Riverbend Ramblings

My blog has moved! Please visit me at Riverbend Ramblings, and don't forget to update your bookmarks.

Labels: Bloggity News

Last December I decided that it was time for me to step away from blogging for a while. I quit reading blogs for the most part, too. I started blogging during the last millennium - 2006 to be precise - and I guess I just finally got tired of it. Some of you reading this have been blogging for as long or even longer than I have been. Maybe you've gone through a similar phase.

Social media has changed so much since I started this blog. Back in 2006, Facebook and Twitter were itty bitty babies. We weren't "pinning" anything but the slits in our skirts. Blogging was the best way to keep in touch with far-away friends and family, and after our family moved from Florida to Georgia, Riverbend Ramblings became my online journal. I starting reading blogs written by like-minded women and formed friendships with a few of them. I got to "know" their families and pets, celebrated milestones with them, and prayed for them when they went through difficult times. Many of those women are no longer blogging. Now it seems like most of the blogs I read are driven by advertisements and are filled with beautiful pictures of perfect homes and DIY projects. It's just a lot different than it used to be. I think that discouraged me a little bit. I missed my little group of blogging buddies, lost interest, and stepped away.

I'm still hoping that some of the gals that were in my little circle will start writing again. I've kept them in my feed reader just in case. But I'm not blogging for them; I'm blogging for me. This week marks the seven year anniversary of my first blog post. Here's the picture I used for my very first blog header.

Those babies aren't babies anymore. Bookworm is begging for her driver's permit, Mickey Mouse is looking less like a boy and more like a man, Curly Girl is almost as tall as I am, and Lil' Nut can outrun us all. The many memories on these pages are priceless.

So, I'm back. I'm over my slump and raring to go. And I hope you'll join me on the next leg of this amazing journey.

 

Labels: Bloggity News, My Thoughts

It's been a quiet year here at Riverbend Ramblings, but I'm ready to get back to blogging again and have decided to jump in now rather than wait until January 1st. I hope you'll join me on a journey into another year.
Christmas 2011

Labels: Bloggity News

early morning backyard view Is the heat on???? It's a chilly 38 degrees this morning here in sunny Central Florida, but I'm feeling cozy with socks on my feet and a mug of steaming hot cocoa next to the keyboard. Life is good. :) I'm going to beg sweetly ask my hubby if we can put our fireplace to work. It would feel like we were back in Georgia...almost. :) The last couple of weeks I've been on a blogging break busy with life and pondering the future of Riverbend Ramblings. When I first started blogging I lived far away from family and close friends. My husband pastored a small church, and most of my time was filled with homeschooling, cooking, and cleaning. Blogging provided me with an outlet to share about my life. Since moving back to Florida, however, my life is not quite so simple. While I still homeschool my youngest child and continue to care for my home and family, there are now many other things that require my attention. My ministry outside my home has expanded. In addition to busy days, there's also the whole privacy issue. I'm not so anonymous anymore. My fishbowl has been enlarged, so to speak. While only a very few of the 1,500 or so people who attended our church this past Sunday know my blog exists, I still don't feel comfortable sharing as many details about the ins and outs of my daily life as I used to share without so much hesitation. While I never wish to come across through my writing as a "perfect pastor's wife" (which I most certainly am not!), I must consider the position in which the Lord has placed my husband and our family. We do need a measure of privacy. I would never want to do anything to hinder our family's testimony before the Lord. I have shared my concerns with my husband, and he has encouraged me to continue blogging about whatever I feel comfortable with. I want blogging to be enjoyable, not something that brings unnecessary worry or stress. My time is precious, and while I so enjoy "visiting" with my blogging buddies, something has to give. The computer is a wonderful outlet, but it can be a time robber as well. I have prayerfully gone through the list of blogs I visit and whittled it down considerably. I have a scheduled amount of computer time each day, and when my timer goes off, I'm done. I will do my best to post a few times each week, but I will not be a slave to blogging! If I do not post for several days you will know that all is well, but that my priorities are as they should be. If you don't already subscribe to some type of feed reader like Bloglines or Google Reader, let me encourage you to do so. You won't feel frustrated checking for new posts all the time. Hopefully I'll be able to get you caught up on our recent happenings soon, and I am thinking about changing the look around here, too. Gotta move the furniture every once in a while. :) Above all, it is my desire to be pleasing to the Lord in all things, including this blog. It is His approval that I seek, not the approval of man. I want to bring Him glory with my life. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV

Labels: Bloggity News, My Thoughts

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12 KJV It's time for me to take a break from blogging. My days are filled to the brim right now, and computer time is just not a priority for me. When I do have a few spare moments it seems like there are so many more productive things for me to do. Comments will remain open and will be moderated as time allows. See you soon, Lord willing! :)

Labels: Bloggity News, My Thoughts

My friend Christina is hosting a Fall Back Into HomeSchool Giveaway. Go check out the wonderful gifts she will be blessing the winners with. Bundle #1 is my favorite. ;-)

Labels: Bloggity News

I'm going to extend my blogging break for a few more days. I wish you all a wonderful weekend! :) Image from here.

Labels: Bloggity News

Our internet is now up and running. It only took five weeks, but who's counting? Please bear with me as I work on a new look for the blog. I couldn't handle looking at those stripes another day! I'm also thinking about changing the name of my blog since it was inspired by our home in Georgia. There's no riverbend here in Central Florida. Any suggestions, or should I just leave well enough alone?

Labels: Bloggity News

Two year ago today I wrote my very first blog post. Wow! I can't believe it's been two years!

I actually stumbled upon this whole blogging-thing when I was searching for information on creating a home management binder. Over the last two years I've blogged about so many different things and have been able to create a journal of the ins and outs of life in our home.

The best part of blogging has been *meeting* and gleaning from some very wonderful people. I have enjoyed reading about your families, your pets, your hopes and dreams, your favorite recipes, your ups and downs, and the lessons you have learned in your walks with the Lord. Many of you take the time to leave comments and share your thoughts, and I really appreciate that.

I look forward to sharing with you and learning more from you all in the days ahead. ;)

Labels: Bloggity News

For those of you who have been keeping up with the pregnancy of Steve & Teri Maxwell's daughter-in-law, they have some wonderful news!

Labels: Bloggity News

Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed the weekend. I mainly puttered around the house and worked on a few projects. Sunday's church services were a blessing. Sadly, many churches cancel their Sunday evening service so that people can sit at home and watch the Super Bowl. We'll never cancel ours for football. :) Every Sunday is a Super Sunday when you can hear great preaching and fellowship with other believers. I'm so thankful for the freedom I have to attend a Bible-believing church!

Tonight is our monthly ladies' fellowship at chuch. I've asked one of the ladies to give a devotional with a "love" theme. Mrs. M has been married over 40 years and is a very godly Titus 2 example. I'm looking forward to what she'll share.

All of the ladies bring a covered dish or two for our meal. I got out of having to cook for tonight by stocking up on some buy 1/get 1 free deals at the grocery store. A nice big shrimp platter is chilling in the fridge and will be a nice addition to all the home-cookin'.

Tomorrow is a very special day for our family. No, not because it's Super Tuesday (although I'll be at the polling place bright and early). You'll have to check back tomorrow and see what all the celebrating is about. :)

I still haven't heard from the winner of my giveaway, so I'll try to contact her again today. If I don't get a response, I'll select another random number and announce a new winner later this week. In other bloggy-news, two fellow bloggers have blessed me with the Excellent Blog Award.

Faith is someone that I "know" through blogging. She is a part time special education teacher in New York and has two daughters. She seems like such a sweet lady. ;)

Mommy, a homeschooling mom of three, is actually a friend of mine from Florida. She attended the Bible college (and met her husband) at our home church there. At one time she lived a couple of blocks from me. I used to see her pushing a stroller at an unbelievable pace past my house each day as she walked away the baby pounds. What an inspiration! :) She now lives in another Florida town, and I haven't seen her since our move to Georgia. Hopefully we'll be able to get together for a visit in the future. I'm looking forward to meeting her third child, Tiny Boy, one of these days.

Thank you both for thinking of me!

Labels: Bloggity News, Church Family, My Thoughts

Thank you all for your sweet comments on my new header.

The picture was taken last year, but from the back the kids don't look much different now than they did then. :)

Labels: Bloggity News, Fun Stuff

Life in a Shoe is hosting a giveaway of Vision Forum's exciting new adventure series, Ballantyne books. For those of you who have not yet entered the contest, head over there now!! The contest closes at midnight CST.

Labels: Bloggity News, Contests

One of my favorite things about blogging is being able to get all kinds of great ideas from other ladies. Kelli is someone I would just love to chat with over a cup of tea. Her posts are so encouraging, and the projects and crafts that she and her children create are things that even crafty-impaired people (like me) can do.

Imagine my delight when Kelli made her big announcement introducing Seasonal Delights Quarterly Magazine. I'm so excited that Kelli will be sharing all her great seasonal ideas with us in such a classy way. The best part of all: Kelli's new magazine is FREE! I've already downloaded the fall edition, and the girls and I are looking forward to browsing the pages together as we gear up for my favorite season. You can subscribe to Seasonal Delights by clicking here or by clicking the graphic at the top of this post.

Labels: Bloggity News, Favorite Things

Labels: Bloggity News, Contests

Labels: Bloggity News, Family Life, Weekend Review

Labels: Bloggity News

Joy at Joy in the Journey is hosting a weekly "Cherish Your Children" feature. Each Tuesday she's giving an idea for us to implement in our homes as we endeavor to cherish our children. You can find the first two challenges here and here.

Now, I don't get me wrong, I LOVE my children. However, I'm guilty of getting wrapped up in the daily grind and forgetting to savor the moments with these precious little blessings God has given me. Joy's challenges are helping me reflect on my role as a mommy and enjoy my children even more.

Labels: Bloggity News, My Thoughts

Labels: Bloggity News

I want to thank all of you who left such sweet comments about my blogging anniversary. I feel blessed to have made so many wonderful new friends through blogging, as well as keep up with family and friends both far and near.

Okay, so here's what you've been waiting for. The winner will receive a sampling of my favorite things including: Bath & Body Works Sparkling Peach hand soap and hand gel; Aromatique bath gel and body soak; Tyler Candle Cinnabuns votive; Yankee Candle Fruit Smoothie and Cucumber & Cantaloupe votives; Burt's Bees body lotion; a pretty scripture bookmark; and the book What Every Mother Must Teach Her Children by Dr. Clarence Sexton.


Congratulations to Christina! I'll be contacting you soon about your package. Thanks again to all of you who participated and helped me celebrate. :)

Labels: Bloggity News, Favorite Things