Last week, Jack turned six. He is thrilled to have finally reached this age and he’s already looking forward to seven next year. My baby is growing up so so fast.

This year was the first in a while that we could really give him a great birthday. When he turned 3, we were moving. When he turned 4, money was tight. When he turned 5, we were moving again. This year we are settled in our house, in our beautiful neighborhood here in the mountains and we wanted him to have a wonderful day with those he loves!

Jack’s God-mother and Auntie came from SC to see him. That in itself was extra special. She drove over the twisty-winding mountain just to make Jack’s weekend the best and we love her so much for that! He has the best Auntie ever!

T-Rex, Jackson’s absolute favorite dinosaur, sent him a pretty awesome birthday card. It was so unique, designed by T-Rex himself, just for Jack. Jackson LOVED it! We cannot thank T-Rex enough for that special present just for Jackson. It was such a special memory that he will never forget. Thanks for making his day the BEST!

Mrs. P, our neighbor also gave Jack a lovely card and he took her a piece of cake as a thank you for recognizing him on his special day!

Jackson wanted NY style pizza for his birthday. Daddy has taught him it’s the BEST so we grabbed him his favorite pie from our local pizzeria. He could eat a whole pizza from this place by himself. I can’t wait until we can someday take him to NY to eat it there but for now our buddy from Brooklyn always hooks Jack up with the best pizza’s ever!

Jack asked us for a TON of things, like most kids do, but Don and I found him things we really felt he would play with and enjoy the most. He got several dinosaurs, some Jurassic Park cars for playing with his Dinosaurs, a T-Rex that moves on it’s own, some dino playdough playsets, a Dino stick horse (perfect for Jack!), Sissy traced his hand as her gift, a Noah’s Ark balancing set, and Skylanders to share with his siblings because he’s really into that game right now and it was on a pretty amazing clearance! He loves it ALL and we love that he’s happy!

His party theme was Dinosaurs which he picked out a few months ago. They are life right now. He absorbs info about every dino he discovers and there is a new one almost daily.

His cake turned out beautifully. He requested a homemade chocolate cake with Dino’s on top made by Mommy, Daddy and Grandma and so we worked together to make his dream come true. He loved it, too!

It was just the best birthday weekend he’s had in quite a while and I’m so totally thankful! Jack is so special and he deserves the best every day.

Happy Sixth Birthday to our sweet, Jackson!

About the Book

Book Title: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement

Author: Debbie Kitterman

Genre: Non-fiction, spiritual growth, charasmatic

Release date: August 21, 2018

Deepen your relationship with God and embrace a life of encouragement by sharing God’s words with others.

When people think of prophecy, they often think of individuals in the Old Testament or certain personality-driven ministries today. They may think more about the prophet than the message.

But Jesus showed us God’s intention for prophecy by living in two-way communication with the Father and by embracing a lifestyle of encouraging others, changing lives in the process. We can do the same.

Clearing away the confusion about the prophetic gift today, pastor and ministry leader Debbie Kitterman reveals the good news about the gift of prophecy in this practical, powerful book: We are all prophetic because we all have direct access to God. Prophecy is an ordinary part of the Christian life. In fact, it is God’s way for us to encourage and strengthen the Body of Christ.

So open your ears to hear God and break out of your comfort zone to deliver His messages to those who need them most. Act now—His words can’t wait!

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Debbie Kitterman is an author, a speaker, and the founder of Dare 2 Hear, a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at www.debbiekitterman.com.

Guest Post from Debbie

If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer never wavered. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a wife, a mother, and a writer. As a young elementary age girl, I always had my head in the clouds dreaming up different stories. In fact, every Sunday afternoon after church I would be found with my notebook writing creative short stories and poetry while pretending to watch old westerns or kung-fu movies with my dad.

I always dreamed I would write historical fiction stories with a splash of romance thrown in. I love historical fiction and it blends the two subjects in school that I loved, history and creative writing. However, through life’s circumstances and disappointments in college, I gave up on the writing dream. I let the dreams of one day being a writer slip away. I figured it must have been a little girl dream so I set it aside and moved forward through life.

However, when God has a plan, there is no running from Him. I felt a stirring in my heart to write again after taking a trip to Wyoming and meeting a well-known fiction author. I came home from that trip and started writing only to hit a wall … the dreaded writers block and an uncertainty of what to do. Then the busyness of life took over and I again shelved the dream of writing.

God let me go only so far, and then He began to stir me again. This time, He had other people confirm that yes, indeed it was time I stop running and start writing. I love how God is relentless and patient all at the same time. Never in a million years did I think that I would be an author of non-fiction books. The book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others,” shares my journey of faith leading me to a deeper relationship with God. God not only longs to have His children speak to Him, but He longs to speak to us. Real relationships entail two-way conversation.

God longs for His people to use all the gifts He has given them. This gift of prophetic encouragement is for everyone. It is simply sharing Holy Spirit-inspired words of edification, exhortation, and comfort to people as we go about our day-to-day life. Every Christ follower needs to follow the example of Jesus and operate in this profoundly encouraging gift. The Gift of prophetic encouragement breathes life, love and hope into the dry places of our lives.

I invite you to join me on an adventure as we go deeper in our relationships with Jesus and discover how God will use us as a gift of encouragement.

May we all rise to the challenge and dare to hear God today, so we can be a gift of encouragement to others.

Blessings,

Debbie Kitterman

Blog Stops

Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 30

Artistic Nobody, August 31

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 1

Mary Hake, September 2

Reading is my Super Power, September 2 (Interview)

proud to be an autism mom, September 3

Texas Book-aholic, September 4

Genesis 5020, September 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Just the Write Escape, September 6

Janices book reviews, September 7

Bibliophile Reviews, September 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 9

Carpe Diem, September 10

A Baker’s Perspective, September 11

Bigreadersite, September 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon card plus a book and an INTENT bracelet inscribed with the words, “Be the Gift”, access to online training

1st place: An INTENT bracelet with the words “Be the Gift” plus book plus access to on line training

2nd place: Book plus access to on line training!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d19f/the-gift-of-prophetic-encouragement-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review:
It’s been a long weekend celebrating my sweet little one’s birthday so I am just now getting to this part of our post for Celebrate Lit!

The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement was written by Debbie Kitterman who is such an amazing encouragement to others who she reaches out to. Her words are written with such care and with a real depth for what she believes. She brings forth a love of God that brings joy to your spirit as you read through the book.

This book discusses prophecy which not all Christians believe in. Prophecy is a gift that is given by God to be able to see things that are unknown. It is a direct connection with Christ that brings forth a knowledge of things that only God could know.

Through this book you will learn how to embrace this gift. You are shown how to build upon this gift for greater good and how to use this gift to give Glory to God through your prophetic ways. The gift of prophecy should bring you Glory and others as well.

About the Book

Book Title: Chasing Embers (Heart Ranch, Book 2)

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Romance / Contemporary Western

Release date: August 20, 2018

ANNABELLE HART thought owning the family ranch would be everything she ever dreamed of and more. The Montana wilderness has always flowed like blood through her veins, but she can’t understand why her heart feels so empty inside.

Three years after leaving Montana to become a wild land firefighter, COLTON BROOKS still dreams about the girl he left behind at Hart Ranch. He prays for her happiness, believing she deserves someone better than him, but doubts he will ever love again.

When their paths intersect again, will the embers of their past romance be rekindled, or will an unexpected disaster change life as they know it forever?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the second book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.

Guest Post from Rachel

Chasing Embers is a sequel I have been excited to write since the release of Escaping Reality over two years ago. To be honest, while writing book one, I thought it would just be a standalone story and not part of a series. However, Logan’s strong-willed little sister, Belle, was determined to have her own story and I’m thrilled that she is finally getting one!

One of the theme verses from Chasing Embers is Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” In the story, the characters go through some trials that seem impossible to overcome. In order to keep their loved ones and the ranch safe, the Hart family must cling tightly to their faith and trust that God always keeps his promises. The events of the story also serve as a reminder that God can do mighty things through us if we allow him to.

Chasing Embers is a heartwarming tale of lost love, second chances and choosing to love even when it is difficult. Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice with Belle and Colton as you read their love story. To find out more about Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold, read the summary above.

Blog Stops

Blog Stops
Reading Is My SuperPower, August 23

Among the Reads, August 23

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, August 24

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 25

Blossoms and Blessings, August 25

Bibliophile Reviews, August 26

Janices book reviews, August 27

Kat’s Corner Books, August 28

Daysong Reflections, August 28

Luv’N Lambert Life, August 29

Remembrancy, August 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 30

proud to be an autism mom, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Carpe Diem, September 2

A Baker’s Perspective, September 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4

Bigreadersite, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1f3/chasing-emberscelebration-tour-giveaway

My Review:
When you bring a beautiful rancher and a hot fireman together you’re bound to find a flame. Belle (my husband calls me that) is a tough cookie who enjoys spending time on her family ranch naming all the chickens. She’s spent years preparing to own this lovely paradise and nothing is going to stand in her way now. Not even her love for Colton.

Colton has a burning desire to be the best firefighter he can. But his flame is overridden by a burning desire for a young ranch-loving Montana girl as well. Can he quench his longing and let go of this beautiful girl he used to love deeply? Or will the sparks from a love long ago set his soul on fire in a way he can never stop?

Chasing Embers is a great Christian romance that brings forth love and doubt and all the great things you enjoy reading in a novel. Grab a copy today!

I received a message from a reader this weekend and it reminded me of my purpose. I live a drama-free life. I stick to myself mostly. If you’ve made it into my circle, you’re pretty special and you know that.

My kids come first. Stress is something that is limited around them as much as possible. All their needs are met and they want for nothing.

The reader, and others before her, wanted to tell me that I am appreciated, that this blog is appreciated. It has given her comfort. It has provided her insight to how her own Mother may feel about her life with Epilepsy.

I am thankful to each of you who read the posts I share and come away with something positive from it.

Unless you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to understand. Unless you’ve seen your child breathless, with barely a heartbeat, you cannot relate to us who have been there. Unless your morning or afternoon has been interrupted by your child falling to the ground, convulsing or even just staring off blankly appearing in a daze, you don’t know what I live and have lived with my children.

I have Epilepsy. I have had it for 39 years of my life. My Mother found me hanging by my neck in a crib in 1979 (complete accident) and my seizures began the same day.

For 15 years, I’ve been a mother to a child with Epilepsy – I am now a mother to THREE children who have seizures. (My oldest child – number one- does not have seizures- he has ADHD.) I fight every day for their healthcare. This isn’t just a game for us, a competition to see who’s got worse health than us… this is REAL LIFE.

And the truth is that at any moment, because my children HAVE Epilepsy, one simple seizure, one traumatic fall, any trauma or even stress could cause a seizure that may end their life.

My third child has Benign Rolandic Epilepsy – her last “official diagnoses”. It has since been expanded to be a broader spectrum than that but is still her diagnoses. Her last EEG showed a definite seizure pattern even on medication. This means that my child, my baby girl is still having seizures even while taking medicine to stop them. Yet, we are attempting to wean her from these medications that cause her to have no hunger for food, and have no energy and have no normal life in an attempt to give her a normal life.

My daughter is gorgeous. Her smile lights up a room. I never want to imagine my life without her in it. But honestly, I don’t know if she will make it through the night. That’s how REAL Epilepsy is and how quickly a seizure could take her away.

I do NOT have time for drama in my life… or stress… or to deal with any one else’s mental issues or financial insecurities. (Dave Ramsey is a great person to learn about ending debt.) I have a daughter to save. Her ADHD is the LEAST of my daily worries and it’s often aggravated by her medication, making her much worse. She cannot focus. She has trouble retaining information. Her learning suffers from the malfunctions in her brain and the medication that is also affecting her.

We travel hours for health care. I spend tons of money on those trips, purchasing food and gas. And I never ask for anything from anyone else because it’s my place as her Mother to make sure she’s got all she needs. (Her father does not pay me support and I am okay with that because in the end of things, money does not matter – her life does.)

I deal with this daily. I’m the ONLY one who makes their medical decisions. I have a Mother and a husband but in the end I am the ONLY ONE who deals with the choices in their care. I make sure they are provided for and have all of their needs met and I depend on no one to help me do that. After all, tomorrow doesn’t promise that they will be there.

This week, my son turns 6. Our Facebook memories show the haunting days of his struggle with Involuntary Breath Holding Spells that Trigger Epileptic Seizure which is his “official diagnoses”. I’m thankful those days are passed though he could have a spell at any time still even at 6. His are the seizures you will see that I have shared online to help others who have gone through and are going through the same things we have.

I can be petty… and I can be a total bitch (just ask my exes)… but in the end, all that matters to me are these kids that I was gifted to love and raise. And I share our life, our story with you so that those of you who read this don’t feel alone. I am thankful to know that it helps… I know what it’s like to feel alone in this battle and I strive to ease that feeling for others who are like us. You are not alone… I see you.

Until Next Time…
Dana

Y’all the Stalker has hit me again… this time on my Google+. (She was recently blocked and BANNED from my Facebook accounts.) I don’t even use my Google+ as I hate that platform. Wasn’t even thinking to look there until I logged in to do something on there tonight.

Y’all, as I’ve asked on Facebook, if you EVER see anything out of line on my posts or comments please immediately report and let me know! Someone did catch her this time and reported her comment as it was flagged as soon as I logged in over there. I know y’all are just as tired of seeing me be harassed as I am at having to deal with her mental health issues.

As soon as I see her comments, I delete, report and block. It’s just way out of hand. And I honestly think she is now creating profiles on social media JUST to HARASS me! That’s some serious sick business right there!

I know I should file charges on her (and I know I can) but her daughter doesn’t deserve that and because of that child, I keep putting up with the harassment over something I’m not even involved with. Mental health issues are serious, you guys (and she admits in the comments she’s written and posted publicly that she DOES have mental health issues). I read this woman’s comments to me and I can see the mental switch flip over. It’s really scary and sad. And I, who have absolutely NOTHING to do with this, keep on having to deal with it because she can find me on social media (my job). My own ex’s do not harass me this much!

So you guys, once again, if you’ve seen any drama or inappropriate comments from this desperate, mental person on my posts on any social media forum, please don’t hesitate to report them and let me know immediately! She affects my career by making dramatic comments about things that I have nothing to do with. She affects my life with her own shameful hatred which shows in these comments. No one should have to deal with such nonsense as this!

Until next time…
Dana

Just an FYI: My husband doesn’t read my blog, have any connection to my social media or even know what these messages and comments say outside of me saying “I’m being harassed again… same thing… she needs help” on occasion, so attempts to contact him in this manner are in vain. I will not share anything with him that may cause him to have a set-back in his own life. He has come to far for this trigger to be allowed to affect him. His therapists, his caseworker at DSS, and the police have advised he NOT have any contact with this person or the child at this time after reading her messages to him. I do screenshot every comment, post and message sent to me for our records and for legal protection for both of us in the future, and file those in a file labeled just for this person. This includes his and my own contact with her and the child, our comments and posts as well.

This week has felt like it’s never ending. We’ve had a few appointments and it’s really flown by but feels to me like it just drug out. I guess the anticipation of these appointments and dread of them are really part of it.

Emma had her first allergy test this week. She was worried about it and honestly so was I. You never know what to expect with a test like that.

We barely made it because it was super early in the day and we almost had to reschedule but the sweet PA let us go ahead with it. The test wasn’t long and Emma reacted immediately to the things she was allergic to: ragweed, roaches and dust mites.

Emma is going to have another, more extensive allergy test in the next month, along with some minor surgery to remove the polyp in her nose. It should be a one day thing, maybe overnight at the most and then some cleansing after as it heals. Being in the nose, it shouldn’t take long to heal. She also has an upcoming Ortho visit in September to see where we are with her toe-walking issues.

Today the roach reaction is really itching her and bothersome. She’s been super tired. She had her Vitamin D yesterday and it always makes her tired too, then also a Zyrtec pill for the itching of her test from yesterday. I’m really hoping she’s not coming down with something.

To add to the stress, the van killed out on us at her appointment. The fuel pump gave out. Thankfully, we were still in the parking lot and a nice man from Connecticut happened to be behind us and pushed us to the side of the lot to park it until we could get it towed. He then kindly gave us a ride home so we could make needed arrangements for towing and repair and so Emma didn’t have to sit around waiting all day for someone to pick us up. Don enjoyed a quick reminiscing with the guy about their old “home”. It’s a small world.

Today, I was super tired as well but then my schedule for sleep has been weird lately. I’m hoping that straightens out very soon. Anxiety has been high but today wasn’t too bad and hopefully next week will be great for us all.

Jack’s birthday is next week and my best friend is supposed to come visit us! I’m totally excited and I know he’s going to love seeing his Auntie all the way up here in our hills! Plus, who doesn’t love presents!!

The weather has been really awesome this week. Barely any rain and cooler temps in the afternoons… Fall is in the air so time for cleaning and decorating is upon us! I’m excited for that as well. Jack’s birthday begins the start of our decorating season which lasts until Laycie’s birthday in the Spring.

So that’s just a quick update from us all.

Until next time…

Dana