Blessing in Disguise

I often heard the saying be careful what you wish for, because you just might get that. As a busy mom of three, and no that's not including my husband, I've often times wished for a quiet home and some alone time every once in a blue moon. In fact when my husband mentioned taking my youngest to Orlando, Florida as part of her graduation gift, I thought, "Sure! Why not!"

The only thing I was dreaming of was a spotlessly clean house for the next nine days and making meals for myself. Hours and hours of uninterrupted and guilt-free time to immerse myself in a load of books to pass the time, perhaps some light gardening. You know peaceful existence right? I know a lot of you are thinking, Oh what I wouldn't give to have that time, how truly priceless.

It was for the first day or so. I did what all "Martha's" do and clean and organize my house from top to bottom. Drawers, closets, rooms you name it. I thought if I busted it all out in one day after dropping them off at the airport, I could relax in my own day spa of sorts for the next 9 days.

Snap out of it, it didn't work out that way. While I was getting downloads of fun photos from my husband and daughter hanging out by the pool, ordering lunch poolside, enjoying road trips, I was sitting at home completely bored.

Breakfasts consisted of toast and coffee for one, lunches were sandwiches and dinner was usually pasta or something easy to fix for one. All the chores that my family used to help me out with, now fell on my shoulders alone. This is a big house, and between the heat wave we had for most of the time, that involved being out watering all the new plants we just put in, keeping the new grass watered as well, and picking the never ending supply of dandelions before they turned into Buzz Lightyear's trip across infinity and beyond.

Thank heavens grocery shopping never had to be done except for the occasional run to Target to pick up a few things that I ran out of like shampoo and cat food. I think the days were the best part because the nights were almost too surreal. Did you notice how many noises your house makes at night, when you're all alone. I didn't even have a dog. Just three cats who would find it fun to run around at the oddest times playing tag. Advil PM soon became my best friend along with a lot of prayer to get me through the night into the morning.

Now that it's almost officially over as I picked up my family in a couple of hours, I look back and would do a lot of things differently. I would still clean for a day and stock my kitchen with things I love to eat. But I would take the time to do more things for me. Like visiting with my friends more if they had the time, get my hair done, perhaps even take my own road trip kinda close. I need to stop cleaning so much and just sit back and enjoy the gift of time more and stop worrying about finding things to fill the time.

It was interesting to say the very least and look forward to more time in the future perhaps not at long this time. What about you? Would you love to spend 9 days all alone? What would you do?

Giveaways for Family Friendly Christian Products

Just wanted to give you a heads up about some amazing Family-Friendly and Christian based products that I am giving away on my blog, Reviews From The Heart. They all end by May 9th and I wanted to make sure that you all had the opportunity to enter the giveaways. There are always a small amount of participants who enter and I wanted to make sure that you were all a part of them if you're interested.

The first once ends tomorrow and it's for a great DVD called Breakaway! You can find my review about it here, but it's about how one man took an opportunity to help his family out financially when his company was downsizing. Great movie with a super powerful message that is so relevant in today's world.

The next is a great family fun Daily Reader from The American Bible Challenge! This is such a fun book that anyone could use to challenge your personal knowledge of the Bible! Write in today's language for children, teens and family's to understand, it makes taking Bible Study a step further. I could even see churches and youth groups incorporating this into their summer camps as a way to add fun to learning more about God's Word. This giveaway ends on May 1st. Click here for details. 

The last giveaway is for a wonderful Children's book called, Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going To Throw Up! It's a beautifully illustrated children's book for ages 4 and up and tells the whales side of the story of Jonah. It has some amazing questions and activities in the book to encourage further learning between parents and children! This giveaway ends on May 9th and you can read more about my review and how to enter the giveaway by clicking here. 

Feel free to enter them all or just the one's you think you would LOVE to be a part of and don't forget they all end by May 9th. You might just want to sign up for my email updates since I've got lots more DVDs and products coming soon that you don't want to miss! Make sure you tell your friends and family too!

The Darkest Day in History!

I sometimes wonder just what that Saturday felt like following the crucifixion felt like to those that witnessed it first hand.

I can only imagine the grief that Jesus' mother endured not only having to bring this wonderful child into the world but to stand at the foot of the cross and watch all this happening to a son she knew perfectly well was not guilty. I would have to say she spent the night with close family members and friends.

The disciples must have gathered together after having been spread about the city because the Bible states in all the gospel accounts that none were there but then how did gospels capture the story. Did they flee the city hoping to avoid capture after the garden? I feel that they did. They reunited some how and endured this day remembering those times that they walked with Him and the lessons they learned, miracles they saw Him perform. I even expect an occasional laugh came through too about some funny thing that remembered Jesus doing.

I wonder how Peter felt the day after his denial of Jesus. I wonder just how many "what if's" he played out in his mind. I personally feel that Peter felt the worst. He was now living the life of regrets. A life he probably felt he could take back and wished he could. I see Peter sitting among the rest of the disciplines in the Upper Room but isolated from the others in tears.

So they all united together with one another grieving over the loss of what they must have questioned was the true Messiah. I guess He wasn't really the one we had hoped for? It can't have ended this way? Surely we have missed something? What will happen now?

These are all questions I am sure ran through the mind of the believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

Yet this particular day was still a day of lost hope. I can't imagine anyone somewhere thinking, Hey wait remember what Jesus said, He always spoke in parables, didn't He say something about rebuilding the temple in 3 days, do you think it means Him? If so, won't He be coming back again?

I seriously doubt it because the Bible does not record this day. I can only imagine it was the longest day any of them had ever experienced in their life. Life without hope can do that to you. Rob you of time, of joy, of life even if you let it.

Heaven must have fallen silent at that very moment Christ died as well. I can only imagine the grief that God experienced after having to punish his son, who did no wrong with all the sins of man, past, present and future as those He personally had committed them all. God grief must have been greater than we would ever know. I am sure the angels were weeping. Heaven for a brief moment must have fallen silent.

In the world I am sure that Satan and his enemies were having a great old laugh at God's expense too! Fists being thrown in the air at God, mocking him that even his only perfect son, could not bear the power of death. That they had won!

Yet as we know not even the power of death could hold back our Savior. For at that moment he was in the pit of hell taking back the keys of death from Satan and his minions because in a few short hours, the world would know for certain that Christ will rise from the dead. We all know that Jesus was still on the throne, still in power and still working in the details. Wait til tomorrow!

Little however did the disciples now the majesty of what would await them in the morning. But for now, I am choosing to reflect and remember just what Jesus has done in my life today and how if it weren't for Him, I would be hopeless and lost.

Remorse or Repentence

Some 2ooo years ago today, the heavens and the earth fell silent as they mourned for the prince who would no longer exist in human form.

I wonder what the evening felt like when Jesus breathed His last and claimed, "It is finished!"

What were the feelings beyond utter grief and sadness for those that knew Him and now were without hope? Did any remember his words that He'd be back in three days or did they forget the power He possessed over death?

The Bible declares that when Jesus was on the cross it was about noon and the whole land became dark until 3pm because the sun did not shine and curtain in the Temple was torn in two.

Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, I give You My life." After Jesus said this, He died.

Joseph from Arimathea came and took Jesus' body down and laid in the tomb before sundown on Passover.

Yet two betrayed Jesus that day. Judas did it with a kiss, Peter with an oath in the courtyard. Both of them had heard Jesus predict their disobedience, and both were crushed at their own sins.

Judas unwilling to face his guilt, commits suicide.

Peter, shattered by his sin, broke down and wept like a child. Peter opened himself to confession, forgiveness, and resolve.

In the years that followed, Judas became an embarrassing memory.

Peter changed the world.

Remorse and repentance.

Two similar words, with incredibly potent differences.

When caught in sin, its very tempting to throw ourselves to the ground, groveling in remorse. But the message of these two unforgettable disciples is that while remorse ends a life, true repentance starts one all over again.

Jesus Christ has already died for your sin.

He paid the full price for it on the cross.

Recognize your failure, receive your pardon, and go forward in victory.

Don't let it be the end of your life - let it be a new beginning.

Last year at preciously 3pm after beautiful blue skies all morning long and warm temperatures, the skies here grew cloudy and the sun failed to shine. Coincidence or not? 2000 years ago today that very same thing happened! Let us not forget the price that He ultimately paid today! Wonder if this year will bring about the same thing and if so, how many will even bother to notice. I know I will and will take the time to remember this day in a profound way. Greater love has never been shown to man than what Jesus accomplished that day.

Come quickly Lord Jesus, we await your return as promised!

Who doesn't want cash back? Do you?

We've all heard the claims, simply spend money and use this credit card on your next purchase and you'll receive a certain percentage of cash back on your purchase, normally back on your credit card as a credit. That's all fine and well, but what happens to those of us that could use a little "cash" back on things we spend money on every single day from gas, to things at our local home improvement stores, or even groceries, and we don't have a credit card or want to go through the hassle of getting another credit card. Some these days can't even qualify to obtain a credit card as well.

I think I have the answer for you and before you think, it's simply too good to be true. I've put myself out there to try it and see if it's all that its cracked up to be or merely another scam. This is where that old adage doesn't apply.

First, a little background.

In Europe, people have longed desired a way to get a larger discount on the things they purchase every single day, from gas, to groceries and every thing in between even travel. However most times, the only way you could qualify for such deep discounts is to spend a lot of cash or have a larger group all willing to purchase the same things as you wanted. Introducing Lyoness!

Lyoness is a simply idea that allows consumers to gain those deep discounts from things we purchase every single day with the promise of putting 1-2% if not more of a cash back into your bank account. Not only do you get the cash back every Tuesday, but also the more people you get to sign up with you, you benefit from gaining a .5% back on their purchases as well.

I know what you're thinking.....

What's the catch right?

Um, how about simply sign up for FREE through a referral member (someone who has already signed up as a Lyoness member) and simply go shopping one of 4 ways for the things you spend money on every single day.

Sounds too simple.....

Yes, it is, but that is the best part! Not only do you get an opportunity to save money yourself through the deeper discounts that change as new merchants sign up on the Lyoness program, but you also make money through every single person who uses their Lyoness card to make a purchase.

Sounds like a scam to me.....

Well I guess it kinda does, but when you look at the merchants who are using this program to encourage customers to spend their money at their companies over the competitors it's a win win for everyone. I mean, companies like Best Buy, Outback Steakhouse, American Airlines, Walmart, Sears, Exxon, BP, Lowes, and Home Depot must not be all that smart to get involved in a scam program right???

Because it isn't!!!

You simply sign up for a FREE membership and begin using your member ID to qualify and start earning your own cash back on things you can purchase online and through the merchants who have the Lyoness program installed in your area.

You can even download the Lyoness App on your Smart phone so whenever you are in an area you can see which merchants are nearby to use your card to save money and get cash back into your account.

You can even use your Lyoness account to purchase gift cards to Sears, Outback Steakhouse, Lowes and Home Depot and more to give away as gifts during birthdays, holidays or even use yourself to get that cash back right back into your bank account.

Remember it's all FREE and you and all the people you sign up once your a member are all working so we continue to benefit by becoming one really larger group to purchase things.

Here's the interesting part, I want you to sign up and I want to help.

If you're interested, simply email me or leave a comment below with your email address and I'll get back with you to sign you up. You have 30 days to check out the program and make a purchase. Once you do that, you're a permanent member and can sign up as many people as you want. Remember every time they make a purchase you get .5% back into your own account.

If you're like me, you already have tons of those keychain rewards programs already and this one supercedes them all because you can still benefit from those programs, but this one is a one card does it all over those merchants. Since this is fairly new in the United States, they are adding new merchants all the time, but soon, you can simply zip your card at your favorite retailer and know that you are getting cash back into your account by doing nothing more than purchasing things every single day.

I look forward to talking to you about this wonderful program and encourage you to check it out like I did by clicking on the links below:  If you're interested, email me at Stevenkat27@gmail.com and I'll get you all signed up. There are NO limits to the amount of people you can help to save money.

You can visit the Lyoness website by clicking here. 

If you're a Facebook follower, you can check out Lyoness by clicking here to see all the latest ways you can save through online shopping by using the coupons codes that will give you cash back once you become a member.

There is NO risk involved!

I'm always looking for amazing ways to save money and wanted to pass this along to all my Facebook friends and family.

If you're a small business and want to become a Lyoness merchant, contact me as well so we can get you signed up and have members start purchasing things through your business so they can get cash back as well.

Life with Giles!

Meet Giles!

(Also known as G.Gy, G. Gy Joe, P.O.T.U.S. Potamus, Big Guy, Bottomless Pit, Beggar, Fatty)

Do you ever stop and wonder why we name our cats only to invent thousands of names for them and then wonder why they don't come when we call them? 

Anyway... back to the story of Giles.

Yes, he really wants to talk to you! 

O.K. well, maybe not, so I don't think he'll mind me sharing a little bit about him. 

He is one of three cats that we share our home with. I thought I would take a moment and introduce you to him. He is my husband, Steve's cat. He truly has made Steve his personal pet. He feels he owns him rather than the way we see it. But then it's all a matter of purr-spective right?

First of all if you're a cat owner, you understand that your cats each have a distinctive personality and a voice. For quite a while, we didn't think Giles actually even had a true voice since we never heard him utter any sounds except the occasional purr when we got him. He was from a rescue and was actually housed in a small caged pen with 4 other cats. We thought he was adorable when we first saw him and he was super affectionate. In reality we realize now, it was a true plea for help. 

Giles is really special. In that way we mean, he truly can't jump like most cats can. Either he simply refuses to jump, can't because he has issues being kept cramped in his cage for so long, or he has trained us to pick him up when he needs to get someplace he can't reach. I think it's all three honestly. Here's is a classic example of one of his daily requests, which is to drink from the bathroom sink. He will quite literally wait for you to walk into the bedroom and then attempt his series of jumps

from the floor to the tub,

 then tub to sink;

 turn around to the perfect angle,

 Position himself...just.......right......

 and achieve success in only the best way he knows how.

We believe he is one of the finest water connoisseurs there is. He prefers running water to water simply placed in a bowl. He won't drink from it. 

As you can see most cats would simply make the leap in one easy jump. Giles takes multiple steps. That's why we believe he has difficulty in jumping or he's simply found a better, (more time consuming) way to do it. 

Giles favorite way to spend the day is one of two ways...sleeping (his favorite!)

 or trying to get outside. 

Even though he can't jump we still worry he might be faking it all this time, so he stays inside. At least most days. 

There are those times where his meow can get downright irritating and well....OK, I feel sorry for him and let him out.....

 The lone jungle cat, walking through the tall grass....

Wait! What was that? (Um, he has a bit of ADD too)....

Is that movement of my prey, perhaps a juicy lizard???

Ah! The lizard is all mine, mine, I say!   

(O.K. that voice is what is I hear him say in my head, but perhaps he really is saying that after all!)

Giles is also great at kneading bread, or as we like to call it making muffins, since he keeps his kneads close together and very small. Here he's making mini muffins just for you. 

Isn't Gile's nice?

He's been doing this since we got him.

Now if I can only get him to do this on my back while I lay face down, I could get a great 'cat massage'!

Isn't Gile's awesome?

Tune in again soon for more adventures from Giles.....

I'll have to find him doing something besides sleeping or begging for water...

Until then.....

Only the shadow knows....Muh ha ha!

(Yeah, the voice in my head again.. or simply watching way to many TV shows.!!!)

He's Leaving On A Jet Plane Again!

Oh these are the days, I dread the most. The packing of the suitcase, making sure nothing gets left behind, printing out boarding passes and loading up the car. Yes, it's another travel day for Steve. We've actually got used to him traveling so much over the last four years and with fingers crossed in anticipation, we are hoping the time apart since last October might in fact garner a much needed and hoped for dream job for him.

His project since last October has been working to install an upgraded antenna and fiber optic network at the Daytona 500 raceway in Daytona Beach, Florida. What this does in a nutshell is provide accessibility to those of us that want to text, talk and access the internet while watching the race at the Daytona 500 racetrack without getting failed connections. Now with wireless carriers offering 4G speeds you don't want delays of sending the latest picture message of you driving in the car with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Well, we can all dream right?

So he's been spending countless weeks away from us under the premise this might lead to a permanent job with one of the largest antenna companies on the market today! We had been doing all we could to support his efforts to hopefully score him a position with the company. What it might mean besides a great job with some security is a definite pay increase, benefits and compensation and a lot less travel ((Crossing our fingers)) We should know in the next couple weeks if this had paid off.

For now, however he is traveling these next couple of days to North Carolina for corporate meetings. We are hoping that something may happen when he actually at their headquarters and that he'll fly home with great news.

It still doesn't make his absence any easier to deal with.

I'll still go to bed tonight alone with my only company being a virtual escape into one of my many books awaiting review, which I love. It's my guilty pleasure and one I really enjoy but hate at times to take time away from spending those precious hours with him. So I'll do what I do best, paste on my happy face, and find things to do to occupy my time. One thing for certain is the house will be spotless by the time he gets back. It's one of my filler activities and of course, looking forward to making plans with him this weekend.

Please keep him in your prayers this week and that God will provide a job if this is truly want He wants us to do. Who knows this may create a doorway for me to visit some of you that I've never met before!

I love you Steven! May you truly have a wonderful time and God is with you all the way!!!