A Quiet Heart…

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Proof that, yes, I do know how to laugh at myself.

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HT: Remissioned

Welcome to A Quiet Heart!  I am so glad you stopped by! 

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Although I have been in bloggy-land for a while, this is the first time I have participated in 5 Minutes for Mom’s Ultimate Blog Party!  I’ve never really been much of a “party” girl…so could we just pretend we are chatting over a cup of coffee (or, your beverage of choice…My coffee pot seems to be perpetually brewing. I am mildly um, make that severely addicted to the stuff!)? 

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Let’s get to know one another, shall we?

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I am blessed to be a stay-at-home pastor’s wife and homeschooling mommy.

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Sometimes, I find this rather amusing, because for as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a pastor’s wife.  But, the same time, I also thought that homeschoolers were weird, and I always said that I would never “do that” to my children…

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But, I believe that God has prepared me, and called me specifically to both.

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My husband, Jason, currently serves as the Associate Pastor at our church.  Although we have different versions of exactly when it happened, we met in college.  And, this summer, we will celebrate 9 years of marriage!

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Together we have one precious little girl, Hannah Elisabeth.  She just turned 5 this past Sunday!  And, I am constantly humbled at the amazing opportunity and responsibility to which the Lord has called me, as a mom – to teach, train, care for, play with, comfort, pray for, and love our daughter.

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I take my role as a wife and mommy very seriously.  And, while I love to share my daughter’s latest antics, accomplishments, and (thanks to my new toy) pictures, this is definitely not your (stereo)typical “mommyblog.”  I have very strong convictions – about many things (mommyhood included!).  And, it is my hope and prayer that that you will be challenged to think biblically, encouraged in your calling as a woman, and strengthened in your walk with Christ by what you read here.

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The title of my site is taken from a quote by my favorite author, Elisabeth Elliot: 

“A quiet heart is content with what God gives.  It is enough.  All is grace.”

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And that is my desire.  In the chaos and clamor of life, I want to have a quiet heart…One that is passionately obedient to God’s Word, and joyfully content in the roles, responsibilities, blessings, and trials that my Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to give me…  Because, truly, it is enough.  All is grace.

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There are several ways for you to stay connected, if you would like:

• Subscribe to A Quiet Heart by e-mail, or in your favorite reader. 
• Follow me on Twitter (@AQuietHeart).
• or become a fan on Facebook.
• Or, if you prefer a more direct approach, e-mail me, using my contact form.

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Thanks again for stopping by!  Please be sure to leave a comment to introduce yourself, say hi, or just let me know you were here!  And, please include a link to your blog so I can visit you as well! 

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And don’t forget to check out the amazing list of prizes at 5 Minutes for Mom.  My top three picks would be:

32, or USC 3, or USC 15, or USC 32 – Target Gift Cards (We love Target!)

49 – $25 gift card to Starbucks (Yes please!)

52 – A $25 GC to Amazon.com. (In case you were wondering what I would buy – Books! Of course!)

Or, really, any of the other prizes appropriate for the mommy of a little girl.

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***Edited to add…Due to a number of “suspicious” comments suddenly showing up on this post in the last day,  I am closing the comments.. 

 If you are legitimately here from the 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party (I know it has taken me a while to get around to everyone!), this isn’t meant to be anti-social.  I would still love to hear from and connect with you!!  Please use my comment form, or comment on another post to let me know you stopped by.  But, like most moms, my online time is limited, and I don’t really want it taken up by spammers.  Thanks for understanding!!***

Cheryl, at Adventures of a Somewhat Crunchy Mama, has given me my very first blog award: The Beautiful Blogger Award. 

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I am still amazed that people actually take time to read what I write…even more amazed when they actually like it.  It is humbling.  But, I appreciate the encouragement that comes with each comment (online, and in real life) and e-mail…  And, this was a very sweet surprise!!  Thanks, Cheryl!!

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The Rules: The recipient of the award chooses 15 bloggers to pass the award on to, and shares seven things about themselves.

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So, I get to choose 15 bloggers to pass this award on to!  Honestly, it was more difficult than I thought…because there were so many to choose from!  But, these are a few of my favorites, and I’m excited to pass this award on to them:

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A Complete Thought 
A Place of Quiet Rest 
Casa de Perkins
Closing Time
Everyday Mommy
Glenda’s Musings
Heritage Acres Homestead
Jamie’s Rose Cottage
Lisa Writes…
Make Me A Blessing
PrairieFrog Blog
Putting God First Place
Renaissance
Seeking to Surrender
Sweet Tea With Lemon

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Now, to share 7 things about myself…  I don’t know if there is anything left that I haven’t already shared here…  But, since I like to play by the rules…

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1. I am going to count that as random fact number one – I like to play by the rules.
2. I can roll my tongue into a clover leaf.
3. Ventriloquist dummies freak me out.
4. I love it when people dress up for church.
5. I hate milk.  The taste, the smell (yes, even when it is fresh)…yuck.
6. I am addicted to coffee.  Like really, really addicted.
7. I love being a stay-at-home wife and mommy. It is the best!!

Welcome to A Quiet Heart!  I’m so glad you stopped by.  My name is Veronica.  Please, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get to know each other…

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Ann Marie, of Household 6 Diva, is hosting a Blizzard Bloghop.  Right now, the outside temperature is hovering around 65, and snow is definitely not in the forecast.  This is as much “winter” as we get in the Southwest!  But, I don’t need to be snowed in to to meet some new blog friends!  (Right?)  And, if you need a break from the snow, I am more than happy to share some Arizona sunshine!

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About Me…
I was born into a Christian family.   Although my parents did not grow up in Christian homes, God saved them before I was born, and, they were committed to raising me, and my sister, according to biblical principles.  Through their faithful teaching and example, God graciously drew me to Himself at a young age.  I had a child’s understanding of the gospel, but, I repented of my sins, and professed Christ as my Lord and Savior.  What a blessing it has been to have practically my entire life to know, love, and serve my Savior!

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I attended The Master’s College, where I earned my degree in Biblical Studies, with an emphasis in Christian Education.  The Lord used my time at college, and this course of study, to increase my passion for His Word, to strengthen my desire to share His Truth with others, and to shape my worldview.

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About My Family…
Today, I am blessed to be a stay-at-home pastor’s wife and homeschooling mommy. 

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My husband, Jason, currently serves as the Associate Pastor at our church.  Although we have different versions of exactly when it happenened, we met in college.  This past summer, we celebrated 8 years of marriage.  I am so thankful for a husband who loves the Lord, is a dilligent student of God’s Word, and works hard to support his family.  What a privilege to share life with my best friend! 

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Together we have one precious little girl, Hannah Elisabeth.  I am humbled each day at the amazing opportunity and responsibility that the Lord has given me – to teach, train, care for, play with, comfort, pray for, and love our daughter.

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About My Blog…
The title of my site is taken from a quote by my favorite author, Elisabeth Elliot. 

“A quiet heart is content with what God gives.  It is enough.  All is grace.”

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Amidst the chaos of all that clamors for our attention, I am striving to have a quiet heart.  One that is passionately obedient to God’s Word, and content in the roles, responsibilities, blessings, and trials that my Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to give me…

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So, what do I write about?

• Bible Study, Devotional Thoughts, and Practical Application from Scripture passages that I am currently reading, studying, or teaching.
• Thinking Biblically about current events, culture, and pop-Christianity
• My thoughts and reflections on my pursuit of Biblical Womanhood…specifically as it pertains to Marriage, Mommyhood, and Modesty.
• Book Reviews
• Homemaking – Time Management, Recipes, Tips, and Projects
• Life in Ministry – Perspectives from a Pastor’s Wife
• Homeschooling – Goals, Adventures, and Lessons Learned

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It is my prayer that you will be challenged to think biblically and encouraged in your calling as a woman, and strengthened in your walk with Christ by what you read here. 

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Thanks again for stopping by!  Please be sure to leave a comment so I can visit you as well!

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If you would like to subscribe to A Quiet Heart, you can do so by e-mail, or in your favorite reader.  And, I can occasionally be found on Twitter and Facebook as well.

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Don’t forget to visit Household 6 Diva and join the Blizzard Bloghop fun!

We had a great time at the church Hayride!!  (More pictures here.)

Christmas-y treats…Christmas Carols…Games…White Elephants…

…And, a great group of students from church…

WOG Youth Christmas Party – 2009

Okay, so sometimes it is the little things in life that make us smile…

It is November, and the temperatures are currently hovering around 90 degrees.  

So, today, I am thankful for the Red Cup.   Yes, it is frivolous, and silly…and caffeinated.  But, it makes me smile…

(What are you thankful for today?  Hop on over to Rebecca Writes, and share what you are thankful for this month!)

The highlights…

Phoenix Coyotes “Welcome Back Whiteout”

Sadly, or maybe not, depending on how you look at it, the Coyotes lost to the Blue Jackets,  2-0. 

I am not a Coyotes fan.  I am a Kings fan.  Yes, I know that is a dangerous statement to make in Coyote territory.  But, it’s true.  So, I find myself a bit conflicted about the outcome of tonight’s game.  It is always kind of sad to see the home team lose their home opener.  Kind of. 

But, I just could not bring myself to chant “Let’s Go Coyotes!”  I just couldn’t do it.

Did I mention that the goalie for the other team (Mathieu Garon) was one of my favorites when he played for the Kings…and he was good tonight!  (Obviously, since the game ended in a shutout.)  And, the Coyotes new goalie (their back-up), was not my favorite when he was on the Kings? 

Ooh…Maybe I was actually rooting for the Blue Jackets?! 

Nah…

I saw this amusing little tidbit this morning, on Elle’s blog:

“…According to John Tesh and the People Who Do Studies On Inanities Like Women’s Purse Sizes, a woman’s purse should not weigh more than five pounds. Or she risks back injury.”

Well, let’s see…

This is my everyday “summer” purse:

It is simple, washable, and pretty much goes with everything (I don’t go anywhere too fancy).  But, I also have an identical one in black…so I can coordinate with my shoes, or whatever.

Although I do have some cute purses, somewhere, I have found that since becoming a mom (and ditching the diaper bag), purses are not so much a fun, or stylish accessory, as they are more of a utilitarian necessity.  The cute ones are just not large enough to contain all of the “stuff” required for a successful outing.

This is the contents of my purse, this morning:

From left to right…

• 2 of the books that I am currently reading (Womanly Dominion and Growing Up Christian)
• Journal
• “Pocket” ESV
• Wallet
• Green Zippered Bag (which contains a cleaning cloth for my glasses, an assortment of lipgloss, chapstick, a few band-aids, and a “trial size” packet of Excedrin Migraine…just in case)
• Sunglasses and case
• Brush
• Keys
• Cell Phone
• a Fruit Bar
• iPod Shuffle
• Kleenex
• Gum
• Calculator
• Hand Sanitizer
• 2 Highlighters, 4 pens, 2 pencils
• camera (it isn’t in the picture, because it is taking the picture!)

I don’t always carry two books…but I usually do have at least one with me.  If we are out as a family, my husband will occasionally throw his cell phone and keys into the mix as well.  And, this doesn’t include any of Hannah’s toys, or the “treasures” that she picks up along the way (twisty ties from the grocery store, rocks from a trip to the park) that inevitably make their way into my bag.  But, this is still a pretty accurate depiction of what I haul around on a typical day.  I may not have been a boy scout, but I do believe in being prepared!

I don’t actually own a scale, but if I had to venture a guess, I would say that John Tesh probably would not approve of my purse either, Elle.   But, I think we may have discovered the source of my back problems!

What about your purse?  Do you come in under or over the 5-pound “limit”?