A Lesson In Line

Her name was Shelby. She works at the market where I buy my groceries. Yesterday while waiting in line to purchase my groceries I learned a lesson in compassion and the importance of kindness. Shelby couldn't have been more than sixteen years old, slight in build and shy in nature. Shelby was having a bad day. I mean a really, really bad day. The line was long, and to go along with that long line were some very bad tempers. I watched with sadness as the people in front of me seemed to take out every frustration they had ever had in life out on poor Shelby. Shelby was trying her very best but even her best was not good enough for these people. Criticisms were muttered under their breath as well as much sighing and eye rolling. One lady kept changing her mind, paper, no plastic, no plastic, no paper, can't you move faster, what's wrong with you, I hate this store, . . . . ..don't squish my tomatoes, watch out for my eggs . .. . and then the unthinkable happened. Poor Shelby got so flustered that she dropped the entire carton of eggs right there on the floor. As she looked down at the shattered mess I couldn't help but think that she was feeling right then just liked that ruined carton of eggs looked. I saw tears well up in her eyes as she surveyed the damage and I wanted to run over to her and scoop her up and hold her in my arms as if she were my baby.

Shelby was beaten down. She was beaten down by unkind words and unkind actions. As it came time for me to be rung up, Shelby looked at me with a timid face all the while preparing for the next assault. I looked her straight in the eye and said, "Shelby, I am so sorry that you are having such a bad day." She looked at me as if she didn't know how to respond. I think she was wondering "where I was coming from and what did I mean by that." I then proceeded to tell her that I thought she was doing a great job. Her whole face relaxed into this big, beautiful smile and I literally saw a flood of relief come over her. I told her that I wanted to go buy her a soda or a cup of coffee and bring it back to her. At first she said, "excuse me?" I repeated myself and then she politely said, "no thank you." I then proceeded to tell her about my first day on the job of a local fast food restaurant and some of the mishaps I had been through. I even managed to get her to laugh a little! As I was leaving I told her that she was going to be fine, just take her time and do her best. That's all anyone can do. As I was leaving I heard the gentleman that was behind me in line say, "Shelby, you are doing great, don't you worry." A smile then crossed MY face because of the goodness and kindness of others. I realized that it takes the same amount of time and energy to be kind as it does to be unkind. I saw first hand that words DO hurt. I also saw first hand how easy it is to "shatter" the self-esteem of another human being. I saw that we can choose to show compassion just as easy as we can choose to show intolerance. I realized that can choose to be patient or we can be impatient. The bottom line is that it is up to us. We can either "tear down" or "build up." We can either spread darkness or spread light. There are many other Shelbys out there in this world. When we encounter one it will be up to us how we choose to respond. I know I will choose to respond with love!

Picture courtesy of All Posters

"Pretty in Pink"

Instead of keeping our Valentine heart candy in our regular candy dish I decided I wanted to do something a little different. I love all the vibrant colors of the candy hearts and I didn't want them to be hidden in a dish. I went on a "scavenger" hunt in my hutch and came up with this vintage saucer to hold the candy! I love how the vibrant colors of the candy look against the pink saucer. Speaking of the candy, isn't it funny how everybody has their "favorite" color to eat?? I have first dibs on all the pink and white ones! YUM:o)

Valentine Centerpiece

I wanted to share with you our Valentine Centerpiece for February. I bought these red carnations for 2.97 and I love them because they last forever! I wanted a special little candle and didn't see any I liked so I decided to make one myself. I bought some Valentine candy hearts at the dollar store and placed them in the bottom of a clear jar. I then brought out two red candles leftover from Christmas and put them in a little tea light holder and placed it on top of the candy. All that was left to do was add some festive heart ribbon! Easy and inexpensive!

A Sweet Find And A Sweet Idea

While Miss Bonnie were out thrifting this weekend I found this darling vintage Valentine tin! I think it is adorable:o) I am going to place it on our fireplace for a little Valentine vignette.

Here is a cute Valentine craft idea that would be fun to do at home with your children. Take an empty valentine candy box and paint it white. You can then either paint or "stamp" pretty Valentine hearts on the front. Tie it all up with a pretty Valentine ribbon and you have a pretty heart to display. As you can see I have mine turned on it's side so it will "stand" up! The best

part of this craft? Why, you get to eat the yummy candy up!!

A Family Favorite

Porcupine Meatballs!

Porcupine meatballs have been around in my family as long as I can remember! My Mama made them throughout my growing up years and I did the same for my children. My children loved to have friends over for dinner and they loved it when I served this dish because they got to say, "we're having porcupine meatballs." Of course the friends would usually say "ewww," and my children thought it was so funny. Invariably, after the friends tried them they were glad they did! Now, of course they aren't made of porcupines, LOL, they are called that because the rice in the meatballs resembles the quills of a porcupine! It is one of my very favorite dishes to prepare because they are delicious AND economical. I always have the ingredients on hand, no fuss, no muss! As Mikey says, "try them, you'll like them!"

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup chopped onion

Dash of salt and pepper

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix ingredients together

Add:

1 lb ground beef

Mix all together well.

Shape into balls and brown in frying pan (I use Pam)

Drain grease and then add the sauce by mixing together:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup water

2 tablespoons light brown sugar ( I put a little bit more, maybe 2 1/2)

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Pour over drained meatballs . Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 45-50 minutes. The last twenty minutes I usually add some extra uncooked rice to the sauce because I like a little bit more to go alongside the meatballs. Check often as sometimes you have to add extra water and stir if you have added a little extra rice so it doesn't stick to bottom. I promise they are YUMMY!!

** Make sure you add in the celery salt and garlic because they gives it such a nice flavor. Don't skip these ingredients!

Storing Up

The cold winter winds have blown our way and I can always tell when we are going to have a bad storm just by looking out my kitchen window at my bird feeders. Every feeder was filled to the brim with my feathered friends! They instinctively know when bad weather is coming so they prepare by "storing up" before the storms hit. That got me to thinking that the birds are teaching us a very important lesson. As Christians we don't want to wait until the "storms of life" hit before we seek and know the Lord. What we need to do is to "store up" NOW by being in the Word and having an intimate relationship with him. When the storms of life do come our way we will be prepared to weather them.

Housewarming Gift

Here is a picture of what Miss Bonnie gave as a housewarming gift! My almost daughter-in-love bought Miss Bonnie the new Martha baking cookbook for Christmas. Bonnie decided to make a recipe out of the cookbook and then she purchased this cake plate to display the cookies on! I have always loved the look of a cake plate on a kitchen counter and it can also be used to hold fruit, etc. if you remove the lid. It's not only pretty, it is also versatile!


The cookies she baked were called Cheesecake Thumbprints!

Happiness Is . . . .



When your husband of 24 years surprises you with flowers "just because!"

Write It Down

This has been a very busy and exciting week for our family. My son just moved into his new home and Miss Bonnie started her full time job yesterday. As a Mom, I can't let these important events go by without some tangible way of recognizing them. How do I do it? I write it down! You have seen pictures before of my "Dress Me Up" plate where I will write down the date and any special events that are going on in our family. Everyday I like to have something special on the plate for my family to see. It could be a reminder that a family member needs prayer, someone needs an encouraging word for the day, a "good luck" on the big test, happy birthday, etc.. Now I am NOT TALKING about writing things like: don't forget to buy milk, or close the door when you leave. NO! I'm talking about faith filled encouragement. My family has come to expect something on that plate everyday and they would be most unhappy if it wasn't there. I keep it in a prominent place for all to see and to let them know I'm thinking of them and that our home is one where we honor the Lord. I wanted to show you two examples that I used just this week.



Our son hasn't lived in our home for two years, BUT, I know when he visits he will look at the plate and I want him to know he was thought of and prayed for!



This is what I did for Miss Bonnie's first day on her new job!

The best part of this whole idea?? You DO NOT have to have this plate. You can do the very same thing by using a chalkboard and some chalk or even a dry erase board. Also, make sure you use some pretty ribbon to tie a bow at the top! Y'all, we have to make it pretty!! LOL Figure out where in your house would be the best play to display this "sign of encouragement." Maybe it's your kitchen, your mudroom, or at the backdoor. Just make sure that your family will see it every day as they leave the house and come home. I think it is a wonderful way to show them that not only you are looking out for them, but more importantly, so his their heavenly Father. I can't think of a better "sign of encouragement" than that!

BTW, If you make one I would love to see it!

Cravings and Turning Green, "oh my!"

Okay, in the blog world you never where you are going to get an idea for a post! I wasn't sure what I was going to post about until I visited Kelli this morning. She was talking about some yummy cinnamon rolls she had made and one of her commenters said how yummy they looked but that they couldn't stand the smell of cinnamon. This particular commenter said that when they were pregnant that was the smell that sent them "running to the bathroom" every time! That got me to thinking that it might be fun to write about and hear what Y"ALL sent your dear husbands out for at one in the morning because you "just had to have it" and also what made your stomach do "flip flops" when you smelled it!

When I was pregnant with my son I was teaching Kindergarten. I would get off at one in the afternoon and as I would drive home it's like my little Chevy Chevette would have a mind of it's own and automatically drive to the Hardee's drive-thru. I know, I know, it wasn't good for me, I blame it all on the Chevette!! Now, for some reason, I couldn't have just one, but two, count em two CHILI DOGS loaded with lots of onions and mustard. EVERY DAY, Y'ALL! While reading stories to the children my mouth would start to water in anticipation of the feast I was about to partake of! Chili Dogs would be dancing through my head!

With my son I could not stand the smell of Dove bar soap. Now mind you, I have always loved Dove but as soon as that line turned pink or blue or whatever the heck it was, my tummy would go into assault mode every time I smelled it. The problem? My dear Grammy was a devout Dove soap user so every time I would visit her and have to go to the bathroom (y'all know how many times that is when you are pg!) I would literally take a big gulp of air before entering the room (kinda like a swimmer!) and then hold my nose and "take care of business" as fast as I could! That got me to thinking this morning, "hey, maybe that's why he had such an aversion to bathing when he was a little boy!" But then I thought, " Nah!!"

When I was carrying Miss Bonnie I could not STAND THE SMELL OF COFFEE. Now, I've never been a big coffee drinker but I have always LOVED the smell of it brewing. Not during those nine months, though! My craving when I was carrying Miss Bonnie was something totally different than I had with my son. We had a candy store in our local Mall and they made the BEST, I mean the BEST cotton candy you could ever put your sticky hands on! My poor hubby made "hmmm, SEVERAL" trips to the Mall so I could indulge in the "cottony sweetness." As I've told y'all before, Miss Bonnie is a girly girl through and through and she just adores the color pink. She also has the sweetest heart of anyone I know. Mmm, makes you kinda think! LOL Now it's your turn to share!

A Very Special Day!

Yesterday was a very special day for our family. Awhile back I wrote this about my son looking for a home to buy. Little did I know at the time that he would be buying a most "special" house. Much to my joy and amazement he bought the house where Mr. P and I first lived when we were married!! Y'all, God's hand was definitely in this!!

This house was the house where as a young bride I was carried over the threshold by my handsome new husband. It was in this house where I found out I was pregnant with my son. I had done the EPT test and back then you had to wait forever for the results. I was waiting in the bedroom and Mr. P went in the bathroom not realizing the results would be showing already. When he returned from the bathroom he had a big grin on his face and Mr. P ended up telling ME that we were having a baby!! How often does that happen?? LOL It was in this house that we brought my son home from the hospital. It was in this house where he was loved on, rocked, sung to, loved on. read to, loved on, prayed with, loved on . . . . . you get the picture! I'm sure that sounds familiar! It was also in this house where I brought home his baby sister and where they both learned how to crawl, walk, talk, and LOVE! For six years we did a lot of loving and living in that house. It was a home filled with much joy and happiness and it does this Mama's heart so good to know that my son wanted to return to his childhood home!

I think the Lord has a hand in everything in our lives and I believe he definitely had his hand in this. This particular house came on the market just at the time that my son was looking for a home! I believe that the Lord led him to this house and I know without a shadow of a doubt that he will be watching over my son and daughter-in-love all the while they live there.

When I entered the home last night I felt like I had literally walked back into time. I would run from room to room showing them where the crib used to be, where I rocked them as babies, the sink where I had bathed them, where they played outside, etc... Tears of joy sprang to my eyes because of the thought of the future that they have together and the future that they will build upon in this house. As Mom moments go, this is a pretty wonderful one for me. I thought it couldn't get any better than when he proposed to our daughter-in-love on our 24th wedding anniversary, but I was wrong!

Ladies, enjoy each and every precious minute you have with your babies because it goes by sooo fast. After you have done all the rocking, and singing, and playing, and loving you can possibly do I have a prayer for you. My prayer is that one day you to will get to see your children grow into wonderful young adults and spread their wings and be ready to fly on their own. All the while still remembering where they came from, know who they are in the Lord, know the door to your home and hearts is always open, and that they tuck this knowledge into their heart for the rest of their life. One day this great and firm foundation will be passed down to their children and then their children's children. When that happens that's about the best "Mom" moment there can be!

Be Still
Sometimes we just need to be still. We need to tune out all the "craziness" of this world and just be still. We need to focus and turn on minds onto what is important and what is not. We need to reevaluate how we are living our lives, how we are spending our time ,and where our real priorities lie. It's good to take the time to do this once and awhile as we travel on this path called life. Sit back and be still. That's exactly what I did on my blogging break. I was still. I prayed. I listened. I was still some more. I'm so very glad I did!

"Be still and know that I am God"

Psalm 46:10

I want to send my love and appreciation to each one of you who showed such concern for me. You truly touched my heart.

Happiness Is . . .




A cozy fire to keep us toasty warm since winter has finally arrived in our state!




The heavenly scent of a chocolate truffle candle as it fragrances the air.



Pretty roses gracing our dining room table in the middle of winter.




Miss Martha's new baking cookbook to peruse!

Chocolate Marble Pound Cake to delight our tummies for dessert! Uh, oh! I think I'm detecting a "theme" here~ hmm, can we say "chocolate cravings?!!" LOL

Blogging Break

I'll be taking a blogging break for awhile. My love to all,

Susan P.

Appreciation

I spent my time this morning in a hospital waiting room. Mr. P. was having some medical tests done and I wanted to be there with him. As I was waiting for him I started looking around the waiting room. Now, I'm not talking about just "looking," what I'm talking about it really "seeing." I think there is a big difference. What I saw convicted me and put a new sense of appreciation in my heart.

I appreciate my eyes in which I can see God's beauty surrounding me as well as the faces of those I love.

I appreciate my ears in which I can hear beautiful music and the words "I love you."

I appreciate my healthy heart which beats inside my chest and gives me life.

I appreciate my two hands in which I can use to help others.

I appreciate my voice in which I can speak kindnesses and truth.

I appreciate my brain so that I can think and function in this world.

I appreciate my arms in which I can hold the ones I love and embrace those who need embracing.

I appreciate my feet because they can take me places where I am needed.

God has blessed me greatly with the gift of health. It is entirely up to me whether or not I choose to use this gift to his glory or not. I can make a difference in the lives of others if I choose to. It's all up to me. I know what I choose to do, what about you?

Picture courtesy of All Posters

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

This is a little winter vignette that graces that top of our piano. It contains three of my favorite things: baskets, candles, and bears! The candle was given to me by my almost daughter-in-love who knows I adore candles! The scent is Jack Frost which is a wonderful "minty" smell! I wish y'all could smell it, Mmmm! The basket was given to me by my dear friend D who I have talked about before, and Miss Bonnie got me the snow bear! Whenever I walk by the piano I get a little smile on my face because not only do I love these things, they remind me of the people that I love!

Pretty In Pink

Miss Bonnie is a "girly girl" through and through! She loves pink, she loves ruffles and lace, and she loves old fashioned things. She decided to make a collage to show off some of the things that she loves. She used some vintage buttons from her collection and some old fashioned hair accessories to name a few. It made a good afternoon project and she had fun deciding what to use! I think it turned out great! (Unfortunately the detail doesn't show up as well as I'd like. Click to enlarge so you will be able to see it better.)

Oh Happy Day!

Look what I finally found! I was so excited I could hardly stand it! The customers in KMart were looking at me like I was a "cuckoo" because I was squealing with delight over tea towels! You heard me right, tea towels. That's okay though, I guess I am a little "cuckoo"! I'm telling y'all, it's the little things!!!

For The Love Of Aprons
One of my favorite things about being a Mom to a daughter is teaching her the domestic arts. I love the fact that "art" is in the description because I feel that being a good home keeper really is an "art" form. I think it is very important that when we look at ourselves as home keepers we see that we are not only providing our families with practical and functional things like clean homes, clean clothes, and well balanced meals, but we are also providing them with a "haven," a place that they can come and feel loved, refreshed, and special. Ladies, to me that is an art!

It's all of those extra little touches that make house a home. A fresh bowl of fruit on the table, flowers picked from your backyard that are placed in your grandmother's antique vase, the smell of homemade bread being baked in the oven, clean sheets that smell wonderful after being hung on the line,beautiful candles lit, windows open while lace curtains blow a gentle breeze through your home, special photographs of family members on the mantle and precious pictures that have been drawn with chubby little fingers placed lovingly on the refrigerator. It is these little touches that make your house a home.

I have always loved aprons. My great grandmother wore them, my grandmother wore them, and my Mama wore them. They were used not only for cooking but also as a part of their "uniform" during the day. There is something about putting an apron on that makes you want to get things accomplished! Miss Bonnie and I love to get in the kitchen and "don" our aprons. What fun we have as we cook side by side and I teach her the art of domesticity! I don't care what anybody says, I am a home keeper and I'm proud of it! People are always making jokes about June Cleaver. I am proud to admit I love her! She is a woman after my own heart! Some people might say that the apron is a sign of "repression." I say they are a sign of "expression." An expression of love that you have for your home and family.



Here is Miss Bonnie wearing an apron that we found thrifting! It is a very special apron because it is reversible. The side she is showing is the entertaining/serving side. When turned over (minus the sheer blue fabric) the apron becomes appropriate for baking/cooking!

Grandma's Apron
When I used to visit Grandma I was very much impressed
By her all-purpose apron and the power it possessed.

She used it for a basket when she gathered up the eggs
And flapped it as a weapon when hens pecked her feet and legs

She used it for a hot pad to remove a steaming pan
And when her brow was heated she used it for a fan.

She dried our childish tears when we'd scrape a knee and cry
And made a little hiding place when the little ones were shy.

Farm produce took in season in the summer, spring, and fall
Found it's way into the kitchen from Grandma's carry all.

It was a faithful servant through sad and lonely years
She even used her apron to dry away her sorrowful tears.

When the children were tucked in and their prayers were said
She would lay a clean one out at the foot of her bed.

Her job is over now, she knew she'd done her best
Grandma and her apron have been laid to rest.

If all is true about Heaven that I have been told
Grandma is now wearing a beautiful apron made of spun gold.

Author unknown

If you don't own an apron, what are you waiting for? I promise it's one of the best uniforms you will ever wear!

Add A Little Brightness To Your Day

I have already talked about how the winter months can be a little dreary. One way to add some brightness is by adding lights and another good way is to simply go to the store and purchase some beautiful fruit. I think that so much of how we feel is determined by our senses. You can have fun by arranging the fruit beautifully in one of your very nicest bowls. Have it on display in a prominent place where it looks inviting and it easily accessible. To me this is the real fun part of home keeping because you get to add those extra special touches for your family to enjoy. The fruit (I chose oranges) not only adds a beautiful "pop" of color, it also makes your home smell wonderfully fresh and fragrant. The best part? It's really good for you!

Winter Pillow
Ribbon Magic Part 3!



For those of you who read my blog regularly you know that I like to decorate seasonally. I try to come up with inexpensive ways to "bring the seasons" into my home. I like to take a basic pillow and "tie" it up like a present to celebrate each season and holiday. Here I have taken some leftover ribbon from this and then just added a snowflake ornament that is "peeking" out from underneath! Total cost of pillow? Nothing!! Using that same pillow I made a Fall pillow that can be found here and a Christmas pillow which can be found here. What kind of "ribbon magic" can you come up with?

A Change In Plans

One never knows what a day will bring. Originally Mr. P and I were leaving for Kentucky tomorrow to visit with my Mama (who has Alzheimer's) and the rest of my family. I received a call yesterday that my Aunt Doris in Florida had passed away so Mama and Daddy are on a plane today to go to the funeral. Let me tell you about my Aunt Doris. Aunt Doris was the "fun" aunt. Everyone should have a "fun" aunt!! She was a very flamboyant and happy person. As a child I was always so impressed with her shoes because she always had little "sparklies"all over them! Even her glasses had "sparklies" on them! I didn't wear glasses but seeing hers made me want to! When I think of it they matched her personality perfectly because she, herself, "sparkled!" She also wore a lot of bangle bracelets and I loved how they "jingled" and "jangled" when she would move her arms! She was an excellent baker and when she would visit she would take me and my sister into the kitchen and would show us how to make all these decadent desserts. I have to say that my Aunt Doris made the best banana splits this side of the Mississippi!! She was adored by her husband and children and when she entered a room it always became brighter. Everyone needs an Aunt Doris in their life and I feel so blessed that she was in mine.

Well, old man winter finally decided to make an appearance in Virginia today. It was the perfect day to stay in and do some baking. After all the heavy desserts from Christmas I thought something lighter was in order. I just love lemon so Miss Bonnie and I decided to make Lemon Crinkle cookies. These are so easy to make it's almost silly. If you want the recipe it can be found in my sidebar under Recipes/Lemon Crinkles. You won't be sorry, I promise!



It was also a perfect day to sip some delicious orange spice tea! With a cinnamon stick, of course!



For supper I decided soup would be perfect to warm us up. We each enjoyed a nice, big bowl of
Potato Soup.


The recipe came from my Paula Deen cookbook. She is a woman after my own heart because her three favorite foods are butter, mayo. and sour cream! Gotta love her;)

Well, the fireplace is going and I think it is the perfect night to find a good book and "cozy up." I hope you all have blessed evenings with your families.

My love to all, Susan P.

My Closets And How They Have Opened My Eyes

If you were to enter my home on any given day I can be fairly confident in saying that you would find my house picked up, presentable, and "company" ready. The main reason I can say this is because I no longer have children in my home so the messes are not like they used to be. Another reason is I am a "neat nick," always have been, always will be. I don't like being surrounded in clutter because I do not function well. When I have "chaos" and "clutter" around me I feel like my life is like that as well. I have always taken as my "motto," "a place for everything and everything in it's place."

Today as I was in my bedroom I had a "thunder bolt" of a realization that almost smacked me in the head and knocked me down. You see, as much as I am a "neat freak" in almost all areas of my home I am the complete opposite when it comes to closets and drawers. When I walk into my closet or even walk by my closet I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Why? I am utterly and completely ashamed at how they look. I had thought of taking a picture but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I am not exaggerating when I tell you it would probably take a dump truck and a fork lift to get everything straightened out. I am not trying to be funny here, I am completely serious. Things get thrown and tossed about, nothing is in it's place, piles of various things are here, there, and everywhere. I guess I could use the excuse that I don't have enough closet space but I know in my heart that would not remedy the situation. I could have a mansion with a million closets and yet I know my closet would still look this way. Same with drawers. There are no neat piles, everything is just "stuffed" in there and it's like going on a treasure hunt to find what I'm looking for in the morning. Poor Mr. P. has to suffer through my neglectfulness and for that I am so ashamed and truly sorry.

Any stranger that would enter my house would think what a marvelous home keeper I am. Although everything to THEIR eyes looks perfect they never see the areas of my home that I just spoke of that are far, far from perfect. I only let them see the parts of my home that I WANT them to see. I know they will never have an occasion to go rummaging through my closets and drawers and so it is something that I just don't worry or care about. You see, on the outside everything looks "perfect," but on the inside, if you really dig deep you would see that it isn't. I am only taking care of things that people will be seeing and neglecting everything else. I need to say a big "OUCH" here right now. That is a hard pill to swallow and something that is truly hard to admit.

I made myself go back into my closet and it came to me that the closet represents my heart. Stay with me here, now. On the outside I like to look like I have it all together. I try to portray myself as being a good Christian who has this wonderful prayer life and this wonderful relationship with the Lord but sadly this isn't always true. My heart is like that closet, it is cluttered with messes. It isn't in the right place like it should be a lot of times. Instead of tending to the closet I get sidetracked by "life." Everyday as I walk by I think "oh, I will get to it tomorrow." "It doesn't really matter because nobody will ever see it." But guess what?? The ONE who is most important DOES see it. He not only sees my closets, he always sees and knows my HEART.

Instead of bible reading I might choose to watch a television show that does nothing but waste brain cells. Instead of picking up the phone to call someone who could use some encouragement I might pick up the phone and participate in gossip. Instead of appreciating my beautiful home that the Lord has blessed me with I might wish I had a home like my friend that I consider to be more beautiful. Instead of spending time in prayer I might spend that time with useless thoughts. Instead of spending money wisely and giving to those in need I might spend money on silly, unnecessary things without even batting an eye.

I am determined that starting today I am going to diligently work on that closet. I am going to get in there and scrub and clean. I am going to organize and prioritize. I am going to get rid of the "junk" and take better care of the "good" stuff. My goal is going to be that at any given time a stranger can walk into my home and go into my closet and I can hold my head up high and know I have done my best. The same thing goes with my heart. At any given time I want the Lord to be able to look at my heart and know that I am truly giving him my best. After all, if I am going to do that for strangers doesn't the Lord deserve so much more? No more hiding, no more closed doors, no more doing enough just "to get by." It is time to fling open the door and let the SONSHINE IN!

"Winter Welcome"
Our Front Door

Like a lot of the country we here in Virginia are experiencing much higher that normal temperatures. Today it is a glorious 75 degrees with a gentle breeze and bright blue sky. If it keeps this up I am going to have to bring my snowflake flag in because it looks downright silly flying out there. I think I will have to replace it with my daffodil flag! LOL

Isn't the blue sky just beautiful??

The snowman wreath I made. I think that's about as close to a snowman as we're going to get!

We haven't needed hats or gloves so I decided to put them on the sled!

Mr. Snowman greets you as you enter the front door! Sorry, can y'all tell I was a preschool teacher? ;o)

Prayers Are Needed

A very precious blogging friend of mine is in need of your prayers. Her husband has been serving in Iraq for several months and she posted this request yesterday. PLEASE go and visit and read more about it. It would be wonderful if we could all pass this on to our other blogging friends. I know what wonderful ladies you are and I appreciate in advance all of your prayers and help in this matter.

Much love,
Susan P.

The Importance Of A Treat

I am a firm believer in treats! What do I mean by that? Well, ask yourself this question. "When was the last time I treated myself to ANYTHING?" Now, before you answer I want you to think of something else. How many times do you spend money on little treats for your husband and children but deny yourself any?? Okay, I think I am hearing a resounding shout of "MANY!" Now, please don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about necessities like clothing, shoes and things of that nature, I am talking TREATS! When I say "treat" I don't mean a big screen plasma t.v. or ipods or am I advocating anything that would put your family in financial straits. I am talking about "little" things that can put a smile on your face and put a little bounce in
your step!

As wives and mothers we are all into denial for ourselves. Naturally we want only the best for our families and we always try to make sure they have it. But something is missing in that picture. What about you?? If you budget carefully I feel fairly confident that most of us could come up with an extra few dollars a month to be able to purchase a treat for ourselves. I am talking about maybe once a month you could purchase a pretty new nail polish or a magazine you have always wanted to buy. Maybe you could go to the clearance aisle and get a pretty pair of earrings on sale, or even something like if you have always wanted a Starbucks coffee you can plan ahead and maybe have one of those a month. You get the picture. Just a little something that you can set a dollar or two away for so that you can get something YOU enjoy! A little something to look forward to that is just for YOU.

I promise it won't make you a bad wife or mother if you do this for yourself. As a matter of fact I think it will make you an even better one because it will make you happy and you won't feel like you are always doing without. Why not think of one little thing you might like to "treat" yourself to and then plan accordingly. It is amazing what pretty pink toes or a good magazine can do to lift a girl's mood. Try it, I promise you will like it;)

*Next week I plan on posting about another way in which you can "treat" yourself that doesn't cost a dime! See my post below for what I consider to be my "treat!"

My "Treat"


Y'all sometimes words aren't even necessary! Let's just meditate on this for awhile, shall we;)

An Audio "Happy New Year" From Me!
My friend Deb over at Mountain Musings decided to do an audio new year message that you can hear by clicking here. I thought it was such a wonderful idea I decided to do it myself. I know when I visit your blogs I have an image in mind of each one of you, what you look like, what you sound like, etc.. This is such a fun way to actually match a voice with a face! Who else wants to join us??
Click here to hear my message!

Let There Be Light!

January. Ugh! January has always been my least favorite month of the year. I live in Virginia and most days in January are very dreary and overcast. We can go for days and days without seeing any real sunlight and the weather is just downright "gloomy." After awhile I have to admit the lack of sunlight starts to get to me.

January also signals the end of Christmas and all the trimmings that went along with it. The house was festively decorated and once everything is put away things tend to look a little drab to me. Sometimes before I know I know it I can be experiencing the "blues." If any of you experience these feelings I have a solution! LET THERE BE LIGHT!

I have found a very inexpensive and easy way to "brighten" my mood right up. I certainly don't have a lot of money to invest, especially after Christmas, but my solution will barely put a dent in my pocketbook! I either use my old Christmas lights that I was about to put away or I can go and take advantage of the after Christmas sales with lights being 75% off! I have several ficus trees in my home and also a small palm tree. After the Christmas lights come off the tree they immediately find a new home on my other trees. I like to use a LOT of the little white lights. They look absolutely beautiful of the trees! It's like I still have a little Christmas with me and it "freshens" up the look in my home. As I walk from room to room the sight of these pretty lights just "brighten" up my mood. Pun intended! LOL

Another thing I like to do is have low level lighting on around the house. Just that little bit of "extra" light makes the room seem a happier place to be!

I have also taken a small strand of Christmas lights and put them into some of my home decor. I really like the look of this rustic birdhouse with the lights below. I have also strung lights on the shelf in my kitchen that displays my baskets!

There are many ways you can add light into your home, just use your imagination! You can also start on that winter project, take a brisk walk in the fresh air, read a great book just for fun, or put on some "peppy" music. Before you know it you will chase those winter blues away!!

Prayerful Planning Brings Peace

A new year now stretches ahead of us. A year of infinite possibilities. A year of new hopes and dreams. A year of new resolve to change things in our lives for the better. A year to "turn over that new leaf."

With the new year comes new choices. As we open up our new plan books or check our calendars we will see that we have precious seconds, minutes, hours, and days to fill. All of those white empty pages can fill you with excitement over all the possibilities. Along with that should also have a feeling of great responsibility. It is up to YOU how you plan each minute. It is up to YOU how you spend each hour. It is up to YOU how you fill in those blanks.

I would like to suggest to you that before you take pen in hand you go to the Lord in prayer. Ask him to show you how he wants you to spend those precious minutes. Ask him to guide you and give you the strength to prioritize in a way that would be pleasing to him. Ask him to open up your eyes and heart to what is really important.

Please don't spend another year running back and forth to endless committee meetings and social events. Instead of having your children participate in countless "play dates" you can spend that time actually playing with your child. What about the "responsibilities" that constantly take you away from home at night or the "responsibilities" during the day that have made you become close personal friends with Ronald McDonald? Are you tired of being tired? Are you tired of feeling frazzled? Are you tired of feeling like you never have time with your husband and children? Are you tired of feeling like you never get anything done around your home? I am here to tell you right now that you do HAVE A CHOICE! It is okay to say NO! The world will not stop spinning if you do, I promise! Go to the Lord in prayer and have him show you what is really important and what is not. Now is the time to seek his guidance concerning your priorities so you that can reevaluate what you deem as being important.

We can't worry about what The Jones' next door are doing. The only thing we need to worry about is what WE are doing. There is no point in trying to keep up with them because, guess what? You never will be able to! Don't worry about your friend who is President of this and Treasurer of that. Don't compare yourself to her either. You might think she is a "supermom" but I'm here to tell you there is NO SUCH A THING. I can almost guarantee that if she is involved in every possible activity outside the home then something is being neglected on the inside. The only thing you need to worry about is YOU! Concentrate your time, talents, and efforts in the things that the Lord has taught us are to be of the utmost importance, HIM, OUR SPOUSES, OUR CHILDREN, AND SERVING OTHERS. When you follow THAT plan (his plan) you will know what true peace and joy is.

So, before you open up that brand new plan book, PRAY. Before you fill in that calendar, PRAY. PRAY for guidance, PRAY for clarity, PRAY for wisdom, and most of all PRAY that you will make the year 2007 a year that is pleasing to him. You will be so glad you did!