On My Knees

Guest Book for Cecelia Gunick – Online Guest Book by Asbury Park Press and Legacy.com.

2011-04-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Guest Book for Cecelia Gunick – Online Guest Book by Asbury Park Press and Legacy.com.

Author Unknown

2011-02-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

There's always a little truth behind every 'just kidding.'

A little knowledge behind every 'I don't know.'

A little emotion behind every 'I don't care.'

A little love behind every 'I hate you!'

A little uneasiness behind every 'I'm okay.'

A little pain behind every 'forget it.'

A little fear behind every 'leave me alone.'

A little hope behind every 'goodbye.'

And a little 'something' behind every 'nothing.'

Author Unknown

But Very Much Appreciated!

Heart to Heart with Holley Devotional

2011-02-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

This devotional from 'heart to heart with Holley' stuck a cord with me today so I decided to share it with you...

The Best Kind of Rest

I sit across the table from my husband on a cold morning. Snow spatters the streets outside and coffee steams from my cup.

“I’ve been trying to rest,” I say, “And I don’t think it’s working.”

He looks up at me, “Maybe what your idea of rest isn’t really rest.”

I nod. I’ve been thinking about that too.

When I felt like I needed to start slowing down a few months ago, I took that literally. I spent more time on the couch. I crossed items off my to-do list.

And I felt worse.

You’re a dreamer,” my husband goes on, “You need to be free to chase ideas, move toward the future, try new things. That’s what renews you.”

He’s a wise one, my man.

I realized what I’d been missing more than I realized…

God-sized dreams.

I’m coming to see that when God asked me to rest it was actually more about my heart.

Learning to trust instead of strive.

Learning to enjoy rather than push so hard.

Learning to focus on the moment instead of results.

I think of the verse God put on my heart when all this began…

“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Rest is an intimate invitation—

not to step away from life but to embrace the Giver of it.

Words to Live By

2011-01-30T06:56:00.001-08:00

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.

~William Penn

Don't Worry...

2011-01-27T05:48:00.001-08:00

If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry.
If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.

Tenzin Gyatso

14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

Great news if you feel like you need to do it all this week...

2011-01-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking of you today,

wondering about a new week,
asking, "How am I going to do it all?"
Here's the great news:

Through Christ.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strengthen me. Philippians 4:13

And here's the secret...

Just offer what you have.

I've been thinking of this, how I fear what I have falls short.

But then God whispers, reminds me, that He can redeem anything.

So as long as we do something, as long as we have the courage to move forward, then He can use whatever the outcome may be for His purposes.

(Oh, and resting, waiting, praying are most certainly doing something too.)

The greatest risk is doing nothing at all.

I heard someone say recently, "The world isn't looking for perfect people--it's looking for people who just haven't quit."

Your to-do list for the week?

Don't quit.

Just keep going.

God will do the rest.

Promise.

As a new week begins I thought I would share this daily devotional from 'Heart to Heart with Holley'.

holley@holleygerth.com

A Much Needed Reminder

2011-01-20T05:28:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day: “Many of us are always the ones that seem to need to be strong for everyone else. We are the providers, the caregivers, the listeners, the mothers, the fathers, the protectors, the “go-to” people… And when the day is done who do we have to turn to to be the strong one for us? God… He is always waiting to give us His shoulder to lean on.” Have a great day today everyone! – Elmer Laydon

Memories of W.P.I.X New York !!!

2011-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

This sums up my childhood in seven minutes and 36 seconds...enjoy the trip down memory lane!

God Cares About the Details

2011-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

This was in my 'Five Minutes For Faith' devotional this morning and it hit a chord with me. As I am often in conversation with God throughout my day, blabbering on about all sorts of things I found it comforting to know he does care about the small details of my life. Somedays I imagine Him sitting in Heaven going 'Okay Diva, I hear you, you can stop now'...or 'I do believe we've been over this before dear child, don't you get it yet?' I picture Him as a parent simply longing for some peace and quiet and all he gets are constant requests, well isn't it wonderful to know there is a story in the Bible to remind us that He really does care about the details? I hope this helps you along your day today.

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 05:56 AM PST

Ever had those days when you felt you were throwing up emergency prayers that seemed unimportant in the big scheme of things? You know the ones. “Lord, please let me find my car keys or I’m going to be late, again.” “Lord, please let me find a parking place close to the door, because I have to get these children and all this stuff in that store quickly in the rain.” “Lord, please let my child sleep through the night, because I have to get some sleep.”

If you are a mom, I’m sure you’ve prayed one or more of these prayers on some occasion. I know I’ve prayed them many times. I used to think they were sort of “silly” prayers. After all, there are much greater problems going on in the world while I’m looking for my keys. But for some reason it makes me feel better to tell God what I need, as trivial as it seems, so I keep praying them.

I was reading through 2 Kings recently and came across the passage of the floating ax head. This story takes place right after Elisha has healed Naaman of leprosy and right before Israel’s army is delivered from the Arameans – an important man and an important event.

The prophets who were following Elisha were cutting trees by the Jordan to build larger quarters to accommodate their growing numbers. One of the men’s iron ax head fell into the water. He became panicked because the ax was borrowed. Upon hearing the man’s distress, Elisha asks where the ax head fell. The man showed Elisha the place. Elisha cut a stick, threw it into the water, and the iron ax head floated to the top where the man could reach down and lift it out of the water.

The man was obviously not a big, important person like Naaman, as he didn’t even have enough money to buy his own ax, but had to borrow one. He didn’t seem to be performing some big, important task like fighting in Israel’s army. But he was doing what God had called him to do – building a home so that God’s Word and work could be furthered. Most people focus on the fact that the iron ax head floated, certainly a miracle; but I notice that Elisha focused on meeting the man’s need, even though it might have seemed trivial.

As moms, we sometimes feel our needs or wants are trivial. We don’t feel we are important or that we are accomplishing anything important, but we are. We are building a home. Hopefully it is a home where God’s Word and work are furthered. And God cares about the details. He wants to hear our “silly” prayers. He cares about our worries and concerns and He wants to meet our every need.

1 Peter 5:7 says cast the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (The Amplified Bible)

Many times God will use our “silly” little prayers and the answers He gives us to teach us about Himself and His purposes for us. We simply must ask for the spiritual vision to see the lessons. He wants to use our everyday life circumstances to draw us to Him, build our faith and ultimately change us into His likeness.

The next time you feel your prayer or need is silly or unimportant; remember the floating ax head and that God cares about the details.

Martin Luther King Jr.

2011-01-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

We are now confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968

American Civil Rights Leader

Life is like Coffee Movie

2011-01-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

Life is like Coffee Movie: "Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything!"

Observations on Growing Older

2011-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are perfect!

~Going out is good..

Coming home is better!

~When people say you look "Great"... they add "for your age!"

~When you needed the discount, you paid full price.

Now you get discounts on everything...

movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them.

~You forget names .... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.

~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything .... especially golf.

~Your spouse is counting on you to remember things you don't remember.

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep".

~Remember when your mother said,

"Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"? Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident!

~You used to say,

"I hope my kids GET married...

Now, "I hope they STAY married!"

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem .....

were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table.

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ....

"what?"...."when?". ???

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

~Your husband has a night out with the guys, but he's home by 9:00 P.M. Next week it will be 8:30 P..M.

~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it.

~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~Now that your husband has retired ....

you'd give anything if he'd find a job!

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ....

2 of which you will never wear.

~~~~But old is good in some things:

old songs, old movies, And best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Spiritual Sundays

2011-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.

Mother Teresa, 1910-1997

"Five MInutes for Faith" Devotional

2011-01-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Don’t Play With Matches!

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:21 NIV

“I can’t find the thing,” I spat into the phone.

“Which thing?” my husband questioned me.

“The thing. The thing! The thing that tightens the car seat!” My patience thin, I shouted into the phone while my husband tried to explain how to install my daughter’s car seat.

I hunched in the back of the van, stepping on toys and castaway cereal, heat dripping down my face, trying for the life of me to find the magical tightening strap for baby Grace’s seat. The temperature outside was ninety-eight. I was sure it was ten degrees hotter in my vehicle.

Later that afternoon when my husband came home, an apology was necessary for my short temper and blistering tongue. “It’s okay,” he told me as he kissed my forehead, “I knew you were just hot.”

Heat is one of my trigger factors.

When tempers quickly flare in any relationship, trigger factors are often the reason. They are outside influences that can affect our temperament and lead to conflict. Trigger factors vary for each person. Mine are heat and clutter. One of my husband’s is hunger. If he is hungry, he will often snap at me for no good reason. He isn’t actually mad at me; he just has a hard time controlling his emotions on an empty stomach.

Think of a match. At first strike, it flares and fizzes, then settles down for a quiet but quick burn. You can do two things before you get scorched.

1. Drop the match and leave it alone; it will sputter out in a hurry. Or

2. Throw the match on something and start an even bigger fire.

When your spouse hits a trigger factor, it’s like those matches. You can drop the issue and choose to overlook some harsh words knowing you aren’t the true cause. Or you can start a rip-roaring fire by focusing on the quick flare.

Identify trigger factors for both you and your spouse. Next time you sense a fight coming on, look for those tricky little nuisances and make a choice. Drop it or start a fire.

Choose wisely.

this devotional was in my mail box this morning and I thought it was worth sharing...

Have You Got Mail ???

2011-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Now I must admit that my mailbox always has something

waiting for me at the end of each day,

granted it's usually junk mail, bills and an occasional

magazine, but I still love to check it.

Mail delivery has changed a great deal over the years...

from the early Pony Express days to

the more efficient and speedier delivery we are

currently used to,

and everything in between.

My fondest mail memories are those of my

childhood, when you would eargerly await

the mail's arrival hoping there just might be

something for you

(maybe that secret decoder ring you mailed away for).

I am as guilty as most these days and do

most of my bill paying online and much of my

correspondence is via email,

but I still

enjoy sending out Christmas cards,

Birthday greetings and of course

Valentine's cards.

I am overjoyed when I actually recieve

a note from a friend or card from

a loved one in my mailbox so I plan on joing

with Suzanne over at 'Colorado Lady'

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

in her year long challenge to send

at least one handwritten piece of mail

out to a friend each month.

Hop over to her blog to read all the details

and join us before your mailbox starts

to look like these...

sadly neglected and under used!

I happen to have a 'mail lady'

She's a real sweetheat and always gets

out of her truck to bring me my mail when it

won't fit in my box

(none of those pick up at post office notes for her).

So in order to insure her job security I'm taking

on this challenge, if you'd like a piece of snail mail

from me simply email me your address and I'll put you

on my list!

Here's hoping your mailbox is filled

with lovely letters and less junk!

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Another fresh new year is here …

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest …

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

William Arthur Ward, 1921-1994

American Author and Poet

Still Shoveling Here in New Jersey

2010-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

“Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.”

Merry Christmas & 'Heart to Heart with Holley'

2010-12-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

As we all scurry to finish last minute details for our Christmas celebrations I pray that we might all be reminded of God's perfect love for us. I'd like to share a morning devotion I received in my email this morning, written by Holley Gerth a writer for Dayspring...

"Why you don't have to make everything perfect this Christmas...

I curl up on the couch, coffee in one hand and a pen in the other. I feel weary all the way to my bones.

I think of all the ways I fall short...

the corners of the house uncleaned.

the corners of my heart that are the same.

I whisper prayers about feeling too small, about things seeming impossible, of never being able to grasp that word that haunts the Daughters of Eve--perfect.

On the horizon of my heart a half-remembered Scripture slowly appears. I search for it. When I find it, I look in wonder...

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8 NKJV

Twin truths slip from that sentence. First, God alone knows what perfect really means. And let me assure you, it's not the standards we set. Second, only He can make it happen in our lives--and He will.

God's "perfect" may not match what we have in our minds. It may not come when we planned. It may not work out the way we always imagined it would.

But God will perfect that which concerns me, that which concerns you.

Is there any better proof than a baby in a manger born on Christmas morning?

Jesus was unexpected, not-as-planned, didn't-see-that-coming, more-than-we-imagined. In one word: Perfect.

And through Him, we can trust that somehow, inexplicably, God will make everything else in our lives right too.

We are imperfect but His love never, ever is.

That, my friends, is worth celebrating.

I get up from the couch. I set down my pen and coffee.

I find myself humming, "Joy to the world..."

written with love for you by holley"

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ”

Hamilton Wright Mabie (1846-1916);

Delight in the Magic of the Season

2010-12-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

Awe is the finest portion of mankind . . .

in awe one feels profoundly the immense.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe~

THE DIGITAL STORY OF NATIVITY - ( or Christmas 2.0 )

2010-12-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Great You tube Video!

2010-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful voice reminding us of the true reason for Christmas!

"Where's the line to see Jesus?"

This really touched my heart, reminds me Christmas is not about Santa, presents, fir trees, colored lights, it is about the birth of the Savior of mankind, God's own son, who grew up to sacrifice his life that we may be reconciled unto a loving God who is madly in love with each one of us, yes that includes YOU. God loves you THAT much and more, and He has since BEFORE time (or the "big bang" as the scientists like to call it).

Mankind and the adversary; Satan, have complicated our faith and believing, purposely. (for instance Jesus Christ was actually born on September 11th of 3 BC) It is time to simplify, spend less and give more at Christmas, give love, the love of God, the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. What better present can we give someone than eternal life with a God and His son who are madly in love with us?

I am currently working at the Mall and daily I see long lines for kids to see Santa, after watching this video, I will now wonder every time I walk by: "Where is the line to see Jesus Christ?"

May God pour out His blessings upon you and may you enjoy the true meaning of what we call Christmas: that the creator of the universe, God, loves you so madly that He gave His only son just to have a personal relationship with YOU!

I love you all with Agape (Greek translation from the Bible meaning "the love of God"),

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY

Trying to Remember God Has a Plan

2010-12-16T03:44:00.000-08:00

At a certain moment in Nietzsche's life, the idea came to him of what he called 'the love of your fate.' Whatever your fate is, whatever the heck happens, you say, 'This is what I need.' It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment - not discouragement - you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not.

Joseph Campbell, 1904-1987

American Mythology Professor and Author

Some days are hard, really hard, but I know that God will see us through as He has before. I sit here early this morning trying to calm my anxious heart, reminding myself that He always has a plan and that while I might not see it now we are safe in His loving arms. If you are struggling with any hardship this day I pray that knowing One who is greatest of All is in charge will bring you some comfort. Bless you all !

My Love of All Things Vintage

2010-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

...carries over into Christmas!

I love vintage linens, especially Christmas ones!

Maybe they evoke childhood memories...

of simpler times,

maybe it just seemed that way from the eyes of a child.

I found this book on clearance last year,

it is filled with beautiful images.

I believe they still have it available on Amazon.

All of these wonderful images came from one of my

favorite magazines, Country Living. I just love spending

some quiet time reading it over a cup of tea or cocoa.

What will you be doing today to find some peaceful moments

during this busy season?

Sharing My Morning Devotional

2010-12-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2010

"Do you think you will eat all that?"

Transformational Thought

I was recently on a business trip to Miami. Got in the night before my meeting and decided to have dinner at an outdoor café. It was late and I was the only customer there. I ordered what I thought was an appetizer and dinner, but when the food came, it was apparent that I had enough food for two full dinners. The waiter left and I began picking and choosing the best of the two plates.

Just then, a homeless man quickly came to my tableside and asked in a very polite manner; "Do you think you will eat all that?" The restaurant managercame to shoo the man away...but I told him that I had invited the man as my guest. The homeless man (dirty, a bit scary, and a little drunk) took off his hat, brushed back his hair and took the seat across from me with the pride and excitement of being invited to join a royal feast.

We had a great meal together. I actually had to talk him into coffee and dessert. During dinner, he confessed that alcoholism was the reason he was homeless and gave me an open invitation to ask any questions I'd like. He was a gentle, smart man. It was one of the most interesting conversations I have ever had.

When the meal came to an end, I asked Bill, "If I give you $20, can you promise me that you will use it for food?" After giving the offer some thought, he said that he could not make that commitment to me...and that he didn't want to lie to me...and said he would most likely use it for whiskey. After a few minutes of silence he said; "I'll make you a deal, I'll use half for food and half for booze" and then stuck out his hand to shake on the deal.
As he got up to leave he asked, "Do you think God sent you to me?" His question almost blew my off my chair. Even now, I really don't know who God sent to whom.

Today, instead of judging others and exalting yourself, try to help someone in some way. Remember, we are most like Christ when showing compassion and generosity to someone less fortunate. Before you think that you are the great helper for someone else, ask first, "Did God bring them into my life to help me or show me something I need to know or learn?"

Prayer

Dear Father God, I come to You with an open heart...I invite You into my life in an ever-increasing way. I pray, Father, that Your over-generous love will flow through me each day and touch those around me. I ask that You show me how to serve others, help others, and to give to others without expecting anything in return. I know, Lord, that there is no way I can out-give You, for You have already given me so much. I pray in the name of my teacher and Your Son, Jesus Christ; and all God's children said - AMEN!

The Truth

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

My Vacuum Cleaner Died

2010-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

...seriuosly the thing just coughed up a big dust ball

and quit on me!

So now in the midst of Christmas shopping I find myself

checking out vacuums.

I simply must buy one soon, not only because

I must vacuum daily,

two cats and a dog make that a necessity,

but mostly because

I do not want my family deciding to buy me one

for Christmas!

I have a thing about getting appliances for any

occasion,

don't ever want one for my birthday, anniversary

and certainly not for Christmas.

Seriously, if anyone ever finds me on the floor looking all

misty eyed over a vacuum

I hope they'll have the decency to put me out of my misery!

(disclaimer: I found this add on google quite some time ago

and had planned on pulling it out for just such an occasion

when of course I found it posted on someone else's blog!

So I must give credit to 'Cozy Home Chronicles' at

www.cozyhomechronicles.blogspot.com/

She has posted some great vintage photos today so please

go and pay her a visit. I hope she doesn't mind my using this image.)

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

2010-12-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

When my 'Dickens Village' gets put up in the formal living room

I know that the Christmas season has officially begun!

My husband bought my forst three buildings as a Christmas

gift for me the first year we were married. Each year after that he and

the boys would add a few more pieces until finally I had to tell

them no more. I was simply out of room! I love putting it up,

it's like playing house but it takes me most of the day.

Even if it doesn't snow outside we always have a White Christmas here.

Can't you just imagine yourself strolling through this town on a snowy evening?

Of course since husband's and children rarely know what to buy Mom,

even when she says she doesn't need anything, they soon latch onto new ideas.

Here are a few of the Santas they have bought for me over the years.

That collection grew and grew until they moved onto something else.

On the opposite wall of the formal living room is the snowman tree.

In the dining room is one small taple top tree in

patriotic 'Red, White & Blue'.

It sits on my server alongside some Longaberger baskets.

My foyer is decorated too of course!

It's hard to see into the curio but if you could you'd see

my 'Lenox Snow White Collection'. Are you beginning

to see a pattern here? If my husband or sons get an idea

I like something they run with it and every holiday

and birthday gift is taken care of for at least two years.

My favorite tree is the one in our family room,

it's where we spend most of our time together,

and each ornament holds special meaning.

I hope you enjoyed visiting my home, I certainly

enjoyed having you!

It's Been A Very Busy Fall

2010-12-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

Our youngest son Alex is in his Senior year of high school now and

that has kept us plenty busy!

We've spent the better part our fall weekends visiting colleges,

there have been applications filled out and mailed, essays written

and despite all of this my darling boy managed to get straight A's...

I am so proud of him!

His first choice is Penn State, it seems that he has been talking about

going to their University Park campus for as long as I can

remember.

It's a beautifil campus in central PA and a very good school.

The home of the Nittany Lion. While we visited the campu we also

went to a game and were thrilled to be at Beaver Stadium

when Joe Paterno (head coach)

had his 400th win!

The stadium seats 110,000 and there were over 107,000

that day.

It was alot of fun visiting Penn State.

We also visited and Alex applied to

Delaware State University,

Towson University in Maryland,

Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove PA,

Bucknell University in Lewisburg PA and

Villanova University in PA.

Now we wait and see and apply for lots of scholarship

and grant money!

Thank goodness this is our last to go to college.

I wonder if they'll be anything left for us to retire on???

Stay Out of the Dog House...

2010-12-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

Share this with the men in your life, or at the very least have a great laugh!!!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flink.brightcove.com%2Fservices%2Fplayer%2Fbcpid1543292789%3Fbctid%3D3130509001&h=01ecd

T.M.I

2010-12-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have been staring at my computer screen for some time now

trying to figure out where to start, how much information

is too much information?

I would love to share a bit of Christmas decorating or tales of our

last trip to the cabin but it feels wrong to just dive right back in

without at least sharing a bit of what's been happening in my

little corner of the world. If you would rather not hear about the

everyday insanity that seems to have enveloped me of late

then feel free to skip over this post.

As many of you know my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer

a year ago. This summer it spread to her brain, requiring quite a bit

of radiation to her head. We were told by the radiologist and

oncologist that after some time her brain function would return

to some normalcy. I've decided that most of these doctors are

'pollyannas' and would rather just keep the conversation light rather

than discuss the hard truth when dealing with a potentially fatal disease.

I guess they figure by the time you get around to demanding some

real answers, it'll all be too late for questions anyway.

As my sister's day to day functioning has gotten worse I finally decided

we needed to see a neurologist. I was getting pretty tired of the pat answer

'she's doing fine' when I would bring up concerns about her behavior

and mental state. God bless that neurologist, he finally gave us the truth.

Her brain function will never return to 'normal', she will continue to have

problems with many tasks and should no longer be driving. Why was that so

hard for any of these other doctors to say?

It's been a bit overwhelming but I have taken over doing her banking, paying

her bills and filling her daily pill boxes so she doesn't take the wrong

meds or forget altogether. Getting her to an appoitment still requires a

morning phone call and showing up early to make sure she's dressed.

She forgets from the time I call until I pick her up what she was supposed to do.

It's all very sad really, mostly because she feels bad that she can't and

doesn't remember. I have to keep reminding myself that given enough time

she'll forget that too.

I am grateful for all the time I am spending with her as I am aware that these days

will be over all too soon. When? Only God can say, it may be weeks, months

or even a year or longer. It will be too soon whenever He calls her home.

Please keep her in your prayers!

Whisper of God

2010-12-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day: “What might be our purpose in life? To share our blessings... God has blessed us all in different ways. Take what God has blessed you with and try to find a way to share it with and help others. There is no better feeling than knowing you made a difference somehow in someone else’s life.” I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

Whisper of God

2010-11-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day: “There are times that we are confronted with obstacles so big that it seems only God could move them out of our way. When that happens rely on Him. He will either move them out of your way or show you another way around. Just keep your eyes, ears, and heart open because His intervention usually comes when and where you might least expect it.” Have an awesome day today my friends!– Elmer Laydon

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

For tender grass so fresh and sweet,

For the song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,

For pleasant shade of branches high,

For fragrant air and cooling breeze,

For beauty of the blooming trees,

Father in heaven we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

Whisper of God

2010-11-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

Thought for the Day: “It’s easy to live like a child of God for the hour or two that we might attend church services each week. The real challenge is living in His Word 24/7. No one said it would be easy but God did say He would be with us as we tried to walk the narrow path that He has shown us.” I hope you have a miraculous day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

Whisper of God

2010-11-17T06:56:00.001-08:00

Thought for the Day: “There are times when the stress of daily life can cause anxiety to wash over you like waves over a ship in a stormy sea. Don’t let those waves push you away from God. Place your trust in Him and He will make you as steadfast as a rock in the face of anything.” I hope you have an amazing day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

Wisdom Shared

2010-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

"There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under my jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life - whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts."

Elizabeth Gilbert

American Novelist and Short Story Writer

Every Vote Counts

2010-11-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

"I contend that for a nation to try to tax

itself into prosperity is like a man standing

in a bucket and trying to lift himself by

the handle."

Winston Churchill

Thankful for the Beauty of the Season

2010-10-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

There's a nip in the air today,

it's crisp and the trees are showing

off their best colors.

The mums have completely opened their

buds as if on cue for Halloween.

Our final farmer's market day of the season

was over flowing with gourds.

The leaves are falling as fast as my husband can blow

them into piles.

(this is not my husband but a google image)

The noise of all the blowers in our suburban

neighborhood creates quite a racket this time

of the year. I know it's not nearly as fast

but I like to do it the old fashioned way.

Where you can actually hear and feel the crunch of

the leaves beneath your feet.

Where you can smell the scents of autumn

wafting from the earth

instead of gas fumes.

My oldest son Josh has always been the expert

carver in our family.

From the time he was 14 or so until he moved

out on his own our front stoop was graced with the most

amazing pumpkins.

Now they sit on his own front stoop.

It requires a great deal of patience and the

right tools.

It's amazing the detail he gets with these tiny saws.

...and last but not least I want to

introduce you to the newest member

of our family,

isn't he the most darling ball of fur

you've ever seen?

I went to the vet's to get medication

for our dog and there was this

cutie pie in a crate asking

for someone to give him a forever home.

I just had to bring him home and now he is my

best little buddy, following me everywhere.

When he's super tired he sits at my feet

waiting to be picked up so he can nap.

My youngest son, Alex, named him

'Eli'

for one of his favorite movies

'The Book of Eli'.

Great movie if you haven't seen it yet.

Hope you are all enjoying this glorious

fall color where you are...

God really does like to show off

this time of year!

Finding My Way Back

2010-10-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

after a very long hiatus from blogging

is proving to be much harder than I thought.

I have been struggling to find some balance in my life

and as the primary caregiver for my sister it has been

somewhat of a struggle.

Some of you may remember that she was diagnosed

with lung cancer last August, it's been a tough year.

I am by no means complaining, I am fortunate to be

able to help her through all of this. I simply found myself

overwhelmed by the demands on my time and so

stepped away from posting on my blog.

While I am in charge of her care I am also

the person who has to keep all the other family members

caught up on her condition etc. To say I craved solitude

would be a huge understatement. By the end of my days

I have little to share and simply tire in the retelling of it all.

I want to assure you that even though

I very much wanted to be alone most evenings, I

never felt lonely. I very much enjoyed reading all of

your blog entries and felt like you were all close by.

A few of you emailed or checked in, you know who you are,

and made me feel like I was missed. For that I thank you.

A few followers dropped me from their rolls, but that's okay.

I have been gone a long time.

Some days were especially difficult, and I'm sure there

are more tough times to come. At times it feels like sitting

at the edge of the world with nothing to keep you from

falling into a great abyss. Thankfully God has been walking

beside me and though I often feel like the ground beneath

my feet is slipping away I know that He is holding me tight.

So if you'll bear with what may be sporadic

posting I think I just may be ready to come

out of hiding.

p.s. You may or may not have noticed the change in the title of my blog (everything else is the same).

It seemed appropriate since I seem to be spending so much of my time there.

The Gift Of Forgiveness | Lifescript.com

2010-08-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Gift Of Forgiveness Lifescript.com

Anita Renfroe - You Raise Me Up

2010-07-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have to find humor in our sagging bodies...a tribute to 'the girls' !

The Unrelenting Heat Wave

2010-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

...caused me to see things from

a new perspective.

I generally don't spend a great deal

of time in our pool,

sad I know, but usually if I'm in it

I'm involved in cleaning it.

I tend to feel guilty spending time

swimming when I see weeding, watering

and yard work I should attend to.

I am blessed with a beautiful home

and while I enjoy living here,

maintaining this yard requires alot of work.

So, back to the heat wave we're having...

I have found that while doing yardwork

I have needed to jump in the pool on

occasion lest my family come home in the

evening to find me passed out from heat stroke.

I found myself floating around and

looking upward towards the sky

(I didn't want to look anywhere I might spot

a wayward weed beckoning me to pluck it).

This new vantage point was magical,

I had forgotten what it was like to lie on

my back and peek through the tree canopy.

This was something I had done frequently

as a child,

I need to do it more often!

This new perspective gave me new eyes,

if I hadn't looked skyward

I might have missed the crepe myrtles

blooming. I had spent so much time

focused on the ground staring at the weeds

that I didn't see the beautiful blooms

above me.

How many other times in my life have

I had my nose to 'the grindstone'

and missed a gift simply because I did

not lift my eyes towards the heavens?

What are your eyes fixated upon lately?

Have you dared to look away from

the duties of the day so that you might

catch a glimpse of heaven here on earth?

Problems?

2010-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

"So you've got a problem? That's good!

Why?

Because repeated victories over your

problems

are the rungs on your ladder to success.

With each victory you grow in wisdom,

stature and experience.

You become a bigger, better, more successful

person each time you mend a problem

and tackle and conquer it with a positive

mental attitude."

(W.Clement Stone)

'With each victory you

come to trust in God's divine

plan for your life and that

He will see you through

each future challenge.'

(Diva Kreszl)

Our Time

2010-07-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

The most precious gift we can give someone

is our time.

It is the one commodity we cannot

replenish.

It is priceless, once it is spent

it cannot be recovered.

Giving of yourself whether through

volunteering, lending someone

a shoulder to cry on

or a willing ear to listen...

there is no greater gift.

"The world is not interested in what we

do for a living. What they are interested

in is what we have to offer freely -

hope, strength, love and

the power to make a difference."

(sasha azevedo)

MIssion Trip 2010

2010-07-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

I spent the first day home doing 14 hours

of laundry, Praise God for modern

conveniences!

We had record breaking heat in NH,

as did much of the nation, however

these folks haven't had temperatures

this high in over ten years so air conditioning

was not available at the middle school

where we stayed. Each day the temperature

rose to 95-99 degrees. That meant at least two

changes of clothes daily hence

the huge pile of laundry.

We left on our trip a day early so that we could

visit Boston with our church group.

Fifty five of us, 45 teens and 10 adults

went on this mission trip.

We stolled through town admiring the architecture

old and new!

Our young people enjoyed the parks.

We even took a four hour boat ride to go whale

watching...and we saw alot of them!

After our little excursion it was off to NH...

The before pictures show that the owners

had made an attempt to paint their

home red (they used the wrong paint so we had to paint over it)

but were overwhelmed with

the task...this house was huge!

My crew and I spent the first day scraping, sanding

and replacing rotted clapboards.

By Tuesday we were on to priming.

I spent the entire week perched up on a forty foot

ladder, I quickly found out my crew had an intense fear

of heights! With a little encouragement I did manage

to get one young lady up on the 28 foot ladder.

The forty foot ladder was fiberglass and quite

heavy, very difficult to move, it required four of us

to move it around.

I had teens from all across the US and Canada

in my work crew.

This young man was from Prince Edward Island.

They came from Michigan, Massachussetts,

Syracuse, NY, NJ, CT, & PA.

As you can see they still found time

to get silly while working really hard!

There was another crew on site whose job it was

to tear down the old steps, build a small porch

and new stairs.

Here's the house almost finished.

Our crew's gift to the homeowner

was a new mailbox!

We did a pretty good job wouldn't

you say?

These are some of the children that

lived in that home.

This is my son's crew, they were on a different site.

They made a trip to Lowes for extra supplies.

Here he is making goofy faces :)

Here he is painting the deck and replacing shutters after

painting the house.

Looks like they are having fun!

Sorry that this is such a long post but it was a very

long week, hope you enjoyed the pics...

Now I have to get back to visiting all of you,

I did miss my blogging friends :)

Hopefully I will get caught up soon!

Mission Trip

2010-07-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

My youngest son Alex and I leave today for our

Mission Trip to Franklin NH.

We are traveling with 55 teens and adults

to help those in need with housing

repairs, painting, building...

We are joining several hundred teens from

around the states to work, worship &

celebrate God and His children in need.

Please keep us in your prayers, I'll

share more about our trip upon our return.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

Planning A Long Weekend

2010-06-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

at the cabin!

I'll be going to enjoy some R&R at our mountain

retreat , planning on spending some quality time

with my husband and youngest son before

we head out for our Mission Trip next week.

My son Jason and his girlfriend will be joining

us and my sister and brother-in-law too!

We'll spend some time hiking the state forest,

head over the mountain to the Big Valley for

the farmers market.

While we're out that way I always stop at Dairyland Antiques

I love this giant cow out front!

Another stop for vinatge goodies,

and lots to see.

I will also try to get out to Lewisburg

a quaint town with lots of shops

and victorian homes.

and then I'll have to stop at Roller's Mills Antiques

three stories of all sorts of wonderful things!

I may not have time to write a new post before

leaving on our Mission Trip but I'll be sure

to post some photos when I get back.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

2010-06-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

'Change your perspective by changing the labels

used to identify your feelings, for instance,

anxious butterflies become eager anticipation.'

Approach your life as if everything is a blessing,

even difficult times can bring needed lessons

or opportunities. Instead of worrying, try prayer.

Instead of panicing over the unknown, embrace change.

Rather than allowing dread to fill your days,

offer yourself to assist those in need.

A simple change in your perspective can

mean the difference between a bad day

and one filled with grace and love.

Teens Help Those Who Can't Afford Repairs

2010-06-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Just another quick look at what we'll be doing in ten days! My son Alex and I have been on five mission trips in five different states and can't wait to get to NH to begin serving!

Church Youth Group Work-Camp

2010-06-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks our church's Senior High Youth Group will embark on our yearly Mission Trip to serve those in need. This year I will travel with 54 young people and fellow leaders to Franklin NH to serve as Jesus has asked us to do... the kids work hard all year to raise funds, they give up a week of their vacation and pay their own way to paint houses, build decks and wheel chair ramps, whatever we are asked to do to help those who cannot help themselves. In doing so we also share our love of God and teach of His love by example. This is by far the highlight of our summer!

Spiritual Sundays

2010-06-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

"There was once a king sitting on his throne...

It pleased the king to raise a small feather

from the ground and he commanded it to fly.

The feaher flew, not because of anything in itself

but because the air bore it along.

Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God."

Abbess Hildegard of Bingen

http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

White Wednesday

2010-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

I must admit to having a bit of a blogging

block lately. I find myself not sure what

I wish to post about or what I could share that

might be of any interest to anyone

other than myself...

(white petunias from my garden)

so today when I was visiting some

other blogs I came across a

'White Wednesday'

party over at Kathleen's

Faded Charm Cottage

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

I have enjoyed visiting Kathleen's blog

for some time and have always

loved all the 'white' images shared

by her participants but have never been

brave enough to jump in myself.

So today I was ecouraged by Jane at

Mamie Jane's

http://mamiejanes.blogspot.com/

and her beautiful photos to give it a try.

Hey, I've got nothing else to share so here goes...

(loosestrife that grows at my cabin)

(my white oleander trees)

( a snowy night at the cabin)

(the white sandy beaches from our vacation in Florida)

and

(a tall drink of water in a white cowboy hat)

please keep in mind that the following images

are from Country Living Magazine

and represent things that simply catch my eye.

a white vanity much like the one I had as a young girl

creamy white cotton thread

vintage white milk glass

old white stoneware

the cozy clean look of an all white decor

and one big comfy chair to sit in!

Hope you'll take a few moments

to visit all the other bloggers

over at White Wednesdays!

I've Been Missing In Action...

2010-06-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post.

The end of the school year always gets crazy,

so many year end meetings, award ceremonies,

end of church activities for the kids are

just a few of the commitments filling my calendar.

Last Thursday my son Jason turned 30

(not sure how this happened since I barely feel 30 myself)

That meant, baking a cake, planning a get together

and having company to celebrate.

Then this young man, my youngest son Alex,

made his Momma quite proud by

earning his third Academic Letter Award in high school.

This meant attending an award ceremony.

All wonderful reasons to celebrate...

but keeping me very busy!

Add to all of this year end book studies,

final meetings for High Schoolers at church,

etc, etc, etc...

So all of this brings me to a huge apology

for not posting and not visiting your blogs

as often as I like :(

I've been busy using my new

zoom lens, an anniversary gift from DH.

Our yard is full of birds nesting, enjoying

the feeders, bird baths and splashing in the pond.

My oleander trees are in full bloom!

They aren't winter hardy in this region

so I plant them in very large pots

and then winter them over indoors.

Some of my lupines,

and portulacas,

my yellow tea roses

and orange climbing roses...

all doing quite well right now.

I hope this little visit to my yard

makes up for my absence.

Now I'm off to visit all of you!

Have a marvelous day, whatever you choose to do :)

Our Local Farmer's Market

2010-06-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

has opened up again for the season!

Each Wednesday local farmers set up

their tents or open up the back of their trucks

and come to our downtown area to

sell their goodies.

I bought some fresh peas,

not only are they delicious but taking

them from the pods always takes me

back to my childhood...it was my job

to prepare the peas for dinner.

There are always several stands offering

fresh baked bread, so I had to buy some!

I bought fresh mozzarella from the cheese vendor.

Of course I had to stop and see the olive vendor

and buy some of those to go with the bread & cheese.

Some fresh bean dip found it's way into my bag...

along with some local honey,

and these fried plantain chips,

I swear I don't remember buying all of this :)

I was pretty hungry after the shopping

so I stopped at our local health

food store and had a bowl of

sweet potato soup for lunch, yummy!

Now I've got all this fresh food

and a full tummy so what should I make for

dinner???

My Herb Garden

2010-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

is quite prolific this time of year.

As you can see the garden is

starting to take off with the warm

days we've had. The herbs are

planted in the right quadrant.

I have three types of thyme.

Plenty of sage.

Chives, which I do allow to blossom as it attracts bees to the

garden and we need bees for pollination!

I also plant pineapple sage,

the leaves smell just like pineapple lifesavers...

do they still have that flavor in the standard pack?

Once again, the blossoms serve to attract bees and hummingbirds.

Bee balm is planted to ensure good pollination too.

The old standards of parsley,

and basil are planted to make pesto!

and of course to make homemade pasta sauce when the tomatos are in.

Mint is a must for garnishing and for my favorite mint iced tea!

Lemon balm makes a nice tea too, and is also great in salads or as a garnish.

I even keep a few pots of herbs on my deck in case I'm feeling

too lazy to go out to pick from the garden...pretty sad I know :)

Last but not least I have also planted catnip for my feline friends...

but be careful as you don't want them to overdo it!

My cat Charlie enjoys rolling in it but he is 19 years old after all

so I'm pretty sure he uses it for medicinal purposes only!

What's growing in your garden???

You Are Loved - Josh Groban - A short film

2010-06-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

I think I've Finally Caught Up...

2010-06-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

to the right day that is!

Somehow whenever we have a Monday holiday

it throws off my entire week and

I just can't seem to get back into a

normal rythym or routine.

I thought I might share some photos today of

one of my favorite places to antique in PA.

On the way to and from the cabin I try to stop

in at The Sledworks in Duncanon.

At one time this building housed the factory

where sleds were built, you remember,

those wonderful wooden sleds with the metal

runners that we rode in the snow,

before they came out with those plastic things.

Now this old building houses dozens

and dozens of antique and vintage vendors.

Step in the front door and you are taken

back to a time long ago.

Anyone remember switch board operators,

how about party lines?

You'll need at least a couple of hours

to stroll through all the booths.

When you've worked up an appetite

head to the rear of the building

to grab a bite to eat at Jimmy's

This really neat old time restaurant

filled with old time memorabilia.

You can sit at the counter or at a table.

The food's good and the prices will take you way back.

If you are ever in the Hershey/Harrisburg area this is worth the stop.

A Peek at Cabin Life

2010-06-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few more

photos of some of the wildlife

that we had the opportunity to enjoy

while at our cabin last weekend.

We love to sit up on the porch and watch the birds at the feeders.

We always get so many Goldfinches visiting.

They like nesting in the hemlocks that surround

our property.

The woodpeckers can be heard, their tapping echoing through the trees.

Each Summer the bluebirds make their homes in our boxes.

The robin likes to find a safe place to nest under the eaves.

We hang several hummingbird feeders on the porch.

They sound like giant bumble bees whizzing past your head.

Often we get lucky enough to see them still and

perching on the feeders.

Thought I would sneak in one of my husband

at the back door to the garage.

The stonework around the lower level of the cabin

was all found on our property and hand laid

by the original owner. A friend engraved the bear

on the header.

Hiking through the local forest is one of

our favorite pastimes.

Icey cold streams running through the

State Park provide a nice cold drink.

The foot bridges are maintained by the park rangers.

The bridge at Mifflintown.

Amish buggies share the roadways with the cars.

The quarry in Milroy is just one of many in the area.

Hope you enjoyed your visit through north central PA.

I'm Baaacck!

2010-06-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

( the lane in front of our cabin)

My husband and I along with my

17 year old son and two of his friends

took off to the mountains of

central PA for the long weekend.

(the rhododendren bush alongside our cabin)

My son Jason and his girlfriend Amy

came up and spent a few days with us.

The weather was glorious and we

spent a great deal of time visiting,

eating, hiking, eating, gardening, eating,

riding the 4 wheeler, eating, playing games,

and did I mention eating?

(see the tiny hummingbird perched on the feeder)

We enjoyed quiet time on the porch

birdwatching.

The deer came to visit,

the black bear was seen in the area.

Wild turkeys were heard

singing their mating calls.

A great deal of time was spent

hiking through Bald Eagle State Forest.

These pictures were taken at Tall Timbers

right in our neck of the woods.

Even the drive to and from our cabin

was filled with beautiful scenery

such as this farm nestled

between the mountain ranges.

Since I missed posting on Memorial Day

I want to thank all our veterans

and service men and women for their

dedication to protecting our homeland

and our freedoms...weekends

like this would not be possible were it

not for these courageous men and women.

I'll be visiting my friends

in blogland and catching up with

all of you. I feel like I miss so much when

I'm away. Stop by to visit me this week

as I'll be sharing more photos taken

in the mountains this weekend.

My Deepest Sympathies

2010-05-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Lydia

'Beauty Will Surely Save the World'

http://www.lydiaohlydiaart.blogspot.com/

lost her dear husband Ken yesterday.

Ken had been ill for quite some time

and Lydia and her children

have been his faithful caregivers.

Please pray for this beautiful family

as they learn to struggle through

the days without their beloved

husband and father Ken.

Visit A Friend Today!

2010-05-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

"Friendship is a relationship in

which two people come to

share the same soul."

Aristotle

I Couldn't Help Myself

2010-05-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

I had this vintage tin bread box

that I love and it was just screaming

to be used, so

I planted some flowers in it.

Somtimes you have to think

outside the box,

or in this case,

inside the box !

Spiritual Sunday

2010-05-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

"I am careful not to confuse

excellence with perfection.

Excellence I can reach for;

perfection is God's business."

(Michael J. Fox)

A Quick Stroll

2010-05-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

around the yard reveals some

new

things bloomimg.

The white clematis vine is covering

the garden arbor.

The African Daisies are enjoying

the sunshine.

My hanging basket by the back

patio door is at it's

peek already,

and the Angel Leaf Begonias

are taking over the front planter,

but this is what made my heart sing.

One of my favorite rose bushes

is simply bursting with blossoms.

Isn't she a beauty???

Wishcasting Wednesday

2010-05-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I have

participated in Jamie Ridler's

Wishcast Wednesday @

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

I have always enjoyed Jamie's Prompts,

they certainly encourage us to

stop and assess our dreams,

but of late I've felt like I was

just too busy to participate.

There will always be dishes to do,

laundry to attend to

and meals to prepare.

If I don't make time for my dreams

then who will?

I cannot expect God to change

things

if I keep doing things the same

old way.

Today's prompt is

'What do you wish to have?'

I wish to have more time to persue

my art, to spend more time

simply enjoying my home and gardens,

aside from toiling to maintain them.

I want to be able to allow myself

time to relax and enjoy

the fruits of my labor. I wish to visit

the beach more often.

After

all it is just a mere five minutes away,

yet I rarely take the time to

enjoy it.

While I do enjoy taking care of

my family and my home

I want to have balance...

guilt free time to enjoy my blessings

without thinking I should be

doing something more productive.

"What do you wish to have?"

My Anniversary is Today

2010-05-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

(this photo was taken 2 yrs ago)

19 Years ago my sweet husband and I

exchanged vows and began

our life as a blended family.

It was a simple wedding, 50 guests,

close family and friends.

We did not have a wedding party,

our four sons stood up with us.

Two years later our son Alex

was born, uniting the boys in

brotherhood.

This man is my best friend, my soul mate.

It wasn't always easy, blended families

bring a myriad of challenges,

but having Bill as my partner through

it all, certainly made the last 19 years

the best of my life.

As we near the beginning of our

empty nest years

I cannot imagine anyone else

I'd want to dance the rest

of my days with.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

The Junior Prom

2010-05-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

was this weekend, and here is my baby

all dressed up and ready to pick up his date!

I realize I'm probably a little

biased but aren't they cute?

I can't believe time has passed so quickly, seems like

I just did this with his older brothers.

Here they are with a group of their friends.

Sorry I've been missing in action for several days,

I had a very busy week and weekend.

Spent days immersed in yard work and trying

to get everything outside ready for the summer.

Everything is all tidy,

the vegetable and herb garden are planted.

The pond is doing well,

the lawn is ready for a game of bocce ball,

the pool is ready for swimmers,

and the deck is ready to host it's first barbeque!

Hope you'll stop by for a visit, I'd love to see you !

Walking on Sunshine...

2010-05-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

at least for today!

(my wire basket with impatiens survived yesterday's cold)

The weatherman says some more showers

are coming tonight but should all clear

out for the weekend.

(I was worried about the poor things)

(thankfully all was okay this morning)

(can you tell I love rusted garden things)

(ignore the hose, see the rusted bench & wire egg basket?)

My husband says I'll put a plant in

anything if I can get it to hold soil.

Is that a bad thing???

It's Dreary and Damp Outside

2010-05-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

today, the warm weather of

last week is just a memory.

It is exactly days like this

that I am glad I chose to plant

white flowers among all my

(white alysum)

other plants.

It is the white blossoms that

(geranium)

pop when the skies are gray

(moonflowers)

or when the sun begins to set.

(bleeding hearts)

I even like to add some white

to my shade gardens for

the very same reasons.

(Morning Glory)

While the white blooms may

not grab your attention

the way a vibrant color does

on a sunny day. You can be

sure that it's the one thing that

stands out

(shasta daisies)

on a day like today!

How's the weather where you are?

A Chill in the Air Today

2010-05-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

but the white clematis in my garden

is blooming beautifully.

The purple jackmani clematis

is doing quite well too.

The jacob's ladder has made it's

appearance as well.

(jacob's ladder)

A close up of the jacob's ladder.

I always feel bad for my blooms

when the weather takes

a chilly turn and often go out

in the gardens to talk to them

and reassure them that warmers days

are returning soon.

Am I the only one out there that talks

to her plants???

Happy Mother's Day & Giveaway Winner

2010-05-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

" All that I am or hope to be,

I owe to my angel mother."

-Abraham Lincoln-

I decided that selecting just one

winner for my giveaway

would not sufficiently say

thank you to all who have befriended

me and encouragerd me.

I have randomly picked five names

from the comments recieved

in the last week and have decided

to choose something I thought would be

meaningful to each one.

Rachel of

'Rachel Cox Designs'

Lydia of

'Beauty Will surely Save the world'

Janet of

'Just Me and My Art'

Tracy of

'The Vintage Sister'

and

Pam of

'Yoborobo'

Please email me your postal

address and I shall

mail your surprise gift this week.

As a way of thanking all

of you,

if you would email me your

address

I would love to send

you a 'token' of

my appreciation.

Thank you all for taking the time

to leave a comment and

Happy Mother's Day!!!

A Mother's Blessings

2010-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

are not found in the makings
of a holiday, the gifts recieved,
the cards opened or even
the dinners prepared in her honor.

While it is nice to be recognized
for our efforts, the countless
sleepless nights, the many meals
prepared, the piles of laundry we've
washed and ironed, the clean house
and the hours of guidance we have
provided, our blessings are
found in the faces, hearts and
minds of our children.

My blessings are my children,
I am ever thankful that God
entrusted them to my care.

(My five sons)

I have been blessed by watching them grow
from sweet smelling, tiny infants
to sweaty youngsters with dirty hands,
to sometimes rebelious teens
searching for their independence,
to young men finding their way
and now to adults contributing
to society and sharing their gifts
with the world.

(Alex is the youngest at 17)

(Joshua & Jason)

(Tom, the oldest)

(Josh is second oldest)

(Jason comes next)

(Doug is fourth)

My role in their lives has changed
over the years since they were
first placed in my arms. I have gone
from providing food, shelter
and comfort to leading by example,
serving as advisor and ultimately
trusting in their choices.
While they may remain my babies
in my heart they are
God's children and I must trust
that they are in His loving care.
I am a mother and a stepmother,
but I have also been a mentor
and mother figure to many teens
in our church youth group.

You don't have to be a bilogical

mother to have the heart of

a mother. Many women provide

love, comfort and guidance

by mentoring, teaching, and sharing.

We are role models to

our nieces and nephews.

We encourage and lead our students.

Some times we are called to

befriend the child of a neighbor.

To all of my amazing friends here in

blogland I wish you the sweetest

of Mother's Days,

may you always recognize the

gifts you have to share and be willing

to pour out your blessings

on the children that surround us,

for they are our future.

Happy Mother's Day!

Spending Time Outdoors

2010-05-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

keeping up with the gardens

and yard work, but the weather

has been beautiful so it's perfect.

The pond is entering one of

it's best blooming seasons as

most of these plants only bloom

in this late spring season.

These lovely blossoms just float along the edge,

and intermingle with the lilies.

The pink one is one of my favorites.

The taller plants in the back are lizard's tail,

pickeral rush,

and my favorite the yellow flag iris.

Along the front of the pond I always plant

some parrots feather.

I buy it new each year as it doesn't winter over.

The garden center cuts it off and I plant it at home.

It floats along the surface and closes up in the evening.

It provides not only shade, but protection for these guys.

You see we have this lovely blue heron and white egret

who think that my pond is their personal sushi bar.

This tiny little specimen is called duck weed,

it is so tiny that several would fit across

the width of your pinky's fingernail.

It just floats along the surface of the water.

I think it's called duck weed because it's often found in

natural ponds and serves as food for the ducks.

It serves as a tasty snack for my koi as well,

thank goodness it reproduces rapidly.

The majority of these plants are wintered over by placing

them in the bottom of the pond. It is over three feet

deep in the center and it allows the fish

to hibernate for the winter without danger of freezing.

I hope you've enjoyed my tour of the pond,

if you don't have room for a pond in your yard

consider using an old whisky barrel or large waterproof

crock. all you need is a small pump and some

plants and you'll enjoy the sound of water

trickling all summer. It's also good feng shui

to have a water element near your home.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2010-05-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Each year our family makes a

point of celebrating

Cinco de Mayo,

despite the fact that we

are not of Mexican descent.

I read an interesting article in

this morning's paper and

it explained that we actually

celebrate this holiday here in the U.S.

more so than in Mexico.

This date is celebrated in and

around Mexico City to

commemerate Mexico's

unexpected victory over the

French in 1862, but it is not a

national holiday there.

Mexico's Independence Day

actually occurred on September 16, 1810.

So why do you suppose we embrace

this holiday here?

I think it is because as a multicultural

nation we love to recognize

this great melting pot that we are.

I am not Irish but I celebrate

Saint Patrick's Day

each year with a meal of corned beef and cabbage.

Columbus Day is a national

holiday honoring not only the

discovery of America but

our Italian American citizens.

So today my family will sit around

the table and enjoy some fine

Mexican Cuisine.

We will enjoy some black bean salsa

along with some quesadillas.

How about some enchiladas, refried beans and rice?

Sizzling Fajitas anyone?

Some chunky guacamole, full of omega three fats,

nachos

tacos

and some fresh pico de gallo!

My mouth is watering already.

An ice cold Corona

or a frosty margarita will round out the meal nicely!

The fresh produce and colorful

foods make a lovely presentation

to your table.

How can we not celebrate

a culture with such a colorful palette.

It is visible not only in their

cuisine but in their

art,

their pottery

and even their fabrics.

Now while I may not have my very own

mariachi band

I think I'll find some lively

Mexican music to play this evening

during dinner.

How will you celebrate today?

From Me To You...

2010-05-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Some time while I was away this

past weekend my followers tipped

the scales at 100. I am in awe

that so many of you follow along

for when I started this little blog I had

no idea where it would lead me.

I have been inspired, encouraged,

moved to tears, laughed myself silly,

traveled to places I never would have dreamed of

and made many cherished friends.

To thank you all I will be having a

giveaway...

Not sure what it will be just yet,

but I hope you will like the surprise.

So I shall keep this simple, no bells or

whistles, no jumping through hoops

just leave a comment between now and

Mother's Day and you will be

included in the drawing.

Good Luck!