Ok, I'm Up For Suggestions! HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY BLOG?

I realize it probably takes a long time to get consistent readers and followers of one's blog, but I have only gained 3 friends since December of 2009, and, (I love you all), but you don't come around much anymore. But you could say the same about me.....where did she go? Well, I'm on Facebook, playing games, talking to friends I know and others I do not. Hmmmm, not such a wise use of time? Yes and no. I have met some wonderful people on Facebook who just want and need someone to talk with. Many have disabilities and cannot work, and this is their only link to something even close to friendship and family. If there's one reason God put me here on this earth for, it's to "listen", listen attentively, listen caringly, thoughtfully and genuinely. Sometimes I speak when I should listen. And sometimes I do too much listening and not enough speaking...lol For example, day before yesterday I went out to run an errand. I was going to stop by the gas company and pay for rental of the tank, then stop by the Dollar Store and get some spider spray. To make a long story short, I met a little older lady there who just began to strike up a conversation-----an hour and a half later, we are still standing there talking. I've done this before.....I can't bring myself to leave or excuse myself because I figure this person has a need; they need someone to listen and really "hear" what they're saying. More often than not, it is someone I do not know at all, have never met, but for some reason they gravitate towards me. Well, apparently my blog is not causing people to gravitate towards me, but that's not why I put the blog here in the first place. It was to help you gravitate towards God, to get you to think, to help you get into a peaceful place. And guess what!! I came onto my blog today and "I"! found a peaceful place! I loved the soft music, the pictures of my grandchildren almost made me cry with inner joy! But, I realize I'm new to this blogging thing and am ready for some suggestions:) So, HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY BLOG?

New Photos of Grandkids!

A Day We Will Never Forget - September 11, 2001

Hello, to anyone who may pass this way.  It has been quite a while since I have written on my blog.  But as I am watching the television and "re-living" for one day, what the families of over 3,000 people relive everyday, I couldn't go on without saying something. 
On this day, September 11, 2001, our nation was shaken to it's core.  I believe most of you could tell me exactly where you were and what you were doing when you found out about the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and then the downing of  Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.   
I was sitting in my bed drinking a cup of coffee and watching the news.  What began as an ordinary day to me, became very extraordinary, awful, feelings of disbelief.  As I sat on the bed, I remember my hand coming to my mouth as I gasped when I saw the second plane hit the towers.  Then I knew in my heart, this was no accident.  I think most of us knew in our hearts that the first plane hitting was no accident, but you try to come up with some kind of logical, rational explanation........when there is no logic, rhyme or reason to what happened on that day.  So, for the past 9 years, we have tried to fight terrorism wherever it has taken a hold and many of our precious men and women in uniform have sacrificed their lives, yet again, for the safety and freedom which our country holds so dear.  I am thankful that, at that time, we had a President,  President George W. Bush, who was not ashamed to ask God for wisdom in our hour of need. 
I send my loving prayers to all the families who lost dear ones on this date 9 years ago.  You, and they, will never be forgotten.  Never, ever.  That is why now, today, and always, we should do what the Holy Bible tells us to do:

"Encourage one another and build each other up."
- I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold
you with my righteous right hand."  - Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Take comfort in these words spoken by my Lord in the book of John 11: 25&26:
(Jesus was speaking to his dear friend Martha, whose brother Lazarus had died, and was questioning the Lord as to why he took so long to get there.  She felt surely her Lord would have come quickly and saved her brother from death.)
Beginning at verse 23:
"Jesus said to her (Martha), "Your brother will rise again."   Martha answered, "I know he will rise again
in the resurrection at the last day."  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes
in me will live, even though he dies:  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"

And so, I guess for some of you, that may be the big question:  Do you believe in Him?  In  Jesus Christ?  Have you had doubts about this world we live in or why you are here?  You were put here for a purpose.
If you really, sincerely, want answers to lifes questions and quandries, then I'd like to invite you to please read the entire book of John in the New Testament.  Learn more about this "Jesus" who came to earth for one reason, to die for you and save you from your sins, so that you might have everlasting life and life abundant!
Also, read through the Psalms in the Old Testament as there are many beautiful and uplifting passages.
If you have any questions, get in touch with me and I will try to answer them for you, with God's help :)

Meet Me In The Meadow: You Are Not Alone

Meet Me In The Meadow: You Are Not Alone

Cucumbers are In! Let the Pickling Begin!

Okay, so I haven't done any pickling or canning in about 15-20 years...........I decided yesterday to make some dill pickles.  Went out to the garden and found way more than I expected (which is what usually happens with cukes, as they hide under their leaves.......makes it kinda fun, like an easter egg hunt).
I decided I would do the pickling this year........last year my husband did them.  Didn't have any quart jars, but some of the cucumbers were not really long enough for quart jars, so some of them I just cut in half and then placed in pint jars.  Using FRESH DILL this year!  Nothing compares to fresh anything really, but we didn't grow dill last year, so used stuff out of the bottle.  Not the same.  And when I went to the grocery store to try to buy fresh dill......it was limp, and WAY over priced.
My recipe was simple.  One large clove cut in half placed in the bottom of jars, followed by a precise placement of the cucumbers so as they would look nice in the jars, followed by a fresh sprig of dill, then came the brine.  Made way too much of it, but it was about 12 cups of water, to 4 cups of white vinegar and 2/3c. of pickling salt.  Bring to a boil and pour that over your cukes, put the lids on and you're done!
Sounds easy, except I forgot to put my jars in a pan of very hot water, which lowered the temperature of the brine enough that about 4 jars did not seal.  I remembered that little fact AFTER the fact.  Oh well, hope they will be ready in time for our big 4th of July Shindig.....the whole family comes over, about 15-20 of us and we gorge on hamburgers, hot dogs, pork and beans, potato salad, pickles, dessert, and, of course, watermelon!
I'll let you know how these cute little pickles turned out. 
By the way, I also used FRESH GARLIC in them.  Last Fall, my husband took some regular cloves that we'd gotten from the supermarket and planted them.  We have loads of huge bulbs of fresh garlic!  There is a difference.  When you've tasted really fresh garlic, you won't want to buy them from the store again.
Have been eating Swiss Chard, Beet Greens (yes, the greens that grow on top of the beets...lol), lots of lettuce and putting in some of the fresh peas that were planted April 1st of this year.  The peas are about gone, love them right out of the pod........ummmmm.....so sweet!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy :)

This tribute is to my "Daddy".   For us Southern girls, "Father", is just too formal.  I'm 61 years old and am still a "Daddy's girl".  I love my Daddy.   I've always loved my Daddy!  But, as is true in so many instances, you don't really understand the true worth of your parents until you've become one. 
We helped my Daddy celebrate his 80th birthday last June, 2009.  We had a big shindig with lots of family, friends and acquaintances coming by to give him their special blessings.  We (my two brothers and I), gave my Daddy a "VoiceQuilt".  If you've never heard of a voice quilt and want to give a very special and unique gift, check out http://www.voicequilt.com/.  It can make a special occasion even more special!
It's amazing how, as you get older, suddenly your parents have become much more wise than you imagined.  I now know and understand some of the things my Daddy went through when we were growing up. 
My Daddy was a hard working man.  He always made sure we kids had what we needed, and as often as possible, some things we wanted.  He went without at times, just like my mother, to make sure we kids had what we needed. 
My Daddy is a godly man.  He's a faithful, caring, giving, man.  He has been through the fire more than once, and has proven to be rock solid.  He believes when you make a commitment, you should keep that commitment.  I thought he was a little strict on us kids when growing up.  However, what he was doing was bringing us up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.........something that is sadly lacking in a lot of homes today. 
My Dad married my mother when he was just 17 years old.  But he took his vows seriously and was faithful to my mother "until death do we part", shy one month of 51 years.   She passed away 12 years ago after many years of illnesses.  He never made her feel that she were a burden.....not one minute. 
Is my Daddy without faults?  No.........but he has certainly become the Patriarch of our big family and has attained the type of character that many people admire, including myself. 
Even at age 81, he still manages to take time to go to the nursing homes and visit those people who have not been as fortunate as he.
Daddy, if you read this, just know that you are so loved.  I know there have been times over the years where I have disappointed or hurt you in some way.  I ask you to forgive for those times I knew about, and those I did not.  I just hope at least half the character you have, has rubbed off on me somewhat. 
I love you, Daddy......today and always, Sissy:)

Lest you Think Me Pious or "Holier than Thou" - please read:)

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living'.
I'm whispering 'I was lost but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!