" 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, December 31, 2012

Bless you, friends!


So many things to share...I don't know where to start! But tonight, I just want to wish you all a very Happy 2013! I am grateful for your friendship, your faithfulness in visiting me and your kind comments. I learn so much from you. I visit places I, otherwise, would never see. I am encouraged and blessed by your testimonies. And you make me smile and laugh and, on occasion, cry. I had no idea when I started blogging that I would care so much for "cyber" friends. You all are very special to me!

It has been quite a year for us...a new granddaughter, a new daughter-in-law, new houses for two of our children, surgeries for Hubby and I, and our addition/remodel project! It has all been wonderful (well, maybe not the surgeries!), but I am hoping 2013 will be a little less "eventful"!! :-)

 My prayer for all of you for the coming year is that...
    
" God will pour on the blessings in astonishing ways
 so that you’re ready for anything and everything,
 more than just ready to do what needs to be done. 
As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
    giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
    never run out, never wear out."

II Cor. 9:8
The Message Bible


Sunday, December 16, 2012

home sweet home





After three weeks in a hotel, we are back at home. When they started tearing down walls and sanding drywall, it was time for us to move out! Fortunately, we found a nice place with a big suite for a reasonable price only a couple of miles away. The nice part was 20 days of no cleaning and very simple cooking! The hard part was trying to prepare for Christmas! But I used the time to get all my shopping done, gifts wrapped, and stockings stuffed!

We are very happy...thrilled, really, with our new family room, laundry room and pantry. Our contractor employs quality people who do excellent work. It's going to take some getting use to...having all this room! I hope to be able to post pictures soon.

We are having our family Christmas this Sat, so I have much to do to get ready. Lots of rearranging (lots of stuff got crammed in bedrooms to clear out the areas where the work was being done) plus shopping and cooking. But I am so happy that we will be able to celebrate here.

As I sit here looking around, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God's provision for us. It has been a long time coming, but as it always is when it comes to the works of God, it was worth the wait!













Thursday, December 13, 2012

today's gifts


These are some of the things I am thankful for today:

111. Thursdays (my last work day of the week!)
112. sweater weather...makes it feel like Christmas!
113. approaching deadline for our remodel!
114. a generous boss
115. blue skies
116. Christmas trees 
117. poinsettias
118. great smelling candles
119. the change I see God making in a friend's life
120. that "the joy of the Lord is my strength"...'cause I'm tired!

Hope you are experiencing the joy of the Lord in your life today!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

boat mates


Thank you so much for your empathetic comments about my lipstick dilemma. :-)  I had no idea that so many others were "in the same boat." I think that happens a lot in life. We have a hurt, or disappointment, a frustration, or a crisis and we are convinced that we are all alone in our suffering. Surely no one else has been hurt like this or has had to endure a hardship of this magnitude.

Of course, we know that's not true, but it's easy to have that mindset. My experience has been that God is faithful to send me someone who has had the same life experiences and has "lived to tell about it"! Their testimony of God's faithfulness encourages me to trust, to be patient, to wait on His healing, His answer, His resolution.Then when I get to "climb out of the boat", I am one with a testimony to share.

Reminds me of the movie "Pay It Forward"?  It's not a movie that I would necessarily recommend due to content, but the message of showing gratitude for a kindness by helping someone else..."paying it forward"...is a good one. The funny thing is that Hollywood didn't think of it...God did!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

happy lips


I have been wearing the same shade of lipstick for many years...Velvet Crush by Maybelline that costs about $6. I loved it because it looked nice with my hair color and skin tone and it went with any color I wore. About two years ago, they discontinued it. I was so disappointed! I started to shop for a replacement color...a daunting task to say the least! I found (and purchased!) many that looked lovely in the store, but, alas!, not so lovely on me when I tried them at home. I won't tell you how much money I spent on this fruitless search, but, as you probably know, cosmetics (for the most part) are not cheap!

My sweet daughter came to my rescue when she found a place on line that sold discontinued items. (You may remember, I wrote a post about it then, too.) She ordered 3 tubes and they have lasted until recently. When I was about to have to start digging out the last smears of color from my last tube, I knew it was time to start my search again. Needless to say, I was dreading it!

I was in Wal Mart shopping for other things and as I passed the cosmetics, I decided to take a look, But, this time, I checked out a different brand. I found a color that, in the tube, looked pretty close to my beloved shade. And, much to my delighted surprise (when I got home), it was on my lips, too! And, guess what... it cost 96 cents!  I haven't done it yet, but I am thinking of going back and buying all they have! :-)

So, my new happy color is Mahogany. I can only hope that it is around for a long time!!






Thursday, December 6, 2012

look who's walking!



Our Little E has been teasing her mom and dad with a few steps here and there. Today, she decided to take off! She is walking all over the place and laughing and squealing as she goes! I've seen a video, but I can't wait to see it in person. It is so exciting watching our little ones grow!

My prayer is that she will also grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. I hope she will choose to walk in His ways and follow the path that He has designed for her.

I've heard that grandchildren are our reward for growing old. I'm not sure who said it...but I think he/she is right!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

room at the table



For years, I have wanted a dining table big enough for our entire family. Every time we would get together, I would have to set up a card table so everyone could have a seat. With our addition, we are going to have room for a bigger table. So tonight, we bought one!!

I don't have a picture to show you...I will (hopefully) post one when we move it into the house. But, I can tell you about it. It is a farmhouse table... solid wood, walnut finish, simple lines, simple chairs...and it's heavy! It has three leaves that store under the table...they call them butterfly leaves. With all the leaves in, it is 137 inches long and can seat 12! And we got it for half price! I love it! I am excited at the thought of having Christmas dinner with my "brood" around that table!

One day, I will be sitting at the Lord's banquet table. I will be surrounded by another "brood"... the family of God. It will be a very large table and there will be a seat for everyone who answered His call to come and dine!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
 If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
 I will come into him and will dine with him and he with Me."
 Rev. 3:20

.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

today's gifts

 
Some things I am grateful for today:

101. my hubby's laptop (since my computer is packed away due to       our remodeling)

102. creative people who share their ideas with those of us who need help!

103. online shopping that limits trips to the crowded stores and parking lots

104. good report from blood work done this week

105. good progress on our remodel job...the end is ALMOST in sight!

106. a nice, comfortable place to stay while we wait

107. friends who trust me with their hurts

108. "It's A Wonderful Life"...watched it last night for the first time in years...a great movie!

109. opportunities and the resources (God's provision) to help during this Christmas season

110. and the reason for the season...Jesus, God's most incredible gift!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

rest-less



Sometimes sleep just will not come.Thoughts keep running around in my head...playing tag! Family, friends, projects, Christmas...and then they circle and start all over again.
Hoping tonight is better!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

catching up


Well, it has been a busy week! I have photos to prove it, but blogger won't let me post them. So, until I have time to figure that out, you will just have to take my word for it! It all started on Nov 15, when I went to Grandparent's Day at our grandson's school. We had lunch together and then I visited his classroom. The children sang a song for us and showed us their art work. It was fun and sweet!

The next day, I headed to Tenn for the weekend. I went to see our oldest granddaughter's school play and to celebrate our son's birthday. Our girl sang a solo in the choir at Friday night's performance and had a role in the play Sat night. She did a wonderful job! Her song made this Gran cry! She was definitely the star of the show as far as we were concerned!

Saturday, my DIL's family had their traditional Gingerbread House making day. The girls and I went for a while so we could watch them at work and the girls could help a bit. It was impressive! They really do it right! They make their own gingerbread and are so creative in their decorations. I sure hope I can post some photos soon. They really are works of art!

On Sun night, my son's in-laws treated us to dinner at Olive Garden to celebrate his birthday. It was delicious and we enjoyed being together.

I came home Mon and on Wed, our Tenn family came here. We had our Thanksgiving dinner Thurs with most of the family in attendance. It was a beautiful day, and even though some of us weren't feeling that great, we still had a good time. Good food, games, laughter.... made for a sweet day of family!

Our construction has gotten to the point where I will be separated from my computer and I will be sharing my hubby's laptop. So, posts may be sporadic for a couple of weeks. We are excited that things are progressing. Up to this point, all the work has been outside. Tomorrow, they come in the house. Now, it is going to be inconvenient! But, the results will be worth it! :-)

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Hopefully. I will be able to catch up in the next day or two.

I will leave you with this line from a song I heard on the radio today...

        "the same pair of hands that hold the world, holds you."

I like that thought!
 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

today's gifts


my daughter's mantle

These are some of the things I am grateful for today:

 91.  a warm, dry house on a cold, wet night
 92.  people who do what they say they will do
 93.  freedom to get in my car and go where I choose
 94.  children who are easily pleased
 95.  children who value time more than money
 96.  freshly painted walls
 97.  getting back into clothes I had outgrown :-)
 98.  a week off for Thanksgiving
 99.  God's protection (I came very close to being hit by someone who ran a red light last week!)
100.  mercies that are new every morning!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above
 and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation
 or shadow of turning. "
James 1:17

Something else to be thankful for!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

bowling balls and chicken nuggets


Saturday, I had the opportunity (Hubby had to work)
  to celebrate our grandson's birthday with him
 and his family. First, we went bowling.
 We had a great time being together,
but didn't set any records with our scores! :-)


 Little L was more interested in eating than
 watching us roll a ball down an alley!
 
 You've heard the saying "two peas in a pod"...
well, this is a picture of it!!

 He does love his baby sister!

He enjoyed tearing into his gifts...


and was happy with what he found
 under the wrapping!
 

Next, it was off to Chick fil A for an early dinner.
There was time to climb and slide
 in their indoor play area before we ate. 



Little Debbie Zebra Cakes are one of his favorites, 
so that was the "birthday cake" of choice for
this little celebration!
As you can tell... he liked it


So glad we were able to do some special together
 for this milestone birthday....#6!
He is one "grand" boy!

Monday, November 12, 2012

a is for aldi and adventure




We have a little grocery store here called Aldi. The chain originated in Germany...which is where my daughter first discovered it when she was on a study-abroad trip a few summers ago. Anyway, it is small and you bag your own groceries to help keep cost down. Well, I love going there! They have great fruits and vegs. Their meat is high quality and their brand of staple items is good, too. And they carry non-food items as well. There are things they have all the time and then there are things that are different every week. So, you never know what you might see there. Today, they had luggage, a play kitchen. and Christmas M&M's! So, besides saving money when you shop there...you get to have an adventure! :-)

Have you noticed that there are some people who are a lot like Aldi? When you encounter them, you never know what you will find. Sometimes they are friendly and interact with (what appears to be) genuine interest in you. And then the next time you meet, they act as if they never met you and you receive the cold shoulder treatment. The difference between them and Aldi is that the adventure is not so pleasant...it's downright confusing! Either you are my friend or you're not...either way I am Okay. Just make up your mind!!

Aren't we glad that God never changes...He is the same yesterday, today and forever! We always know what to expect because He always acts in ways that are consistent with His character. Now, that's not to say that He doesn't surprise us sometimes. Oh, I think He enjoys doing that! He delights in giving us more than we ask and in answering our prayers in unusual ways. So, life with Him is, indeed, an adventure. The very best kind!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

your great name




Your Great Name
by Natalie Grant

Lost are saved; find their way;
 at the sound of your great name.
  All condemned; feel no shame,
 at the sound of your great name.
  Every fear; has no place;
 at the sound of your great name.
  The enemy; he has to leave;
 at the sound of your great name


All the weak; find their strength;
 at the sound of your great name.
  Hungry souls; receive grace;
 at the sound of your great name.
The fatherless; they find their rest;
 at the sound of your great name.
  Sick are healed; and the dead are raised;
 at the sound of your great name
 
 Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us,
 Son of God and Man You are high and lifted up;
 that all the world will praise your great 
Name!


Thursday, November 8, 2012

he's 6


 Today is our grandson's 6th birthday!


He is a sweet boy who has brought us much joy.
 

 He was a chubby baby with beautiful blue eyes
and an adorable smile.


He has grown into a handsome little boy...
with the same blue eyes and winsome smile.
 


He can be a rascal, at times,
but he is always loving.


 He likes to play hard...


 ...and learn new things.


He loves his little sister...


...and his three girl cousins!
 

 He is doing well in school and we are so proud of him.


We love it when he comes to visit
and, what makes us happy, is that he loves to come!
We have enjoyed watching him grow and look forward
 to many more birthdays with our favorite little guy!
Happy Birthday, buddy!


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

when pork meets pears



 The house my daughter and SIL bought last spring came with a pear tree in the backyard. She did a good job of using the abundance of pears that they picked from it. She made pear cobblers and pear jam. She cooked some for baby food for Little E and gave some away.   
  One night, she was planning to have pork chops for dinner and wondered if she could find a recipe using pears. So, she used Google and found this recipe. I have made it twice and it has been a hit both times. There are just a few ingredients and it's EASY! 

So, here it is:

4-6 pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
3 tbsp butter
1 15 oz can of pears in juice
1/3 c light brown sugar
1 tsp brown mustard

Brown pork chops in butter. Set aside. Remove pears from juice and slice. Stir juice, sugar, and mustard together. Place chops in 13x9 dish, pour juice mixture over chops. Place pear slices on chops. Bake uncovered for 40-45 mins at 350. 

The chops are tender and a little sweet and the pear slices were declared very tasty by someone who didn't think they liked pears!

Here's a picture of our pork and pear dinner last week...


I'm always looking for new and simple meal ideas.
So, I love it when she finds them and then shares them!
Having a daughter who cooks is great!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

today's gifts



These are some of the things I am grateful for today:

81. Seat warmers in my car (great on chilly days!)
82. a field of white cotton (my Hubby's seasonal
 retirement job is dependent on the cotton crop)
83. dry wall going up in our new addition
84. the privilege of voting
85. the new tasty $5 salad I have discovered
 at McDonald's (of all places!)
86. the pleasant (most of the time!) people I work with
87. Google (where did we go for info before Google?!?!)
88. God's faithfulness
89. time at home alone
90. sugar free ice cream that stills taste like ice cream! :-)

Hope you have a reason to give thanks today!

Monday, November 5, 2012

let's go downtown


 I was grateful for the opportunity to worship with 
my daughter and SIL at their church Sunday.
It is a store front church in downtown
 Macon (about 20 miles north of us)
where they live.




The message, from the book of Ruth,
was insightful and relevant.
 

The music was worshipful and special to me
because my girl was one of the vocalist.
God has given her a beautiful voice and
 I am so thankful that she uses it to praise her Lord.
 I do love to hear her sing!


It blesses me to know that they are involved
 in a church where they are being taught,
 have opportunities to serve,
 and have good friends.


It's always good to see God at work
 in different places.
Church is church as long as He is there!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

a night of song

Thursday night, our oldest granddaughter sang
 in a county wide elementary school Honors Choir.
She was one of only ten chosen from her school. 
The choir consisted of 100+ students representing
eleven schools.
My daughter and I were happy to be able to make the
trip to Tenn so we could attend.

 The girls were told to wear a little blush and mascara.
So, "auntie" took care of that in the parking lot
 just before we went in!


Proud Aunt!
 


Me and my favorite nine year old!
 

Keeping little sister entertained while we
 waited for things to get started.


 So glad we could make this trip together!



There she is...singing her little heart out!
They sang in three languages...
English (of course!), Latin, and Hebrew.
 I was impressed!
She loves to sing and has a very pretty voice.
We may have a star on our hands!!
 

 After the concert with Granna and Papa,
her mom's parents...


...with Mom and Dad...



...and little sister! Silly girls! :-)



Went here for yogurt afterwards. Yummy!
 

By this time, Little E was worn out!
So, she missed out on the yogurt...
but she had Zak, the puppy,
 and that's all she needed!


It was a special night.
 So grateful that I was able to share it with
 our little "songstress" and her family.
I always want her to know I am one of her
biggest fans ...no matter what she is doing!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

headin' north


My daughter, Little E, and I are headed to Tenn this morning
for a couple of days, We are going to attend two events
 with my son and his family there.
We will be stopping here on our way up...


Woohoo!! There should be lots to share when we return! :-)

Monday, October 29, 2012

she's one!

Saturday afternoon, we celebrated Little E!
She reached her first milestone in this life...
turning one!
Her mom chose the theme "Cute as a Button"
 and did a great job creating it. 
First, she decorated E's shirt by sewing
51 buttons on it in the shape of a heart!
That was a labor of love!



Then she hung these"buttons from the ceiling
 over the table. They are paper party plates!



Buttons separated the monthly pictures
 "clothespinned" to the twine. 
It was sweet to look at how she has grown,
but interesting to see that her sweet little face
 has not change much.



Her "smash" cake was a button, too!
 

 She found this idea on Pinterest...peanut butter cookies
 with the bottoms dipped in chocolate made into 
buttons. You use a straw to make the holes!



There were buttons scattered on the table, too!
 

 She made this banner with scrapbook paper and twine.



The table was very pretty and the food was colorful,
as well as, delicious. 







She even decorated the vintage high chair she
borrowed for the occasion.
Little E didn't dive in, but she ate enough to get messy
and to entertain the crowd that was watching!



However, she did get pretty involved in opening 
her gifts. She had everyone laughing
 at her enthusiasm!
 



 About his time, she had decided it was time
to do something else. 
But Mom convinced her to open the rest!



Here is the sweet little birthday girl
 with her mom and dad...



 and her cousins (funny picture!)...



and her grandparents from her dad's side
 of the family...




.and her sweet aunt (dad's sister)... 
 

and with our family!
(except Little L who was napping!)


It was a wonderful afternoon!
Our hearts were filled with joy and gratitude
for the precious gift God gave our family
 one year ago when our Little E was born.
He has blessed her with adoring parents, grandparents,
 aunts, uncles, and cousins.
 And many others who just love her
because of who she is and whose she is!
He has also blessed her with health and wholeness, 
and a winsome personality. She is a joy and a delight!

Happy Birthday, Little E! Gran loves you very much!