Geaux2Girl

Writing Elsewhere

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Promise, I have been writing. Just not here at Geaux2girl. Sorry, for anyone who actually reads this. It's been a busy semester filled with a lot of kids' activities, book reading and reviewing, grading of papers, growing a baby inside, Bible study teaching, birthday parties...you get the idea. Somewhere in there I lost the blogging bug.

But just to prove I have been writing, here are a few links to my latest pieces:

Blog post at Stitches today.

Book reviews published this fall on The Fish: (this weekend) Michael Crichton's Pirate Latitudes, Anne Rice's Angel Time, Patricia Cornwell's Scarpetta Factor, Nicholas Sparks' The La st Song.

Book reviews published this fall on Crosswalk.com's Book channel: (released today!) Mindy Starns Clark's Under the Cajun Moon, The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, The Knight by Steven James.

Over at the Tapestry blog, I posted a couple of weeks ago about how Christmas and hormones make a potent combination. In November I reflected on healing and hope at Thanksgiving.

The greatest blessing of the last six months has been the consistent good reports from the doctor regarding this baby boy I'm so anxious to meet. We have a slew of sonogram pictures to chronicle his development, and he's lately been very active. This makes for free entertainment--the kids love watching my tummy jiggle and wiggle all on its own. They are very excited about "baby brother." Six weeks (or less) to go!

Last month we had photos taken...here are a few of the really great ones. I highly recommend Kym Jackson for anyone in the Dallas area looking for a professional photographer. She captured my kids' personalities (and good looks!) wonderfully.

The Holiday Craze Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:00 +0000

It's the Friday before Thanksgiving--and judging by my schedule you might think it was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. It's just crazy around here! Sending the kids off with a crockpot full of mashed potatoes (just like the ones my hubby brought to his staff lunch yesterday), then we're off to MOPS, which we must leave early in order to get to one son's school for Thanksgiving lunch. Time might permit a visit to the other son's school for his lunch. Then it's off to buy a birthday present for a friend, jump into the carpool line, and sometime around dinner drop one child off at a slumber party.

Whew!

Who gave moms the "stay at home" title???

Anyway, Lord willing and the creek don't rise (it has been storming since 3a.m.) we should survive the chaos and collapse happily into our chairs tonight, looking forward to a week off work and school. And carpool.

In the meantime, my latest book release has just been posted on The Fish. If you like Patricia Cornwell's forensic mystery series, check out my perspective on the newest one, The Scarpetta Factor.

And coming soon--within a week or two, I'd guess--look for my review of Anne Rice's latest offering, Angel Time.

Feeling Prolific

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Life is seemingly productive around here. I've shared links to my latest book reviews (just scroll to my most recent posts), and I've got (at least) two more reviews lined up for November. My interview with an Israeli grad of DTS will appear in the upcoming issue of Kindred Spirit (it's coming soon--I just proofed the final draft). Today I received my copy of my latest project to be published: Insight's Old Testament Handbook.

And, oh yeah, I'm six months pregnant. With my fourth child.

Prolific indeed.

The Old Testament Handbook is a resource, meant to be used by anyone reading any part of the OT. Each chapter gives historical background, introduces major themes and characters, and explains the significance of that particular OT book. Insight for Living, the teaching ministry of Chuck Swindoll (former president of my alma mater, Dallas Seminary, and longtime pastor), produced and published this manual as part of their collection of biblical handbooks.

I'm one of two writers--we split the material and I took the first 19 books, which are mostly history and law. I also wrote an appendix explaining the Apocrypha. The actual writing took place back in February and March, when I spent eight weeks immersed in this project. So really, I haven't thought about this project much since before summer, but here it is to enjoy and share.

Want to check it out? Click here!

And as for that other ongoing project, I'm headed for my OB checkup on Friday :).

James Explores Justice and Truth in The Knight

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Read my review of The Knight, a psychological murder mystery by Steven James, published by Baker.

If you are into whodunits that explore justice and truth while spinning a darn good story, grab a copy

for yourself!

A Review of Nicholas Sparks' Newest Release

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

For those who love a good cry, be sure to pick up the latest Sparks novel,

The Last Song. As I posted on Facebook a few days ago, each of his novels

should come with an attached tissue pocket inside the back cover!

I reviewed the book for the new web site "The Fish"--a sister site to

Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com that studies pop culture from

a Christian perspective. It covers music, books, movies, and more.

You can find my review here. Happy reading!

MOPS Convention Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Rather than retype, I'll just link. Go to Stitches for a short overview of my weekend at the MOPS convention. Super fun...

These are my roomies: Melissa, Stephanie, (me), and Susie.

Faith and Love Go Together

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:46:00 +0000

It's my turn at Tapestry today. Click on over to read my thoughts on how Ruth and Boaz demonstrate Love--and not the sort you're probably thinking.

Hubble Reveals More of God's Creative Power

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:08:00 +0000

This is one of many fantastic images released this week from NASA, taken by the newly refurbished Hubble Telescope. Click on the link below to enjoy all of them. And revel in your Creator's awe-inspiring creativity.

Spectacular New Images From the Hubble Telescope - FOXNews.com

Discover your Political Leaning

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:21:00 +0000

The American political spectrum encompasses more than merely Democrat and Republican,

left and right. Most of us probably think we know what our political leanings are, but we often

limit ourselves to those two options.

Take this quiz--it's only 10 questions--to see where your views fit within the political landscape.

The quiz has received kudos from USA Today, the Washington Post, and various other publications.

It is used in classrooms around the country, according to its creators.

Have fun, and let me know what your results are--and if you agree with them.

Oneness Even in Technology?

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Did anyone read this article regarding a pattern, newly discovered by the press, of couples sharing email or Facebook/Twitter accounts? The article focuses on Christian couples who share electronic accounts in order to promote unity and discourage secrets between them.

What do you think? Is this practice a valid protective measure? Too inconvenient and/or "cheesy"? How do you handle this with your spouse?

A Personal "Discovery"

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:31:00 +0000

My mother arrived in Orlando yesterday, the start of a 2-week visit with her sister. Apparently their weekend plans are so full that Mom doubts they'll get them all in. Last night, after pre-arranged dinner with friends, they added a can't-be-missed-opportunity to the agenda.

Around 10:30 pm, Mom and Aunt Dorie, plus a friend, drove from Orlando to Cape Canaveral to watch the shuttle Discovery lift off. The uncommon nighttime launch "lit up the sky" much more dramatically in person than the televised coverage shows.

My aunt gives her first-person account:

Lots of people parked on the sides of the road and in the median (like us). Families- dogs, dates, etc. I remember the silence of the crowd as the area at the base of the shuttle got brighter and brighter. We were standing between some vehicles that were edged up right to the water. We'd been told there were alligators in the water. The sky got brighter and it was quiet. The crowd was quiet except for one person with a car door open and the radio blaring with the countdown. The noise really came when the shuttle broke through the atmosphere as it was curving (or the look of a curve) off in the distance. And when we could no longer see it - the crowd cheered and clapped. Interesting dynamic for sure.

What a great way to start a vacation! I bet Mom doesn't witness another shuttle blast-off...ever. I bet I don't either, at least in person, seeing as they are scheduled to be grounded in a year or so. Hopefully this event will stay in her "highlight" memory bank.

First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Boy #2 is officially a big boy. This morning he happily posed for "1st day" pictures, then rode with me to school. When the bell rang, he gave me a final hug, lined up with his classmates and marched down to his room, waving back at me only once. I can't wait to hear how the day went!

Firstborn son seemed excited to return to school, as a 3rd grader this time. He's got the 1st day photo session down pat. Don't you just love the smile (and the stripes)?

The brothers--they really are pals.

Lutherans Vote on Actively Homosexual Clergy

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Yet another denomination divided by the question of homosexuality. Some within the leadership equate this vote with that of allowing women clergy. I've heard that argument before in other contexts. Anyone interested in comparing the way the Bible handles both sets of people, in terms of leadership within the church, should read Bill Webb's Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals (Intervarsity Press, 2001).

KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - Some See Storms As Sign in ELCA Gay Clergy Vote

The Gospel: Keeping it Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:50:00 +0000

The message of the gospel has been on my mind lately. The way last week's Sunday school and church topics coincided has caused me to think on it more than usual. At its core, what is the gospel? What is it not? And what do people need to know in order to consider trusting in Jesus?

Since today was my turn to blog at Tapestry, I blogged on it there. I'd love it if you'd follow the link, read up, and post a comment.

My babies... So far

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Power Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:34:00 +0000

On rare occasions, I can be persuaded to rise early--as in, dark and early--in order to shop. I've done that once on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I had specific items in mind at one specific store. And though the line at 5:30 am was appalling, I found my deals and was home by 7:30.

Today was another such occasion. Kroger, in Texas and Louisiana, offered coupon doubling up to $1 today only. So it you're reading today, you may still have time! Not realizing what time the store opened, I drove into the parking lot at 5:55 am and stared at the small crowd gathered at the doors. Great. But by the time I'd parked, the doors were opening. Perfect timing :).

It wasn't crowded; just a few bargain hunters--many with coffee in hand--willing to rise early and find some deals. I had my list and my coupons. To the toiletries aisle first, since we are out of toothpaste. The best deals were probably there. Cereal wasn't bad either. Forget the batteries.

"Hi, Brenna!" "Hi, Susan!" Yes, I saw friends there who, like me, sported faces au naturelle. We exchanged tips on where certain items were and what kind of deals we'd found thus far. And then, the checkout line.

Oh, it was a line. But there were no checkers. The self-checkout line helper was inundated with coupon issues. Finally, two brave souls ran to their posts and yelled, "I can help you on #__." We swarmed. We waited.

We waited.

And we waited.

A half-hour later, I peeled out of the parking lot, trying to get home in time for my hubby to leave for his 8 am meeting on time. Thankfully, he's a laid-back kind of guy whose first words were, "So what did you find?" (not, "what took you so long?!"). He was probably secretly wishing he could have shopped instead, bargain king that he is.

My grand total, including the Kroger plus card savings, was 55% savings. I know some did better, but I found most of what I needed at much-better-than-usual prices. That equals success for me.

3 cups of coffee later, I might stay awake through the morning.

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Financial Idiocy

Popular as it is, the Cash for Clunkers program was funded on borrowed money. A drop in the environmental bucket (yes, it took 250,000 gas-guzzlers of the streets), this endeavor boosts the auto industry more than anything else. Ford actually posted a profit in July, thanks in part to the clunker trade-ins. But is this government business? Since when do Americans fund individual corporations through their taxes? Probably more than I realize...

But now the government wants to borrow more money, or use more borrowed money, to extend this auto industry stimulus, when it's already accomplished its intended purpose? Read the details:

'Clunkers' Critics Question Move to Extend Funding for Program - Political News - FOXNews.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Rethinking Ruth

In preparation for the study of Ruth I'll be teaching this fall, I posted on the Stitches blog this morning. Take a look: Stitches.

Anti-Abortion Measure Passes, Then Fails, in House - Political News - FOXNews.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Anti-Abortion Measure Passes, Then Fails, in House - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Stem Cell Research and Profit Margins

While embryonic stem cell research potential grabs the headlines, adult stem cell treatment results are largely unknown. Why? Chuck Colson addresses the unsurprising answer in his article:
'Lines that Divide': Stem Cells and Profit Margins. It's worth the read!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Vacation Fun

We just spent a week with our dear friends the Godseys, at their family cabin near Greenwood, SC. Our families have been close for over 12 years and are soon to equal that number, funny enough, when our fourth child is born in a few months. A lotta years, lotta kids :).

I posted bunches of photos on my facebook page so I won't repeat them all here. We spent the week swimming, picking vegies in the monstrous garden, riding 4-wheelers, shooting guns (at paper and live targets), napping, eating, swimming, playing in the fort and sand pile, watching movies, reading, and did I mention swimming?

The napping was done mostly by preggo me, still suffering from daily fatigue. The swimming was done mostly by the kids--all of them, even baby Naomi in her blow-up ring. The big boys (Dads included) did lots of 4-wheeling, the moms and dads practiced shooting and watched movies, the little guys defended the fort and camped overnight, everyone enjoyed fresh produce from the bountiful garden.

We have been making this trip to SC almost annually. Next year, they'll most likely be coming our way. I wish Anna, TX, were as fun as the cabin!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:21:00 +0000

Tune In to Celebrate Women Radio

Every day this week, my coauthor, Sue Edwards, is the featured guest on Deborah Collins's Celebrate Women Radio show. Tune in at 2:30 on The Word FM, 100.7 FM in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The topic all week will focus on "Women Who Wound," the topic of our newest book. Other women leaders will also participate, sharing experiences and insight into this difficult, sometimes touchy, subject.

Those not in the DFW area or unable to find a radio at 2:30 pm, listen online at www.thewordfm.com. Tell your women's ministry directors, volunteer leaders, and even your pastors (who all lead women, don't they?) about the show. I don't know if there will be opportunity for call-ins, but if so, that could add another interesting element to the discussions.

As always, you can find our book at our web site: www.newdoors.info.

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:14:00 +0000

The Latest Around Here

I haven't written in almost two weeks because each day would pass and I'd think nothing much had happened worth writing about. But I'm tired of seeing the Father's Day post up there, so here's an update on the combined happenings of 11 days...

Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died last Thursday--one expected, the other shocking. I feel sad for both of them and their families. Did either of them know Jesus? Their public personas did not lean that way, though Farrah was given a Catholic funeral. Hard to tell and impossible to know.

But man I'm tired of hearing about MJ every. single. day. Surely there are other, more newsworthy, events happening in our world. Like the Iranian protests and crackdown, the North Korean saber-rattling, job losses, the health care legislation being debated, bank failures, and so forth. And while each of these topics might be given a headline at cnn.com or abcnews.com, or even foxnews.com, they don't seem to rate the entire sidebar list of articles about MJ...

Around here, my hubby celebrated his birthday earlier this week. He marked the occasion by going canoeing. We're so glad God gave him ALL these years with us, and of course we pray for many more. :)

I spent several nights glued to the easy chair last week, watching the College World Series. My LSU Tigers were in the championship series against Texas (of all teams). They (the Longhorns) challenged us early on, but we came back for a dominating win to take home the trophy for the sixth time in 18 years. The smack talk on Facebook was hilarious, not to mention the emails crossing double-time between my mother and my Texas friends...it's a good thing we won...

My mom has come for a visit. We took her berry picking--blueberries and blackberries this time. Yum! Her blueberry muffins were the firstfruits of that adventure. More to come!

I've been sick since last Saturday. Yucky cough, headache, sore throat stuff. I've been in bed more this week than I can ever remember. Because when you combine feeling bad with the exhaustion of early pregnancy, the napping factor multiplies. Oh, yes, I announced this on FB so you probably already know--I'm expecting "peanut" #4 :). The kids are excited, hubby and I are thrilled, and I'm tired. Not preggo sick, thankfully, just wiped out. But this, too, shall pass, and I anticipate great renewal of energy in the coming weeks.

We borrowed a teenager earlier this week. This one's parents were off playing in Turkey--yes, the country--and we kept their daughter for a few days. She was actually a great help playing with the kids while I napped. Once I was even able to scoot over to the pharmacy for my meds, alone!

The one thing that has NOT happened this week--that I had planned to happen--is painting the dining room and half-bath. See previously mentioned exhaustion and illness.

The Bible study group did meet Sunday night to discuss the book of Ruth. Blackberry cobbler and homemade frappaccinos motivated quite a few to attend ;). The discussion was rich, as well.

I completed an editing job last week, a book written by various missionaries that evaluates the contributions and future of "majority world" missions. This is the new label for those countries in which the majority of Christians live--what we've grown up calling the "third world" or "developing countries." Fascinating read, though a fast and heavy workload.

My coauthor Sue has been busy giving radio interviews since March (!) for our new book, Leading Women Who Wound. Her latest taping will be aired next week on WORD 100.7 FM in the DFW area. The show is Celebrate Women Radio, 2:30-3:00pm CST every day. Sue and other women leaders will be featured each day--and the book's topic of conflict resolution and management among women is the topic all week. You can listen online at www.thewordfm.com.

How about that? I guess some things have been happening lately.

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Happy Father's Day, John!

Day one of fatherhood: hanging out with Nate in the hospital room (He's kinda cute...what do I do now?)

Napping with Baby Jack at home. (I've got the hang of this cuddling thing.)

In the delivery room with Maggie, diapering her up for the first time. (I'm a pro at this!)

You are such a great Dad! I'm so proud to be your wife and the mother of your children. I couldn't have picked a better father for them. Your devotion and love are evident in how you work, play, discipline, pray, tease, laugh, cuddle, wrestle, teach, and protect them. I thank God for you every day!

Happy Father's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelley) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:31:00 +0000

A Family Divided?

LSU advanced to the College World Series championship series (best 2 out of 3) on the strength of their skillful pitching game and monster bats. They defeated Arkansas 14-5 yesterday--it was never close. Four home runs and six shutout innings put the game away. This team reminds me of Skip Bertman's dynasty of the 1990s when LSU won 5 CWS championships. Monday's game ought to be fun...

...because we'll be playing against TEXAS! Yes, I live in Texas and have many Longhorn friends. As is often the case, since the two teams rarely meet, I'll even cheer for Texas if LSU isn't in the picture.

Not this time, obviously.

The kids and I will be wearing our purple and gold proudly (and loudly, so Daddy won't miss it), even if Daddy pulls out the burnt orange (a rare sight but you never know). The van will keep its Tiger paw, the front yard its LSU flag. My Cajun neighbors and we will hunker down together, weathering the storm of local indignation WHEN WE WIN IT ALL!!!

GEAUX TIGERS!!!