Komen News

More than 40,000 Participate in the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure®: "They came to honor a loved one, to celebrate survival and to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer, both here in the Washington, D.C. metro area and across the globe. In the end, more than 40,000 people participated in the 21st running of the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure® in Washington, D.C. Today’s event raised more than $4.5 million to fund breast cancer programs for women in need throughout the National Capital Area and abroad."

(In)Courage

Able: "

I needed to hear from Him.

You know me by now and you know that I would probably rather make a joke or listen to your story than admit that I am living a story that confuses me.

I reached a point this week where, even though I wasn’t pursuing it wholeheartedly, I knew what I needed most was a word from God. I wanted to hear Him and at the same time, I didn’t.

I feel confused enough today, I thought, I don’t need to add attempting to hear God in these complicated situations. [By the way, this is messed-up thinking. Don’t agree with me. I came around. Just keep reading.]

So I sulked. So I sat in my own confusion and wondered if I was capable to do all these things that were on my plate. Work stuff, boy stuff, future stuff, weight stuff, so. much. stuff.

I drove my car to a local coffee shop called Frothy Monkey, my mind spinning. By the time I pulled into the driveway, I knew for sure- I wasn’t capable. It was too much.

My friend Ashley was leaving Frothy Monkey and she approached my car. She pulled something tiny out of her pocket and placed it in my hand. She said, “Annie, I just wanted you to have this. I prayed and felt like this was for you.”

I looked down and in my palm was a stone heart and engraved was the word ABLE.

I turned it over and over, massaging every rough spot of stone, and actively trying to control my tears.

Even when my heart was too stressed, too worried, too nervous to listen to Him, He spoke. Clearly.

Reminding me that I am able. That nothing He has put before me is more than I can handle [with Him right beside me, of course]. That I am always on His mind.

My plate isn’t less full. I haven’t figured out any of the stuff previously listed. But I have this heart to remind me -- I am able.

And so are you.

by Annie Downs, Annie Blogs

"

Here's My Cup Lord

Can You, Really, Praise Your Way Through Anything? (Part 1): "

I’ve told you before how my pastor has often said, “You can praise your way through anything!”, but let’s take a look at the power of those words and find their truth in the Psalms.

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” Ps. 3:5 NIV

When we can’t sleep because of the inner pain we bear, or lie awake in despair (also known as depression)—He sustains us.

“But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.” 5:7

One of the greatest privileges of His mercy is found in the openness of His sanctuary, where we are welcome to cast our cares.

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.’ 9:9-10

Do you, really, know what that means?—’opressed’. Or did you, like me, have to overcome some obscure definition through the eyes of the church? Would it be enough to say, you have been weighed down greatly by grief, torment, or fear. Do they, not, co-exist? Or wait, didn’t He tell us fear brings torment? Have you ever been in such a place? One where you trusted Him and sought Him just the same?

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” 18:16

Has He pulled you out of a pit of your own making?

“Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.” 20:6

Has He poured out His presence upon you and saved you by the power of His authority?

“Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.” 25:7

Have you, really, been forgiven?

“To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.” 28:1-2

Do you know about the sacrifice of praise? Have you reached higher with no strength to bear?

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.” 34:18-20, 22

Do you, really, understand what it means to be righteous? Do you understand why many seem forsaken and condemned? Have YOU felt such condemnation—found such a place of refuge?

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.” 37:39

Do you know this stronghold? Has something held you so strong?

“I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.” 38:14-15

Have you ever searched for His voice and awaited His reply? Have you been left without words?

“But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” 39:2, 7

Have you kept silent and found anguish in nothing? Have you found hope in Him?

Can you, really, praise your way through anything?

"

Here's My Cup Lord

Can You, Really, Praise Your Way Through Anything? (Part 2): "

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Last night I hit rock bottom, finally saw right through myself

Wasn’t long ’till I called mamma, I wouldn’t wanna call no one else

And I knew exactly what she’d say

But I wanted to hear it anyway…she said

Chorus:

What about Jesus? What about Jesus?

He’s the answer you’ve been searching for

‘Cause it’s a long road, if you’re walking it alone

Without Jesus, Jesus

We said goodbye and I went out driving

Running like I always do

Until I found that lonely back road

that wooden cross where I lost you

And I swore I’d never pray again

But mama’s words were running through my head

I’ve asked so many questions

Since my world came crashing down

But the one that really matters

Just keeps on ringing out, over every doubt

Chorus:

What about Jesus? What about Jesus?

He’s the answer you’ve been searching for

Oh, what about Jesus? What about Jesus?

He’s the answer you’ve been searching for

‘Cause it’s a long road, when you’re walking it alone

Without Jesus, Jesus

Opened up my grandma’s Bible that she gave to me when I turned 16"

Here's My Cup Lord

Can You, Really, Praise Your Way Through Anything? (Part 3): "

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man

who makes the LORD his trust,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O LORD my God,

are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us

no one can recount to you;

were I to speak and tell of them,

they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

but my ears you have pierced

burnt offerings and sin offerings

you did not require.

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—

it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God;

your law is within my heart.”

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

I do not seal my lips,

as you know, O LORD.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.

I do not conceal your love and your truth

from the great assembly.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;

may your love and your truth always protect me.

For troubles without number surround me;

my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

They are more than the hairs of my head,

and my heart fails within me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;

O LORD, come quickly to help me.

May all who seek to take my life

be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin

be turned back in disgrace.

May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”

be appalled at their own shame.

But may all who seek you

rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who love your salvation always say,

“The LORD be exalted!”

Yet I am poor and needy;

may the Lord think of me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

O my God, do not delay. Ps. 40 NIV

You tell me.

"

Health Tips

Cholesterol concerns? Get moving!: "Whether you're overweight or not, exercise can reduce 'bad' cholesterol . . ."

Health News

False Health Claims on Cereal Cost Kellogg: "

Food manufacturer Kellogg has again been called on the carpet by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for making false claims on the front of one of its bestselling cereals: Rice Krispies. Advertising that the cereal improved children’s health has not been backed up by scientific evidence, much like its claim last year on Frosted Mini Wheats that they improved children’s attentiveness.

read more"

Cake, Batter and Bowl

Mediterranean Chicken Sausage and Chickpea Skillet: "

We’re back! Our trip to Lithuania was amazing and I’m going to work on sorting through all our pictures this weekend so I can share a recap with you. There were two things I couldn’t wait to do once we returned home though – one was sleeping in our own bed because we splurged on the best mattress ever and I always miss it when we travel, and of course I was also itching to get into the kitchen.

Since Lithuanian cuisine is pretty heavy, I was craving a healthy meal after we had settled in and restocked on groceries. I made this excellent Mark Bittman recipe that I found on Adrienne’s blog a few months ago and was inspired to make a dish of my own featuring chicken sausage, spinach, and chickpeas. I decided on a Mediterranean twist and added in roasted red peppers, feta, pine nuts, and lemon juice. This definitely hit the spot and got high ratings from Apolinaras.

p.s. The winner of my Ad Hoc cookbook giveaway was number 27 – congrats Erin!

Mediterranean Chicken Sausage and Chickpea Skillet
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 12-ounce package chicken sausages, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 red onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces fresh baby spinach
Juice of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium high heat and cook chicken sausage slices 5 minutes or until browned; remove from the pan and keep warm. Add onion to the pan and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes or until softened; add garlic and sauté 1 additional minute. Place half the spinach in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat 3 to 5 minutes or until wilted. Stir well and repeat with remaining spinach. Mix in lemon juice and salt. Stir in browned chicken sausages, roasted red peppers, chickpeas, feta, and pine nuts. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition: 658 calories, 27.4g fat, 16.0g fiber, 38.3g protein per serving
Cost: $2.82 per serving"

Breast Cancer News

Lumpectomy without Radiation an Option for Some Older Breast Cancer Patients: "Among women aged 70 or older with Stage I, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, treatment with lumpectomy and tamoxifen resulted in a higher rate of cancer recurrence but similar overall survival as treatment with lumpectomy, tamoxifen, and radiation therapy. These ..."

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

1 Thessalonians 5:11: "“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”"

5 Minutes For Books

Tortilla Sun: "

Tortilla Sun is set in a small pueblo town in New Mexico. The setting is rich. I could taste the tortillas that Izzy made with her grandmother, or shall I say I wish I could have tasted them. I could feel the hot sun and envision adventurous young teens Mateo and Izzy with temples wet with sweat and cheeks red from exertion after exploring.

Izzy is a writer, and the storytelling by Jennifer Cervantes is quite lyrical, so in addition to those who enjoy a story with some magical realism, a child who loves the written word — on the page or the stories that she creates — would probably identify with Izzy.

She's spending the summer with her grandmother while her mother is working overseas. She learns a lot about her father, who died before she was born, and of course she learns a lot about herself too.

Because the pace is slow and the writing is so beautiful (and it's relatively short — 224 pages in a fairly large font), this was a great book to read aloud. If you are out of the habit of reading aloud to your older children who can read independently, I recommend that you revisit the tradition. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as we do. I wrote more about why I read aloud to my tween at my blog Snapshot.

Read an excerpt of the book to find out more about it.

There is no objectionable mature content in this book, but death is a definite theme, so it's best for kids 10 and up. It reads like a classic, like the kind of book I read when I was growing up, free of cell phones and kids who want to grow up too fast.

We have a copy to give away to one of you (U.S. and Canadian addresses are eligible). Leave a comment if you'd like to win. We'll announce the winner on June 16.

Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.

Jennifer Donovan blogs at Snapshot about life with her 6-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter."

$5 Dinners

Grow. Eat. Save. – Radishes: "

Obscure. Underrated.

It’s got a great peppery flavor with crisp, crunchy texture…until you cook it! It’s filled with Vitamin C, Potassium, antioxidants and fiber.

Here are a few things I learned on my quest to unlock the potential and delish-ness of these little red round beauties!

• How to Store Radishes


• Roasted Radishes


• Braised Radishes


• Radish Dip

I was quite surprised at how few recipes I came across. But in the end I settled on a recipe in last month’s Real Simple Magazine.

Braised Chicken with Spring Vegetables

I made a few adaptations and substitutions…and in the end, I was quite impressed with how this turned out. It left my tongue and palate wanting more!

Braised Chicken with Radishes, Carrots and Peppers

1 Tbsp olive oil ($.10)

2 large split breast chicken, skin removed ($2.12)

Salt and pepper

About 8 radishes, washed, snipped and halved ($1)

1 cup homemade chicken stock

2 carrots sticks, peeled and cut into sticks ($.20)

1/2 red pepper, cut into 1/2″ squares ($.40)

1/2 orange pepper, cut into 1/2″ squares ($.40)

(1 cup brown rice $.40, 1 package frozen spinach $.50)

Directions

Place the oil into a saucepan. Add the split breast chicken and season with salt and pepper. Saute for 6 to 7 minutes on each side.

Remove from pan and set aside on a plate.

Pour off any fat and oil and then return pan to the stovetop. Pour in the chicken breast and the prepared vegetables.

Place the partially cooked chicken on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on high until stock begins to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Prepare brown rice and spinach as directed.

Serve Braised Chicken with Radishes, Carrots and Peppers with Brown Rice and Spinach

Cost $5.12

Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

I also took Sheri’s suggestion and sauteed them in some butter with salt and pepper. And YUM-i-licious!

Pan Roasted Radish Quarters

Radishes, washed, snipped and quartered (sounds worse that being tarred and feathered?!)

1 Tbsp butter

Salt and pepper

Melt the butter in a skillet or small saucepan. Add the radish quarters and season with salt and pepper. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden.

Eat straight from the pan.

With that…I’m off to water and check on the garden…garden updates next week!!!

What about you? What has been your experience with radishes? How do you like them? Link up a recipe or leave a link in the comments!

Thanks for helping us gather some great radish recipes!!!

Grow. Eat. Save. – Radishes is a post from: $5 Dinners.com
(c) 2009 $5 Dinners. Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only.

Get Even More Savings

Join AFullCup and Start Saving More on Groceries!!!

---

Grow. Eat. Save. – Radishes was first posted on June 5, 2010 at 8:05 am."

Like A Warm Cup of Coffee

If You’re So Inclined, I’d Love Your Vote…: "

OpenSky is giving $1000 to whoever wins for best shop page. You can see my shop page here and if you think it’s worthy, would you kindly consider voting for it?

You can vote for Like a Warm Cup of Coffee here.

Thank you! :)

P.S. If I win, I’ll have a giveaway… hint hint





No related posts.
"

Women of Faith Blogs

False Notion: "

Some of us have the false notion that if we stay out of the thick of things we’ll be safe. In doing so, however, we can become enslaved by that very source of so-called protection. –Marilyn Meberg (The Great Adventure)"

The Point

Challenge 2010 - Verse 11: "Hello friends,

For some reason it seems like a very long time since we met here in blogland to share our memory verses. I'm so glad that you are hanging in there and doing your memorization. I know it is not easy, but the payoffs are huge. HUGE, I tell you.

I know many of you could offer a word of testimony about how the Lord has used the verses you have been memorizing in your life. I would love hearing from you, either as a comment here at The Point or via email. Please don't ever hesitate to contact me to share what's on your heart. I know that your testimonies and stories encourage me and others to keep on keeping on. So, bring 'em on!!

Time for verse 11. Once again, I return to Psalm 139 for the verse that I will be working on this 2 weeks. It is Psalm 139: 11 from the NIV:

If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night

around me,'

Can't wait to see what the Lord has you memorizing. Hang in there. We are almost half way!!

"

The Gospel.com Blog

Today’s Devotional: Listening to our waking thoughts: "

What did you wake up thinking about this morning?

Normally, when I wake up it’s with a random song lyric stuck in my head, or the first thing I need to do at work. But sometimes it’s more weighty than that. I’ve woken up thinking of friends I haven’t talked to for months or a problem in my life that needs resolution. Those mornings feel different, and those half-formed thoughts will linger until I act on them.

A recent Daily Encounter devotional discussed the importance of listening to those niggling ideas and thoughts we have when we wake up. They might be more than a passing notion—they could be a nudge from God:

Melody Beattie in her book, The Language of Letting Go, emphasizes the importance of contemplating what is on your mind first thing when you wake up in the morning? What is it in that half-asleep, half-awake place? Are you troubled about something? Is there some responsibility you have neglected and is bothering you? Is it a project you’ve wanted to start but have kept putting it off? Is it an unhealthy relationship you are in and you know that you need to either resolve or end it? Is it a destructive habit or sin that you feel convicted about?

Whatever is on your mind at this time is coming from your inner self, your unconscious mind, or it may be from God’s Spirit. It may be revealing an issue you need to deal with, or a project you’ve been thinking about starting for months. Listen to that voice and do what you know you need to do about it. Don’t put it off. Take care of it each day.

Have you ever realized something important in that half-awake/half-dreaming state?"

The Friendly Book Nook

Who Do I Lean On by Neta Jackson: "

Now that Gabby is back on her feet after being in a homeless shelter, she has a new dream that will stretch her faith farther than ever.

Gabby expects a fight from her husband over custody of their boys, but she is taken aback when he leans on her for a loan to cover his gambling debts. When she turns him down, Philip makes a desperate move that puts Gabby, her friends at the shelter, and even the House of Hope at risk.

The props Gabby usually leans on–Jodi, her Yada Yada prayer partner; her friend Harry, the ex-cop; and Lee, her lawyer, who has fallen in love with Gabby–are not always there when she needs them most. Gabby must make a decision that could change the course of her life. But is it for better–or for worse?

My Review: I enjoy these books soooo much. I think it’s because I wish I was in a group like the Yada Yada prayer group! They so take care of each other and everyone else they come into contact with! I can’t really relate to the character Gabby, I would just like to tell her what to do in the case of her love life. I guess my mantra is don’t trust anyone for a while at least. I always love Jodi Baxter and I can relate to her – happy marriage and public school teacher. The only difference is I have three kids and they are older.

I ordered the first parallel novel, Harry Bentley’s Second Chance by Neta Jackson’s husband Dave. Can’t wait to get it. These books take off on the secondary characters in Neta’s books. It will be nice to read about Christian men from a Christian man’s point of view! This book will help me wait until March 2011 when the next book in the series comes out, Who is My Shelter? These books rate at the top of my list of favorite Christian fiction books. Keep them coming, Neta and Dave!"

Real Hurts, Real Hope

Onto the Sisterhood! Will You Come?: "

When I began Real Hurts, Real Hope more than a year ago, my purpose was to give hope to Christian women who hurt and to the people who love them. This remains my passion.

Healing the brokenhearted is my heartbeat. It’s God’s work for me and my joy.

God spoke a “second step” to my heart too: The Sisterhood of Beautiful Warriors. Click the link and take a peek.

My beautiful warrior blog encourages Christian women who have struggles — and don’t we all? — to acknowledge their pain, bring it to the Lord and leave it at the cross AND to embrace the truth of who they are: God’s little girls all grown up, completely loved and accepted by him.

In a few days, I’ll pour Real Hurts, Real Hope into The Sisterhood of Beautiful Warriors and I’m asking you to come along. I plan to send you the Beautiful Warrior blog and let it minister to you. If you don’t want it, tell me. Just send an email to Lucy@LucyAnnMoll.com. Sound reasonable?

A few things my Beautiful Warrior blog gives you:

~ encouragement, just as you are

~ reminders that you are who God says you are

~ opportunity to hear from other Christian women who’ve faced difficulties and found hope

I’ll post Monday through Thursday and some Fridays at Beautiful Warrior. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Here’s the lineup, which’ll change with your input ~

Rainy Days and Mondays

Blog Talk Tuesdays

Warrior Wednesdays

Let’s Give Thanks Thursdays

Funny Fridays

In case you’re asking, Why the change? I can’t keep up with two blogs and do both well. A girl’s gotta know her limitations and where God is leading.

You Are Loved!

"

Max Lucado Daily

Contentment: "

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6, NKJV

In our world, contentment is a strange street vendor, roaming . . . slowly from house to house . . . offering his wares: an hour of peace, a smile of acceptance, a sigh of relief . . .

When I asked him why so few welcomed him into their homes, his answer left me convicted. “I charge a high price, you know . . . I ask people to trade in their schedules, frustrations, and anxieties . . . You’d think I’d have more buyers . . . but people seem strangely proud of their ulcers and headaches.”"

Lysa TerKeurst

Conflict Resolution- What do you want?: "Before we get into today's post, I had to giggle this morning when reading my Bible. Holly asked if I would spend a few weeks reading through Deuteronomy with her. So, this morning I was in chapter 3 when God clearly says, 'The Lord has given this land to you to take possession of it.'

Anyone who read yesterday's post will understand why this made me giggle.

I genuinely appreciated every comment and bit of advice from yesterday! Thank you.

Today we are talking about conflict resolution. You know the joy of having a little 'situation' with someone that needs to be talked out and worked through.

Lovely.

Many of us want with all our might to avoid conflict. I love how many of you honestly admitted that. I completely understand.

Conflict is messy, emotional, raw, and frustrating.

We think we're right and can't for the life of us understand why this other person doesn't see that! But then there's this thread of caution tugging at our heart reminding us there's always two sides to every story. Always.

Bummer.

Recently, the Lord taught me a powerful lesson about conflict.

Last week, I had a meeting with my staff at the Proverbs office. I don't often go into the office because with traveling to speak on the weekends, it's better for me to work from home during the week. Anyhow, I walked in and saw my staff had made a wise choice to make better use of my office by letting others use it.

We talked about this in the past but something about seeing it in person made me pause and feel sad.

The rational part of my brain could see that this was good.

The emotional part of my heart struggled.

When I went home that day, I had a choice to make. I could get all caught up in the emotion and make this a much bigger deal than it needed to be or I could sit with Jesus and ask for a better perspective.

Often I've chosen the emotional route. And honey let me tell you, that's an exhausting road for sure. As I female I've traveled and will travel this road again. It's part of my DNA and my PMS. But for this situation some rare rationality was tugging me to just sit with Jesus and seek wisdom.

As I sat, the Lord whispered into my heart a question, 'What do you really want?'

'I want to pout and explain my feelings and pout some more.'

But that wasn't really true. That's how I felt but that's not what I wanted. There's a big difference between those two. Identifying that difference would lead to a solution. And in the end, a good solution should always be the goal when tackling conflict.

Feelings should be indicators not dictators. They can indicate there are some emotions to process but not dictate how we act and react in a situation.

I wanted an office at home. A real office. Not a kitchen table with piles of stuff here and there. But an organized space to call my own.

Seeing that clearly helped me cut through the emotion and focus on a solution. I called my office manager and told her I was thinking of setting up an office in my house. She was incredibly supportive and told me when I was ready I could either have my furniture from the Proverbs office or the ministry would help me purchase some.

No tangled feelings. No big issue. Just a great solution where everyone is happy.

Now, I realize this is a small situation compared to many others we'll face. But I think there's something to this process of thinking past the emotion and identifying what we really want.

At least if we know what we're after, we won't get lost in a tidy pool of feelings along the way.

What do you think?"

Library of Congress Blog

… and Wonderful Wordsmiths!: "

Saturday, Sept. 25 will mark the 10^th anniversary of the Library of Congress National Book Festival – “A Decade of Words and Wonder.”

If you’re among the hundreds of thousands of people who have attended the event in its first nine glorious years, or just want to know more about this celebration of books, the people who write them and the all-important people who read them, you’ll want to check out the Library’s new National Book Festival 2010 website.

The site offers a number of new features this year (including some great retrospective video clips) and the new offerings will continue, so keep checking back. Also, look for a series of special events in the week leading up to this 10^th anniversary festival.

But now, (drumroll) the question on everyone’s lips: who are this year’s authors?

Although the list is not yet complete, NBF10 will offer internationally known authors Isabel Allende, Brad Meltzer, Katherine Paterson, Jane Smiley, David Remnick, Scott Turow and Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk.

And: Adele Logan Alexander, M.T. Anderson, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Ree Drummond, Timothy Egan, Bruce Feiler, illustrator Peter Ferguson, Jonathan Safran Foer, Mem Fox, Jonathan Franzen, Elizabeth George, Gail Godwin, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Philip Hoose, Norton Juster, Jules Feiffer, Elizabeth Kostova, Chang-rae Lee, Thomas Mallon, Marilyn Nelson, Michelle Norris, Nell Irvin Painter, Linda Sue Park, illustrator James Ransome, Richard Rhodes, Henry Petroski, graphic novelist Jeff Smith, Peter Straub, Evan Thomas and Judith Viorst. For more detail, click here.

The 2010 National Book Festival will take place on the National Mall between 3^rd and 7^th Streets, rain or shine. The event, free and open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m."

JournEzine

His Name is Truth: "If you had to convince an unbeliever that Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord, the Son of the Most High God, the King of all Creation, could you do it? What would you say to someone who had been taught differently all their life or perhaps had never had any teaching at all?
“He saith [...]"

JournEzine

Knowing God’s Will For Your Life: "If you want to know what the will of God for your life is, take a moment to read 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; this verse outlines it perfectly. Prayer and thanksgiving are not only isolated words of petition and gratefulness to the Lord, they are a lifestyle; they are the will of God for your [...]"

(In)Courage

What to do if You Rip Your Pants: "

I hurried and dressed quickly to get to the church early. I couldn't afford to run late since I was leading the children’s program that morning. I quickly grabbed a pair of pants off the top of a stack, not remembering that the pile was supposed to go to the cleaner's weeks before for repair.

That was my first mistake.

I got there just in time to open the classrooms and double check the list of workers. Kids filled the classrooms and I remembered I’d left my notebook in the worship pastor’s office. I slipped in quietly while he was on the phone and pointed to my pile of stuff. He nodded and I squatted to get my things.

That was my second mistake.

My seam of my pants ripped from front to back, leaving me exposed, literally. I glanced quickly at the pastor with my jaw open as he laughed loudly at his phone conversation, not seeming to notice my unbearable dilemma (or perhaps he just covered well).

(I think it bares mentioning that I chose a lesser form of undergarments to avoid a panty line, possibly mistake number three).

So, I did the only natural thing: while looking at the back of the Pastor's head, I tiptoed over to the coat rack and stole his overcoat, wrapped it around myself and ran to my car, calling my husband on the way home.

I may have laughed and cried the whole way home.

I learned a lot of from this experience: 1. Don’t wear pants with tears in the seam, no matter how small. 2. Don’t wear minimal underwear (for several reasons, actually) 3. Don't squat in public 4. Don’t neglect myself.

Motherhood has blessed me so much. It’s taught me great character. I’ve learned to put the needs of my children in front of my own. I make sure they are clothed and fed and doing well.

I need to care for my physical body, so I can take care of theirs. I need to take concern over my spiritual life, so I can feed theirs.

The old adage “if Mama isn’t happy, no one is” is true! Moms often set the tone of the home. When I’m not praying or seeking God, my kids are usually the first to know because I’m more agitated and less patient. When I eat unhealthy or stay up until I’m exhausted, I’m not taking care of myself and in the end, everyone suffers.

Kids are demanding and they aren’t afraid to ask us for things they need. We shouldn’t be either.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

What do you need to do today to take care of yourself?

by Kristen, We are THAT family"

Home Sanctuary

Cabinet Members: "

First of all, thank you to all who participated in May's Small Things! I loved reading your favorite tasks...and I must say that my own favorite was moving that blasted bag of pillows from its "temporary" residence in my closet, to the trash where it belonged. What joy!!

I will announce the winners from last month and the new prizes we will be playing for tomorrow. Until then, here is a new Tally Sheet to get us started:
Download Tally1006

Now, let's get going with June's Small Things. If you are new to Home Sanctuary, just jump right in - now is a perfect time to start!

I'm afraid that there is some corruption going on at the highest cabinet levels of my home. Both the left-leaning members and the right-leaning members have shown no signs of coming to a consensus on how they stand on the issues. Appointed for life, (or until they crack from the pressure), they are a odd mix of political and social demagogues who constantly seem to get themselves in hot water.

Yeah, it's these guys.

Despite many closed-door meetings and lengthy coffee breaks, these characters seem more interested in mugging for the camera than making any real changes. What they really need is some outside leadership to set things straight.

Today's Small Thing is to call an emergency cabinet session to bring about some order. Remind these mugs that they have a duty to provide a united front to the junior politicos in the department of glassware, who look to them for direction. Enjoy seeing what a little bit of change in the highest levels can do for you!

POINTS: 50 for tidying up the mug/teacup cabinet members.

BONUS POINTS: 30 for bringing justice to the glassware. Lord knows there's plenty of corruption going on in that department, too.

Just for fun: do you have a favorite cup or mug? Is it a souvenir from a memorable vacation or one you were given for Secretary's Day? Mine is the one in the photo with the hockey player on it: my son! Tell me about YOUR favorite cup and why...."

Ed.gov Blog

Prevent Teacher Layoffs: "The teacher layoff prevention fund in the emergency spending bill would play a critical role in combating the economic crisis."

Crosswalk.com

A Prayer God Loves to Answer: "'Lord, use me more!' What Christian doesn't want to come to the end of his or her life and know that it was a life well spent for God and His kingdom? But give thought to how you pray, my friends."

Book Crazy

WoW ~ Return To Paradise: "'Waiting On' Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting on Return To Paradise by Simone Elkeles, Leaving Paradise is one of my FAVORITE reads, and my favorite Simone Elkeles book, though I have loved them all...I am VERY excited to see where Return To Paradise takes Maggie and Caleb!

It comes out September 1st by Flux and here's the synopsis via goodreads:

Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

If you have not read Leaving Paradise, I highly recommend it! :)

What are YOU waiting on?

Copyright © 2009 - 2010 Jennifer Sprague @ Book Crazy. All material is original unless otherwise stated."

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

Hebrews 9:28: "“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”"

Becentsable

WalMart Coupons and Deals-6/2: "

Thanks to Passion for Savings

If you are new to coupons check out our Getting Started Guide.

Get more coupons here and here.

Please remember WalMart prices vary by region.

Taco Bell Seasonings, $0.50
Use $1 off 2 printable
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Old El Paso Taco Shells, $1
Use $0.50 off printable
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Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt, $1.67
Use $1 off printable
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Country Crock Spread, $1.43
Use $0.40 off printable
or $0.50 off from 5/23 RP insert
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Lowry's Marinade, $1.46
Use $0.50 off printable
or $0.50 off from 5/23 RP insert
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Green Giant Steamers, $1.50
Use $0.50 off printable
Final Price: $1.00

Thanks for subscribing to our blog!
Be sure to click back BeCentsable to read articles of interest and COMMENT so we know what you liked!"

America Diabetes Association

Obesity Is Found to Take Toll After Age 40: "Although obesity has been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, new findings suggest that it may not take effect until after age 40."

5 Minutes For Books

You're Not the Boss of Me: "

If I told you to close your eyes and describe to me what first comes to mind when I say the word "brat," what would you say? Would you picture a tantrum-throwing and demanding child, a la Roald Dahl's Veruca Salt? Or perhaps a whining child who refuses to do anything for himself, insisting upon adult intervention and assistance at all times? Or maybe even a completely self-absorbed child who offers no contributions toward her family's responsibilities and well-being?

These stereotypical examples are only a few of the potential connotations of the word "brat," and quite honestly, they also demonstrate what any child can be like sometimes. (Please don't tell me I'm alone on that observation of my own kids!) As a parent, the idea of raising a "brat" is horrifying, and I assume this is one of those rare parenting topics in which most people can generally agree, even if we all have varying definitions. A new book by Betsy Brown Braun, You're Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4- to 12-Year-Old Child, attempts to break down the idea of brattiness to its individual components. Braun then offers solid advice on how to instill the traits and values that will fend off the bratty behavior we very much wish to avoid.

Like other quality parenting tomes, Braun puts great emphasis on parental communication and behavior, which has an undeniably strong effect on how our children behave in turn. In addition, she calls attention to the traits of empathy, independence, responsibility, respect, honesty, self-reliance, gratitude, and humor, and the impact these qualities can have on a child's growing sense of self, as well as his developing decision making skills. I found much of this advice to be familiar from my own decade's worth of experience reading parenting books, but I definitely can appreciate the purpose toward which Braun is putting it all together. While I know that I should be more patient at times and allow my two year old to do things for himself (even when I could complete the job more effectively in 1/10 of the time!), I like the reminder that if I repeatedly intervene, I am helping to create the mindset that he does not have to learn to put his jacket on, because Mommy will swoop in and do it for him– NOT the expectation that I want to establish!

At times in the book, Braun gives specific ages at which she determines, or she states is generally accepted, that children can do certain tasks, such as walking to school independently or staying home alone. I hesitate to assign very specific ages in this way, personally, because I feel they do not take into consideration the particular individual characteristics of different children. For example, my nine year old has been riding public transportation and crossing large, busy intersections independently for about a year now, which is a younger age than Braun lays out here, but my husband and I, along with my son, determined that he was ready for this responsibility because of his extensive experience as a pedestrian and public bus rider accompanied by adults throughout this childhood, and as a result knew how to navigate these situations safely and responsibly. Rather than stick to specific age suggestions, I personally would advise parents to use them as a part of general assessments of children's readiness for certain activities and responsibilities.

There is clearly no shortage of parenting guides on the bookstore shelves, but I'm quite pleased to be able to add You're Not the Boss of Me to my own personal collection as a comprehensive, accessible and easily applicable book of guidance and information to assist me in my efforts to raise respectful and responsible children- no Veruca Salts in my family, please!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of You're Not the Boss of Me to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Dawn loves to share funny stories about her children on her blog, my thoughts exactly, including those that can be sometimes described as tantrumy and whiny… she'll be regularly re-reading this book for assistance."

$5 Dinners

Grilled Chicken Fajita Pasta: "


I grew up in South Texas. Where you can find a fajita on just about every corner. But I’ve never had Fajitas in pasta form.

Must say…not too bad.

(If we could have had this with sour cream, I would have totally added some.) (But it certainly didn’t need it!)

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts ($2.44)

1 box bowtie pasta noodles ($.50)

2 Tbsp canola oil ($.05)

1 bag frozen peppers and onion blend ($.88)

1 Tbsp lime juice, for veggies ($.01)

Dashes ground cumin, for veggies ($.02)

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup lime juice, for marinade ($.10)

Dashes ground cumin, for marinade ($.02)

Salt and pepper

Avocado, sliced ($1)

Directions



Place the lime juice and ground cumin for the marinade in the bottom of the dish you’ll use to marinate the chicken.



Sprinkle a little more of the ground cumin and a few drops of lime juice on top. Season with some salt and pepper.



Grill until cooked through, then dice.



Meanwhile cook the pasta.

And saute the frozen veggies. (No need to let them thaw.)



Toss in the fresh cilantro, as well as the ground cumin and lime juice.



Saute for a few minutes, stirring often.



When you start to see this, the veggies are done.



Add veggies in with the cooked pasta. (If you want to add sour cream…add 1/2-1 cup here.)



Toss in the grilled and diced chicken.



Toss. Toss. Toss.

Serve Grilled Chicken Fajita Pasta with avocado slices.

Cost $5.02

(with lunch leftovers too!)

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Grilled Chicken Fajita Pasta was first posted on June 1, 2010 at 5:29 pm."