Betsy St. Amant's Blog, page 17
August 30, 2012
Hurricane Dayz...
Last night, on the verge of Hurricane Isaac here in Northwest LA, the city shut down schools for the rest of the week. Little Miss's dance class sent out an email about closures. Grocery stores were raided. Everyone grabbed their generator and got ready for...
Clouds. Lots and lots of clouds.
Today so far has consisted of sleeping in, laundry, computer games, Disney princess necklaces, cleaning, cinnamon rolls, snuggles and cartoons. No rain at all!
It's a little funny how our city overreacted as we tend to do, BUT you know what? I'm not complaining. Because the hurricane spun east, we're safe, we get a super long weekend at home with nothing to do but play and rest and spend time together. Besides, I'd much rather this than having to go get my frightened kid from school in the middle of a bad storm. I appreciate the efforts made for my child's safety :)
More cinnamon roll icing, anyone?
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Clouds. Lots and lots of clouds.
Today so far has consisted of sleeping in, laundry, computer games, Disney princess necklaces, cleaning, cinnamon rolls, snuggles and cartoons. No rain at all!
It's a little funny how our city overreacted as we tend to do, BUT you know what? I'm not complaining. Because the hurricane spun east, we're safe, we get a super long weekend at home with nothing to do but play and rest and spend time together. Besides, I'd much rather this than having to go get my frightened kid from school in the middle of a bad storm. I appreciate the efforts made for my child's safety :)
More cinnamon roll icing, anyone?
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 29, 2012
Scribblin'
Visit me today at www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com !
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 27, 2012
Every house has a story...
So last weekend I stayed here...
Memory Lane Craft and Scrapbook Retreat in Tyler, Texas. :)
I went with a group of ladies including my mom and sister, who all scrapbooked and crafted whilel I wrote! Then I finished my writing projects and finished up an online digital scrapbook I've been working on sporadically of a beach trip last summer. Gotta love productivity!
But most note worthy - I LOVED the house. It must be the writer in me - this house totally has a story. Old fashioned, two story, high ceilings, squeaky wood floors. Vintage decorations and trap doors and stuffy attics and closets in the bathroom and brass pipe showers and everything gold and gilded and plastered and beveled and fabulous. Murals on the ceilings in one of the bedroom, statues, gorgeous wallpaper...I wanted to kick everyone out and buy it and live there myself. Or at least as a summer home ;)
It's noted on the retreat's website that the house was the former residence of a U.S. Senator and a crowned Miss America, and previous guest celebrities include President Ronald Reagan and Donnie and Marie Osmond. Sweet!!
I highly recommend if you're in the Tyler, TX area. It's set up for groups, and isn't a typical B&B for couples or singles though that's still doable I'm sure. We all brought our own food and snacked while we worked and hit a few restaurants here and there, to get away from our workstations for a bit (which are set up downstairs on the first floor near a big flat-screen TV and huge movie library. Everyone had their own work station table with comfy leather chair and shelves and yes - a cup holder!
Was a wonderful weekend!
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Memory Lane Craft and Scrapbook Retreat in Tyler, Texas. :)
I went with a group of ladies including my mom and sister, who all scrapbooked and crafted whilel I wrote! Then I finished my writing projects and finished up an online digital scrapbook I've been working on sporadically of a beach trip last summer. Gotta love productivity!
But most note worthy - I LOVED the house. It must be the writer in me - this house totally has a story. Old fashioned, two story, high ceilings, squeaky wood floors. Vintage decorations and trap doors and stuffy attics and closets in the bathroom and brass pipe showers and everything gold and gilded and plastered and beveled and fabulous. Murals on the ceilings in one of the bedroom, statues, gorgeous wallpaper...I wanted to kick everyone out and buy it and live there myself. Or at least as a summer home ;)
It's noted on the retreat's website that the house was the former residence of a U.S. Senator and a crowned Miss America, and previous guest celebrities include President Ronald Reagan and Donnie and Marie Osmond. Sweet!!
I highly recommend if you're in the Tyler, TX area. It's set up for groups, and isn't a typical B&B for couples or singles though that's still doable I'm sure. We all brought our own food and snacked while we worked and hit a few restaurants here and there, to get away from our workstations for a bit (which are set up downstairs on the first floor near a big flat-screen TV and huge movie library. Everyone had their own work station table with comfy leather chair and shelves and yes - a cup holder!
Was a wonderful weekend!
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 24, 2012
Guest bloggin'
Visit me today at www.girlsgodgoodlife.blogspot.com :)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 23, 2012
August 22, 2012
OVER THE EDGE by Mary Connealy
Well - Mary Connealy has totally done it again!
Her final story in the Kindcaid Brides series is absolutely fabulous. Once again we're plunged into the depths of caves, romance and mystery, all with a serious side of comedy! You'll giggle, gasp, grin and swoon. I was so happy to see how Seth's story finally played out. I love me some Kindcaid brothers ;) And you will too!
I highly recommend getting the entire series!!
Link to buy the book:http://ow.ly/cPxuv
About the Book:
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.
Meet Mary:
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Visit her on her Web site maryconnealy.com
Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party.
Celebrate with Mary by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!
See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!
One winner will receive:
A Nook Color with GlowLight
The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29 . Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!
So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Blog Tour Schedule - See what everyone else is saying about Mary's new novel!
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/135...
(I was given this book free for honest review)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Her final story in the Kindcaid Brides series is absolutely fabulous. Once again we're plunged into the depths of caves, romance and mystery, all with a serious side of comedy! You'll giggle, gasp, grin and swoon. I was so happy to see how Seth's story finally played out. I love me some Kindcaid brothers ;) And you will too!
I highly recommend getting the entire series!!
Link to buy the book:http://ow.ly/cPxuv
About the Book:
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.
Meet Mary:
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Visit her on her Web site maryconnealy.com
Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party.
Celebrate with Mary by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!
See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!
One winner will receive:
A Nook Color with GlowLight
The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29 . Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!
So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Blog Tour Schedule - See what everyone else is saying about Mary's new novel!
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/135...
(I was given this book free for honest review)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 21, 2012
Heroes of the faith...
So in Sunday School this past week we were talking about heroes of the faith, and how God can and really does use ANYONE for His plans. No baggage is too heavy for His will, no reputation too tarnished or sin too big.
What a relief :)
Look at David. He was the one who it was said in the Bible "was a man after God's own heart". Wow, how's that for an endorsement?? Yet he sinned big time - adultry and murder. Look at Elijah. He had the power from God to call down fire from Heaven and burn up a water drenched offering and make the false god Baal look like a straight up goober - yet after that faithfilled event, he turned and fled in fear from Jezebel (somehow, I just KNOW she wore too much makeup). Look at Paul, who used to be Saul, who was the #1 killer of Christians. Goodness. For that matter, look at ALL of the disciples - they immaturely squabbled over who was the best Christian and Jesus's favorite, yet they had the power of the Lord to cast out demons and perform miracles in Christ's name.
I'm pretty sure we aren't any worse. Not better, either - definitely not. We're all sinners, saved by grace. But we have God's power in us like they did. Maybe not in the same specific ways, because times were different then. They didn't have the Bible and the Holy Spirit's prompting at that time. God generously provided those signs and wonders and miracles to show His power. Now, we have that power in a different sense, but just as real. We have prayer. We have faith. We have the ability to witness and lead someone to Christ.
But how often do we plug into that power and USE it?
Yikes. Not often enough.
That's your thought for today, and mine too. Are we plugging into God's power? Are we accessing the Holy Spirit in a way that makes a difference in our lives AND in the lives of others? And if not, how can we start doing so?
The answers are simple but true.
1. Read your Bible. STUDY it. Not just skim pages.
2. Pray. Not just "Thanks for today, God, bless my family andeveryoneintheworldamen" but real heartfelt prayer. Prayer that includes praise as well as requests.
3. Hush. We like to do all the talking with God, but sometimes, we just gotta shut it up and let Him speak to us. Otherwise, how do we know how to proceed?
4. Go to church, fellowship with other believers, etc. We can't do this journey alone. We need support from other believers.
5. Talk about out faith - not hide it and try to blend in with the world. Christ called us to be different from the world. We still have to live in it but we aren't to be OF it. Are you set apart? Act like it!
Now, don't get me wrong. I need significant practice in all of the above myself. I'm preaching to the choir today :) Just want to share what I'm learning in Sunday School since its so powerful and so applicable to daily lives. Hope it's encouraging someone!
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
What a relief :)
Look at David. He was the one who it was said in the Bible "was a man after God's own heart". Wow, how's that for an endorsement?? Yet he sinned big time - adultry and murder. Look at Elijah. He had the power from God to call down fire from Heaven and burn up a water drenched offering and make the false god Baal look like a straight up goober - yet after that faithfilled event, he turned and fled in fear from Jezebel (somehow, I just KNOW she wore too much makeup). Look at Paul, who used to be Saul, who was the #1 killer of Christians. Goodness. For that matter, look at ALL of the disciples - they immaturely squabbled over who was the best Christian and Jesus's favorite, yet they had the power of the Lord to cast out demons and perform miracles in Christ's name.
I'm pretty sure we aren't any worse. Not better, either - definitely not. We're all sinners, saved by grace. But we have God's power in us like they did. Maybe not in the same specific ways, because times were different then. They didn't have the Bible and the Holy Spirit's prompting at that time. God generously provided those signs and wonders and miracles to show His power. Now, we have that power in a different sense, but just as real. We have prayer. We have faith. We have the ability to witness and lead someone to Christ.
But how often do we plug into that power and USE it?
Yikes. Not often enough.
That's your thought for today, and mine too. Are we plugging into God's power? Are we accessing the Holy Spirit in a way that makes a difference in our lives AND in the lives of others? And if not, how can we start doing so?
The answers are simple but true.
1. Read your Bible. STUDY it. Not just skim pages.
2. Pray. Not just "Thanks for today, God, bless my family andeveryoneintheworldamen" but real heartfelt prayer. Prayer that includes praise as well as requests.
3. Hush. We like to do all the talking with God, but sometimes, we just gotta shut it up and let Him speak to us. Otherwise, how do we know how to proceed?
4. Go to church, fellowship with other believers, etc. We can't do this journey alone. We need support from other believers.
5. Talk about out faith - not hide it and try to blend in with the world. Christ called us to be different from the world. We still have to live in it but we aren't to be OF it. Are you set apart? Act like it!
Now, don't get me wrong. I need significant practice in all of the above myself. I'm preaching to the choir today :) Just want to share what I'm learning in Sunday School since its so powerful and so applicable to daily lives. Hope it's encouraging someone!
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 20, 2012
Visit me Wednesday at...
SCRIBBLECHICKS! www.scribblechicks.blogspot.com
We're talking the craft of writing :)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
We're talking the craft of writing :)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 19, 2012
Big girls don't cry?
The verdict is still out!
Tomorrow I'm dropping my baby girl off at preschool, and because it's an advanced gateway program, (so proud of her!) the hours are all day, like kindergarten. She had to get a school supply list and backpack and nap mat and lunchbox just like kindergarten too. I joined the PTA. Bought T-shirts and spirit pizza days for the year. Volunteered for commitees and field trips. This is LEGIT school.
WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!!
She got too smart, that's what happened. lol
While I'm so proud and excited for her and know this is what is best, I'm still a little freaking out on the inside. This is a huge opportunity for her and this advanced program will stay with her entire school career and open doors for us that wouldn't have otherwise regarding school districts and such. We are SO blessed. But...she's still my baby! Sniff.
We'll see if I cry in the morning. I'm a big girl, but so is she now, which makes this big girl wanna boo hoo!!! (and puff with motherly pride at all God is doing through my babygirl!) It's going to be great. :)
Pics to come! :)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
Tomorrow I'm dropping my baby girl off at preschool, and because it's an advanced gateway program, (so proud of her!) the hours are all day, like kindergarten. She had to get a school supply list and backpack and nap mat and lunchbox just like kindergarten too. I joined the PTA. Bought T-shirts and spirit pizza days for the year. Volunteered for commitees and field trips. This is LEGIT school.
WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!!
She got too smart, that's what happened. lol
While I'm so proud and excited for her and know this is what is best, I'm still a little freaking out on the inside. This is a huge opportunity for her and this advanced program will stay with her entire school career and open doors for us that wouldn't have otherwise regarding school districts and such. We are SO blessed. But...she's still my baby! Sniff.
We'll see if I cry in the morning. I'm a big girl, but so is she now, which makes this big girl wanna boo hoo!!! (and puff with motherly pride at all God is doing through my babygirl!) It's going to be great. :)
Pics to come! :)
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
August 16, 2012
What's in it for you?
I've been doing some thinking lately about priorities, and perspective. The two dreaded P's that almost always come with a built in guilt trip! ;)
And I came upon a question. I had to ask myself and I'm going to ask you. (haha, probably should have skipped my blog today!)
For all you authors out there...would you rather be guaranteed significant royalty checks for your entire writing career, or know that your words helped lead 10 people to Christ?
Yikes.
Why do you write? Why do you want to get published, if you're not so far? REALLY, why?
Honesty can be ugly.
And if you're not an author, don't think you get away from it. :) The same question applies to you too - just fill in the blank.
Would you rather get the next big boost up the career ladder at work, or know that by staying in the underpaid position you're in, someone will come to know Christ because of your influence?
Would you rather finally be able to afford that sweet new loaded SUV, or take that down payment and give it to the struggling single mom at your church God placed on your heart?
Heavy Thursday, isn't it? :)
I had to do some evaluating, not because I received such an offer about royalties, but after getting some not-so-thrilling news. This was followed by some much more positive news, but in that downtime, I had to decide. Why am I writing? Or is it for money and accomplishment and success and X or X...or is it for the kingdom? The right answer was easy to say out loud, but was it in my heart?
Is it in yours?
I can tell you honestly right now - the letters, emails and feedback I see via reviews, blog posts and cards in the mail from readers of my novels mean more to my heart and bless me more than any royalty check has ever . Oh sure, there's been timedones in my marriage where God used that royalty check to provide for us and take care of us, and that meant a WHOLE lot, but that was still Holy intervention. Holy intervention is why I write. And I hope to never forget that.
Why do you write? Why do you write? Why do you have the hobby you have or the at home business you have or the things you have?
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
And I came upon a question. I had to ask myself and I'm going to ask you. (haha, probably should have skipped my blog today!)
For all you authors out there...would you rather be guaranteed significant royalty checks for your entire writing career, or know that your words helped lead 10 people to Christ?
Yikes.
Why do you write? Why do you want to get published, if you're not so far? REALLY, why?
Honesty can be ugly.
And if you're not an author, don't think you get away from it. :) The same question applies to you too - just fill in the blank.
Would you rather get the next big boost up the career ladder at work, or know that by staying in the underpaid position you're in, someone will come to know Christ because of your influence?
Would you rather finally be able to afford that sweet new loaded SUV, or take that down payment and give it to the struggling single mom at your church God placed on your heart?
Heavy Thursday, isn't it? :)
I had to do some evaluating, not because I received such an offer about royalties, but after getting some not-so-thrilling news. This was followed by some much more positive news, but in that downtime, I had to decide. Why am I writing? Or is it for money and accomplishment and success and X or X...or is it for the kingdom? The right answer was easy to say out loud, but was it in my heart?
Is it in yours?
I can tell you honestly right now - the letters, emails and feedback I see via reviews, blog posts and cards in the mail from readers of my novels mean more to my heart and bless me more than any royalty check has ever . Oh sure, there's been timedones in my marriage where God used that royalty check to provide for us and take care of us, and that meant a WHOLE lot, but that was still Holy intervention. Holy intervention is why I write. And I hope to never forget that.
Why do you write? Why do you write? Why do you have the hobby you have or the at home business you have or the things you have?
Christian Women Online
Blog Ring
Join |
List |
Random
