Pumpkin Everything!

 
My daughter text me this from work today-
Below, I will share my response. (We had a good laugh!)

:: In my Home this week ::

Thought I’d pop in and give a little run down of some of what’s been going on here; as I’ve not written a post since last Friday!
I seem to get like that sometimes. I just don’t know where to start or what to write about.  I certainly don’t want to write it all in one post—so then I think, I’ll just write a little.  I become indecisive and don’t know which direction to go and then just shut it down and walk away.  I guess that’s writer’s block?  I don’t know really.

Most of you are hunkering down for some really cold weather again; and some snow. We’re having some northerly winds and cooler temps here, too.  It hasn't been terribly cold; but when the wind blows it does make the house cooler and harder to warm.  I try my best to block any gaps around the doors or windows. It seems like every year there are more gaps and cracks to fill.  That’s because my home has character and a story to tell. THAT and it’s old.

I saw some beautiful ideas on Pinterest for stopping the draft--

source

source

I remember my Granny doing this around her drafty old house- so I thought why not?

This is a heavy velour type curtain panel over the door leading out of the mudroom.

Probably not everyone's idea of gorgeous or beautiful…but to me it is warm, homey and cozy looking. The curtain is hung on nails and  blocking the wind from around the door; the sun is shining brightly, casting a beautiful light into that room, helping to warm it.  One saving grace for us is this room can be shut off from the main part of the house. So, we’re not trying to heat this room too.

I haven’t worked on many projects in the last few days. I was hoping to finish getting the cabinets or PANTRY done in the kitchen. I have yet to re-arrange my appliances, pots and pans; and groceries to where I see them being now.  I think it is going to work out well.  I’ve just not done it yet.

I’m still practicing with the KNITTING.  I’ve NOT watched anymore YouTube videos.  I’m only practicing learning to cast on, knit and purl and cast off.  I’ve made some rather ‘shabby’ looking wash cloths over the last couple of days.  When I say shabby—I don’t mean in a good way either.
 
T.H. asked me if I "was going to put them in the etsy shop…?"

bwa-hahahahaha!            No.

In time, once I get this whole ‘knit thing’ down. Maybe I’ll make some along with bath salts for the girls (our daughters) as gifts – but I don’t see me selling these
ONE. OF. A. KIND. face cloths in my shop any time soon. 
If I sell face cloths they will be crochet cloths that are there.  Crochet, I know. 
Knitting is like a foreign language to me!

Til next time, Be Blessed!



Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.~ Joshua 1:9

:: Reflecting and Anticipation ::

The year is coming to an end and while we’re all posting about our top posts, accomplishments, activity, projects and so forth.
I think we all begin thinking about the new year too.
The plans, the ideas, putting the past behind us and moving forward.

I for one am ready to start gardening again~~

Pretty soon—it will be time to get the plants started and in the ground. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get some veggies out of the garden before the hoards of grasshoppers …swoop down and invade the beds like the marauders that they are.  I’d love to be able to grow some groceries and eat them before the grasshoppers do!


 
It’s pretty funny though…because it could go a couple of ways with the garden and the weather. We can start getting the beds ready right now…in the winter, prepping the soil and mulching, etc. Waiting patiently for warmer days and just the right time and put the seeds into the ground.



Or…we can pray for a really hard freeze and hope that the grasshoppers eggs are frozen, and never see the light of day;
While we are growing little tender shoots of goodness under a heat lamp!

Oh, there is so much to look forward to in the new year.
It seems like I have a list as long as my arm of everything I want to do and  accomplish.
I see areas where I've missed opportunity this year and failed at many things. Though really, I think I've gained experience; justifiably that isn't failing, right?

Once it really begins to warm up …
listen to me talking about warming up, like it will happen any day now. (this week’s weather is promising to be so cold! brrrr!!!)

But, once it does warm—I’ll be outside, chasing children, chickens, dogs; pulling weeds, planting plants, painting trim or rafters or decking.
I won’t be inside doing all that needs to be done in there,no.  I am so torn in the Spring time between my chores outdoors and my chores indoors.

So for that, I am longing to hold onto the cold just a little longer. It goes SO against my nature to say that. I’m a warm weather person. My creaky-arthritic-body tells me so!

The days of the calendar may flip and the YEAR will begin anew---
the counting down will begin all over again!
But, if the weather hangs on just a tad longer—before letting the precious shoots come out of the ground…



Maybe-JUST MAYBE…I can DO some things inside that are so over due! 

I don’t have big plans. Just little things that I’d like to tinker around with that would hopefully, all add up in the end.
Simple things to do that would make life less stressful. Organize a room. Clear out some STUFF!   Things that get put aside when I’m outside in the yard.

I especially want to take time for loved ones this coming  year.  Remember to call or even write them; remember birthdays and anniversaries.
Sharing meals with my kids and gathering for fun times together more often.

I want to spend more time in God’s word—reading it, memorizing it, sharing it with those around me. Growing closer everyday with Him. Giving my days to him; my cares, regrets and hopes and dreams all to Him.

How about you are you excited about the new year?  Do you have something you’re looking forward to doing in the coming days and months?
Big plans, small plans…are you hopeful about things?  Maybe you are just looking forward to more family time, retirement, and relaxing days ahead.
How do you plan for those days?  Because all of that sounds nice too!

Til next time, Be Blessed!



Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. ~Colossians 3:23-24

:: Christmas Present ::

I’ve been thinking about you.
I’ve been thinking about writing and sharing some of what’s going on here in my home, in my life…in my mind this holiday season.
Every time I sit down at the computer to write…
nothing comes.
Not because I have nothing to say…Oh no.
But, because there is SO MUCH to say--
Where to start?  Which topic first?
The hustle and bustle wears me out.  The activity wears me out.



There is overload. Christmas overload.  I think it is so sad to say that. To blame overload on Christmas.
In fact I find irony in the phrase…

Irony, because Christ came to bear all our burdens…yet, this busy time of year, we MAKE ourselves busy. We MAKE OURSELVES  burdened. 

I’m trying so hard to not sound ‘grinchy’ …worried while everyone else is going about making all things merry and bright, for what?  Why am I worried?  Why do I care if I sound ‘grinchy’ or not?   When people have obviously forgotten the True meaning of Christmas.
 
I guess, I’m afraid if I say it out loud; maybe it would hurt someone’s feelings?  I don’t know.  And yet… I’ve not had ONE person, while I’ve been out and about, wish me a MERRY CHRISTMAS, without me saying it first. It sounds like I'm judging and keeping a record, but truly, it just an observation I've made. 
Yes, Christ came, he was born and laid in a manger. He humbled himself. Left Heaven and Glory for what?    Is there anyone left who doesn’t know the story? 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year!

It is not for me to say “To Enjoy Christmas, the presents, the lights, the tree …is wrong.”
It is not for me to say “ YOU MUST CELEBRATE the birth of Christ in an honorable way.”

I’m just saying however you celebrate this holiday—remember humility.

Put others first.
Give kindness. Give joy. Give time to someone who is lonely.
Give a hug to someone who is not huggable. 
Share a memory with someone who is grieving.
Open yourself up to receive a blessing by blessing someone else.  Mind you that is NOT why we give…so that we can receive. But by giving from our hearts…we do receive a blessing out of it. 
Share the joy of Christmas—and if the opportunity arises, say a prayer for those who are without the TRUTH.

Til next time, Be Blessed!




Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ~ Philippians 2: 5-8

:: A Slow and Simple Sunday ::

I say slow and simple…


I awoke with my next to the youngest {now} grandson on my chest…while I was lying in the recliner. He and his sister spent the night with us—Easy breezy children to watch.  Both have smiles like SUNSHINE.
I was able to see all my grandchildren today… the six youngest.

That never happens.

I spent time with each of them. Getting to hold them, snuggle them, tickle them and kiss them.  Listen to them laugh and giggle…and squeal with delight.
An easy day filled with hugs and smiles.

I am so blessed. 
I love days like this.

 When the THE DOING is just ‘BEING’… 

I hope your day was filled with blessings, simple things and ‘Being…”  and that you found peace in that.

OTHER 31 DAY BLOGGERS—THE NESTER


 {The Lantana is blooming in front of my daughter’s home.  It has only been blooming in the last 2 weeks. It wasn’t blooming when the baby came home from the hospital….But we’ve had good rains.}

 


“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  Matthew 5:8

"Divine Servant"

This photo is sort of dark. It was late. 

This statue is beautiful. I wanted to show it to you.

It is called " Divine Servant " 

It sums-up the heart I long to have.

..."just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." ~Matthew 20:28

I do struggle with serving. I didn't always. Just right now at this time in my life... I am striving.

My selfish acts, my selfish heart and my selfish deeds keep me from having the joy I long to have as a servant of Christ. Instead, my heart carries around in it... the attitude of Martyr. Ouch!
I may as well be wearing a t-shirt that says :

..."Let me drop everything and work on your problem!" 

People know this. They can tell.  Some days, I think I'm more or less a dusty doormat.
Am I a 'divine servant'? No.
Christ knows. He doesn't condemn. I know I can turn to Him and offer up my prayers, gratitude and praise.
He watches and when the work is done.
It is He who says, 'Well done.'

That is when I look to Christ. Because it is He' whom I want most to serve. The doing 'everything' with a cheerful heart, the pushing through and the 'getting done' all that is required and yes, sometimes asked, with a smile on my face...

Still ... it is this heart attitude I long to have. 

For further reading:

•   Jesus washes the Disciples Feet (John 13:1-20)
• About the artist who created this statue Max Greiner,Jr. 

I Hope you are having a blessed Sunday,friend.

 

"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." ~John 13: 15

:: An Old Friend and A Cool Drink of Water::

I am awakened this morning by the phone. It's 7:22 a.m. The other end...my Old Friend. I'm happy to see her name pop up on the face of my phone. I answer and we talk.  We catch up, we share.

She is dealing with grief in her family. A loss. A brother.
She is having a child go off to College. Staying away from home. A daughter.
She is having her grand-children live far off...with few visits. Then, only special occasions.

Our lives have been parallel in the past. Things have been the same for us... it isn't uncommon.
Right now-- our lives are similar with minor details being the only difference.

She is not a stranger.

We talk. It is like old times. She is a comfort for me.

She lets me VENT! 

We are still only a few miles apart--geographically speaking. We never see each other anymore. But when we pick up the phone, it is like we just saw one another.

It's like this fortunate Crepe Myrtle--  I water the chickens under this tree. We are in a drought, the dead of summer. Nothing is flourishing...but this tree has blooms. 

A drink of water has helped it to bloom! 

I told her I was sleeping when she called. But being the good friend she is, she says, "Wake up I have a few minutes to talk this morning, so I called you."  (obviously, I think)

I smile.
Because, I'm happy to talk to her.

I give thanks to God for this friend he has placed in my life; like a cool drink of water! 





He is the rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgement. A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. ~ Deuteronomy 32:4 .

 

:: My Home in Summer ::

I've been going through some photos that I've taken this summer, while playing around with my camera.
If you remember, I got a NEW-ish camera in June. 

Anyway-- there is talk between us (the Honey and Myself) of moving. Yes. I hadn't wanted to share it yet. Because well, ...talk is cheap.  Moving isn't. 
But with that popping in and out of the conversation...it is making me look at my home differently.

:: In All things -Seeing and Trusting- ::

I don't know about you; but haven't you ever wondered what it must be like to be a photographer or a boom-mike man on National Geographic Television?  I've watched Nature: with David Attenborough  and wondered how hard it must be to watch nature take it's course...as the crocodile leaps from the water and latches onto the Gazelle , thrashing about; and drags it's frail body into the water.

Then we took up homesteading.

:: A Sleeping Porch::

source:  whimsicalraindropcottage.tumblr.com

It's July 1...
and while most of the country is having a heat wave;
we are having a COOL FRONT. 

We're expecting temps in the 90's (*edited to say in the 80's!!!- can't complain!) this week with over night lows in the Mid to upper 60's.

Today was only about 94°  with cool breezes in the shade out of the North West.  It was so nice...we ate our lunch outside and listened to the Cicadas.

This evening...(writing this Sunday night)  it's tree frogs and 71 ° ...so nice!

I was just thinking... I wish I had a sleeping porch...screened in on 3 sides.
I'd be out there...dreaming.

I hope you're staying cool where ever you are tonight.
...and if you're on the sleeping porch, with cool breezes,  tree frogs... and 'nary a mosquito-

I hope you're enjoying it!






Finally, brother, Whatsoever things are TRUE, Whatsoever things are NOBLE , Whatsoever things are RIGHT , Whatsoever things are PURE, Whatsoever things are LOVELY, Whatsoever things are ADMIRABLE; if any thing is excellent and praiseworthy, think on such things. ~ Philippians 4:8 

 

::Prioritizing- The Work and The Play ::

Popping In to say "hello"... 

I've been working on my etsy store lately. I've gotten a ton of vintage inventory over the last few months and I've not stocked ANY OF IT.  So... the last 3 days at the computer have been mainly spent doing research and editing photos. Work!  but, I do enjoy doing it.

The problem? It has been so lovely outside. I've wanted to be out there too. Our gardens need some attention. We are so blessed to live in the country; but as you can imagine, there are lots of critters and elements that make gardening hard Work!  We are battling the dreaded grasshopper again this year.  They are devouring everything that is growing out there!  I feel a little bit lazy when I'm not outside working in the yard, chasing the grand-kids or mopping the floor. :/

I'm experiencing some priority shifts here in the home.  I recognize there is so much that needs to be done. Sitting at the computer, reading all of your blogs, while fun...can be  time consuming. So, I'm having to back off a little in order to get the Work done.

So tell me, how do you get it all done? How do you spend your time? 
The cleaning?
The budgeting?
The decorating?
The child training? (the puppy training?)
The gardening?
The Etsy-ing? or Shop-thing-ing? 
The overall juggling? 

Do you have issues with prioritizing?  Do tell.

In the mean time, this little tole tray is something I unearthed from a box of goodies. It is quite old.  But, Oh so lovely. It is an advertisement for Tobacco... it says,  Smoke Espanolas 10¢  Trix 5¢ ~ I like it. I'm  keeping it...for now.

I hope you're getting to enjoy all the things you love doing today. Inside and outside. While getting your work done all at the same time. :) 

For now, I get to enjoy this lovely little painting; when I'm at my desk...etsy-ing!

Have a wonderful day-- and be blessed! 

Finally, brothers,Whatsoever things are True, Whatsoever things are Noble,Whatsoever things are Right, Whatsoever things are Pure ,Whatsoever things are Lovely ,Whatsoever things are Admirable; if anything being of Good Repute, think on such things. ~Philippians 4:8 

 

:: Showers of Blessings::

This week we had a pretty good rain. 

The Littles were here...(no pictures, sorry you know my rule)  they got to play in the rain, while I was nice and dry under the new porch awning! 

No leaks!!! YEAH!!! 

That makes me happy. 

Anyway- afterwards, I walked around the yard and took some pictures. 

Everything came alive after the rain. The barn wood was soaked and seemed so much richer and vibrant from the rain. The grass was greener and the trees were too. 

The beauty of life was all around...soaking up every new drop of water, that hung onto every dry flower petal...

and dampened every blade of grass! 

While the chickens usually prefer a dry dust bath to soaking rains; even they came out to play in the water, as it pelted the ground in giant droplets. Afterwards, George strutted around the yard. It was fun to watch him shake the water from his feathery body; like a Labrador Retriever flinging water from his fur, as he steps from the pond, on a hot summer afternoon. 

 They say "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence", well, at least today, it isn't so brown. Since the rain has come, the grass is a little bit brighter yellow with a few strands of green stretching toward the sunshine with strength and renewal! 

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 

~Isaiah 55:9-11

I pray that where ever you are today, that you receive Showers of Blessings! 

Hanging out at Elaine's(sunny simple sunday) 

The grace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philippians 4:23 

 

The Work of God~

   
 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”John 6:29
God Bless you and Thanks for reading!

Where were you 10 years ago today?

I was at my church—We had prayer in the morning EVERY Tuesday.  Several women met at our church to pray for the church, schools, community—leaders, country, etc.
I was in the sanctuary on my knees…
I remember getting up and starting to leave and someone in the church office telling us what had taken place.
As if in a dream; I remember thinking how I needed to get home to my children – wanting my husband to be there at home when I got there (knowing he was at work) and wishing I could call my mother—wanting desperately to speak with her (though she had died 2 years earlier).  Like everyone~ I had a sinking feeling in my gut. I remember thinking I was totally helpless.
Had I forgotten?  Why had my heart strayed so far from the throne as soon as I left the sanctuary?
Like everyone~ I watched the sky for three whole days-  only to see birds in the air. No man made machines – to clutter the expanse of God’s creation. Something far fetched for the day and age in which we live; I can say it only contrasts to what must have been just as awesome as the first flights witnessed with human eye. But still, I couldn’t help but scan the skies with an ever watchful eye; it was easier than watching the television,  where every thought, word and emotion was played out in horror to those who are glued to it’s scenes.
I had to close my eyes…enter the sanctuary and pray for my country. 
Though I am NOT glad for the events that happened that day and for the days after… I am glad to have this anniversary, this reminder of what it means to be free; to reflect on how this event has shaped me and how it shaped my family and our country- to know that now more than ever…our country needs prayer. 
 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
What have you reflected on today or in the days leading up to this anniversary?  Are you flying Old Glory today?  Are you doing anything to commemorate this anniversary? 
Will you share your thoughts with me and my readers in the comments?


*edited to add this video-




God Bless you and Thank You for reading!

Sunset

   I was going to post this beautiful sunset simply as a Non-Sequitur photo…

But ,then I was thinking of the sunset and nice drive  we had across the lake this evening when Honey snapped it; made me realize something.

We’re Empty Nesters again!

Oh. Yes.

My brother and my dad and nephew are officially Bachelors again.

Now before you think ill of me for being happy--- let me just say; my brother is happy to be out and in his own place; and as far as I can tell, my dad is too.

They’ve found a place and got moved out. Honey and I have been living alone…except for the occasional GRAND running around here stealing –sugar from Honey and cookies from Oma; We’ve been living alone for one solid week!

YAY!

The sun has set on that part of my life.  I hope we…

Well, I’m happy we were able to help out. 

So you see?  The photo isn’t really NON- Sequitur after all.

God Bless you  and Thanks for Reading~

Slave or Servant?

I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest—

I would flee far away

and stay in the desert;       Selah

I would hurry to my place of shelter,

far from the tempest and storm.”

Psalm 55:6-8

   Non-Sequitur …   

   Because I don’t like to post without a picture!

Rag Wreath .

I made a while back for my daughter. 

God Bless you

and Thanks for Reading!

Sundays:

Psalm 96-
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
²Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
³Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
⁴For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
⁶Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
⁷Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
⁸Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
⁹O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
¹⁰Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
¹¹Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
¹²Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
¹³Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.



God bless you and Thank you for reading! 

Jesus ~Is All I Need~

God Bless you Today and Thanks for Listening!

Please Pray!

Hi everyone~

I was just writing this post to ask for prayer. 

On Friday, May 20-- Honey suffered a mild heart attack. 
We were at home; he thought it was indigestion.
Fortunately, my son came down to the house to bring AAA batteries for the blood pressure cuff and was able to convince his dad to go the ER.

WE were transported to Dallas to a larger hospital on Saturday.

On Monday, May 23-- they will be doing angioplasty-- and putting stents into his arteries (where needed). 

This was totally unexpected. We do not have insurance.

I'm asking for you to please pray for my husband.  He's NEVER had any serious health problems-- doesn't go to the doctor. 

We will require serious health changes in our routine, diet and exercise. Not to mention a regimin of meds--  I'm hoping we'll be able to  adjust our lifestyle enough to correct any high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. (and get off meds-- if able!) 

Please pray for our family -- we still have Temporary house guests.  I don't know if this has caused any undue stress for him.  He will not say.  He is very laid back and relaxed about things.

I've been praying for peace and God has answered my prayers.  Right now today-- I know that these things are in His hands.  I'm not worried about money or things.  I am praying for healing-- but know that God will give us what we need before we ask.
He is Sovereign in ALL THINGS-- even this.

Be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving; make your request known to God; and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4: 6-7

God bless you and thanks for reading!

By Faith!

Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend 

By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight

By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God's own hand
A place where peace and justice reign

We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed-for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave

By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth

We will stand... 

By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name 



God bless you and Thanks for Listening!