I am reposting a few of my favorites today!
Where it began
All things Bright and Beautiful
How Great Thou Art
4.19.2009
4.17.2009
Fight Back Friday. Whole Grain Soft Pretzels.
The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold, cold wet day. ~ Dr. Suess
Oh. We've had rain. I love the rain. It waters my garden.
But, it makes it difficult to play outside. And I have a 2 year old boy, who loves to play outside.
So, we made pretzels. Awesome recipe there. Honey instead of sugar, whole grain wheat flour. Quick to make, Fun to play. No added junk. I like that in a pretzel.
More food tips at Food Renegade on Fight Back Friday!
4.16.2009
Another reunion
Have you read about this reunion? While my story is very different, it is a story about a father and a daughter coming together.
My Dad is coming to visit. It's a year of change for me. God has brought me out of my comfort zone by bringing my biological parents back into my life, but I am SO GLAD it has happened. My Dad's visit is still a couple months away, but here's a few things I am looking forward to:
Sharing a hug.
Sharing a walk.
Sharing my children.
Sharing a rootbeer float w/ chocolate ice cream. Mmm Hmmm!
4.15.2009
Chickens and Horses
Reading this story, made me think of my dear little girl. She loves animals. That's an understatement.
This past summer, while at the fair, she saw the show horses. She loved it. She also saw the horses in their stables.
She promptly informed us the state of the horse. He is sad. He doesn't like to be in a cage.
I think she just wanted us to let him out so she could go for a ride. But, seriously, I am not ready for that. She had just turned 3!
It's the compassion that gets me. She really loves animals. I hope she never stops. I also hope she'd have a little compassion for her brother.
This past summer, while at the fair, she saw the show horses. She loved it. She also saw the horses in their stables.
She promptly informed us the state of the horse. He is sad. He doesn't like to be in a cage.
I think she just wanted us to let him out so she could go for a ride. But, seriously, I am not ready for that. She had just turned 3!
It's the compassion that gets me. She really loves animals. I hope she never stops. I also hope she'd have a little compassion for her brother.
4.14.2009
Works for Me Wednesday- Child Abuse Prevention Month
Updated with new links:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ~ Benjamin Franklin
This month is Child Abuse Prevention Month. And, Prevention Works For Me. Check out other great tips at We are THAT Family.
Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children in seven steps:
1. Learn the facts: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted as children. Sexual predators are known and trusted by 90% of victims' families.
2. Minimize opportunity: Don't put your child in a one adult- one child situations. One reason we love our church is that they don't allow one adult to be in the nursery/child care rooms. It's not only for the child's protection, but also for the adult's protection.
3. Talk about it: Teach your child correct names for body parts. Don't keep 'secrets' in a family. We have a No secret policy. We only keep 'surprises'. Teach your child about their body and about boundaries in an age -appropriate fashion.
4. Stay alert: Learn the warning signs. There may be no warning signs, but if there are signs and you don't know them, you'll regret it later.
5. Have a plan: If your child confides in you that he/she has been abused, an angry response will be damaging. Praise him/her for sharing this very difficult news. Seek help immediately. Child Sexual abuse is a crime. Report suspected cases to Child Protective Services or Law Enforcement immediately.
6. Act on Suspicions: If you aren't sure, call for help. Darkness to Light has a helpline.
Call: 1-866-FOR LIGHT
7. Get involved in prevention: If you've been affected, break the silence! Ask your child's school to implement prevention programs and policies. Donate your time and resources to prevention programs.
I put this list together based on a list provided by Darkness to Light and a research report I wrote in college. Check out their website for a more complete list.
I am a survivor. The memories of the year I was abused have been mostly blocked. The trauma of abuse wounds a soul so deeply that many people never recover completely. Look around our world. There are many hurting people. Only the power of the love of God has healed my wound.
Prevention is the answer. You can help.
UPDATED:
Go read this post for another point of veiw at It feels like chaos.
UPDATED: I just noticed the links didn't work, so I changed them. They should work now. Thanks and Sorry!
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ~ Benjamin Franklin
This month is Child Abuse Prevention Month. And, Prevention Works For Me. Check out other great tips at We are THAT Family.
Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children in seven steps:
1. Learn the facts: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted as children. Sexual predators are known and trusted by 90% of victims' families.
2. Minimize opportunity: Don't put your child in a one adult- one child situations. One reason we love our church is that they don't allow one adult to be in the nursery/child care rooms. It's not only for the child's protection, but also for the adult's protection.
3. Talk about it: Teach your child correct names for body parts. Don't keep 'secrets' in a family. We have a No secret policy. We only keep 'surprises'. Teach your child about their body and about boundaries in an age -appropriate fashion.
4. Stay alert: Learn the warning signs. There may be no warning signs, but if there are signs and you don't know them, you'll regret it later.
5. Have a plan: If your child confides in you that he/she has been abused, an angry response will be damaging. Praise him/her for sharing this very difficult news. Seek help immediately. Child Sexual abuse is a crime. Report suspected cases to Child Protective Services or Law Enforcement immediately.
6. Act on Suspicions: If you aren't sure, call for help. Darkness to Light has a helpline.
Call: 1-866-FOR LIGHT
7. Get involved in prevention: If you've been affected, break the silence! Ask your child's school to implement prevention programs and policies. Donate your time and resources to prevention programs.
I put this list together based on a list provided by Darkness to Light and a research report I wrote in college. Check out their website for a more complete list.
I am a survivor. The memories of the year I was abused have been mostly blocked. The trauma of abuse wounds a soul so deeply that many people never recover completely. Look around our world. There are many hurting people. Only the power of the love of God has healed my wound.
Prevention is the answer. You can help.
UPDATED:
Go read this post for another point of veiw at It feels like chaos.
UPDATED: I just noticed the links didn't work, so I changed them. They should work now. Thanks and Sorry!
Just one more hug...
This past weekend, my sibs and I were reunited with our biological mother. I want to remember every moment. But, that would be a long post. So, the highlights will be posted on day at a time. Starting with the end.
The day my mother and my grandpa left, the left at 5a.m. My baby chose that night to sleep through the night. So, I was really snoozin' and didn't hear them as they prepared to leave. I did hear my front door open and close. I knew as I instantly woke up, that my guests were leaving. As I stumbled out of bed, I got to the front room as I saw the car pulling away.
The design of the enemy is to separate us from the ones we love. He uses sin to separate us from God. He uses hurtful events, hurtful words, distance, even death to separate us from the ones we love, the ones who love us.
The good news of the resurrection is that in Christ's power over death, there is power over separation. We no longer are separated from God by sin. There is forgiveness. When Christ comes again to call us to our new home, we no longer will be separated by hurts, by miles, or even by death. And that is good news indeed.
I told my dear husband that I just wanted one more hug. He kindly told me, even if I had been there for one more hug, I still would have wanted one more hug. In my new home, there always will be one more hug.
Peace, Charlotte
The day my mother and my grandpa left, the left at 5a.m. My baby chose that night to sleep through the night. So, I was really snoozin' and didn't hear them as they prepared to leave. I did hear my front door open and close. I knew as I instantly woke up, that my guests were leaving. As I stumbled out of bed, I got to the front room as I saw the car pulling away.
The design of the enemy is to separate us from the ones we love. He uses sin to separate us from God. He uses hurtful events, hurtful words, distance, even death to separate us from the ones we love, the ones who love us.
The good news of the resurrection is that in Christ's power over death, there is power over separation. We no longer are separated from God by sin. There is forgiveness. When Christ comes again to call us to our new home, we no longer will be separated by hurts, by miles, or even by death. And that is good news indeed.
I told my dear husband that I just wanted one more hug. He kindly told me, even if I had been there for one more hug, I still would have wanted one more hug. In my new home, there always will be one more hug.
Peace, Charlotte
4.13.2009
100th Post!
In honor of my 100th post, 100 random facts about me.
1. I love Jesus.
2. I love my husband.
3. I have birthed three children since 2005.
4. They share the initials, TLC.
5. I took piano lessons until college.
6. I am looking forward to getting back to it. Maybe it's like riding a bike?
7. I have a college degree in elementary education.
8. I taught in a real true school for three years.
9. Now, I teach at home. It's much more difficult.
10. My children have five sets of grandparents.
11. I was adopted when I was seven.
12. Three sets come from me. Two sets are from my husband.
13. We are determined, with the help of God, to break the cycle of divorce for our children.
14. I like to be barefoot. Even in winter, but it's okay, I live in the south.
15. I've breastfed my baby on Folly.
16. I've played in the sand at sunrise at Isle of Palms. It's the best because no one is out there at that hour!
17. I like to have root beer floats made with chocolate ice cream.
18. I pretty much like chocolate.
19. I don't watch tv. Except Jack Bauer and American Idol and probably a couple others.
20. I like to have fried eggs for breakfast, but I am fasting from them, because I suspect my baby boy is allergic.
21. I like to knit.
22. I don't know how to crochet.
23. For my first date, I went to the movies with a 'friend'. I got busted when my mom's coworker was also waiting in line.
24. I hope my daughter doesn't feel the need to sneak and lie.
25.I don't like scary movies.
26.I like Jane Austen.
27. Mr. Darcy is my favorite.
28. I listen to southern gospel music.
29. And Christian music from the 90's.
30. Mostly, I listen to Pandora.
31. Jennifer Knapp is my favorite.
32. I am a butterfly.
33. I started writing a blog after reading BooMama and Rocks in My Dryer for a year!
34. In high school, my mom made me wear a skirt to school once per week.
35. I hated it.
36. I would put extra clothes in my backpack for changing.
37. I worked in a conservative Christian school, and I had to wear dresses or skirts every day.
38. Now, in the summer time, I mostly wear skirts.
39. I struggle with feelings of insecurity.
40. I remind myself, my security is in Christ Alone.
41. I want to home school my children.
42. I am afraid I am not organized or strong enough.
43. My husband thinks they'll be socially awkward.
44. I've been able to travel a lot as a child, not so much as an adult. I've been to:
45. New York
46. Grand Canyon
47. Yellowstone
48. Mt Rushmore
49. the top of the arch in St. Louis
50. the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago
51. Gatlinburg
52. Falcon's training camp (on my honeymoon)!
53. California (and stayed next to an avocado farm and still LOVE avocados)
54. I don't like to drive. I much prefer to be a passenger.
55. I once had free flight (stand-by) privileges.
56. I only ever flew to Indiana to see family.
57. I like to memorize scripture.
58. I can't ever remember the 'address' of the scripture I memorize.
59. I like the one that says 'we know God works out everything for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
60. It's been true for me in my life.
61. I am a survivor.
62. But only by His Love and Grace.
63. I love my church.
64. They can't be held responsible for my ramblings.
65. I like to eat frozen grapes.
66. I heart Burt's Bees products.
67. My all time favorite shoe is the Birkenstock Arizona.
68. I like purple. So did my great grandmother, but I just found that out recently.
69. Chocolate is my comfort food.
70. I just planted my first veggie garden.
71. I am really exciting about.
72. And a little nervous that it may fail.
73. I am most excited about the tomatos.
74. And the peppers.
75. And the onions.
76. And the cilantro.
77. So, I can make SALSA!
78. I am really quite shy.
79. This blog helps me figure things out.
80. I like to write.
81. This blog is about relationships.
82. I was thinking about doing a series on meaningful relationships from my past.
83. I like to do Beth Moore studies. She makes the Bible real to me.
84. Actually, Jesus does that. He just uses her really well.
85. Spring is my favorite season.
86. I really like the fresh fruits.
87. My birthday is in the spring.
88. And I really like the warmer weather
89. and the cool weather
90. and having the windows open.
91. On 9/11, I woke up to the frantic broadcast on my clock radio. I immediately and frantically called my brother who's a member of the Air Force to see if he was OK. He calmed me down.
92. My brother is my hero. He serves in the US military.
93. But the real reason Spring is my favorite is because Easter is my favorite holiday (holy day).
94. My Jesus is alive! and he reigns!
95. My children have, from time to time, been known to say/sing He Reigns!
96. I like real fresh made lemonade. Like you get at Chick-fil-A.
97. Sometimes, I am completely random. It's how my mind works.
98. I used to be paid to teach.
99. Did I mention I like chocolate? Real good chocolate too- not the cheap stuff.
100. Did I mention I love Jesus?
PS I am recovering from my weekend. I'll update about my reunion soon!
1. I love Jesus.
2. I love my husband.
3. I have birthed three children since 2005.
4. They share the initials, TLC.
5. I took piano lessons until college.
6. I am looking forward to getting back to it. Maybe it's like riding a bike?
7. I have a college degree in elementary education.
8. I taught in a real true school for three years.
9. Now, I teach at home. It's much more difficult.
10. My children have five sets of grandparents.
11. I was adopted when I was seven.
12. Three sets come from me. Two sets are from my husband.
13. We are determined, with the help of God, to break the cycle of divorce for our children.
14. I like to be barefoot. Even in winter, but it's okay, I live in the south.
15. I've breastfed my baby on Folly.
16. I've played in the sand at sunrise at Isle of Palms. It's the best because no one is out there at that hour!
17. I like to have root beer floats made with chocolate ice cream.
18. I pretty much like chocolate.
19. I don't watch tv. Except Jack Bauer and American Idol and probably a couple others.
20. I like to have fried eggs for breakfast, but I am fasting from them, because I suspect my baby boy is allergic.
21. I like to knit.
22. I don't know how to crochet.
23. For my first date, I went to the movies with a 'friend'. I got busted when my mom's coworker was also waiting in line.
24. I hope my daughter doesn't feel the need to sneak and lie.
25.I don't like scary movies.
26.I like Jane Austen.
27. Mr. Darcy is my favorite.
28. I listen to southern gospel music.
29. And Christian music from the 90's.
30. Mostly, I listen to Pandora.
31. Jennifer Knapp is my favorite.
32. I am a butterfly.
33. I started writing a blog after reading BooMama and Rocks in My Dryer for a year!
34. In high school, my mom made me wear a skirt to school once per week.
35. I hated it.
36. I would put extra clothes in my backpack for changing.
37. I worked in a conservative Christian school, and I had to wear dresses or skirts every day.
38. Now, in the summer time, I mostly wear skirts.
39. I struggle with feelings of insecurity.
40. I remind myself, my security is in Christ Alone.
41. I want to home school my children.
42. I am afraid I am not organized or strong enough.
43. My husband thinks they'll be socially awkward.
44. I've been able to travel a lot as a child, not so much as an adult. I've been to:
45. New York
46. Grand Canyon
47. Yellowstone
48. Mt Rushmore
49. the top of the arch in St. Louis
50. the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago
51. Gatlinburg
52. Falcon's training camp (on my honeymoon)!
53. California (and stayed next to an avocado farm and still LOVE avocados)
54. I don't like to drive. I much prefer to be a passenger.
55. I once had free flight (stand-by) privileges.
56. I only ever flew to Indiana to see family.
57. I like to memorize scripture.
58. I can't ever remember the 'address' of the scripture I memorize.
59. I like the one that says 'we know God works out everything for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
60. It's been true for me in my life.
61. I am a survivor.
62. But only by His Love and Grace.
63. I love my church.
64. They can't be held responsible for my ramblings.
65. I like to eat frozen grapes.
66. I heart Burt's Bees products.
67. My all time favorite shoe is the Birkenstock Arizona.
68. I like purple. So did my great grandmother, but I just found that out recently.
69. Chocolate is my comfort food.
70. I just planted my first veggie garden.
71. I am really exciting about.
72. And a little nervous that it may fail.
73. I am most excited about the tomatos.
74. And the peppers.
75. And the onions.
76. And the cilantro.
77. So, I can make SALSA!
78. I am really quite shy.
79. This blog helps me figure things out.
80. I like to write.
81. This blog is about relationships.
82. I was thinking about doing a series on meaningful relationships from my past.
83. I like to do Beth Moore studies. She makes the Bible real to me.
84. Actually, Jesus does that. He just uses her really well.
85. Spring is my favorite season.
86. I really like the fresh fruits.
87. My birthday is in the spring.
88. And I really like the warmer weather
89. and the cool weather
90. and having the windows open.
91. On 9/11, I woke up to the frantic broadcast on my clock radio. I immediately and frantically called my brother who's a member of the Air Force to see if he was OK. He calmed me down.
92. My brother is my hero. He serves in the US military.
93. But the real reason Spring is my favorite is because Easter is my favorite holiday (holy day).
94. My Jesus is alive! and he reigns!
95. My children have, from time to time, been known to say/sing He Reigns!
96. I like real fresh made lemonade. Like you get at Chick-fil-A.
97. Sometimes, I am completely random. It's how my mind works.
98. I used to be paid to teach.
99. Did I mention I like chocolate? Real good chocolate too- not the cheap stuff.
100. Did I mention I love Jesus?
PS I am recovering from my weekend. I'll update about my reunion soon!
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