Word when you're truly seeking God with your whole heart.

This year, we’re studying’TRUST’ through the life of Joseph. Joseph is one of my FAVORITE Bible characters, and his life is such an example!!

You think your family is mean?
You think you’re treated wrong?
You think you’ve been falsely accused?
You think your life is ruined?

SO did Joseph! But he trusted God through it all, and God uses it for incredible good! If ever anyone had the right to be bitter, hurt and angry, it was Joseph, but instead of reacting, he trusted God. He knew God was good no matter what, and he rested in that.

In these crazy times we live in it's easy to get stressed, angry, frustrated, and even bitter, but we don't have to! We can trust God like Joseph did. We can trust God no matter what.

It's been SO good to be back in deep-study mode!

What have you been studying in God’s Word lately?


Also, I've been slowly doing a book spotlight of each of my books with a bit of information about where the idea came from and other interesting facts about the book. This week, it's Ty Carson!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT - TY CARSON

Growing up on a farm, Dad always had groups of boys helping out around the place and sometimes, I felt like we lived in a boys' home. After a fun year of farm/boys camp, I got the idea to write a series of books about a boys home.

Watching these young guys provided plenty of inspiration, and in the process of writing it I'm sure I drove some of them crazy with questions.

Unlike my previous books that had one strong major driving theme or theme verse, Ty Carson took a different direction with each book following his day-to-day struggles.

People have been asking if I'm planning on adding to the series. The answer is yes, but not yet. I've already started on a rough draft for book four, and I have the basic outline for book five, but they're currently on hold as I work on finishing up a few other projects. So, yes, I want more Ty Carson books too! But it may be a few years before they're ready.

Petunias, Maze Work, and Masks

So, with all the talk about masks, and what kinds are best, and how you should make them, and where you're required to wear them, and how to get out of wearing them, I decided to just go with this mask!

Okay, so I didn't actually leave the house with this!!! I was just having some fun. :)

When Miriam and I go for walks, we often pass this sign with the faded heart, and I always get the urge to bring a red marker, and grammatically correct it. 

Like this . . . Only don't panic, I haven't actually done it!

Miriam and I have been doing some odd jobs around the maze, including sanding these pews down and painting them for benches.

And it's petunia season again! With a mile and a half of plowed dirt, two semi-trailers of flowers, and a great crew, we were happy to get them in the ground.

And, of course, I've been working on several books. I just talked with two of my editors yesterday, so I've got some updating to do on my PK Detective book, The Clue in the Pulpit.

15 Favorite Tween Books

  Recently, I've had several people ask me about books for 11-13 year-old readers. What books do I recommend? So, I've put together a list of books that either I loved as a tween, (and still do love), or books that my nieces love.
 
Now, I have to say, I'm super conservative and picky about books. I don't like books where the kids are brats, and I don't like books that delve into fantasy. So, if you're looking for fantasy or sci-fi, you probably won't find any on this list.
   
   I don't have any specific order to these, so I'm going to just start naming them.

1. Sherlock Jones Series, by Ed Dunlop 

2. Peabody Adventures, by Jeri Massi

3. Arby Jenkins, by Sharon Hambrick 

4. The Adventures of Arty Anderson Series, by Mark Redmond

5. The Accidental Detectives, by Sigmund Brouwer

6. The Young Refugee Triology, by Ed Dunlop 

7. Gatlin Fields series, by Sandra Waggoner

8. Freedom Seekers, by Lois Walfrid Johnson 

9. The Northwoods Adventures, by Lois Walfrid Johnson 

10. The Wall Series, by Robert Elmer

11. Adventures Down Under, by Robert Elmer

12. The Jed Cartwright series, by Ed Dunlop

13. The Missionary Adventures of Bob and Arty, by Jeff Barth

14. The Ivan books, by Myrna Grant

15. The Scripture Sleuth, by Mat Halverson


And then, I have a few books that I've written for those ages.

The Mystery in the Corn Maze

The Ty Carson Series

The Adventures of Amy

I hope these books will be a blessing to you and your young readers!

The 24-hour Book

   Is it possible to write a book in 24 hours? I might have said no . . . until I did it. Okay, so when I was 18, Mom suggested that I write a book for the corn maze. At first, I didn't really like the idea, but as she kept bringing it up, it grew on me, and eventually, I sat down to give it a try.
I wrote several rough drafts, and finally I completed one that I was semi happy with, but when I let my sister read it, she said it was way too melodramatic and sad for a kid's book. I was about to give up on the idea, but Mom encouraged me to give it one more try.
     I sat down, that evening, and started writing, and when I went to bed that night, (or early the next morning as the case may be,) I was over half-done with a book that I thought would work. I got up the next morning and kept at it, and right after lunch, I finished the rough draft to the current Mystery at the Corn Maze book.
      No, I don't think I could do it again. At least not on any book longer than that one, but thankfully, The Mystery at the Corn Maze is an earlier reading book and not as long. It's geared for 8-12 year-olds and has several real stories mixed into the fiction.
Stories from the corn maze. Like the time vandals ran a four-wheeler through the field, or the time someone hung our scarecrow from the fort walls.
If you're an entrepreneur, and you're super familiar with the corn maze world, you may recognize a few other hidden references in the book as well. ;)

Bagels

I usually always have a bagel for Sunday morning breakfast, so this week, I decided to try making them myself. It was harder than I thought, and I think it’ll take a little while to get the feel of making them, but for a first attempt I think it went well! 

I found a recipe for French toast bagels online, and they actually tasted just like the store bought ones, but better! 

On another note, I ordered the proof copies for the first PK detective book. But don't get your hopes up! It's still going to be a looong time before it's ready, and I may end up actually publishing another one first. We'll see. :) 

Reminders

   I started writing my first book when I was thirteen. It was a school project, and when I was seventeen, I published it, along with the next two books in the series.
    I have mixed feelings about The Adventures of Amy series. Part of me looks at it as my beginning, and I don't ever want to forget where I started. Another part of me is embarrassed.
    When I flip through the books now, I can tell they were written by a thirteen-year-old with a wild imagination. They're not perfectly written, or edited, and some of the scenes are . . . yeah. Very amateur.
      I've spoken with other authors who have quit selling their first books, because they don't want people to read them, and judge the rest of their writing by their beginning. I've thought about doing that with the Amy books. I've thought about re-writing them. Who knows, maybe I will someday, but for now, I'm going to continue carrying them as a reminder. A reminder to never despise meager beginnings. As a reminder that there is always room for growth, and as a reminder of all the things God taught me while I was writing them.
    So, yes, I know that they're not the most well-written books in the world, but I'm so thankful that God led me on this journey, and while I'm not where I'd like to be in my writing, I'm thankful that I'm not where I used to be.

Sister Time

Sunday afternoons, my sisters and I usually spend a bit of sister-time. Now, it's just Miriam and me, but we still take time Sunday afternoons and do stuff together. Sometimes, we just talk, other times, we watch a movie, or drink coffee, or any number of other things, but we usually spend the afternoon together.
   Now, I don't know where you're at in life, but if you have sisters at home, take time with them. Now, two of my sisters are married, and it's just Miriam and me, and I cherish the memories with my sisters. I'll never regret the Sundays I've spent with them. (Or any other day;)) Time spent with family is well spent time.

PK Detective Excerpt

So, I've been doing some editing on my Preacher Kid Detective book, and decided to share an excerpt. No, it's NOT fully edited yet, but here's a glimpse.

     I eased in the back door of the sanctuary, and cringed. They’d just finished the last song, and Dad was getting up to preach. I had done my best, and failed miserably. The last parent hadn’t picked up their kid till I knew I was going to be late. Really late. I had to walk by Dad’s office to get to the sanctuary, and although Rachael had cleaned it up pretty well, there was still a broken door, the remains of a dead mouse smeared on the floor, and a busted chair leaning against the desk.
        She’d taped paper over the holes in the glass, so hopefully no one would cut themselves on it, but the way I was feeling I was pretty sure I could cut myself on a gummy worm. Being a klutz was bad enough, but being a klutz, and having to walk in late was about the worst thing I could imagine.
         Dad looked straight at me, and raised one eyebrow slightly. He didn’t look mad, but as a pastor, and a retired Navy chaplain, I knew he wasn’t going to blow up in front of his entire congregation.
         “Let’s pray.” Sometimes, his voice sounds quiet and gentle, but this time, it sounded more like a drill sergeant’s command, and I cringed. He waited a moment before bowing his head, but as soon as he did, I headed for my pew. All the way up to the front row. Who ever thought of making the pastor’s family sit in the front row wasn’t thinking straight. Sometimes we have to walk in late because of late parents at Sunday School classes, and walking up the whole aisle to get to your seat is just wrong!
           I hurried up the side aisle, hoping to get to my pew before he finished praying.
         It would have been perfect, if Andy hadn’t been sitting on the outside of the pew. His eyes were closed, like a good kid’s, and he didn’t see me. He stretched out his legs just as I was trying to ease past him into the pew.
          My foot came down hard on his ankle, and I vaguely heard his gasp of pain as I tried to move my foot. He yanked his feet back, and I tried to move forward at the same time. Somehow, I hooked my foot on his ankle, and faceplanted in the carpet with a grunt. My elbow burned from the carpet, and I squeezed my eyes shut.
       “Amen.” Dad’s powerful voice didn’t comfort me.
        I reached up and held my head in my hands. This was the end. I was doomed to die. Would it be by stoning or humiliation? Or would Mrs. Nelson call the cops?
       A foot nudged me in the side. “You okay?” I heard a slight whisper.
       I glanced up. Andy stared at me with a frown. “Are you okay?” he whispered again. Though his lips barely moved.
       I bit down hard to keep back the laugh. Okay? At a time like this? Did I look okay? Did he think I normally sprawled in front of the church like this?
        Mom was sitting on the inside of the pew, near the center aisle, and Dad’s empty seat. I met her gaze and about died. What would she do to me when church was over and everyone was gone? Only last Sunday she had told me that if I got into one more shenanigan, she’d do something drastic to make sure I learned to behave.
         Mom motioned to the pew. “Get up,” she mouthed.
           I cringed. If everyone had their eyes shut when Dad was praying, then they didn’t know I was here. What would they think when I crawled off the floor and sat down in the pew like nothing was wrong?
        Did I look as bad as I felt? My hand flew to my neck. My tie! I’d left it and my suit in the Sunday School room. My rolled-up sleeves had children’s snot and tears on them, and I was sure my hair wasn’t much better.
          Swallowing hard, I turned my face towards the pulpit. If I was going to have to be seen, at least I didn’t have to see the people staring at me.




And on another note, if you haven't tried the Whipped Coffee that's going all over the internet, it really is AMAZING!!!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter from we sisters!

Having some fun . . .

12 Reasons I'm Encouraged During Covid-19

First off, yes, I know there’s a lot of uncertainty, and grief, and anxiety, and stress. I could make a list equally long of stressful things in life, but let’s focus on the encouraging thing.

1. I’m encouraged with families.
I feel like every day, I’m hearing about families working through school and employment trouble together. I’m SO encouraged by all the families growing closer through this time.

2. I’m encouraged with church.
Yes, I know many church buildings are closed, but THE CHURCH is not closed, and never will be. It’s been so encouraging watching the creative ways people have been coming up with to share Christ’s love during this time. The fellowship is different, but there are so many ways to feel close as a church, and I’ve enjoyed the phone calls, texts, cards, facetime, etc. that has been drawing the church together in encouragement.

3. I’m encouraged by the good that’s filling my Facebook page.
Never, have I ever seen so much Scripture, so many Bible studies, and sermons filling my newsfeed. I can’t help but think how difficult it would be for an unsaved person to be on Facebook without being exposed to at least a handful of Sunday morning services!

4. I’m encouraged by the community.
Driving through Warroad, and seeing all the hearts in everyone’s windows, and seeing how people have been supporting each other and helping through this time whether it’s making facemasks, or visiting the elderly through windows, it’s neat to see.

5. I’m encouraged by the politics.
I know, that sounds crazy at a time like this! But very few times in my memory do I remember so many people from opposing parties supporting each other. Yes, I know there’s a lot of drama going on too. Yes, I know there are things being handled poorly in some areas, but I’ve also heard good. I’ve heard politicians that are against the current administration, give praise to the way things are being run, and I’m encouraged that some are able to put their differences aside.

6. I’m encouraged because the soldiers at the tomb were wrong.
You ever think about that? They literally told people that while they were asleep the disciples stole the body. Seriously? Try that with the judge sometime. “I was asleep, and so-and-so came in and stole this. Then I woke up and called the police.” Um . . .what?? You saw this when you were asleep!?!?!? And these are soldiers, if they’d have woken up, and seen the disciples leaving, I kind of think they would have stopped them.

7. I’m encouraged because HE lives!!!!
Jesus Christ left an empty tomb!! Yes, this is a difficult time, but Jesus went through hardship too. He endured the torture of death on the cross because He knew that it wasn’t the end, and He had no plans of staying dead. He is alive, and no matter the uncertainties, we can be sure that He is alive.

8. I’m encouraged, because God is in control.
Yes, 2020 is nothing like any of us planned, but it’s not beyond His plans. He is still on His throne, and He is still good!

9. I’m encouraged that God’s Word is still living and breathing!
Things like the Bible Bee are still making it easy for families to use time inside to study God’s Word!

10. I’m encouraged that this isn’t new.
Sure, this is new to us. None of us have ever been quarantined for Covid19 before. But the things we’re experiencing are not new. In just the last century, with the world wars, millions of people had their dreams crushed, their lives ruined, and their future thrown into question. All through history, people have faced hardships similar to this, and have pushed through. We can to.

11. I’m encouraged that the Bible has examples of these circumstances.
Have you ever read Leviticus? How often people had to stay ‘quarantined’ because they had a strange spot? How many times people weren’t allowed into the tabernacle because they were sick?

AND, remember 2 Chronicles chapter 30? The Passover was postponed then too. We’re not in unheard of circumstances!

12. And most of all, I’m encouraged that in the end, everything is going to be made right.
No matter what the trouble, God is in control, and in the last day, all things will be made right.

13 Things to do When Stuck Home As a Single Adult During Covid-19

So, colleges and schools are closed, and all across the world, young people are stuck at home with their families. This was NOT what you planned when you left for college.

After a question from a friend, I decided to put together a list of things YOU can do to make it easier on yourself, and your family.

1. Treat it like a ministry.
God has you home for a reason. Let Him use you there.

2. Do your share of the work.
You’re an adult. Having you in the house should NOT make it harder on your parents. You can do your dishes and pick up after yourself.

3. Fit in with the family schedule as much as possible.
I know you’ve still got college work and stuff to keep you busy. But if the whole family is eating at one time, don’t ignore them, and eat an hour later. Be a part of the family as much as possible. It will make it easier on your parents, and you might find you actually like hanging with your family!

4. Keep up on daily devotions, if you don’t have daily devotions, then start.

5. Get to know your siblings, and make memories.
Especially if you have younger siblings, go out of your way to make memories with them. All the uncertainty isn’t easy on them either, but having an older sibling spend time with them, is going to be special!

6. Be one of the ‘kids’ and respect your parents' calls.
If Mom and Dad say no to a younger sibling, don’t be that person who contradicts them. Help out your parents by supporting their decisions. It is their house.

7. If you don't know anything about cooking or housekeeping, now is the time to learn. Guys, you too. Someday, you’re going to wish you knew how!

8. Get to know your parents. It’s easy as a young adult to lose-touch with your parents. Take this time to have conversations with them. Learn from their wisdom.

9. Be an encouragement to distant friends. You’ve left a lot of friends at college, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about them! Send texts, letters, cards, e-mails, video clips, etc., If you need encouragement, then other people do too, be the one encouraging others!

10. Have a good attitude. No one needs to hear you complain about how difficult this is. Everyone else is having a hard time too. Besides, 1 Thess. 5:18 says that we’re supposed to be thankful all the time!

11. If possible, go for walks every day, and if you have younger siblings, take them with.

12. If you know your Mom has projects that she's been wanting you to do, start them! Help her out. She’s probably having a hard time too.

13. Be understanding. This is all new for your siblings and parents too.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do ALL to the glory of God.”

A is for Attitude

A is for Attitude

With all the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the world right now, people are finding themselves spending more time at home with their families. Families are wonderful. Yet, there is something about families that is unique. They have an uncanny ability to drive each other up the walls. 

You know what it’s like to walk into a room with a brilliant smile. Everything is going great! You finished a project, you fixed your hair in a new style, and you’re ready to roll! Then, some family member walks by you. Maybe they raise an eyebrow at your hair, or make a comment about your cooking, and whether their tone, or their look, something they do sends your smile to last week.

Family has the irritating ability to bring out attitudes that we didn’t know we possessed, and today, we’re going to look at three attributes of our attitudes, and then a few attitudes we should have.

1. Your attitude affects those around you.

Just like that sulky sibling has a way of ruining your day, your attitude affects those you come in contact with. Proverbs 27:15 says that an argumentative attitude, is like a continual dripping on a rainy day. Something that affects the entire house. But it works both ways, Proverbs 17:22 says that a merry heart does good like a medicine! Bad attitudes drag on the people around you, but good attitudes can lift the spirits around you.


2. Your attitude is a reflection of your heart.

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” If you’re thinking selfish thoughts, that’s going to come out in your attitude, because as you think in your heart, that’s how you’re going to be. Which is why we need to strive to obey Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If we’re thinking in our heart about these things, it’s going to show in our attitudes.

One of my favorite moments in the movie Facing the Giants, is when Coach Taylor is giving his football team a talk, and he says . . .

  “Your attitude, is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your heart’s not right.”

That is SO true. If you find your attitude is a constant drain on those around you, maybe it’s time to do some serious praying and ask God to point out what areas of your life need work. God wants us to be

3. You can control your attitude. 

Yes, you read that right. You CAN control your attitude. So much of our life, is out of our control. The weather. Circumstances in life such as our age, our family, our birth-order, our race, and our height. Sickness. Death. SO much is out of our control. At work, the boss is in control. At school, the teachers. At sporting events, the refs make the calls. And so on. But your attitude is one thing that no one but you has the control over.

No one can make you have a good or a bad day, because no one controls your attitude. That’s your choice. Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Basically, if you don’t control your attitudes, you’re like a city with no defense and any enemy who wants can walk in. On the other hand, if you control your spirit, Proverbs 16:32 says, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Controlling your attitude is better than being able to take a city!
But, as point two says, our attitude is a reflection of our heart. If you want to control your attitude, you’re going to have to control what your heart thinks on. You can’t expect to be able to harbor sin in your heart, and have a good attitude at the same time.

So, we’re supposed to control our attitudes, which starts with fixing out heart, but perhaps you’ve dealt with all the known sin in your life, an you’re just trying to control your attitude. What kinds of attitudes should you be striving after? Here are just a few.

1. An attitude of Thankfulness.
1 Thess. 5:18 says, “In EVERYTHING give thanks, for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning you.” Yes. God’s will for your life is to give thanks.

2. An attitude of diligence
Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Notice, it says heartily, NOT hardly. Heartily means with great heart. Romans 12:11 puts it as “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

3. An attitude of love.
1 Corinthians 13 has a LOT to say about what a loving Christian should look like, and John 13:35 says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

4. An attitude of humility.
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

5. An attitude of meekness.
Ephesians 4:1-2 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and MEEKNESS, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”


6. An attitude of boldness.
Hebrews 13:6 “So that we may BOLDLY say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

7. An attitude of Trust and confidence in God.
Proverbs 3:5 “TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart And lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Psalm 56:11 “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

And these are juts a few. So, whether you’re stuck in your home, or going out and working in these troubled times, take a moment to consider your attitudes. Are they pleasing to God? Are they hurting those around you? Is there anything in your attitude that you could change to help those around you see Christ?

Babysitting and Birthday

This past week has been a busy one! Mostly filled with babysitting. :)

On Sunday, I sat down in the church library with two kids to read a book, and pretty soon, we had a whole group!

After the Homeschool Tournament, I took two of the nieces out for ice cream!

The older girls really enjoyed playing dress-up with our old costumes!

And for my birthday, the girls helped me make cake pops! I'd never actually had a cake pop, but they were pretty simple to make, and pretty delicious.

On my birthday, Mom did a mini photo shoot with me, I'll have to share those pictures sometime.

Also, I lined up a book signing for April, but we're still waiting to see if it's going to end up happening with how everything is going these days. . . 

And this summer, I'm a Bible Bee host!!! More to come on this later, but if it's something you're considering, make sure you sign up in March when it's cheapest!!! Also, if your family hasn't done the Bible Bee in the last five years, you can use this link for an additional discount. https://biblebee.org/ss-reg/?afid=3035826

Cheesecake Recipe

After my last post, I had a request for the recipe of this cheesecake, so here it is. :)

Caramel Stripe Cheesecake

(From Taste of Home)

Step one - Crust - 2 cups crushed graham crackers, and 1/3 cup butter melted. Mix together, and press into greased spring-form pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. When done, remove from heat, and turn oven down to 350 degrees.

Step two - Mix 3 packages of softened cream cheese till very creamy. Add 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour, mixing till well mixed. On low speed, add in 3 eggs, and mix till just combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. It's important not to over mix. Dump mixture onto crust, and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. When done, cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife gently around the edge to keep it from sticking.

Step three - While the cheesecake is cooling, mix 12 caramels and 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl, or on the stove, until melted. Drizzle over cheesecake as much or as little as you want.

Step four - mix 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 2 teaspoons butter, and 4 teaspoons heavy whipping cream. Melt in microwave, or on stove. Drizzle on top.

Step five - refrigerate cheesecake for several hours, or overnight before serving. Remove the edge of the spring-form pan to cut.

Tips - 1. Place a pan under the cheesecake in the oven, the butter in the crust sometimes drips through the crack of the pan. 2. Don't open the oven while it's baking. Especially not in the first 30 minutes. Opening the oven may cause cracking.

Enjoy!

ND Re-cap, and Cheesecake

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be at the ND homeschool convention. Like always, it was a lot of fun, it went very well, and I look forward to next year.

Dad and Mom came with us this year, and it was fun to have them in on my set-up process.

I also had the opportunity to do a workshop titled, "A Writer in the House?" Thank you to everyone who came! We had a fun group! 

Then, I came home, and made a caramel chocolate swirl cheesecake.

I've been doing some experiments with cheesecake recipes lately, and this is my latest creation.