My Crazy, Wonderful Life... written by God

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Savannah night skyline. Beautiful!

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible.... God knows the plans He has for me. He declares it! So why is it that when I look back over my crazy, wonderful summer, that I marvel? Why is it that when doors open before me, I wonder how I got so lucky?

A few years ago, I started this blog to share my personal journey, as a believer, a wife, a mom, a friend. I haven't written much lately, but it's not because I left God. It's because HE took me on a journey I never, never, never, never in my wildest dreams expected!

God's plan for me led me to unusual places like Juarez, Mexico. Once known as the murder capital of the world, I got to serve there -- a weeklong missions program that touched my heart so deeply I have no words to explain it. There's life before Juarez and there's life after Juarez. On the timeline of my life, the resilient, loving people of Juarez left a huge mark!

Playing with the kids in Juarez. So fun!

God's plan for me led me to great places: Chicago, Savannah, Disney and so many more. It led me to lesser known, yet equally wonderful places. Every time, I meet new people, experience new and incredible things and make fabulous memories. That's what God is doing for me.

Anderson Gardens in Rockford, Illinois... voted most beautiful Japanese garden outside of Japan.

But HIS plan is never about me... It's about HIS Kingdom. What is HIS plan in the grander scheme?

To be completely honest, I'm not entirely sure. After all, I didn't pick this road -- HE did. But I do know:

1. Everywhere HE sends me, I have an opportunity to share his love with the people I meet. I'm Jesus' ambassador. 
2. Everything I experience reinforces my commitment to quality family time. It stretches my mind to the possibilities all around us. HE allows me to share those ideas through my travel blog. HE provides ideas to improve my product line -- ultimately giving families the tools they need to reconnect, rest and rejuvenate. 
3. In connecting with other bloggers and travel writers, HE provides an opportunity to encourage others and serve them with excellence. We all compete for page views and "blog stats," but I live differently -- serving their blogs, supporting their stats. Deep down, I know God will take care of my stats if I serve others.

Please don't read this as bragging -- that's most definitely NOT my intent. God has me on the most unexpected, crazy, wonderful journey. I am so thankful He chose me for this... and I pray that each day my work honors Him! 

Me? At the batting cages? YEP!

That's where I've been.... When I know where I'm going, I'll be sure to let you know! :)

How about you? What journey does God have you on? Did you plan to be there or did HE surprise you?

The Runaway Mom

Brenda Heist, the runaway mom... People ask why? how? How could a mother possibly abandon her children for 11 years with no explanation? How? How could she just disappear? What could she be thinking? Nuts, right?

Maybe not...

I understand. Brenda, I understand. Twelve years ago, our family moved from Ohio to North Carolina. I was overwhelmed by the circumstances... not normal, perhaps, but true. The logistics of selling one house, buying another, leaving my home and friends, starting over, all while dealing with two young kids. My insecurities as a wife and mother, often hidden from others, bubbled to the surface.

FEAR! HOPELESSNESS!

My own inadequacies washed over me again and again... I wasn't good enough to do it. I wasn't strong enough. I was the weak link in my family, hurting them. Failing. I planned my escape from the pressure....

Brenda Heist spoke with Dr. Phil. 

Dr. Phil: "Did you think about the children?"
Brenda: "I did. But... I just thought it would be better if I wasn't there. That was my mindset at that time.... I knew that my husband could do a lot better job at raising them than I ever could."
Dr. Phil: "Why is that?"
Brenda: "Because he was a good father and a good man."
Dr. Phil: "Were you not a good person?"
Brenda: "No. I don't know what was wrong with me, but I didn't feel like I was a good person."

I understand. Brenda, I truly understand. Paralyzed by my own fears, I didn't pack the kids' school lunches. I didn't help with homework. I didn't cook dinner or clean the kitchen for months. My husband, working a new job, held our family together. As I lay in bed, curled in a tight ball in the darkened room, I cried and cried. I couldn't quiet the voices in my head telling me to run. Screaming at me, "They're better off without you." "You're useless." "You're a horrible mother." I understand.

Dr. Phil: "Did you think or wonder that the children would be hurt at your leaving?"
Brenda: "Not at the time... I just kept saying to myself, 'They're better off without me.'"

Overwhelmed. Suffocating. Drowning in self-hate. How could my kids want this near them? How could I possibly be a benefit to my family? Wouldn't they be better off without me? Not hurt. Better.

Brenda: "Sometimes I wonder if it's a good thing that I turned myself in...."
Dr. Phil: "Why did you turn yourself in?"
Brenda: "Because I was tired of running."
Dr. Phil: "Nobody was looking for you."
Brenda: "I guess I was tired of running from my problems, that's all."
Dr. Phil: "So, you just turn yourself in..."
Brenda: "...I tried to commit suicide, then three days later because it didn't work, I walked into the Sheriff's Station... and turned myself in...."
Dr. Phil: "Why did you [turn yourself in]?"
Brenda: "Because I didn't want to be homeless anymore."

Brenda then explains that she was in a relationship with another man for seven years, but that he did alcohol and drugs. She finally left him a note and ran away from that relationship too.

Dr. Phil: "What do you think about the fact that when it gets rough, you run?"
Brenda: "I don't know. I don't know why I do it."
Dr. Phil: "Are you surprised at yourself for handling things in that way?"
Brenda: "I'm embarrassed because I do."

Brenda, I understand. I was so embarrassed at my own inadequacies. I was embarrassed that people would know I didn't take care of my kids the way a mother should. They were clean, fed, and loved... I even have photos of our family, apparently happy during that time period. But the inner turmoil.... Oh how hard I worked to keep it all together. Terrified. What if someone knew how bad I really am? I was ashamed of myself... for not being a better me. What if they discovered that I'm not good enough to do this? That I'm a bad mom?

Brenda: "I just wanted to die, because I had nothing to look forward to."

I understand. I've said that the only reason I didn't die back then was because I was too chicken to kill myself. I couldn't figure out how to do it without my husband or sons being the people to discover me. So, I never tried. Instead, I died on the inside. No joy. Just darkness. Heavy pain. An overwhelming sense of despair.

After showing Brenda photos of herself happy in 2011, Dr. Phil asks:

"How could you not call your children:"
Brenda: "I just couldn't."
Dr. Phil: "What kept you from it?"
Brenda: "Guilt that I had walked away. I was ashamed of it...."
Dr. Phil: "Did you want to [call your children]?"
Brenda: "I thought about it."
Dr. Phil: "...It is a gift to them if you call [them]."
Brenda: "You know what? It wouldn't have been a gift to them. Look at what it's doing to them now. It's no gift that I showed back up in their life. It's no gift to anybody that I'm showing back. Nobody. It's not."

 Later in the interview...

Brenda: "I'm not proud of what I did. I'm ashamed of what I did. And really, I have a lot of guilt and this is something I'm never going to get over. I don't understand why this is such a big media thing. It's not something that I'm happy that I did... I'm not boastful that I had a good life or anything like that..."
Dr. Phil: "I think the reason that people are so impacted by it is because you've got 100 million mothers saying, 'how could you....' A rational person doesn't do what you did...."

Brenda, I understand. In the grip of hopelessness, rational doesn't work. Fear overwhelms. The voices (not literal voices, but the self-talk) scream that the world -- our kids -- are better off without us. Maybe 100 million mothers say, 'how could you?' They don't know the pain or despair that drives a person to this decision. I understand.

Dr. Phil: "You turned yourself in for a reason... This is your chance. You get healthy."
Brenda: "I want to get the help that I need.... It didn't have anything to do with them at all. It never did. They were good kids.... I'm sorry."
Dr. Phil: "[You need to make a decision to get healthy.] You can't do that on your own. You need help with that."

Jean, Brenda's mother, appears on the show... Dr. Phil asks, "Are you angry with her?" She says, "No... Everyone has problems." Jean welcomes her daughter with open arms.

Brenda, you can have the healing you want so badly. You can be whole again. The only difference between your story and mine is that Jesus stepped in to my life and quieted the voices in my head. He reminded me that I am loved. He healed the pain in my heart. He restored my mental health. He can do the same for you. I don't know when your kids will forgive you, but I do know that if you accept Jesus' love, He will fill your heart with peace. He will give you strength to endure whatever comes next. He will take your broken life and give it purpose.

I have long asked Him, "Why? Why me?" What do I do with the remembered pain? What do I do with the remembered feelings of uselessness and failure? The Bible says:

• "But as for you (satan, the father of lies), you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." (God wants to restore your life and bring hope to others who crumble under satan's lies.) Genesis 50:20
• Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (God knows you ran away, but He wants your family to be restored. Trust God -- no matter how long it takes.) Proverbs 19:21
• And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Even though you've made many mistakes and your family is hurt by your actions, God can work it together for good. Your experience can make a difference for others when you trust God to do the healing... even if it takes a long time.) Romans 8:28
• Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (God has the power to restore your family. He restored mine!!) Matthew 19:26
• For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope. (I pray you will accept God's love and trust His plan going forward. Trusting God doesn't mean everything disappears, but He does provide all the strength you need to get through this mess and on the road to the life He originally planned for you.) Jeremiah 29:11
• Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Trust God to do the healing!) Matthew 6:34

Perhaps the most helpful verse right now is "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) You ran away, but couldn't stay away. You tried to kill yourself, but you lived. God has spared your life many times already -- He wants to restore you so you can make a difference for others. Will your relationship with your kids be restored? I don't know. I am certainly praying that for you and for them. But even if it doesn't happen, God will use your experience to make a lasting, healthy impact on others. Trust him.

It's my sincere prayer that it comforts you to know that of the 100 million moms questioning your choices, I understand. I didn't end up where you did, but I really do understand. God wants you to know peace, hope and joy again. Daily, I ask God for strength. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus.... start with that. Jesus wants to forgive you of all the pain in your heart. He wants to wipe your slate clean and offer you a fresh start. Read this and ask Him to fill your life with his JOY, LOVE, PEACE and HOPE. It's possible. I promise! Jesus' love will change the course of your life.

With prayers for peace and hope.

Sincerely,

Where has the time gone?

Hello friends... or anyone who still stops by now and then. It's been a crazy year! I still can't believe the journey God has chosen for me. Though, I do love it. About a year ago, I started a travel blog. For friends. At their request.

Then a funny thing happened. It took off! WHAM!

You know what? God had a plan... and it involved that little blog. It grew and grew... and now it's my business. I write. I speak. I travel. I create great, budget-friendly products for families who want to spend time together. Not because I ever in a million-billion-trillion years had this plan, but because God did.

Here's the crazy thing about God-plans. They happen when we don't expect them. And they fill us completely with a joy unimaginable, far greater than our own plans ever could. AND.... they shine through us to impact others. 

Just yesterday, my son said, "There's this story about two farmers. They need rain for the seeds to grow. One farmer sits in the house waiting for the rain. The other farmer goes to the fields, picks up the rocks, pulls weeds and prepares his field. As the rain approaches, they both plant the seed. The second farmer gets a great harvest. Mom, I think you're that second farmer. You are doing everything you can to have a successful business. You're preparing your products and organizing our house and tracking your expenses. The rain's coming." 

He's 15! He made me cry!

Forget the self-absorbed teenager nonsense... my teen, without preamble, gave me a huge word of encouragement! If that's not a God-sized blessing, I don't know what is. 

I'm sorry I've been away. I hope I get back here more regularly.

If not, though, you can find me there --- at Family Travels on a Budget --- helping families reconnect one staycation or weekend at a time! I'd love to know what you think of God's plan! Stop by. (And if you decide to shop, please use coupon code JOY for a $5 discount on your order any time this month!)

"Click"

When I listen for God, I hear Him. Sometimes, His voice is loud and clear. Sometimes, He speaks in the softest whisper. When I don't listen for Him, I don't hear. To be more honest, I hear, but I ignore His voice. 

It's easy to ignore God. Of course, it leads to disaster which is not so easy... but the ignoring part. Piece. Of. Cake. 

Do not grow weary

Growing weary.... that's me.

Why?

To be honest, I don't know. That's the hardest part. I'm in one of those valleys that makes no sense. Nothing is wrong at home. I have three fabulous kids. I am blessed with a wonderful life. I read my Bible. I pray. I talk with God.

Though I can't figure out why I'm so tired, I know one thing to be true. GOD hasn't changed. He hasn't moved. He hasn't stopped. Just because I'm struggling right now, doesn't mean life is falling apart. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Today, I choose to remember. God has not changed -- and He never will. He has everything in my life under control and I don't need to -- that's faith. This funk will pass as long as I don't give up.

Are you struggling like me? Please remember that God loves you. He is with you. And He will never leave you. NEVER!

May God bless you today and always, with His joy, His peace and the security of His love.

Love,

Wisdom from a Ninth Grader

We're a month into our new lives -- and Ben is flourishing in ninth grade. While I knew that God had worked with us to prepare him for high school, I still doubted. WHY? I know that God answers the prayers of those who love Him. Anyway.... This post is not about my doubt. This post is about Ben's wisdom! May it bless you -- perhaps challenge you -- as it has me.

Let's Get Organized

Hello my sweet friends,

I am wrapping up WEEK THREE of our new reality. Life with the college kid is going well. Our newly public schooled high schooler's time and homework management are improving. The little one is flourishing in second grade -- and enrolled in her beloved ballet.

The only one floundering is me! Yep! It seems that six hours of complete freedom is more than I can handle. I have so many options but I'm not using most of them. The house isn't cleaner (well, the kitchen is... I'm the only one eating here). I'm not getting a whole lot more work done. And I certainly haven't figured out how to add scrapbooking to my day. Two decades of photos and memorabilia sit, ignored in their boxes.

I need a routine! Will you help? I've made it easy! If you have a great organizing tip -- for the house, for photos, for chores, for work, for time management, for ANYTHING, please share it.

You can share two ways (I am getting organized!!!). Leave a comment sharing your best tip. OR link to your great organizing post using mclinky AND leave a comment so I know you posted. I promise to read each and every one!

If, like me, you struggle to get organized, maybe these tips will help you too!

Here's to getting organized!!!

Eleven Years

Eleven years.
Immediately after 9.11.2001, we vowed never to forget. We haven't.

Eleven years.
We promised ourselves to change. To live by faith.

Eleven years.
Have you changed?
Have I?

The journey to college -- for students and mamas

Hello my friends,

Today I'm guest blogging at a wonderful "e-zine," Bonbon Break. I've written for them before, offering travel and packing tips that I share at the travel blog (Family Travels on a Budget). This post is more about the student's journey through senior year of high school and freshman year of college -- and about the mama's journey of the heart.

Stop by Bonbon Break and let me know what you think of the post! While you're there, I hope you'll check out some other awesome posts -- this week's edition is all about ch-ch-changes!

Have a fabulous, four-day week!

Love,

Changes... and how I'm doing.

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

One week ago, my oldest son moved into his first dorm room. He planted himself firmly in his new life as a college student, and I was uprooted -- from full-time mom to part-time correspondent (by text and twitter). I mourn, but I also dance... God placed him at Samford and my heart for him is full.

Five days ago, my second son started high school, along with a gazillion other fresh ninth graders across the country. He's my "mini me," home schooled by my side through eighth grade. We were always together -- grocery shopping, schooling, house cleaning and library trips. This week, I'm mourning his constant presence. Grocery shopping alone is peaceful (a time to be silent), but oh how I miss his jabbering (a time to speak). Of course, he comes home from the public high school bubbling with stories about his day and I miss the silence. Perhaps I'm never content?

Ellie started second grade Monday. She's happy as a lark, embracing the new school year with all its promise. She loves her teacher and is thrilled to have friends in her class. Thankfully, this is a time of peace in her world, which means peace for me.

I'm adjusting well, though. I write without interruption. With no one home all day, the house stays a lot cleaner! My husband and I enjoy lunch together (he has Wednesday afternoons off. WOO HOO!).  In some ways our family is being torn down, scattered like stones across the country and across town, but my heart is mending. Though I must let go of what was, I look ahead to what will be.

Love.

Peace.

Laughter.

Movin' on up!

"Movin' on UP" might be a stretch. No dorm room is ever as cozy as HOME! Nathan traded in his queen size bed for the traditional, lumpy dorm twin XL. He traded a fully equipped kitchen, open 24/7 for meals in the "caf."

"UP" is his first step toward independence. He decides if he gets up with the alarm or sleeps through class (Nathan, if you're reading this... GO TO CLASS!). He decides when -- or if -- to change the sheets on the bed, to toss the laundry in the hamper or on the floor, or to scrub the toilet. I have no say. He's moved on toward independence.

Before he moved "UP," he allowed us to help him unpack his stuff. Here's a peak into Nathan's new digs. Enjoy!

All loaded up and ready to go.

Can't believe it all fit -- and five people too!

Good thing I'm an expert traveler/packer.

First Day of School: Twisted!

For the first time in 18 years, 3 months and 29 days, I am home alone -- today, tomorrow, and every day through the school year. Not only that, but one of my three is at college -- all by himself! I won't be there to wake him when he sleeps through the alarm or to pray with him before he heads off to class or to make sure he eats his veggies!

Thanks to lots of wonderful, praying friends I am getting through it. Well. No tears. No anxieties or worries... though, I do obsessively check my son's twitter feed for glimpses into his collegiate world (he's being stingy with his posts!).

In honor of our life of change, I've created a "picture book" look into this season. Enjoy!

 We've walked far together, our family of five...

Change affects everyone!

Hey my bloggy friends,

I'm sure you've clued in to the fact that I'm suffering through sending our first "off to college." I tell myself it's so hard because he will be nine hours away from home, but the truth is, it will be hard because I love having him around.

Trying to fall asleep last night, and failing again, my mind raced through memories.

• Nathan at eight months, propped up on the pillows in our bed between us, everyone reading a book,
• Nathan at eighteen months, wanting desperately to be close to us at bedtime and sleeping behind his bedroom door (imagine getting in without hurting him),
• Nathan at two years, falling out of his toddler bed, rolling underneath it, sleeping through it all until he tried to sit up and couldn't. WAIL!
• Nathan's third birthday at the zoo,
• Nathan crying the day after he got his tonsils out because he couldn't go to school (and his teacher kindly stopping by to bring him a book to read while he recovered),
• Nathan conning Ben into doing their chores by playing "Pokemon trainer" -- he'd train and Ben would be the faithful, hardworking Pokemon,
• Nathan telling us he had prayed for us to have a desire to adopt a baby (thus the sudden and unexpected road to Ellie),
• Nathan marching in the Macy's parade,
• Nathan with strep, mono, pneumonia and a 104.9 degree fever all at the same time,
• Nathan teaching kids at summer church camp,
• Nathan sitting on the front row at graduation, no longer a little boy, but a young man.
• And more....

Tick! Tock! Clock

Oh my dear friends,

I haven't fallen off the planet. PROMISE! I am, however, a little busy at home. Our firstborn leaves for college Thursday... and we're getting ready.

Nathan meets Ellie for the first time.

His stuff is all packed. He is most definitely ready -- he even read ahead for one of his classes (maybe he learned a lesson or two in high school?)

Nathan and Ben hamming it up together on vacation.

He's so kind, though, concealing his anticipatory glee when I get sad. Not talking too much about next week. Taking time one on one with his siblings.

Even when I asked what he wants for dinner these last three nights, he's considerate. I know his favorites: tamale casserole (all the flavor of a tamale without the frustrating prep), chicken-sausage gumbo, and Greek. But he's staying true to himself, "...if you have time, Mom."

And now, hamming it up with his roommate to be.

Time? I thought I had all the time in the world. Wrong. He grew up. And I will miss him.

Love,

Hold My Tongue! An Update

Holding my tongue... Ohhhh.... It has always been a battle. (My family will shout AMEN! when they read this!) This week's challenge was really tough. I tried. I failed. I apologized. I tried. I failed. I apologized.

Then I prayed. And begged my prayer warrior friends to join me.

I tried again. I did better. I must say it helped a lot that the person at the other end of the frustration was kind, compassionate and really, as frustrated as I was with the whole situation. She extended far more grace than I deserved. I am grateful.

Holding my tongue continued to get easier -- that whole persistent prayer thing really works!

Yesterday, my heart followed my tongue. The quieter my tongue got, the softer my heart became. By midday, I prayed for her -- the person stuck in the middle of the storm -- and asked God to give her wisdom and make the path clear. I thanked God for her kindness. I thanked Him for softening my heart in the whole situation. God is so good. He really will give us peace, if we genuinely ask. No matter what the battle is!

At church last night, the pastor shared a couple verses that further sharpened my focus:

• Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (1 Cor. 9:24)
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Perhaps we went through this ordeal for me to understand. This whole life is a race -- run to glorify God. He wants to help me win. Holding my tongue is something God can help me do. With God's love in me, I can do it! And when it gets hard, there are people to cheer me on -- other believers who want me to succeed (my prayer warrior friends) and the heroes of the Bible (that great cloud of witnesses). It's not just my battle. The Christian community is one -- we run this race together. I don't hold my tongue for me. I hold my tongue for God -- it's a testimony to the great power of his love. Honestly, it's a HUGE testimony of the power of his love, because I can't do it alone!

Today, I am grateful to God for standing with me. I am thankful to God for the friends who stand by me. More, though, I am thankful to God for second chances to learn valuable lessons and thankful that He cheers me on.

Blessings,

Hold my tongue!

Today's verse is James 3:7-8, "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by human beings, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

It came to me by text, as it does every day.

Ironically, I am festering with anger today. Unexpected, unpleasant news came our way and I. AM. MAD! Take a distrustful mama bear, envelope her in a swarm of angry hornets, and toss her in a mud pit... I'm that mad!

Ding! The text arrives... God gently -- fairly directly -- reminding me that what I do in this moment matters.  Will I respond to the situation in anger -- I sure do want to let my lawyer-side do the talking. OR, will I address this news in love.

Stay tuned... I'll let you know how I did.

In the meantime, pray for a quiet tongue! I'd even accept the gift of laryngitis about now!

Thanks friends,

Cheap textbooks..... well, cheaper anyway.

Hello friends,

This is a practical post for college students and the parents who pay for it... If your kids are in high school, consider bookmarking this page or pinning it to your pinterest college board for quick access later!

Most universities make schedules and book requirements available online a month or two before classes start. While I really don't want to think ahead all that far, the practical side of me wants to save a few dollars wherever we can. Using the tips and resources below, we saved 25.66% on Nathan's books for fall semester. It's easy!

Here's how to do it:

1.  Look up courses and book requirements at the school website (through the student portal).
2. Record title, ISBN numbers (copy and paste to a document if you can) and school bookstore prices. We recorded prices of used/new books.
3. Use the same information (essentially the ISBN number) to search prices on other websites:
• Amazon
• Textbooks.com
• Chegg.com
4. At each site, make sure you know the condition of the book -- especially workbooks and books that include CDs -- as well as tax and shipping costs. 
5. Record the prices by site and make your purchases.
6. In a separate mailbox or file on your email, create a folder to save receipts.

Here's how it worked for us.

1. Nathan needs a total of six textbooks. At the school bookstore the used book cost was $318.70 and the new book cost was $424.80 (OUCH!)
2. We found three used books at textbooks.com for $123.83, free shipping.
3. We found a new workbook and another used textbook at Amazon for $64.64, free shipping.
4. Our total cost for five books was $188.47.
5. One book was not available at any site (new edition for 2012), so we will purchase it through the school for $89. Our grand total is $277.47, a 13% savings over all used prices and a 35% savings over new prices. Since we purchased some used and some new books, the total savings worked out to about 25%.

Some helpful tips.

1. If purchasing books to use over multiple semesters, consider buying new or "like new" used books so that it lasts as long as you need it.
2. If purchasing workbooks, consider buying new (we bought one). Is it really a time-saver or a benefit to use a workbook someone else already used? Figure out the answers yourself, using a new book.
3. Make sure books include everything they would if new, including CDs and pullout maps. You might need them!

College is expensive, but with a just a little time invested, you can rein in costs. Our two hour investment saved over $100, well worth the time.

Hope that helps.

Karen

My heart...

I've been mom for 18 years. I'm learning to let go, here at the far end of the mommyhood journey. I know I'll always be "Mom," but "mama" and all the associated needs, wants, demands, and daily interaction that go with it are about to end. It's transition time...

Last night, he asked, "Will we still see each other a lot when I'm an adult?" I love that he thinks about such things.

We talked some. I told him my Norman Rockwellian dreams of generations sleeping under the same roof, waking on Christmas morning to eat breakfast, open gifts, play together, laugh and sing. I teared up as I shared. He smiled.

I asked if it's too much to ask.

He said, "No. I'd really like that too." Really? Yes, he assured me, REALLY!

I'm so thankful for 18 years to love him every day. Face to face, I mean. I know the future means less...

Oh, my heart.... such joy, excitement, anticipation and pride. I know he's ready for the next step.

Oh my heart.... the hole is coming. I feel it already. I just pray that it doesn't hurt too much.

Predestination or Free Will

He flopped down on the couch across the room, propping his feet on the coffee table and asked, non-chalantly, "Mom, do you believe in predestination or free will?

There I was, working on a travel blog post when his question crashed over my head. Ohhh, God, I don't know this answer to this one. I prayed quietly for instant wisdom on the question of the ages, "Which is it: predestination or free will?" And then I bought myself some time.

"What do you think?" I asked, interested.

He shared some thoughts. I listened. I kept praying. I shared

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king's horses and all the king's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again.

What if Humpty Dumpty had asked the KING instead?

Thank you, Pastor Clay NeSmith of Barefoot Church

in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,

for sharing this profound thought with us last weekend.

Who do you trust? God's power or man's?