I love books. I am so thankful for books. There is so much wisdom in books. I love how a book can take you deep into the heart of a character, person, and a story or someone’s life. We can learn what makes someone tick, what stirs inspiration, what pulls on their heart strings, and what gives them hope. We cry, we laugh, we struggle along with them and even more so when we can relate to their traumas, heartaches, and motivations.

I read both fiction and non-fiction, though I’m more of a non-fiction reader. I like true stories. I think it is interesting to read about others’ lives, how they overcome obstacles and survive the best and worst of times. I think it is very courageous to tell your story. It can help others to know they are not alone in their struggles and pain. I love it when lives are transformed, hope is restored, love prevails, and beauty emerges from pain.

God has used many books to mold and shape me. Power of a Praying Wife helped me see what it meant to be a Godly wife. Captivating helped me realize I wasn't too much or not enough. Purpose Driven helped me realize What on Earth I am here for. C.S. Lewis’s book, A Grief Observed showed me that grief isn't ordered. It is messy. It is heart wrenching. It is okay to be beside yourself and even wrestle with your maker. Grief can do that to the human heart and soul. God has used scripture throughout The Bible to encourage me and inspire me. It has taught me to love beyond what I thought or felt love was or is. It has taught me about forgiveness and sacrifice. It has taught me that I am priceless and unforgettable. Boundaries, has taught me to have healthy relationships. These are just a few glimpses of books that have meant so much to me.There are so many more. Each book has come into my life in the right season.

Father thank you for books and using them to shape me. Thank you for giving me a heart for learning and seeking wisdom. Thank you for inspiring me to write and use it for your glory. I am a grateful servant.

Peace, love, and Jesus,

helmschick --out

I have a terrible headache among other things. I had a fierce case of the hives last night and it has spilled over to this morning. It is almost 10:00 a.m. and I still have hives. I even took an Atarax at midnight, because the hives had only progressed and the itching was keeping me awake. Hives are a beast. I didn't think about A.1 sauce having tomatoes in it until I was eating it on my burger.

Today I start my 60 day adventure. It’s called 60 days of NO Tow-Mate-ers. That’s right 60 days of no pasta with red sauce. No pizza with red sauce. No A1 sauce or Worcestershire. No barbecue sauce, NO Ketchup, and NO Salsa. My chiropractor said I may be able to reset my allergy to tomatoes by staying completely off them for 60 days. He also told me to avoid strawberries. It’s going to be a little annoying to cut tomatoes completely out, but if it works then it is worth it.

I try not to gripe or be grumpy about a lot of things. But, once a month I inevitably get grumpier than normal. I am woman. I am allowed. As long as I don’t make others suffer with me, it’s all good. So, much like yesterday, I again feel like my lunchtime iced tea, UN-sweet. Really overall these are just little bumps in the road. Life has been a bit bumpier than normal around here and it’s got me frustrated. I’m going to keep persevering, cultivating my grateful thankful heart. As they say and as I have said, this too shall pass. It’s JUST for now. God has and is supplying all our needs. I need to make sure I focus on the needs and less on the wants. My trust is in Jesus. No fear. No stress. Take some deep breaths.Everything is falling into place.

I am unsweet like my tea,
So for your own good
let me be
I’m cranky and I know it...
And I will get through it and over it.

It has been a rough couple of weeks
But soon we’ll be out of the valley
And onto the mountain peaks
Where the sun shines brightly
Warming the soul
Preparing it for more
Come Sun or Storm

For no matter where we linger
Father you are the bringer of good, hope, and love
You make life sweeter.
Even when I am meaner
And because of Your love,
I won’t stay unsweet for long.

Peace, love, music, and Jesus,

helmschick --out

Ever been driving down the road listening to the radio and a song comes on that you try to sing along to but, you get all choked up? Big tears well up in your eyes and try to fight them and sing but, you can't do either.

Well I was driving down the road listening to the christian music station here in Dallas, KLTY. The DJ started Nicole Nordeman's song, Brave. She introduced it saying how Nicole lives here in Dallas and how cool would it be if she was listening right now. Also, she added how Brave was the song Nicole wrote for her son. Well Brave is a special song to me. It came out years ago around the time I was understanding my identity in Christ and how trusting and leaning on Him was making me want to be Brave.

But, funny enough, I woke up this morning with a Nicole Nordeman song on my mind.(I think that's what brought the tears on.) Her song, What If, it's on the Brave album. That song was on my mind because I was thinking about my friends who don't have a relationship with Christ. And because she was on my mind, I decide I was going to talk about how I'm thankful for music on facebook today.  I love her lyrics and I'm trying to mention things I'm thankful for this month on facebook. But, I'm thinking maybe it should be a daily thing to do all year round. Cultivating a thankful heart can't be a bad thing.

Since I have come this far, why don't I just say here that I am thankful for music. I love music.I love song lyrics. They are poetry in motion. My dad use to play a game with me when I was little, Name that Tune or Name That Artist, or both. My dad introduced me to a variety of music when I was young. I can remember being five years old and listening to Billy Joel while I was trying to sleep. Dad introduced me to The Beatles, Led Zepplin, The Carpenters, Grand Funk Railroad, The Eagles, Chicago, Elton John, Steve Perry, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Doors, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, George Strait, The Judds, Neil Young, Conway Twitty, Boston, Whitney Houston, John Denver(my favorite at Christmas time), James Taylor,Rich Mullins, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, CCR and so many others. But most times when I hear a song from one of the singers listed, I think of my dad. I use to get so excited and feel so smart knowing the answers.

 I'm thankful for the music of TobyMac, Amy Grant, DC Talk, Rich Mullins, 4Him, Nichole Nordeman, John Denver, Journey(Steve Perry lead), The Beatles(the younger years), Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Laura Story, Carrie Underwood, Whitney Houston, Three Days Grace ,U2, Kelly Clarkson, Steven Curtis Chapman, and so many many more. I love hymns too. Music has been a part of me, all my life. Different songs have helped me through different times in my life. Music can be your best friend on a bad day. Music helps you clean the house! Music sings to my SOUL. 

Peace, love, Jesus, and music,

helmschick --out