Just Because & Thank you!

***I wanted to make sure that more people get to see this contest,

now that the holidays are over****

I've been wanting to do this for quite a while.

I've decided it's High Time!

When I started blogging in September, I was making a commitment

to try to connect with other women,

who valued some of the things I do,

(faith, love, life, laughter in a few simple words).

My desire was to be an encourager and a safe place, in a sometimes crazy,

and often challenging world.

As a wife, and stay-at-home-mother,

sometimes I wish my reach into the world to make a difference

was longer, and wider.

I hold onto the fact that the job I do here at home, for this season,

is an investment towards that goal.

Equipping our son to go and make his mark,

and helping my husband make his, is a privilege and a joy.

And in other ways, I make my own mark.

Blogging has helped me with that desire

to go out into the world and make an impact.

That may sound loopy.

But, I live in Florida and I, lately have gotten to know women from all around the country (Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Pennsylvania,Utah, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, Britain, right here in Florida, Texas) and even in other countries!

Live and in person, that may never happen in my lifetime,

but through this internet, viola!

But, while I came to blogging to give,

it has truly given back to me.

I have been encouraged, laughed my head off, sometimes choked-up, and learned;

all these things and more.

You ladies who visit, and write your own blogs, and share your inspiring and humorous thoughts are such a blessing and what you do, does makes a great difference!

Blogging, (as fun as it is) has helped me with that desire. It's like my little bit of chocolate stashed in the kitchen drawer - just enough to keep me from craving too much.

So, we are having a contest, Ya'll! My first to play hostess to!

Since it is almost time to "kick-off" "The Year of Romance" here at the Ponderosa,

I thought I would start with books that will tie into that.

So, there will be two winners, and you will each be able to choose between

these two books.

In case you are wondering why the teenage book, well, most of my friends out here do not have teens, but you will! And raising teens has been the single hardest thing I have ever done in my 42 years. I have several dear friends who have walked the walk with me, and I would do most anything to help other parents stay encouraged during these times, and to be healthy in their marriage during those times as well.

To enter the contest, just leave a comment saying you want to be entered.
I will let my son draw the names. The deadline is January 30th. Also, make sure I can contact you to get your address. And yes, absolutley you can enter if you are outside of the country.
It's all good!


And THANK YOU for all your fun and inspiring comments and posts!