Women of the Roof: Live online broadcast today!

Be sure to tune in at 11 am EST today to Grace Cafe for a live interview with on of our guest posters, Melanie, and Wednesday in the Word's Glenda. It's an interesting topic from which we can all benefit! There will be a live chat so you can ask any questions or give any feedback as the program is rolling. See you there!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Melanie Dorsey and Glenda Parrish have both suffered the the loss of a child. They both were surprised by the added grief brought on by the responses of others regarding their loss and grief process.

It takes a courageous person to figure out how to "be" around a friend who has suffered such a loss as loss of a child. Come join us. Learn to "be" that person.

Marvelous Monday: Not just any birthday...or cake!

This Monday is Marvelous because it is someone VERY special's birthday...not just any birthday....my MOM's birthday. To me, my mom is the picture of wisdom, beauty and grace...well, really a LOT of adjectives...but any adjective I could use to describe her is an overflow of her sweet, intimate relationship with Jesus. In fact, she recently spoke to a crowd of woman and mentioned that she wants her "lifesong" to be a song to Him. Mom, it already is. Your life is a "fragrant aroma" to so many and especially to me.

Speaking of aromas, my mom has had one lifelong fav birthday cake. Dewey's Bakery Pink Lemonade.

This would be the fourth year that my sister and I have tried to re-create this party in your mouth as a special birthday treat for my mom. Candid Camera could have made boooookoooooos of $$$$$$$ if they had the camera rolling in the kitchen during our previous attempts...the arguments, the tears,the messy result, and best of all, our family's patronizing oooohhhhs and aaaaahhhhhs pretending they loved what we knew was a miserably failed attempt. Simply ha-larious.

Not this year! CC (aka Musing Foodie) stepped in on a replicatin' mission. Between our combined efforts and the needed confidence her moral support gave these two pink lemonade challenged sisters, we have had Victory in Cakeland!!!!! Our family gave SINCERE oooohs and ahhhhs and even went back for more (the true test) and then more again the next meal!!!! We did it. We finally did it. How I wish you could taste.

It's official. We have a secret family recipe. Alway's wanted one of those. Now, if I can just keep it secret.

So....on this marvelous Monday, be free. Feel the freedom to wish my Mom a Happy Birthday, start your own family recipe or, by all means, do tell us the name of your fav dish for which you already have your very own secret familyrecipe!

More w/ Wednesday in the Word's Glenda!

On Friday, Glenda did amazing interview along w/ her husband, Preston, with host Jim Wood of the program "Abiding in Christ" aired on Sirius/XM radio. Jim read FINDING HOPE and did an excellent job conveying its message. This interview is especially wonderful because you hear them speak--in a raw way--from a mother's heart and a father's heart. You may also want to become involved in Jim's work of helping troubled young people at Wears Valley Ranch in TN. Here's an mp3 link to the interview: http://tinyurl.com/4qmu7lu

Enjoy and pass it on!

Free-for-all Friday: REAL Houses of the Roof

Are you one to carry the weight that every square inch of your house needs to look perfect at all times....only to feel more weight of all the other things that "need" to be perfect...clothes, kids, meals, you know the drill. Well, loosen those too tight ponytails (your eyes are starting to slant), let down your hair, take a deep breath and say with me, "IT's OOOOOOKAAAAAAYYYYY!"

A dear, sweet and what I would consider "clean" friend recently sent me my most fav email ever....a pic of her messy kitchen for the sake of accountability BUT what she got was replies of pics of other messy kitchens (including mine). It was my most fav email thread ever for a couple of reasons.

1. It was freeing to know I wasn't alone at that moment and I'm not the ONLY one w/ an overwhelming mess on my hands at times.
2. It was REAL.
3. Believe it or not, it gave me incentive to get busy on the whizzy and begin somewhere despite my feeling of being overwhelmed.

Soooo....the Women of the Roof  are here to say that we have messes, too. Our houses are real just like yours. Granted, they cover a broad spectrum~little piles and clutter to BIG piles and clutter BUT despite the size of our messes, I can attest the one common thread behind every single picture below was the woman that shared it obviously felt guilt (we woman are good at carrying that) judging from each detailed description and reasoning that accompanied each and every picture. Every picture. No joke. I'll admit it gave me a good chuckle. No judgment here. At least, the good (or bad) thing about a mess is it's not going anywhere. It'll wait for you. It's the one thing in your life that's not in a hurry.

So, tell us to which mess you most relate. Do I hear an "AMEN!" for...

...messy kitchens!

....cord clutter!

...dirty sinks (don't tell the Fly Lady)!

...strowy closets!

...overwhelming "catch all" rooms!

....stacks of papers, etc!

...toy areas!

....bathrooms!

You name the area and the mess and between all of us, we most likely have it covered. If you need motivation getting started, trust me. Take a picture and email it to us (roofwithaview at gmail dot com). It will get you started when you see your mess in an actual picture. Another piece of good news is Catherine is going to be giving us her tried and true Spring Cleaning tips since the Spring Cleaning bug has bit her good. Maybe it's contagious. :)

BTW, names were not shared to protect the innocent. ALTHOUGH, Angela wants her name shared so someone will see her bathroom mess and have a burning desire to select it for a makeover. Any takers? She deserves it just for being loud and proud.

Happy Friday!

-HPS

Wednesday in the Word: Glenda on Grace Cafe

If you wanted to hear yesterday's interview with Glenda on Grace Cafe and missed it, you can listen here. She actually begins the interview speaking about her heart for young moms like many of us. Enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Marvelous Monday: FREE Subscription to Thriving Family!

First off, let me say that bloggers are greatly encouraged by comments. Some days comments can be slim pickins here on the Roof but THAT'S OK! We don't need affirmation to still have a heart for you~women just like us (cough. cough...unless perhaps the Spirit moves you to turn over a new leaf...cough...cough). Yesterday, however, I was blessed by a sweet email from a sweet friend saying that she got a lot out of yesterday's article from Thriving Family because it was something she has really been working on. So, Praise the Lord!

Did you get a lot out of the article? Are you interested in Thriving Family for your own home?

What's Marvelous about this Monday is it can be yours~for FREE! That's right. You heard me. Focus on the Family is partnering with Christianbook.com and offering you a free one year subscription (6 issues) to Thriving Family magazine.

Go straight here to get yours! They also have a gift option so you can also send a friend a surprise gift while you're at it! They'll love it and not to share TMI but it's GREAT bathroom reading material. :)



Couple items of business that we've mentioned on the RWAV Facebook page but want you to know about:

• In a few minutes @ 11:00 am, Glenda of Wednesday with The Word is going to have a live online interview on Grace Cafe. Click here to listen.
• Marvelous Monday's Angela ( also of Clipsy Chicks) is currently teaching several Save-inars in the Atlanta area. If you are interested in attending or hosting one, visit the Clipsy Chicks blog for the new Save-inar request form and the current Save-inar schedule.

If you want to stay updated on "more fun with women of Roof with a View", be sure to "like" us on Facebook while you're there and we'll keep you posted!

Giveaway~Book Release Party!!!!

I mentioned a new book in my Monday post. The exciting thing is this book officially released yesterday! Know what that means? This calls for a RWAV Release party. You know, us RWAV ladies can really cut loose so will you put on your party pants and join in the fun?!?!

Glenda of Wednesday in the Word (who also just so happens to be co-author of the book) and her hubs have offered to give THREE of you Roof with a View ladies a copy (signed upon request) of Finding Hope in Times of Grief. Like I said Monday, this topic may not really excite you now but you nevery know~you may need it for a gift OR want to save it for when you do need it.

SOOOOOO....here's where the fun begins. To be entered into this giveaway, all you need to do is comment here and tell us one of three things (or all of the above).

1. What is your most favorite Bible verse that gives you HOPE when you need it?
2. Tell us something that perplexes you about grief or a burning question about loss that you can't wait to find out the answer to when you get to Heaven.
3. If you have been through loss, what was the very most helpful thing that someone did for you?

Don't be shy! Get in it to win it (and feel free to congratulate the new author while you're at it). :)

Love ya'll,
Hannah

P.S. we'll announce the three winners next Wednesday so you have a week to enter yourself AND round up your peeps to enter, too!

Marvelous Monday: Party Cheese Ball

Ladies,

I have another very special introduction to make! Our friend, Caroline (aka Happy Four), has agreed to share some of her many talents with us. She's an avid reader and is going to share some book suggestions and reviews with you in the future. In addition, she has excellent budgeting tips, baking ideas (my daughter LOVES her chocolate pops), craft and decorating ideas. I think you'll find that you lover her gentle heart just as everyone who meets her quickly finds.

As you're finishing last minute Christmas details, you may have some cooking left to do for THE big weekend. This is such a CUTE idea!!!! Without further ado, heeeerrrreeee's Caroline...

This is such a wonderful time of the year as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the day our Savior was born. Amidst all the excitement there seem to be parties galore and lots of details we have to accomplish. This afternoon my family is attending a little Christmas party and we are to bring something to share.

This cheese ball only took me 2 minutes to make and is a yummy appetizer to share with others.

Ingredients:

2 packages (8 ounces) Cream Cheese, softened (regular or 1/3 reduced fat)

1 package (8 ounces) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled) - I omit this from my cheese balls

Crackers to serve on the side

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and roll in three balls (large, medium and small).
Place on a platter in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

I use a carrot for the nose, pretzels for arms and raisins for the eyes, mouth and buttons, but you can also use peppercorns. It is not necessary to have a hat, but since I had oreos and large marshmallows on hand my boys asked me to give him a hat.

This recipe can also be rolled in nuts of your choice and in the shape of one or two cheese balls and freezes beautifully!

Luke 2:13, 14 (KJV)

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Marvelous Monday w/ Women of the Roof!

Hey ya'll!

Since we don't have the pleasure of visiting around one another's trees over Christmas coffee, oooooohing and ahhhhhing at each other's festive decorations, we thought we would bring our homes to you! Over the next couple of weeks, we hope you will enjoy glimpses of our Christmas trees, favorite Christmas decorations or any other Christmas concoction the ladies of the Roof happen to conjure up. So, get in your comfies, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, nestle up by the fire and make yourself at home.:)

First, welcome to the living room of CC (aka the musing foodie). ooooh laaaa laaaa. Isn't that tree gorg?!? I love the lighted tree skirt!
Now, let's move on into our Donna's dining room. This is one of her all time fav Christmas decorations. It is a Sterling Silver 12 Days of Christmas ornament tree. Isn't it beautiful?! She also has a kid's gumdrop tree that I bet we could twist her arm into showing. :)
Won't ya'll come on over to Glenda's abode and enjoy her living area decorations!?! This picture doesn't do her big peppermint tree justice. It is beautiful and gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling all over. This area is COZY and beckons for a Christmas tea party!
Let's move on into Angela's kitchen to refill our cups and gather round her PRESH Starbucks tree. Who woulda thought of such an adorable idea!?!? Leave it to, Ang! Think she likes Starbucks? Sooooo creative.
Now, come on over to the home of yours truly and enjoy our kid friendly tree. This pic is way fuzzy cuz I quickly snapped it with my phone so I'm not sure if you can tell the lights are red and white but they are. I'm loving the red and white theme that it seems the ladies of the roof have going. Great minds...:) Side story: see the polka dotted tree skirt? I loved this thing until I realized a MAJOR grammatical error on the monogrammers part that I can't believe I didn't notice sooner. We had it embroidered with our last name which should read "The ___s." However, it reads "The ___'s." Ahhhh, it drives me bonkers. Think I can dethread the apostrophe without wreacking havoc?

Here we have Amy A's tree which I believe wins the award for being put up the earliest (like November 1st or something...OK. not really the 1st but not long after). Isn't it purdy?!?!
And here is one of Amy A's favorite ways to decorate for Christmas. She thought of this all by her lonesome. Use ornament hooks to hang Christmas cards from the garland on your stairs. How smart is that?!?! Happy Monday, ya'll!!!!! Stay tuned for more Christmas fun with the ladies of the Roof.

Love,

Hannah

The Lim Family Adoption Story

Missing Wednesdays in the Word?

Hey ya'll!

Hope this post finds you enjoying fall and steering clear of these twisters that are picking on the Midwest and us down in the Southeast.

Did any of you wonder what happened to Wednesdays in the Word? Well, Glenda's been a little on the busy side~she had twin grandchildren, her son's wedding in Alaska and a reception for family on her side of the motherland, a traveling husband in ministry and keeping up with the schedule of a teenager at home. Two words...FULL PLATE. Her heart is still very much bent towards young moms b/c that is when scripture became alive to her.

BUT in the midst of all of the above, she was asked to do a book along with her husband about grief and how they found hope in the midst of losing their youngest son. This book will be out in March. In the meantime...

It's clear that there are many, many people that have suffered loss and and are learning to wear the grief that has become their new reality. Because of the need in this realm and the multitudes on facebook, they did not want to delay providing a unique place for grieving people to get together and share, ask questions, but most importantly find HOPE.

If you or someone you know has experienced loss, please visit Finding Hope in Times of Grief on Facebook and share in whatever way you feel led (see the discussion tab). Your experience and thoughts could be the voice of thousands of others that can't muster up the strength to speak and maybe even the catalyst for them to begin healing in some of the most painful parts of their journey. In the meantime, the Lord may even use it to provide unexpected healing for you or a loved one. Regardless, I pray that you and those close to you will gain an even greater sense of hope through having Jesus Christ as your anchor!

Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement for Back to School

Well, I suppose by this time most everyone has gotten back into the school routine. Even though it is an exciting time of year for some (I always loved getting new school supplies!!! The smell of freshly sharpened pencils could make me squeal sometimes, I think!), for others, a little encouragement is needed.

Over the last 2 years, the ladies of the Roof have written some great articles that are worth revisiting. Here are a few:

First, consider encouragement for teachers. Who says you have to wait until holidays, birthdays or the end of the year to let them know you are behind them and praying for them? Annie shared a lovely idea of a "survival kit" you can easily put together for your child's teacher. For other gifts ideas, check out Family Fun's site, too.

For your kiddos, think of ways to share a little love with them throughout their day. My boys love the 2010 Wal-Mart Back to School commercial:



Maybe it's something as simple as writing a heart on their hand. You could also send your own version of a lunch love note. Check out this and this idea.

Of course, recently we talked about creative lunch ideas, Family Fun has some great suggestions as well.

If your child enjoys crafts, consider letting him or her make some of their own back to school supplies. I think this Tee Tote would be a great idea for those who wear uniforms and miss wearing their favorite summer t-shirt.


Maybe you as a parent need a little encouragement, too. I'm sure it can be overwhelming letting your little one go out into the big world on his own. Annie wrote an article to help soothe those fears.

Here's to a new school year!

Ashlie

We have a winner!

Thank you to all who entered our April Giveway. The drawing is done and we have a winner. The recipient of the one of a kind Jaime Beitler blog makeover is (drum roll)....

Beth Fisher Hilty of Tangled Eutopia

Congratulations, Beth! We can't wait to see what Jaime does to your blog. Let us know when it is ready. Thank you, Jaime, for an AWESOME giveaway!

God bless you,

The Women of Roof with a View

The REAL You

If you or one of your girlfriends live in the Atlanta area, you can join "Roof With a View's" very own Angela (of Marvelous Monday) this coming Thursday!!!! She will be sharing her heart at THE REAL YOU!, a women's ministries event of West Ridge Church. Trust me that she's got a surprise up her sleeve and I have confidence the Lord will bless your socks off through her. Be sure to check it out if you are in the area or live nearby! This month's topic is all about LOVE!

West Ridge Church in the main worship center. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Childcare is available for $3/child. Click here for directions to West Ridge Church and for more details click on The Real You flier above.

1st Award!

Well, laaaaa tea da! Roof with a View has received it's very first award. It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that the giver was our very own Carolina Clipper, now, would it? Nooooo mam. She's not biased at all. :) That's beside the point. We'll gladly accept our first award. Thank you for the honor, CC!!!!


Apparently, there are some rules to this award...name 7 things you love and pass the award to 7 blogs you love. Who doesn't love an award that keeps on giving but let's just see how I do answering this on behalf of all 14 of us...no pressure!

7 things we (all 14 of us) love:
1. Jesus Christ
2. Our husbands
3. Our children
4. Our churches
5. The Bible
6. Our girlfriends
7. Email!

7 blogs (in no particular order) we would like to pass this award to (this one is TOUGH!):
1. Carolina Clipper-Yes, she gave us the award but back atcha, sweetie. We may be biased but we LOVE your "practical tools to make saving money easy and fun!"
2. Crumbs in my Butter- This is the blog of Angela, (aka Marvelous Monday author). Angela is a breathe of fresh air no matter how you cut it...even a visit to her blog will make you smile. Check it out but you MUST read this post...a lesson for ALL of us.
3. 33 for a Moment- a personal encounter w/ our very own Karen. Karen is just cutie patootie and it comes through in her writing. She is a EXCELLENT writer and oh so witty. Pretty much anything she writes (no matter the length) will capture your attention from beginning to end and somehow incorporate her sense of humor yet tender and gentle side.
4. Four Men and a Lady- this is the blog of Annie (aka Safeguard Your Spouse Sunday author). Annie is new to the blog world but her scriptural insight and wisdom is a blessing. 4 Men and a Lady is a hidden treasure that will be exciting to watch grow!
5. Jaime Betler: The Blog- I don't know how else to put it but Jaime is a GEM...inside and out...such a sweet spirit. She is our behind the scenes girl and Chief Executive Artist. RWAV is a beautiful place because of her. One visit to her blog will bless you. Her art and the way she articulates her Jesus are beautiful.
6. The Blessings Blog-is the blog of our very own Nancy. Nancy is a blessing...and a trip. The Blessings Blog will give you a glimpse of her humor, family, meal planning, and her heart. She writes just like she talks. How I wish each of you could hear her voice so you would know what I mean!
7. What's for Din Din?-this is a recipe blog started by our very own Donna where several girls share favorites from their Kitchen. We've briefly mentioned an idea to possibly one day link this and RWAV together. For now, feel free to take a gander and enjoy some of our kitchen's secrets. :)

Disclaimer: There are some other RWAV bloggers to whom we would love to extend this award but their blogs are private.

P.S. Please don't let this post detract from our Marvelous Monday Giveaway announcement below! Enter now.

Free-for-all Friday: The Women of Roof With a View

Welcome, ya'll! Thank you for stopping by our new blog. If you are wondering what Roof with a View is all about, please click here.

Hopefully, you've been able to enjoy Wednesday in the Word with Glenda and Thrifty Thursday with our Carolina Clipper, Richelle. Our goal is to provide you each day with a little "nugget" that will prove helpful and applicable while encouraging you in your role as a wife and/or mother.

Each Friday, we will host Free-for-all Friday where a random one out of the 14 of us will post on a surprise topic. We realize that you would probably like to know who we are before you consider spending each day with us. Therefore, this Free-for-all Friday is going to feature the Women of the Roof with a View. We hope meeting us will speak for itself as to what we may share and why we already love YOU...our fellow wives and mothers!

Without further ado, I bring you the 14 WOMEN of Roof with a View!!!

Angela- I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, and a pastor's wife. I am learning that seeing myself through God's eyes allows me to love who He is creating me to be. I LOVE to laugh. I'm a little quirky and that's fine with me. Although I'm not a great singer, I'm constantly singing. I love music. I like the smell of coffee but I don't care to drink it. Something about holding a warm, pretty mug of coffee in my hands somehow makes me feel a little more mature. I'm a movie buff. I've always thought I'd make an excellent food critic because I love to eat! After almost 12 years of marriage, I'm still trying to figure out a "home" routine. When do I start dinner? What day is best for laundry? How many ways can you kill a spider without having to actually smush it yourself? (by the way, don't use oven cleaner, it wreck's your carpet!) I've learned that when women share who they REALLY are, walls come down. Let's let each other off the hook gals! We all have our junk. But together, God has designed us to be a beautiful masterpiece.

Annie- I am a born and bred Texas native, a thirty something wife of nine years and the mother of three boys under age five. We live a busy life while trying to maintain a sense of family unity and commitment to God's purpose for our lives. God has been telling me "keep it simple, be still, let go" since I began this journey of motherhood but I have resisted like a willful toddler since the day my oldest son was born. Fortunately, through some rather tragic and painful events, God broke this prideful spirit in me and has been showing me who He designed me to be. More than anything I thirst to read God's word and hear His voice. Nothing is more satisfying! I feel called to teach and minister to women in their marriages as they nurture their relationship with Christ and make their walk with Him a priority. Through laughter and tears, we will grow together.

Aundrea- I am a wife to one, and a mother to two boys. I arise early (sometimes), do the laundry (not every week), pay the bills (with my husbands income), clean the house (just when I can’t stand it any longer), run a business (if you want to call it that), feed my family (on somewhat of a budget), transport my children (as much as any other mother), and love on my husband in his love language (not as much as I should). In my spare time I enjoy the little things like, drinking coffee, exercising (I completed my first sprint triathlon in 2008), and showering without someone knocking on the door. I am far from perfect, but by the grace of God, I can surely laugh at the days to come.


Dolly- People call me Dolly but my real name is Darla. I'm married to the most down to earth, classy farm lovin' boy this side of the East. I'm a new mom of a sweetheart boy. I'm a housewife and a cookie monster. I'm one of five daughters and love my family. I love to exercise and long walks relax me. I love to blog. I love the Lord and pray God uses me each day to bring others to Him.

Donna- I am an adoring wife who is fortunate enough to stay at home and take care of our two small children. Although at times it gets crazy and stressful, I am content with where God has placed me in this season of my life. I love to cook and bake, scrapbook, blog, and attend Bible study and playdates. I enjoy the challenge of removing a stain, I am an avid couponer and bargain hunter. I love family and traditions and the occasional look through People Magazine.

Ellen- I am a “Stay at Home Mom” which makes me laugh, because I am hardly at home (with 3 children there is always somewhere to go or somewhere I need to be). I have certainly discovered that each year I am presented with a new set of challenges. I am now at the place, with my relationship with the Lord, where I can face them head on and know that He is with me all the way. My middle child was diagnosed with Autism about a year ago. Within a year’s time, it has been remarkable to see the results of his treatment and therapies. I have been amazed to learn the how environmental toxins and diet play such a huge role in his treatment. I know that the Lord has given us these challenges to help others, and I pray that is exactly what I can do. Everyday is an adventure in this family, but I love every moment of it. I look forward to sharing some of the details that make my life, as a mom, a wife, and a child of God, so fulfilling!

Glenda- I am a wife, a mom, a "Shugie" (grandmother) and a follower of Jesus Christ. He changed my life and I am humbled and grateful to serve Him every day. I married when I was ninteen (you don't have to tell your teenagers that) and have been in love with the same man for 35 years. The Lord blessed us with four beautiful children, one son in law (that we love), and a granddaugther. I have always had a desire to encourage women in their personal walk with Jesus. The Lord has taken me many places, through many seasons and allowed me to meet many people. I look forward to meeting women through this blog.


Hannah- I am thankful to have been raised by wonderful Christian parents that continue to love Jesus Christ with all of their heart, soul and mind. After seeing what the world had to offer during my college years, I praise Jesus that he saw fit to save me and set me free from myself. He has blessed me beyond measure as a wife, mother and stay at home mom. In my dreams, I am a domestic goddess, but in reality, I aspire to be a crafty, thrifty, organized, immaculate, exercize loving housewife. I do love our church, being with my family and friends, Bible Study, writing, the beach, blogging, playdates, trying new recipes and "fun" exercise (ex. Zumba, Pilates). Everyday, I am thankful for the Lord's mercy and grace as I strive to be the woman He's created me to be. My prayer is for each of you to be full of the joy that is only found by letting Jesus be the Lord and Savior of your whole life.

Imogene- I am 32 years old and I have been sewing as long as I can remember. As a child, my mom made everything including my clothes and bedding. She really has been an inspiration for my craft business that I have now. I focus mainly on home decor sewing but am open to all types of sewing. I stay at home with my 1 1/2 year old and I am due with baby #2 in August. I worked in Corporate America as a Business Banker before I had my first Child. I live in North Carolina with all of my family and it is so great to have their love and support so close. I was brought up in a Christian home but used it as a religion and not the relationship that I have with my Savior now. Jesus Christ has been the center of my life since I was born again in college. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful church family where we live. Anyone that loves me knows that I love to decorate, so, I am hope that I can share some of my helpful hints and projects that I have been doing for years!

Jaime- A California native that now lives in the Pacific Northwest, I am an adoring wife and, most importantly, a child of God who longs earnestly to know her Creator more intimately. He loved me, redeemed me and set me free... it is for this reason I too can love. I am also an artist. My art is a direct look into my heart as I work through the joys and sorrows of life; a reflection of my walk with God and the love, security, peace, salvation and daily joy he brings into my life. Without Him, my life would be colorless. My dream is to inspire women to live freely and to experience their journeys fully; to move beyond the world's expectations and live in the bliss that comes when she understands what it means to be created for a unique purpose that God has designed especially for her.

Karen- I am a Tennessee native, but I now live in Georgia. I love chocolate chip cookies, and I am an expert procrastinator. A two-time class clown (middle school and high school), I have been described as goofy and quirky--but old age, perhaps, has subdued me. I love my Lord, my DH, my daughter, my family, my friends--and I love you, too. I'm commanded to, actually. Because I'm a Christian.

Katrina- I have been a wife to my best friend, Chad, for 9 years. He is a gift of the Lord’s grace and mercy to this prodigal daughter. I am having the best time spending my days with him. He gives me strength, joy and more laughs than I can handle. We have been blessed with 3 daughters, two whom I am homeschooling (also by the Lord’s grace and mercy!). Our youngest surprise is 6 months and she has made our home complete, zany and joyful. In those tiny moments I have alone I am an artist and a singer/songwriter. I have also written children’s books that I hope to have published some day. Chad and I have a love for drama, as well, and teach it to junior high students at Central Church of God. I am overwhelmed with all that the Lord has blessed me with. He has shown me that when I delight in Him, He truly will give me the desires of my heart.

Nancy- I am the blessed wife of one and mother of two. My two children are now in school all day, so this year has been a real transition for me. But one that I have really enjoyed! I enjoy reading, some aspects of home management, date nights with my husband, spending time with friends, being in God’s word, and couponing. I would like to say that I enjoy exercise, but most days I do not. I do try to get it in anyway and have the goal of running my first 5K. Having moved around a good bit growing up, I am so thankful that we have been able to raise our family (so far) while staying put! I seek to honor the Lord with all that I do and pray that this blog will bring others into a deeper relationship with Him.


Richelle- I am a 30 year old wife and a mom of two boys. Prior to being a SAHM I was a convention planner. I’ve now transferred my love of all things Excel/planning/organizing to managing my family. I started the Boredom Busters and enjoy planning unique playgroups for my friends in our local community. My new passion since October 2008 is being thrifty!! Who knew there was so much to be saved by using coupons and seeking out the deals? I am so thankful that the Lord led me down this path! My ultimate goal is to please Him in every area of my life. The reason I want to be a part of RWAV is to share PRACTICAL TOOLS to make saving money easy, fun, and to help you reach your financial goals. Join me on this exciting journey as we honor God with our finances!

Disclaimer: The women of Roof with a View are not perfect. The purpose of this blog is not to discourage anyone in areas where she feels she has fallen short. The 14 of us are each very human; we are flawed women made whole by one Holy God. We simply have come together to share with YOU the one common hope in our given roles, especially in the areas where we may struggle ourselves. That hope is Jesus, and our guideline is His Word, the Bible.