What I'm Reading ~ 10/15/18

Today I'm reading:

A fiercehearted woman looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." She knows love is a risk but reaches out anyway. She chases Jesus with a tender, world-changing wildness. She never gives in, never gives up, and never lets go. Best of all, the potential to be a fiercehearted woman is inside each and every woman on earth.

In her most powerful book yet, beloved bestselling author Holley Gerth inspires her readers to become the stronger, braver, truer women they long to be by sharing personal stories of her own struggles and victories. As readers join Holley on this journey, they'll discover a freedom they never imagined could be theirs: the freedom to experience life, love, and faith to the fullest because fear can no longer hold them back.

For the woman who is restless or longing for more, Fiercehearted is an invitation to the life God has always meant for her to embrace.     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 10/14/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

 

Romans 12:2

 

 

Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 10/13/18

Well, I've decided to go back to posting my weekly weigh-ins here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  Managing two blogs was just a pain in the patooty.

I'm still doing the #Last90days Challenge that you can read more about HERE.  It is basically a challenge to live the last 90 days of 2018 like you would the first month of the year with resolutions going full force.  It actually is more about changing your habits than resolutions though.  Again, go to the post above to read more details.

I've added a column to my daily planner with the numbers 1-5 so that I can mark off each day that I complete one of the 5 to Thrive points.  I love when I get to mark all 5 points off!

(Just to let you know:  I'll be doing my actual weigh in on Friday mornings and then posting the results here on Saturday.  That gives me a bit of time to write the post.)

On to this week's weigh in!

Here are some stats:


Starting Weight on 9/10/18 ~ 276.6 lbs
9/17/18 ~ No Weigh-In
9/21/18 ~  281.6        Total:  +5.0        Needed:  -1.0
9/28/18 ~  280.2        Total:    -1.4        Needed:   -1.0
10/5/18 ~ 278.4         Total:   -1.8         Needed:  -1.0
10/12/18~ 277.2        Total:   -1.2         Needed:  -1.0

Total:                                    +0.6                          -4.0


Total Needed to be on track:  -4.6


Exercise Last Week

Friday ~ 30 minutes
Saturday ~  30 minutes
Sunday ~  30 minutes
Monday ~ 30 minutes
Tuesday ~30 minutes
Wednesday ~
Thursday ~ 

Diet

The #Last90days Challenge has been so good for me and my diet!  The food that I gave up was junk food and I have been killing it since starting the challenge on October 1st.  I think I only caved one day and had a small cupcake.  Even that cupcake made me realize that it wasn't worth not being able to put that check mark next to #4 on the 5 to Thrive for that day.


How was your week?


Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 10/12/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

 Saint Charles, Missouri, 1865

 

Never mind that four months had passed since General Lee's surrender.  Maren never walked the apple orchard or the wheat field without careful watch for bushwhackers and jayhawkers.

 

 

Page 56

"Wonderful!" Hattie said.  "Mother's already working on a Soldier's Cot Quilt for the hospital, and I'll make a One Patch."
 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 10/11/18

~Have you heard of the #last90days Challenge going on at www.thechicsite.com and #madeformore on facebook?  If you haven't, check it out!  It has been an amazing encouragement to me the past 2 weeks.  I'm getting better sleep, working out more, drinking more water, eating less junk and have been more grateful every day.  I'm so glad I stumbled upon it :)

~I got new eye glasses!  Lately contacts have been bothering my eyes so I started wearing my glasses.  However, they were a couple years old and not an up-to-date prescription.  I made the call and got an appointment with my eye dr. and poof, here I sit with a pair of newer, trendier glasses :)

~The family and I went to see "Venom" at the theater on Saturday evening.  I was kinda just going along to spend time with the family and not very excited about the movie choice.  I was greatly and pleasantly surprised that I loved the movie!  It is a Marvel film and every Marvel film has a little piece at the end to keep you hanging.  Well, it did and I can't wait for the next movie!

~We came home Sunday after Church to NO WATER!  We thought we might have to purchase a new well pump which is very expensive.  I was feeling down and then my hubby came into the Family Room to tell me that they hit the pump gauge with a hammer and, voila, we had water again!  Dodged that bullet :)

~I picked out and bought my new planner for 2019!  I spent way too long in the stationary aisle trying to decide which planner to get.  My family just kept coming back to see if I was ready to go yet.  It took me at least 30 minutes to decide!  I am such a stationary geek :) 

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Wordless Wednesday ~ 10/10/18

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Colletta



The Menu ~ 10/9/18

For the Week of 10/9/18-10/15/18

Tuesday:            Meatloaf, Buttered Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches

Wednesday:       Chinese, Rice, Broccoli, Oranges

Thursday:         Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Cole Slaw, Cherry Pizza

Friday:               Fish, Buttered Noodles, Carrots, Peaches

Saturday:           Eating at the Fall Foliage Festival

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Ravioli, Garlic Bread, Peas, Apples


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

What I'm Reading ~ 10/8/18

Today I'm reading:

When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household.

But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Woolly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Woolly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond their past hurts.   

Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost such decisions demand of her heart. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?     

What are you reading?

Colletta

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 6 ~ Belong

October 6, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "BELONG".

When I think of belonging, I immediately think of my Church Family.

I mean, if you don't feel like you belong at your Church there is something wrong.

Within my Church Family, we have a Ladies Group.  We meet every second Tuesday to share a potluck meal and have a devotion.

I've belonged to this group since I was born.  My Mom took me to the Ladies Group Meeting from the time I was born and I've taken my daughters from the time they were born.

I love that they have this group of ladies to look up to as they go through the changes in their lives just as I've looked up to the ladies as I've grown.

As I think back to when I was young, the group has changed as the older generation passes away but their memory lives on as we talk and tell stories about them.

I am glad that I belong to our Church and to the Ladies Group.  They are my family.  My forever family.

So, I have a question for you...

Do you belong to a Church Family?


Come back tomorrow to read my five minutes on "HOPE".

Colletta


My 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes:

Day 1 ~ Story
Day 2 ~ Afraid
Day 3 ~ Believe
Day 4 ~  Why
Day 5 ~ Share

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 5 ~ Share

October 5, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "SHARE".

I read someone's writing for today (From This Side of the Pond) and she wrote about her sister and how she learned to share.  So now all I can think about is my brother.  I guess I'm stealing her idea a bit  :)

My brother is only 18 months older than me so we grew up very much together.  We played; we fought; we made up; but always, he was there for me.

I was very shy as a child and I can remember physically and emotionally HIDING behind by big brother.  I knew that as long as I was with him I'd be OK.

We're now both married with kids and are busy with our everyday lives even though we only live 10 minutes apart. 

We make it a point to get together for a family meal once a week, usually on Thursday or Friday evening.  Our Mom cooks and we all eat :)

This makes me wonder?  Are you close to your siblings?  Do you have family dinners and if you do how often.

I am eternally grateful for my big brother, Danny, and everything that we have shared and will continue to share.


Come back tomorrow to read my five minutes on "BELONG".

Colletta


My 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes:

Day 1 ~ Story
Day 2 ~ Afraid
Day 3 ~ Believe
Day 4 ~  Why

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 4 ~ Why

October 4, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "WHY".

These days the meaning of "WHY" is your reason.  Such as, what is your why?

But "why" is really a question.  I have a ton of questions that go through my head daily.

Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do good things happen to bad people?
Why is my 11 year old so mouthy?
Why am I me?  (Did you ever ponder that one???  lol)
Why can't I lose weight?
Why is the sky blue?

and on and on and on and on....

Do you think when we get to Heaven we'll still have our questions in our mind to ask Jesus?  Like the popular saying:  "When I get to Heaven, I'm going to ask that question."

Personally, I think we'll be in such awe that we won't care about all those "why's" anymore.

What do you think?

Come back tomorrow to read my five minutes on the Five Minute Friday Prompt.

Colletta


My 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes:

Day 1 ~ Story
Day 2 ~ Afraid
Day 3 ~ Believe

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 3 ~ Believe

October 3, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "BELIEVE".

There are so many directions I could take with the word "BELIEVE".  I could write about my spiritual beliefs but I've already done that (check out my tab at the top for the Biblical Way of Salvation).

I think I need to keep going with my mini-theme of mental health and my diagnosis of Bipolar 2.  How, do I incorporate today's word into that?

Very simply.  I must believe that there is a reason that I deal with anxiety, depression and Bipolar 2.

Do I know that reason?  Not at this point.  Although, as I get older, I'm starting to get glimpses.  I may go into further detail with that tomorrow if I'm brave enough.

This was a lot harder to write than I thought!  My five minutes flew by without getting much written!

Come back tomorrow to read my five minutes on "WHY".

Colletta


My 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes:

Day 1 ~ Story
Day 2 ~ Afraid

The Menu ~ 10/2/18

For the Week of 10/2/18-10/8/18

Tuesday:            Chicken, Alfredo Noodles, Green Beans, Apples

Wednesday:       Chinese, Rice, Broccoli, Oranges

Thursday:         Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Cole Slaw, Cherry Pizza

Friday:               Soup, Toasted Cheese Sandwiches

Saturday:           Pizza

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Peaches


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 2 ~ Afraid

October 2, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "AFRAID".

I have to admit how afraid I was to post yesterday's "Story" post and tell you about my issues with Bipolar 2.

In fact, as I went to bed I had second thoughts and almost got out of bed to delete the post.  I felt so vulnerable.  So....  OUT there.

Now, though, I'm glad to have let the post go live.

I have to also admit to being a bit afraid of the actual diagnosis of Bipolar 2.  In fact, I haven't told all that many people in real life.  Why is there such as stigma attached?

I can't believe that was five minutes already!

I didn't get much written about being afraid today, but know that I'm still afraid at times and cling to the power of prayer daily.

Come back tomorrow to read my five minutes on "Believe".

Colletta


My 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes:

Day 1 ~ Story

#Last90Days ~ 5 to Thrive

Rachel Hollis has started a Challenge to live the #Last90day of 2018 as you do the first 30 days of the year when all those resolutions are fresh.  The Challenge starts today, October 1st and runs through December 31st.

I've given it much thought and finally decided to join in.

Rachel's "5 to Thrive" are:

Some of these are going to be very difficult, I'll admit it now!

1.  Get up an hour earlier ~ I already get up at 5:30am but then after I get the kids off to school I usually lay back down for a bit.  I'm going to strive to thrive at staying up and spending that extra time on the things I enjoy.

2.  Workout for at least 30 minutes ~ I've been doing pretty good at this already except for on the weekends.  I plan on trying to get those walks in Saturday and Sunday also.

3.  Drink half of your body weight in oz of water ~  WHAT???  lol  I'll probably be peeing my pants but other than my early morning caffeine, my plan is to only drink water.

4.  Give up one food category you know you shouldn't be eating ~  I'm already trying really hard not to snack on junk food.  That will be what I'll strive to give up.

5.  Write down 10 things you're grateful for every single day ~ This one should be easy as long as I take the time to do it.  I guess I'll mark that in for when my naptime would have been :)


I have an extra calendar that I'm going to use to keep a log of how I'm doing during the #Last90Days and blog an update each Monday.

How about you?  Are you going to join in the #Last90Days Challenge?


Colletta

31 Day of Five Minute Free Writes ~ Day 1 ~ Story

October 1, 2018

Today's writing prompt is the word "STORY".

I know a lot of people will probably tell you THEIR story.  At first I wasn't going to do the same but as I think about it and am typing, I feel the burden to tell you something about myself that I haven't yet.

I've been skirting around the topic for some time.  About 8 months, in fact.

Just around 8 months ago, I was diagnosed as having Bipolar 2.

I've written on my blog many times about my depression and anxiety issues but something about coming out and telling you that I struggle with Bipolar 2 was scary for some reason.

I'm still me.  I just take a different prescription to help with the symptoms.

What a relief to tell you that aspect of my story.

My five minutes is up but my "STORY" isn't.

If you have questions about Bipolar 2, I highly recommend doing some research.  Especially if you struggle with treatment resistant anxiety and depression.

Feel free to ask me questions in the comments.

Colletta

What I'm Reading ~ 10/01/18

Today I'm reading:

Still reading the same book!  I just can't find enough time in the day to get any good reading time in...  Hoping to finish it up soon :)

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters share a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.     

What are you reading?

Colletta

31 Day of Five Minute Free Writes ~ October 2018

I've been following along with the FiveMinuteFriday Community for quite some time but haven't pulled the trigger and joined in.

Basically, each week a prompt is given to write about for five minutes flat.  You then can link up your FMF post and read other posts written about the same word.  It is amazing the different takes that there are on the same word.

For the whole month of October, we've been challenged to write for five minutes a day, every day.  I can't promise to write every day.  I've tried and failed at challenges like this before but I'm hoping to at least join in on the days that I'm able.

The prompt glist is below:

Want to join in?  Go to fiveminutefriday.com or the facebook page.

Happy almost-October!

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/30/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"But Thou knowest me, O Lord;

And Thou dost examine my heart's attitude toward Thee."

 

Jeremiah 12:3a

 

 

Colletta



Song I'm Loving ~ Even Then by Micah Tyler

This week, I'm loving Even Then by Micah Tyler.  It is a great reminder.  Enjoy :)






 

 Colletta

First Lines Friday And "56" ~ 9/28/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

 It always surprised Zula Hopkins when her eyelids opened to another day.  She should be dead by now.

 

 

Page 56

With the Ns in FlyNN, her tongue catapulted the mint past her lips.  The tiny white cylinder arced through the air and landed on the detective's shoulder.
 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 9/27/18

~Last weekend instead of going out to a movie for Family Night (there just wasn't anything we wanted to see), we  instead got our go to snacks and stayed in for a rousing night of Skipbo!  If you've never played, it is a card game and the more people that play the harder it is to get a chance to play your cards.  When 2 people play it goes pretty fast.  With all four of us playing it took a bit longer and there were many times where everyone's play was covered up before they got a chance to play their top card!  We had a good time and are planning on playing again this weekend :)

~I finally finished reading a book!  I even took the time to write the review and post it.  I also wrote a post about the "Race to the Finish" of my Goodreads Challenge.  I now have 16 more books to read before the end of the year if I want to complete the challenge!  I think I need to start going to bed earlier and taking my book with me for an hour of reading before lights-out :)

~We're all taking our turn at coming down with a miserable cold.  Mine started Sunday night and is just getting bearable today.  That made for some down days and staying in my PJ's all day :)

~I am loving the new candles that are coming out in stores!  Anything pumpkin or spice are A-OK in my book :)  Right now I'm burning a Pumpkin Crumb Cake candle and it is smelling delicious in here  :)

~Laken is taking the Hunter's Safety Course in School this week!  I don't really know why because I don't think the child could ever shoot any animal.  She's such a softy.   But her friends were taking it and her Daddy was supportive so there it is.  The Hubby is more than excited to be talking hunting stats with his little girl.  The newest thing is looking through catalogs and picking out equipment and new guns to buy.  I really don't think it will happen, but it is making them happy :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



What I Am Reading ~ 9/24/18

Today I'm reading:

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters share a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sctripture Memory Verse ~ 9/23/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

 

 

Colletta



Song I'm Loving ~ Live It Well by Switchfoot

Love this song :)

 

 

 Colletta

Book Review ~ Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 Blurb:

 

 Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

 

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted.

 

As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter. 

My Thoughts:

 

I can't quite believe I'm finally writing a book review!  I think the last one I wrote was in the beginning of August.  Close to 2 months ago!

 

Anyhoo...  This is the first book in the the FBI Task Force series by DiAnn Mills.  I always love getting my hands on the first book of series!

 

This book was an amazing read.  I was on the edge of my seat (or bed) the entire time, especially once the action really got going.  And the action was there in spades.

 

I loved how Alex and his partner Ric would "talk through" their discoveries and the ins and outs of all the people and work that goes on behind the scenes of an investigation.

 

At first, Stacy seemed a bit flaky.  I mean, she found a dead guy and was more worried about a dog's paw that needed stitches.  But, as I got to know her character more, she had really deep emotions and depth.

 

Whitt's character was outstanding!  I don't want to give too much away but he was absolutely brilliant for a 12 year old :)

 

There was just enough of a hint of romance that was to come.  I liked how the case took precedence over the romance.  It made for a great romantic suspense.

 

I hope to get my hands on the rest of the series soon!

 

  



Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 9/21/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

I'm still reading The Butterfly and the Violin but the lines are new:

 

 December 3, 1942

Vienna, Austria

 

"She is in shock."

 

The doctor had poked his head out into the cold, looked up and down the deserted city street, then tugged her into the house.

 

 

 

Page 56

And there he was.  Vladimir.  Smiling.  Urging her on.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to: