Help!

I have a couple questions:

1. For some reason, I can't figure out how to make a direct link on my posts.
2. Is there any way to change my settings so that I get an email or notification when all my dear friends post something new? I tend to just scroll down my friends list whenever I have time to look. There must be an easier way or at least a faster way.
3. I have also tried updating my blog decor. Where do you find all those neat backgrounds and how do you add music, (Josh)?

I just switched over to Firefox, its so much easier already. I have also noticed that I have many more options when posting.

Book giveaway!

Thanks Rachel for the link. It looks like a great book and I am ready for a new book.
If you are interested in this book, sign up for the giveaway at Biblical Womanhood

Encouragement

Have any of you had a discouraging day and then something happened that turned things around?!
I had one the other day.
It all began when John and I went for a little shopping to the local mall in Des Moines. As many of you know, I had Edward six months ago. Thus, things just don't seem to fit as well as they once did. I tend to feel frumpy and just ugh most of the time. Due to pregnancy, I held off from buying anything new, (that wasn't maternity). Well, there was the occasional high necked, long length shirt. Otherwise, i've been living with my old wardrobe that shockingly holds some items from Jr. High, ahhh.
Anyways, back to my shopping day. It went horribly... for me. I didn't find one thing and honestly, I mainly only looked for Edward and John.
Moving on, I got home that night and opened the mail. In a large envelope with a New York, New York address was a $50.00 gift card for Steve and Barry's. I couldn't believe it! John probably thought I was a crazy woman due to my reaction. Anyhow, I was ecstatic. Guilt free shopping for myself, yeah.
If you want to know how I got it, I had watched Rachael Ray one day and she had given the audience one and offered the same to some "lucky viewers." I just happened to be one.
More then anything, I thank the Lord for knowing my sad heart and giving me a special reminder of his continual love and care. It didn't have to be a monetary item though, He always knows how to encourage each one of us. A lot of times its the small things that really mean the most.
So, in accordance with what Michelle and Grace have mentioned in their recent blogs, GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!