Everyone Communicates Few Connect

"Communication" is a word we hear all the time, but the intricacies of this subject are astounding, as John Maxwell conveys exceptionally well in his book. Maxwell takes the reader on a journey of understanding the importance of effective communication, the consequences of poor communication, but the fulfillment that can result from excellent communication. He expresses many points through hilarious stories and analogies, which actually made me "laugh out loud"! He made the, sometimes, tedious parts of this subject easy to read by making the concepts relevant, understandable, and light hearted. This book would be perfect for public speakers, business executives and managers, but would also be a great resource for anyone who is interested in personal development, in the area of communication. I received this complimentary copy, for the purpose of review, from Thomas Nelson, and would give it a five star rating.

Gratitude List Continued

51) A Saviour who cares about the smallest details of my life.

52) Chinese food!

53) A husband who does so much, when I'm up to doing so little (silly headache!)

54) Lots of laughter in the church kitchen. Laughter is like good medicine!

55) Baby steps in achieving a goal!

56) Chatting with a friend who just had a baby! So happy for her :)

57) A postcard sent in the mail for me, from a special little girl. She is so thoughtful for just 8 years old!

58) Quiet time in the car, driving to and from Windsor (I'm sure I've made 20 trips there and back in the last few days!)

59) A new "cashier friend" at Walgreens who helps us find amazing coupon deals!

60) The B - I - B - L - E!

Contagious!

I was thinking last night how contagious this gratitude list has been! I am trying to limit myself to 10 thankful comments per day (don't want to overload my readers!), but sometimes I want to return to my blog and post more! Who would have thought that thankfulness would be so addictive?!

Gratitude List Continued

41) Brisk walk on a beautiful day.

42) An afternoon spent with some wonderful children.

43) Wet socks because the floor was wet from washing dishes (but this is a good thing - the dishes are done!)

44) An amazing husband, who always brings me a blanket and special pillow when I'm about to watch TV.

45) Clear thoughts.

46) Coupons!

47) Many unexpected blessings :)

48) Psalm 23

49) Grandparents who care so much!

50) Laughter, and lots of it!

So what does it look like to worship God all the time?

I am currently reading a book called, "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin. I came upon something interesting and thought provoking last night that I thought I would share. It's something we probably all know, but it is certainly put in an interesting way in this book.

He poses the question, "So what does it look like to worship God all the time?"

Here are his thoughts:

"It's doing everything to draw attention to His greatness and goodness. It's doing the things God commanded us to do and avoiding the things he has forbidden, all with a heart that seeks to please and reflect the Saviour whose sacrifice rescued us from eternal damnation. It's loving our spouse and children, serving others, spending our money, helping the poor, driving our car, going to school, and working at our jobs in ways that bring glory to the Saviour whose praise will never cease".

Now doesn't that put an interesting twist on what we typically consider "worship"! Worship is so much more than singing songs or saying prayers. We can worship in everything!

Gratitude List Continued

31) A delicious "surprise" meal sent over by a very special friend (let me just say - lots of chicken, potatoes, cheese & bacon!!!)

32) A brisk walk in the beautiful sunshine.

33) Contagious yawns! (Just because they provided me with some great laughs this afternoon).

34) Worship songs.

35) Relaxing nights.

36) Books!

37) The Bible - and days when you read something you really needed to read!

38) Hope.

39) One amazing sister. Wish you were here!

40) Faith, hope & love, but the greatest of these is Love.

Gratitude List Continued

21) Windows wide open with the warm breeze drying my freshly mopped floors!

22) A break from the chores with a lovely chat with a friend.

23) A lazy morning - sleeping, relaxing with my hubby, and doing pretty well nothing at all!

24) Looking out the back windows of our home, amazed by God's beautiful creation! Oh - and as I type, a big backhoe cruising through the field with lots of laughing from the children aboard!

25) Peace that surpasses all understanding.

26) For all God has done, is doing, and is going to do!

27) A wonderful Christian heritage.

28) A clear desk, which signifies a clear mind! Ahhh..so nice!

29) Wendys - Mmm, junior hamburger with no pickles and no onions! Doesn't get much better than that!

30) A weekend with absolutely nothing planned!!! (Well, except maybe a surprise visit from dear friends later tonight? I guess we'll know when we see their faces peering in our back window! hehe)

Gratitude List Continued

14) The most delicious carrot cake I have ever eaten, made with love by a very special lady!

15) Homemade pizza that I excitedly enjoyed, but didn't have to cook!

16) Random calls from my Mom, just because.

17) True Joy in the midst of anything!

18) A thoughtful friend who thought enough to call today to make sure I had received a special coupon to my favourite clothing store!

19) Quiet time with Jesus in the early hours of the morning - sometimes it turns out to be a "God-thing" when you can't sleep!

20) Fragrance of a beautiful chocolate candle filling up the room.

My Gratitude List

Inspired by a wonderful friend, I am embarking on a journey of listing 1000 things for which I am grateful. Some simple, everyday things, and some more profound. Either way, I know it will be a good practice to start naming all the blessings that surround me everyday.

1) A dear husband who worked til all hours of the night, doing a little project for me! (The desk looks great Shaun!)

2) Special friends who know just what to say.

3) A cloudy day, perfect for snuggling up on the couch with a great book.

4) Delicious chocolate milk in an A&W mug (chilled in the freezer first!)

5) Fresh touches to our yard, courtesy of Shaun.

6) The Cross.

7) Prayers that are answered.

8) Sound from little ones tinkling on the piano.

9) Peace beyond all understanding.

10) Laughter.

11) Shiny, clean sink (thanks FlyLady!)

12) A family who cares so much.

13) Freedom to worship.

More Coupon Deals!

All of this for $50! Tons of shampoo, shaving cream, soap, tooth paste, hand soap, dish soap, light bulbs, kids soap, moisturizer, hair gel, gum and more!
These were all FREE!
All this for $7.01! This includes 14 packages of pens (reg. $2.99 I believe, on sale for $1.19, but we had $1.00 coupon, which made them .19!) Then there is a $4.50 rebate on the back, so we basically got paid to take these out of the store! Plus high lighters, tooth brushes, and 2 hair gel products! Did I say I LOVE coupon shopping?! Thank you Joanne for shedding the light on this great pass time!

Easter Egg Hunt 2010!

At the school, about to unload all the stuff for the Community Easter Egg Hunt!
Use those muscles Lou!
We had a great time at this year's Hunt! We had approximately 700 - 800 people in attendance, and the kids had a ball! We had 18,200 plastic eggs that we filled with chocolate eggs! The field was just covered!!! More pics to follow shortly!

Couponing!

These are the flyers that are in the Detroit Freepress on Sundays. We just buy 3 papers each week, and then we have plenty of coupons to use during the weeks that follow.
Nut Clusters - All Free!
Yes, my shampoo stash is growing quite rapidly, but most of this was free, or 75% off!
All of this for $2.18!!!!!

Coupon Binder!

Equipped with scissors and more!
Sections for all different sorts of coupons!
Shaun made me this binder - I love it! I take this binder into every store, and save, save, save!

March 22, 2010 - Papa's Grave site

Mom was shining up the grave stone.
Remembering Papa.
I really miss him.

Halifax Trip

Yes, we have wrestling matches at our house..just move the table out of the way! Diana took Mom down to the count of 10.
Dad moved the furniture and breakables out of the way, and then sat and watched!
Go Mom! Go Di!

Trip to Halifax

Eating at Chicken Burger! Mmmmm!!
At East Side Mario's!
Delicious!
Dad & I
Mom & I

Krystyn's Trip To Essex

Krystyn - slurping a delicious milkshake at Steak & Shake!
Well, more couponing! We bought an "Entertainment" book for Detroit - it is HUGE!!! Shaun and I ate at Steak & Shake for $4.00. He had a $3.99 meal, and I had a free burger coupon - and I shared his fries. Great eh?!

OHIO!

Shaun and I just got back this afternoon from two nights in Burton, Ohio. We planned this little getaway last minute on Saturday...and thought that after a busy weekend with the Community Easter Egg Hunt, it might be a good time to take a little vacay!

And Burton was a great choice. We found a little B & B, and the town was so quaint and relaxing. We did lots of walking, and also made a trip to Cleveland to tour around, and have lunch.

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures to post, as we forgot the camera (long story!!) But the memories of that beautiful town will be in my mind forever I'm sure!

I do have other pictures to post (from weeks ago) so I better get to that!! Getting a bit slack :)

Have a great week!

M