The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 31, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 31st EDITION...

Outside my window...a beautiful 55° morning. I love these cool mornings!
I am thinking... about the sermon Pastor preached last night: Making the Most of Every Opportunity.
I am thankful for... health! I am so thankful that I and my children are healthy.
From the kitchen... orange chicken and fried rice. (I was going to make this last Thursday but it didn't work out.)
I am wearing... black pants, black cami with a tunic that is turquoise, black, yellow and white.
I am creating... nothing right now.
I am going... to continue trusting in God.
I am reading... a novel about the Shakers, "The Outsider," by Ann H. Gabhart.
I am hoping... for a miracle.
I am hearing...Joyce Meyer on the TV.
Around the house...windows open letting in fresh air.
One of my favorite things... fall weather.
A few plans for the rest of the week: a couple of major projects at work, getting all my coupons clipped and sorted at home.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I took a picture of this sign reposing in a creek bed.

Two questions: How? and Why?

To read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Thrifty Treasures - August 31, 2009

Just like last week, I was not going to be able to go to any yard sales. Again, just like last week, as I was driving to my second job on Saturday afternoon, I passed a yard sale. As I drove by, I saw that a display of blue and white treasures was set up. I whipped the car around and went back.

I had recently put up a display of blue and white dishes on top of my china cabinet. I love blue and white against my very yellow wall! I figured I would add something from this sale to my collection.

It was a tough choice. I could have chosen a ginger jar. I could have chosen two awesome candlesticks or even a vase.

Here is what I chose:

Ok ... does anybody know what it is? I don't ... It has no holes or anything. Just a smooth porcelain ball. But I like it!

I had to add it to my collection for $3. (It was a little more than I like to pay - I love $1 items or even 50 cents!)

If you'd like to see the treasures other people found thrifting this weekend, visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

Friday's Fave Five - August 28, 2009

Another Friday has rolled around! It's time to reflect and choose 5 highlights from my week.

Again, this past week has been quiet, with neither ups or downs to distinguish it from other weeks. Yet, there are still favorites to discuss:

1. One of my favorite scriptures: "Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men." Ephesians 6:7 AMP It helps me to realize I'm working for the Lord, not for the praise of what others may say. It's great when they affirm you, but if not, knowing that God is pleased with my efforts means more than I can say.

2. Angels: One of my favorite decorating items are angels. Especially meaningful are the angels people have given me.

3. Cool nights and mornings: I know I said it last week, but it's still a favorite: I love it now that the nights and mornings are cooling off. Right now as I type this it is 63°. I just feel better!

4. Fragrance: Good smells are important to me; in foods, in my home, even on me. Right now, one of my favorite perfumes is Shania Twilight.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Of course, fresh home-baked is best, but I even like the store bought Chips Ahoy brand. Everything is better if just a little chocolate is in it!

To read other favorites, visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

Thankful Thursday - Rescue

I love participating in the blog party "Thankful Thursday" each week because it teaches us to be intentional about giving praise. Today's topic, Rescue, was chosen by this month's hostess Iris at Grace Alone.

She was sharing how grateful she was that the Lord rescues us from sin. I'm certainly grateful He does, too!

I was thinking, too, that not only am I grateful for that, but I'm glad He rescues whole families out of the pits of sin.

My great-grandfather became a Christian as a young man of 26. Here is what is written in his obituary: " In the year 1883 God's Holy Spirit opened his heart that he attended unto the things spoken from the Lord. Saying the time fulfilled the kingdom of God's at hand repent ye and believe the gospel having given himself to the Lord now gives himself to the Lord's people casting his lot with them in the Missionary Baptist Church (near his home town)."

I know I have written about this before, but I find it so beautiful!

I can't help but think that because God rescued my great-grandfather, who undoubtedly prayed for his children and grandchildren, He also saw fit to draw us to Himself. I base this belief on this scripture: "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."(Deut. 7:9)

Not every member of my family has chosen to walk with the Lord (so far) but I feel that the Holy Spirit keeps drawing them because of my great grandfather.

There's a lot of history of alcoholism on the other side of my family, and sadly some have followed in that lifestyle. But God is greater than any addiction, and I know that the prayers of faith that have gone on before reach beyond the grave and remind Him of His promises.

I'm thankful for Christian ancestors. Their example and prayers have made the difference - more than I'll every comprehend.

Now it is time to do my part: be a living example of Christ's redeeming love and to prayerfully plead for my children and grandchildren (and great grandchildren...) to be rescued!

To read other thankful hearts, visit Iris at Grace Alone.

Thrifty Treasures - Monday, August 24, 2009

This week, things came up and my daughter and I agreed that we could not go yard sale-ing. Major bummer ... It felt so weird to not go!

On the way home from church last Sunday, I had noticed a yard sale a couple blocks from the church just getting set up as our service ended. I spied an oval mirror propped up by one of the tables. I didn't stop because I was in a hurry to get home and put dinner on the table, but I wanted to find a mirror just like that and perhaps make it into a chalkboard.

So, on Saturday, I headed to the church to do the bulletin and get some financial information ready for the upcoming board meeting. Again, I saw this same house had yard sale items sitting in the yard. As I drove past, I noticed the same mirror.

Hmmm... maybe ... no, I better go get my work done. But as I worked, I thought about that mirror! I decided if the yard sale was still going on when I was finished working and that mirror was still there, it was meant to be.

It was!

Here is my $2 purchase for the week:

I didn't realize how difficult it is to take pictures of mirrors! Anyway, my plan is to spray paint the frame white. Now I'm not sure if I want to turn it into a chalkboard or keep it as a mirror ...

Visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality and see the bargains that other thrifters found this week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 24, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 24th EDITION...

Outside my window... a gorgeous day. Right now it is 55° and the high today is supposed to be 78°. I love weather like this! Our a/c got a rest the last two nights, too.

I am thinking... of scripture that Pastor read last night. It begins with "Devote yourself to prayer..." (Colossians 4:2) This really spoke to me. Do I "devote" myself to prayer? Am I intentional about it? I do a lot of talking to God throughout my day but I fall short in devoting time strictly to prayer. I felt convicted ...

I am thankful for... even when problems arise, I know that God is good all the time!

From the kitchen... so far I've planned to have spaghetti tonight, orange chicken and fried rice Tuesday, meatloaf Wednesday and garlic cheese chicken Thursday.

I am wearing... black pinstripe pants with lime green polo shirt.

I am creating... nothing right now, but I have plans!

I am reading... a new author, Eva Marie Everson, who wrote "Things Left Unspoken."

I am hoping... for a miracle

I am hearing... silence - we didn't need the a/c on!

Around the house... I'm getting ready to put out my fall decorations.

One of my favorite things... seeing God answer prayer!

A few plans for the rest of the week: the major thing on my agenda this week is getting ready for the board meeting on Thursday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I love this picture I took from a levee overlooking a small lake about 15 miles from my home. I didn't realize it was so beautiful until I returned home and looked at the pictures!

To visit other daybooks, go to Peggy's blog, The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday's Fave Five - August 21, 2009

Once again, it is Friday, and time to participate in Friday's Fave Five. FFF is a time when one looks back and reflects on the past week and chooses 5 highlights.

This week has been largely uneventful, yet there are always favorite things if I just look for them.

1. Fuss-free mornings: When the kids were little, and school was in session, sometimes the mornings could be hectic. I had one child that was always difficult to get out of bed, and another child that always seemed to lose one shoe and would tell me about it just as the bus was coming. I don't even want to discuss their taking turns in the bathroom. (We only have one bathroom for a household of five.) Now that the girls are in high school, mornings run much smoother. I don't even have to get them up anymore. They drive themselves to school, and they take responsibility for getting their own outfits together. They even know when it's their turn for the bathroom and, most of the time, don't stay in there past their alloted time. Ahhh ... it's great! Why this week, I even got to work early twice!

2. Cooler weather: Temps in my area have dropped from upper 90s to low 80s. Tomorrow, it's supposed to be 75 degrees! I lurve me some cool weather. I do not like to sweat ... which is why sometimes I dream of living where Susanne, Marg and Karyn live -- or Kathie at PEI!

3. Favorite quote: "Your future has no room for the mistakes of your past." Joyce Meyer. That makes me think of the Apostle Paul saying "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." Phil. 3:13 NLT I need to be reminded from time to time to forget all my past mistakes. What's important now is where I'm headed!

4. Pretty dishes: One evening this week, I had salad for dinner. I used all the cut glass dishes that I have been collecting to serve the salad. (I always serve my salad ingredients in separate bowls so that everyone can put what they like in their salads. It also makes leftovers last longer when stored separately.) I wish I would have thought to take a picture because it looked so pretty. I believe in serving food in a nice presentation. I think it makes for more enjoyment at the table.

5. Early to bed: Several nights this week, I have went to bed early. I read a few chapters in my book and then on to dreamland! What can I say? I love to sleep!

What about you? How did your week go? Why not link up at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and share?

Thankful Thursday-Friends

This week's Thankful Thursday's hostess, Iris at Grace Alone, has chosen to thank God for Friends.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” ~ John 15:15 (ESV)

One of my favorite praise songs is "I am a Friend of God" by Israel Houghton. Here's the lyrics:

VERSE:

Who am I that you are mindful of me

That you hear me, when I call

Is it true that you are thinking of me

How you love me, it's amazing (Who am I Lord)

CHORUS:

I am a friend of God

I am a friend of God

I am a friend of God

He calls me friend

BRIDGE:

God Almighty

Lord of Glory

You have called me friend

Isn't it mind-boggling to think that the Ruler of the Universe wants to be your friend! I can't get over it! Seriously, He could treat us as slaves. He'd be more than justified to do so. Instead, He loves us and asks us to talk to Him constantly (pray without ceasing).


He's all I need. Yet He also allows me to have human friends. I have been blessed over the years to have some good, true friends. In each season of life, there would be a friend to help share my joys and struggles. I've never been a popular person with lots and lots of friends, but God has always sent me what I needed, such as my forever friend, Cora. You can read about her here.

I'm very thankful for friendship, both divine and human!

To read what other thankful hearts have to say, click here.

Thrifty Treasures - Monday, August 17, 2009

Lately, my daughters and I have been going thrifting. I thought I would share some of my treasures that I found at yard sales this week.



Forgive my photography skills! The cut glass cake stand in front I bargained with the owner and got it for $3. She wanted $10. It swivels.

The fish platter was 25¢, the blue and green platters (have fish around their borders) were 10¢ each. The twin turntable was a bargain at 25¢. Turntables are so useful! I already own 5 of them and can always use more.

Lastly, the rusty brass candle holder was 50¢. I'm pretty sure I owned one of these 20 years ago or more. I'm going to spray paint it, probably black.

Next, I found a corningware casserole dish for $2. A baking dish that I think is the perfect size for baking a row of enchiladas was also $2. It's not corningware though. I can't find any manufacturer markings at all.

This picture doesn't do it justice, but the big glass canister jar has fruit embossed all around it's circumference. I paid $2 for it. The cookbook stand was 50¢ as was the ivy plate stand. I'm thinking of painting it black also. The small cut glass bowls was 50¢ for the set of 5. I'm going to use them as condiment cups. Oh, the amount of honey-mustard sauce, ketchup, and sweet and sour sauce we use around my house! At least they will be presented nicely from now on!

It was a lot of fun, although it was getting pretty hot by the time we quit at 11 a.m. I can't wait to go again!

If you'd like to see more yard sale treasures, visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 17, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 17th EDITION...

Outside my window... sunny 80° weather
I am thinking...that it really hurts when I receive criticism. Even more, when I can see a grain of truth in it ...
I am thankful for... life ...
From the kitchen... homemade pizza for tonight, chicken enchiladas tomorrow.
I am wearing... my favorite brown pants and cool and comfortable beige top.
I am creating... a scrapbook page idea.
I am going... nowhere extra this week.
I am reading... Ephesians and planning on doing some extra reading in Colossians this week.
I am hoping... to feel more energy soon.
I am hearing... the hum of the a/c still. I'm looking forward to fall when I don't have to run the a/c.
Around the house... I need to do some rearranging in my cabinets.
One of my favorite things... pictures of my daughters!
A few plans for the rest of the week: I've got several projects at the office this week to work on. I also need to make an appointment to get a haircut.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My daughter's first day as a teacher!

If you'd like to read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday's Fave Five - August 14, 2009

Happy Friday, everyone! Time to join the gang over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story and share my Friday's Fave Five, a reflection on the highlights of my week.

1. Right after posting last week's FFF, my hubby and I joined our friends on a trip to Nashville, TN. I really enjoy doing things with this group of friends -- most of them are also my students in my Sunday School class.

4 of the 12 traveler's are missing in this picture taken at the Welcome Center, Paducah, Kentucky.

Time spent with friends: priceless!

2. Of course, one of the highlights of getting out of town for a few days is the joy of eating out! We visited Cracker Barrel at least 3 times, Shoney's, and the highlight - Cock of the Walk Catfish Restaurant in Nashville. Talk about delicious! After eating fish, we gathered in the lobby to take silly pictures of everyone in the giant rocking chair:

What's Virgil done to make Mary suck her thumb?

3. Then it was on to the Grand Ole Opry! I took pictures of everyone, but decided that I need a new camera with a better zoom! I'll share a few with you:

Little Jimmy Dickens

(You'd be surprised how many younger women dug out their cameras and came up to the stage to get his picture!)


Darrell Worley

Mark Wills



Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius

(Mom always liked him!)

Connie Smith

(Sorry, it's a little blurry. She never would turn and face my direction!)

And the star of the evening: Charlie Pride.

The best part? We had front row seats!

4. Next day, our group headed to Opry Mills Mall. I had a great time going to stores that are not at home: Bed, Bath and Beyond and Kirklands. I love stores that feature home furnishings! I bought some cereal bowls at BB&B but then I had to lug them through the whole mall. I didn't love that part so much ...

5. Then we went over to visit Trinity City, TBN's broadcast studio in Nashville. The studio is located on the former estate of Conway Twitty. We took a tour of his home. It was very beautiful. My camera battery chose to die then, but I did get a few shots of the inside.

Here is his dining room:

And here is his office:

I love taking tours of fancy houses!

And a bonus favorite: getting back home! Aah... It's good to be home!

So, how did your week go? Share your week and link up at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 10, 2009

FOR TODAY, AUGUST 10th EDITION...

Outside my window...
sunny and 82° right now, hot and humid predicted for this afternoon.
I am thinking...
I am ready for fall! My kids start school this week and that always makes me think it should be autumn weather.
I am thankful for...
my job. So many don't have one!
From the kitchen...
oven-fried chicken tenders and a peach cobbler
I am wearing...
beige capris, pink cami, brown tunic
I am creating...
nothing right now, but I'm planning some scrapbook pages for my Nashville trip.
I am going...
to make some changes in the way I do things.
I am reading...
nothing right now, but my library just got in some new books. I'll probably check out something today!
I am hoping...
to accomplish a lot this week.
I am hearing...
silence. Silence is good.
Around the house...
time to clean out that refrigerator again ... :(
One of my favorite things...
going out to eat!
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Well, there's that refrigerator ...
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Gardens at Trinity City, Nashville, TN

Peggy Hostetler from The Simple Woman's Daybook is the creator of this meme. Join in with the other daybook-ers here.

Today is an exciting Friday for me because in a few minutes, we'll be leaving town for a trip to Nashville with 5 other couples. We're going to the Grand Ole Opry. It's not that we're such big country music fans (they're not even having anyone at the Opry that I'm excited about seeing), it's just a great chance to be together, eat out, and do NO housework!

Before I go, I must participate in my favorite meme - Friday's Fave Five. FFF is the brainchild of Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. We are to share 5 favorites from our week. I always think it is good to reflect back on our week. Times goes by so fast, reflecting helps you to remember what has happened.

1. Fruity favorites - Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed some of summer's best perks - fresh fruit. I got some good deals at the grocery store - grapes for 99¢ a lb., peaches 78¢ a lb, and watermelon (seedless) for $3.50. We devour fruit around here, so it didn't last long!

2. Yard Sale-ing with my girls - Again, the gang and I went around to all the yard sales. This time, we also took my long-time best friend, Cora. We had a lot of fun together and wore ourselves out. Most of what I bought were clothes (I even found some for me) but I didn't take pictures of those. Here are a few treasures I found - a couple are destined for makeovers:

This picture did not do the casserole dish justice. It's a beautiful light green glass dish with fruit embossed on the bottom.


I'm thinking of re-doing the tray, although it is in excellent shape.

3. New author: For some reason, I love to read novels about the CIA or FBI or even CSI. If I can find books on those subjects written by Christian authors, so much the better. This week, I read "Against All Odds - Heroes of Quantico" by Irene Hannon. She's definitely a new fave author.

4. Fave body lotion: I love Bath and Body Works Classic Honeysuckle. Unfortunately, they discontinued it (I don't like their new honeysuckle scent at all), but I just opened a brand new bottle that I had saved back. For one more year, I will be able to smell my favorite scent. If only I had bought more!

5. New fave song: Although I have many favorites, recently I came across a new (to me) song by Poet Voices - "For All the Days that End in Why." A great song that makes you think.

It's almost time for me to leave for my adventure. I won't be able to check in with you till later, but have a happy Friday!

To read other FFF posts, visit Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

Thankful Thursday - Joy

This week's Thankful Thursday hostess, Iris, has chosen the subject of joy. (Welcome back, Iris!)

When I think of joy, I think of the song I learned in children's church:

Jesus, and

Others, and

You,

What a wonderful way to spell joy!

If we put others first, will we have joy? Yes! The bible says we'll be full of joy:

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:10-12

It sure isn't what the world teaches. We Americans feel that we have a right to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is fleeting but joy is enduring. If we live to please ourselves, that happiness can't last long. We just weren't made spiritually to indulge ourselves.

His word promises us that if we will love each other, God will fill us up with joy! I don't understand it. Humanly speaking, it doesn't make sense. But He said it, and I believe it.

I'm thankful for the family and friends that the Lord has put in my life to love. It would certainly be a lonely life without them, and I am a better person every time I put them ahead of me!

To read what other thankful hearts have to say today, click over to Iris' blog, Grace Alone.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 3, 2009

FOR TODAY, AUGUST 2nd EDITION...

Outside my window... a little bit of fog

I am thinking... that God made such a beautiful world!

I am thankful for... life - it is precious!

From the kitchen... oven fried chicken tenders.

I am wearing... gray slacks, fuschia top with gold trim to the office today.

I am creating... a decorative plate from a yard sale treasure.

I am going... to Nashville, TN, this weekend. My hubby and I are joining a group of friends going to the Grand Ole Opry.

I am reading... "Christy" by Catherine Marshall. (I know I said that last week, but I stopped and read a couple other books, now I'm back to Christy. I usually have a couple books I'm reading at a time.)

I am hoping... to ride my bike some this week. I didn't ride at all last week!

I am hearing... occasional traffic passing by ... the sound of Joyce Meyer on the TV.

Around the house... I'm still needing to do some intensive dusting ...

One of my favorite things... looking at nature. It's so peaceful to sit near a lake or walk by the seashore, or even just sit in my swing in my own backyard and gaze at God's creation.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I have to get all my work done by Thursday so that I can leave Friday for Nashville with a clear conscience.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is a picture my daughter took on our 2005 trip to Florida. I love the color in this picture!

Would you like to see other links to daybooks? Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.