Tuesday, November 15, 2011
OUR 38TH ANNIVERSARY AT "CALICO INN B&B" IN SEVIERVILLE, TENN., OCT. 13TH 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
GREAT RECIPE FROM Good Morning Mary Sunshine!
I had recently been on Mary Sunshine's blog and found a photo of her mother's recipe for Boston Brown Bread. I copied it (hope you didn't mind), and made it this afternoon! I made two big loaves, and as you can see from the picture, this is all that is left....hahahaha.........no, we didn't eat the whole other loaf. Sent it over to my brother and sister-in-law.
If you have never visited Mary Sunshine's blog, I'm sure she would love for you to stop by and meet her and Handyman, and see the beautiful table runner she made!
And, if you want, I'll bet she wouldn't mind if you tried this recipe out yourself. You won't be sorry:)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
God In The Little Things?
Is God really interested in the so-called "little" things in our lives? I say a resounding YES!
You see, I pretty much just talk to the Lord off and on all day.........like carrying on a conversation with a friend:)
He IS with us all the time, right? Like last week. I had lost my driver's license.......or at least misplaced it. I went over the house from top to bottom....as did my husband. Went through pocketbooks, jeans pockets, drawers....looked under furniture (with the help of the cat). Oh yes, even the cat knew something was up! And he wanted to be in on it :) To make a long story short, I could not find my license anywhere. I was sure I had put it in my "tote", but after going through it at least 3 times, nothing.
So, I prayed about it......I said, "Lord, YOU know where my license is, would you please lead me to it?" The next morning I was telling everyone in Sunday School about the missing driver's license and asked them to be on the look out. As we were beginning study, I heard a voice say, "Look in the box." I thought for a moment, then knew exactly what box He was talking about......albeit very unlikely it could be in there. Well, I took a box out of my tote, about the size of a credit card, which has folding flaps on the ends. The box was closed ...but when I opened it, there was my driver's license! All I could say was, "Thank you Lord"....."Praise God". Oh yes, He's interested in every aspect of our lives, even those things that seem so trivial to bother Him with.
The same God who has healed my body in the past, saved my younger son's life on three different occasions, led me down a path I didn't want to go, so I would be able to help others out of that same path, yes...He WANTS to be the God of your little things! So, pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee or tea, and have a little talk with Jesus........He'll make it right :)
You see, I pretty much just talk to the Lord off and on all day.........like carrying on a conversation with a friend:)
He IS with us all the time, right? Like last week. I had lost my driver's license.......or at least misplaced it. I went over the house from top to bottom....as did my husband. Went through pocketbooks, jeans pockets, drawers....looked under furniture (with the help of the cat). Oh yes, even the cat knew something was up! And he wanted to be in on it :) To make a long story short, I could not find my license anywhere. I was sure I had put it in my "tote", but after going through it at least 3 times, nothing.
So, I prayed about it......I said, "Lord, YOU know where my license is, would you please lead me to it?" The next morning I was telling everyone in Sunday School about the missing driver's license and asked them to be on the look out. As we were beginning study, I heard a voice say, "Look in the box." I thought for a moment, then knew exactly what box He was talking about......albeit very unlikely it could be in there. Well, I took a box out of my tote, about the size of a credit card, which has folding flaps on the ends. The box was closed ...but when I opened it, there was my driver's license! All I could say was, "Thank you Lord"....."Praise God". Oh yes, He's interested in every aspect of our lives, even those things that seem so trivial to bother Him with.
The same God who has healed my body in the past, saved my younger son's life on three different occasions, led me down a path I didn't want to go, so I would be able to help others out of that same path, yes...He WANTS to be the God of your little things! So, pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee or tea, and have a little talk with Jesus........He'll make it right :)
Yes, the same God that created these beautiful flowers, and knows the number of
hairs on your head, is interested in YOU, in everything you do, in the good times as well
as the dark times.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
PRAISE GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow!
I thank you, Lord, for the "bounty" of food you have given us this year in our garden. I also thank you for the beauty of the flowers that bring joy to our lives. Thank you for the bright colors, the wonderful aromas, and the goodness we taste from the food you have given us. Thank you that we had an abundance over and above what we needed so that we could give to others. Thank you for hands that can pull weeds, backs that can bend, legs that can walk......may we never take these things for granted....Amen
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD
As we get ready to observe July 4th, please try to take a few moments out of your day to say a prayer for all those veterans and soldiers who have fought for our freedom and are fighting now. Freedom is NOT free, it has come at a very high price. And with this freedom, comes responsibility. We should always show respect for "Old Glory", our Pledge of Allegiance, and those who paid the ultimate SACRIFICE for our freedoms.
So, as you're fixing that next hot dog up and getting ready to do fireworks, just remember that our country was founded on Godly principles to which most, if not all, our founding fathers adhered.
GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Friday, July 1, 2011
I Love God's Word!
It's almost 4th of July! I can't believe it, where does the time go?? Thank you for your prayers, the depression is almost gone and I'm about to overcome a bout of pneumonia.
It seems that when troubles come, they sometimes come in "bunches". :) But "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Oh my.............I get such good "Food" from His Word! I have really clung to Isaiah 41:10 these past few months and it has really made the difference. Actually, this was a verse I had memorized as a child. And one day, as I was talking with the Lord, this verse came to me! What a blessing!! And, how thankful I am that I memorized Bible verses as a child because it IS harder to memorize as you get older :)
I am SO blessed in so many ways and today I want to give Jesus all the Praise and Glory that He deserves. Thank you, God, for your Word! :) It truly contains "Living Water" :)
It seems that when troubles come, they sometimes come in "bunches". :) But "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Oh my.............I get such good "Food" from His Word! I have really clung to Isaiah 41:10 these past few months and it has really made the difference. Actually, this was a verse I had memorized as a child. And one day, as I was talking with the Lord, this verse came to me! What a blessing!! And, how thankful I am that I memorized Bible verses as a child because it IS harder to memorize as you get older :)
I am SO blessed in so many ways and today I want to give Jesus all the Praise and Glory that He deserves. Thank you, God, for your Word! :) It truly contains "Living Water" :)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
So Sorry
I'm sorry I've not been on my blog in so long. Have been battling with illnesses, depression and anxiety. This is nothing new to me. Have experienced bouts of anxiety and depression since I was a child.
Yes, I am a Christian and still suffer these symptoms from time to time. I usually just give it time and the symptoms are relieved within a few days. However, the doldrums have lasted longer this time. I don't enjoy this at all, but having experienced it, I have a greater understanding and empathy for those who go through these "dark" periods. If you would, just say a little prayer for me during these challenging days. Thank you :)
Yes, I am a Christian and still suffer these symptoms from time to time. I usually just give it time and the symptoms are relieved within a few days. However, the doldrums have lasted longer this time. I don't enjoy this at all, but having experienced it, I have a greater understanding and empathy for those who go through these "dark" periods. If you would, just say a little prayer for me during these challenging days. Thank you :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
MAGNIFICENT! Creation's Call!
IF YOU WOULD JUST TAKE 6 MIN. AND 21 SEC. OF YOUR TIME TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO THIS VIDEO, I BELIEVE YOU WILL BE BLESSED:)
(make sure to turn my music volume down at bottom of page, then turn yours up)
(make sure to turn my music volume down at bottom of page, then turn yours up)
I believe........do you? I pray so:)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
SERENITY
The Dictionary's meaning of serenity is: a disposition free from stress or emotion [syn: repose, quiet, placidity, tranquillity, tranquility
the absence of mental stress or anxiety:
You know the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words! (Hubby will probably get me for this one!
We'd had a long day of "picking"! What I mean is, going to yard sales, Goodwill stores, grocery shopping and just enjoying the beautiful sunshiny day. The precious man above will turn 63 tomorrow. All he wants for his birthday is crab legs........so crab legs he shall have! lol This is the man I've been married to for 37 years and love him dearly:)
the absence of mental stress or anxiety:
You know the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words! (Hubby will probably get me for this one!
TO MY SWEET, LAID BACK, STRESS- FREE, TRANQUIL, SERENE HUSBANDWhat Can Wash Away My Sins? Nothing But the BLOOD OF JESUS!
I enjoy the old hymns now more than ever. Having served as an accompanist in various churches throughout my life, I'm quite familiar with the hymns; but not until the last few years have I truly learned to WORSHIP with the words of the hymns. The one drawback (if there is one), of being brought up in a Christian home and being taken to church every time the doors were opened, is becoming "accustomed" to the form of worship, or becoming "accustomed" and possibly taking for granted the words of some of these old hymns, or even God's Word!
If you've never served as a worship leader in the church, it can be a truly wonderful and awesome thing, but also very monotenous if you're not very careful. It became very evident to me that God was "calling" me into the music ministry when I was in High School. I went on to a "christian" college.......and I intentionally used a small "c" in Christian because this school was anything but that. Some of my biggest trials and yet strongest lessons I learned were in college. I was part of the college choir - sang and played for it. But our conductor did not want to sing anything that had to do with the blood of Jesus!! He thought it was too messy, too gorey. Ohhh, how I knew in my heart that was WRONG!!
I'm so happy to say I have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus!! The words to this old hymn go like this:
"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing, this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is ALL MY HOPE AND PEACE, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is ALL MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. __Words & Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
I wanted to re-iterate why my blog is here. To bring hope, peace, comfort, joy, laughter, and Jesus, to those who would have Him. We live in a world of great turmoil these days and some of you may be feeling over-anxious, fearful, or uncertain about life; or maybe you are wondering why you are here............God does have a plan for each and every person who is born. But He will never try to force you into that plan or into loving Him. He wants you to come of your own free will--to choose to follow Him. I do believe that one will never experience true peace and joy until they have filled that "God-shaped" hole in their heart with Him. Oh, you may, as I have done in the past, try to fill that void with "things", positions, possessions, etc. Maybe you've been "knocked down" so many times you feel you can't get up again........I've been there also. Believe me. But I'm here to let you know that God "Abba" (your heavenly Daddy), will hold your hand and lift you up and guide you through your valleys and any situation you feel may be hopeless.
"Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong!
Yes, Jesus loves me......Yes, Jesus loves me......Yes, Jesus loves me.....
The Bible tells me so."
I found out that Jesus wants you to "come to Him as a little child.......for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."....Matthew 18: 3-4.
Try not to become bogged down with "religiosity" and "theology".......when all Jesus wants is you. After you've invited him into your heart, then read his Word and he will make all things clear to you, through the Holy Spirit who will then dwell in you. You see, Jesus is actually alive today!! He is in heaven sitting at the right hand of God the Father and is making intercession on our behalf. When you invite the Lord to be your Savior, he then sends the "Comforter", the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you into all truth. Don't rely on other men's words for the truth----they will argue with you and try to put you down, just like the Pharisees did Jesus.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6.
I heard someone describe the blood as a "waterfall of love". How precious is the flow.
Jesus came to give us life by dying for our sins on the Cross. He was the perfect, sinless Lamb, the last and ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
I want you.........yes YOU who are reading this............to know that I love you, I care about you. I'm sure there will be those who read this and will dismiss it as another "sermon." Heaven forbid that I should ever preach a sermon except through the life I live.
"May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
If you've never served as a worship leader in the church, it can be a truly wonderful and awesome thing, but also very monotenous if you're not very careful. It became very evident to me that God was "calling" me into the music ministry when I was in High School. I went on to a "christian" college.......and I intentionally used a small "c" in Christian because this school was anything but that. Some of my biggest trials and yet strongest lessons I learned were in college. I was part of the college choir - sang and played for it. But our conductor did not want to sing anything that had to do with the blood of Jesus!! He thought it was too messy, too gorey. Ohhh, how I knew in my heart that was WRONG!!
I'm so happy to say I have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus!! The words to this old hymn go like this:
"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing, this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is ALL MY HOPE AND PEACE, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is ALL MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. __Words & Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
I wanted to re-iterate why my blog is here. To bring hope, peace, comfort, joy, laughter, and Jesus, to those who would have Him. We live in a world of great turmoil these days and some of you may be feeling over-anxious, fearful, or uncertain about life; or maybe you are wondering why you are here............God does have a plan for each and every person who is born. But He will never try to force you into that plan or into loving Him. He wants you to come of your own free will--to choose to follow Him. I do believe that one will never experience true peace and joy until they have filled that "God-shaped" hole in their heart with Him. Oh, you may, as I have done in the past, try to fill that void with "things", positions, possessions, etc. Maybe you've been "knocked down" so many times you feel you can't get up again........I've been there also. Believe me. But I'm here to let you know that God "Abba" (your heavenly Daddy), will hold your hand and lift you up and guide you through your valleys and any situation you feel may be hopeless.
"Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong!
Yes, Jesus loves me......Yes, Jesus loves me......Yes, Jesus loves me.....
The Bible tells me so."
I found out that Jesus wants you to "come to Him as a little child.......for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."....Matthew 18: 3-4.
Try not to become bogged down with "religiosity" and "theology".......when all Jesus wants is you. After you've invited him into your heart, then read his Word and he will make all things clear to you, through the Holy Spirit who will then dwell in you. You see, Jesus is actually alive today!! He is in heaven sitting at the right hand of God the Father and is making intercession on our behalf. When you invite the Lord to be your Savior, he then sends the "Comforter", the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you into all truth. Don't rely on other men's words for the truth----they will argue with you and try to put you down, just like the Pharisees did Jesus.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6.
I heard someone describe the blood as a "waterfall of love". How precious is the flow.
Jesus came to give us life by dying for our sins on the Cross. He was the perfect, sinless Lamb, the last and ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
I want you.........yes YOU who are reading this............to know that I love you, I care about you. I'm sure there will be those who read this and will dismiss it as another "sermon." Heaven forbid that I should ever preach a sermon except through the life I live.
"May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
THANK YOU MARY :)
I'd like to thank Mary Hutchins, of "Visits with Mary" for choosing my blog as a recipient of this award!
I am certainly humbled and appreciative. You would do well to visit her blog by going to this URL: http://www.visitswithmary.blogspot.com/.
It has been obvious to me by the posts and comments she has shared that she has a true heart for the Lord and all things beautiful and pure. Make sure you visit her site, it's beautiful!
In accordance with receiving this award, I am to share with you seven things about myself that you may not know............so here goes!
1. When I began piano lessons at the age of 7, I never had to be prodded to practice----I found out that I was the exception to the rule after teaching piano for 30 years :)
2. I love the Lord so much and am blessed beyond measure with His grace and mercy!
3. I went to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for ONE semester.......actually looking for a husband...lol.......when he was right back here where I grew up. We met very shortly after I returned home and got a job as organist at the church he was attending. I knew I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, for all the wrong reasons. It wasn't until I said, "Lord, I gave my life to YOU, so I'm going home to serve you, and if you want me to get married, I will, if you don't, I won't."
4. Now I know this may be weird, but I've always had a fascination with planes.........I love watching them take off and land.......
5. I am the oldest of 3 siblings, two younger brothers. It was hard being the oldest, because Momma and Daddy always left me "in charge" when they left the house. Which, needless to say, was fruitless. I tried Brubber and Gwee.....lol
6. I don't know if you'd call me a "trekkie", but I have always been a Star Trek fan, all the way back from the first t.v. episodes, right down to the big movie sequels:)
7. I tried my hand at planting gourds for the first time this past Summer. It was very successful with varying shapes and sizes.......what I really want to plant is GIANT PUMPKIN seeds and have a winner at the fair!
I've been asked to forward this "Stylish Blogger Award" on to 7 bloggers. I'm not sure I can pick out 7 right at the moment, because I only have 11 followers right now, but these are the ones I have picked to receive the "Stylish Blogger Award":
Toyin O. is a special lady with a beautiful testimony. She has great insight into God's Word and it's evident she wants to glorify Him in everything she does. Please visit her blog, she has some wonderfully thoughtful posts!
Here is a beautiful young mother with 5 children making her way one day at a time with God's help. She's more talented than you can imagine. She is homeschooling her children and has a real heart for Christ's will in her life :)
Laura is a wonderful author and a woman of great faith in the Lord. She has a special gift when it comes to penning her words.......they fall like liquid gold!
This lady's name is Joy and she certainly lives up to her name! Her blog is a sheer joy to go to and so colorful, refreshing, with lots of tidbits about life and her family. It is, indeed, a JOYful experience to visit her blog. Joy, you may already have this award, but you got it again!
All to whom I send this award to, please follow the instructions as were sent to me. Tell 7 things about yourself that probably your readers do not know. AND, by sending it on to 7 more bloggers that you feel warrant this award.........thx:)
Again, thank you Mary for thinking of me as a recipient of the Stylish Bloggers Award!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
AS YOU GO TO WORSHIP TODAY.......REMEMBER.......
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity." Psalms 98:4-9
I TURNED 62 YESTERDAY! - HOW I SPENT MY DAY:)
PLEASE PAUSE MY MUSIC AT BOTTOM OF PAGE AND TURN UP YOUR VOLUME, THX:)
LOOK FOR #11- MY GRANDSON JESSE!
The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. this morning, and there's very few things I would get up for that early on a Saturday,.....but we were going to see our grandson, Jesse, play basketball and his twin sister, JoyAnn , cheer!
JOYANN IS THE ONE WITH SHORT BROWN HAIR AND SLEEVELESS BLOUSE IN FRONT
After the game, hubby took me to the Folkart Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you will find some of the more exquisite works made by craftsmen in and around this area. I got a basket making kit and a "birding" book. You know how I love my backyard birds, but now I'm wanting to extend my experiences to areas close by that are known for other different species.
THEN, we came home for a nap!! LOL
Oh! Did I mention I get my first Social Security check next month! Woohoo!!
All in all, it was a wonderful day, but I have to say that hubby treats me each day as if it were my brithday. I love you honey:)
And if that wasn't enough, I received these beautiful mums from my brother and sister-in-law!
Monday, January 31, 2011
From Filling in the "O's" to Being Filled to Overflowing!
My experiences with the Church began even before I was born. As far back as I can remember, I was taken to church by my parents and given a "living witness" of the love of Jesus Christ through them and others in our church. As with a lot of children, possibly, (can only relate my own experience), I was somewhat bored with church and preaching and so I would amuse myself and try to sit still by "filling in the O's in the bulletins" each Sunday.
I could tell you of many times through my life when Jesus has had his hand on me and protected me, even when being unaware.
Our pastor said something this past Lord's Day that should have us all thinking. "Are you any closer to your Lord now than you were a year ago?" Oh, yes.........but it's a daily walk. Because of the outpouring of His love into my life I strive to be more like Him in my everyday walk.
He has definitely filled me to overflowing, even though I am so undeserving. When I'm "being still" and thinking of what He did for me........I mean REALLY thinking of what He did......taking my place on the Cross; dying there in my place for my sins; how do you say "thank you" to an act of love so profound? He went willingly to the Cross.......so that his shed blood applied to my life makes me clean before the Father. And because he did not stay in the grave, but arose, He is still alive today, and sits at the right hand of God the Father.
As I grow older, I care for "religiosity" less and a closer "relationship" with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords more!
I wish this type of relationship for you today. Do I still stumble along the way? YES! Because I am human. And in my weaknesses, He is made strong:
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41: 10
Why not ask Him to be your source of Strength and your Savior today:)
When I was eight years old, I gave my heart to Jesus, with all the faith an eight year old has. As with many early professions of faith, there comes another time in your life when you actually learn what it means to have a CLOSE relationship with a risen Savior! To actually walk with Him and talk to Him:) That time for me came when in college. Won't get into all the details, let's just say I had a bad experience there which left it's scars for years. I'm sure that all of you know what I'm talking about. Those kind of scars that hurt deeply, but scab over and you kind of forget them, but the scar is always there to remind you--in my case, what never to do or where never to go again.
It was during this time that my walk with the Lord became a very real and integral part of my life. Oh, I've had plenty more scars come along during the years, but with each one, His mercy and grace have always been right there to pick up the pieces and teach me more about His Love!I could tell you of many times through my life when Jesus has had his hand on me and protected me, even when being unaware.
Our pastor said something this past Lord's Day that should have us all thinking. "Are you any closer to your Lord now than you were a year ago?" Oh, yes.........but it's a daily walk. Because of the outpouring of His love into my life I strive to be more like Him in my everyday walk.
He has definitely filled me to overflowing, even though I am so undeserving. When I'm "being still" and thinking of what He did for me........I mean REALLY thinking of what He did......taking my place on the Cross; dying there in my place for my sins; how do you say "thank you" to an act of love so profound? He went willingly to the Cross.......so that his shed blood applied to my life makes me clean before the Father. And because he did not stay in the grave, but arose, He is still alive today, and sits at the right hand of God the Father.
As I grow older, I care for "religiosity" less and a closer "relationship" with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords more!
I wish this type of relationship for you today. Do I still stumble along the way? YES! Because I am human. And in my weaknesses, He is made strong:
Why not ask Him to be your source of Strength and your Savior today:)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
HUBBY IN COOKING MOOD!!
Hubby got into an APPLE PIE cooking mood this a.m. and, believe me, they're as good as they look!
This past late Nov. or early Dec., I've forgotten- we went to a local apple orchard and were able to spend all the time we wanted picking apples, ALL KINDS OF APPLES, from off the ground for $3.00 a bushel! We picked McIntosh, Yellow Delicious, Red Delicious and Romes. Of course, you know when they're that ripe, they won't last long, so they were cut up-put into freezer bags-and put into the freezer.
What a treat to have these FRESH apple pies today at the end of January when they are calling for more SNOW!
I'd love to be able to pass all of you a piece right through the computer, but trust me, they are good!
This past late Nov. or early Dec., I've forgotten- we went to a local apple orchard and were able to spend all the time we wanted picking apples, ALL KINDS OF APPLES, from off the ground for $3.00 a bushel! We picked McIntosh, Yellow Delicious, Red Delicious and Romes. Of course, you know when they're that ripe, they won't last long, so they were cut up-put into freezer bags-and put into the freezer.
What a treat to have these FRESH apple pies today at the end of January when they are calling for more SNOW!
I'd love to be able to pass all of you a piece right through the computer, but trust me, they are good!
PAW IN THE FACE!!
As I indicated in a post not long ago, we have been out of town on an emergency visit to help family. Well, we are back home! There really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME:) As some of you know, I have a cat named "Leon". He did not take too kindly to our leaving him home alone for three weeks, as was made most evident last night while trying to sleep. First, he'd lay on me, then go over and lay on hubby, than back to me, back to hubby.......you get the idea.
I realized he was suffering from "cat anxiety" and wanted to make sure we did not try to get up and leave again.
However, the old cat paws and LOUD purring at 3:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. is what had me up so early this morning.
By 4:30 a.m. I could take it no longer, so I got up and sat down with God's Word! You know, some of the most precious, intimate times I've had with the Lord Jesus have been early in the morning (in Jewish tradition-during the 4th watch- 3:00am-6:00am).
I am getting ready to make a very difficult decision in my life and I need His guidance and could use your prayers!
When I was a junior in High School, I gave my life to total service to the Lord with the musical talent He gave to me. I went to a Christian college and received a Church Music degree (which you cannot get there now). I have played the piano or organ somewhere every Sunday and Wednesday since I was a teenager. My husband and I have longed to work in a ministry TOGETHER. You see, I usually end up in the music ministry at church and he ends up working with children's church or young people's class. We have a deep desire now in our latter years (not too latter...lol), 62 and 63, to either work together in a nursing home ministry or somewhere where we can minister to others in a one-on-one situation TOGETHER. Please pray for me as I plan to resign from my current position at our church and branch off into another area with my husband. Please don't misunderstand me, because I think traditions are a good thing to a certain point-- but I am beginning to think we have "traditioned" the Holy Spirit right out of our services. I, at this point in my life, am not so interested in belonging to a denomination, as serving a living Lord. That doesn't mean I've not been able to serve Him in a denomination, I have. But I have a sense of urgency about sharing Christ with others in more ways than just with my music. HE IS COMING SOON!! And we, my husband and I, want to have a more "hands on" approach to sharing Christ with others.
When Joshua was at the point of assuming Moses' responsibilities and lead the Jewish people into the promised land, the Lord said, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Whenever I have earnestly sought God's will, He has never led me astray. So I am trusting Him to take us in the direction He wants us to go.
He can do the same for you, my dear readers.......just have faith.........and if you don't have enough faith, He will give you that too! He says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Don't forget to spend special time with the Lord each and every day!
I realized he was suffering from "cat anxiety" and wanted to make sure we did not try to get up and leave again.
By 4:30 a.m. I could take it no longer, so I got up and sat down with God's Word! You know, some of the most precious, intimate times I've had with the Lord Jesus have been early in the morning (in Jewish tradition-during the 4th watch- 3:00am-6:00am).
I am getting ready to make a very difficult decision in my life and I need His guidance and could use your prayers!
When I was a junior in High School, I gave my life to total service to the Lord with the musical talent He gave to me. I went to a Christian college and received a Church Music degree (which you cannot get there now). I have played the piano or organ somewhere every Sunday and Wednesday since I was a teenager. My husband and I have longed to work in a ministry TOGETHER. You see, I usually end up in the music ministry at church and he ends up working with children's church or young people's class. We have a deep desire now in our latter years (not too latter...lol), 62 and 63, to either work together in a nursing home ministry or somewhere where we can minister to others in a one-on-one situation TOGETHER. Please pray for me as I plan to resign from my current position at our church and branch off into another area with my husband. Please don't misunderstand me, because I think traditions are a good thing to a certain point-- but I am beginning to think we have "traditioned" the Holy Spirit right out of our services. I, at this point in my life, am not so interested in belonging to a denomination, as serving a living Lord. That doesn't mean I've not been able to serve Him in a denomination, I have. But I have a sense of urgency about sharing Christ with others in more ways than just with my music. HE IS COMING SOON!! And we, my husband and I, want to have a more "hands on" approach to sharing Christ with others.
When Joshua was at the point of assuming Moses' responsibilities and lead the Jewish people into the promised land, the Lord said, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Whenever I have earnestly sought God's will, He has never led me astray. So I am trusting Him to take us in the direction He wants us to go.
He can do the same for you, my dear readers.......just have faith.........and if you don't have enough faith, He will give you that too! He says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Don't forget to spend special time with the Lord each and every day!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
COLD MORNING - BUT BIRDS DIDN'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
This is what I woke up to this morning..........
Now who but me could find beauty in red-winged black birds:) I'm enamored by all God's creation!
And let's not forget the Robin, first sign of Spring to come!
"Let Everything that has breath Praise the Lord!"
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Please Forgive Me
Please forgive me for not having posted in a while. I was sick over Christmas and then very shortly after the New Year we had a family emergency which took us from home for about three weeks. My cousin was in intensive care for over a week and then my dear Aunt discovered she had cancer. However, I want to praise the Lord for putting my husband and me in a position where we could go and help. He took an early retirement - we got rid of, gave away, sold most of our "things" and moved into a trailer next to my brother. What a relief to not have so many "things" to cling to. AND, because we sold our nice home, we are now completely out of debt!
You know, it's so comforting to know that Jesus sees so far into my life and makes a way, a path to do His will. I have looked back over the years and, what seemed at the time like tragedies, have ended up "working out for our good." Because in our weakness, He is made strong!
Yes, it's very hard when you are in that trial or valley to truly understand all the "why's" and "what if's". But isn't that where our faith comes in?
Well, just wanted you dear folks to know I've thought about you.....I do pray for any needs sent my way, and hope this post finds all of you well and joyful.
Please pray for my husband and me as we continue to seek His will for the "now" time in our lives.
And, by the way, I haven't seen my grandchildren since before Christmas.....and I miss them so much!!! Hopefully, we will be able to return home soon and then "Mimi" and "Grandpa" can go visit their little "munchkins!"
You know, it's so comforting to know that Jesus sees so far into my life and makes a way, a path to do His will. I have looked back over the years and, what seemed at the time like tragedies, have ended up "working out for our good." Because in our weakness, He is made strong!
Yes, it's very hard when you are in that trial or valley to truly understand all the "why's" and "what if's". But isn't that where our faith comes in?
Well, just wanted you dear folks to know I've thought about you.....I do pray for any needs sent my way, and hope this post finds all of you well and joyful.
Please pray for my husband and me as we continue to seek His will for the "now" time in our lives.
And, by the way, I haven't seen my grandchildren since before Christmas.....and I miss them so much!!! Hopefully, we will be able to return home soon and then "Mimi" and "Grandpa" can go visit their little "munchkins!"
Monday, January 3, 2011
Special New Year's Bloom!
MY SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S BLOOM!
Now why would I be so excited over one tiny bloom? Because this special "Christmas" cactus, that did not bloom until yesterday, was a re-root of my mother's original. And, since my mother passed away 13 years ago this past October, I have tried to keep her plants going. When her vines or flowers have begun to wane, I would take a cutting and, after gaining new roots, would plant again. All had been successful except this particular plant. It is from a re-rooted leaf. I'm not sure why it has taken so long to put out blooms, but I think once I changed the type soil it was originally started in, and then placed it outside during the Summers, I now have a blooming "Christimas" Cactus! It was well worth the wait, and looks as if there will be several other blooms coming soon.
You see, I'm just kind of a flora nut. I love flowers, birds, fungi, trees, well I guess just about anything God has made brings me to an "awestruck" stage. Can't wait until the crocuses, daffodils and tulips come up!
If you have a pic of a special flower of yours, and possibly a story to go with it (or not), send it to me, would love to see it:)
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