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For Sandra

Community Group adds so much to my life. When a group of people come together to explore God's Word and share life, well … it just doesn't get any better. Sandra and I share a common bond of both being from Michigan. Ahhh… someone else who understands the power of the Great Lakes!

Sandra, this one is for you.

"Your wings already exist.

All you have to do is fly."

- Unknown

Snow in Tennessee

So we had a rare snow over the past weekend with an accumulation of 4-6 inches at my house. Must admit I LOVED it. All the necessary supplies were on hand for settling down and enjoying my cozy little home. Of course, it helped that the Winter X Games were on television. Those crazy snowboarders! They make it look so easy.

Growing up in Michigan usually meant an abundance of snow during the season. I always felt like the little brother in "A Christmas Story," so weighted down with winter clothing that I couldn't move. God forbid you should fall down and no one was around to have sympathy on you! No sympathy equals target practice for snowballs.

Best childhood winter memories … sledding with my brother. We lived near railroad tracks, so we had a ready-made hill to enjoy. Then there was "suicide" hill for the brave-hearted, located on the other side of the tracks. Bikes in the summer and sleds in the winter. We made our share of snowmen, igloos, and forts, and definitely had snowball fights! And having the best mom in the world, we had ample hot chocolate when we were ready to warm up.

What are some of your favorite childhood winter-time memories?

Book Give-Away

The Sweet By and By

I reviewed it - now you can read it too!

This new book by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck has just been released by Thomas Nelson Publishing. I have one copy that I am giving away. Just leave a post telling me about a "sweet moment" in your life that you would like to share. Maybe it was a moment with a parent, friend, mentor, etc.

To get you started I will share a "sweet moment" or two of my own.

A little over 10 years ago I lost both of my parents to terrible illnesses. They died a little over a year apart. It was a very trying four year journey with my mother becoming ill first, and then my father.

A sweet moment God allowed me to have with my father came when he was too ill to live alone and he moved in with my family. We knew he was terminal and time was short. God allowed me precious time to cuddle up with my Dad and share our hearts with each other. I learned so many wonderful things about my Dad: his true heart, his love for his family, the things he wished he had done differently, etc. We cried, we laughed, we learned from each other. I discovered I was more like my Dad then I had ever imagined!

A sweet moment with my Mom came just a few days before her death. She had suffered a brain aneurysm four years prior that she actually survived; but it left her paralyzed and in a nursing home. Aneurysm number two hit and the end was near. When I arrived at the hospital she was still able to talk (against all odds and astonishing the doctors). As minutes slipped by, her abilities were slipping away. She opened her eyes one last time, looked me in the eyes, and silently mouthed the words "I love you." She then closed her eyes and slipped into a coma. Death came a few days later. My mom was my best friend. I lost so much that day.

Difficult. Heartbreaking. Precious. Sweet. Moments that time cannot take away.

May your sweet moments be lighter than the ones I shared. Tell me your story.

Book Review: The Sweet By and By

The Sweet By and By

Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

This christian romance novel is definitely for those who love "chick-lit" material. Love, pain, grace, and forgiveness are woven into the fabric of Jade Fitzgerald's life. Worlds collide as Jade interacts with her family, her fiancee, and the customers at her vintage shop, the Blue Umbrella. Her past, present, and future collide in this love story of redemption. Sara Evan's first novel, co-written with author Rachel Hauck is a sweet, endearing story that will leave those who love christian fiction satisfied.

International Border Crossing

Another part of my childhood included International Border Crossings between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Mom and Dad had friends who lived in Windsor and the surrounding areas, so a Saturday or Sunday trip over was a common occurrence.

This video is of an Ambassador Bridge crossing. I remember the little green toll booths, car inspection, and more than a few times the inspector saying he would keep me until my family came back through to head home! Although I know now that he was only joking, back then I must say it made me very nervous. (Government officials for either Country were serious business!)

I can remember the bridge shaking when traffic was heavy and always wanting to take the tunnel instead. Dad would tell stories of playing on the bridge when he was young. Foot traffic was allowed then and he would fly paper airplanes from the bridge or try to drop bouncy balls on the passing ships. He and his friends probably were the ones responsible for foot traffic being stopped!