" 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.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

one strip at a time

I mentioned a while back that my friend and I 
were taking a quilting class.
Well, the truth is I only made it to one class...lots of conflicts...
but my friend has been to every one.
So, she has been teaching me!
I haven't finished the first quilt yet because I took a break
to make one for our new grandson who is due to make
his arrival next month.

I knew I didn't want to try the same pattern...it was too
complicated. It never should have been chosen for a
beginner's class.
Anyway, I found a strip quilt pattern on line and
decided that it was one I might could handle.
So, my daughter and I went shopping for seven coordinating
 fabrics at Joann's...and this is what she chose...


Over a two week period, with a lot of coaching and advising from
my friend, I finished it in time for her shower this last Saturday.


She was happy and that made me very happy!
It wasn't quite as simple as I imagined and there was some
"wailing and gnashing of teeth" and a considerable amount of time 
spent with a stitch ripper in my hand (ha!ha!), but it was all worth it
when I saw her expression as she opened the box!
I can't wait to see the little guy use it!
I learned a lot and have promised to make one for the baby
coming in May!
What can I say...I am a pushover when it comes to my grands...
and I know my friend will come running if (or should I say when!)
 I send out an S.O.S! :-)

Sunday, November 17, 2013

# 3 and # 7!


Our older son and our sweet daughter-in-law
are expecting a little addition to their family
in May!

Number three for them... number seven grand for us!
We are so excited and so grateful for this special gift!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above
and comes down from the Father of lights."
James 1:17

Saturday, November 9, 2013

an evening with Chris Tomlin and friends


Friday night, my daughter and I made our way to Atlanta...
Gwinett, to be more specific...to see and hear one of our
favorite Christian recording artist, Chris Tomlin, and one
of our favorite speakers, Louie Giglio.
This makes our third time attending one of their concerts
and it is always a wonderful night of worship and fun.


The arena was full and Chris was happy to be playing
to the "home crowd"...he lives in Atlanta. He and Louie are
staff members at Passion City Church.
The words to the songs are always on the big screen 
(although I don't think most folks need them!)
so the crowd sings along.
Several times, Chris stepped back and just listened to 
those thousands of voices praising God.
I couldn't help but think what a thrill that must be for him.
He is man who has committed his life to leading people
into worship and to see the fruit of his labors manifested...
wow! I know that must bless his heart and encourage his soul!
Louie's message is always powerful.
He uses humor to get your attention and then...pow!
he grabs you with this great truth from scripture.
They are both passionate about their Lord and their ministry.

On the last song, an upbeat praise song, they threw out beach balls!
That was quite a surprise!
It was the last stop on the tour and I think
 they just wanted to celebrate!



With a baby due in a few weeks, I was grateful for
the opportunity to have an adventure with my sweet girl.
It will be a while before we can have this kind of
"girl's night" again.
 As she said..."it was a treat!"...for both of us!

Friday, November 8, 2013

he's seven!


Seven years ago today, a sweet little boy
entered our world.


His blue eyes and sweet smile have charmed us.



 His energy and curiosity have kept us on our toes.



His hugs and kisses have warm our hearts.


His silly antics have made us laugh.




And his life has brought us joy!
What a great gift he is to our family...
we love him so much!
And are grateful for the opportunity to watch him grow...
"in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man."
Happy 7th Birthday, buddy!!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

oh, what pretty ears you have!


When I was in college, I had my ears pierced.
That was 40 years ago when ear piercing became so popular.
It wasn't a great experience. My ears got "yucky"
every time I put in earrings with posts.
After about 6 months, I gave up, took out the earrings
and let my holes grow up.
I accumulated a number of clip earrings over the years,
but it has gotten harder and harder to find them.
When I started to work for the kind doctor,
I learned that he sometimes pierced ears.
I've talked about it for years, but Tuesday...
I did it!
I showed up for my appointment with
 the Tanzanite earrings that Hubby bought for me in St Thomas
 and the Doc did the rest!
I'm twisting them and cleaning them like a good girl
and hoping that this time I get to keep them!! :-)


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

today's gifts


riding the train at the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church in Haynesville, Georgia



Here are a few of the things I am thankful for today:

241. clouds...they make the sky so much more interesting!
242. police officers...been watching some old Law and Order episodes. It has reminded
        me how difficult and potentially dangerous their job is.
243. the potato soup at Cheddar's Casual Cafe...yummy!
244. the ministry of Adrian Rogers
245. our wood burning stove...keeps our gas bill low!
246. churches who sponsor Halloween alternatives
247. coupons!
248. digital cameras
249. peace in my heart
250. opportunities to help our children

"I will  celebrate your abundant goodness and 
joyfully sing of your righteousness."
Psalm 145:7

Saturday, November 2, 2013

our two little 'uns


These are pictures their moms posted on
Facebook...
and I just love them!
 
Little L
(such a sweet expression!)


 Little E
 (such a happy face!)


Whoever said that grandchildren are the reward
for growing old...
was RIGHT!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend
and enjoy getting your hour back!! :-)

Friday, November 1, 2013

a floating resort...the ship!


 The deck by the pools was nice place to sit, read, 
watch people and eat ice cream cones!!


 This is the adult pool area.
The small round pools are warm water
whirlpools.
The kid's pool below was colorful
and fun with sprinklers and fountains.

 The top deck had a walking/jogging track.
It was the best place to be while departing or entering port.


The Royal Promenade on deck 4 was the main common
area inside the ship.
It was like a street in a small town...
with shops, sidewalk cafes, and street lights.


The bay windows overlooking the promenade
were staterooms. 
We stayed in one on the right.
 

The staircases going down to the next deck were 
beautifully designed.
 


There were balconies overlooking the promenade, too.
 


Another place to get ice cream...but it cost extra...
so we opted for the free stuff!!


This is the entrance to Pharoh's Palace...
one of the lounges. 
It was also used for bingo and port shopping talks .


Another lounge had a sailing ship theme ...


and games of trivia were played here.


The dining room was beautiful!
 


On Friday night, the entire culinary team visited the dining room
to get their well deserved applause!
 

Sat afternoon, there was a Royal Parade down the promenade
with lively music and elaborate costumes.



It was a wonderful week on an amazing ship!
Don't understand how they do it all...
but I'm glad they do and am so grateful
for the opportunity to enjoy it!! :-)

Thursday, October 31, 2013

p is for pumpkins!


The youth at our church had a pumpkin patch this year
as a fundraiser. 
They started with 565! 
When we visited yesterday, they still had about 200.
When I passed by today, they had a lot less...
I hope they sold out!

Little E had a fun time exploring.
At first, she like the ones without stems.
Then I showed her how you could carry
 the ones with the stems.
And that was more fun...and you could carry two!
But then they got "heaby", so Gran had to help out!




She made her choice and it was time to go!
Her dress (a birthday gift from a very talented cousin)
was the perfect attire for a little Punkin's trip
to the pumpkin patch!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

what's up?



I haven't forgotten the promise to post ship pictures...they will be forthcoming. There has been a lot going on here....a trip to Tenn, football games, birthdays, hubby starting his seasonal job...well, you understand!  Today, is just a post about nothing!

It is deer season here in Georgia, so there is a lot of talk about it. Businesses refer to it in their print ads and commercials. I passed a florist yesterday and their sign out front said..."It's DEAR season here all year!" :-)

I was listening to K Love...my favorite radio station yesterday and heard this...."being in a position of authority should mean you are in a position to help others. The main character quality of being a leader should be a willingness, a desire to serve." Good stuff!

The point of flag football is... no tackling. Couldn't help but notice there were a lot of bodies on the ground at the grandson's game last night! :-)

Also heard on the radio that Texas has decided to discontinue awarding ribbons, medals, and trophies in community sports simply for participation. From now on they will have to be earned by winning. Not sure how they will enforce that, but I have to say I think I agree. I am reminded of a line in the kids movie "The Incredibles" where the dad talks about "rewarding mediocrity". I would rather we encourage excellence.

We are having gorgeous weather here! Haven't had a day over 80 in a few weeks. We could use some rain, but we are still ahead for the year because we got so much this spring and summer. Wonderful not to have to turn on air conditioning or heat! Beginning to see a little color, but it takes a while here in the deep south!

The youth at our church are selling pumpkins this year. I am headed to the "patch" here shortly. Our daughter wants to take some pics of Little E among them. Look forward to seeing her reaction...she can say "orange", so I imagine we will be hearing that over and over!

Our Encore Azaleas are blooming again and Hubby's pepper plants are still thriving! My impatiens are getting "leggy" but they are still blooming. I have pinched them back so we will see if they hang in there until it freezes. They have lasted until Jan the last two years because our winters have been so mild.

Made a double recipe of banana nut bread Sat morning. When I took it out of the oven, it didn't look just right. When I checked my bag of flour....I had used plain instead of self-rising! Ugh! I mean it is edible, but not nearly as good as usual. So disappointing...especially after smelling it as it baked!  Not the first time I have done this, but I do hope it is the last!!

Hope you are having a great day! Thanks for stopping by and (if you made it this far!) enduring my ramblings!

Monday, October 28, 2013

double the blessing, double the love!



We have TWO reasons to celebrate today. 
Our Little E turns TWO
 and her uncle, our younger son, turns THIRTY TWO!



Our son loves his family, works hard to take care of them
and has a heart to do what is right. 
Little E has a loving mom and dad
that take care of her and she is learning
how to do what is right!
Our son has been making us laugh since he was a tot
and Little E is doing the same.
They both bring light and joy into my life...
I love them so!

I would amend the scripture a bit to say...
"Children (and your children's children) are an heritage from the Lord!"
Psalm 127:3

Sunday, October 27, 2013

a lesson in a shoebox



Our family has been packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child since our boys were young...even before our daughter was born. It was always great fun to shop for the special items we would put in each box. We always wanted them to be FULL, so sometimes it took several attempts at arranging to get everything in! Today, I had the opportunity to share that experience with our 6 yr old grandson. He was surprised to hear that there were children in the world who might not get a Christmas gift. His first response was to give some of his own toys. When I explained that we were suppose to give new items, he could not wait to go shopping. As we went through the store, he was convinced that the box would surely hold "one more thing"!

It was a sweet blessing to share this tradition...and a lesson on giving and gratitude...with him!


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

worth the money


google image




I saw this movie today. It's a good story of reconciliation,
second chances, and God's protection 
even when we make bad choices.
With this movie, we have another opportunity
 to show Hollywood we will support good, clean, moral films.
I think it was worth the price of my ticket to do that!

Monday, October 14, 2013

st marteen


St Marteen is a 34 square mile Caribbean island with a population of about 78, 000 people. It belongs to two countries...France controls about 60%, the Netherlands, 40%. However the Dutch side is more populated.The two countries live harmoniously and travel from one side to the other without border checks. But, a call from one side to the other is an International call...even if you are next door neighbors with just the border between!! And don't think you can use your cell phone...there are towers to block them!

This greeted us as we  headed from the dock to...



our nice air conditioned tour buses!!
Much nicer than our transportation on St Thomas.
 

Thought these were neat...twirling windmills.
They served no purpose...just an art feature.
 

Our guide was Danny, a life long resident of St Marteen.
He was very informative and enjoyable. He slowed down
so we could get a shot of our ship.


Expensive resort...nice, huh?
 

Our first stop on the Dutch side.


 There were several round-a-bouts on our tour.
Each one had a statue of a well-known forefather.
This man started directing traffic when there were only 3 cars
on the island! :-)
Now there are thousands! The island imports many
models and residents from neighboring islands
come to St Marteen to buy their cars.
And their KFC! Missed getting a picture of their
Kentucky Fried Chicken Store, but Danny said
folks come by boat and plane to pick up
their bucket of the Colonel's finest!


Pretty waterfront on the French side.
 

Had to pay a buck to use this restroom...
but it was worth it...first class!
 

Our stop on the French side.
A couple from Cincinnati offered to take our picture.
We returned the favor and found out they had visited 
our fair city twice to tour our Air Force Museum!



There were some souvenir vendors and some lovely flowers 
at this stop.
 

This school bus driver drove for many years
and was known for maintaining good discipline
on his bus.


After our tour, we did some shopping and
made our way through an alley to the beach closest
to Front Street in Philipsburg, the main city on the Dutch side.
 That's our ship in the background.


We ate lunch at this seaside cafe...
not sure what the name was, but the view was great!


Saw this replica of a pirate ship as we were
 walking down the beach... cool!


This is Front Street where most of the shops are.
 Notice how narrow it is...and that the street is brick.
The palm trees are nice, too!
 

When we got back to the pier, I thought I should
take a picture of this "old sailor" and his ship!
(He served in the Navy from '67-'71on the
USS Dubuque.)
It's 209 ft high and over 1100 ft long...
a pretty big house boat!! :-)
 

One more post about our trip will include pics of the ship. 
It's a beauty!