Friday's Fave Five #120

Once again, the week flew past and we are at the end, reflecting on the goodness.

As I may have mentioned, I've been enjoying time off - 11 days, if you count weekends. (And who doesn't count weekends?)  Here's just a few of my highlights over the last 11 days:

1.  Crossed off items on my to-do list:  I'm a listmaker and nothing makes me more excited than to see items with a check mark in front of them.  I had a list of 15 extra things I wanted to do.  I accomplished 9.  The great thing?  I'm not upset I didn't do all 15.  I knew at the beginning I wouldn't, but it's great to have goals.

2. Comfort:  I've mentioned elsewhere on my blog that my new favorite quote is from Winnie the Pooh:  "Home is comfiest place to be."  Things that make my home comfy:  candles, hot tea, pajamas, my new plush slippers, my beloved fleece throw made by my sister-in-law. Ahhh!  So nice.

3.  Sleeping In:  I didn't set the alarm these past 11 days.  One day I even slept until 9 a.m.!!!  Quite a change from my usual 5:30 a.m.

4. Clementines:  I love these tasty citrus-y gems.  Once they come into season, I buy them weekly until they run out.

5. Family time: I've been enjoying movie marathons with the fam, scrabble games with Liss, laughing with the hubby (he's a riot!).  Taking time to just "be."

And I always enjoy hooking up with the FFF gang over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story.  You should go there and read everyone's blogs.  You'd love it!

Thankful Thursday - The Past Year

Since 2010 is nearly over, I have been thinking about the past year.  I would describe 2010 as being a year of change.  Jim's mother went to be with the Lord in the beginning of the year. In June, one of our chicklets left the nest. In November, we gained a son-in-law.  Also, both of my churches changed pastors in 2010. Our best friends decided to attend a different church instead of the one that we attend.  We've had to change vehicles, replace appliances - why I even changed my hairdo this year!

Change everywhere you look ...

However, there is one thing that will never change.  I am so thankful that God never changes.

"For I am the Lord, I change not..." Malachi 3:6

and

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8

In this ever-changing world, hold on to the one thing that never changes.  Your faith is your most important and most constant possession.

Thankful Thursday is hosted this month by Iris.  To read other thankful hearts, visit her at her blog, Grace Alone.

Tea Talk - Thursday, December 30

1. I'm having...my favorite morning beverage, hot tea.

This teacup belongs to a set that belonged to my mother-in-law.  It only says Japan on the bottom of it, so I don't know the name of the pattern.  To me, it makes me think of the Emerald City in the movie "The Wizard of Oz."  I love the castle that is printed inside the cup. I don't know when she got this set of dishes, but what remains is a platter, serving bowl, one dinner plate, 5 teacups, 6 saucers, and 6 dessert plates.  I can mix in my white Corelle, though, and it looks good!

2. I'm feeling.... blessed

3. On my mind.... lately I've been wondering why I'm surprised when God is so good to me! He loves me and shows me His favor!  I give Him all the glory.

4. This quotation encourages me because I feel strongly that home should be our haven, our refuge, the place where we love to be most:

"Home is the comfiest place to be." [Winnie the Pooh]

Tea Talk is a meme created by Ruth at Celebrate Friendship

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 28, 2010

FOR TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2010

Outside my window...a sunny cold morning.

I am thinking...of the material for my bible lesson I'm presenting this Wednesday on Do Not Fear.  Did you know the bible tells us 300 times not to fear?
I am thankful for...the promises of God and His nature that He does not lie.  What He promises WILL come to pass!
From the kitchen...it's a toss-up today.  To be honest, I am all cooked out!
I am wearing...my comfy red and black pajamas - this is my last day off before I go back to work and I'm taking advantage of it.
I am creating...cookbooks of family recipes for my girls.
I am going...nowhere today.  I love being home!
I am reading...a Mindy Starns Clark mystery, Secrets of Harmony Grove.

I am hoping... my daughter, Janae, has a good job interview today and gets the position. She has been looking for a job diligently since she moved to Oklahoma.
I am hearing...the quiet.
Around the house...Christmas decorations - but not much longer!
One of my favorite things...something that has been cleaned and organized.
A few plans for the rest of the week: enjoying today, going back to work tomorrow, bible study tomorrow night, an evening with friends New Year's Eve, going out to eat New Year's Day.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

Harvey the Cat snoozing on my windshield wipers ... Silly Cat!

The Simple Woman's Daybook is a concept created by Peggy Hostetler.  Click here to join in!

Happy Holidays!

During the Christmas season, I share every year the happenings of our family over the past 12 months.  I call it my Holiday Letter instead of my Christmas Letter to take the pressure off me, so I don't have to worry about the letter getting to all my friends before Christmas, just as long as they receive it before the New Year.

I thought I would share my letter with my bloggy friends as well.  Please enjoy!

Dear Family and Friends,

We are praying that you are having a wonderful holiday season.  Knowing this is a very busy time for everyone, we still hope you are enjoying each other and that you are remembering what a great gift God has given us with the birth of our Savior.

2010 was year of change for us.  In January we had to say good-bye to Jim’s mom, Edith Mae, as she went to be with the Lord.  In November, we welcomed our new son-in-law, Daniel.  Just one week later, Daniel and Janae moved to Oklahoma to begin their new life together.

Life is full of change.  We accept that and embrace it, always knowing that as children of God, He always has His hand on our lives and never allows things to touch us unless it fulfills His purpose.

Every year, we like to share a scripture, a sort of “life verse” for the coming year.  In 2011, we are reflecting on this:

“And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you.  And we pray that God, by his power will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 New Living Translation

He will use the changes that happen in our lives to make us worthy of our calling!  Take great comfort in that promise!

In 2011 Malia will be graduating high school and intends to go on to college to become a legal administrative assistant. Jerri will still be working at the church, and Elissa will be completing her second year of teaching. In January, she will be starting a master’s degree program offered through Egyptian and SIU.

Jim has been doing really well. He is excited that basketball season has started and he can go watch Malia cheer.

We thank God for each of you, we love you, and expect to hear great things in the coming year for you.  May 2011 be your best year ever!

On our way to heaven in 2011 (yes, I’m still dorky!),

Jim and Jerri,

Elissa and Malia

Janae and Daniel 

Here is a couple photos from the past year:

I'm linking up with Susanne's Living to Tell the Story.  Although, technically this is not a Friday's Fave Five post, it still does reflect some of my favorite things:  family and faith.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 21, 2010

FOR TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2010

Outside my window... a gray day ... looks like rain.
I am thinking...of the young girl in our area that just lost her boyfriend in a wreck last night. I'm praying for God's comfort for her and his family ... We humans just don't know what to say in a time like this.  I was blessed to see how many kids facebooked her and told her they loved her and they would be there for her.
I am thankful for...the Christmas story.  I've been thinking about Mary and how hard it must have been to be the mother of God.  People gossiped about her ... she had to ride a donkey to Bethlehem while being 9 months pregnant! She gave birth in a smelly old stable with only Joseph to help. Then 33 years later she watched her child be ridiculed, tortured and murdered. But later, when she realized He had risen from the dead, she must have been the happiest mom ever!
From the kitchen...we're have extended family Christmas dinner tonight
I am wearing...jeans and my favorite lime green polo.  I'm staying home today!
I am creating...Christmas goodies ...
I am going...to my sister-in-law's tonight
I am reading...Cindy Woodsmall's "The Bridge of Peace."
I am hoping...to find a decent, inexpensive vehicle for our daughter.
I am hearing...silence, but I'm thinking some Christmas music would be good right now.
Around the house... it looks like Christmas.
One of my favorite things...time off from work in order to be home.  It's good to be home!
A few plans for the rest of the week: wrapping gifts, getting some stocking stuffers, doing some cleaning and organizing.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing..

Will my yard look like this again for Christmas?  The weatherman says there might be a possibility of a White Christmas!  (But hopefully, no ice ...)

Peggy Hostetler is the creator of The Simple Woman's Daybook.  You can link up at her website here.

Friday's Fave Five #118

The Christmas season is such a busy time!  I've been so busy that I wasn't going to participate in this week's FFF, but I just couldn't help myself!  I really enjoy this great group of bloggers.

1.  One of my favorite things is the Christmas tree.  I do hate decorating it (did you know some people put five or six trees in ONE house?), but I really love looking at the tree when it's all finished.  This year we downgraded to a smaller tree that doesn't overwhelm our living room / office so much.

Can you tell I like angels?

2.  This year's Christmas centerpiece incorporates my love of ... dishes!

3.  My next favorite is this beautiful poinsettia that I sat next to my peace plant.  Even more favored is the thoughtfulness of a friend that gave me the poinsettia.  I've always had plain red poinsettias so this unusual one is a special treat.

4.  Another favorite is anticipation! I'm off work for the next 11 days and I am excited about all the possibilities of things to be done.  I know I'll never do all the things on my to-do list, but I like dreaming about accomplishing them all.

5.  My last favorite is YOU!  I am thankful for my readers and I hope and pray that this season is the most joyous one ever.

Don't forget the reason for the season - Jesus!

If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Susanne's blog, Living to Tell the Story.

Tea Talk

1. I'm having... my favorite morning beverage, hot tea with sugar and half and half. I'm drinking out of china that once belonged to my great aunt, Elizabeth.  It's Haviland china, from the Moss Rose collection. When my aunt passed away, her daughter, Barb, wanted me to have this set.  I'm so honored!

.

2. I'm feeling.... excitement because next week I have a vacation!

3. On my mind.... all the things I need to get done.

4. This verse encouraged me this week:

"And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds." 2 Thessalonians 1:11 NLT

It's scriptural to pray that God will help me fulfill my good intentions throughout this busy season. I'm encouraged because I need help!


Tea Talk is a meme created to share a cuppa and an encouraging word.  Go visit Celebrate Friendship and see!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 7, 2010

FOR TODAY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Outside my window...gray and cold ...
I am thinking... about my Christmas shopping list ...
I am thankful for... warm clothes
From the kitchen... I have no idea what I'm making tonight!
I am wearing...gray slacks, burgundy top and cream-colored asymmetrical sweater.  You know it's cold when I wear a sweater!
I am creating... all kinds of wonderful things in my head ... it's getting harder and harder to bring them to pass in real life!
I am going... to stay home as much as I possibly can ...
I am reading... #2 in the Father Tim series by Jan Karon
I am hoping... that my daughter finds a new job and great friends in her new town.
I am hearing... silence ... I like the sound of silence!
Around the house... Christmas decor! I just have two things left that I want to do to make our home look Christmassy.
One of my favorite things... white Christmas lights, candlelight, Christmas music and a cup of hot cappuccino ... talk about relaxing!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Christmas shopping online!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

View from Wichita Mountain, OK

I just love God's handiwork!


Peggy Hostetler is the creator of The Simple Woman's Daybook concept.  You can link up with her here.http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Friday's Fave Five #116

(Warning!  This post is long and has several photos to load!)

I'm back!  I can't believe I missed Friday's Fave Five two weeks in a row, but I've been busy gaining a son-in-law, cooking for family, and going on a road trip to Oklahoma. I've so much to tell you!

Where to start ....

1. I guess I will share with you in chronological order. The first week that I was scarce in the blogosphere was taken up with numerous trips to Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart laying in supplies for the BIG DAY.  Then all day Friday and up until 5:30 p.m. Saturday saw me running up and down the stairs at my church decorating and helping with the dinner for the reception.  Elissa was a very big help with decorating, along with Daniel and Janae.  Daniel, having just finished basic training, could move tables all by himself! Daniel's grandparents, aunts and uncle along with his mom did the cooking.  Jim and I were the "go-fers!"

Those were two very exhausting days!

Janae's colors were black and silver.

I was wondering how Daniel's mom and aunt would incorporate those colors in the cake they were making.  I think it turned out well, and we are so grateful for their hard work.

Janae is not a frilly person at all, so she opted for simple decor.

Wedding Party

My 3 Daughters

Daniel and Janae

Jim, Daniel, Janae & Jerri

Everything turned out very well.  We had approximately 95 people stay for the reception.  We had plenty of food.  Daniel's grandpa made excellent chicken and dumplings and everyone loved them.

I have to compliment my kids - what other newly married couple would stay afterward and help clean up?  Daniel and Janae did!

2.  After the wedding, my mom, sister and nephew stayed and visited through Thanksgiving Day.  We went out to lunch one day, another day visited some cousins about an hour away, and I got to make them dinner three times.  Once we had baked spaghetti, another day we had meatloaf, and of course, Thanksgiving Day we had turkey, ham and all the trimmings.

Unfortunately, I was so busy with cooking and visiting, I didn't take a single picture!

3.  The next weekend we headed to Oklahoma with Daniel's mom and stepdad to take the kids their furniture.  I'd never been to Oklahoma before.  It was very windy!  But I also got to see some great scenery.  Here's just a few photos:

Here's a road picture I took standing above the road.  McDonald's is built on top of an overpass!  You can see the McDonald's sign's shadow across the road.

Daniel and Janae on top of Wichita Mountain.

Jim standing on a rock on top of Wichita Mountain.

Jim, Janae, Daniel and Me at Medicine Park, OK, by a waterfall.

4. My next favorite thing is that I didn't lose my pictures!  While touring the Holy City of the Whichitas where there is a Passion Play performed every spring, I gracefully stumbled on some rocks and fell.  My camera went flying and landed on a rocky path.

When I checked my camera, it said the memory card had to be formatted, and no pictures were showing up in the review window.  I was crushed!

Seriously!  I was so depressed.  

I had some great photos  - like the inside of this charming little chapel.  A wedding ceremony was about to take place after I snapped this picture:

I would have hated to lose this photo!

But my brilliant daughter, Lissa, told me to not do anything with the memory card till I got home.  She was able to put the memory card into her laptop and retrieve my photos for me!  I'm so glad I have kids to help me with technology!

5.  My last favorite thing to sum up these past two weeks is a new hot beverage to relax with:  Hills Brothers English Toffee Cappucino!  It's very yummy and soothing.

Susanne at Living to Tell the Story is the creator of Friday's Fave Five.  Why not click on the link and join us as we share life's little pleasures.

Thankful Thursday-A Season of Busy

This month's Thankful Thursday hostess, Iris at Grace Alone, wrote about being thankful for a new season of busy-ness in her photography business.

I found it interesting that she would be thankful for being busy because so many people nowadays are always saying that being busy is a bad thing. In fact, my friends and loved ones are often saying to me, "You're too busy.  You need to slow down."  My favorite admonition comes from my hubby, "You're going to fall over if you don't get some rest." Thanks, Honey!

It is true that we need to monitor our activities.  A lot of stress could be avoided if we "just said no."  I am going to work on that, really, I am ...

But like Iris, I can find things to be thankful for in a busy season.  First, it means you're needed!  How many people are there who would love for someone to need them to do something?

People need to be needed!  One thing I've learned in working with the church all these years is that rarely do you get volunteers.  Most people feel that their talents are not good enough for whatever project you've got going.  They might think, "I would like to help with that class (or party or whatever) but Sister So and So could do a much better job than I could ever do..." However, if you come to them and say, "We could really use your help.  I know you would be great at helping us," they are more willing to give it a try.

Secondly, I really feel that is scriptural to be busy.  I may be wrong, but I don't see that we should be idle.  If you know a scripture to support taking it easy, please let me know! This morning, I happened to read this scripture:   "Continue to do good" 1 Peter 4:19.  Elisabeth Elliot says she thinks this scripture means "just do the next thing."

If you are in a season of busy and feeling overwhelmed, just keep doing the next thing. Prioritize, then start with the most important and work on that. Once that's done, do the next most important thing, and so on. If you never get to the last thing on the list, at least the vital things were accomplished.

I am so thankful that I recently came through a busy season.  Two months ago, my daughter became engaged.  The happy couple wanted to get married while the groom was on leave - in two months!

I had never had a child get married before.  Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited a few weeks to really get down to doing what needed to be done! I am so blessed that my son-in-law's family was very good to help do a lot of the work.

It all worked out well, with very few glitches.  I am thankful the kids did not ask for a big fancy wedding.  Simple worked out best with our timeline.

Next came Thanksgiving.  I was so excited that my mother, sister and nephew were able to stay after the wedding to share Thanksgiving with us.  It was the first time in 34 years that I had someone from my side of the family present at our Thanksgiving table!

Then the following weekend, the kids needed their furniture delivered to the base in Oklahoma.  Always willing to help, we joined up with Daniel's parents to drive a loaded trailer out to them.

Whew!  I feel tired just typing about it.  But also, I feel so thankful!  What if I had no children to give a wedding? Or no family to cook for on Thanksgiving? No reason to travel across a couple states and see a new home established?

God has blessed me mightily with my family, friends, and areas of ministry! I am so grateful!

Janae and Daniel cutting their wedding cake - a cake made with love by his mother and aunt!

(I will post more wedding pictures tomorrow!)

To read other thankful hearts, visit December's TT hostess, Iris at Grace Alone.