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Author: Marie McNary

Ministry Opportunity In Cedar Rapids

Ministry Opportunity In Cedar Rapids

Last month I attended the LWML Iowa East District Convention and we were visited by Gracie the Comfort Dog and several of her handlers. One of Gracie’s handlers explained to us that Gracie is the only Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog in the state of Iowa. She travels from one end of the state to the other sharing the love of Jesus (and her comfort) with those in need of it. Gracie is currently eight years old. As Gracie’s handler…

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The Slap In the Face You Need Today

The Slap In the Face You Need Today

As many of you know, I love to read. And although mysteries and fiction books tend to be my happy place, one goal I have for 2017 is to branch out and read more books in other genres. I picked up a copy of Getting Noticed: A No-Nonsense Guide to Standing Out and Selling More for Momtrepreneurs Who ‘Aint Got Time for That’ after I saw a couple friends post about it on their Facebook Pages. I was apprehensive about reading…

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What a Difference A Week Makes

What a Difference A Week Makes

It is always tough watching your little ones go through surgery. You want to take their pain away and there is nothing you can go there but be there and support them. For those of you who know our story, strabismus eye issues have plagued my identical twins, Joel and Caleb from birth. Early on I even wrote a few posts over at Little Four Eyes if you’re interested in reading about the early days of our journey. Two weeks…

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My Focus for 2017

My Focus for 2017

2016 was a good year. I had interesting professional opportunities come my way. I engaged in volunteer activities I really enjoy. My family is happy, healthy, and thriving. I am blessed beyond measure. So why was 2016 a struggle for me? Why did I find myself regularly in a state of discontentment? Of restlessness? Fighting frustration and not knowing if I was focusing my efforts where I should be? When I reflected back on the year and wrote my 2017 goals,…

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Better off Thread Book Review

Better off Thread Book Review

If you are like me, and like to read Christmas themed books through the month of December, Better off Thread by Amanda Lee is a great one to keep you full of Christmas cheer. Marcy and her dog Angus steal the show in this cozy mystery. I could tell there had been books in this series before this one (quite a few by the look of the inside front cover), but you didn’t feel that you were coming into the…

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First Degree Mudder Book Review

First Degree Mudder Book Review

We just got back from visiting extended family in Ohio for the Thanksgiving holiday. When I was packing for the trip, I had to decide what book I wanted to take with me. I wanted to take along a light and fun read and First Degree Mudder by Kate Dyer-Seeley was a perfect choice. This is the fourth book in the Pacific Northwest Mystery Series, but it was new to me. However, the author is not. I love Kate’s Bakeshop Mystery…

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Missions, Donuts & Serving Together

Missions, Donuts & Serving Together

A couple weeks ago a missionary from the Dominican Republic visited my kids at school and talked about some of the work she is doing there. Her name is Jamielynn Tinkey. I have never meat Jamielynn. But she had quite the impact on my kids. All three came home from school and wanted to have a lemonade stand to raise money to send to her and support her work. Since it is October and our street isn’t that busy, we…

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Cat Got Your Diamonds Book Review

Cat Got Your Diamonds Book Review

I’ve got to tell you. I did not plan to enjoy this book. ~ I’m not a cat person ~ “Kitty Couture” didn’t strike me as something I’d be interested in However there was a cute beagle on the book’s cover and I’m a sucker for beagles, so I thought I’d give it a try. And I’m ssssoooo glad I did. I found a new series for sure! Cat Got Your Diamonds is the first in the Kitty Couture Mystery series…

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A Composition in Murder Book Review

A Composition in Murder Book Review

A Composition in Murder was a fun read. It follows the adventures of fast talking artist, Cherry Tucker. A big part of Cherry’s life involves a senior living center where she works as an artist. Her grandmother passed away from cancer many years ago and she still enjoys the friendship she finds from the individuals she gets to work with in the center. I enjoyed that beneath Cherry’s tough exterior, she had such a heart for these individuals and you could…

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Election Day Reflections

Election Day Reflections

Today is Election Day in the United States. And like so many others around our great nation, I was not looking forward to voting. Not only was I not looking forward to it, I was dreading it. On my way to pick up my oldest from school, I gave myself a pep talk. I would vote after I picked him up. At least I would have it over with and have “done my duty.” Then I picked up an energetic kiddo…

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