Monday Melange

Main Entry: mé·langePronunciation: \mā-ˈläⁿzh, -ˈlänj\Function: nounEtymology: French, from Middle French, from mesler, meler to mix — more at meddleDate: 1653: a mixture often of incongruous elements

Stuff to tell you:

--At GraceReign, aspiring authors are encouraged to take their passion and make it happen.

--More people are turning to the Internet for their campaign info.

--One of America's first telephone books (circa 1878) is hitting the auction block.

--It's a bird! It's a plane! It's---Gas Men????

--Neatorama shows us some of the strangest Internet Cafes from around the world.

--(Especially if you were around during the 70's to enjoy wacky Christian album covers), don't miss this edition of Divine Vinyl.

--I've been so frustrated in recent years, since it seems forever since one of my favorite novelists, Rosamunde Pilcher, has written anything. (Wikipedia says she retired from writing in 2000.) So I Googled "writes like Rosamunde Pilcher," came up with a list of authors, and went to the library. My favorite so far is Marcia Willett. She has so much in common with Pilcher--including a strong sense of "place" and wonderfully drawn characters. One critic said Willett's characters feel so real to the reader, you feel you should call or e-mail them afterwards. I read A Summer in the Country, loved it, and plan to go back for more.

Have a happy Monday!

Happy Father's Day

I've been twice blessed when it comes to dads.

My own father, who passed away in 2004, was a wonderful, loving dad who loved God and did his best to pass that legacy on to his children--and the father of my children is all of that as well.

I am so thankful for these two men.

Doug, happy Father's Day. You're the best!

And happy Father's Day to all of you men out there who love your children and who are an active, guiding part of their lives.



My dad holding me, circa 1956

I never could stand to get sun in my eyes! I love this picture--not sure how old I am there.

One of my favorite pictures of Doug with Jonathan and Justin, before Elizabeth came along. They look like they're having such fun!


Doug with Liz on his birthday in December. She is a daddy's girl!



A Father's Day thought to leave you with:

4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

The Top 13 TV Dads (according to TiVo)

You can see the entire list of 25 Top TV Dads here.

1. Bill Cosby, The Bill Cosby Show--I can understand this. Bill was just about the perfect dad on that show--loving but firm, and very funny.

2. Andy Griffth, The Andy Griffith Show--Again, great choice. Another one of the TV dads who was loving, caring and wise.

3. Michael Landon, Little House on the Prairie--Amazingly, I never really got into this show, but I did like the wholesomeness it portrayed, and undoubtedly Michael Landon was a great dad on the show.

4. Tom Bosley, Happy Days--I forsook this show long before it "jumped the shark," but Bosley was a great dad for Richie and Joanie. (Funny, Ron Howard got two of the best TV dads on the list!)

5. Hugh Beaumont, Leave it To Beaver--Just like his wife June, Hugh Beaumont's Ward Cleaver has become almost a caricature of a perfect dad. He was a good one, for sure.

6. Robert Young, Father Knows Best--I honestly don't think I've seen anything more than brief clips of this show. I really liked Young in later years when he starred on "Marcus Welby, MD."

7. Robert Reed, The Brady Bunch.--Loved the show...I would've given a lot to look like Marcia Brady! I also liked Reed as the dad.

8. Tim Allen, Home Improvement.--This was one of those shows that I never intentionally watched, but always thought it was pretty funny when I would stumble on it.

9. Stephen Collins, Seventh Heaven--Never seen it. However, my daughter really liked it at one time.

10. Bob Saget, Full House--Great show, and I always thought Saget was really funny. I hear he's pretty potty-mouthed as a standup comic, though.

11. Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond--Calling Ray a great TV dad puzzles me a bit, because (correct me if I'm wrong), not much of the show centered around his kids. In fact, I couldn't find a publicity shot about the show that included the kids. Funny guy, though!

12. Conrad Bain, Diff'rent Strokes--He portrayed a good dad, but too bad the actors who played his TV kids went on to have such troubled lives.

13. Jim Belushi, According to Jim--I've only seen this one a few times, so I can't comment much...but I'm glad Belushi has had more success with his life and career than did his late brother John.

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I talk with author Mindy Starns Clark

Whispers of the Bayou

Today is Word Out Wednesday, and I'm happy to get the word out about a fantastic author! As I blogged about earlier, I recently discovered a writer who has actually been around for a while.

A co-worker loaned me the first in the Million Dollar Mysteries by Mindy Starns Clark, and I was hooked! I love Mindy's writing, her well-drawn characters and her absorbing plots. I still have more to read in the Million Dollar Mysteries series, but I thoroughly enjoyed Mindy's recent stand-alone novel, Whispers of the Bayou.

With its mysterious happenings and romantic setting, this book took me back to the gothic/romantic suspense novels I read voraciously in my younger days...and Mindy told me that's no accident. She explains in this soundclip--and as you'll hear, Mindy and I found some real common ground here!:



I asked Mindy how she is able to give such authenticity to her mystery stories, in this soundclip:



This very versatile woman also wrote a book about organizing your home. Mindy says she's definitely NOT a natural-born cleanie, and she struggled with keeping her home clean. But while writing a book in which the main character was a household hints expert, she had to do a lot of research...and she made some big discoveries:



The result was the book The House That Cleans Itself. You can find out all about Mindy Starns Clark and her books on her website, and you can regularly read her blog, also titled The House that Cleans Itself.

You can also listen to my entire interview with Mindy here.


If you'd like to participate in Word Out Wednesday, all you have to do is blog about something you want to "get the word out" about, and check back with Wondermommy here.

I've got more stuff to tell you...

...than Carter's got pills!

I realize that my posts lately have been of the throwing-a-bunch-of-links-at-you variety, but I just keep running across interesting things to share! So here we go again:

--Today on the 101QFL morning show, Darren and I talked about antiquated phrases. You know, like "roll up the window" or "dial the phone"--things that just don't apply anymore.

We had listeners call in with their own phrases and questions. One guy wanted to know what older people mean when they say things like, "We've got more left-overs than Carter's got little liver pills!" I've heard my own mom use that reference a time or two. I had to check it out, and sure enough, here's the scoop on Carter's little pills, and here's where you can listen to an old-time radio commercial for them.

--Can exercise help prevent addiction to drugs or alcohol? Maybe.

--Holy gadgets! The new iPhone has been unveiled. (I would be content with a cell phone that could hold a charge...)

--The church that brought us "Facing the Giants" will release "Fireproof" in September. From Baptist Press:

Fireproof chronicles the impact of selfishness, financial struggles, emotional adultery and Internet pornography on the seven-year marriage of firefighter Caleb Holt and his wife Catherine, a public relations executive.

It stars Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. More on the movie's official website. It also has a companion site that deals with marriage.

--A couple of fun memes--one at Talk to Grams! and one at Stray Thoughts.

--How are our favorite TV characters dealing with gasoline prices? USA Today Pop Candy links to this list of TV characters who would be feeling the pinch...and Whitney of Pop Candy comes up with her own list of characters who wouldn't be worried about it at all.

Is it only Tuesday? *sigh*...

Monday Melange

Main Entry: mé·langePronunciation: \mā-ˈläⁿzh, -ˈlänj\Function: nounEtymology: French, from Middle French, from mesler, meler to mix — more at meddleDate: 1653: a mixture often of incongruous elements

Monday again...and I'm dragging my feet again! But I do have some link love and interesting stuff to share:

--First of all, a quiz. You've heard of Warren G. Harding and Mary J. Blige, but do you know what those middle initials stand for? Test your knowledge! (By the way, my middle initial is "S" for "Susan." Just thought I'd tell you.)

The Name Behind The Initial



Score: 67% (8 out of 12)

(I guessed on most of 'em. Hat tip to Neatorama.)

--La Shawn Barber is looking for Christian music fans.

--So I knew 80's fashions were horrible, but did they really violate the laws of nature? (Hat tip to Thunderstruck.org)

--In Letters to Young Black Women,"Daniel Whyte III writes a heartfelt book to his six daughters and to other young black women, on the various issues of life that they face today."--From Christian Newswire

--Even Good Vampires are Bad? (Hat tip to Evangelical Outpost.)

--A beautiful montage of the life of Steven Curtis Chapman's little daughter, Maria Sue, at the blog of Steven's manager Jim Houser.

--And Christian singer Nicol Sponberg's sister-in-law Angie Smith has a photo tribute to Nicol's baby Luke, who died recently, at her blog.

--How old are you? Take this quiz to find out! (Hat tip to Darren Marlar.)

1. Name the Beatles.
A. _________________
B. _________________
C. _________________
D. _________________

2. Finish this line... "Lions and Tigers and Bears, ____ _____"

3. "Hey kids, what time is it?" It's______ _____ ______.

4. What do M&M's do? ____ ____ ____ ____ _____, ____ ____ ____ ____

5. What helps build strong bodies 12 ways? ____ _____.

6. Long before he was Mohammed Ali, we knew him as _____ _____.

7. You'll wonder where the yellow went, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___.

8. Post-baby boomers know Bob Denver as the Skipper's "little buddy." But we know that Bob Denver is actually Dobie's closest friend, ______G. _______.

9. M-I-C: See ya' real soon; K-E-Y: _____? ____ _____ _____ _____!

10. "Brylcream: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____."

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone _____ _____.

12. From the early days of our music, real rock 'n roll, finish this line:" I wonder, wonder, wonder...wonder who; ____ ______ _____ _____ _____ ____?"

13. And while we're remembering rock n' roll, try this one: "War...uh-huh, huh...yea; what is it good for?, ____ _____."

14. Meanwhile, back home in Metropolis, Superman fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and _____ ____ _____.

15. He came out of the University of Alabama, and became one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. He later went on to appear in a television commercial wearing women's stockings. He is Broadway _____ ______.

16. "I'm Popeye the sailor man; I'm Popeye the sailor man. I'm strong to the finish, ____ ____ ____ ___ ____. I'm Popeye the sailor man."

17. Your children probably recall that Peter Pan was played once in a movie by Robin Williams, but we will always remember when Peter was played by ______ ______.

18. In a movie from the late sixties, Paul Newman played Luke, a ne'er do well who was sent to a prison camp for cutting off the heads of parking meters with a pipe cutter. When he was captured after an unsuccessful attempt to escape, the camp commander (played by Strother Martin) used this experience as a lesson for the other prisoners, and explained, "What we have here, ____ ____ ____ ____ ___."

19. In 1962, a dejected politician chastised the press after losing a race for governor while announcing his retirement from politics. "Just think, you won't have ____ ____ to kick around anymore."

20. "Every morning, at the mine, you could see him arrive; He stood six foot, six, weighed 245. Kinda' broad at the shoulder, and narrow at the hip. And everybody knew you didn't give no lip, ____ ____,____ ____ ____."

21. "I found my thrill, ____ ____ ____."

22. ____ ____ said, "Good night, Mrs. Calabash, ____ ____ ____."

23. "Good night, David." "____ ____,____.">

24. "Liar, liar, ____ ____ ____."

25. "When it's least expected, you're elected. You're the star today. ____! ____ ____ ____ ____."

26. It was Pogo, the comic strip character, who said, "We have met the enemy, and ____ ____ ____."

ANSWERS:
1. John, Paul, George, Ringo
2. Oh, my
3. It's Howdy Doody Time!
4. They melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
5. Wonder Bread
6. Cassius Clay
7. when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
8. Maynard G. Krebbs
9. Why? Because we like you.
10. A little dab'll do ya.
11. over 30
12. Who wrote the book of love
13. Absolutely nothing'
14. The American way
15. Joe Namath
16. "cause I eats me spinach"
17. Mary Martin
18. is a failure to communicate
19. Richard Nixon
20. Big John, Big Bad John
21. On Blueberry Hill
22. Jimmy Durante - Wherever you are.
23. Good night, Chet.
24. pants on fire
25. Smile you're on Candid Camera
26. he is us

SCORING:
24-26 correct - You're probably 50+ years old
20-23 correct - Most likely in your 40's
15-19 correct - Are we in our 30's?
10-14 correct - Must be in your 20's!!
1- 9 correct - You're, like, sorta a teenage dude?

You know you grew up in the 80's if...

o You've ever ended a sentence with the word "psyche."

o You watched the Pound Puppies.

o You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair " ...and can do the "Carlton" dance.

o If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock."

o You had plastic streamers on your bicycle's handle bars

o You think that was when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.

o You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on the big screen... and still know the turtles names.

o You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

o You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off."

o You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe)

o You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

o You still get the urge to say "not" after every sentence.

o After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

o You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" and "Where's the beef?"

o You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.

o You've gone through reading all of this while nodding your head in agreement.

o "Don't worry, be happy."

o You remember boom boxes. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.

o You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.

o You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.

o You used the term "Way" and "No Way" on a regular basis.

o You still sing "We are the World"

Hat tip to my 101QFL morning show host, Darren Marlar!

I recorded my post today!

I talk about "The Bachelor" and "Livin' La Vida Low Carb"

I just didn't feel like typing it all out...so I voiced it. It's less than five minutes long, and if you like, you can listen to it here.

13 Things to Tell You About

Yep, I'm continuing my recent Thursday Thirteen theme of giving you 13 links to things I deem interesting and hope you will too! If you're visiting TT's and don't have time to linger, bookmark this site and come back later to check out the links.

Here we go:

1) Baptist Press has an interview with Kirk Cameron about his new book, Still Growing. BP's Phil Boatwright calls the book, along with Willie Aames of Eight is Enough's book, Grace is Enough, "a one-two punch in the solar plexus of child stardom."

2) Parents Magazine is looking for the Cutest Kid in America. (Hat tip to Dena Dyer of Mother Inferior)

3) Franky Schaeffer, son of Christian theologian and philosopher Francis Schaeffer, is a lifelong Republican--but he wants Obama to win.

4) For those of you who are already suffering "Lost" withdrawal, a few tidbits. First of all, did you know there's a band called Previously on Lost? They actually sing songs re-capping episodes of the show. And...

5) Blogger Jason Hunter believes:

The LOST series revolves around the use of a quasi-conventional time machine. All of the "mysteries" that the show presents can be explained through an understanding of how this time machine is used.

Find out more...or just get more confused...at Hunter's Time Loop Theory.

And...

6) Harold Perrineau, who played Michael on "Lost," is attempting to clarify some race-related comments he made about his (second) exit from the show.

7) Tomorrow is National Donut Day...and it seems there are some free donuts involved.

8) The 25 people who changed food in America. (Yes, John Kellogg of Corn Flake fame and chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey are there, but so are Thomas Jefferson and Upton Sinclair.)(hat tip to Thunderstruck.org)

9) Do you love flip-flops? You may be hurting your feet.

10) Is "Sex and the City" misogynistic? Joe Carter of the Evangelical Outpost thinks so.

11) "If you blog about something and nobody reads it, is it really a blog?"--That's just one of the witty blogging questions Carol is asking at She Lives.

12) What would the Garfield comic strip be like without Garfield...in fact, without anyone but Jon? This site shows you.

13) Robin Jones Gunn's enjoyable new novel, Sisterchicks Go Brit, has only affirmed my longtime dream of going to England (and Ireland, and Scotland...) Speaking of enjoyable fiction, I recently finished Mindy Starns Clark's Whispers of the Bayou and did an interview with Mindy, which I will blog about soon!

Happy Thursday to all!

Jane Kirkpatrick's "A Mending at the Edge"

Today is Word Out Wednesday, and I'm delighted to get the word out about Jane Kirkpatrick's A Mending at the Edge.

Jane Kirkpatrick is one of my very favorite novelists, Christian or otherwise, and I was delighted to interview her recently about this, the third and final book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series.

I especially appreciate my interview with Jane, because she had to go to the top of a mountain near her Oregon home to make it possible! Her home phone was acting up due to a recent power outage, and she couldn't get her cell phone to work in her home. What a trouper!

I've blogged previously about Jane's writing:

From the time I picked up Jane's book, A Sweetness to the Soul,I realized that here was a very remarkable Christian author. Her beautiful,lyrical writing style would grace any writing genre...Few authors possess such a gift of evoking a mood or capturing a description sheerly through finely crafted wordsmithing and absorbing storytelling.

I was also delighted to provide endorsement comments that appear on the flyleaf of the second book in this series:

A Tendering in the Storm is one of Jane Kirkpatrick’s most compelling novels yet–and that’s saying something! With her skilled and lyrical writing, Kirkpatrick brings to vivid life the beauty and severity of pioneer living, a complex provocative villain, and a story that grabs the reader and won’t let go. But most of all, Emma Giesy emerges as a remarkable heroine: appealing and vulnerable, but possessing tenacious courage and true strength. This book kept me turning pages far into the night!

In our interview, Jane told me that she's thrilled that A Mending at the Edge was nominated for a Christy award. Listen to her comments.

In this clip, Jane talks about how she searches out historical facts, data and trivia to flesh out the characters in her historical novels.

You can listen to the entire interview here.



Find out more about Jane Kirkpatrick and her wonderful books at her website.

And feel free to read my reviews of some of her previous books:


A Name of Her Own/Every Fixed Star
A Clearing in the Wild

(You can participate in Word Out Wednesday simply by blogging about anything you want to get the word out about, and checking back here!)

Monday Melange

Main Entry: mé·langePronunciation: \mā-ˈläⁿzh, -ˈlänj\Function: nounEtymology: French, from Middle French, from mesler, meler to mix — more at meddleDate: 1653: a mixture often of incongruous elements

Did you have a nice week-end? As usual, mine was too short! The weather was beautiful, and I got to spend some quality time with my husband. We are experiencing an empty-nest dry run, as my 21-year-old daughter is in Texas for a visit of several weeks.

Some stuff to tell you about:

--Well, what did you think of the "Lost" finale? Any favorite moments? (SPOILER ALERT! if you haven't seen it yet): I loved the re-uniting of Penny and Desmond...Kate and Sawyer's kiss (although I'm probably more a Jater than a Skater)...Sawyer calling the pilot "Kenny Rogers" and Jack "Sundance"...well, there were tons of amazing moments. Oh, and Yunjin Kim definitely needs an Emmy for her acting in the scene where Jin gets left behind.

So how am I going to be able to wait until 2009 for the next season?!?

--If you're a Jason Castro fan, you need to read Ashley's account of seeing his welcome-home performance in Rockwall, Texas.

--So Barack Obama will be looking for a new church.

--In the wake of the death of his 5-year-old daughter, people are opening their hearts and pocketbooks to Steven Curtis Chapman's adoption charity, Shaohannah's Hope.

--Are you suffering from "news fatigue"?

--Mrs Fussypants has made me laugh again! Check out Fussy's Frump Fightin' Manifesto.

--Are bananas really a superfood that can cure everything from depression to ulcers? Find out by listening to the latest edition of Cindy Swanson, CyberSnoop!

13 Things to Tell You About

Happy Thursday! As always, if you're surfing Thursday Thirteens, bookmark this site and come back when you can pursue the links that interest you!

1) Lost season finale tonight! Show co-creators Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof talk about how the space-time continuum will figure into the plot in this USA Today story.

2) Don't forget, you can watch this video to see all the "Lost" flash-forwards in chronological order.

3. The sister-in-law of Nicol Sponberg has set up an e-mail account where you can leave messages of condolences and support: sponbergfamily@gmail.com Nicol is a Christian musician, formerly of the group Selah, whose 10-week-old son died Tuesday night. More here.

4. Steven Curtis Chapman's manager, Jim Houser, blogs about how the Chapman's are holding up after the death last week of their 5-year-old daughter Maria.

5. Jim also recaps Maria's memorial service here.

6. The much-maligned Spam--and I'm talking about the food product, not the e-mail stuff--is gaining in popularity. (I will never understand that gelatinous substance in the can...)

7. Tired of all the depressing, negative stuff on the Internet? You may want to check out a site called Amazingly Blessed.

8. Hmmm...looks like Jerry Falwell isn't the only person to believe in divine retribution. Sharon Stone, anyone?

9. We Christians can sometimes be pretty judgmental about other people's sins. But what about the sin of gluttony? Evangelical Outpost weighs in on the issue (no pun intended) with Sin on a Bun.

10. Dr. Seuss and Linus Pauling have been inducted into the California Hall of Fame--along with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Jane Fonda, Quincy Jones and Jack LaLanne.

11. Another airline nixes free inflight snacks.

12. A country music site lists the 20 Top War and Soldier Songs.

13. Why David Archuleta Didn't Win. (hat tip to Quoth the Maven)

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Another tragedy to report...

Nicol Sponberg

Just after the news of the death last week of the 5-year-old daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman, another tragedy for a Christian music artist.

The infant son of Nicol Sponberg, formerly of the group Selah, has passed away. This from the blog of Nicol's sister-in-law, Angie Smith:

Todd's sister Nicol (she sang in Selah) had her second child on March 18th of this year. His name is Luke.

Last night around 9:00 central time, she went to check on him and he was not breathing. Paramedics were called but they were unable to resuscitate him.

Our nephew Luke Gregory Sponberg is now in heaven with Audrey, just 7 short weeks after we lost her.

(Todd and Angie's baby daughter, Audrey Caroline, lived only a short time after being born seven weeks ago.)

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Stuff to tell you!

Today is Word Out Wednesday, and I do have a bunch of stuff to tell you about...

--Are you a "Lost" fan who's confused by the chronology of the flash-forwards? This video puts them in order for you.(Hat tip to USA Today Pop Candy.)

--The man who composed and whistled the theme to The Andy Griffith Show has passed away. Hagen also wrote the themes to "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "I Spy," among others.

--Look for former American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar in commercials for Nationwide Insurance--and yes, there will be jokes about his hair.

--Does the "F" in "F word" stand for "fired"? An online survey of 2000 executives finds that potty mouths make poor employees.

--Quote o' The Day:

"If you can't watch a movie with one of your grown children without feeling embarrassed, there's something wrong with the movie, not you." —Parade magazine gossip columnist Walter Scott

(Hat tip to Culture Clips.)

--The casts of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley are expected to be on hand in Milwaukee for the unveiling of a bronze statue of The Fonz.

--Congratulations to my father-in-law, Pastor Melvin Swanson, for 55 years of service at the Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. That's a pretty amazing record! We celebrated the anniversary on Sunday, and the picture here is of the family members who were able to attend.





If you'd like to participate in Word Out Wednesday, simply blog about anything you'd like to get the word out about, then check in here.

"Sweet Caroline"

When you head off to the beach or on vacation, be sure and tuck a copy of Rachel Hauck's Sweet Caroline in your tote bag. It's the perfect, pleasant diversion for a carefree summer's day.

Caroline Sweeney has a dilemma. Should she stay on as owner/manager of an iconic small-town Southern cafe, or accept a once-in-a-lifetime job with Spain's version of Donald Trump?

Either choice has major implications for other people besides Caroline. If she ditches the cafe, its longtime employees could lose their jobs and the little town could lose a beloved landmark. If she accepts the job in Spain, she could lose the re-budding romance with her ex-boyfriend, who is now a major country singing star.

"Sweet Caroline" is one of those appealing novels in which you truly enjoy spending time with the characters. Caroline is lovely, funny and relatable. Her spiritual journey from near-agnostic to joyful new convert is unforced and believable. The character of her ex-boyfriend, Mitch O'Neal, is attractive and appealing.

What choice will Caroline make? You'll enjoy finding out. Rachel Hauck's writing is fresh, breezy and contemporary, and this book is as refreshing as an ice-cold root beer on a hot summer day.

Ready for the long weekend...

--The longtime pastor of Steven Curtis Chapman, Scotty Smith, has been ministering to the family in the wake of the death of their 5-year-old daughter Maria.

--Fellow blogger and fellow radio personality Rodney Olsen of Australia has posted an interview he did with transplanted Australian Mike Rayson, who lives in Nashville. Rayson's 11-year-old son died a year ago, and another son almost died recently. He tells Rodney:

I've read Psalm 23 a lot this year...I've discovered a promise inside the psalm that now fits at the very core of my faith, and the core of faith of many people in many places. The writer of the psalm goes on to write: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil for--and these I believe are the four most important words in the Bible--thou art with me. That's the secret of our faith, that even though sometimes we will journey deep and dark places... the promise is sure that despite what we go through,what we encounter, where we end up,what life throws at us, that we have this promise--that God will always be with us, in the bad times as well as the good times, but more importantly, I think, in the bad times. We have this promise that we'll never be left alone.

In other news...and stuff...:

--Purgatorio has another classic edition of Divine Vinyl, showcasing cheesey Christian album covers of yesteryear...

--Here's a mini Fitness Friday recap: I've exercised four times this week and am headed to the gym this afternoon. I haven't lost any significant poundage on the scale recently--just a quarter-pound last week--but I DO feel like I'm losing weight. I've recently started taking chromium picolinate every day, having heard and read that it's good for diabetics.

--You can take a 10-day tour that chronicles C.S. Lewis' Christian journey through England--spots are still available on the September 6th and October 4th departures.

--Christian Newswire reports that if elected, Barack Obama would be the abortion president.

--This husband, father, deacon and grad student confesses: he loves chick flicks. (Hat tip to semicolon)

--Remember last year's American Idol runner-up, Melinda Doolittle--she of the incredible voice, but who wasn't quite as young and gorgeous as the winner, Jordin Sparks? Well, you should soon be able to buy Melinda's album.

Everyone go out and have an amazing Memorial Day weekend...

A tragedy for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman

UPDATE: Here is a site where you can go to leave your personal condolences to Steven and his family.

"After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing
— our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted
to experience more of that"

Just after reporting yesterday the happy news of the engagement of Steven Curtis Chapman's oldest daughter, some tragic news for the Chapman family.





AP reports today that the youngest of Chapman's adopted daughters, 5-year-old Maria, has died after being run over in the family driveway.




Please keep the family in your prayers.

Chapman and his wife have been active in promoting international adoption, and founded Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.

Be thankful for your big hips

...and other stuff to tell you

This is Word Out Wednesday, and I'm getting the word out about several different things today. Here we go...

--Apparently scientists are now saying that all fat on your body is not created equal.

--Steven Curtis Chapman's [pictured above] sentimental new song, "Cinderella," is about to come true in real life. According to Chapman's manager, Steven's daughter Emily got engaged over the weekend. Congratulations, Emily and Tanner!

--Christian singer Jeremy Camp is guest-starring on a new faith-based web TV series called "Tyler's Ride." From the website:

Created and produced by Paulist Productions, Tyler’s Ride is the latest in the growing world of Internet television. With general market hits like Quarterlife and Roommates, this expanding medium is becoming a launching point for writers and actors, showcasing new talent such as Tyler’s Ride lead actors Grant Alan and Natalie Wachen. Also featuring Christian music favorite, Jeremy Camp, in his acting debut, new episodes of the web series are posted each Tuesday, taking viewers into the life of Tyler, an aspiring musician, and his quest to follow his dreams.

The show is partnering with IndieHeaven, the leading Christian independent artist organization, to present Scene And Heard, a contest for independent songwriters around the world. Find out more here. July 31st is the deadline.

--Former Women of Faith speaker Thelma Wells is now on board with the Extraordinary Women conferences.

“Thelma brings a wealth of wisdom, humor, and the keen ability to communicate biblical truths out of a heart that understands the issues and challenges that women face everyday,” says Julie Clinton, president of the Extraordinary Women Association. “She has an instant connection with the audience.”

(If you'd like to participate in Word Out Wednesday, just blog about anything you want to get the word out about, and check in here.)

I'm at the Internet Cafe today...

I'm blogging here today:

Around the blogosphere...

Here it is Tuesday, and I've had a really hard time scaring up energy to blog lately!

So I've decided to make a fly-round of the blogs on my bloglines feeds and tell you what some of them are up to. Here we go:

--Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee is talking about making good first impressions.

--Angela at A Life in Pages points us to an online vocabulary game that will help feed the world's poor.

--Debra of As I See It Now points us to some clothespin art.

--Darla of Beauty Inside and Out is asking for tips on keeping bunnies and deer out of her vegetable garden.

--Joe of The Evangelical Outpost doesn't think many homosexual man really want a monogamous marriage.

--Dave at Jollyblogger asks: "What are you afraid to say at church?"

--Linda of Mocha with Linda blogs about Lisa Samson's Embrace Me.

--Dena Dyer of Mother Inferior has an award-winning husband.

--Randy at Reflections in Life is remembering gospel music legend Dottie Rambo.

--Rodney Olsen posts a video from Haiti.

--Sherry of Semicolon says Prince Caspian is everywhere.

There you go...those are just a few. Maybe my own brain will feel a return to creativity at some point!

Hallelujah, it's Friday!

I can't tell you how glad I am that it's Friday--even though, thanks to my trip to Texas, I only had a 3-day work week! Just a few things to share before the weekend sets in...

--Well, shut my mouth wide open! A girl named Whitney has become the first plus-sized model to win America's Next Top Model. However, looking at her pictures, the characterization of Whitney as being "plus sized" just makes me laugh...or cry!

--"Lost" completely blew me away last night. Fascinating show, great writing, terrific acting.

--Mrs Fussypants has given birth to an adorable little boy.

--It's been a while since I've participated in Fit Friday, but know that I have by no means abandoned my fitness journey. I've lost 27 pounds, and I exercise 4 or 5 times a week...sometimes more. I even exercised three of the four full days I was in Texas. I'm still using my knee brace, and it's working great.

--As a diabetic, I often long for something refreshingly fruity to drink. Lately, I'm loving Fuse Slenderize.

That's all I have time for today. Everyone go out and have a blessed weekend!

Thirteen Things to Tell You About

As always, if you're flitting from Thursday Thirteen to Thursday Thirteen, bookmark this page and come back to pursue the links that interest you!

1. The "Lost" Season 4 finale begins tonight! The bummer: we won't get to see the last two hours of the finale until 2 weeks from now. If you can't wait until tonight, here's a few sneak peeks.

2. Sadly, while driving from Texas to Illinois last weekend, my husband and son came upon the wreck that claimed the life of gospel music legend Dottie Rambo. Now, Christian Newswire reports that what is believed to be the last interview with Dottie will air on the Gospel Music Channel.

3. Here's a video of Sandi Patty singing one of my favorite Dottie Rambo songs, "We Shall Behold Him." (That's Dottie herself in the background, obviously being blown away by Sandi's rendition.)

4. Men's Health recently highlighted the most unhealthy food in America.

5. Men's Fitness has named the 25 Fittest Guys in America--they say Tiger Woods tops the list, which also includes a certain presidential candidate.

6. I guess this is one way to beat those high gas prices!

7. Google has passed up Yahoo to become America's most popular website.

8. USA Today likes Prince Caspian.

9. Good News interviews C. S. Lewis stepson' Douglas Gresham about Caspian and related matters, and Movieguide.org also talks with Gresham.

10. Happy 60th birthday, Israel!

11. UPDATE!!! (5/21/08) Thanks so much to Bonnie Bruno of MacroMoments for alerting me to the fact that my link to a children's drawing site (that I had originally posted here) had turned into a nasty adult site. Yikes! that kind of thing ticks me off. :(

12. Interested in The Hobbit movie? You can take part in an online chat about it with producer Peter Jackson and director Guillermo del Toro.

13. I haven't experimented with it yet, but this website that bills itself as a "media playground" looks intriguing.

Back from Texas!

What a wonderful trip! Our main reason for going was to see our oldest son, Jonathan, graduate from Texas State University with his MBA. But another highlight was getting to spend time with our adorable grandson, Payton, and me getting to spend Mother's Day with my own mom...as well as spending time with all my loved ones who live in Texas. Thought I would share some pics:

At the Cafe Java on the morning of Graduation Day. My mom and Daylyn's parents are there too--it was the first time we had been with both Daylyn's parents since the wedding in 2004! (They live in Idaho.)

My face is always beaming when I'm in a picture with Payton!

Proud parents with our graduate! An MBA is quite an accomplishment...especially when you're holding down a full-time job and being a new daddy.

Jonathan, Daylyn and baby Payton--who was remarkably good sitting through the lengthy graduation ceremony!

At a picnic the next day to honor Jon--Grandpa obliged Payton on the swing.

Also at the picnic--my adorable little niece Arden (my brother's youngest daughter.)

My beautiful mom and me on Sunday morning, Mother's Day. It was the first time I've spent Mother's Day with my mother since 1976!!!

The only child of mine I got to be with on Mother's Day--my firstborn, Jonathan.

Mom with three of her children (my sister Bev couldn't make it)--me, David and Lisa.

Packing my bags....

I'm getting ready to head out tomorrow for O'Hare and Texas! My son Jonathan is graduating with his MBA on Friday night, and God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be there.

I probably won't be blogging while I'm gone, so look for me again around the middle of next week.

Of course, I would appreciate any prayers for traveling mercies...which remind me of a funny post on Stuff Christians Like:

The first time my brother prayed for "traveling mercies" I thought he was
praying for a band. Honestly, it sounds like a side project Dave Matthews and
that insanely muscular violin player are involved in. "Tonight, opening up for
Widespread Panic, it's the Traveling Mercies!"

Monday Melange

Main Entry: mé·langePronunciation: \mā-ˈläⁿzh, -ˈlänj\Function: nounEtymology: French, from Middle French, from mesler, meler to mix — more at meddleDate: 1653: a mixture often of incongruous elements

Stuff to tell you on this beautiful Cinco de Mayo morning...

--The C.S. Lewis Society is planning a luncheon and private screening of Prince Caspian in San Francisco on May 17th. (from ChristianNewswire.com)

--Speaking of Prince Caspian--here are 12 spiritual lessons you can learn from it. (hat tip to Evangelical Outpost.)

--Are you a mom whose mornings are really crazy--and has kids who are Jonas Brothers fans? You might want to enter the "Moms Craziest Morning" contest here.

--I must say the late Heath Ledger is riveting in the latest trailer for The Dark Knight.

--For some reason, I find the mullet hairstyle (so popular in the 80s) hilarious. So I loved The Top 15 Most Awesome Celebrity Mullets. (Of course Billy Ray Cyrus is on the list--did you even have to ask?) By the way, I totally forgot that both Chuck Norris and Kiefer Sutherland used to sport mullets. The most outrageous, though, has to be Andre Agassi, who looked like he had a squirrel attached to the back of his head.

--Diabetes: The Musical? The winner of this year's Bayer Dream Fund will " 'compose and perform a play about managing life with diabetes,' complete with song and dance numbers." (hat tip to Diabetes Mine)

--A document called The Evangelical Manifesto is expected to be released this week. The document "faults Christians on the right and left for 'using faith' to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible.

--A Zion, Illinois man wants to legally change his name to "In God We Trust."

Happy Monday, everyone!

13 things to tell you about...

OK, apparently The Powers That Be at Thursday Thirteen want us to use their suggestions for a topic each week...but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to do that very often! Today, as I often do, I offer you a list of a variety of links' n things. If you're busily cruising TT's, but you see something that sparks your interest, bookmark me and come back later!

1. Today is the National Day of Prayer. You may want to check out this page on "How Prayer Works" and this one for some great quotes about prayer. One of my favorites:

"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness."
-- Martin Luther

2. Although she didn't always perform well or have an amazing voice, I'm sad to see Brooke White leave American Idol. And I guess I'm not the only one. Linda at Second Cup of Coffee links to an MSNBC story about how Carly Simon is a big Brooke White fan.

3. For fellow Lost fans: an interview with incredible actor Michael Emerson, who plays Ben Linus.

4. Al Mohler has some wise words about Grand Theft Auto IV.

5. Meantime, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is up in arms against Grand Theft Auto IV.

6. Author and blogger Katy McKenna Raymond has come up with a (tongue-in-cheek) creed that I can definitely get on board with! An instant classic, in my opinion.

7. More really awful and hilarious old school Christian album covers in Purgatorio's latest edition of Divine Vinyl.

8. A list of the 50 Most Influential US Political Pundits.

9. The serious problem of eating disorders, especially among young women and girls, is the target of the faith-based True Campaign. From the website:

The True Campaign exists to end the crisis of poor self image by
challenging cultural ideals about identity and beauty, so we can be free to
impact our world as God intended.

I just interviewed Constance Rhodes of the FINDINGbalance, which is co-sponsoring the True Campaign with Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders...will blog more about it later.

10. The Miley Cyrus thing is really frustrating for a lot of parents.

11. Meantime, Tyra Banks is defending Miley.

12. If you enjoyed my interview with singer/author Andrew Peterson, check out his team blog, The Rabbit Room.

13. I'm almost finished reading Jane Kirkpatrick's wonderful A Mending at the Edge. Check out more about Jane and her writings here.