Joyful Heart

Celebrating 11 years...

2012-01-22T17:57:00.002-06:00

Today we celebrated our sweet Samuel's 11th birthday.

We always allow the birthday person to choose their dinner and cake. Samuel chose lasagna and other pasta dishes with strawberry cake and ice cream for desert. I had fun making lasagna, stuffed shells, and baked penne with roasted vegetables. Here is the link to this recipe. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/baked-penne-with-roasted-vegetables-recipe/index.html

I am so thankful for my family!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

New Year...

2012-01-18T15:51:00.003-06:00

I don't know where the time has gone from my last post in December until now. I know we had a wonderful Christmas full of smiles and laughter. We had family and friends in our home, as well as some new friends from Korea. We played games, shared gifts, and spent meaningful time together. We had some sorrows but the joys outweighed them. I want to get back to blogging and have been wondering how to start again. Today I was cleaning the study and began to sort through some books. I came across a sweet book a friend gave me some years ago. Some things happened over the holidays that brought hurt to my heart and I felt I had lost this friendship. Today I picked up the book called The Treasure of a Friend by John Maxwell and began to read what she wrote to me on the back page. It stirred in me a longing to contact her and to try to mend things between us. Perhaps our friendship will never be what it was, or perhaps it will. I will never find out if I don't take a step toward her. I know I don't want to stay in the place of hurt.

Love is kind and patient.

never jealous, boastful, proud or rude.

Love isn't selfish or quick tempered.

It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that

others do. Love rejoices in the truth,

but not in evil. Love is always supportive,

loyal, hopeful and trusting.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (CEV)

Nowhere else has the essence of love been expressed
in so few words.

Let them settle into your heart-and
they will change your life.

~~John C. Maxwell

How about you? Is there someone you need to take a step towards this new year?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:19:00.001-06:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christa the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14

Navitity

2011-12-13T16:54:00.001-06:00

Made by Jim as a surprise for me years ago...

All these were made in Honduras...

Do you have some Nativities you look forward to setting out each year?

Night of Wonder

2011-12-08T08:40:00.001-06:00

Our church works with a non-profit organization called 6 Stones My husband, Jim, also serves on the board. One of the things they do during the year is work with all 19 elementary schools in the area to have a Christmas Party for the children and their families. This party is called Night of Wonder and is held on each school campus in early December. At the party, each family will receive their gifts and a Christmas dinner to take home. They also have a very special gift created for the children to give to their parent(s) on Christmas morning. During this party a local pastor will tell the real reason for Christmas...Jesus! It is a very meaningful and fun evening.

I want to share Jim's story of one night when he went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things:

"I went to Walmart this past week. They had poinsettias on sale for $3.47. I picked up 3 of those. There was water right inside the store. Within 60 seconds, I was at the quick checkout. The lady said, "Oh, those are beautiful poinsettias. How much where they?" I said, "They're $3.47." She said, "Oh, I love poinsettias, but that's way outside my budget." She paused and a smile spread across her face as she continued, "Last year the strangest thing happened. My two girls were adopted by some organization and we went to this Christmas party they were having. They gave away these poinsettias as raffle prizes and we won 2 of them! We were so blessed last year.

I said, "Do you mind if I ask you, do you know who that was?"
"It was some group of people that call themselves 6 Stones."

We have adopted our family and bought our gifts. We will be working at Night of Wonder next week. I want to share the love of Jesus and see smiles on the faces of those we are helping.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-05T14:46:00.000-06:00

It's cold outside, so look what I've been doing inside!

I found these Christmas ornaments in a box in the attic.

They belonged to my mother-in-law.

I think my daughter, Stacy, bought them for her one year.

They look so pretty setting on my buffet with the other things I have.

(Card may be purchased at The Wheatfield by Katie Daisy . She has many other pretty cards and prints. I love having it set on my buffet!)

This gingerbread house is one I purchased from Party Lite years ago and I love burning tea lights in it each year! I know little people that visit will be loving the candy canes!

I even had time to make soup for our dinner! It is simmering on the stove and smells so good! Click this link for Company's Coming Soup

Fudge Nut Bars

2011-12-02T22:10:00.003-06:00

I baked some cookies and bars today. It was fun being in the kitchen listening to Christmas music as I baked. While I was making the Fudge Nut Bars I began to think of the friend that gave me the recipe. I met Janet when we were stationed at Ft. Benning, GA in 1977. We lived next door to each other and became fast friends. Janet loved to entertain and had a lot of good recipes. I am glad she shared this one with me. Tomorrow I will share them with the ladies at our Christmas event.

Fudge Nut Bars

1 C. butter

2 C. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 C. flour

1 t. salt

1 t. soda

3 C. oatmeal

2 t. vanilla

Combine above ingredients.

Spread 3/4 of oatmeal mixture in bottom of 13"x9" pan.

Filling:

Combine in double boiler

12 oz. package chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 t. butter

1/2 t. salt

Heat and stir until smooth. Add 1 C. nuts and 2 t. vanilla.

Cover oatmeal mixture with the filling.

Dot top with remaining oatmeal mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Don't overbake.

Freezes well!

Be Still

2011-11-28T14:13:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week end! Lots of food, family fun and so much to be thankful for! Now my thoughts are turning toward Christmas...thinking about how God came down to the earth in the form of a baby for me...for the world!

I want my focus this year, more than ever, to be on the

real reason for Christmas!

I hope during your busy days of preparation you will take time to

be still (relax, be quiet) before the Lord!

Scholarship

2011-11-21T08:16:00.000-06:00

Giving Thanks...

for this young man

and for all who gave making this scholarship possible!

Thankful,

Elaine

Amy Elizabeth Pack Memorial Scholarship

2011-11-20T08:42:00.011-06:00

Giving Thanks

Jim will be presenting this scholarship to

Pedro Paul Luna Aguilar this afternoon!

Thanks to the generous contributions of many friends and family

we are able to present a scholarship each year!

Amy Elizabeth Pack

Memorial Scholarship

is presented to

Pedro Paul Luna Aguilar

In the Amount of $1,000

In recognition of your strength of character, zeal for life and

demonstrated talent throughout your years at

Ruach International Christian Academy.

Giving thanks...

Elaine

Nertz

2011-11-19T17:35:00.000-06:00

Giving Thanks

Today I give thanks for the game night we are having tonight. Jim is in Honduras and it is fun to have a girls night. A game of Nertz is planned. I know there will be tons of laughter and fun because it always happens when we girls get together! We'll eat snacks, talk and hopefully I will win a game.. or two!!

Thankful,

Elaine

2011-11-18T16:38:00.001-06:00

Giving Thanks!

Today I am giving thanks for my friend Carol's grandchildren. I was invited to attend Grandparents Day at their school. They go to St. Vincents School. We went to chapel first where both girls sang in the choir. Then we went to the music room where the 4th grade did their presentation. They have been studying artists and each child was to chose one to write about. Then they chose a picture their artist had painted and they painted one like it. Veronica was Vincent Van Gogh. She borrowed a jacket from my husband, Jim and a beard from my nephew, Joshua. She memorized what she wrote about Van Gogh and did a great job!

Her picture was Van Gogh's Starry Night

Giving Thanks...

Elaine

Thankful for this gift

2011-11-17T17:09:00.000-06:00

Every time one arrives in the mail I feel encouraged and loved. What a kind gift of love is given me each week. It started shortly after our daughter, Amy, went home to the Lord in 1998 and continues to this day! One time I told her she did not have to keep sending them to me and she told me that when the Lord tells her to stop she will. I am humbled and in awe that someone would do this for me. So today I give thanks for my faithful friend, Joy, and each beautiful card that she sends me. Each card has been different and I cannot imagine how she never sends duplicates. Words cannot express how much it means to be thought about and prayed for!

This is today's card!

Giving Thanks,

Elaine

Sisterhood

2011-11-16T20:29:00.001-06:00

Today I give thanks for

Sisters in Christ

My friend Jennifer says so well what my heart feels.

Visit her at Heart to Hear and see what she has to say about sisterhood and our group that meets together every Tuesday morning! Wish YOU could join us!

Giving thanks,

Elaine

More thanks

2011-11-15T16:30:00.000-06:00

Giving Thanks

Today I am continuing to give thanks for the joy and peace God gives....

Romans 15:13 May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

Read about it here Precious in His Sight on my sister's blog!

Giving thanks,
Elaine

Encouragement for our day

2011-11-14T16:31:00.001-06:00

Today I am giving thanks for the sweet way the Lord let my sister, Stephanie, know HE CARES!

As she serves the Lord teaching at Ruach International Christian Academy in Comayagua, Honduras, there are times she becomes tired and needs encouragement and joy from the Lord. These past few days have been like that for her and she has asked her friends and family to pray for her. This morning I received a text message from her saying that she had opened one of the cards I sent her (I gave her a stack of cards this summer to take back to Honduras with her and to be opened whenever she wanted).

The text message said:

I opened a card from you this morning and it said just what I needed for today. The verse is now on the board in the high school is Romans 15:13. Love you!

I was excited and knew God was hearing our prayers.

A couple hours later I spent some time with my devotionals.

First I read My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.

Then, I opened

Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young and read:

... "As you sit quietly in My Presence, your awareness of My Life within you is heightened. This produces the Joy of the Lord, which is your strength.

I, the God of hope, fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Me, so that you may bubble over with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

One of the verses at the end of the devotional was...

Romans 15:13 which in the Amplified reads:

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

I was so excited as I was seeing God was not just telling my sister, but me also, how much he wants to fill us with His joy and His peace so that we will be overflowing with His hope! What a word of encouragement!!

When I looked back at the beginning of the Jesus Calling devotional I found I had read yesterday's, not todays! This realization caused me to remember what Oswald Chambers had said in his devotional today:

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers:

...."Never allow that the haphazard is anything less than God's appointed order, and be ready to discover the Divine designs any where. "

I know God orchestrated all this. It began with me buying the very card Stephanie would need to read today and then everything else that happened pertaining this!

I LOVE HOW HE LOVES US!

Giving Thanks,
Elaine

Precious pictures

2011-11-13T14:29:00.000-06:00

Today I am giving thanks to the Lord for a friend that sent me 4 precious pictures of our sweet Amy. I had never seen them. I was overwhelmed when I opened the envelope and saw Amy with her sweet smile! The pictures were taken around her senior year in High School with her close friend, Robin. I just love them! When you have a loved one with the Lord and you see a picture of them you have never seen before it means so much!

Giving Thanks-

Elaine

Fun times with Molly & Jack

2011-11-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

Giving Thanks!

Today I am thankful for Molly Joy and Jack Bower! These two dogs are so much fun, even though they can be annoying at times. I am taking care of Jack while Stacy & Travis are out of town this week end. They love each other but also have their times of jealousy. One will be on my lap and the other one will be standing beside me barking. They love to wrestle with each other and play together outside. After they wear themselves out, they both find their favorite spot to sleep. I thank the Lord that He gave each of our families these sweet, funny, playful dogs to love.

This is where Jack sits while I cook!

Jack and Jim having breakfast!

Molly

Be thankful...

Elaine

Dreams do come true...

2011-11-11T20:18:00.004-06:00

Giving Thanks

to the Lord

Today I give thanks for this young man...Celestino Velasquez Garcia. He attended Ruach International Christian Academy in Comayagua, Honduras. Upon graduation he was awarded the Amy Elizabeth Pack Memorial Scholarship. He was able to attend a college near us before he attended ORU. We know the Lord has big plans for Celestino and love that his dream of becoming a doctor is coming true!

From Honduras to Med School

Celestino Velasquez Garcia, originally from Comayagua, Honduras, is a junior at ORU. He is majoring in biomedical chemistry with a pre-medicine concentration and minoring in biology.

When Celestino completes his ORU degree, he said he plans to “go right to medical school. …Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a doctor.”

There’s a good reason why Celestino wants to go into medicine. As a child, he suffered from a severe case of asthma. One incident in particular helped convince him to choose medicine for a career.

As an eleven-year-old, Celestino was in a small village in the mountains in the western section of Honduras. “It’s a pretty isolated town,” he said. “It took about three or four hours to get to the nearest city that would have any specialized medical attention. They just had a very, very small clinic.” And that clinic had one doctor who worked short hours—just a few days a week.

Celestino says he did not always have an inhaler to help him with his asthma. “One time my asthma attacks got very severe. They were coming very frequently, and my mom didn’t know what to do. I was hyperventilating, struggling just to breathe.” His mother carried him through the village for hours, calling out and asking people if there was a doctor in town, or if there was anyone who could help her son.

“There were a few important people in the town like a mayor, a university professor, a lot of politicians, some engineers, but none of them could really help me,” Celestino said. “There was only one person in the entire town that could help me, and it was a doctor. So my mom and I went to his apartment.” In desperation, Celestino’s mother knocked on the doctor’s door and yelled for help.

Finally, the doctor answered the door and asked what the problem was. “He tried all kinds of things on me,” Celestino said, and eventually, through “continuous puffs of an inhaler,” the 11-year-old began breathing normally.

Looking back, Celestino said he “was just amazed at how this man had such a vast amount of knowledge that surmounted all these other people in the town. That saved my life. If he wouldn’t have been there—a person with his knowledge—I wouldn’t have survived.” Since that time, it has been his dream and his goal to become a doctor, “to go to people that can’t have access to medical assistance and be able to provide for them.”

Although Celestino says he would like to go back to Honduras eventually, he realizes it’s not so much what he wants to do; “it’s what God wants me to do, I know. This is what God wants me to do right now—go to med school.”

How did Celestino get to ORU? He heard about the Whole Person Scholarship program from a friend. He applied to ORU, took part in a Whole Person Scholarship event—including interviews and essays—and some time later, he received a phone call saying he had received a full award.
“I just hung up after that,” Celestino said. “I didn’t even say bye to the person. I kind of wanted to jump up and down and run all over the place, but I didn’t. I just felt peace. And I knew right then it was the place I wanted to go.”

Celestino says the Whole Person Scholarship has definitely changed his life by helping him afford his dream of receiving a college education and by emphasizing the importance of becoming a whole person in spirit, mind, and body.

This ORU junior sees how the Whole Person Scholarship program teaches that “life isn’t just about academic achievement or achievement in one particular area, but becoming servants of the Lord that care about people and that, for example, in my case, have been taught to have a healthy and disciplined physical lifestyle—watch what I eat, work out.” Equally important: “to have a spiritual time, to be socially adept, and to be responsible in my academics; those are qualities I want to have as a doctor.

“It’s a unique award because it doesn’t just honor achievement, grades, or test scores. It’s about honoring that person’s discipline and commitment to leading a good life.”

Reading to Success..

2011-11-10T17:03:00.000-06:00

Give Thanks!

Today I give thanks for 6stones reading-success . Jim and I are volunteers at Spring Garden Elementary School. We go every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and help children read. We have been assigned two boys and one girl. They are so sweet and I am happy that we can help them learn to read. I think all three are partial to Jim though. I see how he has such a heart for these kids and see them drawn to him. We both feel this is something God has called us to do together and to realize the success these children will have in life because they can read blesses us greatly.

French Toast...

2011-11-09T13:44:00.002-06:00

Today I give thanks for new recipes!

My friend, Karin, gave me two french toast recipes. She brought one to our Neighborhood breakfast and we all loved it. Because she has two recipes she likes she sent them both to me.

French Toast Casserole

* Cube (or tear) a loaf of French bread and place in a greased 9x13 pan

* Mix 8 eggs, 3 cups milk, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl

* Pour over bread and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight

* Pull casserole out of refrigerator 30 min. before baking

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cube 3 Tablespoons of butter and dot the top of casserole

* Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and sprinkle on top of butter

* Bake for 45-50 min. or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

* Enjoy with warm syrup and powdered sugar!

** I added nuts even though the recipe doesn't call for them.

Overnight French Toast

1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) butter, melted
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 loaf brioche or challah (French toast can also be sliced 1 1/2 inches thick)
8 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup whole milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup pecans, measured then chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
(optional) maple syrup and powdered sugar for topping

Directions

In a small bowl combine brown sugar and melted butter and pour on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Arrange slices of bread in the baking dish overlapping if necessary.
Combine milk, eggs, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl and pour evenly over bread slices.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over bread slices.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours.
In the morning, take the casserole out of the fridge for at least 10 minutes while you are preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
Bake casserole for 30-35 minutes. If top starts browning too quickly place a foil loosely over the top of the casserole for the last 10 minutes or so. You want it to cook long enough to make sure the bottom part is cooked but don't dry it out completely.
Remove casserole from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Adapted from www.ezrapoundcake.com

God is comfort...

2011-11-08T16:23:00.001-06:00

Give Thanks

Today I am thankful for God's comfort. This morning I learned of the death of a friend's daughter. I met this person years ago when we were first married and we have connected again on Facebook. A mutual friend told me about it thinking that I would know how to help because I have experienced the same thing. I have prayed asking the Lord to comfort this friend and her family with the comfort only He can give. I know He will because He has comforted me. Both of us have the Hope of seeing our daughters again one day. Until then we will be comforted by the Lord who is the One that gives us hope, comfort and is with us always!

Elaine

2011-11-07T14:32:00.000-06:00

Today I give thanks for the vine growing up the tree in our backyard. When I looked out our bedroom window this morning I saw beautiful red leaves.

It is just a little thing, but it gave me a happy heart to see them. I grew up in Ohio where the leaves turn beautiful colors in the fall. I miss seeing all the colors. The trees in Texas have mostly brown leaves in the fall. So when I saw the brilliant red leaves I thanked God for the beauty he gave me today.

Keep your eyes open for bits of beauty

that God has give you

that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Showing the Love of God...

2011-11-06T16:19:00.002-06:00

Give Thanks

But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

(NAS, 1 John 3:17)

Today I give thanks for the generous hearts of the ladies in my Bible study! There was a need that came to our attention a few days ago. We as sisters-in-Christ were able to help by giving groceries and other items to this precious family. This morning at church ladies came up to me with big smiles, telling me how much fun it had been. These ladies were very creative in their giving. They gave generously and showed the love of God to this family. This family was blessed and today with tears told of how God is using this in their life to show them they can

TRUST HIM!

We can do no

great things-

only small things

great love.

~Mother Teresa

Thanks for the ladies of my neighborhood...

2011-11-05T17:12:00.001-05:00

Today I give thanks for the ladies that are my neighbors and friends. My friend, Diane, and I invited the ladies of our neighborhood to breakfast at my house. Diane baked banana bread and a delicious breakfast casserole. I baked pumpkin muffins and lemon-blueberry muffins. Karin brought a french toast casserole which I could not stop eating. Jana brought a fruit tart which not only looked pretty but tasted so good! My neighbor Sharon provided three different types of juice and brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her yard. I also had the choice of coffee or tea. One of our new neighbors brought me and Diane a thank you gift. They are the cutest socks. They are so soft and I know we will both wear them all winter.

We had such a fun time!

Karin has promised to give me the recipe for her breakfast casserole and I will be sure to post it. I hope you will enjoy the muffin recipe I made. I substituted fresh blueberries for the raspberries. I also cooked them in a mini muffin pan so the recipe made more than a dozen.

Lemon-Raspberry Muffins

YIELD: Makes 1 dozen

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (8-ounce) container lemon yogurt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 (6-ounce) package fresh raspberries (about 1 1/4 cups) or 1 (6-ounce) package frozen raspberries, unthawed*
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cold butter or margarine

Preparation

Combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Stir together yogurt and next 3 ingredients; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
Toss together 2 tablespoons flour and raspberries; fold into batter. Spoon into lightly greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full.
Combine remaining 2 tablespoons flour and 3 tablespoons sugar; cut butter into mixture with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Spoon evenly over batter in muffin pans.
Bake at 375° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Remove muffins from pans immediately, and cool on wire racks.
*Blueberries may be substituted for raspberries.
~~From Southern Living

Awesome Husband...

2011-11-04T21:39:00.000-05:00

Give Thanks

Today I give thanks for Jim!

I had a very busy schedule today. Jim offered to pick up Molly from the groomers, go to the store for me, and also deliver some things I needed to take to a friend! What an awesome husband I have. I thank the Lord for his help today. My load was lightened, my day made easier and my heart was so happy!

Love is kind.

-from I Cor. 13

2011-11-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my friend that took the time to meet me at Starbucks! Besides our favorite drinks we shared a breakfast sandwich and a pumpkin muffin! We visited for over an hour. We had a some serious sharing but didn't leave without telling some funny stories. We laughed and laughed! I love being with her and this morning was such a fun start to my day.

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, … knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

- George Eliot

Give Thanks...

2011-11-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

November means Thanksgiving to me. Not just the holiday, but giving thanks to God! I want to give thanks this month and am asking the Lord to show me things everyday that I might have missed otherwise!

“Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant—

a seed—this plants the giant miracle.”

-Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

She has an awesome blog you will want to visit

a holy experience

I am so thankful for the creativity the Lord gives. Another blog you will want to visit is the 160 acrewoods She designed the cutest November desktop for your computer.

Here is a woman's online magazine destiny in bloom. I am thankful for women that can write meaningful devotionals that uplift and challenge me.

Have a thankful day!

Thank you for being born...

2011-10-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

"Birthdays need to be celebrated.

I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday

than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory.

On a birthday we do not say:

'Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.'

No, we say:

'Thank you for being born and being among us.'"

~~Henri Nouwen

Shawna chose cinnamon rolls for her birthday "cake"

Travis chose apple pie!

Joshua chose cheesecake!

I am so thankful for these three...my son in law, daughter and nephew.

We celebrated their birthdays this month!

Blessing of a text message...

2011-10-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

Have you ever sent a text message only to find out you sent it to the wrong person? This happened to me yesterday. The text was intended for a friend in Texas. Instead I sent it to a friend in Colorado. Both friends have the same name. The friend in Colorado had been on my mind and I had considered calling her but did not want to bother her. One of the things we have in common is that both our children were born with Cystic Fibrosis and both of them are with the Lord. Not long after her precious son went home to the Lord, we talked and cried with each other on the phone for over an hour. When she received the text yesterday that was not meant for her she immediately wrote me back. She told me she had received it and was glad to connect again as she had wanted to call me but did not want to burden me with her sorrows. With the holidays coming up she is having a hard time with missing her son and wondering how she will get through them. We sent text messages back and forth with a plan to talk in the next few days.

God had laid her on my heart and given me the desire to call, but I had not called. She had wanted to call me but had not. Thankfully, the Lord orchestrated this text message to be sent to her so that we could connect. We are both so glad He did.

Meatloaf our family loves...

2011-10-23T17:49:00.000-05:00

We love meatloaf at our house. I have a loaf baking in my oven right now. I bake it in the stone loaf pan I purchased from Pampered Chef. It is such a comfort food! I never really liked any recipe I tried until a friend gave me hers. It is called Sister Helen's Meatloaf and came from Ann Landers.

Sister Helen's Meatloaf

~~serves 6

2 pounds ground round steak
2 eggs
1 1/2 C. bread crumbs
3/4 C. ketchup
1 teaspoon Accent *
1 package Lipton's onion soup mix
8-ounce can tomato sauce *

Mix all ingredients thoroughly, except for tomato sauce. Cover with two strips of bacon *, if you like that flavor. Pour the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce over all. Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

*My family's preference is to not use the Accent, tomato sauce or bacon.

Pretty

2011-10-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:18

Yesterday when Colette's mother picked her up she surprised me with a gift! She told me that when she saw it she thought of me. I love butterflies, love the verse and green is my favorite color! Such a sweet thing to do for me!

Time for Pumpkin Bread...

2011-10-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

I love pumpkin bread! Today seemed like a good day to make some! We have new neighbors and I would like to take a treat to welcome them to the neighborhood! I had to sample a piece first. It was delicious! Stacy & Travis dropped by so I gave them each a piece and they too loved it. I hope our neighbors enjoy their loaf.

I had already posted the recipe at one time on my blog so just click this link if you would like to have it. pumpkin bread

I guarantee your family will ask for seconds!

Life in a Bag...

2011-10-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks goes to my dear friend Linda for suggesting this!
Every Tuesday morning at our Ladies Bible Study we do

Life in a Bag

before we begin our discussion of the lesson. The week before I ask three ladies to volunteer. The following week each lady brings a bag with 5 things (often they put more than that, as it is so hard to choose what to include) in the bag. They are to tell who they are and then as they show the things they brought tell something about their life. The last thing they are to tell is what God is doing in their life right now. These times have been deep and the sharing heart felt. I learned how one of our ladies traveled from her home in Africa to several other countries before coming to American. She spoke of the faithfulness of God through all the moves. I heard another lady tell of how her heart is still hurting from the death of her sister last summer and I knew how I should pray for her. I learned that one of the ladies has had many heartaches in her life. As she finished she held up a picture that said, 'Rejoice Always' and told us that is what God was teaching her. Another lady shared of all the fun things she has done with her grandchildren. We all smiled as we heard about her teaching her grandchildren to roller blade. We had no idea she knew how to do that. We have cried and we have laughed. Each lady is a gift from God and their lives reflect the love of the Lord. I believe this, as well as our discussion time, is bonding us together! Let me know if you try this with a group you are a part of!

Banana Nut Muffins

2011-10-09T21:37:00.002-05:00

This is a favorite muffin recipe of mine. They don't last long at our house because they are so good. I love them warm with a little butter and a cup of hot tea!

Banana Nut Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup mashed ripe banana

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup chopped pecans

Garnish: confectioners' sugar, fresh raspberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake 12-15 minutes (I recommend checking at 12 minutes)

Grease muffin pans (makes 15 muffins).

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

In medium bowl, combine banana, oil, eggs, and milk; add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

Cool-garnish with confectioner sugar and raspberries
(from Paula Deen)

More Fresh Brewed Life

2011-10-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

We just finished our third week of studying the book Fresh Brewed Life. I am blessed to be studying this with 28 ladies. As we sit around the table each week and share our hearts and what the Lord is speaking to us through our study I am learning so much.

Each week I read this verse from the Amplified Bible to the class before we begin discussion. This is the life God intends for us!

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:10

Last week our chapter was on writing in a journal. I had fun choosing one. I love the cover.

Then when I opened it I was so happy to see quotes as well as scripture on each page. I love the pen I chose to use. It was given to me by Stephanie, my sister who is a missionary in Honduras.

One of our assignments was to read Psam 130. Wait for the Lord and if He tells you something, write it down. If He asks you something, answer Him. If He directs you to do something, do it. I did and it was a meaningful time for me.

Why don't you try this today!

From the heart of a 6 yr. old

2011-09-29T14:28:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Colette, age 6, drew a picture. When she finished she called me to see it! I was amazed at the drawing.

If you look closely in the black area you will see the word God with an arrow pointing to the figure.

In one hand is Cashmere, her cat that died, and in the other hand is our Amy (Amee is how she wrote it), who is with the Lord.

It reminded me of this scripture:

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

Isaiah 49:16

I love the yellow around and through God. It is like light! As we were looking at it she said: "I wish there were cameras in heaven and then someone there could send us a picture of God and we would know what he REALLY looks like."

Fun day at the park...

2011-09-26T13:40:00.001-05:00

After an extremely hot summer I am so happy for cooler fall days. Saturday I took Colette and Ashlynn to the park. They both love to swing! They saw a tree nearby and it became a fun spot to sit and play on!!

Happy days of Autumn!

Cinnamon-Apple Crostata

2011-09-24T18:54:00.002-05:00

I found a new recipe that looked easy and I thought would taste good. I made it and it was a hit with everyone. I made it again the next day. Today my nephew, Joshua, made it. We are having it for dessert tonight!

I hope you will try it! If you like apple pie you will love this!

Cinnamon-Apple Crostata

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling

1/2 cup sugar

4 teaspoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

4 cups thinly sliced, peeled cooking apples (4 medium)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts

Topping

Whipped cream, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 450°F. Remove pie crust from pouch; place flat on ungreased cookie sheet.
In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, the cornstarch and cinnamon. Gently stir in apples. Spoon apple mixture onto center of crust, spreading to within 2 inches of edge. Fold crust edge over filling to form 2-inch border, pleating crust as necessary. Brush crust edge with water; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.
Bake 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle pecans over apple mixture. Bake 5 to 15 minutes longer or until apples are tender. Serve with whipped cream.

Here is the link to the recipe: Cinnamon-Apple Crostata

Precious in His Sight

2011-09-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder if you are making a difference in another person's life? My sister Stephanie is a missionary in Honduras. She teaches at Ruach International School. She had an experience with her high school class that she wrote about on her blog. A blessing came from a bad situation. I hope you will read and realize that the time you are investing in another person is not in vain.

I love reading about all her experiences in Honduras...be sure to scroll down for other stories.

Precious in His Sight

Today is the first day of fall...enjoy!

Sweet surprise

2011-09-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

We drove home from Gulf Shores today. A sweet surprise awaited us. Hannah had been house and dog setting for us while we were gone. I walked into the kitchen and there on the counter was a

beautiful bouquet of flowers

and a welcome home note!

Thank you Hannah!

I have a happy heart tonight!

Memories were made...

2011-09-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

We woke at 6 a.m. today to watch the sunrise! We sat on a bench waiting and suddenly this orange ball appears. The sky was full of clouds so we were not even sure we would see it. It was so fun watching it coming up, waking the world.

Have never seen the sun looking like this but it is due to all the clouds!

~~Till next year!

Family fun at the beach!

2011-09-12T23:39:00.000-05:00

"The LORD on high is mightier than

the noise of many waters,

yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. - Psalm 93:4"

We are at Gulf Shores again for our family vacation!

What an awesome week the Lord is giving us!

Ice cream and cookie night!

Uncle Josh is hoping to catch a big fish!

So are Shawna and Austin!

Games while Mommy & Daddy fish!

Dinner at a favorite resturant !

She sure knows how to relax and enjoy a vacation!!!

Getting to know you...

2011-09-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

We had such a fun time at Bible study on Tuesday. Because it was our first day I wanted the ladies to start getting to know each other. When they arrived each one chose a penny. They would then look at the date and think of something that happened that year in their life. They were to find someone and the two of them would share. Then they were to go to another lady and do the same thing. It was a lot of fun and a good mixer for any get together.

Each week we are going to do another fun thing called Life in a Bag. I demonstrated how it would work. Chose a bag. I chose one that a friend had given me. Put 5 things in the bag. The first 4 tell about who you are and the 5th one is what God has been showing you this year. Do not go over 5 minutes. First I showed a picture of Jim and told how we met when we were 9 yr. old. Next I showed a picture of Stacy and Travis, Amy, Shawna and Austin and Ashlynn. Then I pulled out a pie plate and talked about loving to bake pies and that my love for that came from my parents. Next came a sea shell. I explained that I had taught at a Bible College in Kiev for two weeks. A sweet, newly married couple went to the shore for their honeymoon. They gave me a pretty shell from this trip. Last came a pretty card that a friend sent me. She has sent me a card every week since Amy went home to the Lord. This one said, Trust in the Lord. It came on a day that I really needed to trust him. That is what He has been teaching me lately...Trust Me!

I am looking forward to these next 10 weeks with these precious ladies and hearing their stories!

Fresh Brewed Life

2011-09-05T22:57:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of our fall Ladies Bible Study. I had no idea the number of ladies that would sign up. Believing there would be 12 I ordered that many books. I ordered more and more books each week as the ladies signed up. I am so excited that we have 30 ladies in our group. Tomorrow these beautiful ladies will sit around the tables and open up their hearts as we begin our study Fresh-Brewed Life, by Nicole Johnson. I am so excited to see what God is going to do in each of our lives.

This is what she says about her book:

"Living a Fresh Brewed Life requires that women encounter a beautiful awakening in three areas. First, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to themselves as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and third to others as they learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy and closeness."

Are you involved in a Bible study? What are you studying?

What are the odds?

2011-09-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

Jim plays ball in the house with Molly every evening. He throws the ball and bounces it off the wall expecting to catch it if Molly doesn't catch it first. Last night when he threw it, the ball bounced off the wall and he and Molly both missed catching it.

Instead the ball hit a tea cup, knocking it off the saucer and

the ball landed in the cup!

Pumpkin muffins

2011-08-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

My friend Susannah shared this recipe for pumpkin muffins with me on Facebook. I made them last night for my Ladies Bible Study Brunch which was held at my house today. I made mini muffins and we could not stop eating them. Fortunately I hid some for the brunch today. They are very easy and delicious.

Pumpkin Muffins
3 c. sugar
1 c. oil
3 eggs
2 c. pumpkin
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
Blend sugar and oil. Beat in eggs and rest of ingredients. Mix well. Bake in muffin pan at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Always in our hearts!

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-05:00

Amy Elizabeth

You will forever be in our hearts!
Our memories of you are many and precious!

We love you and anxiously await the day
we are reunited with you in heaven!

Amy wrote this when she was applying for a college scholarship.

As a person with Cystic Fibrosis I never stop. Whether it is clinic visits, hospital stays, doing treatments, taking medicine, or time out to cough, there IS always something demanding my time. It could be easy to get worn out and irritated with the reality of daily routine. Yet, as I look at my life, I realize that I have tried to make those times the best. Having C.F. has made me a positive thinker, given me a heart of compassion for others, and made me want to live life to its fullest.

Cystic Fibrosis can easily drag me down, but I have tried to make it a positive in my life. I think about what it would be like if I could not see, hear, or walk. This allows me to realize that I have a lot to be thankful for, even if that sometimes means being thankful that I only have one lung infection instead of two. I also have fun proving doctors, family, and friends wrong. I show them that I can have a lead role in a three hour stage production, play softball, leave the country for ten days and still deal with C.F. Another positive aspect is that through my many hospital stays and attendance at C.F. camps I have made lifelong friends. When I focus on the good, it helps the bad not seem so bad after all. I feed off of the encouragement I receive from others. So, when I wear a smile on my face, I wear it in my heart as well. I am always going to have those down days, but I try to look ahead and focus on all the good. Being able to think in a positive way has not only helped me overcome struggles in my life, but has also helped me to be there for others in their time of need.

Helping people is something I cannot get away from. I am drawn to people in need. Part of this may be that I know what it is like to be different. This can affect the way people look at you, which in turn affects the way you live. I have learned to be happy with who I am and how I was made. Once I learned to love myself, I worried less about me and could focus on others. I want people to feel happy and loved. They need to know they have a purpose in life. I often find that the best the thing I can do is be a listening ear. Doing that also makes me feel needed. I consider it a blessing to have a heart of compassion. I believe that it has made me a better friend and someday will make me a better wife and mom. No one deserves to live a painful or lonely life, and knowing that my life brought hope into someone else's gives me great encouragement.

Having a life-threatening disease has caused me to live life to its fullest. I want each moment to matter and each day to be a day of accomplishments. I do not ever want to take life or the joys it brings for granted. I often enjoy the simple things that not everyone takes time to notice. The times spent with family and friends are treasured in my heart. I do not want to miss out any life-changing experience, or any adventures it holds for me. Life is a wonderful thing, and when you know that it may not be as long as others, you do not want anything to take away the joy of living it to its fullest.

The trials of dealing with Cystic Fibrosis have helped make me a better person.

God has helped me find hope in each day and turn my sorrows into joy. And as I find this hope, I am able to see more clearly the purpose for which I was created.

Homemade is the best

2011-08-24T09:23:00.002-05:00

I've been craving homemade biscuits. Yes, I know we can buy good frozen biscuits but there is something satisfying to me about mixing the flour, shortening and milk, rolling it out, cutting the pretty circles of dough, and then watching them rise and brown in the oven that a store bought biscuit will never replace. I learned to make biscuits from the best biscuit maker — my mother-in-law. So this morning I snuck out of bed to surprise Jim with biscuits and homemade strawberry jam. Stacy made strawberry freezer jam last week and gave us a jar. It is the same recipe my mother used every summer. After my butter melted on the biscuit I spread the strawberry jam on it and took a bite! Lots of memories of my mother-in-law and mother filled my mind as I pictured both of them in the kitchen lovingly preparing these foods for their families. Then I thought of Stacy and how special it is that she is carrying on with some of the recipes she remembers her grandmother's making. I have a happy heart this morning.

First Grade...First Day

2011-08-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Thoughts of being a little girl and my first days of school have been swirling around in my head this past week as I have heard Moms talking about getting their children ready for school and as I have talked to Colette about her going to first grade. I loved preparing for school. My mom would take me shopping for school clothes, which meant dresses and black and white saddle oxford shoes. We would make a special day of it by riding the bus downtown. I always loved the smell of new crayons and liked having new pencils. I walked to school, walked home and back for lunch and then walked back home when school was over. I love remembering those fun, carefree days.

Today Colette dressed in her new dress with matching shoes. She had her school supplies and a picture for her new teacher telling her that she loves school. She will eat lunch at school and I will be there to pick her up this afternoon when school is over. I look forward to hearing all about her first day in first grade! Such a big event in a little girl's life! I am thankful to be a part of her life!

Trusting in the Lord

2011-08-17T16:28:00.001-05:00

I love how God speaks to me in so many different ways! Last week my friend Joy sent me a card that arrived just when I needed the reminder to Trust in the Lord! When I opened the card I felt as if the Lord had sent it to me telling me in times of trials I am to not stop trusting Him. It was like a warm hug from Him.

Then a few days later I read Streams in the Desert and this spoke to my heart:
"the richest qualities of a Christian often come out under the north wind of suffering and adversity. Bruised hearts often emit the fragrance God loveth to smell."

Today God once again spoke to my heart through this same devotional:
George Mueller speaking to the captain of a ship as they were traveling through a thick fog, speaks of his faith in God. He needed to get to his destination to preach and was trusting God to lift the fog.
"My eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life."

Then later today I read this devotional my friend Jennifer wrote. Her blog is Heart to Hear
Be sure to go there and read the remainder of this devotion.

"More than able. God spoke those words to my heart during worship Sunday. It is so easy to slip into a mindset of seeing our problems as mountain-sized in comparison with the small strength we have to meet the crisis. But God is not a man that He should be perplexed by our difficulties. He is more than able to handle whatever we face. Not only is His strength enough, He says it is actually perfected when we are weak and unable to stand on our own. (2Corinthians 12:9)"...

Are you in a time of suffering? Does it seem like you are in a dense fog? Does your problem seem so large that you see no way out?

I am trusting God, keeping my eye on Him and believing He is more than able and will act on our behalf. Will you do the same in the midst of all you are going through?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight

Proverbs 3:5-6

Peeps!

2011-08-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

Jim and I flew to Maryland for his niece's wedding. While there we saw the cutest store! PEEPS !

Cute decorations...

2011-07-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

Stacy and friends gave their friend Ashley a bridal shower at my house!

I love the decorations!

Homemade dinner rolls...

2011-07-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

Colette and I made dinner rolls today. I did the mixing and showed her how to shape them. She made a pan of them to take home for her family's dinner. After they baked she sampled one and declared them delicious, especially with butter!

Here is the recipe I used!

Dinner Rolls

4 1/2-5 C. flour

1/2 C. sugar

1 t. salt

2 pkg. dry yeast

3/4 C. milk

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. shortening

2 eggs-room temperature

Measure 1 3/4 C. flour. Stir in sugar, salt, and yeast. Heat milk, water and shortening until warm. Pour into flour mixture. Add eggs and beat with mixer at low speed for 1/2 minute. Continue beating at high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remainder of flour. Douigh will be soft and rather sticky. Knead about 3 minutes until smooth. shape after sitting 20 minutes. Let rise 40-50 minutes. Bake until brown at 350 degrees 12-15 minutes.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen

Kids and games...

2011-07-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

Today we were playing a game and Colette asked me,

"Mrs. Elaine, do you know what the inside of your house looked like when you were a kid?"

Me: "Yes, I do."

Colette: "Did I ever see it?"

Me: "No, it is in a different state"

Colette: "Darn. Why did I even ask?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colette: "Did you have toys when you were a kid?"

Me: "Yes, I had toys."

Colette: "What were they made out of?" "Wood?"

Me: "Some were?" "Why do you want to know?"

Colette: "I'm just thinking!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here is what we were playing! COOTIE! I loved this game when I was a kid. I have sweet memories of playing with my cousin Rosie.

Yes, games have changed so much over the years, but we can still have fun with an easy game like Cootie.

Even when a six year old beats you.

We played with a new edition but I found my old one and we compared them.

Is there a favorite game you played as a child?

Some days...

2011-07-15T14:35:00.002-05:00

Encouragement

Some days we need more encouragement than others. This week has been one where I have personally needed some. One day I received it from Stacy in a sweet email she sent me. She sent a scripture along with her words of encouragement that lifted my spirit!

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.
Proverbs 12:25

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

Romans 15:5

This morning I just happened to turn on the radio as David Jeremiah was beginning his message on encouragement.

He spoke about Barnabas, the encourager, from Acts 11:22-24.

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord

God speaks encouragement to our hearts through His Word! Today I looked up a few verses and these are the ones that have lifted my spirit.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Do you need to be encouraged today? Watch for ways that encouragement comes to you! God is faithful to meet your need!

Cute apron

2011-07-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

My friend, Louise, had been searching for a vintage apron pattern. She found one online and made me and her an apron. Mine was a thank you for being her Bible study leader. I think it is so cute!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The verse on the pocket is one of my favorite!

I love the pattern on the material! It is so perfect for our friendship!

Game time

2011-07-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

Girls game night was held at my house!

We all had so much fun playing Nertz!!

Cake, brownies, chips and queso!

I made a dip for fruit.

Mix one cream cheese with marshmellow cream.

I served it with strawberries, apples, and banana

The night was full of laughter!

The winner is...

DIANE!

I love playing games and Nertz is one of my favorite.

Do you have a favorite game you like to play?

Summer flowers

2011-07-01T12:03:00.001-05:00

It has been over 100 degrees for days here in Texas. This has been the third hottest June on record! I am so thankful Jim's flowers are still beautiful!

Awesome Husband, Awesome Dad

2011-06-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time celebrating Jim on Sunday for Father's Day.

Stacy had a wonderful lunch for him and one of his favorite desserts, coconut cake!

We missed Shawna. She had strep throat and was not able to join us.

Waiting for lunch!

Card from Molly :)

Fun picture of him with his sons in law

Coffee machine he was hoping to get for his birthday.

I just had to get it for him early. We have been enjoying it all week!

We all thank the Lord for him!

True friend

2011-06-21T22:41:00.000-05:00

A gracious lady...

2011-06-18T13:31:00.002-05:00

In 1973 the Army moved us to Oahu, Hawaii, where we lived for almost 5 years. We attended a small church on the North Shore and it was there that I met a wonderful lady, Helen Tanaka. She played the piano for the church and was also my Sunday School teacher. I always admired her faithfulness to be there every Sunday. Helen was always so sweet and kind to us. We moved from Hawaii in 1977 and shortly after that I began sending her a subscription to Guideposts. She continues to enjoy this magazine and when she finishes reading it shares it with the ladies in her Sunday School class. Twice a year she sends us surprises from Hawaii. We are always excited to see what the package holds and are never disappointed with her choices. A few days ago a package with a thank you note arrived.

Helen is in her 80's now and still teaches a women's Sunday School class. I thank the Lord for this gracious lady who continues to serve Him and continues to bless our family with her friendship.
I want to be like her

Dance Recital

2011-06-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Colette's dance recital!

We had fun attending it with her family.

When it was over she came out, ran to me and gave me a
huge hug.

Today I think of the happiness she brings us and

the blessing she is to us!

I thank the Lord for bringing her into our lives!

Birthday week...

2011-06-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

Last week this time I was just starting my birthday week. Now the festivities are over and my sister is back in Honduras. I am thankful for my wonderful family and the fun week we all had together. I felt like I was on a vacation.

Stacy baked me the cutest cake for my birthday.

Strawberry cake with white chocolate!!

And gave me this cute glass!

What fun it is to drink tea from it.

One gift I gave Stacy for her birthday was a necklace!

We had fun celebrating our birthdays together this year!

Awesome surprise

2011-06-05T23:06:00.008-05:00

Friday started like any other day with me fixing breakfast. Afterwards I decided to read a book until it was time to get ready to meet Stacy and Shawna at a nearby tea room for lunch. They were taking me there for Mother's Day since Jim and I had been out of town on that day. Jim came into the room, so I laid down my book and we were sitting there talking when I saw something move outside. No, it couldn't be, yet at the same time thinking it was. I jumped up, went to the door and flung it open. (I would like for you to see my surprised look but those pictures did not turn out! This picture was taken at the tea room.)

There stood MY SISTER!

She was supposed to be in Honduras where she is a missionary, not at my front door. I think the first words out of my mouth were, "How did you get here?" I was in shock and really have no idea what all I said. I gave her a big hug, brought her into the house and kept saying I could not believe she was really here.

What an awesome surprise!!

Stacy had picked her up at the airport, then headed to Shawna's house to surprise Ashlynn.

Then they all drove to my house to surprise me and Jim!

Ashlynn looked so pretty in her new dress.

Before leaving for lunch we wanted to surprise a friend!

While I was knocking on her door she drove up!

We had so much fun at the Cocoa's Tea Room.

We were close to another friend's house so after we finished eating we decided to surprise her!

We realized we went to the wrong house after reading a sign about cats. Nope, Deanna does not have cats!

So we called her daughter and found out she was shopping at Dillards.

We hurried there hoping that she was still shopping and

that we could find her.

She was and she was totally surprised when she saw Stephanie!!

That evening we played a game we all loved called Nertz.

Even though Stephanie had had almost no sleep she WON!

When I woke that morning I could have never guess all that the day would hold.

Thank you Stephanie for flying all night to come for my birthday week!

Thank you Stacy for picking her up at the airport and taking pictures all day!

Thank you Stacy and Shawna for keeping the secret and for planning my Mother's Day lunch. Thanl you also for my sweet gifts.

It was a wonderful day!

Our firstborn's birthday!

2011-06-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday!

We prayed and God answered that prayer by giving us our precious daughter

Stacy Diane

You continue to bring us joy with your loving ways.

You are creative, capable, smart, and love having a fun time.

You are a beautiful woman of God!

We are proud of you and love you very much!

In memory of my precious mother-in-law, Louise.
She was Nanny to all her grandchildren.

She and Stacy share the same birth date. We are so thankful for the times they were able to celebrate their birthdays together.

This is a favorite picture of Stacy and Nanny at
Stacy's wedding!

Last day of Kindergarten...

2011-05-28T18:05:00.000-05:00

Friday was Colette's last day of Kindergarten!

I took a picture for her mom and dad at the door she came out of every day. Next year she will come out the main door of the school.

So this was her last day to walk out of her K classroom..

One of her friends saw me taking her picture and asked to be in one.

Isn't this cute?

On the way home she told me

"Being in First Grade is going to be a big responsibility"

Jim and I took her to lunch at It'z where we ate pizza and played games!

When we finished with the games we had brownies and ice cream for dessert!

What a fun way to end the school year!

Bowling...excited that she hit some pins :)

Did you do something special with a child on their last day of school?

Look what I started today

2011-05-26T14:15:00.000-05:00

I love

Hind's Feet on High Places.

After reading it years ago I am reading again this summer

but this one has a devotional for women included!

It can be ordered at Amazon.com

Hinds-Feet-High-Places-Devotional

What are you reading this summer?

How is your thinking?

2011-05-25T08:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks Amy at the160acrewoods for this graphic!

Friends

2011-05-19T10:48:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for FRIENDS.

I have a friend who makes delicious chocolate chip cookies and she gave me her recipe. After I baked them I put them on a pretty plate that was given to me by a friend.

I have another friend who bakes these wonderful peanut butter bars. I am so glad she gave me her recipe. After these were baked I put them on a pretty butterfly plate that a friend painted. She gave me this plate as a gift years ago when we were in the Army.

I served these last night to friends who gathered to visit with a missionary friend and her daughter. They have an orphange in Honduras and are here for a few weeks.

I took a few pictures of some of the friends!

Friends enrich our lives!

Think of a friend that has enriched YOUR life and let that friend know!

Awesome week...

2011-05-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

Jim and I had an awesome week at the beach! We both needed time away from our busy schedules and it has been even more relaxing and fun than we anticipated!

Here are a few pictures of our week.

Relaxing sound of the waves!

Things that made us smile, like this donut store's pet!

Lunch with Jim's cousin and husband!

Beautiful sunrises!

Beautiful sunsets!

Good food!

We are so thankful for this time of refreshing!

Walking at sunrise...

2011-05-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

Looking west was an entirely different view!

We loved watching these little birds play on the beach.

And then snuggle down in the sand together.

We made it!

2011-05-08T17:42:00.003-05:00

Jim and I love the beach and have been planning for some time to come to one of our favorite beaches for our 42nd wedding anniversary. We almost didn't get to come due to him being sick. But just days before we were to leave he recovered and we were so excited that this trip did not have to be cancelled. We drove all day Sat. It took almost 11 hours to get here and we were so happy we arrived before sunset. As soon as we got our suitcases in the condo we hurried out the door to the beach. I am so glad I caught this picture of Jim rejoicing over being at the beach!

"We made it!" He shouts!

Today as I was thinking about us being here, the beauty of this beach and how excited we were when we finally arrived, I thought about heaven. What is it going to be like when we finally get there? Will we run to Jesus with arms stretched wide open? Will we have a huge smile because we are with the One we love? I picture my entrance in that way. I see me running and hugging Jesus! As I look over his shoulder I see all my loved ones waiting for me. The first one I 'see' is my sweet daughter Amy who has been with the Lord for almost 13 yr. and then all my much loved family and friends!

I think I just might want to shout "I made it!"

May calendar!

2011-05-05T10:14:00.001-05:00

Isn't this the cutest calendar for your computer desktop? I just love it. It came from a blog I follow. Want one? Visit the160acrewoods and you can dowload it for free.

Happy Mother's Day!

Then and Now!

2011-05-02T04:36:00.002-05:00

I met Jim when I was 8 and he was 9 years old. My family had just moved into a new house. I was sitting outside in my back yard near my neighbor's yard. Suddenly two boys walked over to me and one of them said, "Get off Phil's property!" Phil was the neighbor and we were to later find out there was a property line dispute. All I knew was that a little boy yelled at me and I ran into the house crying to my mom.

Little did I know that this boy

would one day become my husband!!

Today we celebrate 42

wonderful years of marriage!

Laura Story - Blessings

2011-04-30T18:08:00.000-05:00

This touches my heart every time I hear it!

Love family times

2011-04-29T11:33:00.000-05:00

Since my husband, Jim, was sick Easter, we did not have our traditonal family dinner. So Wed. night we gathered for dinner. Jim brought me a beautiful yellow lily right before everyone arrived and it looked so pretty setting on the buffet. I had fun decorating the table. I found these cute little marshmallow animals at Wal-Mart and took the Happy Easter sign from the chocolate covered marshmallows Stacy gave me.

My daughter, Stacy, brought banana pudding. My daughter, Shawna, brought spinach strawberry salad. I prepared ham, potato casserole, deviled eggs, broccoli, and rolls. We had a fun time visiting and laughing after dinner. Later, I loved sitting and watching our little granddaughter pretend with the dolls and doll house. Before they left her daddy played the guitar as she danced and sang! How I wish I had taken a picture!

Easter is over but we should celebrate Jesus everyday!

Giving thanks

2011-04-25T11:01:00.006-05:00

http://www.heartlight.org

My husband had been sick since Wednesday. Yesterday morning he was still sick so instead of attending church I stayed home with him. It was the first time in each of our lives that we missed going to church on Easter. It felt very odd and we missed worshipping with our church family.

Jim began to feel better in the afternoon.

Today is feeling good!

This morning I am giving thanks ...

First to the Lord who healed him!! Then we thank the many who offered prayers on behalf of him. We are thankful for the Internet where we could join in with another church service yesterday morning. We are so thankful for the messages and calls from friends and family. We thank our daughters and their husbands for helping us with with various things.

I am very thankful that tomorrow night the table will be set, the food prepared and we will have our family Easter dinner that we could not have yesterday.

In the midst of sickness we both felt loved and cared about!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Birthdays

2011-04-23T15:40:00.002-05:00

Our granddaughter, Ashlynn Kate, is 4 today! Her birthday party will be next week but because Aunt Stephanie is in Honduras she had some gifts mailed to my house and Ashlynn was able to open them while Aunt Stephanie watched via skype! I just had to buy her a Hello Kitty balloon for today. That will be the theme of her birthday party. We had a fun morning before Mommy and Daddy took her to the park to ride her new bike! After they went to lunch she was allowed to choose a birthday cupcake for tonight.

Hello Kitty stickers and coloring book!

Play Doh Fun Factory and Play Doh!!!

Hello Kitty Umbella!! Come on rain!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY SWEET ASHLYNN KATE!
YOU BRING SUCH HAPPINESS TO OUR LIVES!

In MEMORY...

Today would be my wonderful Father-in-law's 93rd birthday!

I found this old picture of him doing his favorite thing which was playing the guitar.

He loved playing and singing with friends and family.

Pictured with him is Jim with our daughter Stacy and Mike, a family friend.