Tuesday, January 18, 2011

"Choosing to See"

I just finished my 3rd book for 2011. "Choosing to See" is written by MaryBeth Chapman, wife to singer Steven Curtis Chapman. She writes about their life....the good times and the really ahrd times. In 2008, they had a tragic accident happen in their family. She is open and honest about her struggles and what is happening through the grieving process for all of them. It is a great book....very inspirational and real. It is a real person wrestling with what God is doing and seeing the blessings through it all....though sometimes it is hard to see them. A wonderful book to read.

I also started my Women's Bible Study tonight. The study is:"Lord Change my Attitude". Boy, this may hit home for me. Tonight was an introductory. I will keep notes in here along with the books I read.

Fuzzy Cupcakes


These were the "cupcakes" we made in a club Saturday. They are so cute! And, a great idea for gifts and to think about selling at a craft fair. They were fairly easy too.

Friday, January 14, 2011

2nd book of the year

Just finished a 2nd book for 2011....The Christmas Secrret which is Book 4 in the Christmas Shoes series. I went today to get book 5 and it was not back yet. I did get 3 other books. Hopefully next time I go back, the book is there.

On another note, I just found out last week that the Stamping Studio is closing down. What does that mean for me? First, and foremost, no more stamping retreat in September. And secondly, some wonderful people were met at the last one and I won't get to see them this year. Plus enjoying Melissa and her wonderful stamps and creativity.

Tomorrow, I head to La Grange with a friend from work for a stamp club. It is by a friend who sells Close to my Heart. It is a 3 month commitment and you have to spend $25 in those 3 months.....total not each month. It meets the 3rd Saturday of the month and we learn a new project.

Bible Study starts Tuesday. Looking forward to that as I missed the fall study because I was taking a class at Southern Union. No class this semester but maybe this summer I will.

James and I are taking a couples study that starts next Sunday. It is based on the Love Dare and Fireproof book/movie. In August, there will be a conference with Kirk Cameron and Warren Banfield right here in Opelika! Already on my calendar.

After I get back tomorrow, plan to work on the other half of the craft corner. And a scrapbook page for the swaps I am in.

Everyone have a good weekend!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Read first book for 2011

Just finished Book 1 for 2011. It is book 3 in a 5 part series by Donna Van Liere. The first book is The Christmas Shoes based on the song. I love the movie so thought I would read the books. I really liked Book 3 but I think that is because it has not been made into a movie so I had no pre-conceived ideas of what was happening. Looking forward to reading the last 2. Oh, the 3rd one is called Christmas Hope. You do have to read them in order because a couple main characters from Christmas Shoes are in the others. You really need the background. I am headed to the library to see if the last 2 have been checked in yet. If not, I am not sure what I will read. I gave my husband the book Fireproof for Christmas....I may just have to read that.

Have a wonderful day, folks!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year's Resolutions

2010 is coming to an end and causing me to reflect on the year and look forward to 2011. In the past, my resolution was not to make any. Last year I ahd 1....52 books in 2010. I wrote down my list but then found I wanted to read other books I saw, which I did. I made it through about 27 books. Some of my books were over 400 pages so that is why. Am I disappointed that I didn't make it? No because I read some great books. Will I do it again? Yes but with changes. This time, no list. As I read a book, I will write it down. Only difference, is I can not buy any books.....have to read what I have or from the library.



I have decided to add some more resolutions this coming year. I do not think of them as "resolutions" but guidelines for 2011.



1. 52 books in 2011

2. To eat healthier- eat more fresh veggies and fruit and less red meat(beef). Replace the beef with chicken and seafood.

3. To lose weight

4. To pray more

5. To attend church regulaarly

6. Spend more time in God's word

7. We plan to not eat out except for birthdays and anniversaries....special occassions

8. To write more in a journal



So, what are your resolutions or guidelines for 2011?

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Year 2010 Christmas Letter

December 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

I can’t believe 2010 is almost over. Where did it go? As I get older, time seems to fly by. For the Ma Gill family, the year has been busy and full of surprises.

At the beginning of 2010, Lynn decided a good resolution would be 52 books in the Year 2010. She created a booklist and posted it on Facebook. How did she do? She read about 27 of them. Not too bad. This year, she will do it again….52 books in 2011. The difference this time around is she will not make a list ahead of time. As a book is read, it will be listed. One difference is no book can be bought….all read will be from own collection or library.

In May, the family took a trip to Panama City for Thomas’s 16th birthday. We stayed at a Holiday Inn Resort geared for children. We were on the beach. The hotel had a swimming pool, hot tubs and a splash pool area for kids. It was a nice, relaxing time away, and all had a wonderful time.

This summer, James began working on his own business. He does security consulting, pi work and a process server for several lawyers. He is enjoying working for himself. He is still very involved with the Lee County Republican Committee. He is on the Executive Board. He has helped several local candidates in their elections. All of this, for the most part, has kept him busy.

A highlight of our year was that at the beginning of the summer, James had quite a surprise. Through Facebook, he found his oldest son he hasn’t seen in 15 years. Phillip is 20 years old….he will be 21 in January. He and Thomas look so much alike. Much to our surprise, he has been living about 30 miles away. We have been spending the last few months working on this new relationship. We hope to make a family trip to NY as Phillip would like to see that area.

We wish all a wonderful holiday season.
James, Lynn, Phillip, Thomas, Spikee, Harold and Missy

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Stamping Studio Stamp Retreat




These are 2 pictures from the retreat. There is one with Norma and I. We rode up together. The other one is all the wonderful ladies I met there. So looking forward to going back next year.