" For God himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." Acts 17:25

About Me

About Me

About Me

Welcome...I'm delighted that you chose to visit! I started this blog in March 2010 and I am so happy that I did. It has made me more aware of the many ways that God is blessing my life. I have made some special friends who bless,teach,encourage,and entertain me! My desire is to be an encouragement to you. I hope you will tarry for a while and that you will come back to visit often.

Monday, January 31, 2011

a bit of history

I found this historical Christian novel at the Dollar Tree last week.......

I had never heard of the author but it was a Crossings Book Club book, so I decided to give it a try. It was a sweet story and an easy read. Since it was historical, I actually learned something! From 1854 until 1929, 150,000 orphaned or abandoned children were sent from crowded cities in the east to new homes in the west. They traveled in what came to be called Orphan Trains. Telegrams would announce the date of their arrival and families would meet the train to "adopt" the child (or children) of their choice. More often than not, siblings were separated, never to see each other again. It was rare for the children to be legally adopted, so if times got hard, they could be given away, sent to an orphanage, or put out on the streets to fend for themselves.
This book is about 3 such children...two sisters and a brother who were orphaned when their parents died in the fire that destroyed their tenement apartment in New York City. They were given to three different families and didn't see each other for 17 years. The book is the story of the working out of God's plan to reunite them....to bring them home.
Reading this made me even more grateful for my wonderful childhood and for the blessing of being able to raise my own children. I, nor my children, have ever known want and there has never been a threat to our being together. God has certainly taken care of us.
I also saw it as a picture of our separation from God and of His wonderful plan to restore us to Himself. We are no longer orphans of this world, but children of the King. I am so very thankful to be home!

"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him much pleasure."
Eph 1:5

Saturday, January 29, 2011

a little trip up the road

The hubby and I took off for a couple of days (left Thurs, came back today)... it was just a little get away to be somewhere different, do something different. We stayed in the same hotel I posted about a few days ago...the one with the robes. We shopped, ate at two new places, rested, read, shopped some more, ate some more....you get the idea!
One of the places we browsed was a huge antique store
called The Queen of Hearts. Didn't buy a thing! But as we were leaving, I saw this little sign and thought, "That is exactly why we are here...we're making a life...doing something fun together!"

Hanging next to that sign was this one......

It made me think of all of you who are such avid gardeners.....especially Kim who mentioned recently that she has been perusing seed catalogs and wants to order everything to go in her garden! It also reminded me of Denise who talked about using seed packets in some of her paper art projects. So, you see, even when I am away, my blogging friends are on my mind and in my heart!! :-)
The funny thing about our shopping was that on Friday, we went to four different places. We bought nothing in the first three. We spent about $75 in the fourth place. You won't believe where that was.....BIG LOTS! ha! ha! We drove 2 hours to shop there when we have one less than 1/2 mi from us! But each one has different things..... so you never know what you might find!
Spent two hours in Ikea this afternoon. Ate lunch at their snack bar...two hot dogs, chips, drink...$2! Best deal in town!
One thing I was looking for was end tables. Been looking off and on for a year... finally bought some today! Yea! That was an accomplishment. I was beginning to lose hope, but as usual, God, in His time, provided. So, it was worth the wait.
We had a good time, but it is good to be home. Hope you all have had a lovely Sat. and that your Lord's Day is blessed "abundantly more than you could think or ask."

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

fruit and cream cheese danish

Two weeks ago, Kim at My Field of Dreams, posted the recipe for this wonderful dessert. As soon as I read it, I knew I wanted to make it.


So, Monday night, I did just that and let me tell you, it is FINE! I told Kim it is the best non-chocolate dessert I have had in a very long time!
I'll repeat the recipe here in case you missed it. I did change the amount of cream cheese and the pie filling fruit to suit our tastes better.

2 cans crescent dinner rolls ( I used the butter flavored)
12 oz cream cheese, softened (the recipe called for 16 oz, Kim used 8oz)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided in half
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla
1 can peach pie filling (Kim used cherry, any fruit will work)
3 Tablespoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use one can of rolls for bottom crust,
sealing perforations. Place in a 13x9 pan sprayed with not stick spray.

2. Beat cream cheese , 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, egg white. and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust. Pour pie filling over cream cheese. Press the other can of dough into a rectangle and place it over fruit.

3.Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Cool a little, mix the rest of the powdered sugar with milk. Stir until smooth and drizzle over dessert.

It was beautiful when it came out of the oven.....all golden and shiny (is that the right word...can food be shiny??? ha! ha!) It was delicious fresh from the oven and it has been just as good warmed up. I think I will be making this often....especially when the family is here....it is big enough to serve us all. So, if you like fruit and you like cream cheese......you're gonna love this! :-)

Monday, January 24, 2011

child talk

We went to church where he saw a puppet show that he loved and couldn't stop talking about. After lunch, we went outside to "bwow" bubbles.....

And after a nap, we made things with "flay dough".....


Didn't get pictures, but he and Chief kicked balls and a "balloom" around the yard and inside the house. We read many books and ate "basketti" and "cream". We hugged and kissed and snuggled and tickled....and laughed a lot!


And just before going to sleep, after he told me one more "somepin"about the puppet show, he said, "I wuv you." My,my...I thought my heart would burst! I love being Gran!! :-)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

wonderful are His works


"For you formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalms 139:13-14

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
Jeremiah 1:5

Today was Sanctity of Life Day.
I must remember.
I must pray.
I must stand.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

what did you say?

We all know kids say funny
things. They mispronounce words, get them
turned around, leave out syllables, add syllables...etc. Our older son said "plilow" instead of pillow. Our younger son said "surjal" instead of cereal. Our daughter said "wahgan" instead of water. Our oldest grand said "fanks" instead of thanks. Her sister says "livingin room" instead of living room. Tonight I heard about our grandson's latest. He jumped out from behind something to scare his mom and said "uhfrize"... she said "I think he meant "surprise"!" So cute! He is spending the night, so I'm sure we will hear some more of his "four year old" vocabulary while he is here! At any rate, he makes us smile...hope you have many reasons to smile this weekend!

Friday, January 21, 2011

computer humor

Our office manager posted this on her office window...a little levity for our week!

  • LIFE BEFORE THE COMPUTER:
  • An application was for employment
  • A program was a TV show
  • A cursor used profanity
  • A keyboard was a piano
  • A web was a spider's home
  • A virus was the flu
  • A CD was a bank account
  • A hard drive was a long trip on the road
  • A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
  • And...memory was something that you lost with age!!
Hope this makes you smile! Blessings for a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

all wrapped up

Back in August, my sweet girl and I "ran away" for a couple of days to shop, eat out, and "chill" before the wedding. We stayed in this great (but very reasonably priced) hotel. They had some very nice amenities including white terry robes. Oh, my goodness! We showered, wrapped ourselves in them, snuggled up in the bed with our snacks and diet cokes and watched "Say Yes To The Dress"!!! Now that is luxury! ha! ha! They were soft and comfortable....and we didn't have to purchase them. They came with the price of the room.... provided for our use.
Reminds me of of
God's provision. He has wrapped me in the righteousness of Christ with a robe that identifies me as His child. It gives me access to Him so that I can snuggle up in His lap and enjoy the comfort of His love and mercy. His robe was also bought with a price by Jesus....and then provided for me as a gift of His grace!

".... and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ......the righteousness that comes from God..." Phil 3:9

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

did somebody say chocolate?

Oh, yeah....I did!! In celebration of my new blog theme, I am sharing the recipe for this.....
German Sweet Chocolate Cream Pie


It may not look beautiful (I'm not the best at taking food pictures!), but it taste pretty yummy! And it is easy to make. So, with apologies to my friend, Kim, who is trying to be good when it comes to sweets, here's the how-to!

1 pkg (4 oz) German Sweet Chocolate
1/3 cup milk (divided in two amts...2 tbsp and 3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
2 tbsp sugar
1 pkg (3 oz) cream cheese
1 8 oz container Cool Whip
1 8 in chocolate graham cracker crust

Heat chocolate and 2 tbsps milk in saucepan over low heat, stirring until chcolate is melted. In separate bowl,beat sugar and cream cheese (with mixer) until well blended. Add remaining milk and chocolate mixture, beat until smooth. Fold in cool whip. Pour into crust. Freeze 4 hours. Garnish with chocolate curls or crushed chocolate wafers.

Hope you enjoy it.... a little chocolate makes any day better!! :-)

Monday, January 17, 2011

inspired by Landis

About a week ago, Landis posted about contemplating what her response would be if God asked her to give up something that was important even precious to her. She came to this conclusion:

"Being a part of His world is way better than being a part of this one." And she quoted
1 Cor.7:31 "Those who use the things of this world should not become attached to them. For this world, as we know it will soon pass away."

Recently, I was listening to a Mercy Me CD and heard this song. It reminded me of what Landis had to say about saying "yes" to God when He calls....regardless of what He asks. If God ever required it, I pray this would be my reply.......

"And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'd always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind

My life has never been this clear

Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You

And I know I don't have much to give

But I promise You I will give You all there is
Can I possibly do less
When through Your own death I live?


My life has never been this clear
Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You"

"For me to live is Christ, to die is gain" Phil 1 :21

Saturday, January 15, 2011

house warming and heart warming

I went to a house warming party tonight. It was for one of the young women that I work with and her husband. Some of her family and most everyone from the office came, so they received many nice gifts. I was blessed by the generosity of our co-workers....and so was she. What made it such a happy and special time for me was her enthusiasm and gratefulness. She was so excited with each gift she opened...her eyes were bright, her smile... big and genuine. I've known for a long time, that it doesn't take much to make her happy. She is easily pleased....and that is a good thing!
On the way home, I was thinking about that......I want to be easily pleased, I want to find joy in the small and insignificant as well as in the big and impressive. I want to be ever conscious that everything I have, even the air I breathe, is a gift. I didn't earn any of it and I certainly don't deserve it. But God..... but God, in His infinite love and mercy and grace and loving-kindness, not only chooses, but promises to bless and provide for me. I stand amazed!

Friday, January 14, 2011

looking back at sept 18




We received the photographer's photos of the wedding at Thanksgiving. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I failed to share them. I realize it is a little anti-climatic now, but they are so lovely I wanted you to see a few of them.
Here is our sweet girl before the ceremony. I love the simplicity.







This is outside the reception venue. She has always loved the outdoors, so we were so glad there was a "green" place to take pictures.








The bride and groom....

The wedding party. Don't the girls look pretty in the beautiful blue?


If you remember, the wedding took place in a store front church in the historic downtown of a nearby city. So, there were lots of old brick buildings to use as backgrounds.


The groom's family....parents, brother and sister.


Our family....our two sons, our daughter-in-law, and the three grands.


With all the difficult and sad things that happened in 2010, September 18 was certainly the highlight of our year. It was a beautifully, happy day that we were able to share with our family and friends. I am happy for the opportunity to share it with you.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

reaching the lost

If you:
-have a heart for missions
-are encouraged by seeing how God provides for His work done His way
-get excited when you hear the difference that one called and completely committed person can make.....

...then I recommend you read this book. It is the story of Bruce Olson, who at the age of 19, felt a call from God to go to South America and share the gospel with the Motilone Indian tribe. With absolutely no support system, he bought a plane ticket, flew to Venezuela, and.....well, that's all I'll say. It is an amazing testimony to God's faithfulness and Olson's obedience. It is simply written and easily read. I was moved by it.....I believe you will be, too

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

a "grand" 8th birthday!

Have you ever been to Chuck E. Cheese? Well, this was my first visit and we had a great time! Our oldest "grand" decided she wanted to go there for her birthday. So, we started with pizza....






Then it was on to the games and rides....





So glad we were there for the fun! Made my heart happy to be able to celebrate her special day with her...love that girl!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

it iced!!

It looks like snow and I have been calling it snow...but, it is really ice! We awoke to it this morning. Pretty much shut our city down...except WMart, of course! :-) All the schools were closed...even the Air Force Base in town was closed. I know, I know...we are wimps! But when you live in the south where it NEVER snows, we are just not prepared for it. Anyway, it looks pretty and I had a "snow day" from work...Woohoo! Here are a few pictures...nothing beautiful, but it is documentation that it really happened! ha! ha!


Hubby's footprints going to the wood pile. Wood burning stove has been working overtime!

The birdbath.... and notice the birdseed on a piece of cardboard in the background. Hubby felt sorry for the birds with the ground all covered in ice.


View from my front porch looking toward the driveway. It warmed up above freezing this afternoon, so some of the ice started to melt. Tonight, it falls back down to the 20's. So it will all freeze again....making driving dangerous tomorrow morning. Not sure what that means for work. It's a wait and see kind of thing. Hope you are warm and dry and enjoying your week! Thanks for dropping by!


Sunday, January 9, 2011

two reviews

These are two of my favorite things I received for Christmas. Thought I would give a review of them in case you were interested. The CD is wonderful! Chris Tomlin wrote or co-wrote all the songs. As always, the songs are directed towards God and are full of praise and worship. His heart is to exalt the greatness of God...and this CD does just that!


Now, the book. Hmmm......how do I say this? Well, I still love Jan Karon, but this was not ( Sara and Kim agree with me!) one of her best. It is set in Ireland and there is a lot of Irish dialect to read and decipher. Also, lots of characters to keep straight and long excerpts from an old Irish journal that Father Tim and his wife, Cynthia, are reading. At times, I felt like I was trudging through the rocky landscape of Ireland that she describes in the book. However, as in all of JK's books, Christ was exalted and He used Father Tim to demonstrate His love to the unlovely. The ending was good.....it just took a long time to get there! :-) I'm glad I read it, because if there is another "Father Tim" book, she will refer to events or people in this one and it is more meaningful if you have been there with the characters. On the book jacket, the author says, "of all the novels I have written, this is my favorite." It would be interesting to know why. So? In my opinion.... buy the CD......borrow the book! ha! ha!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

in tennessee....

...playing with my girls......celebrating the 8 year old's birthday! Home tomorrow with pictures to share. Hope you all are having a blessed weekend. It is FREEZING here! That Italian Soup and crusty garlic bread for dinner sure is going to taste good!! :-)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

an unexpected gift


About 10 1/2 years ago, after being a stay at home mom for 21 years, I responded to an ad for a job in a busy doctor's office. When I went in for the interview, I saw a woman standing at the reception window. I recognized her as someone with whom I had worked a ladies retreat. I knew her first name, but not much more because we had worked in different areas at the retreat. She was the leader in her area and I was the leader in mine, so we didn't have much interaction.

Well, she was the office manager and the one who would be interviewing me. By the time the interview was over, we had bonded as sisters in Christ.
All these years later, we are the best of friends. What a joy it has been to go to work every day knowing that she would be there to love and encourage me. We celebrated her birthday tonight with dinner at our newest Italian restaurant "Mama Mia's". Our food was very good, the company was better!
I went to that office that day hoping for a job and God gave me a friend for life! What an unexpected gift! Happy Birthday, my sweet friend and sister!

Monday, January 3, 2011

he's been faithful to me

A young woman sang this in church yesterday. It was beautiful. It's message made me cry...remembering how faithful my Heavenly Father has been this past year....maybe the most difficult year of my life. And also thinking about how I can trust Him to be faithful in this new year and all the years ahead. What an amazing, gracious, and loving God we serve!
Here are the words. I tried to post the video from youtube, but, alas, it would not work. If you'd like to hear it, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings it well and you can view it there.

He's Been Faithful To Me

In My Moments Of Fear
Through Every Pain, Every Tear
There's A God Who's Been Faithful To Me

When My Strength Was All Gone
When My Heart Had No Song
Still In Love, He's Proved Faithful To Me

Every Word He's Promised Is True
What I Thought Was Impossible
I've Seen My God Do

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me
Looking Back, His Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
And Failed To Believe
He's Been Faithful, Faithful To Me

When My Heart Looked Away
The Many Times I Could Not Pray
Still My God Was Faithful To Me

The Days I Spent So Selfishly
Reaching Out For What Pleased Me
Even Then, God Was Faithful To Me

Every Time I Come Back To Him
He Is Waiting With Open Arms
And I See Once Again

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me
Looking Back His Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
Even Failed To Believe
Yet He's Been Faithful, Faithful To Me