THE SIMPLE GIFT JAMES 1:17

happy birthday ben!!

2012-01-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

my nephew is 15..yesterday was his birthday!!! i can hardly believe he is old enough to get his permit..,and soon will be driving..eeeekkk!! he has a sweet little friend that is his ''sweetheart''..they are cute together..we celebrated his birthday tonight, at a favorite place of his. when we were leaving it came a thunderstorm.. i have heard in the past, if it comes a thunderstorm in the winter, that within 7 days ,you will have a snow..nmmmm.. i think NOT.. haha..

we went to the mountains this weekend.. we had a fun, relaxing time. my mother and my sister went with us.. it was soo fun. we had this nice, cozy, cabin.. it snowed thursday night about an inch.. it was pretty.. we had fun, shopping and relaxing, and ate some yummy food!! i have been working on a few ''new'' things.. excited for some things to share in the future!!!

happy new year!!

2012-01-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

hope everyone had a great CHRISTmas!! despite the visit of the stomach bug, our's was pretty good!!! we had a great time with both families, his and mine!! we got some things we needed, and some cash$$$$$, and that's always a great gift!!! my car died, a few days ago, and i got it fixed.. so glad it was fixable!!! the new year......hmmm.. hope it brings lots of good things and blessings!!!. Lord, you just keep on blessing me!!!! i have some picsf Christmas i will post soon!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Christmas Shopping and Such

2011-12-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

it has been a rough few days here ......... i have been doing okay, just totally not into Christmas this year.. it really just does not seem like Christmas.... it feels like we just celebrated it.... the weather has been a lot warmer, and i have not been feeling 100 percent, and i miss my grandmother terribly.

my mother and i decided to do some much needed shopping yesterday.. i had not bought many Christmas presents, but decided i would go with my mother to try and get some more done.. i have most of it completed, with only a few more things to buy.. i want to say that i recieved a special ''unspoken'' unexpected blessing yesterday, and i was so happy.. God is good ,all the time!! i am looking forward to a few things this weekend,and upcoming week!! oh, and our brand new ''Cookout'' is open here in our town!!! so happy about that.. i love their milkshakes!! the caramel fudge is one of my favorites!! thanking God for his '' unspeakable Gift''!!

MAY YOUR SEASON BE MERRY AND BRIGHT!!!

grandmaw

2011-12-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

on wednesday night, my grandmaw crossed over to meet Jesus... safe forever more in His arms.... it was so special,and peaceful, and a such a blessing to be a apart of..i am so thankful He always knows best..the best time, place,etc....
if i had been about ten minutes later, i would NOT have been there....when she made it to the other side.... it was such a sweet, but sad time.... i am so thankful she is in heaven, and i will see her again one day.... we had a special trip with her about 3 weeks ago..one , that i would not take a million dollars for right now.. we had such a good time with her, my sis, and my mama... we took her shopping, and just focused on her wants and needs, and she got a fabulous steak dinner too... i know that trip was of the Lord.. and i got to spend those few days..all with her..and i will have memories to last a a life time... i have a few pics, but i have not downloaded them yet... hope you all cherish everyday, and live today, like it's the only day you have...:)))

being thankful

2011-11-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

i am thankful for many things..most of which i take for granted everyday.. i am thankful for a home, that is ours, heat/air, food on the table, and for a husband who shares the cooking with me..lol..for a kitchen full of appliances, clean clothes, shoes to wear, a great church and church family.. my family, and my husband...

i am thankful for answered prayers.. we have seen several answered prayers in our family this year, and i still think there is more to come!!!! i am thankful for giving parents, who have worked hard all their lives to provide for me and my sisters, and who give of themselves everyday to others... i am thankful for my grandmother, who i know her days are numbered here on earth, but awaits her heavenly home soon...

i am thankful for new things, patience, guidence, and forgiveness... i am thankful for my TRUE friends...some of which i really thought were my true friends, but i have really realized who they REALLY are over the past few months...... grace....Godly advice, and for the Word of God to study, and for the ability to pray.. i am thankful for Salvation.. where would I be had it not been for Jesus??? i am thankful for my husband, and for his sacrificial giving of his time and talents.. he is truly my hero. as you can see, i could go on and on..but these are some things i am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season!! Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me!!!

''chill time''

2011-11-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

a small catfish chris caught

pretty crane

awesome sunset over the lake

pretty sunny day with the sweets

yummy grilled pork chops..:)

fall colors shining through

little hungry there

rising across the lake

campsite at night

caught a shelllcracker..just after having a rod in the water a few minutes

wow, it has been awhile since my last post... we have had way toooo much going on around here.. my house looks like a cyclone has recently came through.. and i have bee working a few extra days.. i have not had any time to do much of anything....whew..ready for some rest and relaxation....

we did manage to sneek away for a 2 day ''mini fishing/camping'' trip on halloween.. it was fun and the weather was just fabulous... a little nip in the air... and the fish were not too hungry.. we did manage to catch a few...:)) love some fun time with the hubby!!

God Answers Prayer

2011-10-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER!!! IN HIS TIME HE'LL WORK A MIRACLE!! HE WILL NEVER FAIL!! SATAN HAS LOST THE BATTLE WHEN TO THE LORD YOU HUMBLY BOW!! GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER!!

i am so glad He hears me when I pray.

HE WILL BE VERY GRACIOUS UNTO THEE AT THE VOICE OF THY CRY;WHEN HE SHALL HEAR IT, HE WILL ANSWER THEE. ISAIAH 30:19

worry or not worry??

2011-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

WORRY.. sometimes i do this more than other times.. i worry about things i need to do at home, i worry about something that happened at work, i worry about money, i worry about my grandmaw.. i could go on and on.... but i need to refocus and realize He has everything under control. He knows the outcome of every situation before i even ever thought about it.

i have a heavy heart today. i am asking everyone to remember my grandmaw in prayer. her condition is getting worse. her lung is filling up with fluid again. the doctors are not giving us good news. i do not like seeing her in this condition. I am reminded today, that HIS eye is on the sparrow and i know He watches her, and will take care of her, according to His will. He takes care of the sparrows..then really, why should i feel discouraged???

i can sit and watch the birds in my yard. they are and seem to be so happy, carefree, and just love singing..why?? because they are happy, and they like sitting and watching, and enjoy the sunshine. they are under great care.

help me today, LORD, to realize and remember you can do ALL THINGS, and know what is best in every situation.

Luke 12:7 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Hola'

2011-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

HOLA...back from a lovely ,acton packed, relaxed, funfilled trip. we had a fun time, and enjoyed celebrating our anniversary. we ate a lot of good food, shoppped, and just had fun being together.

we had so much fun on this cruise. we had ports of call in grand cayman, and cozumel, mexico. it was fun exploring both places.

time flies

2011-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

WOW!! where does the time go????? here it is the first WEEK of fall... wow.. time for crisp,cool, mornings, crunchy leaves..haha..raking them also.. apples, sipping on something HOTon the front porch..wow...love this time of the year..but NOT what is around the corner... winter..it will be here before you know it..

Another thing that is just around the corner is my nephew's wedding... sniff, sniff...:))) i know it is a happy time for our family, but really, it just does not seem like he is old enough to be getting married.. that only means one thing..I AM GETTING OLDER..:(( HAHA.. we have enjoyed some cooler weather recently, and was able to have another family campout..and we spent a few days in pigeon forge to attend the bluegrass and bbq festival at dollywood! what a fun time..and the moutains was a great change of pace and scenery.

MAKING MEMORIES

2011-08-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

we have had a great time these past few weeks.. if we have had a few days off work together, we have been taking little mini camping trips.. we have had a ball just being together, and enjoying the camping life.. we have found several ''new'' things to do, as far as organization, and cooked some great meals, and we survived our first thunderstorm, while camping.. we made it through it!! we are packing up and heading out again, for another little adventure... we are enjoying our little camper, it is not fancy, but is quickly becoming our ''home away from home'', and we have had so much fun, making memories with each other and with family and friends.

even in the valley

2011-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

High upon this mountain, the sun is shining bright.

My heart is filled with gladness, here above the cares of life.

But, I 've just come through the valley, of trouble, fear,and pain,

It was there, I came to know my God, enough, to stand and say..

Even in the valley, God is good, Even in the valley, He is faithful and true.

He carries His children through, like He said He would.

Even in the valley, God is good.

This road of life has lead you, to a valley of defeat,

You wonder if the Father, has heard your desperate plea,

There is hope in that rugged place, where tears of sorrow dwell,

Can't you hear Him gently whispering,''Iam here, and all is well."

Even in the valley, God is good.

Even in the valley, He is fathful and true.

He carries His children through, like He said He would,

Even in the valley, God is good!!!

He is still good, no matter what we face, and He will be there with His Grace to see us through.

PSALM 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Day trippin

2011-08-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

TABLE ROCK STATE PARK, JULY,2011 saturday was a fun day. we spent the day scouting out new campgrounds to take the camper... we had been to Table Rock and Devil's Fork before.. but we had not seen the camping areas... we are looking forward to going back here in a few weeks camping....

A NICE VIEW

the beach area at Devil's Fork.. we had a fun time here just relaxing and snacking..lol

a pretty waterfall

Sassafrass Mountain :))

PEDAL, PEDAL

2011-08-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Drake got a new bike for his 8th birthday.. he was really wanting to learn how to ride it.... so, he had one of the best instructors around.. my daddy...LOL I can remember how he and my mama taught me how to ride a bike... basically, i did not have a choice, but to take off pedalling....or else...:)))drake and pawpaw hoot starting to learn..

daddy walking along side of drake,, teaching him about balance,and pedaling...

at this point, they both had just about had it....with each other..drake was getting that speech i got..years ago.....'' if u don't get back on those pedals..and keep pedaling...''..lol ''don't put your feet down anymore.!!!!!''

looking at the handlebars.....

he finally learned..and my daddy's patience got thinner and thinner... but now, drake will always have the memories of pawpaw hoot teaching him how to ride a bike... and he rides it everywhere, now...

Birthday Bashes

2011-08-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

birthday buddy, bigeye

yummo cake

HAHA!! we celebrated birthdays over the past few weeks.... My nephew, Ethan, better known as ''BIGEYE'' celebrated his 21st birthday..wow,he is all grown up,where has the time went to?? more to come on that...lol

and my bro-in-law, scott, he turned 20+20+5 +1+1+110/........... haha cant count it all...jk

BIRTHDAY BOY..DRAKE ,WITH GRAN AND PAWPAW..HE TURNED EIGHT !!

US AT APPLEBEES FOR DRAKE'S BIRTHDAY

HERE IS JABBO WITH HIS''JUG''

DRAKE'S LITTLE CAKE.. HE LOVED THE BLUE ROSES

BRO AND SIS...<3

WE HAD A GOOD TIME CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAYS.....

Knee Deep

2011-08-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

Being ''knee deep'' in the water somewhere is one of '' my favorite things''.... We had a great time on our annual family beach vacation this year... the only thing, is that it was not ''complete''... my sis, angie, and her family did not get to make it.. they had to go to ballgames in NC, because my nephew, ben, had made ALLSTARS..(yea, ben).. but we had a great time... we enjoyed some yummy food, great beach weather..and some good shopping... and just plain relaxing..
a hottt day on the beach, and I was knee deep this day for sure..

Drake swimming

buddy and me <3

niece and me..we were sooo hungry.. waiting on our food

just had a greasy hamburger...:)

love them!!!

love, love,love

we rode the new skywheel... it is the second, largest, ferris wheel in the US

So tranquil and quiet this morning = PEACEFUL

WE had a blast, but missed my other sis, and her family like crazy..... but it was still great to get away!!!

bountiful blessings----Pear preserves

2011-08-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

We have a pear tree in our yard. It has only produced a few pears, in years previously, but this year, was a year that the tree was loaded. We here at'' the simple gift'' tend to get excited when we have fresh produce to work with... so, you know what that means..... PEAR PRESERVES..:))

mama and I got together to make some delicious pear preserves.. i thought the pears were very pretty.

here are the pears cooking on the stove...

It takes ALL day to do this.. but it is sooo worth it...

after cooking with the sugar..putting them in HOTTTT jars..

they are a pretty color,some are darker than others..

the pretty display my mama did...

now, all we need is some HOTTTT, HOMEMADE, buttered biscuits...and we are good to go..

we had a blast, and it always good to get together with mama to do stuff like this in the kitchen..memories that I will have forever....<3

sizzlin summertime

2011-07-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has been doing good in bloggerland. we have been keeping busy with everyday things here at the ''simple gift''. Summer is here and that means a lot to us. it is HOTTT!!! We love grillin, and chillin, and time with family!! We celebrated July 4th, at work..lol.. but had a great July 4th weekend before.We had a great service at church, followed by our first Churchwide fellowship in the new building. It was a blessing to get to go. Summer is a wonderful time to sit back, rock on the wonderful front porch, take a dip in the pool, eat watermelon... you get the point...lol... well, think i will go do just some of those things right now!!! Happy Summer everyone!!

Happiness is as a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. - Nathaniel Hawthorne

camp life

2011-06-23T00:56:00.001-07:00

we took the family over to a nearby campground for the weekend. it was fun just to hang out, and sharesome of the greatest laughs ever. we had delicious food, and some awesome , homemade ice cream.

yummy hotdog

the gang

me and my sweets riding the paddleboats

look who's creeping along

we had a ball... and we look forward to doing this again!!

wonderful weekend happenings?!

2011-06-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

we had a great weekend..one that was totally fun and relaxing... we had a fun time at home on saturday.. we had a delicious griled lunch of rotisseree chickens, grilled corn, yummy chicken/garlic rice, and rolls.....yummers...

spent the afternoon by the pool relaxing, and soaking up the rays :)))

we celebrated my mother's birthday on saturday at the nearby cracker barrel..she loves that place.. this cake was good too..

me and my sweet gang

my niece and her Gran

we had a great saturday, and had fun with family!!

gentleman, start YOUR engines!

2011-05-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

we had a fabulous time last weekend with the family and some other special people!! we spent the day at the Nascar All Star race in Charlotte. we had a fun time of eating, fellowshipping, eating, cooling off, watching people, listening to some great music, and then finally, the big race at th end of the night!! we had a wonderful time, and got to spend time with my family....

Marvolous May

2011-05-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

my mother opening up her pearl necklace!!

chris catching one

me and my big fish for the day!!!

smile fishy!!

beautiful sunset on the water!!

WOW!!! may is a huge busy month for this family..let's see... there's mother's day, my sister's birthday, my mama's birthday, my grandmother's birthday.... and other birthdays and parties of all such, graduations...weddings..hmmmmmm... We celebrated last sunday, mother's day..chris and i took our mother's out for a great meal..and we spent time together..love that so much!!!

we went fishing on thursday.. we both needed a little time away from everything... and what better way to spend it...by looking out at that water..... chillin on the boat with a sundrop..lol..and catching fish!!!! we had a great time...ready to go do it again!!!!

we have been really busy with everything..but oh, so looking forward to the summer, and going here and there..and those ''mater'' sandwiches from the garden....(still working on that).. and those LAZY days of summer by the pool!!! hope your weekend is marvolous!!! this may day!!!

just a thought

2011-05-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not into thine on understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3 : 5 -6

sometimes we need to be reminded of this.. He is there, we need to trust Him.. even for the little things in life!!

Family time

2011-04-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I just love my family!!

this is all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren with my grandmother!!

all of the granddaughters

my mother, aunt, and all of the kids!!

Easter was fun. and He is still alive today, it did not end yesterday, AMEN.we had a great day yesterday at church.. it was a full house.. and afterwards, we had a yummazing lunch with our family..it was so good to get together, and eat, and laugh, and fellowship together.. Family is so important, because they are not always gonna be there, so, cherish the time you have together, while you can.. we sure did miss my Uncle Vick yesterday.. it seemed so wierd, getting out of the car, and him, not sitting there on the front porch to greet me.. But he had the best EASTER ever in Heaven, i am sure... Cherish your family time together, you never know what will happen.
Be thankful for your family.

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

playing catch up - part three

2011-04-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

full bloom

this is so pretty

love this huge tree

love these tulips!!

azaleas in our front yard!!

japenese maple tree.. i love the way this tree looks!!

our apple trees in full bllom!!

the dogwoods and the yard is getting greener everyday!!

the pear tree has lots of blooms on it!!!

the sun was shining so pretty through the pear tree!!

so... I love this beautiful weather.. kind of wish it would stay like this for a few months.. not too hot, and not too cool.. just right!!! I took some pics of the beautiful spring flowers here in our yard, and a few from a nearby beautiful place... enjoy!!

playing catch up - part two

2011-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

so, playing catch up on here is rough... but i will do it anyway!! we had a few days off last week together, so, we decided to load up the camper, and get away for a few days!! the weather was just perfect for camping.. we had such a great time, doing absolutely NOTHING but resting, eating, relaxing, and fishing!!

we had a beautiful view of the lake

the water was so calm

yummo grilled porkchop meal the first night!!

the pretty, sunny, blue sky!!

yumm

gotta have these festive lights!!

grilled corn..love it!!

bbq bread, fried taters, chicken...mmm

lakeview as sun was setting

It's campfire time!!!! bring on the marshmellows!!

ok.. had to get a pic of us.. but keep in mind.. we ain't trying to be pretty!! i had no makeup on, and Chris had not shaved!!

''tree huggers''..lol

''why are you sticking your tongue out at me???''

we had a fun, fun time, and started thinking about where we want to go camping next???

catching up - Part one

2011-04-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

wow..our name is on the sign!!

the pool area

another view in side the hotel

some of our teens from the back

Bro. Tony Hutson

Bro. Tony and Pastor Goodman

me and my sweets!! <3

this the men's quartet from Middle Tennessee Baptist Church

Sorry, bloggerland..or should I say just the handful of you that read my blog.. i have been extremely busy over the past few weeks, that i have not had the time to blog, much less do much of anything else, but sleep, eat, work..repeat steps 1-3... lol...

i promise to try to do better!!! spring is in full swing or bloom??!!!!! it is just beautimus around here, and love everything green again, but it does NOT love me.. sniff, sniff!! i had to go to the dr. the other day for wheezing, sneezing, and a really bad cough!! thank God for those shots in the hip, and for z-pack!! they bounce you back in no time!!!!! and cough syrup to i might add!!

we were priveleged to go with the youth from church to the annual teen campmeeting they have every year with Bro. Tony Hutson. our Pastor preaches there every year and we take a bus load of teens there for a few days!! it was wonderful as always!! it is always great to go to other churches that worship they way you do, and you can feel the Spirit of the Lord,and His blessings on our young people.. we started up to Tn on thursday morning, arrived late thursday afternoon, got checked in, ate a pizza supper, had a few devotions, brought to us by a few of our Preacher boys..and then the kids swam, and played games and such, had a testimony time, and got ready for friday's FULL day of meetings. friday was a full day, really.. we had a morning service, came back, ate a good meal, then went back to hotel for rest,and swimtime, and then got ready for friday night's service.. it was great!! we had a good service, so good, that at 1100 pm, Bro. tony broke for supper(HAHA), and went at it again till about 100am.. we arrived back at the hotel going on 2am!! needless to say, not a lot of rest, and then went back on saturday morning!!! it was great.. we left there and headed back home, and got back around 12 on saturday night.. we had a wonderful time, and had a great time of fellowship too!! the LORD is good!! the teens had a time of testimony time on Sunday, telling everybody at church about the meeting.. we heard about 12 different Preachers while we were there, and had a great time in God's house!!

go away old man!!

2011-03-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

this lady spoke on cows and heifers.. i really desire to be a cow... i want to be one.. and if u are wondering.. i don't want to be a heifer... (you had to be there).. it was great!! go away old man..old man winter, that is..he has made a return here in the upstate for the past few days...he brought a weekend of chilly air and chilly rain... the rain, i know we need, but this cool air..hmmm... i am having issues with.. haha.. brrrrr.. my mother and i, along with the ladies from church had a wonderful weekend of laughs, tears, and wonderful nuggets from The Word... we went on a retreat to a sister church.. the theme was ''Southern Charm''...and i have never been more proud to be from the south after this weekend.. it was much needed, and it was packed..we saw lots of funny things.. and the speakers were great... i will elaborate on some in future posts... we had fun shopping, and fellowship, but little rest..which is why i am soooo tired this week.. oh well, rest in my future... and just in case you are wondering.. I love my SWEET tea...haha

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-25T03:36:00.000-07:00

the beautiful peach trees in our backyard are in full bloom!!!!
well, it is officially here...SPRING!! i was beginning to wonder where it was.. i love to hear the birds chirping.. not particularly at or before 7 am..though....lol.. everyday that passes, our yard here is getting greener everyday.... we are ready to plant the first plants in the garden, in anticipation of fresh vegetables, and huge sunflowers... yum.. on the mater sandwiches!!!!

and by the way.. i am ready to rock on my front porch with my sweetie too.. oh such fun awaits!!

it really is going to be a busy, but fun weekend. i am going on a Ladie's trip with my church to another church.. looking forward to the fun, fellowship, and what the Lord has in store for us..

not lucky, just BLESSED

2011-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY

today has been a good day. it is st.patrick's day.. we have been busy today. we have had the past two days off together. we have been working on a few projects here, getting ready for the upcoming warmer weather. being lucky has nothing to do with us , we are truly blessed, everyday.. in many ways... we were talking today, of some things we have been wanting lately... and not jumping into something, before it was the right thing.. we are glad HE knows what is best for us, and he gives us what He wants.. not in our timing, but HIS.. when He gives us His best, it is our ''pot of gold''.. and he let's us be reminded of His blessings everyday..just like a rainbow, HE puts every color in it, just like HE puts every detail in our life, perfectly.. SO THANKFUL OF THIS TODAY....

Be careful fo nothing; but in every thing by prayer and suppication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phillipians 4:6

recipe

2011-03-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A WONDERFUL RECIPE TO PASS ON

spice a DAY with LAUGHTER,

mix with HAPPY TIMES too,

add a pinch of FAMILY TIME,

and some fun FRIENDSHIPS as you go along too,

stir in LOTS of LOVING

it makes no difference''WHERE''..even at the top of a huge lighthouse..LOL

fold in daily SUNSHINE

and flavor it with PRAYER!!!

this is wonderful food for the soul and feeds EVERYONE!!!!

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:13

spring forward

2011-03-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

we are finally moving forward with a new season.. spring is just a week away!! we change the time AHEAD tonight!! i can hardly wait!! i love the longer days!! i look forward to it, especially when i walk out the doors after a HARD days work, and stilll have a little bit of daylight left.

it is beginning to get a little warmer.. we still have some cool mornings, but warm throughout the day.

we are looking forward to the warmer weather. we have had a rougher than usual winter.. it snowed here about 3 times.. you can always tell when the seasons are changing.. the birds start a different ''tune'', and everything gains it's life back.. people get out more and do things as families..looking forward to all of that and more..

we will be celebrating my bro-in-law's birthday tonight.. i am hungry..and wanting something good to eat..

time for these

2011-03-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

spring is getting springier(IF SUCH A WORD)..more and more every day. these buttercups have recently bloomed in the yard.. i love the looks of these flowers..so pretty, and perfectly shaped, and bloomed out..and they just beam with pride.. our pear tree is beginning to bloom out some also, along with a few tulips.. i love tulips, they just don't last very long..

our week has been coming a long just fine..not very much has happened.. i was busy today here at home, doing laundry..and washing dishes, cleaned the kitchen a little..things like that.. i went to run an errand, came back, went to work for a meeting.. chris and i are both off tommorrow..looking forward to seeing and spending time with him..

Do the very best that you can, and leave the outcome to God.

Banquet, Bbq, and Bargains!!

2011-02-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

we had a busy weekend. thursday night was the Chief's Banquet. it is held annually for all of the firefighters and families. we had a great evening. we enjoyed a catered bbq meal with all the trimmings. this is us after the banquet.

chris recieved an award for serving on the Leadership team . it is a group of ff's who get together discuss ideas from other members of the department, policies, and procedures, and so forth. these men are voted to be on the team.

friday night was a beautiful ''preview'' of spring. so, we decided to grill.. yummy corn!!

and here was the fillets.. and grilled onions!! the food was sooo good..

my mother and I went shopping on friday.i was having withdrawals..hehe.. i had not been to goodwill since the week after Christmas.. so, we went.. mama bought me these brand new cookie/bread pans for 50 cents each.. i needed some new ones..a perfect find.. AND i found this cookbook.. i did not have this one... i love it.. and that is my friend, Paula.. PAULA DEEN.. it was a great end to the week!!

day to day

2011-02-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

we had a great weekend. it was a busy one, but fun. we all went to eat fish together on friday night. my mother was wanting some good fish, so, we rounded up the family that wanted to go, and headed out. it was good, and we got to see some people we know. saturday, chris and i both had to work. we had a wonderful church service sunday. the Lord used my group to sing, and we sang and sang..:).. it was a great service, and He answered a prayer of mine, that i had been praying for too... He always is right on time!! we had a good lunch at my parent's home after church sunday. we had a boston butt..yummo.. and chris and i showed mama some more new things on her computer..
work has been ok this week..i am glad it is over.. we have our annual Fire Department Banquet this thursday night..looking forward to that.. that is all here... the spring like temps and sun are welcome here any day!! bring it on!!!

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall recieve. Matthew 21:22

spring ?

2011-02-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

this was a ''mess of fish'' we caught last year at the beginning of the season!! ready to do this again !

wow, what a beautiful day the Lord has given us today!!! He made it so pretty and the sun is shining!! the birds were singing this morning when i woke up.. it is really beginning to feel like spring!! i can't wait.. i am sooo ready for warmer weather.. i have been busy around here today, sprucing up the kitchen, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher a few times, washed about three loads of clothes, cleaned out the fridge.. just got caught up on things on the homefront..

we spent our day off together, yesterday..hubby wanted to go on a roadtrip to a bait and tackle shop he had been too, a while back, to pick up a few things... we went and got those things, looked around at a few more things, had lunch at one of my favorite places, * Lonestar Steakhouse*.. and it was yummolicious, as always.. we left there and he took me to a nearby mall.. i picked up a few things i had been looking for.. it was a beautiful day, and a fun one too.. i love our days off together, and look forward to warmer weather.. it is time for fishing, and taking the boat out on the water...kayaks, camping... ready to catch the big fish again!!!

i love the snow and cooler weather but i love warmer temps!!!! get out and enjoy this weekend with your loved ones!!

our birthday parties

2011-02-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

we recently, both had birthdays. chris' birthday was on january 23, and mine, just this past week, february 12. we celebrated chris', at one of his favorite mexican places, bronco's. mine, was celebrated at a local italian place, don's. we always love our birthday get- togethers.. these are my roses i was surprised with at work on valentine's.they came with a pretty heart-shaped pendant on the vase. i was wearing it..

this was our dessert we had on Valentine's night, here at home.. Strawberry yum yum..made by my mother..it was yumm,yumm.., and a great finish to a lovely meal!!

my jug of money, i look forward too every year for my birthday.. a tradition started by my daddy years ago!!! i love traditions!!!

this was ''my birthday cake''..lol..i wanted oreo pie for my birthday cake..and mama saw fit that i had it!!! thanks so much mommy!!

my wonderful baked spaghetti i had!! it was delish!!

drake and ben eating it up!!

this was chris' birthday cake.. he suggested a peanut butter pie, made by my mama..she did an awesome job!! it was sooo yummy!!

who is this??? this is the birthday couple!!!

scott, ben, and drake

we had a great birthday and we loved our time together.. i am thankful we make birthdays fun and special in our family!!

happenings

2011-02-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

this has been a busy week..but i am looking forward to the weekend. my birthday is this weekend... i am almost sure we will be celebrating with family, and having some fun together.. i look forward to my daddy's jug..(LOL).. i have been busy this week with work, and we were told we were getting up to 1 inch of snow last night... haha.. very funny!!!! chris woke this morning to get ready for work, and i got up to see the snow!!! haha.. it looked like nothing more than a HARD frost... maybe, just maybe??? a light dusting!!!! i got up to see this?????? lol Needless to say, i returned to the sack, and fell back fast asleep!!!

Tonight, our church is having a popular singing group that has been around for a long time..''The Inspirations". i am sure it will be a packed house.. i hope to get to go.

Valentine's day is just around the corner... i love this holiday, but don't get me wrong, i really am glad that my hubby and i do stuff together, and celebrate our love for one another, not just on this day, but 365 days a year.. i am blessed to have a Christian hubby who understands me and respects me and does stuff for me, not just on holidays... i do not need chocolate and roses, for him to show his love.. i am the same way about him, and he knows that.. we will celebrate with a nice meal, and maybe a few things this weekend... :))..

hope everyone is having a blessed week!!

My beloved is mine, and I am his. Song of Solomon 2:16

fun times with friends

2011-02-06T18:25:00.001-08:00

with TRUE friends, even water drunk together is sweet enough.

we have had a fun week. we spent the week in Charleston, with my best friend, Leah, and her family. we both had some days off, so we wanted to catch up with this wonderful family.. Christmas is always a busy time for us both, so around this time of the year, we try to get together . we enjoyed some great family time, ate some great and yummy food, played with the kids, and had some rest and relaxation too..oh, and shopping... it was fun to watch videos with the kids and i am amazed at the kids how much they have grown, since summer....

we love our buddies..and we are so thankful for them.. i am thankful for good Christian friends, who we can fellowship with, laugh, cry, and be ourself with.. that, to me, is priceless, and something i will treasure forever.. the only thing i really hated about this trip was leaving, because it was so tough for a 2 year old to be telling me,''Please don't leave!!''.. so, i am very thankful and praise the Lord for my great friend, and her family!!!

just for mama

2011-02-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

this post is just for you, mama...We love you and miss you and hope you are having a great day!!!

2011-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

Do not ask the Lord to guide YOUR footsteps, if YOU are not willing to move YOUR feet!!

LOVE MONTH IS HERE!

2011-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

love month is here!!! it is hard to believe..seems like it was just Christmas day and we had a beautiful blanket of white on the ground... wow..time really is flying.. That is ok..just means we are closer to warmer weather... yesterday here, it was a beautiful 65 degrees..it felt like a spring day..but today, the cold air is back!!!!

Only 12 more days to my birthday... We celebrate the whole month since february is such a short month!!!! lol.. We are looking forward to seeing some buddies this week and spending some quality time with them... hope your week is great!!!

hump day

2011-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

It started out as a dreary wednesday here..but it has ended up a rather windy wednesday!!!! and the sun is peeking in also... I have been staying busy with work, and such...but now, that is all over until saturday!! so, now to focus on some things here on the home front..lol..

I really have a hard time keeping up with laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher..things like that.. but I have to make time for it.. so, that is really what I have been up to today... I have my mind on a few things... I feel like being on a beautiful , sunny, island right now...just me and hubby... soaking up the rays..and chillin to the sound of mariachi music.. lol... SNAP!!!!! back to reality!!!! for now, this picture will have to do...but oh well.. can't wait for warmer weather and fun times ahead.. but until then I will just keep on freezing and hybernating until warmer weather is here!!!!!

We celebrated hubby's birthday with the family the other night at Bronco's mexican.. He had a peanut butter pie for his ''birthday cake'' made by my mommy!! oh, it was heaven!! in our mouths!! So, church time will be here soon.. Hope everyone has a great week!!

Life is the flower for which Love is the Honey. - Victor Hugo

snow and snow and snow

2011-01-11T16:10:00.001-08:00

i love icicles.. i always loved as a child, breaking them off, and eating them like a sucker...my hand would be freezing.. i did not care..it was fun.. old man winter has hit here in the upstate, yet again...we enjoyed the beautiful white christmas.. and now, the LORD blessed us again with another 6 inches..... it is so pretty.. and i really do love it, but i am soooo ready for warmer weather.. i had to work yesterday, and I am so glad that we made it back home safely last night..

it has been a nice, relaxing, day here at home..i have done nothing but relax, watch tv, raid the cabinets..ate, snacked..(LOL).. and surfed the net all day..i am ready to have a good day off with the sweets tommorrow!!!
my mother came over today to drop off something to me, and she got me some snow off of the car to make snowcream.. i made it this afternoon..it was yummy...it was so creamy..

i am working on a few projects.. i hope to have them finished soon... i am going to have a nice, relaxed evening... hope yours is great as well..

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

happy new year

2010-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

Beautiful snowy trees in the backyard last week
I can't believe it is the end of this year. it just seems as though it just began... it is amazing how time flies... we had a great Christmas.. and now, it's time to wind down this year..get things put back in their ''normal'' spot, and go forward... in some areas in my life, I hope things will be better..and I hope to improve on some things too.. I am putting some things behind me, and going on for the Lord..

this past year has been tough in some areas.. it has brought tears, fears, dissapointments, and trials...but it has also brought joy, and happiness, and a sense of accomplishment. I am grateful for that.. and I praise the Lord for every trial..

I have been praying about several things.. and we are just trusting the Lord in all of those areas.. we will be celebrating with some family tommorrow.. my mama will have her traditional new year's meal...we call it the luck meal.......I wish everyone of you in Bloggerland a safe and Happy New Year.. and pray that the Lord will bless you in all that you do..

Blessed

2010-12-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas with my family last night. We really are soooo blessed. we get so much, and much more than we deserve. It makes me so thankful, and yet, I still think of those who did not have hardly anything under the tree....

We were suppossed to celebrate tonight with Chris' side of the family. They were scheduled to come here to our home. The weather did not cooperate. We ended up with about 5 inches of snow. It was a first for me..to see a White Christmas.. It was so beautiful..Anyway, we are celebrating maybe in the next week....

We did not get to go to church today.. It seems so weird, not being there.. I miss it a lot. Ready for another week, and then ready for some rest... I hope everyone still has a great time being with their families, and have a fun time in this snow..

2010-12-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

thank you JESUS for another CHRISTmas!YOU'VE been so good to us this year!!

You've made burdens lighter, and dark days brighter, and thanks for lovedones we hold dear.

thank you JESUS for another CHRISTmas! let's love each other more next year, may your days be merry and bright!making CHRIST YOUR SAVIOUR AS YOUR LIGHT!!

It has been a busy week so far.. we have been scurrying around buying those last minute gifts. we have had a great time seeing family, baking with my sisters and mama, and we had our Church CHRISTmas party last night. it was the last time in the ''old'' fellowship building. We will be moving into the new fellowship building this upcoming year. These next few days are going to be busy, but take time out to thank the LORD for all HE has done for you this year. many of us have lost loved ones this past year. it has been tough. We are so blessed with what we have and what the LORD has done for us.!!

CHRISTMAS RUSH

2010-12-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

the Christmas rush is here...we have been really busy trying to work, and get all the shopping done.. i still have baking to do with my family, and wonder when I am going to finish my last few gifts to buy.. WHEW!! i AM READY FOR A BREAK.. a restful break with no where to go, no where to be at a certain time..just me and the sweets..enjoying Christmas and each other..

the sad thing for most people is on the 25th...it is over... but MY Christmas is a 365 days a year thing.. I have Christmas EVERYDAY.. Jesus is the best gift you could ever want, and he just keeps on giving. He never breaks, or doesnt fit.. He never runs out of batteries.. HE has all the power in the world..... He is a gift you never want to return, but a gift you want to give ALWAYS!!! AND THE BEST THING IS ..He is GOD'S GREATEST GIFT, ever sent..to show the world.

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-13T07:54:00.001-08:00

We have had lots of stuff going on. Our church went on a Faith Family Retreat in Pigeon Forge, last weekend. We had lots of fun. It was great to get away and see the beautiful lights and get in the Christmas spirit. We went to Dollywood, and shopped and ate some really good food... I have a lot of shopping still left to do. It is hard to buy for people who have everything. I , personally like the green stuff.. it fits everybody..and you can always use it. It amazes me how people , during Christmas, don't ever remember what Christmas is all about. They put everything else in front of HIM. After all, it is HIS birthday we celebrate.

It is going to be busy these next few weeks, but try to STOP and remember the REASON for the Season.

Get A Life

2010-12-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I may need to clear my mind or ''tell it as it is'' on some things that have occured over the past week... I have had this brewing for a few days now.. It may seem a little bitter, I am NOT bitter, just mainly hurt.. but I know the Lord is going to take care of this situation along with another situation my FAMILY and I have dealt with for over a year now.. you know, people will fail you.... some of these people used to be people you actually spent quality time with on a regular basis..some sat in the same church as you did, some actually , were really close.. you watched relationships form, and some of these people you thought would be the last ones to do certain things...WRONG!!!

I have a little message for these certain people...Get a LIFE!!!! if you have time to down other people's character, and tell false things about someone or something that you know is NOT true..Get a LIFE!!! if you have time to sit around the computer and stir up mischeif about someone and try to ruin their testimony, GET A real ((JOB )) FIRST, THEN get a life!!!!!!

If you have time to go behind closed doors, and try to figure out ways to ''take something from someone'' that you know rightfully is their's to begin with, you need to get a life, while I get me a good lawyer...... ''Thou shalt NOT steal'' IT is a commandment.. and the sad thing about this is, these ''people'' are putting their trust in worldy things, than the things of GOD...shame, shame... It is also shameful because they have not put their heart and lives into this, and something that my family has worked Hard for all these years... and now, it seems as though it is is gone..gone forever...hmmmm.. but my father owns the cattle on the thousand hills, and he owns everything on those hills as well.. I just know, I could not be that envious and look my own family in the eye.. and know I had done something like that.. That is hurtful..and deceitful. The LORD WILL DEAL WITH THOSE PEOPLE.. and somwhere down the line, it will come back to bite them.. just sayin..He will judge..

envy is such a bad thing...and always relates in evil doings..

James 3 :16 For where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

People do things and for the most part do them with intentions to destroy someone or their testimony..some people are just jealous of others.

Pride is something that along this same line too... Pride will keep a man or woman from serving God with their WHOLE heart.. They let things and other people stand in the way of giving it ALL to Him...

Proverbs 28: 25-26 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

I know my LORD is gonna stand by me, and my family, and my other friends . W e put our full trust in Him.. HE has never failed, never let us down, and we are gonna keep on keeping on for Him.... and for those people, get God in YOUR hearts, and then everything else along with your Life will fall into place....

Repent.. repent and ask God to forgive you of your wrong.. Ask the other person for forgiveness..and quit the things you are doing...

Repentance was perhaps best defined by a lille girl that said, '' It's to be sorry enough to quit."

Thanksgiving is here

2010-11-24T23:49:00.000-08:00

Like it or not, Thanksgiving is here. We have so much to be thankful for..everyday of the year should be Thanksgiving.. not just one time of the year. Here are a few things on my list this year.

* salvation through Jesus Christ, He is the only way. He is always there for me.
* wonderful Godly heritage. Thankful my mother raised me in church.
* wonderful family. They are a group of special people. We always know how to have fun..
* Godly husband.. where would I be without him.. He knows my true feelings about everything in my life. He works hard to provide for me..and does everything he can to make me happy..
* a job that I enjoy. It is my calling, and my desire to help people and to make them feel better.
* Home.. some people have just a house.. it goes way beyond that. we have a home.. and it is not a huge ,fancy place but without a doubt,was meant for us.. thankful for this..
* Wonderful friends.. I love my friends.. I have a few that I consider close.. but I have one TRUE, best friend, and she knows me like the back of her hand. I thank God he chose our paths to cross that September morning, over 25 years ago.
* Food and Clothing.. This is something that i take for granted.. we have never went hungry nor went without the clothes we need.
* Traditions.. Thankful for the new and old ones we have in our family..that my parents made for us growing up. They mean the world to me, and I hope to pass on.
*Talent.. thankful to get to be used for His honor and glory.
* Memories...thankful for all the memories I have of loved ones, and special times.. My mother and daddy have always given us precious memories..
*Promises. i am thankful for God's promises.. He will always be there, and He keeps us safe.
* Heaven. Thankful that I really get to go.. Thankful for my loved ones there, that I get to see one day... especially my grandfather, Uncle Vick, and David, my fatherinlaw.. It gets sweeter every day.

these are just a few things I am thankful for..My list could go on and on.. Here are a few other things.
Dirty dishes.. it means we had food to eat.. and full bellies.
Taxes.. cause it means I am employed.
Heat and Air..means I am warm and cool..
Ablity to travel..this may not always be.. so We do it while we can.
my alarm clock that goes off.. it means I am alive..and that I can hear ..but doesnt mean I always get up..lol
Laundry..it means we have plenty of clothes..
Pictures..it means I have captured fond memories with the ones that are dearest to my heart..

so, just a few other things... We wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.. spend it with the ones you love and cherish every moment.. as it could be the last one ever you will get to spend with them.

I am making deviled eggs and a strawberry pretzel salad..it looks yummy... Have a great day everyone..!!
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME AND MY FAMILY!!!!

blah

2010-11-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

ok..so, right now as i type this.....i am coughing my head off..... i had this ''crud'' a few weeks ago, and it went away after several bottles of robitussin and mucinex...yesterday, i was around a guy who had a terrible cough, and was sneezing like crazy.... by nitefall last night, i was again, back in this same shape... i went to the doctor today for something else, but while there got treated for an upper respiratory infection.. i got some cough medicine, antibiotics, and a few other things..

i hope to feel better just in time for the big day on thursday..

this year, thanksgiving will be tough..it will be our first big holiday without Uncle Vick it is so hard to believe he has been gone for almost five months... i miss him.. i miss his voice when i call my aunt, i miss him greeting me on my grandmother's front porch, as we pull in to her yard on thanksgiving.. i am sure he is going to be having the best thanksgiving ever..in Heaven..

i feel kind of blah, right now..just kind of hard to ''feel the hoildays''.. the weather here has been unusually warm..it doesn't feel like November... i went on friday to get my hair done, hoping to make myself feel a little better, and we had sigma saturday on saturday, met with some friends on friday for supper, it was fun... i have been dealing with a few personal things, i have had a few disapointments come my way, and i have been sad about some decisions made by a few other people.. but i am giving it to the Lord..He knows what is best..and will give me everything in His time..and will give me the desires I have, according to His will.

Thanksgiving Food and Fun

2010-11-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

yes, it's obvious...i have the Thanksgiving meal on my mind already....looking at some of our yummy food from last year..just had to post the pics of some of the food.... i look forward to this time of the year..oh, but do i miss summer soooo bad... i am wishing i was in our pool, chillin out and catching some of rays real bad right now...but oh well...

i got some ribs cooking in the crock pot right now, and they are smelling so good... i went grocery shopping this morning, and i was looking at all the turkeys.. they are sooo big.. i am not sure what i will be making for our annual feast this year..but one thing is for sure..we are looking forward to our tradition of our annual Thanksgiving hayride.. nothing like it.. and memories i love..

i am especially thankful today for the friendships i have.. i only have a handful of people i consider my ''true friends.'' they mean the world to me and for that i am grateful..

cool and cozy

2010-11-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

i am lovin the cooler weather..i am disliking the time change very much!!!! i am so sleepy and ready for bed around 8 pm..that is not like me at all!! i love waking up on these cool, crisp, fall mornings..and cuddling up on the couch with a mug full of something warm..it just depends on my mood...hot cider, hot chocolate, or yummy coffee with my favorite creamer.. just chillin out and watchin tv..or whatever i want to do..lol
the holidays are almost here...i have already been getting some ideas for santa..lol...it is amazing, you can always think of stuff you need...lol...$$$$$$$,,lol...
we had a nice, girl's night out friday night..me and my sisters, niece, and mommy...she was so sweet..she treated us all to a great meal!! and we went shopping afterwards... i am looking forward to going, Lord willing, tommorrow night to our annual Thanksgiving dinner Ladies fellowship..it is always a blessing!! we have been blessed so much this year!! it has been hard at times, and we have had a few things come our way, but He has never failed us!! Amen to that..

Blessed

2010-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year... although the change of season tends to get to me and my sinuses/allergies...ugh... it has been really dry here, and I have suffered all week with a terrible cough and bad sinus drainage... I am getting better day by day but it seems to be getting the best of me.. please pray I feel better soon. He blesses us with so much everyday, we are so undeserving of His goodness..

This morning, hubby and I got up real early, and was among the first in line to vote.. He made me breakfast this morning..It was a real treat.. We voted, and he dropped me back off at home, before leaving to go to work.. I returned back to bed..and slept till he called me at 11:ooam.
I needed that rest sooo bad...
The holidays are fastly approaching...almost time to start putting out all the Christmas stuff..I love it,and I love celebrating the season.. my Sisters, niece, and my mom, hopefully will be having a fun girls saturday..looking forward to that this weekend....not sure what we will get into..

fun, fall weekend

2010-10-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we had a great Ladie's trip to mrs.ava's house in the mountains.we had a fun time of food, fellowship, food, shopping, movies, laughs,food...ok, you get the picture...
we spent the morning traveling to her house. we visited the Mast General Store, and this beautiful park, then shopped till we dropped, and ate at a great place, called the mountain house. we returned to the others that were staying at the house watching movies. we watched a movie with them, then gathered in the dining room for funny stories, and snacks, and a short devotion.

On saturday, we got up and ate a great breakfast. some of us took advantage of more shopping, visiting local thrift stores, a great yard sale, and a trip to the outlets...i got a great deal at the yard sale..2 kayaks, a 4 person raft, all the paddles, and a pump for 40 bucks...i am proud to say they all blow up just fine... lol
after baking a batch of brownies, and eating lunch, we cleaned up and gathered our stuff to head back home. we had a great time of fellowship, and I needed it so much.

FALL FISHIN AND SUCH

2010-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

we have returned from a wonderful, relaxing, restful vacation... we have got to see and do many things. we have celebrated 8 years of marriage...i love my husband more and more, everyday. it is so comforting to know, you were meant just for each other, and you can share, and laugh together... i love our time together, not just away on vacation, but everyday, and every moment together is priceless....

we did something a little different this year for vacation..we rented a house on an island.. it was a lot of house for just two people, but we enjoyed every minute of it. we went fishing, cooked some meals, ate out, shopped, laughed, walked 178 steps to the top of the tallest lighthouse in Ga..and spent many precious moments with each other...

it was great to sit on the roof top deck to watch the sunrise and sunsets together.. we rocked in the rockers.and loved walking on the beach.. the weather was just perfect..near 90 degrees everyday..

Sunday, was a great day in church..you miss it soooo much when you are away, and it is true, there is none like your own church..God has been so good to us.. i was sooo anxious to get back because a dear man of God, in our church, had passed away in the beginning of the week..we were away and could not be there for the funeral..i felt awful...but was able to talk with the family, on sunday, and felt much better about it...praise THE LORD we will see him again..!!!

monday and tuesday, we both were off, so we decided to load the boat and go fishing AGAIN..

after some ''minor''issues, on both days, we finally got the boat straightened out..and proceeded with our little fishing excursion again...between yesterday and today , we caught a total of 9..i believe... it was fun..i caught the most..lol..but we had a ball... we had two delicious picnics, and enjoyed just being together...

i am very thankful for my hubby, and these 8 years have been great, and precious to me..

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!!

a time for R and R

2010-10-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

we are enjoying some much needed time together for our 8th wedding anniversary..we have been relaxing, fishing, sleeping, cooking, eating, suntanning, and shopping...it is very warm..we have been loving this great, sunny weather..just a few pics, for now, enjoy..

Happy Birthday

2010-09-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

last week was my sister, Lorieann's, birthday.. we had planned on celebrating this past sunday after church for lunch... we did not get to do that.. we have not had any rain here in quite some time... God poured it on us Sunday...it was so much needed and we were so thankful for it..... we did not celebrate sunday because it was so nasty....outside..so, we will celebrate tonight with a hearty breakfast for supper!!!! yumm.. I can't wait.... my MAMA'S hot biscuits and gravy..... yummo...

it's gonna be delicious....

it seems the cooler, fall weather has arrived....every year when the fair comes to town, we always have a few days of rain..NEVER fails..... but this year, we are definately not complaining..

i have enjoyed some days off from work..it has been great to sleep, and just chill in my pj's all day if I want too...lol..

Thankful for the rain, and for family to spend time with today...

IT'S FALL YA'LL

2010-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiates 3:1 To every thing there is a season , and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

happy fall to everyone!! we love this time of the year. the cool mornings, and warmer afternoons are quite enjoyable. i had a great time sleeping in this morning.. i love my sleep.. we love this time of the year.. beautiful leaves turning, fair time, weekend trips to the mountains, hayrides..punkins...you get the picture.... i am going to put up some fall decorations this afternoon....

the change of seasons always amaze me... i love them all...winter is my least favorite... but to think that the Lord has all of this in His hands... He has it under control.. He makes everything beautiful... beautiful snow in the winter...spring brings pretty buds and new life, summer brings warmth, and fall brings beautiful change upon us...

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He hath made everything beautiful in his time; also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

we are looking forward to a great weekend... our annual Sigma Rush night will be Sunday night.. we are looking forward to a great year in Sigma with the teens...

HE WILL PROVIDE

2010-09-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

this has been a tough week. our week started off with a hard hit.. for a second time in seven years, we have had to replace the water pump on our well.. it was '' fried'' again. this was a hard hit to us, mainly financially.. it was over 400.oo to replace it... that is a hunk of change when you don't expect it... but He always provides for us!!! He always gives us what we need, when we need it...it is a good thing when we depend on HIM..

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation, Selah.

He is so faithful to provide us with the benefits and things we need each day. Praise Him for everyday things, including SHELTER, food, clothing, safe travel, a job, and so on..

Another thought.. a home, just a few miles from us, today, exploded and was destoyed by fire. Thank God the couple was able to get out right before it exploded... We are thankful for home, and for the home HE gave us eight years ago. It was truly, without a doubt, HIS will for us to have this house..

This week, also, means we are a little closer to some much needed time away.. looking forward to just ''chillin out'' for a week, and doing nothing much... I am ready.

my ME time

2010-09-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Personal time is very important.It is a time to be alone and reflect, rest,or regather yourself. It, for me, is a personal time of devotions, prayer time, and a time for writing down thoughts, goals, and personal stuff. It always ends in praise to the Lord for everything He has done!!

I have enjoyed my personal time this week. It has given me time to reflect on what the week's events held, what has or has NOT been accomplished,and what is to come in the next few weeks.

Everyone should have a personal time, away from it all. It can be anywhere. It can be at home in your living room, at your dining room table, on your bed, in a swing in your yard.. I love coffee shops, tea rooms, and book stores..For me, yesterday, it was in my pool.. We still have not closed the pool yet, due to hot days here.. but I know those days will soon be over, so, I choose to take advantage while I still can...LOL.. and I love it...I love fall, but I drag summer out to the very end!!!!! It was a hot, beautiful day, and I wanted to let the sunshine fall, and I could feel it's warmth all around me.. It reminded me of His love for us... The beauty of Him was all around, and it was enjoyable to have it near and dear.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and heavy laiden, and I will give you rest.

take time out for you physically too. Get hair done, nails, geta pedicure..(LOVE THESE) . rest your body..get a massage, give yourself a facial.. take care of your self.

Each day, start by giving it back to Him. He gave it to you to use for His glory.Let Him lead you in every opportunity, option, decision. I like to set personal goals for the week. It doesn't always mean they ALL get accomplished. Some of my personal goals this week included preparing for the new Sigma year, organization of my kitchen, and giving myself some personal attention physically, a mud mask to my face,,lol......During your ''me'' time, write down those goals, prayer requests, and never forget the Praises... that always helps me, because we never can do this enough!!!! WE ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO PRAISE HIM FOR.. HE HAS BEEN GOOD TO US!!

always have a grateful attitude. I try to be a good witness, and to ask the LORD to help me at work, home, wherever I may be.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicene: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Take some time out this week to have that personal time with God. Allow Him to use you for His honor and glory.

'' Fully trusting??''

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

TRUST- sometimes, we find this a hard thing to do. it is easy to get in a rut of doing it on ''our own'', and not depending on our Heavenly Father, to help us through. things happen beyond our control. the washing machiene quits, your well pump burns up, or you might have to do some work on a vehicle. these things happen when we least expect it. we want to do everything on our own to ''fix'' the problem, without relying on Him to help us in the situation. in the end, we realize we can't make it without Him. He is whom we place our trust, and He will provide.

Some take life ''as it comes''. ''Roll with the punches''..so to speak. Are we fully trusting in Him to see us through??

Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

Psalms 40:4 Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust.

only JESUS can satisfy and help us through our ups and downs of life. they will come. and sometimes when we least expect them to. Trusting in Him makes all the difference in the world. in HIS TIME, will come the new car, (sigh...). new furniture.. all the material things don't matter...

Psalms 9 :10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou,

Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee.

sometimes, we need to do a ''reality check'' on our own lives. we have to reshape, rethink, and rededicate.

''reshape''.. take out the old, and go for the new. remove those things that stop us from fully trusting in Him. confess our faults..EVERYBODY has them.. I know I have plenty.. have true JOY in your life.

J- JESUS

O - OTHERS

Y- YOU

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righttousness; and ALL these things shall be added unto you.

''rethink''..- what can I do for HIM?? He has done so much for me?? give Him time, talents, job.?? Prioritize.. and think about what really matters. Jesus, IS ALL THAT MATTERS.

'' rededicate''.. give it all to Him. seek HIM in all you do, and do what you can for GOD.

There will be no excuses in HEAVEN.

He is with us always, and it is so good to know we can trust Him. He never fails. Trust in Him for even the little things that come our way.

Exodus 33 :14 And he said,''My presence shall go with thee , and I will give thee rest.''

i needed this today.. this was just part of what I studied today in devotion. I need to trust Him more, even for the small things.

'' Turn your eyes upon JESUS, look full in His wonderful face. And the ''things'' of earth, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.'' AMEN.

NEVER FORGET

2010-09-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

never forget 9/11

today, we remember those who tragically lost their lives and pray for their loved ones also.

Thankful for the troops serving our country, and for the everyday heros who give their time to protect us and our freedom. we are grateful for those who risk their lives everyday to help those in need.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

AMERICA,AMERICA, GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE!

cooler temps= FALL

2010-09-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

cooler temps have arrived here in the upstate this week, and that means fall is just around the corner..this is one of my favorite times of the year.. time for hot soups, football, fair time,and beautiful fall leaves, and then it will be vacation time for us two, and then Christmas will be here before we know it..

we have had a great revival this past week..still feasting off of those great messages, and then a great day yesterday at Church. He always knows when we need it most!!!

SEND down Thy likeness from above, and let this my adorning be: Clothe me with wisdom, patience, love, and lowliness and purity. Joachim Lange

busy as bees

2010-09-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

we have been busy as bees here at my little ''love nest'' this week. Chris has been working and I have too.. we have been in revival all week with Bro. Tony Hutson. It is always a great revival, and he is one of my favorite preachers. as for me... you can tell what I have been up to these past few weeks. the apples, on my trees were loaded in the spring, then as it became dryer weather, they began to fall off..the ones left on the trees ripened quickly.. so, I did not want them to waste, so, I began my usual ''fall time ritual'' and started my apple butter.. I have made 3 runs so far. I think it is pretty.

I always love this time of the year.. but I hate to see summer leave us.. I love summer time, spent with family and friends.... my niece, Corrie, just turned 21 yesterday.... whew..where does the time go?????? It won't be long and Chris and I will be celebrating 8 years of marriage..we are looking forward to our annual anniversary trip together...can't wait!!!

He is my sweets!!

this is a picture of a few of the apples we picked off of our trees.. they were so beautiful with the colors..

'' The kindly word that falls today may bear its fruit tomorrow.''

2010-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

we went last weekend to the race in Bristol,Tn. we went up on thursday morning. we had a great drive up. it was very pretty. we stayed at the same campground we stayed at a few weeks ago..thanks to some friends... we enjoyed their camper. it was home.. we were all cozy, and cool..
we went to a nearby mexican place for supper. it was kind of a late lunch, but at any rate, we were full.. so, we came back and fished. chris caught 2 fish. he was proud. i took a much needed nap. we watched tv that night and relaxed. the next day, we headed to Pigeon Forge ''town area''.. we went shopping and ate at the Apple barb for breakfast.. we went to the Titantic Museam.. it was a prize..((GRIN))>> we had a great time looking t all the artifacts, some actual from the ship, we took fun pictures, and at the end, we found out we survived...lol.. it was fun.. we came back and went swimming and then got ready for a nice meal at the Chop House.. we love this place,, and was hungry for a steak..it was good..we went to the race the next day. the day started off WET. AND RAINY...and i was not sure about the race.. we spent the morning killing time at this big flea market..chris got a good deal there..lol.. we left there and went to the race. we rode the shuttle around the track, and got some lunch b4 going into the race track.. it was very fun and exciting..and can you say, "LOUD????" it was late when we got back to the camper. we got up the next morning and headed home. we had a great service at church sunday !!!! it was a great weekend.. and we had a great time together.
i took lots of pics.. so, sit back and enjoy!!!

Summer ''fun and gun''

2010-08-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

we recently had an oppertunity to go with the teens from church to Pigeon Forge, TN. Preacher wanted to take the teens on a little trip before school started back. we had a wonderful time. we arrived on Monday, and got checked in our cabins that were overlooking Pigeon River. we had a great time relaxing, swimming, and then, grilling out for supper. after supper, we had a wonderful time under the ''Tabernacle'' with singing, testimonies, and Preaching. It was wonderful, and burdens were left at the alter, prayers went up for several people, and ''prayers answered too... and we heard from the Word of God. the teens got some much needed help, and us, adults too..:)).

we turned in for night, but the teens stayed up way late into the morning, doing devotions, and testfying to each other. the next day, we went to Dollywood. we had a great time riding the rides, and had a great meal, at aunt grannies. we left that afternoon, and came back to the campground, to pizza and doughnuts, and for us adults, white chocolate raspsberry cake. it was the bomb. we had another service that evening. it was again another time of singing and preaching.. we had a great time. the next day, we left early, and stopped for a good lunch before coming on home. on wednesday night at church, the teens had the service and came back telling the others of what the Lord did for them on this trip. it was one of the best trips we have had with the teens.. there were no negative attitudes on this trip that made this trip miserable or bad..that is what made this trip blessed, and the teens and all of us were able to get what we needed from Him. we praise the Lord for the oppertunity to go, and for blessing the way He did. He is STILL ON THE THRONE!!!! Amen.

WARNING!!!!! LOTS OF PICTURES...LOL...HOPE U ENJOY!!!!

thoughts to share

2010-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Each new day is an opportunity to start all over again, to cleanse our minds and hearts a new, and to clarify our vision. also, to not clutter up today with the things from yesterday.

Live each day as if it were your last.

Praise the Lord, He gave you a new day, and you can give it back to HIM.

Strive to be the best for Him today.Share His love.

You cannot change what happened yesterday, but you can make a difference today.

busy

2010-07-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

this week has been extremely busyy with work and other things. it seems i never have ENOUGH time to get caught up on the housework..

this weekend, we will be celebrating Drake, my nephew's birthday. he turned 7, on the 22nd..wow, it is very hard to believe he is 7 years old... anyway, looking forward to church in the morning.. i need it bad... hope u have a great weekend...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRAKE!!

Happy BIRTHDAY ETHAN!!

2010-07-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

ethan blowing out all of his 20 candles..

glad my grandma got to come..i love her..

mama's yellow velvet cake

pretty cookie

bennie and drake playing uno

ethan and his girlfriend, hailey

we celebrated ethan's birthday last night with a nice meal of grilled chicken, chopped steak,salad, and baked potatoes. it was good for all of us to get together. i was glad my grandma got to come. we had homemade ice cream, and cake and cookie. we had a great time. it is very hard for me to believe he is twenty!!!

fun with family

2010-07-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

We returned last friday from our annual beach vacation with our family. We had lots of fun. We went to some good shopping areas, enjoyed our trip to the flea market, visited Shane and Leah, for his 40th birthday, and we enjoyed some yummy food, including hard to beat tomato sandwiches...lol

Beach Fun

2010-06-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

we are back from a nice little getaway. we were able to go the beach for free for 5 days..and then went to Charleston to see our good friends, Leah and S hane. we had such a great time. we were able to go to some nice places to eat, relax by the pool, and have fun shopping, and chris had fun also.he was able to sit in on some classes he wanted , and see some neat things.

2010-06-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

Chris and I are relaxing and having some much needed fun at the beach for the next few days!!!! I am shopping, and soaking up the rays!! The weather is hot, and windy!! I love to spend time with my sweets!!

Day Trippin

2010-05-31T07:43:00.001-07:00

we went for a ride saturday, and ended up going to Crowder's Mtn. they have some beautiful sights and the weather was nice and hot. we enjoyed the nature and sounds of the birds chirping, and we ended the day with a great seafood supper at a great hole in the wall type place. those are the best kind.

Happy Birthday Mama

2010-05-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

last Sunday, we celebrated my mother's birthday. we had a great time of food and family fellowship at Outback.

Sigma Banquet/2010

2010-05-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was our annual Sigma Banquet. We had a good meal and awards ceremony. We are really proud of everyone this year, and and congratulate the winners of all the awards..We feel truely blessed to work with the teens, They are all very special to us, and we look forward to next year, to see how the LORD is going to work in all of our lives..

Mothers are a Blessing

2010-05-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mother's Day with my mother and grandmother. We went to one of my favorite places...Chantilly's!! We each enjoyed a delicious lunch, shared some funny stories, and had a great time, just ''us girls''.... we had fun !! I am so thankful for my mother and for GOD letting her be my mother..She is one special lady... and i love my grandmother, she is truely one of my heroes..

a good wife?

2010-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

it is unusually cool here this morning. i heard they had ice on Grandfather Mountain this morning, and the wind chill was way low. i have loaded the dishwasher, and picked up a few things...i have not made the bed ,yet..

i was watching tv last night, and an advirtisement came on for a show..''The good Wife.""....hmmm. i thought.. i have watched that show from time to time...but the title caught my attention, yesterday.... am i a good wife???? i want to be and strive to be every day.. Sometimes, we have to stop and ask ourselves the ?? of how do we measure when it comes to following God's plan for a wife?? do you help, submit, respect and love??? there are always areas to improve in...i fail at this everyday, but i do strive to be better at it..

W-warms up his life with your love

I- improves his life as a helper

F- follow his leadership with a willing heart

E- esteem him highly with the most respect

Serve the LORD together.. spend time as a family, but spend time as a couple also... being the wife i should be, and serving HIM,, is very important. my prayer today, is to be the ''good wife'' that GOD would have ME to be...

happy, happy

2010-04-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are. - Henry Van Dyke

JESUS makes me happy, and i am so thankful for all of HIS blessings!!!

waiting on GOD

2010-04-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

sometimes, things go really well for us. we seem to have it all together. we live day to day, just soaking in all of GOD'S blessings.i have been really blessed lately. i have seen several things happen that i have been in much prayer over.

the LORD always seems to know what we need, WHEN WE NEED IT. we can say that we have seen the hand of the LORD, so evident, over the past few weeks.

sometimes, we just have to wait on GOD. but, he really is all we need. he will be there to see us through, no matter what. we have to press on for HIM. HE has never failed. it is all in HIS TIME, NOT OURS. and IF HE closes one door, HE always has something else, another door ready for us to enter. i am so undeserving of everything HE does for me and my family.

OH, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED, GOD IS SO GOOD TO ME, PRECIOUS ARE HIS THOUGHTS OF YOU AND ME, NO WAY COULD I COUNT THEM, THERE'S NOT ENOUGH TIME, SO, I WILL JUST THANK HIM FOR BEING SO KIND, GOD HAS BEEN GOOD, SO GOOD, OH, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!!

join me in prayer, as i seek GOD'S WILL for me this week, and wait on HIM.

be blessed?

2010-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

BLESSED IS THE WOMAN WHO HAS:

a sparkle in her eyes

a song on her lips

a spring in her step

a warmth in her touch

a depth in her beauty

a purpose in her life

a joy in her faith

a hope in her breast

a love in her heart.

by: Barbara Hershberger

filled to the rim with HIS goodness

2010-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

i am drinking from my saucer cause my cup has overflowed... i am sooo blessed..and thankful for everything GOD has done...and was reminded just HOW MUCH the other day..i got to be with a group of about 800 ladies from churches across the states, getting together to sip on GOD'S GOODNESS..and boy, did we..??!!!!!

i have so much that he has done for me just these past few weeks, and HE has answered several prayers..some of which had been really burdened about..HE ALWAYS KNOWS WHAT IS BEST!! turn your cup up with me today and count the blessings you have..they are like a bottomless cup....always there...!!!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!!

a man that influences

2010-03-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

wives need to support their husbands. whatever he may chose to do, it is important to the wife to be an active supporter in a loving way. she agrees with the decision he have for the family.i feel it is very important that the husband and wife agree on several things including family decisions.she is his helpmeet.he is known for solid character and important contributions to the family and his work.

today, in my devotion study, i see how the husband plays the role of influence. he influences his family, work, and service to the community.he is following GOD'S WILL AND PLAN for his life.he makes a difference in the world and better than that, his community. my husband has been in the local volunteer fire department for 20 years.during this time, he has helped to save many lives, and has allowed GOD to use him, accordingly. he has been in many sme of which were pretty tough..but it is something he feels ''called'' to do. so called, that he decided he wanted to do that full time 9 years ago. he works as a lieutenant for a nearby fire department. i am proud of him and the person he has become, and i am thankful he chooses to serve in the community. it is a blessing to see him be a blessing to others in their time of need.

some of the ideas given in order to support him is:

PRAISE HIM..-be thankful for him, and tell him

ENCOURAGE HIM..- when he feels like giving up, let him know ''someone'' out there needs him, and his skills,and services.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MARRIAGE..- marriage is work.. i have known that from the beginning..whew..we have come a long way...it needs to be worked on, and prayed over daily.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY..- this is a tough one..some husbands put other things before GOD, and his family..take their needs seroiusly..food, clothes, shelter, ..all of these are very important.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME..- don't take care of things at work, or other things, that take you away from things that YOU need to do at home..whether it be repairs, household chores, or everyday maintnence.

TAKE CARE OF FINANCES..- this is a biggie..cut down on spending money on things that you really don't need, and up savings..

PRAY FOR HIM..- we don't know what he will face when he leaves in the morning..he may have a tons of bad things come his way.. pray a hedge around him..ask the LORD to protect his day, and safety, and help him throughout the day..

SUPPORT HIM..- this is kind of hard..for me sometimes..i do support him, but i have a hard time with seeing things he faces..i always worry about him, and his safety..people are crazy..and do stupid things.. i have to keep my focus on the LORD, and not on things from day to day.

the best thing about all of this is that you are together in this..this is something you are not faced with alone.you can be proud of him, and rejoice together when something good comes his way..i want to be a wife who supports my husband in ways that will strengthen him and glorify GOD. he strives to be a godly man of influence in his work and his community.

Happy Spring

2010-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

today is the first day of spring..i love spring, it is a season of new life and new beginnings.it is a beautiful time of the year. it is also a time of the year, to rejoice.. we rejoice in the fact that JESUS rose from the dead..HE is my SAVIOR..

i love to see bird nests, and baby birds, and the beautiful speckled eggs..i love to see a huge flower garden, and the different shades of colors they produce. i am thankful for the many seasons, especially spring.

i am thankful today for all of HIS many blessings,so much, i don't deserve.it is great to know HE is always there. Rejoice with me today.

'' But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before GOD: yea,let them exceedingly rejoice. ''PSALM 68:3

happy birthday danny

2010-03-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

DANNY
HERE IS HIS YUMMY BIRTHDAY CAKE...PINEAPPLE/NUT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING

HERE HE IS MODELING A NEW PAIR OF ''OAKLEY'S'' FROM ANGIE, AND THE BOYS!!

our brother in law, danny turned 42 this saturday.we celebrated his birthday at a nearby italian place.it was good food, and family fun.

more and more

2010-03-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

SOME PICTURES I TOOK YESTERDAY. SHOWING SIGNS OF SPRING, MORE AND MORE EVERYDAY.

WE LOVE PANSIES!!!!!!!

I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A GREAT WEEK.I AM DOING SOME BETTER.THE DEVIL HAS BEEN ON MY CASE THIS WEEK..TRYING TO TELL ME CERTAIN THINGS, I KNOW, ARE NOT TRUE.IT WILL ALL BE OKAY, SO, I WILL JUST GO ON..

YESTERDAY, CHRIS WAS OFF. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO GET OUT AND ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL, SPRINGLIKE, WEATHER. WE WENT AND PICKED UP LUNCH AT A LOCAL HOTDOG PLACE..YUMM.. HE DECIDED TO GO TO A PARK... WE JUST HAD A PICNIC STYLE LUNCH AND HAD A GOOD TIME SWINGING IN THE SWING. WE DID NOT STAY TOO LONG.

WE WENT BY LOWE'S, TO GET A FEW PRICES ON SOME THINGS WE NEEDED..I GOT SOME PANSIES FOR MY FRONT YARD. CHRIS HELPED ME PLANT THEM...I LOVE HIM.. HE ALWAYS IS WILLING TO HELP ME.. OUR GRASS IS SHOWING A LITTLE MORE GREEN EVERYDAY. IT IS LOOKING MORE AND MORE LIKE SPRING..

so glad to see you

2010-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

this was a beautiful sight on the way to a favorite place to eat, the other night. i was so glad to see the beautiful sunshine..after days of gloomy, cold, weather.chris had the pulled bbq plate with fried okra,and french fries.

i had one of my favorites..fried shrimp, baked potato, and cole slaw..yummers.. for dessert, i had MS mud cake, and chris had the peanut butter pie.

it was great to get out and relax , and enjoy time with my hubby...i love him to pieces..

out and about

2010-02-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

I love this.. the icicles are beautiful, and the rocks, had a crystal, ice coating on them..

this is awesome !!

glad that JESUS went all the way!!!

i hope everyone is ready for the weekend. i know i am. i am ready to spend some time with my family,and get out of the house for a little bit... i did ,awhile today. i went in to town to run a few errands, and visit a nearby shop i like to go to.. i have not been in 3 weeks..so, i was getting withdrawel symptoms...lol.. anyway, while out and about..it was really cold and windy...i stopped for some quick shots of a few things around town..

lend a hand

2010-02-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

PROVERBS 31:20 ''SHE STRECTHETH OUT HER HANDS TO THE POOR; YEA,SHE REACHETH FORTH HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY.

in my study today, i have been reading of the PROVERBS 31 WOMAN, and how she so faithfully extends her HANDS to the needy. she is very generous in helping the needy, and always willing to help do things that is needed. she gives her talent and time to be used for the glory of GOD. she can do this in many ways: prepare a dish for a shut -in, make a cake for a friend, or just offer to do something for someone, not wanting nothing in return. in doing this, one thing is important. her HEART is involved also. she knows she is doing it, because she loves JESUS, and wants to be used for HIS honor and glory. she pays close attention to their needs, and goes ahead, full force, to make a difference. she branches out to help whoever or whatever she can.

some personal ideas and thoughts on this:
1) start in your own home - do something for someone in your own home that would make a difference. bake that special dessert that your son loves..that will make him smile.
2) give at church- extra...- at Christmas, give extra to the funds to support needy families, or pick a child off the angel tree. make that child's Christmas. it will definately make yours.
3) keep your eyes open and ears open too. - listen for the sick list to be called at church, and send those ''praying for you'' cards out.. you will never know what that means to them..these are wonderful oppertunites to be used for HIS GLORY.. and you will be so blessed, even though you are wanting to be a blessing.

4) support the local church missionaries and/ or a certain person.- do something nice for those certain people. offer them a ride to church, or take them for a meal out.. these things mean a lot.

these are just some personal things that come to mind.. this does not mean you have to do these things.. just some thoughts..out loud..lol....

you can really live out this love.. this is definately ''BEAUTIFUL IN HIS EYES.''

attitude of eagerness

2010-02-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

do you have an attitude of eagerness when it comes to your duties at home?? are you eager to get up, and start your washing, ironing, cleaning the kitchen?? this is an area i fail in so much. i need to do better.sometimes, you just don't feel like it, or you always say,''i will do it later.'' the Proverbs 31 woman is eager in such things. she uses her time wisely.

she is strong. Proverbs 31:17 says, ''She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms.'' she is motivated and prepared to do her work.she has certain qualities from the heart. she has commitment,willingness, and motivation, and the most important to me, discipline.we can pray for a more eager attitude, create a schedule,develop a routine,you may just do certain things on different days of the week. after doing this, your routine will become more easier, and before long, you will realize the attitude of eagerness.. the attitude of wanting to be more like the Proverbs 31 woman.

the sun is back

2010-02-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

i am so grateful for a weekend without rain and even a snow flurry...lol that may sound wierd, but we have not had a full weekend with sun in a long time.so, i am happy today for the sunshine, and you know, even if it doesn't shine..it is good to still have the SON shining on the inside !!!! HE is ALL we need.

i have not forgot about my studies with my little devotional book.. in fact, i have several pages of notes, i just have not had time to post them, but stay tuned.. i will soon.

i hope you all take time to enjoy this beautiful weekend, and spend some time with your loved ones, and more importantly..with the LORD..

OPEN our EYES, thou SON of life and gladness,
That we may see that glorious world of THINE!!

an event-filled weekend

2010-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

this is a long post.. so, grab a cup of sweet tea, and kick back and be ready to look at a lot of pictures...lol.....well..sorry, it has been a few days since my last post.we had a real busy, but fun weekend. we celebrated my birthday..it was february 12th..i have been having to stay in and rest my ankle, and not be on it a lot, because of my cast. i was surprised with a little weekend getaway. we went to the mountains for a little rest and relaxation, and to get rid of this cabin fever. we ate at a neat place where they have bbq , and ribs..and live bluegrass playing while you eat. it was good. we spent my birthday just wandering around the downtown area. we got some delicious cupcakes from a quaint ,little bakery. we spent the afternoon at the Grove Park Inn.. it was a nice treat.. and while we were there, it starting snowing so pretty.. we went for a quick bite and then ventured back to our room.. i was so glad we made it back to our room, safe.. we started homethe next morning , after breakfast, and got back just in time for our church annual valentine banquet..it was a ''winter wonderland'' theme..it was a nice time of fun, laughs, fellowship, and food.. i was glad to get home, but we had a nice time of venturing out, dining, a little shopping, and resting with relaxation.. it was much needed, and i was thankful my hubby did this for my birthday and valentines...>

growing older

2010-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

it is my birthday tommorrow. i can hardly believe it is here again...i am thankful that GOD has let me live another year, and has blessed me with so much this year. i think i have learned a few things this year, and look forward to seeing what HE has in store for me this year. one memory ,i have thought of recently, is a long time ago, when it was your birthday at church, you would go up and put your age, (in money).. in the little church on the front table.everybody would sing happy birthday...i did that for as long as i can remember.. that is a childhood birthday memory...

chris is taking me on a little weekend getaway for my birthday. we will be attending the annual Valentine Banquet on saturday night. then, on sunday, hopefully, we will be celebrating my birthday with the family... i look forward to a weekend of celebrating...

pray for my ankle ,that it will continue to heal !!

tending to your household

2010-02-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

''She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15

this chapter convicts me very much. i am not a early riser, unless i have to be. it is very hard for me to get up for work, but i do it... but it has helped me in a few ways.she looks forward to getting up, and providing for her family. back when proverbs 31 was written,the woman got up early, to help her family. she tended to the fire at home.it was an excellent time to get up and prepare the meals for the day.

she also tended to the fires of her heart. she spent time in GOD'S WORD. she prepared her heart, and did her daily devotions. it was a time to sort out prayer requests, pray for them, her special time with the LORD.

she tended the fires of their hearts.she teaches this to her own family. she knows they need to learn and hear the truth. she wants to raise them right.

she also provides delicious meals to the family.her family depends on her for this.she enjoys this when she does it. it makes her happy, to know her family and husband is happy, and tummy's are too...lol

every lady needs a break, every now and then. she needs to take care of herself too. she could go shopping for an afternoon, go get her nails done, spend an afternoon with a special friend...etc..

i love these special times...

we play such an important role in our family's lives. remember, we are the heart of the home. LORD, help me more in this area...this is my prayer today.

how do you provide??

2010-02-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

in today's study, GOD'S beautiful woman provides the best she can for her loved family.she looks for things that will please and enhance her family's life.money,time, and effort are at no cost when it comes to contributing to the ones she loves.she has meals to be put on the table,a home to beautifully decorate, and clothes to be mended.

as GOD'S beautiful women, we can have these things to help us sail on our own adventure, to being this woman. we can be the beautiful woman for HIM.

TO DO THIS WE MUST:

HAVE A HEART OF LOVE- love what you are doing, because you love HIM, and if you don't have love, you will not want to do nothing.

HAVE A VISION OF LOVELINESS- we appreciate the veauty and the ministry of the lives it touches. we need to surround ourselves with beauty. think of ways to decorate your home. try a new picture, a new vase of flowers, new curtains,or fresh paint..

LOVE YOUR FAMILY- think of them everytime you go shopping, or how you can make things better for them, with food, clothing, and shelter.become a wise shopper. look for the sunday coupons, and save money.

i have been helped with this chapter. it gives you a new spring in your step in providing the best you can for your family, and have this kind of spirit that is beautiful in GOD'S eyes..