Okay...THREE memes today...my first entry!

I enjoy reading 7 Quick Takes Friday on other blogs...so I've decided to add it to my Friday memes here on A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings.

It's hosted by the author of ConversionDiary.com blog...click the image above in my sidebar to visit...there's a myriad of "good things to read" there!

So thanks for this meme...and here are my first 7 Quick Takes for Friday:


1) I'm really wanting to learn how to function within Spreadsheet. Try as I might, study as I might...I just can't get the hang of it. My husband breezes right through to create such wonderful charts and things...and has tried to show me some basics...but...it "just ain't happenin' "
Anyone know of a free online tutorial for this? Please do share if you are so inclined!!!


2)My Benjamin Luke is doing it....he is sneaking past BABY on me...and headed straight toward "big strong boy"....those chubby baby features are giving way to the more defined cheek bones and stature of a toddler...he has a full "little man" stride when he runs...he can now drop kick a football...WHICH ASTOUNDS US EVERY TIME! THANKFULLY, he still rushes toward me to lay his head in my lap and slather me with his drooly kisses and squeezy hugs...and he'll even say "I Mumma's Baby"...but still...in another blink...it will be all over....no infants in this house for the FIRST time in the last nine years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ::sniffing, sniffing, holding back the tears::

3) The Lord has place REJOICING AND JOY in my vocation upon my heart for my personal mission in our school year this year. Yes, I always diligently teach the Faith and try my best to live it in example...but many times...I skip right past that JOYFUL HEART part whilst trying to muddle through the endless tasks and duties it requires. This year, I'm determined to answer God's request...and SLOW DOWN...STICK TO THE BASICS...AND REJOICE with my children for the BLESSING OF BEING AT HOME TOGETHER and being FREE to celebrate our FAITH IN CHRIST IN ALL THAT WE DO EACH DAY!

4) Playing at my daughter's new house this weekend...YAY...fun!!!!


5) I really appreciate all of the people who visit my blogs and websites...and especially appreciate those who leave comments for us. This interaction brings delight to my days and I learn so much for the insight , wisdom, and humor of others!


6) Isn't it wonderful when children begin to be self-sufficient and start expressing their joy of that by serving others? My Mary Helen, 9, treated me this morning to her own "breakfast creation" (I don't normally eat breakfast...however, there wasn't a chance that I was going to pass up the opportunity to encourage and praise her, so I indulged!) ... she offered me a pretty little plate of Ritz-style crackers, each with a slice of thin pepperoni and melted white American Cheese on top! It's so nice to see my girls having fun in the kitchen! Someone asked me to post about that recently and if you are interested, you can read it HERE.


7) I read recently that we must so embrace the cross before us, that we reach a point where we cease to try to carry it and IT carries us. It occurred to me then: THIS IS HOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN!!! In Scripture, Jesus NEVER said "CARRY" the cross....Rather, He tells us to "TAKE UP" the cross and follow Him. HA! It figures doesn't it...we, in our high and mighty self centeredness convince ourselves that WE are carrying these heavy crosses...that WE must take it upon our shoulders and hold it up...when in fact, He simply told us to embrace it...to hold it...to "take it up"...and all along, it is THE CROSS that CARRIES US not WE who carry the cross!

I enjoy this new meme and hope many of you will give it a try too!