~Counting Blessings~

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

 count your blessings, see what God has done;

  Count your many blessings
 name them one by one;

 Count your many blessings;
 see what God has done. 

Naming them one by one

51.  morning shower

52.  waves from teachers in the drop-off line in the morning

53.  phone call from someone special on Monday morning

54. autumn in the air

55. laughs with a senior citizen

56.  instant answered prayer request for repairs to blog

57.  soft baby knees

58.  Saturday night meal with church friends

59.  a surprise bloom
60.  my husband's job

61.  the flag swaying with the wind

62.  reflections from leaded windows
63. laughter with college girls

64.  hearts opened to us

65. tomatoes shared from the garden
66. conviction that falls heavy
67. a new grandmother's tears, hopes, and pictures
68. morning love notes
69.  tears that release anxiety
70. the old hymn Count Your Blessings

 income for our household

tomatoes shared from the garden

surprise bloom

reflections from leaded windows

 and The American flag

You will be blessed by reading Ann's heart today,
"when you ache with an ordinary life".

          

~Beauty~

I pray that you take the time each day to look up and see what God paints for you.

 The heavens declare his righteousness,

 and all the people see his glory.

Psalms 97:6

Vignette Fridays

Blue porcelain

a gift from a dear friend

& a collection of books

makes this vignette.

Each piece is special...after two moves in less than one year,
 I quickly learned what holds
A Special Place of my Heart!

I am linking to Vignette Fridays
hope you enjoy looking.
I did!

HOMEWORK!

I was reminded this morning, school is still in session for me...


A teenager with a strong-will gives me the assignment... I don't know the "right" way to respond, the best way to instruct and discipline.
  
My heart is pricked and I realize that I do have the textbook, God's Holy Word, The Bible and The Best Teacher in all of creation.   The Star Teacher, knows that I will be humbled and overwhelmed in the assignment and is waiting to give me the right answers.  I've got to listen, bring my pencil and paper to class and take notes.


It's not trial and error on this one.  You only get "one shot" at it, the test is only administered once. 
I don't want a X on my answer.

Thank you Lord, that You are the One at the blackboard and it is an open-Book test!

Proverbs 23:12 AMP
 Apply your mind to instruction and correction and your ears to words of knowledge. 

Lord, thank you for humbling me this morning, and reminding me that I need to study for the exam.  The one you have entrusted us with is giving me the test.  Lord, You have the answers and I want to get an A.  Let me have the courage to share with our children that we will always be in the classroom getting instructions and taking notes.  We will let them know that our teacher is, YOU.

Pillow Project

I cannot get credit for this one!  And unfortunately, I cannot give credit where credit is due, because of "dying brain cells".  I saw this idea, hopefully someone will see it and they will know who come up with this nifty idea, so I can give recognition and shout "it is great"! 

Pillows for the Deck

(click on the photo to enlarge)

What you will need:  Dollar store placemats (the kind that are vinyl) that are double stitched on the sides.  I got mine at Big Lots. 

What you do:  remove stitching on one side approximately eight (8) inches.   Stuff with polyfill and stitch back up. (It was hard holding as you sewed~it wanted to slide.)  But, hey they are for outside! 

Results:  A perfect patio or deck pillow that is water resistance and  can be wiped off.

I am so excited!  I can mark off one of my projects to be done and at the same time enjoy looking out my kitchen window at them. I just wish I would have completed my project earlier in the summer.  But, you know how that goes, stack it back!

The humidity is getting lower in MS.  I'm looking forward to enjoying outside more and might even try-out those new pillows. :<)

 

Joys of the Journey

We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey. Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world. George A. Buttrick

 

It's Monday, and I continue to name and count them one by one.....

35.  faces of those we love and don't see often
36.  getting life out of gratitude
37.  photos shared
38.  safe road trips for antique shopping
39. delicious lunch in a small town
40. wonderful gently used chair at a great price
41.  a healed wound
42.  beauty of canned banana peppers after the smell of hot vinegar
43.  no set alarm clock on Saturday morning
44.  coffee cups and husband on weekend mornings
45.  a husband with an open Bible
46.  thoughts that can be placed on paper
47.  observing a true worshipper in Sunday morning worship service
48. looking at Mr. Earl's treasures and some of his memories shared
49.  my mother came home from the hospital
50.  phone call from our oldest telling of his plans for a visit

Faces we don't get to see as often as we would like.

Lunch at the Ritz in West Point, MS ~ Cranberry Chicken Salad

A shared photo of a place we love to visit.

Our oldest is making plans to visit soon :)

~Longing after Thee~

As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after Thee

You alone are my heart's desire

and I long to worship Thee.

Psalms 42:1
As the hart panteth for the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.

Vignette Fridays

I speak from my heart on this matter;  my home is an extension of who I am.  I enjoy decorating and get a wonderful satisfaction when I see things that are pleasing to the eye.  I love for my home to be a restful place, a haven for my family and for those who grace us with their visits.  I thought I would share a "snip-it" of our living area.   

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay for the night.  God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other.  1Peter 4:9-10 TLB 

Linking to Artie’s Vignette Friday at Color Outside the Lines.

Company is coming!!!!

 

Checklist:

• dust bunnies vacuumed up
• floors mopped
• dusting done
• bathrooms scrubbed
• menus planned
• clean sheets on guest bed
• zinnas in guest bedroom
• clothes washed, folded and put away
• porch and carport tidied up
• groceries bought
• lemon blossoms baked
• drafts completed for blog post

(remind me if I forgot something)


I will be taking a few days off from sharing, but hope to have lots to post after their visit.  We plan to antique, eat, and play some games. (I asked my husband to play hookie from work one day.  We will see if that transpires. :<)

Thanks-Living List

John 1:16
The Amplified Bible
For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received
 (all had a share and we were all supplied with)
 one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing
 and even favor upon favor and
 gift (heaped) upon gift.
(please don't miss out on the blessing by not reading and absorbing this promise today)

God's promise in His inspired Word is truly a confirmation to my
One Thousand Gift List. 

Last week I began... My One Thousand Gift List.
 Not things I want, but things I'm given each and every day.
 This list may read simple, but these could be taken or never given.
 As the day unfolds I write them on paper and share with you on Mondays.
  They are gifts that I need not take for granted or never acknowledge.

 Each one is making my senses come to life.

  I now am becoming more aware of what is given me in twenty-four hours.
  My prayer is "these treasures of mine will make you aware of gifts given to you".


I've chosen to increase my joy.
 my list continues...

21.  the smell of summer rain
22. hummingbirds out my kitchen window
23.  the movement of infant feet in the buggy @ Wal-mart
24.  clean crisp white cotton sheets
25.  memories revived when opening the cedar chest
26.  a husband with a servant's heart
27.  conviction when reading written words by an inspired blogger
28.  plants were fertilized from Heaven
29.  phone calls to my mother
30.  the new found song "I AM" by Nichole Nordeman
31.  when husband's eyes and mine meet and linger
32.  mopped floors
33.  our discarded mattresses given to a grateful new homeowner
34. HE (The One who gave Himself for me) is listening to my heart and taking my burden

"Lord, I pray those who read my gift list today, will begin to slow and start opening their eyes and heart to what You are giving." 

Come Unto Me

But Jesus called them unto him, and said,

suffer little children to come unto me,

and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16(KJV)

God's love was shared with some of these children this summer. 

A mission team from our church went to Honduras in June,

 my husband and youngest son were blessed by going.

I pray your day is filled with worship and rest...

  

Karen 

Weekend Porch Party

Just thought I would go visit the
Porch party over at First a Dream

Hope you have a great weekend.

P.S. It's raining at my place!

Oh Lord, You are my hiding place; You perserve me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  Psalm 32:7

SEASONS

Everything Has Its Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1,2b

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:  A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;

I hope you enjoy putting the puzzle together and listening to the music as you still yourself.

I am making plans for September!

Cooler temps and Fall Decorating is in my head.

 

PERSEVERANCE

(imperfections may be seen by clicking on photo)

" My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therfore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

"MY" project that I have been working on has reminded me of my imperfection and my weakness.  Noticed I put "my" in quotations.  I am reminded that I need help in everthing!  Sometimes things "curtains" don't turn out what you expect, but don't surrender to discouragement or despair (that's anxiety for me), no matter what.  You know He (the One who loves me) wants to be involved in all aspects of my life.  Discouragement, despair, anxiety, or whatever is a teachable moment to HIM. 

Ok, now for the trivial stuff:  I have needed to provide the right kind of sleeping conditions for the front bedroom for over 4 years.  Fabric, style, and a few other things have kept me bogged.  So, after the oldest duck-hunting son moved out :(   now I decide to do something.  I stitched these up yesterday, I still lack hemming and adding the detachable valance (with fringe). BUT, I realize they are lacking and need some analyzing.  I wanted something that could be easily pulled only for sleeping.  One panel per window, I thought would do?  I was really at wits end after the "sweetheart" mounted the rods last night and the curtains were hung.  This morning I started fretting, even unloaded via e-mail to my friend.  I know she could read the frustration in the abc's!  

All these words that were written this morning are just my thoughts and cares; they seem so trivial when God sheds His perspective on them.  So, thankful for His power that rests on me and lets me see the answers and lesson in the teachable moment.

I pray you look for HIM in everything!
Karen

Open to suggestions.....

~Check back for the finished product~

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

I have been blessed over the past months, reading the Gratitude Community posts on Multitude Mondays, over at Ann's, A Holy Experience.  I wanted to join in with those who are changing their outlook and increasing their joy.  So, today marks another first for me...(don't know if I like all these firsts, here at this age.)  I sincerely believe this first will be a life-changing experience for me.  I want to be included in this one!  Join me in the Journey.

My Thanks~living list begins:

1.  the One who loves me more than I love myself
2. fellowship with the One who created me for fellowship
3.  smile from a one year old birthday boy
4.  loved ones voices through the telephone lines miles away
5.  The Written Word inspired by the One who loves me
6.  a clean kitchen window
7.  negative results from a biopsy
8.  cool air on 100 degree days
9.  quietness
10.  music
11.  marriage between my husband and me
12.  21 years for our oldest
13.  a schedule and routine
14.  good memories of moments shared with those who's lives have crossed our path
15.  lol on the computer with a dear girlfriend while chatting
16. cool flip-side of the pillow :)
17. The Holy Spirit bringing those to mind who need prayer
18.  talent given to family
19. priviledge of spending the day at home
20.  those who are doing something postive on the www

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

Thanksgiving is trusting and placing your faith in God.  Peace instead of anxiety.  What a life lesson for me as I begin my
 Thanks~living Journey.

Family and Friends

You can click on the photo to enlarge it. 

Monday, I asked the question what makes you smile from ear to ear and what brings you joy?  Let me share where those heart searching questions came from.  Sunday morning's sermon.  I was most likely the only one who heard those two questions, my husband did not.  But, that doesn't matter, it was meant for me!  I have made myself think.  Hey, that's what my journaling was suppose to do.  :)  Above is part of the results of my thinking.  I shared a few photos of family and friends who bring me smiles.  Of course, I couldn't share all! I asked my husband the unheard question, and he responded after a brief delay.  (I already knew the answer.)  He said, "one thing is children and babies".  That's him up at the top holding one of the many who now have a place of his heart in Honduras after this summer's mission trip. You will also see our youngest son in an orange shirt holding a primitive guitar (banjo), whatever; he said it only had a couple of strings on it, but that picture makes me smile and brings tears.   Music is what makes him smile, I can't help but think, looking at that photo, he is in his element, but out of his comfort zone in Honduras with his dad.  You will also see our oldest son with his chocolate lab.  He loves the outdoors and people, that's what makes him smile.   The photo close to the bottom is a special one.  It was taken in June at my husband's grandmother's  90th birthday celebration.  Alot, of memories flood my mind and heart when I look at her.  The hours we have spent laughing and playing cards.  She holds a special place in all of our hearts.   

One thing that I must share before I click publish post, is one of the most important things, that makes me smile from ear to ear.  When someone realizes their need for a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Guess what?  We got to share in that moment Sunday Morning.  He was smiling from ear to ear and we were too.  I've shared ALOT today; just hope you start making your mental list of what makes you smile. 

my mouth praises thee with joyful lips, when I think of thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the watches of the night.  Psalm 63:5b-6 RSV

Thought provoking; Soul searching

No graphics, no explanations, just something to think about all day!
Hopefully more than one day, like it has caused me to do.  Even in the night! (stay tuned for more details)

WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR?  WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?

Refreshing and Sweet

I visited with Richella at Imparting Grace this morning.  She had made a sweet treat without firing up the oven.  I thought I would share a couple of recipes this morning. The first one is my fondest memory of the lunchroom at school and if I might add my grandmother was a lunchroom lady.  Just wish I could remember if she gave me seconds on these or not.  She probably did, since I love them so well! 

Schoolhouse Cookies or No-Bake Cookies
2 cups of Sugar
1/3 cup of Cocoa
1/2 cup of Milk
1 stick of unsalted butter
Place in boiler on medium heat.  Stir constantly and bring to rolling boil for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add:
1 cup of peanut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1-1/2 cups of oatmeal
Drop onto foil.  Enjoy and don't eat too many!


On the lighter, healthier, and refreshing side......

Pineapple Fluff
1 (15oz.) can or large can of crushed pineapple drained (leave a little juice in it)
1 small pkg. sugar-free french vanilla or plain vanilla instant pudding
1 16oz. carton of Fat-free vanilla yogurt (I use Stonyfield French Vanilla)
1 8 oz. lite cool whip.
Mix pineapple with pudding, add yogurt and fold in Cool Whip.  Let set in refrigerator a couple of hours before serving. 

I hope you will try the Pineapple Fluff it is a life-saver when you are counting calories, fat grams, points, or whatever. :)