Monday, February 22, 2010

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Welcome to my little space on this here world wide web! Grab your coffee, have a seat, and visit a while.

In honour of the fact that I have been here for the writing of 500+ posts, and especially the fact that there has always been one or two of you reading and cheering me on, I'm having a little party. I don't know about you, but one of my favourite things about parties (besides the non-stop visiting) is the party favours!

For the 500 post party, we'll be sticking with the theme of "fives" all the way through. I'll tell you my five favourite topics to blab blog about, there will be five fantastic party prizes to be won, and you will have the chance to get your name put in the draw five times...

So, without further ado, my five fave topics of conversation (in no particular order, and excluding my family - because they are absolutely, unequivocally #1)...

I love talking about marriage. In particular, how we wives can single-handedly change our marriages (from bad to good or from good to great) by giving our husbands the respect they not only desire, but NEED.

Many of my posts talk about ministry to women. I heart women! The unique way that women have of relating to one another, the need they have to be in relationship with each other, and seeing women using their gifts to serve God - these are just a few of the reasons I will never be able to not do women's ministry in some way, shape, or form.

If you've been around this place a while, you also know that I write about anger in motherhood. I wouldn't say that I "like" writing on this topic, but I don't believe I have a choice.

Though you've only seen it mentioned a few times, you can expect to hear more from me about Haiti. It's inexplicable, but Pat and I have discovered a love for the Haitian people that is unmatched by our love for any other people group of God's beautiful world. And unless God says otherwise, we hope to be a part of the blessing of that nation - both financially and through hands-on work - for the rest of our lives.

You will also find that a good portion of the posts I put up have to with how God is working in my life. I talk about the tough work He does on my heart and I chronicle the many ways I see His hand in our everyday experiences. I need to write what I live and learn, because it is through the recording that Truth and experience take permanent root in my soul.

I bet you're wishing I'd hurry up and get to the party favours...

It will be my great pleasure to give away the following five gifts to Y-O-U:
1. Two copies of Lysa TerKeurst's latest book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl;
2. A gift card for Chapters/Indigo/Coles in the amount of $29.39 (for my Canadian friends);
3. One copy of Beth Moore's latest book, So Long Insecurity: you've been a bad friend to us;
4. A photocard design of your choice - in digital file so that you can print it at your convenience - created by the fantastic and talented Danielle! (Just a note that you cannot place your order until after Easter, as Danielle is shutting down her computer for Lent.) (Just a new note to let you know that Danielle is still taking orders. And get this - SHE IS DONATING THE PRIZE!!! So you can see why I heart her.)
5. Three blog awards to be passed on to bloggers that I love!

You can be entered to win one of the first four prizes by simply leaving a comment letting me know which one you hope to win. This comment will get your name entered ONLY in the draw for that prize.

If you would like your name put TWO draws, leave a 2nd comment telling me your second choice of the prizes. But, there's a catch... Your 2nd comment needs to include the answer to this question: what topic am I writing a book on and speaking to women's groups about AND why? Hint - the answer can be found by following up on my five favourite topics.

But I really would love for you to be entered in all four draws. I mean, how much fun is that?! If you really want that, too, you just need to love me. :) Leave a third comment letting me know that you have subscribed to the blog feed from Titus 2:3-5 (or that you have added yourself as a "follower") OR that you have sent a few friends to visit and join in the party by linking to this post in one of your posts (don't forget to leave me the link in your comment). If you happen to do BOTH of these things to love on me, I'll love right back on you by tossing your name in a fifth time! I will add that one to your first choice, increasing your odds of winning the gift you really want.

Because I love to blog and I love to read blogs, I'd also like to send you to look at a couple that are near and dear to my heart. I will save that for a post later today, though, because we've been partying here long enough (I'm sure your coffee is either cold or empty by now) and I really, truly want you to go say "hi" to a bunch of great bloggers.

Thanks for celebrating with me! I can't begin to explain the impact that writing for my blog and getting to know a few of you from this blogging world has had on life. I'm hooked for good!

21 comments:

  1. I Love those Books and have them on my Kindle! Great choices!

    Enjoy your party!

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  2. Me! Me!! Pick me for the Lysa T Bible study books!! Me!!

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  3. I've already read Lysa's book - excellent; and I actually have So Long Insecurity - but that's the book I'd like to win because I'd use it for regifting. So many people need to read that one!

    F

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  4. In the spirit of the contest I'll just keep commenting - my second choice would be the gift card.

    F

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  5. I don't blog so I'm not linked to you or appear as a follower - but you know I am linked to you and follow your blog daily. :) (I'm the blogger's mom).

    Anyway, I think I've said it before but I'll say it again - everything you write is an inspiration. God has given you words and it doesn't matter if you're sharing the mundane or weightier matters - you always speak it from God's perspective and challenge and grow anyone who reads.

    Congrats on 500!

    F

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  6. Oh - I messed up on my post for my second choice prize - I know the topic and reason for your book....but I want your other readers to explore your blog to find out the what and why....so you just go ahead and pull me out of that one.

    F

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  7. Follow you daily and, as your mom said, you always have words of wisdom. Instead of any of the prizes listed, my first choice is a signed copy of your book...can't wait.

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  8. First- Congrats on your 500+ Blogs! I have really enjoyed reading them and look forward to them during my morning coffee. Second- I would like to put my name in for the Beth Moore Book. Thankyou so much for your blogging and I am looking forward to your book coming out!
    Have a great day!
    Leah Renfrew

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  9. First: Wow, 500 posts. That is an amazing accomplishment!!

    Second: I would like to be entered into your draw for the Chapter's gift card.

    Third: I wanted to share with you one of my most favourite quotes. It reminds me that it is all about your perspective...

    “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
    – Albert Einstein

    Take care,
    Dar

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  10. So wonderful 500!!! posts & I think I've read em all. God has gifted you with an ability to share from your heart and we are blessed to hear. Thanks for being a part of my world everyday as a follower. Have an AWESOME week!!!

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  11. I truly look forward to your blog. You are an inspiring, and motivating friend. You are one of my wisest friends too (and if you don't know, at least you make me giggle!)!! Congrats on all the posts... each are awesome and most are repeatedly reviewed. I love you, pumpkin!!

    PS - "IF" I was to win (please dear Jesus!), I am loving option #3... the Beth Moore book... If I don't win, I'll just keep loving you. Deal?!

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  12. Well I had to wait til the afternoon quiet time to really enjoy the party...and my coffee is still half full :) I could keep on partying...but will use the time to head over to my blog and write a little :)

    If I were to win, I would love to win the Chapters gift card as there is a book I am longing to buy "Loving your kids on purpose" by Danny Silk...heard it was great so would like to study that next on my reading list.

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  13. OK, I am not going to be as bad as your Mom ;) (hi F)but here is my second choice...the Beth Moore book if I should win. Using lots of my time for reading lately and am learning so many things. I love the way Beth relates to women and writes.

    Have an awesome day my friend!

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  14. OK now I am getting as bad as F :) Just wanted to let you know I linked you in my blog and hope that brings your inspiration to more ladies my friend!!

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  15. ummm, I commented on the other post, so I hope it counts!!

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  16. Is it bad if I already won an award to also want to win the Beth Moore book!?! That would be my first choice after the blog award. Which I know really makes it second choice but there wasn't an option for third choice and since I want to leave another comment about my second choice I have to disquise this as my first choice. Are you as confused as I am?

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  17. Okay, so I'm torn about my second (third) choice, but I think I'm going to wish for the Bible Study Girl book. I just really heart books!

    You are writing a book/speaking to women on the topic of Mother Anger because it hits close to home and although you haven't yet conquered, through God's strength you are making an effort to overcome this area in your own life and you want to encourage other moms because goodness knows it's a part of all our lives to some varying degree or another.

    If that is wrong can you just delete this comment? I hate failing tests!

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  18. Happy 500!! I don't want a prize, I just want to say that I love you too! I may not post on my blog, but I do still read yours and love every word of it! :)

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  19. Tyler,

    You are absolutely amazing girl! I have never cried so much as the day that you spoke at Friendship Factor about being an angry mom. You are not alone... I am also an angry mom, but each day God makes me stronger and stronger and my angry days are gradually getting less and less.

    I began blogging on Ash Wednesday and for my lenten journey I am working on all of the facets of Jamie Crowther - mommy, sister, wife, daughter of God. I mentioned you in my blog as a wonderful woman of faith (I hope that you do not mind me doing that?)

    I will send you the link in a future comment.

    It would be awesome to get a chance to win the Lysa Tyrkeurst book "Becoming more than a good bible study girl".

    Love you sweetie... I know things have not always been great between us, but I have been following you on your blog and love the work that you are doing.

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  20. Tyler,

    Here is the link to the blog post where I mention you... http://crowtherkidsmom-fruitsofthespirit.blogspot.com/2010/02/mommy-why-are-you-angry.html

    Thank you so much for all you have done for so many reasons.

    If it is okay, I would like to enter a second entry into your contest. I would really also like to be entered for Beth Moore's book as well.

    The question you asked was sooo easy, as I have never cried so much as the day that you spoke at Friendship Factor. You spoke about how God was working on your issue of Anger and How anger was affecting your ministry as a mother and how this anger was affecting your children.

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I am so glad you stopped by! My hope is that we can engage in a conversation together. I love to reply to your comments, but I need your help to make that happen.

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Alternately, you can check the box "email follow up comments to..." so that I can reply to you right here. (You will also receive other readers' comments using this method.)

I'm excited to get to know you better!