On Being Famous! {gratitude community #51-#58}

I am famous! That's right! F-A-M-O-U-S!
Now I know you are all wondering, huh? Who are you?

Let me explain...

People don't rush to the theatres to see me on the big screen or wait in line to have their copy of my latest best-seller autographed.

I don't sell out concerts in 5 minutes flat or have my own clothing line being worn by every celebrity in LA!

I never attained a fancy degree and do not know what it is like to have a bank account full of money.

But...I have them...

...and him...

...and at any given moment you will find either one of my furry friends cuddled up next to me on the couch!

I may not have accomplished real, hollywood, fame in my life or a noteworthy degree, but I have found love-amazing love-and contentment in their eyes, their arms, their words!

To each of them, I am wonderful, amazing, a star!

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time! {#51-#58}

New Friendships
The smell of homemade bread rising and baking
Great deals on clothes for my kids...and myself!
Coffee Talk with my Love!
Reading books with my kids
Reading Scripture with my kids
Taking steps of faith and putting all my trust in Him
Wonderful blogs, like this one!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

Lucy Maud Montgomery Challenge {wrap-up}

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge hosted by Carrie at Reading to Know, has sadly come to an end. I wish this challenge could last a little longer, but not to worry-I plan on visiting with L.M. Montgomery and a few more of her titles throughout the rest of the year.

My goal was to read the Emily of New Moon books as well as watch the Anne of Green Gables Movie. Well, I only got through the first Emily book, but I did watch and enjoy the Anne of Green Gables movie!

Emily is a different character all in herself from Anne, but a lot of her quirkiness and stubborn ways reminds me a lot of Anne. I enjoyed reading the start of her journey in New Moon. The trials and tribulations set before her. She is a charming character and at many times thoughout the book I found myself pitying her and getting upset at whoever it was that was causing her grief or beng unfair. I enjoyed Emily so very much and plan on finishing the rest of the New Moon series later this year.

Thank you, Carrie, for hosting such a fun challenge! I look forward to returning next year and doing it all over again!

What books by L.M. Montgomery have you read and enjoyed?

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” ~ Mark 9:35

Letting fear and doubt reside within my soul...

We have some changes coming our way. Some big changes.

We have decided to take a step of faith and put our little house up for sale and start the process of looking for our dream home.

This has been something we have been wanting to do since my daughter was born 4 years ago. Living in a two bedroom, ONE closet, home for the past 5 1/2 years has had it's show of challenges. We have outgrown this home long before my precious little man arrived almost 2 years ago.

Having just ONE {yes, you heard me right} closet on our whole house has really been challenging.

"Where do I put everything?"

"How am I going to organize this?"

"I only wish we had more room!"

These are things you would hear coming out of my mouth at any given time over the past 5 years. Sure, this home is not ideal for a growing family, but the memories and love that have been shared here will stick with us for years to come. And it is because of those precious memories that, in a way, I am sad to see us leave.

I am sad and frightened and excited all in one. The emotions I am feeling over this whole situation are a bit overwhelming for me already...and we haven't even officially listed our home yet!

I've given up before I even started!

I have let fear, doubt, and uneasiness enter into my soul and take over where joy, faith, and hope should be. If He is in this, I have nothing to fear.

...and I believe He is. I just haven't been spending enough time listening to know for sure. I have let anxiety enter in which in turn has not allowed me to find rest; to find peace in His presence!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

I am longing for that peace. That reassurance from my Heavenly Father. Reassurance that only He can provide.

I let doubt and fear enter my soul far too often when I am dealing with decisions and stressful circumstances. Instead of resting in Him and trusting Him and allowing Him to work it all out, I tend to feel I can do a better job, when in reality, I obviously know I cannot!

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ~ James 1:6

I need to spend the days ahead in prayer. In oneness with Him. Seeking out His direction and plan. I need to stop, focus, and listen!

Will you keep my family and I in your prayers, sweet reader friends, as we go through this process over the next few months?
Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. ~ Mark 11:23

Word-Filled Wednesday {Job 24:19}

As heat and drought snatch away the melted snow, so the grave snatches away those who have sinned. ~ Job 24:19

The blood that was shed on the cross by the Love of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, is enough to wash away our sins and make us white as snow! What a great reminder of His saving grace everytime we see the flakes fall!



And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

Reality Brings Nothing New {gratitude community #44-#50}

After an impromptu week away, you'd think I would have a million things to say, but here I sit staring blankly at this white screen. No words come to mind. Nothing inspirational, or witty. Nothing informative or caring. Zilch! Nada! {and it's a little upsetting}

Sure, I could sit here and write out my woes of how I have so much to do and how I got so far behind in  my readings {Bible in 90 Days included} due to being sick last week, but that would sound like I am looking for pity and I am not. {and would most likely be somewhat...um...boring to read??}

So, instead I will just say that we are all feeing a hundred percent better. God is so good. And, the irony of it all, we actually enjoyed being forced to stay indoors, being lazy, just the four of us. {could have done without the sickness though} My hubby and I watched so many Disney movies over the past 5 days and played many rounds of Yahtzee Jr. and Cootie with the kiddos and truly enjoyed every moment. {this was all, of course, once we started feeling well enough to actually sit up!}

Now reality settles back in as my hubby heads back to work today and I return to my normal household duties as wife and mama! It is nice to return to a bit of normalcy around here, but I have to say, I will miss those lazy days of not doing a thing!

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time {#44-#50}
Kleenex
Willingness to help from my mom and mom-in-law
Warm quilts
Soft pillows
English Breakfast Tea
Chicken Noodle Soup
Answered prayers of healing

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Starting in February ,I will be joing in the bloom book club over at (in)courage as they read Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. Would love for you to join in as well...I am sure this is one book study you would not want to miss out on!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16

When sickness arrives...

We have been plagued, this week, with an awful sickness. I am finally mustering up enough strength to sit at my computer and tell you all where I have been-snuggled up in my bed with mounds of tissues surrounding me. {pleasant picture, eh?}

It arrived Monday night when my sweet little man came down with a fever. He slept all Monday night and pretty much the whole day on Tuesday. Then, it came to visit me on Wednesday. Weakness and tiredness filled my muscles and all I wanted to do was sleep. {and I did, thanks to my wonderful mama who came and watched my kids for me all day while the hubby was at work!} I didn't even pick up a book to read...that is how sick I felt!! It has been awful!

Well, I guess it decided my hubby looked to comfy, so it visited him Wednesday night, once he arrived home from work. {he has gotten the worst of it with the stomach aches and all the wonders that come with it!} My mama had already left, so now my mother-in-law was called in to take care of the kiddos while hubby and I slept the night away.

Thursday arrived with me feeling a bit better...hubby is down for the count at this point. I am regaining some strength, but now it has turned into a nasty, nasty, cough and cold.

Which brings us to today...Friday! The snow has fallen and we are covered in a blanket of white outside and wrapped in blankets of warmth inside. Hubby is home from work again today, still not 100% himself, but getting better. My little man is doing great! {thank you Jesus!} My sweet little girl never got it! {hallelujah!} and I keep praying over her that she never does! And me, well, Mama's don't really get sick days, do they? I am feeling....better. Still not 100% back to myself, but alot better than Wednesday. This is the sickest my hubby and I have ever been since we have been married! We got it and we got it good!!

Praying it leaves our house by the end of the weekend so we can all get back to normal next week!

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 30:17
“O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You have healed me.” ~ Psalm 30:2

So, there you have it. My wonderful week in a nutshell.

How has your week been?

Has sickness plaqued your house yet this winter?

“For I am the Lord, I do not change …” ~ Malachi 3:6

Beauty in a Snowy Day {gratitude community #37-#44}

When the view from our window

is as beautiful as this,

You will find us inside

doing this,

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time {#37-#44}:

Snow

20 little fingers and 20 little toes

Cold nose kisses from the pooches

Warm snuggles

Hot Chocolate

Mini Marshmallows

Little Giggles

Steps of Faith

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. ~ Hebrews 12:28

Jane Austen 2011 Challenge {first check-in}

It's our first check-in for the Jane Austen 2011 Challenge! How are you all doing? Read/watched anything yet?

I have been busy with reading the Emily books for the L.M. Montgomery challenge as well as my daily Bible in 90 Days readings to read any Jane yet. Planning on starting in February with Pride and Prejudice and going from there!

If you have read or watched anything Jane, I would love to hear your thoughts. Just leave a comment-no blog post is necessary.

Heads up: Our first giveaway will be sometime in March, so make sure to watch for that!

Until next time friends, Happy Reading!

"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." ~ Jane Austen 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all you soul, and all your strength, and all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself." ~ Luke 10:27

One Word 2011

One Word!

Sum up in One Word what I am hoping to accomplish in 2011.

No lists...just One Word!

Now, I have seen people all over Twitter discussing their One Word goals for 2011, but I never really gave it a second thought until I read about the reasoning behind it on the blog Grit and Glory.

"What do you want to focus on in 2011? Who do you want to be?"

{I am excited to have been introduced to this blog and enjoyed reading through many past posts. What a beautiful story written there. Looking forward to reading more...}

So, I decided to sit, to think, to pray...what is my One Word for 2011?

Many things came to mind...patience, peace, stop, listen, dream...but they either sounded too cliche or not real enough for me.

But then, it hit me. While I was taking a shower actually, where I get into deep thought at times.

Focus.

 My One Word!

I want 2011 to be a year of focusing on the things that really matter and less on the things that don't. I tend to stress, a lot, over the little things, and let them ruin my whole day(s).

I want to get back to really enjoying the things I love to do and actually doing them!

To stop letting worry take over; stress take over; striving and thriving to be the best taking over.

To focus on Him...the Author of Life...my life!

To sit back, enjoy, and focus!

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." ~ Matthew 24:13

It's a simple, little, word. But, it is my One Word goal for 2011!

Focus!

Do you have a One Word goal for 2011? If so, I'd love to hear it!

Amy
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ~ Romans 15:4

Word-Filled Wednesday {James 1:2-3}

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. ~ James 1:2-3

When you are going through something so discouraging; so terrible; so unbelieveable; it is hard to believe it is of God and that He has your best interest at heart. That He is working on making you stronger, better, through the trial.

When your faith is tested {now, I am speaking not only to you, but myself as well} cling to the Father. Don't let your Faith wither.

He loves you!

This verse reminds me of this song: I Will Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns



Amy

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. ~ 1 Peter 5:6

I am not normal! {or so they say}

There are a few a lot of changes I have made in my life since getting married and having a child(ren) of my own.

I have started to take a more natural approach on parenting as well as eating and everyday living. And, supposedly, this makes me abnormal!

I decided to quit my job when my son was born and become a stay-at-home mommy! {this is a dying breed in and of itself} I knew I wanted to be a full-time mommy even before I was married and had kids. It has been a passion; a desire of my heart, for as long as I can remember!

I breastfed both of my children *gasp* and continued with my son well past the 12 month mark! {oh the horror!} I was unable to, unfortunately, go past 10 months with my daughter. I enjoyed every second of breastfeeding my children and if God were to bless me with more children, I will do the same with them! It is the natural way. God intended for it to be this way! Why do you think formula fed babies suffer with acid reflux?? Hello! It's not natural! It's powdered milk. Would you drink powdered milk? {as always, there are exceptions to the rule. I know many mamas who would have loved to nurse their tiny infants, but just simply could not! I am referring to people who just turn their nose up and think it as "eww...gross!".}

I became a bona fide babywearer starting when my son was 2 months old. I sewed my own baby carriers and eventually invested the money in some really good, supportive, in for the long-haul baby wraps and carriers. I enjoyed every last second of carrying him close to my heart, outside the womb, and miss those early newborn snuggles inside my stretchy wrap. We still, when the need arises, babywear, but not as frequent as we once did and I miss it so!!

Now, this one gets me a lot of weird, strange, looks...I cloth diaper!! *double gasp* And I love it!! Seeing my sons little toosh covered in cute cloth just melts my heart. It really is not that bad and it saves a ton of money!!

I enjoy cooking. I bake homemade bread and dinners at least 5 nights a week. {the dinners, not the bread}. I try, when I can, to use the freshest of ingredients to make delicious, healthy, satisfying meals for my family! It's one of my favorite things of being a housewife.

Books....you have to know by now that I love books!!! I love reading them...for fun! I love browsing the shelves of a used bookstore looking for a treasure of a find. I could spend literally hours just loooking. Libraries are like a second home to us...and I love it!!

I recently found the love of knitting. I want to knit everything! From scarves, hats, and mittens, to sweaters and socks! I get teased that I am "old"...whatever that is supposed to mean! I think I should have been born in the Little House on the Prairie era!

I have sewn my children clothes!! From dresses and pants to booties {when they were little} blankets and even a handbag for myself!

I don't drink or swear. I don't go to bars or nightclubs just to hang out with friends! I turn off tv shows that support homosexuality and haven't listened to secular music in over a year! {love K-LOVE} In fact, my hubby and I are thinking of cancelling cable altogether!

I believe marriage was meant for a man and a woman! It is a sacred bond that is taken way too lightly these days! Once a month date-nights are a must in our house!

We read the Bible to our children every night and my three-year-old can tell you the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale, Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the Lions Den. {that is more than, sadly, some adults can remember!!}

We are seriously contemplating the idea of homeschooling both of our children and if we decide against it, christian education it is!

We attend church services every Sunday! {and we actually look forward to it!}

I have read through my entire Bible in just 90 days and am currently working my way through it again!

I could go on and on, but maybe the most abnormal thing about me is the simple fact that I love Jesus Christ! I believe He died and rose again on the third day and that He is coming back, for me! I believe that a life filled with His love and forgiveness is a life well-lived! I believe the Word of God is true...even to this day. It is our handbook; our road map of life; and many of us do not take it seriously anymore! It is what our country was found on and sadly our country is being destroyed because they are taking Him and His Word out of it! I have the hardest time understanding the basis of atheism when I look at my children and see the work of God in their little faces. How can you not believe??

It saddens me what is happening to America and the families that fill it up! We are getting away from the idea of family and becoming more interested and involved in things and the likes thereof! We hardly spend enough time at home, parenting our children, playing with our children, nurturing our children. We are relying on the world to teach them, but then get mad when the teachings are all wrong.

Why my little rant? I'm not really sure. I just felt led to tell you all a little about what makes me not normal in others eyes and that I don't plan on changing a thing! I am a blessed child of God; a sinner saved by grace; and He made me and loves me just the way I am!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2

Amy
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9

Bible in 90 Days {one week down}

We are 7 days into the Bible in 90 Days Spring Session. How are you all doing?

I have to say, I am enjoying my readings more this time around than I did last summer. Reading the stories of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob and Joseph - I discovered things that I hadn't the first time. I can't wait to see what is revealed to me in the next 65 books!

I think last time I was overwhelmed with it all; stressed to get my readings done everyday so I wouldn't get behind. But, I did fall behind.

18 days behind!

And I was about to give up thinking I could never catch up.

Satan got a hold of my spirit and was trying to tear me down. I became discouraged and lost my drive. The excitement I felt when I first started was slowly dying. I was not only letting myself down, but my Father as well.

 I have time for everything else in my day. Why can't I spend an hour with Him?

I prayed, fervently, for quietness and peace in my day to read, read, read, and still be able to finish on time.

God granted me peace and quiet and I took advantage of those moments to spend with Him, reading His Word. Soaking in His presence and finishing what I started out to finish in the beginning.

I finished on time. Day 90 I closed my Bible after reading Revelations, thinking to myself  "we win", while tears of joy are streaming down my face! It was a feeling like no other. I was humbled before Him. I read the words spoken for me to see! And I did it all in 90 days!! And you can too!

We are only 7 days in. It's not too late to join us and get caught up!

If you are already finding yourself falling behind, don't get discouraged. Pray for God to grant you some peace and spend that time getting caught up!

I am praying for all my Group 4 girls as well as everyone who is taking part in this challenge! This is an amazing commitment that gives the greatest reward!

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Don't forget to swing by Mom's Toolbox today for our weekly check-in!


Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ~ Mark 14:37-38

Savoring the {little} times!

As I sit here, writing this, my little guy is sitting on the floor playing with every toy train and Hot Wheel car he possibly owns. They are scattered all over, surrounding him and he is loving every second of it. He is being little. Doing what little kids do. {and I want to keep him in this moment forever!}

I want to keep him little; surrounded by my husband and I and his older sister. I want to protect him and shield him from the world, never to face any danger or harm. I don't want any influence of this negative world to ever reach his eyes or ears. Everything he sees and hears and learns, I want to come from me.

I want to put him in a bubble never to pop it open!

I can't do that though, can I? There is going to come a day where he and my daughter, are going to have to venture into this world and make wise choices and decisions on their own and I need to equip them with the right decision making tools. I need to teach them Jesus' way and not the world's way. I need to pray! {oh how we as parents need to constantly pray over our children.} I need to pray for them as well as myself to have faith in the One who blessed me with them in the first place. They belonged to Him, first, and I need to trust that He will take care of them when they are out of my care for short periods of time.

And I do, I just want them little, forever. I want them to always want to curl up on my lap with blankies in tow and watch a movie or read a book. I want them to get excited about baking cookies with me and the simpleness in spending an afternoon coloring together brings.

This parenting stuff is hard; emotionally and physically! But, since I know my little time with them is so precious and so few, I am going to embrace every moment teaching them His way while laughing, playing, and loving!

Thank you Father for my children. I can't thank you enough! When I sit and truly think about how blessed I am through them, my heart swells and overflows with so much love and gratitude. I'm not sure what I ever did to receive two precious gifts, but I am forever thankful, to you, dear Jesus!
In Jesus' name, Amen!

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Don't forget...today is the last day to sign up for prize eligibility in the Jane Austen 2011 Challenge. If you want to join in and read/watch some Jane with us this year, then hop on over and sign up!


Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." ~ Matthew 19:14

Word-Filled Wednesday {Genesis 22:7-8}

Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. ~ Genesis 22:7-8

I love the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis. The obedience and faithfulness of Abraham to the LORD is something we all should desire to have. When I read this passage of scripture I often wonder what my faith would have been like if I was given the task. Could I have done it? Could I have killed my child for the LORD? {think about that for a second. wow!!}

But, is that not what our Heavenly Father did for us? He provided the sheep, for us. The sacrifice for our sins. He sent His only Son to die.

Thank you Jesus for the perfect gift of your Son, Jesus! May we all grow to love Him more and more, each and everyday! Thank you for your sacrifice. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Linked up at:

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. ~ Revelations 20:12



Bible in 90 Days! {it's here}

Today is the first day of the Bible in 90 Days challenge! I can't believe it is here. It feels like just yesterday I was finishing up the last session and here it is, three months later, and I am starting it all over again! This time, I am also mentoring a fabulous group of women and am looking forward to encouraging them, praying for them, and simply getting to know them through this amazing commitment they all have made. This is not something that "can't" be done or is "impossible" to do! {both are things I have heard when I mentioned I was doing this challenge the last time} I have done it as well as hundreds of others and you will too!

If you are still interested in joining in with us, it is not too late to do so. Just head on over to Moms Toolbox to sign up!

So, have you read todays reading yet? When do you plan on reading? Morning? Evening? Bits and pieces throughout your day?

This verse brought me so much encouragement in the last session. I wrote it on a notecard and used it as my bookmarker so I would always see it when I opened my Bible to read. I think it is absolutely perfect for this challenge!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ~ Galatians 6:9

Praying for each and everyone of you during this challenge. I can't think of a better way to start the New Year off than reading through God's Word!

{if you are currrently signed up to read the Bible in 90 Days, don't forget to stop by Moms Toolbox today to check-in. If you are part of my mentor group, remember, we are group 4!}


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2

And her nose stuck in a book...

The challenges are all about to start, or have started, and I am so excited to dive in and get to reading!

The Bible in 90 Days challenge starts tomorrow over at Moms Toolbox. For those of you who may not know, I participated in {and finished!}this challenge over the summer and am not only going to be reading through the Bible again, but I'm also mentoring others through prayers and encouragement to finish as well! It's not to late to sign-up and join us in this amazing and rewarding challenge. Just head on over to Moms Toolbox where you can find more information as well as sign up!

The Lucy Maud Montgomery challenge starts tomorrow at Reading to Know! I love Anne of Green Gables, but have yet to read the Emily of New Moon series, which is what I am choosing to read for this particular challenge. The series consists of three books: Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, Emily's Quest.

Reading the Classics hosted by ButterflyWishes and Wonderland Dreams, started yesterday. {but it's not too late to sign-up!} The books read for my Jane Austen Challenge count towards this challenge as well. I am hoping to visit a few classics such as Little Women, To Kill A Mockingbird, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Grapes of Wrath, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and really hoping to get to Anna Karenia. These are all books that I currently own and that have been on my TBR pile for way too long!

Annnd...last but not least, my first challenge, Jane Austen 2011! You can link up here if you would like to participate! You have a whole year to read/watch as much of Jane as you would like! I am planning on reading all seven of Jane's published works {Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, and Lady Susan} as well as a few inspired novels {Jane Austen Ruined My Life, Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart} . Also, I am going to be watching Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility sometime throughout the year as well! {I plan on starting my Jane reading binge sometime in February, once I finish the LMM challenge!}

That's enough to keep me going for a year and still allow for me to enjoy various other works of fiction as well. {Especially these titles by Sarah Sundin, A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us. Excellent, excellent, books, if you enjoy reading Christian Historical Fiction, like I do! Highly anticipating the release of her newest book, Blue Skies Tomorrow due out in August 2011!} Just had to mention these books since I am highly enjoying them!

Happy Reading!

"My Best Friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read." ~ Abraham Lincoln


Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ~ 1 Peter 5:6

Jane Austen 2011 Challenge OFFICIAL Sign-Up!

Happy New Year!!

I am thrilled that you have come here today to officially sign-up for the Jane Austen 2011 Challenge!

If you have not done so yet, please read the rules here and here! Then, if you are wanting to participate, write up a blog post stating which books, or movies, you are hoping to read/watch in 2011 and link it up using the linky below!

Spread the word by adding a button to your blog: {you do not have to add one if you don't want to :) }

<center><a href="http://bookandyarn.blogspot.com"><center><a href="http://bookandyarn.blogspot.com/2010/12/jane-austen-challenge-2011-sign-up.html"><img border="0" src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j3/kempfyre21/JaneAusten-1.jpg" /></a></center></a></center>

Remember, you must link-up between now and Friday, January 7 at 11:59 pm EST to be eligible to win prizes throughout the year. Anyone can join in at anytime, but only those participants linked up between January 1st-7th can win.

Looking forward to a fun year of reading Jane with all of you!

Now link up and get to reading! :)


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17