i want to live like that

I Want to Live Like That

by Sidewalk Prophets

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs
 
Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song
 
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
 
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
 
Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
 
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You
 
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
 
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
 
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
  I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

a nutty surprise!

We have very thoughtful and generous patients at our office. They are always bringing us nice things to eat or enjoy. Often we receive  cakes, pies, doughnuts or cookies. In the summer, when gardens are producing, we are blessed with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and corn. Every Christmas, one lady makes pretty beaded ornaments for us. Well, this week, a huge burlap bag of pecans was dropped off in our kitchen. If you have ever had to buy pecans, you know that was a very generous gift! I have some in my freezer that we "inherited" from my MIL's freezer when she died. But, I am always grateful to have more! 

Our Doc has always made quality care delivered with kindness and friendliness a priority. He wants our patients' visits to be as pleasant as possible. I think they appreciate that kind of care and, as a result, enjoy expressing their gratitude.  

And we are glad they do!! :-)

esther

I was invited by a friend to participate in this study at her church on Monday nights.  I've done several Beth Moore studies in the past. She certainly is a dedicated student of God's Word and an enthusiastic and passionate teacher. She has great insights that are, without doubt, divinely revealed.

In her earlier studies, there was much more homework. And, truthfully, I miss it. The reading is informative and inspiring, but  she has done all the work. There's not much more "digging" to do.

The videos are compelling and I am learning some things I never knew about the book and the people in it. And that is a good thing.

I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with my friend and with the other ladies. And I know that time spent in His Word is never a waste of time, so I am confident that the Lord will use this study to make a difference in my life. 

I will keep you posted! :-)

this is random...

The pansies in my last post are at the office where I work. Doc has landscapers that keep things looking nice year round. Pansies thrive here in the winter since we have such mild weather. I love their rich colors.

Hubby got two of the things we bought at Ikea assembled Sat. So, now I have cabinets in my new laundry room! Woohoo!

I made two more burp cloths for a baby shower gift. I planned to make another nursing cover up, but my sewing machine started acting up. It wouldn't stay threaded, the bobbin kept bouncing up, the...   Well, anyway, I got so frustrated, I just had to leave it alone. Have you ever been tempted to throw yours out the door?? So, I went to Wal Mart and bought one... a cover up, I mean. Later, when I had cooled off, I replaced the needle, re-threaded it, re-loaded the bobbin...and wonder of wonders, it started sewing beautifully!  Go figure!

I've been trying to decide what to do with some of the pieces of furniture we had before our remodel. We gave the piano to our daughter, gonna sell our old dining room table and chairs, and have decided to re-purpose some of the other things. If they turn out, I'll share the process. Of not, you'll probably never see them...ha!ha!

Today, our pastor was talking about the the consistency of the bible....the fact that it never contradicts itself. He said if we ever find a verse that seems to to that, that means we just need to study harder, dig deeper and discover what it is really saying. I thought that was a good word.

Around here, we have an expression "he or she talks out of both sides of his or her mouth". In other words, they talk one way but act another. They are a walking, talking contradiction! I hope and pray that I will never be guilty of that. I want to be trustworthy and consistent. God expects no less.

Hope your Monday is a happy beginning to a blessed week!

petals of velvet

Petals of velvet...smiling at me.

Lovely to look at, happy to see

their smiling faces on a cold winter's day.

So, glad to greet them along my way!

today's gifts

These are a few of the things I am grateful for today:

131. new recipes that keep meals interesting
132. bible study with other women
133. unexpected visits from my kids and grands
134. a week's work done!
135. a hubby who appreciates anything I cook...and will eat it!
136. boxes of goodies from Ikea waiting to be assembled!
137. pretty picture frames
138. still being able to find a bargain in these days of escalating prices (hams for half price at Aldi!)
139. time to do things I enjoy
140. a new plant in a pretty dish (pictured above)...a gift from a co-worker!

I hope your weekend is filled with things that bring you delight! He delights in giving us good gifts...I pray we will all have eyes to see them! :-)

veggie twist

When I posted about the Ladies Christmas Dinner

 at our church, I talked about the delicious food.

 I promised to share the recipe for the amazing green beans.

 Well, I finally got my hands on it. So, here you go...

8 cans green beans (whole or cut), drained

1 1/2 lbs bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 stick butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Place beans in 9x13 dish.

Melt butter over med heat, add brown sugar and soy sauce.

When smooth, add garlic and

cook for 1-2 minutes. Do not boil.

Pour over green beans, top with bacon.

Bake for 30 min at 350.

 Here's another one you might like...

Monday, my daughter tried a new recipe for cabbage

 and I tried it last night.

I don't really care for cooked cabbage, but this was tasty!

As the Hubby said, "It has a little kick!"

1 med head of cabbage, coarsely shredded

1/4 cup butter 

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp seasoned salt

3 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp sugar

In large skillet, melt butter over med heat. 

Add cabbage, seasoned salt and onion.

Cover and cook for 15 min, stirring frequently.

Mix sugar and vinegar and add to cabbage.

Stir gently to blend.

Cook 5 more min.

So, there you have it...a twist on a couple of old stand-bys.

If you're like me, I'm always looking for new recipes.

They're not always winners, but these were!

sunday night at the movies

Sunday night, I went to see Les Miserables with

my friend, her son and his sweetie.

I know the story is old and has been done

 many times on the stage and screen,

but I had never seen it or read it.

It is most definitely a story about misery.

My goodness, the poverty and hunger and filth. 

Much of the story was sad, but in the midst of the

misery was the amazing story of redemption

and an eye-opening picture of the difference

one person can make when their heart

 has been changed by the love and grace of God.

It was a spur of the moment decision to go...

I really invited myself! :-)

They were kind enough to let me "crash" their party...

and I am so glad they did! 

life

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday.

God created life and He values it...

all life, every life.

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you."

Jer. 1:5

"For you formed my inward parts,

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works."

"For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord,
plans for good, and not for evil,
to give you and future and a hope."
Jer. 29:11
 
 Amen.

cooking slow

One of the greatest inventions known to man... the slow cooker!! I have had one since...well, I can't remember not having one! A few days after Christmas, I bought myself a new one. Isn't it lovely? It's the biggest one I've ever had...6 quarts...and it has a rubber seal to prevent spills. It also has clamps to hold the lid on for traveling. My old one (my second) was looking kind of sad and dated. I'm sure whatever I cook in this one will taste better... coming from such a pretty pot!  What is it they say about presentation? :-)

It feels like winter here again after more than a week of springlike weather. So, I think soup is in order for the weekend. I'll let you know how it turns out!! :-)

parental guidance

I went to see this movie with one of my friends last week. I had seen the trailer on TV and thought it looked like a movie I would enjoy. Well, I was right...it was so funny and sweet! We laughed out loud...literally!  Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are perfect in their roles and the three children are great, too.

It's a story of learning from and listening to each other. And about facing change.  

I talked to another friend tonight. She is facing many changes in her job. Changes that will make things harder for her. There are going to be some changes at our office as we make the move to electronic records. I know it will affect my job, but I don't know how much or how soon.

Change...it's a part of life. Sometimes it is welcome, sometimes it's not, but it is inevitable. Sunday, while we were in Tenn, I went to church with our son and his family. The message was about God's faithfulness... His "parental guidance"! Because we have a relationship with Him, God enables us to face, even embrace, change. Our confidence that He is holding on to us gives us the peace and strength to carry on.

 ^"So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high.

 Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, 
whether in personal conversation

 or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father,

 who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts

 of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you,

 invigorate your work, enliven your speech."

 II Thess 2:15-17

The Message Bible

Knowing this...
  I hope I can say, with boldness,
 come on change...I'm ready for you!! :-)

He Is

"You Are I Am"

by Mercy Me

I've been the one to shake with fear
And wonder if You're even here
I've been the one to doubt Your love
I've told myself You're not enough

I've been the one to try and say
I'll overcome by my own strength
I've been the one to fall apart
And to start to question who You are

You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am

I've been the one held down in chains
Beneath the weight of all my shame
I've been the one to believe
That where I am You cannot reach

You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am

The veil is torn
And now I live with the Spirit inside
The same one, the very same one
who brought the Son back to life

Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me

You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am

a "grand" birthday!

Time to celebrate!!  The decorations were up, the food was 

on the table, and the guests had arrived!

 After eating, it was gift opening time. She received an

American Girl doll, Kit, for Christmas. So, she was excited 

to get clothes and accessories for her....

and the movie that was made about her.

 My daughter, her aunt, found this idea on line...

buy an old suitcase, decorate it with fabric and ribbon

and it becomes a case for your doll and her things!

She did a beautiful job and our birthday girl

loved it!

 Dessert was ice cream sundaes..with lots of toppings!

Then, it was pool time! They have a very nice YMCA 

with an indoor pool...that's how her parents managed

a swimming party in January in Tenn!

You can tell by the smile, little sister had a wonderful time

 jumping in to retrieve the pool toy!

Little E and her mom had fun 
playing in the water with the beach ball.
She was the littlest guest, but
she didn't know it!
   

 Her friends...such cute girls...

full of personality and energy!

Everyone seemed to have a good time.

It made me very happy to be there to celebrate with her...

our sweet ten year old.

She is growing up much too fast!

We love her so much and are so proud of her.

She is a precious gift to our family!

look who's ten!

 

This sweet girl, our oldest grand, turned ten

 this week.

I'm headed to Tenn tomorrow to celebrate

 with her on Saturday!

A pool party in January...how cool is that?!

today's gifts

A few of the things I am grateful for today:

121. two boxes of clothes taken from my closet because they are too big! :-)
122. surprises
123. notes of encouragement
124. snowy skies...even though there is no snow!
125. the laughter of my grandchildren
126. the flavor of grilled food
127. friends who are willing to help at a moment's notice
128. a good cup of coffee in the afternoon
129. camellia blooms
130. the ability to learn new things...though it takes me a little longer these days!

"Thanksgiving creates abundance." Ann Voskamp

May you enjoy abundance today!

 

made by hand

When My children were growing up and I was a stay-at-home mom, I was pretty "crafty"! I crocheted, did counted

 cross stitch, made rag rugs, painted wooden country crafts,

 and did a bit of sewing.

I had one skirt pattern that I made several times.

It was an easy one...three seams and an elastic waist!

And, do you remember "jams"...the brightly

 colored/patterned shorts boys wore in the 80's?

 Well, I made lots of those for my two boys.

In those days, I had more time than money,

 so many of the gifts I gave were homemade. 

Then, twelve years ago, when I got my job,

I had more money than time, so my crafting sort of stopped!

Oh, I made a curtain or two and crocheted a blanket or two,

 but that's about it.

Since my daughter got married, she has become

 more interested in crafts and homemade gifts.

 She has made many things on her own, 

but we've paired up on some projects, too.

I've already told you about the sugar scrub

 we made for Christmas. 

Well, last Friday, we worked together to make a baby gift.

She has never sewn, but has a desire to learn.

I don't know enough to really teach her, but I could show

her some basics. So we started with something simple...

burp pads made by sewing cute fabric to a cloth diaper...

an idea she found on Pinterest I think.

Here she is...being careful to sew a straight line.

She also learned how to turn a corner,

 thread the machine and fill the bobbin.

Here is one of her finished products...very cute!

We also decided to make a nursing cover for the

mom-to-be. The nursery theme is giraffes, so

we chose the floral for the front and the

 giraffe print for the back.

Here's the pattern...which includes a sling

 and a swaddler.

Didn't think to take a picture of the finished cover up,

but it looked pretty good for a first attempt!

It was late when I finished it, so I didn't

 attempt the top stitching. 

I didn't want to take a chance on messing it up!

I plan to make more...perhaps I will be braver next time!

Yesterday, I was watching an episode of a British mystery TV series called "Rosemary and Thyme". One of the characters said,

"Anything homemade is touched by the hand of God."

Isn't that a lovely thought?

Makes me even more interested in being "crafty" again!

comfort food

On December 28th, my friends and I had

 the privilege of serving dinner

to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House

that serves The Children's Hospital in our area.

When we started doing this a year ago, we found out that

 someone provides dinner every night.

What a great ministry!

We are happy to do it four times a year.

A couple of our hubbys came to help set up and clean up.

Mine is on the left! :-)

I've told you this before, but the house is beautiful.

Everything is first class..the kitchen is amazing.

Tons of storage, three dishwashers, two stove tops and ovens,

two huge refrigerators and a large freezer.

All kinds of cookware and dishes....

everything the families could need.

They do Christmas well, too. The decorations were lovely!

Back to the reason for our visit...the food!

We prepared four types of soup, cornbread and Texas toast.

Our hope was that this "comfort" food

 would comfort the families just a little on that chilly night.

And, of course, we brought dessert!

There are always cakes there from local bakeries,

so we usually bring something simple.

This time it was Rice Krispie Treats and

oatmeal cookies.

There were 8 families staying in the house that night.

Most of them young couples with pre-mature babies.

It was a blessing to meet them, hear their stories
 and pray for them.

We look forward to April when we get to do it again!

gift in a jar

My daughter loves pinterest and has found many neat and

"pinteresting" ideas! One thing she has discovered is many uses

for recycled glass jars. You know the ones that hold pickles,

sauces, frappuccino, etc. :-)

She has made vases by painting them

 and wrapping them with twine.

She has also found many suggestions for using them

 to hold homemade gifts.

So, for Christmas, she and I made these for our co-workers!

We made the scrub with sugar, coconut oil, peppermint flavoring,

and red food coloring.

We tinted half the mixture and layered it in the jars.

 A painted lid, ribbon bow, 

candy cane, and spoon topped it off.

My daughter, the gifted computer/design whiz,

made the labels.

We had the best time doing it!

 It took a while...we made twenty!

From what we have heard, it works great.

That made us happy!

 I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

dinner with the ladies

 Now that it seems blogger is going to be kind enough to let me post pictures again, I have some "back tracking" to do! The Tues  after Thanksgiving, we had our Annual Ladies Christmas Dinner at our church. This was the third year and it has grown from about 50 in attendance to almost 300 this year. Individuals agree to decorate a table and invite others to sit at their table. A delicious dinner was served (best green beans I have ever tasted! When I get the recipe, I will share it), door prizes were given out, and a beautiful Christmas message was shared by the director of a local Christian Crisis Pregnancy and Adoption Center. This was the table I decorated.

 I am so grateful for our Dollar Tree store where everything really does cost a dollar. I got the napkins, "JOY" ornaments, the red and silver balls, and the silver poinsettias there. I bought the silver chargers at Wal Mart for 96 cents each.

I already had the dishes, silverware, glasses, and red tablecloth. My "other" mother provided the silver tray, glass cake plate and hurricane vase. Place cards were made from cardstock and stickers.

There were many beautiful tables...reflecting the taste and personality of the decorators.
 

Interesting colors...

 

Pretty favors...

 

creative centerpieces...

 

 lovely napkins...

Beautiful china...

 

and delightful people!

 My "other" mother, Miss Sally and my dear friend

 (and former office manager), Kandi.

 

 My sweet daughter.

And my "bosom buddy", Danna.

 

It was a wonderful evening.

 Many people worked hard to make it so!

Some ladies have told me they already have

 their table for next year planned.

Me? I need a little more time! :-)