Mentionworthy Monday

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Safe Complaints - Extremely thankful for this reminder that no matter how we might rename or attempt to justify complaining, it does not change God's command regarding it and it is just that-complaining.

What I Learned When I Quit Facebook - I haven't completely quit Facebook, but I have scaled back a bit and because I was never a huge Facebook advocate, this leaves my presence there scarce to say the least...and you know what? I haven't missed it. Don't get me wrong there are things that I enjoy about Facebook but I also enjoy not feeling like I NEED to check it. Technology is great until we get so caught up in it that we're doing more internet browsing than verbally communicating. Sometimes we need to take a step back and reevaluate where we are-we need to make sure these modern conveniences are truly that and not our masters. Incidentally, here's another article for you about that particular problem...A Disconnected Connected Society.

How To Have A Real Conversation - In line with the above links, Kathy Pollard shares a reminder on what a REAL conversation should consist of.

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With it being Monday this seemed especially appropriate... 

It's Time for Coffee

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I know you have seen the videos of buckets filled with ice water being dumped over the heads of willing participants. You may have even been one such participant; either way I have little doubt your news feeds aren't filled with these. And on a side-note: I understand this is all in support of a good cause. I am a little fuzzy as to how opting to have a bucket of freezing contents poured on your head rather than donating to the cause is actually helpful. Feel free to clear me up on that, but in the meantime think on these wise words.

"Amazing how many jump at the chance to be doused with ice cold water on behalf of a good cause but balk at being baptized in warm water for an even better cause."

-Barry Grider

Mentionworthy Monday

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Creating A Go-To SPIRITUAL Schedule - Emily Hatfield shares some great tips for single and married ladies alike in this podcast episode. She reminds us that while we may have many other important duties, our spiritual nourishment should always be our focus. To keep our priorities in order, we need a focused yet flexible schedule-fitted to our specific needs of course. Emily shares some things that work for her and will hopefully work for you as well.

The Top 10 Things Moms Do at Target - If you are a mom, you will appreciate this. If you are not yet a mom, read this anyway-you'll still laugh because we know you've seen us doing some of these very things...but beware if you choose to laugh...you might be a mom one day too.

7 Things You Didn't Know About The Wizard of Oz - I remember being terrified of this movie as a child. That wicked witch of the west and her flying monkeys were just a little too much for me. I am happy to report that while I might sometimes pick the moments that her face fills the screen to refill the drinks or popcorn bowl, I have a much greater appreciation for this classic now.

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3 FREE Scripture Coloring Pages

Whether you are a mom of little ones, a classroom teacher or a Bible class teacher these cute coloring pages would be welcomed additions to your curriculum.

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"We have to get back to the Bible. The Doctor has the medicine, but the patients won't take it because it may produce side effects that make me deny myself of things that I want."

- BJ Clarke

(Healthy) Banana Cinnamon Pancakes

   This recipe is easy and it tastes great so it finds its way onto our table regularly. I love it also for its versatility. I made these the other day and also included some nutmeg and ginger. I haven't tried adding fruit to them yet but I would dare say you could do that as well. I am a huge fan of sweet potato pancakes (thank you Cracker Barrel), but I have yet to find the perfect recipe. Perhaps this one could be adapted...if so you'll see a slightly different version of this recipe coming soon!

10 Classics on My Reading List

                  It’s probably my favorite room; a white comforter covers the bed in its center, a mountain of pillows line up against the headboard, nightstands supporting burlap-shaded lamps on either side.  Above hangs distressed black picture frames, displaying frozen moments from our wedding day with the words uttered from Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 1:16) hanging in the center. An antique white dresser faces opposite that inviting bed, holding a preserved bouquet of once white lilies. On the two walls running parallel to the nightstands hang shelves filled with books. Books that have transported me to far off places. I have travelled from the mountains of Montana, to the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, to Wisconsin’s big woods, and even to Forks, Washington.  They have allowed me to visit the mansion of Manderley, the New Jersey home of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and the town of River Heights. Then there are the books that wait to take me on a magical journey. They rest on one of those nightstands. To many they might lend to the idea of clutter or disarray, but to me this cluster of books is but a mountain for to climb. Among this pile rests the words from the creator of Duck Commander, the recollections of a child actor, and the story of a dog at ground zero. There is no particular order to their arrangement. It is a mismatch of fiction and nonfiction-with a few biographies in between, but there is something missing from this stack. Classics. I have read classics. I’ve listened to Kate Chopin describe the summer getaway place of Isle. I’ve imagined the grandeur of the parties thrown in West Egg, Long Island. I’ve longed to visit the Coleman home in the beautifully described Ozark Mountains, but I have never looked between the cover of Panther in the Sky. I can only assume the content of War and Peace is true to its title. There are many classics I’ve simply never read. That’s right I’m admitting it…there are classics I have never read. Of course, I plan to change that starting with these ten.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle

So there you have it-ten classics on my reading list. What do you think? Have you read these? Would you recommend them? What classics are on your TBR list?

A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.

-Italo Calvino