Author: deborahanndykeman

Writing has always been a love of mine. Except for school reports! I didn't cherish those moments. I began with poems in grade school, and short little stories that I illustrated. I created something for each family celebration and probably wore my family out. But I graduated to a longer 'book' by the time I was 18. Following traditional romance novel writing, I pounded out a pretty cheesy story on a Royal typewriter I had found at a garage sale. You didn't worry about your nails when using one of those! When four of our five children were still young, I wrote my first full-length book back in 1998. I followed it with three more in that series. Those are my current WIP, needing many updates and editing. I'm happy to say as of this writing, the fourth in the Love Defined series is written and waiting for edits! I can't wait to get this final book in the series into my reader's hands! Currently, I have published twelve books, creating the covers on most of them. The cover work is something I really enjoy! Stay tuned for more on that. My husband and I have been married for forty-one years, and we have five children and nine grandchildren. I've been a homeschooling mom, Sunday school teacher, AWANA director and a pastor's wife. I've worked as a CNA and an Activity Director. When I'm not busy writing...which I love, BTW, I'm working on home projects, marketing and attending events, where I love to meet you...my readers!
Bible Verses, Our Christian Walk, Parenting 101

This Too Shall Pass

deborahanndykeman

Trials and tribulations seem to clump together. Rather like a large boulder in the middle of a merrily chirping stream. The water still rushes past, swirling around that stone for a few moments before gurgling merrily along. This is the same with life. Our lives are that water, and the tests the boulder. Life will continue on at some point. We may be a little bruised and battered, but we go on.

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Please pray for our grandchildren if the thought passes through your mind. They have all been struggling with colds, although I don’t think any have had the flu. This past week, two of the sisters spent the night at the hospital due to RSV. They came home today. Now the youngest, just a little over a week old is at the hospital, and she will be there overnight for observation.

It is scary watching your child struggling with sickness. Even more so when it involves a hospital visit, or surgery. I have been there more times than I want to think about. It makes you want to snatch them away, to protect them, and take on all that they have to endure. After all, you are stronger, able to understand all that is happening. Their little bodies and minds aren’t able to take it all in. I hurt for those families that have had children diagnosed with cancer, and diseases that their little bodies have had to fight off. It takes a parent to the limits of where no parent ever wants to go.

I don’t fully understand why these kind of trials and tribulations are allowed in our lives. I really don’t want to face them. I want to be swept down that stream, gurgling merrily along as the blue sky smiles down at me.

That little stream rushes to the ocean, and is stronger in the end. So are we. And this too shall pass.

Jeremiah 29:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

A Day to Remember, Parenting 101, Where do I go?

Welcome to Life!

deborahanndykeman

I feel as though I should begin this post with a “Hello”, and the lyrics from Adele’s song. As you already know, I haven’t been around much lately. Life is happening at a pace that I’m having a hard time adjusting to. But I will…eventually.

We now have seven grandchildren, as of 6:36 pm on the 22nd. Her name is Josie. I had the privilege of being there for her birth, just as I have for all but one of our grandchildren. Eden decided to be born quickly in the middle of the night, so I stayed with the older two children while her parents made a trip to the birth center. When I say privilege…it is! At one time, I seriously considered being a midwife, or at least working in labor and delivery at a hospital. I love being with women in labor. The process of labor and birth is absolutely amazing to me…and it never dulls. So, it is a privilege to be a part of that very intimate time in a couple’s life, no matter how many times that process occurs. Mother and little Josie are doing well, and big sister Ashlynn is taking well to her new responsibilities.

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I am now also working full-time as the Activity Director at our local rest home. I do love this job…even if it seems strange to call it that. But it is hectic, and it takes the stuffing out of me by the end of the day. I love being more active and walking for much of my day. The sitting at my desk all day was wreaking havoc on my back and hips, but I’m adjusting to the activity. Sitting is about all I can handle by the time I arrive home. I am hoping that with warmer, spring air and sunshine, my energy level is back. After all, I’ll have a yard to tackle!

Renovation projects…of course have come to a stand still. I’m happy I accomplished as much as I did before Christmas. I really do want our son to have a life of his own, but I hope he has a couple months after he finishes with school in South Dakota to help me get caught up. Then I think we should sell the house and move to an apartment! 😉 We shall see. The little house by some water is still extremely appealing. And of course my lap-top will travel where no desk-top can. A row-boat in a middle of a pond with frogs croaking and birds chirping is beckoning me.

So, I’m still here, and I check in every now and then. Thank you to all of you that keep stopping by and commenting. It is a real encouragement! Have a great week…spring flowers and painted toe-nails are just around the corner!

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Parenting 101

Baby Mine

deborahanndykeman

Everyone will remember this song from the Disney movie, ‘Dumbo’. It’s always been my favorite part of that movie. It always amazed me that an animated mommy elephant could convey such emotion, and when I had babies of my own, I knew how she felt. This is for our two youngest grandchildren, one three months old, the other almost two days old. I know how much our second to youngest will appreciate this song! 😉

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCgDgJsTR_w

Thank you to Matt Charles for doing such a great job with this video!

A Day to Remember, A Quick Thought, Our Christian Walk

Those Precious Memories

deborahanndykeman

When in doubt, I go to Jim Reeves and his melodious voice.

Our memories mean more and more to us as we grow older. I see this every day. It amazes me what the mind can recall. I pray your memories are indeed precious and beautiful this Sunday morning. Have a wonderful week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMGtWkJgdIM

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A Quick Thought

I’ll Smile As I Pass…

deborahanndykeman

I wanted to shout a big, “Thank you!” to all of you that have continued to stop by here and read my posts, even though I have not written anything in a while. It is much encouragement to me in the writing area…and that is greatly needed right now.

You see, almost a month ago now I started working full-time. It is a job that I really love, at a place I worked at once before back in 2011. I was the Activity Assistant then, and now I’m the Activity Director, with no assistant. So, I’ve been busy. In time, I hope to be blogging a bit more again, and I am working on the third book in a series that I hope to have available this year. But right now, I’m in survival mode. I fall asleep practically before my head hits the pillow, and I wake a few hours later with it spinning of all I need to accomplish that day. The weeks have rushed past in a blur. But it is a good busy. I’m just slightly out of breath right now.

Please keep stopping by. I’ll do the same for you. I may not comment as much as I zip through, but I still like what you’re doing. Have a fantastic Saturday!

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

deborahanndykeman

This life we live is uncertain, filled with obstacles, lost expectations of our youth, and a lot of ‘just getting by’. Life is a journey that each of us has been given, and it is also a gift. Along with the struggles, and the not-so-good days, there is hope, and there is joy.

I’ve always loved the words to this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3iLXHzX9k

It was written by Ira F. Stanphill in 1950, during a very difficult time in his own life. From what I could find, his wife left him to pursue a career of her own, at the zenith of his. If any of you know of different facts, or more, please share. I always enjoy learning more about a person. Mr. Stanphill wrote this song out of the pain, betrayal and loss he was experiencing at that time, and you can feel it.

So many items in this life are unknowns. We don’t know what the day will hold, we don’t know if any of us will be here tomorrow. But we do have today, and we can rejoice and take comfort in that. Make your Sunday… today, a good one.

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A Quick Thought, Just For Fun!

Tiny Houses…

deborahanndykeman

Intrigue me. Anything miniature has always given me a thrill. I find them adorable. For a while, it was mice. No, I don’t particularly like a mouse running through my domain. But cute pictures of them, and their babies are pretty special.

The little toad house in the picture above makes me smile. For a couple of years, I had a fairy garden. No, I don’t believe that fairies come to live there, but it is fun to imagine. I have several resin houses that I repainted that I set up in the garden. There were white picket fences, little table and chairs. Even little cakes and plates to eat on. I built a little pond with a lighthouse and boat. Miniature frogs sat at the edge. From this pond trickled a little brook. I absolutely loved this little oasis! But, alas, the English ivy and periwinkle have made the area a jungle, and I don’t have the heart to pull it all out. So, the houses and necessities for fairy living are packed in the garage, waiting for a new home.

So of course I love the idea of a tiny house! I’ve always wanted a little place to go and write. I would make it very girly… shades of pink and white with roses everywhere. Rather like an English cottage. Chintz would be the fabric of choice. White shutters over the windows…on the inside, to close out the hot, afternoon sun, and a comfy chair to snuggle in. I would enjoy a little white stove for cold or rainy days. Building it myself would be rather fun, and decorating would be pure joy!

I’ve shared Luke’s videos here before. I support people and their talents whenever I’m able. And I certainly think Luke should be supported with his talents! He builds his tiny houses, and this video takes you on a tour of one in a very engaging, fun way. He has lots of energy! So enjoy the tour…I think it will put a smile on your face! Have a terrific Thursday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GUiZtvNFvc&feature=em-subs_digest

A Quick Thought

The Gibb Brothers

deborahanndykeman

The Bee Gees were always one of my favorite groups when I was younger. One of the biggest reasons that I enjoyed them, was because they were brothers. Seeing a family work together, and especially for so many years, is pretty special. Barry Gibb lives on, the oldest of the brothers. What a legacy they have left for all of us. This is a song Barry wrote. I enjoyed looking at the pictures in the video. I hope you do as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLT26K89Qo

A Quick Thought

The Piano Guys and Lexi Walker…

deborahanndykeman

Music is something that I’ve always loved. At one time, when I was younger, I had it playing in some form, in the background of my day. When I was driving, doing housework, or washing the car. Music was just part of me. I enjoyed almost any genre, played on a wide range of instruments. I could find something to appreciate about a person’s musical talent.

With the chaos of spending my day with five children, I didn’t play music as much. Quiet was a very good thing to hear. Then I would just appreciate the tick-tock of my clocks.

Tonight, many people will head out to church for evening services. Not as many as there once was on a Wednesday night. The busyness of everyday life has taken away that commitment that parishioners once had. People are exhausted from their days filled with work, errands, and the very long list of the, “I have to”. Wednesday, for me has always been rather like a Sunday. A time set aside to let life slow down a bit, and renew our minds.

Christmas has come and gone, and we have greeted the New Year. But the reason we celebrate Christmas is still fresh in my thoughts. The music that is part of the season is still whispering at the edges. I don’t want to hear Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but I will fudge a bit in January, not wanting to let go of that certain feeling you have at Christmas time. When I come across not one but two of my favorite songs, being sung beautifully together, and with the Piano Guys…well, I had to share with all of you! Tonight, as you make your way to church, think on this song. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGHUmpUu7Gw

Bible Verses, Our Christian Walk

Peace to You

deborahanndykeman

It is the second of January, 2018!

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So of course I’m going to write the obligatory post about my New Year resolutions. They wouldn’t be New Year resolutions unless they included health topics. You know the ones…diet, exercise, getting more sleep, etc.  This photo makes me think of health, and being refreshed. Can’t you just smell those oranges?

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A few years ago I was going to the gym faithfully. Every, single, day, except Sunday. I went around eleven in the morning when it wasn’t so crowded, after my morning chores were accomplished. The first of January saw an influx of new gym memberships, or at least people using them. Around March, the excitement would start to die down a bit. Just human behavior.

My list:

  • Continue the oil pulling I began back in the summer. For those of you that don’t know what this is…you put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for twenty minutes, before you eat anything in the morning. I experimented with this for about two weeks in July. I noticed whiter teeth and less plaque and tartar build-up. My mouth stayed more fresh all day, even when I did eat. This was my personal observation. Not a dentist’s recommendation or sell. I started with this once again this morning. It’s a bit disgusting at first, just getting that oily feel ignored, but after a couple days, no big deal.
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  • Stick with the Candida Diet I began the first of October. I managed very well through our anniversary, a trip to Branson, birthdays, and Thanksgiving. I even did fairly well around the Christmas festivities. New Year’s Eve…not so much. I’m feeling it now! It is very strict…no flour or sugar allowed, even fruit. But I’ve been totally amazed how much better I’ve felt. No more sore joints, and sleeping well. Sugars do cause inflammation in the body, so I’m sure this was part of the problem with my joint pain. Again, these are my own observations that I’m sharing with you, not a medical diagnosis.
  • Of course more exercise! I would love to be walking here:dunes-2191641_1920But my view will be more like this one, here in Kansas:tilted-2139864_1920
  • Start my newsletter! I’ve been wanting to tackle this for awhile now…just need the time to do it. I don’t want to start and then not follow through.
  • Finish up home projects, or at least get them more under control. I’ve been working on our kitchen, but we do need a furnace upgrade, dining room makeover, and another bathroom installed where the furnace is now. Each year I have a mental list of projects. I try not to share them with my family. It causes people to run!
  • Last, and certainly most important…keep my priorities straight. My relationship with God, my husband, my children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and co-workers. And yes, in that order. Some areas will over-lap of course, but there is a sense of order in our lives. I think that list also keeps everything else in-sync.

I wish each of you a Blessed 2018. I pray health, financial security, and great relationships for you. And when each of those areas comes under testing, and is stretched to its limit this year…because they will…I pray God’s peace for you, and the strength He gives to bear the difficult times in our lives.

Philippians 4:4-11 – King James Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Happy New Year!