Friendly Fill-Ins

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Note: David's post will be up later today. It is nearly 11am and we are STILL waiting for his morning meds that should have been given around 9am. I've been to the nurse's station several times and they've paged her, but still no one comes. Please be sure to check for his post later.

The fill-ins: 

1. On New Year’s Eve, I ______________.

2. One goal I have for 2018 is _______.

3. In 2017, I accomplished ___________.

4. I _________________________ in 2017.

My responses: 

On New Year’s Eve, I will likely be very frustrated because 1. We are still in the blasted hospital and 2. Because the hospital’s firewall won’t let us do anything remotely fun, besides making my our blog posts, which means we likely will not be able to catch the live stream of the ball dropping on Times Square. Though we live here in Texas, we are from South Carolina, so we ring in the new year on East Coast time.

One goal I have for 2018 is to stay out of the hospital. But, if David’s pattern continues its cycle, we will be here again before 2018 closes. Here’s to breaking cycles!

In 2017, I accomplished the reading of several books, growing great relationships with various publicists, and increasing our library to a level that would make Thomas Jefferson proud.

I started a cake decorating blog and YouTube channel in 2017 that apparently isn’t meant to be. Every time I try to start something, something comes along to throw it off course. So, the message I am getting is that I am not supposed to even bother trying anymore.  I know some of you will see this as a negative attitude, but it is me being real with *my* feelings.  It isn’t a matter of faith, as some will likely toss out to me.  I have faith in Heavenly Father enough to know that sometimes the answer is “No” when it comes to things we want to do, that seem like a good idea at the time. In my younger days, I would have kept fighting.  It is increasingly difficult to tell when I am supposed to punch my way through something or when the answer is absolutely “no”. I just don’t have that youthful fight in me anymore. My energy is all going to survival mode these days.  Hopefully, something will happen in 2018 to revive it.

Image source: Pixabay

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Friendly Fill Ins - Merry Christmas

This is a fun meme co-hosted by 15 and Meowingand McGuffy's Reader. Be sure to visit and join in the fun!


Here are the fill-ins:

1. I can’t wait to see_________________________ open my gift to him/her.
2. I have had the same __________________ for _____________________.
3. I would not mind if Santa were to bring me ________________________.
4. On Christmas Eve, I always ____________________________________ .


Here are my responses:

I don’t have an answer for the first question as we aren’t able to do any gift giving this year.

I have had the same color eyes for my whole life. Well, okay, maybe they were blue for the first week or so. However, if they were like our Davey’s, the brown was set by the end of the first day.

I would not mind if Santa were to bring me a healthy husband, but that is not his department. So, how about a new house? He got one for little Natalie in the movie Miracle on 34th Street.

On Christmas Eve, I always wish that the whole bit about Santa Claus was true, even though I know there is no jolly dude in a beautiful red velvet suit waiting to descend into our house with a bag full of goodies.

There is a better gift, though, given about two thousand years ago for all of us – the gift of Jesus Christ. That is what this season is all about and all that matters in the end. Kids outgrow Barbies and Tonka trucks. They never outgrow the love of Christ or the gift of His birth or His sacrifice.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

Image Source: Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/nativity-scene-manger-jesus-mary-1939479/




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Press Release: Forgotten Violets by Martin Niewood

Forgotten Violets

by Martin Niewood

Sometimes things are not as they seem…

DEBUT FANTASY Y.A. NOVEL TACKLES DECEIT, BETRAYAL AND AN UNCONVENTIONAL LOOK AT THE AFTERLIFE 

 

What would you do if you suddenly realized everything in your life was a complete lie? That is just what protagonist Meadow Noone is facing in the thrilling new Y.A. fantasy novel, Forgotten Violets [November 2017], by standout debut author Martin Niewood.

The book opens just as Meadow is being released from her captor’s cellar. But she soon realizes that this isn’t the end of her problems, but only the beginning as she is quickly arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. Feigning amnesia, she is determined to hide her secret at all costs – one too terrible to reveal.

In a place where nothing is as it appears, her trial in Thornbridge is unnerving, as the formidable interrogator, Quinn Cerpen, knows more than he is letting on. Pursued by real and legendary demons, Meadow’s enemies are closer than she could imagine.

With no one to turn to, she relies upon her friends, Parker and Elizabeth, to retain her sanity. Overwhelmed by anxiety, she succumbs to Elsyn, a mysterious and addictive fruit. She wonders if the Elsyn is powerful enough to free her from the past that haunts her. Before long, she realizes that there is more to this sinister plot than her abduction and that the Elsyn is part of the puzzle.

Forgotten Violets is the story of Meadow’s journey through a psychological landscape of deceit and betrayal that causes her to question her relationships and beliefs. She knows that she is changing, but changing into what?

“Things are not always as they appear at face value, especially for young adults these days with the added pressure of social media,” Niewood says. “Sometimes in an effort to fit in or to make ourselves seem more important, we buy into the lie that everything must be perfect. But we can all benefit from learning how to look past facades to ascertain what is truly happening in someone’s life.”

MARTIN NIEWOOD lives just outside of Philadelphia where he is a full-time writer. He attended Johnson & Wales University before moving to Los Angeles to work in the talent industry. An avid sports fan, Niewood loves all Philadelphia teams but especially the Eagles. His writing partner is his dog, Mattie.

Forgotten Violets is Niewood’s debut novel and the first book in a three-part series. He has two additional novels releasing in 2018 as well.

Connect with Niewood on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and at www.martinniewood.com.

Forgotten Violets will be available on Amazon and in select brick-and-mortar retailers as of November 2017.

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Author Q&A: To Hear the Forest Sing: Some Musings on the Divine by Margaret Dulaney

Q&A with Margaret Dulaney, 
the author of To Hear the Forest Sing: Some Musings of the Divine and founder of www.listenwell.org.

1. Tell us about how you came to finding faith?

I don't remember a time when I did not have faith. Though my understanding of God, and how God works in the world, has shifted greatly over time. When I was young, I suspected God was either punishing or rewarding me when things went badly or well. I know now that this was a false notion and that God is love, comforting me in the dark times and celebrating my joy in the good times.

2. What do you do to maintain joy when life gets difficult?

Simply put, I walk. And, if possible, I do so in nature. Walking has always had the power to free my mind, and lift me. This is where I am most likely to commune with God. I walk and talk to God.

3. When you feel like life is falling apart, how do you keep from falling apart also?

I think the best thing one can do when things are falling apart is to run to the places, people, philosophy where one belongs. This could be your family, spouse, patch of woods, church, or the heart of a friend. We all belong somewhere.

4. Tell us about your book, To Hear the Forest Sing. What do you hope readers get from it?

I always hope, both with my spoken word website Listenwell.org, and my book To Hear the Forest Sing, to lift the reader to a place where they might find their own unique view of God. I don't believe that any of us has the exact same perspective. This depends too much on who we are and where we happen to be standing at the moment. I hope to walk alongside my readers, not lead them. I want them to turn on their own searchlights and uncover their own truths.

5. What is one message of hope and faith you would like to share with our readers this holiday season?

These are not times for cynicism and despair, rather hope and forward movement. If the point of this life is to awaken, enlighten each individual soul, then we must try and hold on to this understanding. We must continue to pray for the world, the earth, and the individual awakening of all of the souls on earth. The real progress on planet earth is measured by the tiny lights in the hearts of man. This is how God sees us.

It is possible to light one's heart with good thoughts: prayers, generosities, kindnesses, gratitudes, love. These are the true gifts of the season.

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Book Review: Fighting for Our Lives: My Battle With Cancer to Save My Baby and Myself By Heather Choate

Fighting for Our Lives: My Battle With Cancer to Save My Baby and Myself

By Heather Choate

Fighting for Our Lives: My Battle With Cancer to Save My Baby and Myself by Heather Choate is probably the most emotional book that I have read all year. It is an awesome testimony of the determination of a mother and the power of faith.

Life throws some very upsetting punches in Heather’s direction. Imagine being told that you have breast cancer at age 29...while you’re 10 weeks pregnant, with your 6th child. Any one of these things can be overwhelming, but to have them all on you at one time - and thrive - takes one strong, determined woman, a devoted husband and family, and faith in a loving Heavenly Father. Heather is, and has, all of those.

Fighting for Our Lives brought me to tears on more than one occasion. There are smiles and even a giggle or two along the way. Though I have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, I could relate to Heather’s feelings on many occasions. It is an emotional story, but she has a positive attitude and her faith is evident throughout the book.

This book is written like one would write in a diary or journal. Some days are skipped along the way. Some days just have a line or two. Other days, Heather pours out her heart in words that engage your heart, leaving you wanting to reach through the pages and give her a hug, as you both bawl your eyes out.

Fighting for Our Lives is an inspiring story of faith and hope.  It is a story of being scared, but doing it anyway, because not doing it would mean the end of the story.

This book earns all 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone going through a tremendous test of faith, even if it isn’t cancer. You may cry an awful lot as you read it, but you won’t be sorry that you did. You may just find a revival of your own faith within the pages of Heather’s story.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book.  We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
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Snowy Morning Collage

Howdy there, folks!

Most of the time, my Instagram photos post here automatically, but for whatever reason, my multi-picture post didn't come through yesterday. So, I'm posting a collage here for you all to see what our backyard looked like yesterday morning. Unfortunately, it was all melted away by noon. But, it was absolutely wonderful while it lasted!  I haven't seen anything as pretty as this snow around here in ages. :)

©8 December 2017 Suzanne G. McClendon

 




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Instagram Today

Snow! Photo Taken 4:35am 8 December 2017. It has been snowing off and on throughout the early morning here in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Miracles do happen. 😊 #snow #Texas #texassnow #whartontexas #texasgulfcoast

via Instagram

Friendly Fill-Ins

This is a fun meme co-hosted by 15 and Meowing and McGuffy's Reader. Be sure to visit and join in the fun!

Here are the fill-ins:

1. The best part of last week was ____________________.

2. The worst part of last week was ___________________.

3. _____ is a Winter project that I will be working on.

4. A holiday gift that I always buy for someone is ___.

Here are my responses:

The best part of last week was that David didn’t get admitted to the hospital, so didn’t lose his leg.

The worst part of last week was still worrying about his foot and what will ultimately happen with it.

©9 November 2017 Suzanne G. McClendon

One winter project I am working on is knitting and crocheting hats and scarves, some for family here, but others for our church back home in South Carolina.

There is no Christmas gift that I always buy for someone because we are not always able to buy Christmas gifts. It would be nice to be able to have such a tradition, but the commercial side of this season isn’t what it’s all about. Our salvation was bought by Jesus, but, thankfully, we do not have to buy His love or redemption. 

Have a blessed weekend, y’all!

Image Source: Pixabay Cross

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
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Instagram Today

Secure or Insecure? Created 7 December 2017. Which one are you?

via Instagram

Guest Post: Overcoming Obstacles: Tips For Single Fathers On Maintaining Mental Health

Overcoming Obstacles: Tips For Single Fathers On Maintaining Mental Health

Photo via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures

Being a single parent can take a toll on anyone, no matter how much they love their children. It’s extremely difficult--even under the best circumstances--to take on the role of both parents at once and make sure your child is well taken care of physically, emotionally, and mentally. When you add in the stress of making sure you yourself are taken care of, it can be overwhelming. Yet it’s important to make sure you practice self-care, especially when it comes to your mental health; this will not only prevent burnout, it will help you be the best parent you can possibly be.

The issue most single parents have is a lack of time. There never seems to be enough of it when it comes to relaxing, having alone time, or getting in some exercise, all of which are important for your mental health. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to make time in your life for everything that needs your attention. Below are some of the best tips on how to do just that, as well as how to make sure your mind and body are in good shape.

Get support

One of the easiest ways you can take care of yourself is by garnering support, either from friends and family or from a support group aimed at single parents. Having someone to talk to when things get stressful--or when you need advice--can be extremely helpful, and it will keep you from feeling alone or isolated as well.

You might also think about finding a therapist or counselor who can help if you’re feeling symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorder. These are common afflictions for single parents and there is nothing to be ashamed of in asking for help. The way we eat, drink, love, and cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and sadness all play a big role in the state our mental health is in. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing the right thing for you, and not the easiest thing. Read on here for tips on how to find support in your area.

Learn to cope in healthy ways

Another issue for single parents is learning to cope with stress in a healthy way. For many people, this isn’t an easy task, and for some, stress and anxiety lead to substance abuse or a dependence on alcohol. It’s important--for your child’s wellbeing as well as your own--to find healthy ways to handle those stressful situations. This might include finding a hobby you enjoy doing (or one you can do with your child, such as creating art or woodworking) or finding a new workout routine that allows you to release those pent-up feelings; for more great ideas on how to cope with stress and anxiety, head to Drugrehab.org.

Set a schedule that works

It can be difficult to work out a schedule that will allow you to take care of all your responsibilities, but it may help to talk to your employer and find out if the company can be flexible when it comes to the hours you work, especially if your child is young and needs to be picked up from school or has other commitments.

Stay social

It’s important to stay social as a single parent. Keeping those adult relationships can help you stay happy and give you an opportunity to wind down and have fun after a long week. If your schedule won’t allow you much time to yourself, consider asking a friend who also has children to meet up for a play date at the park; this way, the kids can go have fun and you can sit and have an adult conversation. New to the area and don’t know anyone? Head to the local bookstore for kids’ storytime and strike up a conversation with one of the other parents.

Remember that it’s also important to stay physically healthy, not only so you’ll feel better and have more energy, but so you can be the best father you can be for years to come. Find a routine that works and stick with it, such as walking around the neighborhood after dinner or going for a swim. Daily exercise--along with eating well and keeping stress at bay--can help you keep your mental health in tip-top shape.

Guest post by Daniel Sherwin of DadSolo.com




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Book Review: Superconsumers: A Simple, Speedy, and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth By Eddie Yoon

Superconsumers: A Simple, Speedy, and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth

By Eddie Yoon

If you are interested in a different approach to growing your brand, Superconsumers: A Simple, Speedy, and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth by Eddie Yoon may just be the tool you need.

Yoon gives his readers some real world examples of how trends can be leveraged to optimize sales.  

We have had different experiences in the adult beverage industry that lead us to doubt some of the data Yoon cites in Superconsumers. While working at two different convenience stores in Texas, we discovered that the average beer consumer in those stores spent on average of $20 per day on beer every day of the year.  Maybe some Texan out there isn’t drinking his fair share.

Other than that observation, it appears that Superconsumers is spot on. It is well-written and well-researched.  If one is in leadership in a business and is looking to grow that business then, Superconsumers would be a helpful resource for them.

We give it all five stars.  We enjoyed the book and think it could be a valuable tool for someone trying to grow a business.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book.  We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

 





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Instagram Today

It Wasn’t Me, I Promise! Photo Taken 30 November 2017. Mawly, the neighbors’ cat. They named her Smokey. I named her Mawly when she wandered over here, before I knew they had claimed her. She showed up in our neighborhood after The Great Flood of 2017. They gave her a jingle bell collar, so for now, I call her Santa Claws.😊 #cats_of_instagram #cats #bigeyes #Texas #catsoftexas

via Instagram

Article: MU Team to Study Flipped Instruction in Missouri High School Algebra Classrooms

MU team to study flipped instruction in Missouri high school algebra classrooms

The National Science Foundation has awarded $450,000 to study how teachers use alternative teaching methods

Nov. 30, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The practice of “flipped instruction,” in which teachers send students home with lectures and videos and then use class time for problem-solving and discussion, is becoming more popular because it allows for flexibility in class and uses widespread technology resources. However, little evidence exists on the benefits of using flipped instruction with technology. Now, a University of Missouri team of researchers has received a nearly $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to explore how flipped instruction varies in Missouri algebra classrooms and discover what tactics help students learn math best.

“Flipped instruction is becoming more popular because technology is allowing it to become more widely available,” said Zandra de Araujo, assistant professor of mathematics education in the MU College of Education, and principal investigator of the study. “Ten years ago, most children in the classroom didn’t have access to internet connections or uploaded videos in the classroom. But now, our society has become so technologically advanced that most people are consistently video-ready.”

The team’s findings could help yield recommendations on what flipped instruction tactics work best for students and inspire the development of curricular materials designed to help with flipped algebra lessons. The team also says they are surveying students to see how they access video technology available to them at home and how teachers accommodate students without home internet access in an effort to make sure every student has the resources they need to succeed.

“Teachers have told us they don’t flip because it’s easier,” said Samuel Otten, assistant professor of mathematics education and Lois Knowles Faculty Fellow. “Actually, they say it is harder to flip because of the prep it takes to have videos ready. However, they want to try it because they believe it can help students learn material better and gives them more time to interact with students in the classroom.”

De Araujo and Otten are working with co-investigators Ze Wang, associate professor in the Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology; and James Tarr, professor of mathematics education and chair of the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum. The team will spend two years visiting teachers and collecting data, with an additional year for analysis.

This study is funded by the National Science Foundation’s discovery research division for pre-K through high school. The NSF funds special projects and exploratory work for STEM use that has the potential to solve real-world problems that educators face. De Araujo and the research team are seeking Missouri algebra teachers to participate in this study. A summary of the study and the researchers’ work, along with a survey for teachers interested in participating in the study, can be found at flippedmathstudy.net.

Published by Mizzou News
Copyright © 2017 — Curators of the University of Missouri



Image source: Pixabay.

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Friendly Fill-Ins

This is a fun meme co-hosted by 15 and Meowing and McGuffy's Reader. Be sure to visit and join in the fun!

Here are the fill-ins:

1. I can’t believe _____________________ is still sold.

2. I have ______________________________ on Craigslist.

3. Going into December, the weather outside is _______.

4. My current weakness is ____________________________.

Here are my responses:

I can’t believe Easter grass is still sold. Really, I didn’t have a good answer for this one, so this is as good as any. Easter grass was banned from our house many, many years ago. Once it gets in, you can never get rid of it, much like Christmas tree tinsel and glitter. It gets everywhere and it stays everywhere. If you throw it away, it finds its way back!

I have never made any transactions on Craigslist. I have looked at things that are offered there, from the safety of my computer, but have never pursued a transaction through them. I have, however, made several transactions through our local FreeCycle groups. 

Going into December, the weather outside is just wonderful! It is cooler than usual for this time of year in this part of Texas and it is great. The mosquitoes still haven’t figured out that they are supposed to be gone by now, but otherwise, it is great being able to be outside without totally melting.

My current weakness is...everything. Anemia has a good hold on me, so I am terminally weak. Going from being someone known as “Hercules” to a weakling is no fun at all.  

Another weakness is anything sweet. I have been on a sugar rampage lately, getting rid of the good stuff around here as we get ready to start a “no junk food” kind of lifestyle that we’ve been playing at for long enough. It is beyond time to be serious about what we’re putting into our bodies.

Have a blessed weekend, y’all!

Image Sources: Pixabay.com  Easter Eggs, Little Boy, Insulin & Sugar


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