Just what I need, another craft project! Oh my! A friend showed me how to make beaded jewelry by crocheting with jewelry wire! I think they are very pretty, although they are a bit time-consuming! We all have extra time on our hands, right?!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE FIND!
This cute little table really caught my eye recently at a consignment furniture sale nearby. We're running out of room at our dining table as the family grows, so this is perfect for small grandkids. It has 2 drop leaves. Am hoping to find 2 or 3 little wooden stools to use with it.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
PEACE?
Am trying red on black. Has been awhile since I've posted anything new, although have thought about it many, many times.
This morning, I spoke with a very dear friend, who is in a hospital in New York City. Her health journey began about 5 years ago, with cancer, radiation, chemo. Unfortunately, she is one who had a destructive reaction to radiation...it basically destroyed her tissue and some organs. She has had several surgeries, and I won't go into detail, but she has very little left. The worst is that she has only about 1 foot of small intestine left. Her abdolmen looks like a road map to nowhere. She no longer responds to most antibiotics and one thing after the other continues to go wrong and plague her. Recently, after this 5 year battle, I have heard some discouragement in her voice, but it doesn't last. She recently underwent her third surgery for a new iliostomy site. She has experienced dozens of trips to the ER, where at least half the time she has been admitted until the infections and fever can be treated. She hasn't been in her home here on the opposite coast, for many months now and is not sure when or if, she will return.
Today, we spoke of peace. She is doing an online Bible study about peace. As she read many of the study scriptures, she began to feel that her peace was far less now than it was when cancer was first diagnosed. (She is now cancer free.) So, this is what the Lord had me say to her. If you are in a place that seems sometimes hopeless, I hope you as well will find encouragement.
Peace is IN Christ. It is a gift. I reminded my friend that 5 years ago, although she had cancer, she was still strong physically and emotionally. The past 5 years have worn down her physical body and her soul, but her spirit, which is connected to God through Christ, is still strong, as He continually holds her. Exhaustion has set in of course and her mind has become tired as she hopes for better days. She hopes for strength to come back enough to be placed on an intestinal transplant list. Yet, she HAS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Anyone who knows her has just been almost speechless as they watch her and listen to her go through all she has, always loving the Lord and trusting Him. All can see the mighty power and love of God as He brings her through again and again! We don't understand how she has withstood such a physical onslaught! God's provision only.
I asked her today if she thought that peace left our Lord when He cried over the "death" of a friend. Did He lose peace when He turned over the money tables in the temple? Did He lose peace when He was tempted by satan? Absolutely NOT! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to share her burdens and sorrows? YES! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to call and share a praise? YES!
I don't know when or where my friend's journey will end, but it has been a true blessing to travel it with her and praise God with her. She will not know on "this side" how many lives have been touched and perhaps saved by her steadfast glorifying of our Lord.
My husband and I love our friend and covet your prayers for her!
This morning, I spoke with a very dear friend, who is in a hospital in New York City. Her health journey began about 5 years ago, with cancer, radiation, chemo. Unfortunately, she is one who had a destructive reaction to radiation...it basically destroyed her tissue and some organs. She has had several surgeries, and I won't go into detail, but she has very little left. The worst is that she has only about 1 foot of small intestine left. Her abdolmen looks like a road map to nowhere. She no longer responds to most antibiotics and one thing after the other continues to go wrong and plague her. Recently, after this 5 year battle, I have heard some discouragement in her voice, but it doesn't last. She recently underwent her third surgery for a new iliostomy site. She has experienced dozens of trips to the ER, where at least half the time she has been admitted until the infections and fever can be treated. She hasn't been in her home here on the opposite coast, for many months now and is not sure when or if, she will return.
Today, we spoke of peace. She is doing an online Bible study about peace. As she read many of the study scriptures, she began to feel that her peace was far less now than it was when cancer was first diagnosed. (She is now cancer free.) So, this is what the Lord had me say to her. If you are in a place that seems sometimes hopeless, I hope you as well will find encouragement.
Peace is IN Christ. It is a gift. I reminded my friend that 5 years ago, although she had cancer, she was still strong physically and emotionally. The past 5 years have worn down her physical body and her soul, but her spirit, which is connected to God through Christ, is still strong, as He continually holds her. Exhaustion has set in of course and her mind has become tired as she hopes for better days. She hopes for strength to come back enough to be placed on an intestinal transplant list. Yet, she HAS THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Anyone who knows her has just been almost speechless as they watch her and listen to her go through all she has, always loving the Lord and trusting Him. All can see the mighty power and love of God as He brings her through again and again! We don't understand how she has withstood such a physical onslaught! God's provision only.
I asked her today if she thought that peace left our Lord when He cried over the "death" of a friend. Did He lose peace when He turned over the money tables in the temple? Did He lose peace when He was tempted by satan? Absolutely NOT! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to share her burdens and sorrows? YES! I asked her if it was scriptural for her to call and share a praise? YES!
I don't know when or where my friend's journey will end, but it has been a true blessing to travel it with her and praise God with her. She will not know on "this side" how many lives have been touched and perhaps saved by her steadfast glorifying of our Lord.
My husband and I love our friend and covet your prayers for her!
Friday, November 6, 2009
DESPERATION?
As today's news informs us of yet another shooting of multiple person's, I prayed and then began to think how desperate satan is continuing to be, perhaps even "amping" it up some. There are still 30,000 children dying every day, the war in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas is recently escalating and then, add in all the other things we don't know about and those things that we as individuals experience, plus the daily news reports.
Then I thought, this must mean Jesus' return is closer. Then I thought duh, of course it is...with every breath I take. I'm sitting in my nice warm house, food to eat, bills paid, healthy, enjoying my family and friends, worshipping freely, car in the garage, free to express myself and that list of blessings goes on and on. We are so protective of our life and lifestyle, that we fail to see none of this matters much if we aren't of good character and morally upright.
Our nation seems to be imploding from within...rumors of ugliness, actual ugliness and chants for our "rights". When things begin going upside-down in our country, why do so many become fearful and "feel" like we don't somehow deserve it! What makes us as a country so special that no harm could befall us? We are in such a mess within the goverrnment as well. Change? Well fortunately, I still have a little in my pocket. No longer a Christian nation? If that means a nation full of Christians, that would be a true statement...that is not the majority. The majority may say they believe in God, but that's not a Christian. If the statement not a Christian nation means that there are many "religions" here, that would be a true statement. If the statement not a Christian nation means God is no longer the one who is worshipped and honored as a nation, that is becoming to be a true statement. Woe is us!
Even Christians are getting lazy. Where is the community excitement, joy, work, giving? Small pockets here and there. Some churches relaxing, others moving. Most Christians busy and just plain worn out...tired, tired, tired. I recently heard on the radio that we are not scripturally told to have balance in our lives, but to manage our circumstances. If you're tired and worn out, no drive, self-absorbed, then you are not managing too well with your partner, Jesus. This tiredness does not refer to those who are serving and managing children, etc. If you're doing something, we all get tired and thank God for rest! Just referring to those who are tired because they do nothing! I learned last Sunday that we must be willing to change something to achieve goals. I learned that we are not to pray for protection in persecution, but boldness in persecution. I learned we are to be generous people!
I am excited in the changes that my partner Jesus and I are making. The Holy Spirit has been very active. There were so many areas in my life that needed change and what a refreshing feeling that is! Almost like moving into a new, clean house. The only difference being, I still live in this "house" which is aging and wrinkling, but feels so new and fresh! My new tee shirt says "God's child, cleverly disguised as an elderly woman". Love it.
Well, if you ever check my blog, you know that I could write for hours, so will stop for now. May your days be blessed.
Then I thought, this must mean Jesus' return is closer. Then I thought duh, of course it is...with every breath I take. I'm sitting in my nice warm house, food to eat, bills paid, healthy, enjoying my family and friends, worshipping freely, car in the garage, free to express myself and that list of blessings goes on and on. We are so protective of our life and lifestyle, that we fail to see none of this matters much if we aren't of good character and morally upright.
Our nation seems to be imploding from within...rumors of ugliness, actual ugliness and chants for our "rights". When things begin going upside-down in our country, why do so many become fearful and "feel" like we don't somehow deserve it! What makes us as a country so special that no harm could befall us? We are in such a mess within the goverrnment as well. Change? Well fortunately, I still have a little in my pocket. No longer a Christian nation? If that means a nation full of Christians, that would be a true statement...that is not the majority. The majority may say they believe in God, but that's not a Christian. If the statement not a Christian nation means that there are many "religions" here, that would be a true statement. If the statement not a Christian nation means God is no longer the one who is worshipped and honored as a nation, that is becoming to be a true statement. Woe is us!
Even Christians are getting lazy. Where is the community excitement, joy, work, giving? Small pockets here and there. Some churches relaxing, others moving. Most Christians busy and just plain worn out...tired, tired, tired. I recently heard on the radio that we are not scripturally told to have balance in our lives, but to manage our circumstances. If you're tired and worn out, no drive, self-absorbed, then you are not managing too well with your partner, Jesus. This tiredness does not refer to those who are serving and managing children, etc. If you're doing something, we all get tired and thank God for rest! Just referring to those who are tired because they do nothing! I learned last Sunday that we must be willing to change something to achieve goals. I learned that we are not to pray for protection in persecution, but boldness in persecution. I learned we are to be generous people!
I am excited in the changes that my partner Jesus and I are making. The Holy Spirit has been very active. There were so many areas in my life that needed change and what a refreshing feeling that is! Almost like moving into a new, clean house. The only difference being, I still live in this "house" which is aging and wrinkling, but feels so new and fresh! My new tee shirt says "God's child, cleverly disguised as an elderly woman". Love it.
Well, if you ever check my blog, you know that I could write for hours, so will stop for now. May your days be blessed.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
TRANSITION
September 22nd is almost here! Fall will arrive! Some blossoms are beginning to fade, Fall ones are coming on...the tomatoes and blueberries are on their "last legs", but the grapes, kiwi and nectarines are ripening nicely! I took some photos around our yard this afternoon that show these very things.
You wouldn't want to see photos of me in transition! I can go from Spring to Winter in an hour! However, the transition comes less often, not welcomed nor enjoyed and the joy of sharing all my moments with my Lord becomes paramount. This morning in church, two words were spoken that added to my journey in this life. It was not a Bible verse, but just two words intertwined with others, that made a difference...not in spiritual growth, but in perspective! In about a week, I'll share those words. They are in the process of being printed on a T shirt, along with other appropriate words! The past 5 weeks have caused a "soaring of my spirit"...cementing my purpose and therefore my passion!
Yesterday...I attended an event in one of the downtown parks with a couple of friends...found some great items, including a couple of Christmas gifts. Can you believe Christmas is only a smidge over 3 months away! Earlier that day, I went to a soccer game that 2 of my grandkids were playing in. They're just learning the game at age 4...not what they expected. My granddaughter is EXTREMELY competitive, you know, a Legend In Her Own Mind type of thought...she was already pro, screaming crowds, etc. Well, the reality was that she got kicked in the shin (by one of her own teammates, no less), a big bully boy (not really), on the other team kicked the ball away as she was about to score and, she realized that the other team was making way more goals! This caused her to fold her arms across her chest (always a sign of impending trouble), march off the field, announcing she was quitting soccer, never playing again, it was too hard! (At her mother's wise insistence, she returned to the field as part of the TEAM!) My grandson hung in there, although I'm told on the way home, he too was DONE with soccer. He's waiting for baseball. His sister hates baseball! However today, they are both anticipating their next game!
Even earlier than the soccer game, I was a guest at a bridal shower for my daughter-in-law's sister, who is getting married early next month. It was so much fun...beautiful people, food and surroundings! Whenever I attend a shower or a wedding, I find that part of me is a little jealous. You know, all is ahead of them...not many mistakes made yet...and they have all this opportunity to get it right! Then, I remember I had the same opportunity...all was fresh and new, the anticipation was huge and we both KNEW what it would take to keep it continuing to be fresh and new! What it has become and will continue to be, is a journey of love, disappointment, love, anger, love, self-centerdness, love, disbelief, love, loneliness, love, laughter, love, tears, love, but above all, commitment! We have the Lord to thank for that, because in our own strength, we may not survive the hard days! (Don'cha know?!) I'm traveling to North Dakota later this month, so thought I'd throw that in! ;-)
I hear that the channel has been changed in the next room...why, I do believe I hear...can it be? football! Actually, I don't mind, rather enjoy it! So, enjoy your evening, whatever it is and have a beautiful and blessed week!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
SOME PICS AND A BIT OF THIS AND THAT
I love making a few changes in my home here and there...rearrange nic-nacs, a little paint, a new pillow...nothing too major (yet!) Wait till next Spring, though...have BIG plans for the kitchen. So as you can see by the pictures above, my fireplace mantel is now black and I love it! It used to be a glaring white that just didn't compliment the look I was going for. My hubby also phoned me about a great buy on a wicker trunk, so moved out the footstool and in with the trunk. He also phoned me about a VERY great buy on a wicker rocker. That just didn't go with my living room (actually, no room for it as you can see!), so moved it into the bedroom and it makes for a cozy corner for reading and Bible study. My desk is just to the right of it. Very nice.
I moved a bedroom lamp to an end table in the living room, purchased another table lamp on sale, bought a "boat basket", placed it on its side on the mantel, bought a few silk flowers, snipped and arranged, added some candles and voila...it has a totally new look.
In the kitchen, I purchased an old tray, probably from the '50s, and placed my folded cloth napkins on it. Have had trouble with my computer "freezing up" tonight, so don't know if I can get anymore pictures on at this time. Will try.
We'll be camping, doing some traveling and helping with a wedding between now and mid-October, so probably won't be writing until then. I do have some subjects (surprise!) that I very much want to share thoughts on, so hope you'll check back!
GREAT RECIPE FOR FREEZING CORN
How quickly time goes! I did not realize how long it's been since I've posted anything here! What with summer camping, 3 or 4 short trips and a myriad of other things, time does get away!
One of my little projects this summer was to freeze corn. My hubby shucked 75 ears one afternoon, and I cut the kernels off of 60 of those ears! This recipe is so delicious! Out of 60 ears, I got about 12 freezer bags, each filled with 2 or 3 cups of cooked corn.
8 cups of raw corn cut off the cob
1 cup half & half
1 stick margarine
2 Tbs sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
I doubled this recipe, completed it, then started over again with another double batch.
Mix and bring to boil, continue boiling and stirring constantly for 5 minutes. (Be sure to stir as it can easily burn) Cool by placing pan into sink filled with ice water. Bag and freeze. To serve, place bag in hot water until it loosens, than dump corn into a pan and heat thoroughly. Enjoy!
One of my little projects this summer was to freeze corn. My hubby shucked 75 ears one afternoon, and I cut the kernels off of 60 of those ears! This recipe is so delicious! Out of 60 ears, I got about 12 freezer bags, each filled with 2 or 3 cups of cooked corn.
8 cups of raw corn cut off the cob
1 cup half & half
1 stick margarine
2 Tbs sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
I doubled this recipe, completed it, then started over again with another double batch.
Mix and bring to boil, continue boiling and stirring constantly for 5 minutes. (Be sure to stir as it can easily burn) Cool by placing pan into sink filled with ice water. Bag and freeze. To serve, place bag in hot water until it loosens, than dump corn into a pan and heat thoroughly. Enjoy!
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