If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

One Word 2013 Review and New Word for 2014

 

My One Word for 2013 was "Thanks". I didn't continue throughout the whole year listing my thanks on my blog the way I did in the beginning. But I still tried to think about being thankful throughout the year. There were some hard things that my family has gone through and for that matter still going through in 2013, but God has been there through it all. I'm so thankful that even through really bad physical issues, God has been there and everyone is still alive (and there was some doubt about that for awhile) and are actually getting better. I praise God for that. I've also tried to intentionally look for God moments throughout the year to be thankful for. There have been many.

One hard thing was unexpectedly losing our sweet Lily in October. That was a really hard thing, but I'm very thankful for the almost 12 years that we had with her and all the joy she gave us. But after that loss, God has blessed us with a new little puppy, Lucy. And although, she has only been with us about 2 weeks, she is bringing joy already.

While I have picked a new word for 2014, I hope to remember to keep on looking for all the God moments in my life, so I keep on remembering to thank God everyday.


For 2014, I have chosen a new word. It is "relationship". That may seem like a strange word, but let me tell you why I've chosen it. I was reading my devotions Saturday morning by Joyce Meyers called "Promises for Your Everyday Life".  On that particular day the title was "Give Relationship...Not Religion".  It was talking about the fact that Christ wants relationship with us not religion.  Religion is rules and restrictions, but relationship is coming to really know Him and love Him.  I have a tendency to lean toward rules (it's kinda how I was raised) and I don't want that any more.  My desire is to grow into a deeper love relationship with Jesus and really come to know Him better in 2014 and for the rest of my life. 

The scripture I have chosen is Ephesians 1:17  (NIV).  This is my prayer for me in 2014.

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better."

Friday, December 27, 2013

A Very Airmail Christmas

This year I participated in the Very Airmail Christmas sponsored by Rebecca at Forever Making Memories.  We were to email our addresses to Rebecca and then she exchanged them around and gave us each an address to send a Christmas Card to. 

I received the below beautiful Christmas card from Todd, Crystal, Sierra & Lizzie from Georgia.  Thank you so much!


Click on the Link above to see others that participated.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Friday, December 20, 2013

Meet Miss Lucy

I would like to introduce you to Miss Lucy.  She was born August 17, 2013 and was adopted into our family December 19, 2013.  She is a Lhasa-Yorkie.  I do believe I am in love!!!




This is the first of many posts on our new little Miss Lucy.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.
Just enjoying it.  Trying to remember the reason for the season.

2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen...and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all...so, which reindeer name best describes you this week?
I don't think any really fit.  Hubby and I are just enjoying being together.  Our oldest will be home Friday for a month and hopefully the youngest will come around as much as she can with school and work.

3. What's worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?
Too Loud is worse.  I'm getting so I like the too quiet.  It's the first we've had in a long time.  haha

4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo!

When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they've committed to do? If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through?
It really doesn't bother me to much either way.  If they've committed, I try to trust them to do it.  And if someone doesn't trust me and does something themselves, then that's okay because that's just something I don't have to do.

5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?
Shopping is the most dreaded, but that is almost done (most over the internet).  Looking forward to being with family and mostly with hubby.  Hoping to go see some beautiful Christmas displays soon.  Also, looking forward to seeing a couple movies with my family.  Frozen with the girls and Saving Mr. Banks with hubby and whoever wants to go.

6. Facebook has released its list of the 'most talked about' topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot. Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)
I really have no idea what our most talked about topic has been.  But right now, it's probably a new puppy.  Still trying to decide what kind and when.  We've got some things we need to get done in the house first.

7. What's something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?
My laptop computer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Took my youngest to Build A Bear on Saturday.  We had a blast.  Who says we're too old for Build A Bear?  Not us.


Friday, December 6, 2013

SkyWatch Friday


Click here to join in with SkyWatch Friday.

This was taken in November while we were at Myrtle Beach.  The fenced in area is part of the airport.  We were sitting in a little park watching the planes landing and taking off.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge


Click on the above button to join in with Joyce and the Hodgepodge.

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?
I seldom take a "selfie", however that could change if I get an iPhone in February.  It probably won't though, because I don't like pics of myself. Here is one I took of me and Lily.

 

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?
Yes, I will be sending a few.  No they are not ready yet.  

3. Do you trust easily?
Yes, until the trust is broken and then it's real hard for me to ever trust that person again.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
Vanilla is one of my all time favorites anytime of the year.  

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?
Probably talking...I wasn't called "Chatty Cathy" for nothing when I was growing up. lol

6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now : )
I woke up last night with "Christmas Island" running through my head.

 

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?
I'm not sure I'd really like to travel with any of them.  I think I like being comfortable too much.  But if I were to choose, it would be Neil Armstrong.  I think I would have liked to walk on the moon with him.  Not that I would ever have that much nerve.



8. Insert your own random thought here.
We're starting to puppy shop.  I'm trying to make myself wait until after Christmas, but I'm not sure I can stand to wait that long.  haha  

We got the tree up tonight, but it's not decorated.  One step at a time, people, one step at a time! 


Well it's a start!  lol

Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday Quiz About Me.

Acting Balanced
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered!
 
 
1. December 5th is Bathtub Party Day - how will you celebrate? 
Never heard of it.  I'm not much of a bath type person...I much prefer a shower.

2. Apparently it's also the week to get your letters to Santa done and mailed - will you be writing to Santa and will you be on the naughty or nice list this year?
Nope, no letter to Santa for me...and probably you can find my name on both lists. lol

3. Do you think that people have unlimited potential?
Yes, I do.  Especially if you belong to Christ because the Bible says, " I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13.

4. How many holiday parties/events will you be attending this month?
Right now, I know of 3.  We'll see how it goes from here.  Looking forward to them all.
 
 

Friday, November 29, 2013

SkyWatch Friday

Early November sunrise on the Atlantic.  Click here to see more pictures from around the world on Skywatch Friday.




Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Very Airmail Christmas



Mary at "Life in a Small Town" posted about participating in A Very Airmail Christmas. I went and checked it out and it sounds easy and fun, so I believe I will participate too. Go here to check it out and join in what I believe will be a good time. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. Are you settling for something?
Nothing comes to mind right now.

2. It wasn't that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on 'Black Friday'. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?
Seeing as how I've worked for our local police department for the past 37 years and have worked many, many holidays, it doesn't seem that big a deal to me. Lots of people have to work the holidays (medical, law enforcement, fire, etc.)  It's just a fact of life.  That being said, I don't plan to shop, but we are planning to have Thanksgiving lunch in a restaurant.

3. Speaking of shopping... I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-
New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul.
Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?
No, I have never shopped in any of these cities. I'd most like to shop in New York City, I think.

4. When did you last dine by candlelight?
Can't really remember.

5. What do you have too much of?
Craft supplies - specifically scrapbooking supplies.

6. The Hunger Games...are you a fan? Did you read the book(s)? Will you/have you seen the movie? Will you/have you seen Catching Fire? No spoilers please!
Yes, I am a fan.  Yes, I read the books.  I did see The Hunger Games.  I have not seen Catching Fire yet, but I can hardly wait.

7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what...especially the what! As in what's for dinner? If you're one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn't ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday.
Due to illness in our family, things are a little different this year.  Our plans are to meet our youngest and her boyfriend and my sister and her husband at Cracker Barrel.  Then at some point we'll go to mom and dad's and visit with them and my brother.

8. Insert your own random thought here.



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

It Doesn't Take Long

You know, it really doesn't take long when returning home from vacation for things to get back to like they were before you left. haha

For almost 3 weeks we lived in such sweet wonderfulness. We got up when we wanted. We slept when we wanted. We ate when we wanted. We sat on the balcony, walked on the beach, visited parks, spent time with his parents, shopped, read, crocheted (well I did), played on the computers. All when we wanted. And might I add, that is a wonderful way to live.

This is from Huntington State Park.  It's kind of a wildlife sanctuary

We visited Ripley's Aquarium and they had the Festival of Trees going on.  They had trees from all 50 states decorated.  Very pretty.

Even on an overcast day, it's still beautiful.

But (there's always a but) we got back home Saturday night and within about an hour we "had" to go to the grocery. There were a few more items that needed to be purchased for the Thanksgiving baskets for church (I'm really not complaining. I was glad to do it) and we needed a few things ourselves. Then church on Sunday (which again I'm not complaining, just stating facts to make my point). We had great services. We watched Carina Sunday afternoon (which was a lot of fun) so her momma could get moved into their new apartment.

Then Monday morning bright and early it was back to work. Let me tell you something, when you walk back into work after being off for 3 weeks...whew!...what a mess. But things went pretty well and I got most of it completed before I left. I must really say thank you to my co-workers who did so much of my work while I was gone. You guys are the best!

So, see back to my first sentence...it really doesn't take long for everything to get back to normal. lol

Hope you all have a great day. I plan to. Heading to the mechanics to drop off my car. The heat is not working right and it's just a little too cold around here to not have good heat in my car. Then off to day 2 of work.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. What lesson has failure taught you?
That I don't have to be perfect to be loved by Jesus.  That He loves and accepts me and forgives me even when I mess up big time.  

2. What decision are you glad you made?
I'm giving you more than 1.  It's my blog and I can do it, if I want to.
1. To serve the Lord Jesus Christ
2. To marry my husband
3. To adopt our 2 girls
Without a doubt these are the best decisions of my life.
 
3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?
No, mine is not up, but it probably would have been if I weren't on vacation.
 
4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join?
Solitaire
 
5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type?
I snack a lot.  
 
6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?
I've reviewed books and also some products.  Most were favorable.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?
Hubby and I conversing about the things we want to do at our house.  The young girl and her baby are in the process of moving out.  She got her apartment today.  We are so happy for her and also for us.  We'll be painting and who knows what all.  This is exciting to me.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hubby and I are also talking about getting another dog.  Lily's been gone about a month now and we know we want another dog.  Neither one of us can imagine us not having a dog.  We've been watching people on the beach with their dogs and we've talked to people on the street and in parks when we see one we like the looks of.  We've asked what they are and what their personality is like.  We've talked to 2 different people with shih tzu, which is the size dog we are looking for. They had nothing but good to say about them.  I'm thinking this may be the kind we will be getting. My brother and sister-in-law used to have a shih tzu and we had a lhasa apso, which is similar in looks. April, I know you have one.  I'd love to know the pros and cons of having a shih tzu.  Anybody?

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

New Every Morning

Sunday morning hubby and I were sitting on the balcony watch the ocean, as we've been doing most mornings.  I asked him the question, "If you were asked right now to speak to a group of people (remember, he's a pastor) and were given just a couple of minutes, what would you speak on?  He said he would use Genesis and speak about creation.  Good choice.  I told him the scripture that comes to my mind is the one that says something along the line of His mercies are new every morning.  We've been talking about that off and on the last couple of days.


The actual scripture is:
Lamentations 3:22-23
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;his mercies begin afresh each morning."

I was thinking how the tide comes in and washes away all the foot prints and others things in the sand and it starts out all fresh again.  Just like God's mercy does for us. 

We have slips of the tongue, angry moments, etc each day.  But because of God's mercy, he wipes the slate clean each day, if we ask.  We can then start out each new day fresh and clean.  Just like the sand when the tide goes back out.

Tracy mentioned that the waves are like His love.  They never stop.  They just keep on, keeping on.  Exactly like God's love.  It never stops either.

So take hope my friends.  Jesus' love and mercy never ends.  He will love us always. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. Describe a typical Sunday from your childhood.
Get a bath, mom would put my hair in curlers and then I'd have to sit under a hairdryer (you know, the big hooded ones) and then get dressed and go to Sunday School and Church.  Go home for lunch and then play in the afternoon and back to church for the Sunday night service.  Then sometimes we go to a friend's home for awhile and then home and to bed.

2. How comfortable are you with uncertainty? Explain.
I'm not very comfortable with it.  Makes me nervous.

3. What have you accomplished recently that might be described as crafty, as in 'arts and crafts' crafty? If crafty doesn't work for you, how about handy? Or both?
I'm crocheting dishcloths, head bands and making some bracelets.  Working on getting a good inventory and then plan to open an Etsy Shop (I've talked about and planned this for awhile). Here's a picture of 2 I've worked on while on vacation.  I've got another of the red, white and green ones going right now.
  


4. Have you ever worked in a 'food place'? What did you take away from the experience?
 No I haven't.  My sister worked at Frisch's and I learned from her that it was a rather hard job and I have so much respect for waiters and waitresses.

5. Cold turkey, talk turkey, what a turkey...in recent days, which turkey phrase or idiom best applies to you and why? Click on the word turkey if you need to read more about the meaning behind each phrase.
None of these seem to work for me right now.  How about "I like to eat turkey." Well, after typing that statement maybe "what a turkey" does work for me.  haha

6. If you could have any one guest join your Thanksgiving dinner table, who would it be?
Can't think of anyone right off hand.

7. What is one thing you must accomplish today?
I'm on vacation, so I don't HAVE to accomplish anything.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hubby and I were visiting the historic waterfront district of Georgetown, South Carolina.  See the cat sitting on the boat at the right side of the picture. When I took it's picture, she jumped off the boat and walked over to hubby and rubbed against his legs and then rolled over for him to pet her.  She was so cute and friendly.  As we walked away she lay there all stretched out giving herself a bath.  haha