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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Saturday, October 31, 2015

Almost

Today is Day 31 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "almost."  Well, I did it.  I actually wrote for 31 days straight!  And I actually enjoyed most of it too.  Thank you 31 Day Writing Challenge and Five Minute Friday for the challenge!

It's almost time for vacation!!!  See all the exclamation points...yes, I am just that excited!

I can almost smell the ocean.  I can almost see the waves.  Well, not really, but in my mind's eyes and nose I can.  I feel like a little kid.  I am just so ready to be away for a bit.

I may or may not be around bloggyland a lot for a bit.  We'll see how things go.  After 31 days straight, you're probably about ready to see me take a break anyway.  :)

See you later.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Bacon

Today is Day 30 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Bacon."

Bacon?  Really?  What in the world can I say about bacon?  Except that I really love it.  I like it with eggs for breakfast.  Oh by the way, have you tried the California Crunch Wrap from Taco Bell's breakfast menu.  Oh my, it is very good.  Egg, bacon, tomato, hash brown, spices, and quacamole.  Very good!!

I also like a good old fashioned BLT.  Especially in the summer when the tomato's are ripe from the garden.  Delicious!!

Then again, I guess I could talk about Kevin Bacon.  Now that is one cute Bacon and I enjoy him in the movies.

picture from the internet
 And that is about all I have to say about bacon.  lol

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sea

Today is Day 29 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Sea."

If you've been around here very much lately, you probably have a pretty good idea what I'm going to write about.  Seeing as how I'll be leaving on vacation very soon and going to the beach that sounds like a good thing to write about for the prompt "sea".  Of course, I'm not actually going to the sea, I'm going to the Atlantic Ocean.  But for my blog that's close enough. 

I am so looking forward to walking on the beach and sitting on the balcony reading and watching the waves, dolphins and birds.  I plan to do some shell hunting and who knows what all.  I can't wait to get there and relax.

Another thing for sea, would be the Bible study we just finished last night on Jonah by Priscilla Shirer.  Remember when Jonah ran from God's direction in is life and took off for Tarshish instead of Nineveh.  Well, he got thrown into the sea and a big fish swallowed him and for 3 days he was inside.  God definitely got his attention and Jonah decided to be obedient to God and God gave Jonah the same command again, to go to Nineveh.  Tell me, why don't we obey God the first time, every time?  You know, life would be so much easier and better if we did.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Hope

Today is Day 28 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Hope."

My hope is in Jesus Christ. There is no one else I can completely trust and rely on always and forever. Nothing has ever or will ever happen to me that doesn't pass through his hands first. That gives me great comfort.

This song explains how I feel.

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Perhaps

Today is Day 27 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Perhaps."

Perhaps I'll make it to the end of this challenge without missing a day. I'll be so pleased. I only have 4 posts after this one. I really think I'm going to make it. I'm rather proud of myself. I've done challenges using pictures or favorite sayings, but never writing. I've never really considered myself much of a writer.

Perhaps I've learned a little something in this process. Perhaps I'll do this challenge again next year and I think I'll try to continue with the Five Minute Friday for awhile on Fridays. Hopefully, with more practice, I'll improve and learn to love writing more.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Whisper

Today is Day 26 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Whisper."

A whisper was something I could never understand when raising our girls. I could holler at them or talk directly to them and they wouldn't hear what I said. But you let, hubby or I whisper something to each other and they would hear every word. lol I'm telling you they could be in their room and if they heard us talking quietly, they would come out and want to know what was going on. It's like they were tuned in to our soft voices (when we didn't want them to be) and the rest of the time they were definitely tuned out.

I guess if they heard a whisper, they thought it was something they shouldn't know, which, of course, made them want to know it. But then again, if I heard them whispering, I wanted to know what they were up to. So in reality, I guess it goes both ways! haha

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Crash

Today is Day 25 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Crash."

When I think of crash I usually think of a traffic crash. I've been involved in a minor accident or two, but have never been cited. I've never been hurt either, nor has anyone else. Thank you Jesus!

Crash also makes me think of something "crashing" to the ground and shattering to pieces. I've definitely caused my share of this kind of crash to happen. 

But my favorite kind of crash is coming home on Sunday afternoon and crashing or taking a nap. In fact, I did that today and now I feel so much better! I'm ready to face the rest of the day. 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Silence

Today is Day 24 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Silence."


The first thing that comes to mind is "Silence Is Golden."  There were times when the girls were still home that I would've given almost anything for a little silence. It wasn't them so much, but more their music. When they were teens their music was always blasting and it would drive me crazy. Of course, it's a very short trip. lol 

Now things are a little quieter except for when the dog goes crazy barking. But fortunately that doesn't last real long. With just hubby and I it can get a little quiet. But I wouldn't say it's silent. We talk a lot and then there's TV in the evenings. But we neither one listen to music very often. I'm really not sure why, because I listened to it all the time before we married. But nevertheless we don't listen much now. 

So there is more silence, but sometimes I can miss those girls.  But their music...not so much!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Joy

Today is Day 23 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Joy."

Joy is the name of one of my favorite aunts. She is my mom's oldest sister. I remember going to her house when I was young because her daughter was the same age as me. I remember parties where she'd play the piano for us and we'd play musical chairs. She was an awesome piano player. She could play by music or by ear. She could accompany anyone who was singing. They could start a song and in just a few bars she'd be playing along as though she had heard it a hundred times. 

I remember going home with my cousin after church and Joy would always cook an awesome lunch and then my cousin and I would wash dishes afterward. I always accused her of dirtying every dish in the house and cleaning out the fridge whenever I came over. She is such a neat lady. 

Here's a couple pictures of my cousin and me when we were really little. 



Chubby Cheeks and Straight Hair.  I still look the same today!  lol


I also believe that joy is a choice. When things are hard, we can choose joy. Instead of complaining. We can decide to look for good things and be thankful which will help us find joy. Or we can choose to be angry and upset. I don't know about you, but I prefer to choose joy. 

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Value and Thankful Thursday

Today is Day 22 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Value."

Some things I value in life in no particular order:

Friends
Kindness
Joy
Peace
Love
Good health
Life itself
Family
God's Word
Forgiveness
Vacation
Free time with my husband
Creation
Bible study and a great group of women to do it with.

God has so richly blessed me in this life. No way this is an exhaustive list because there are so many things I value. And these things I value, I am also thankful for. So I am also linking up with Rebecca Jo for Thankful Thursday.

http://www.knitbygodshand.com/

  How about you, what do you value?

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Wave

Today is Day 21 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Wave."

There are several different meanings for wave.  I plan to talk about wave as in the water at the beach.

Very soon I plan to be doing a lot of wave watching. I love to on a balcony and looking out at the waves. They are so beautiful! I love watching the birds diving into the water to get food. I love watching dolphins playing in the waves. I especially love walking along the beach, wading and looking for shells rolling up in the waves.

Here are some photos of where I hope to be soon.









Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Temporary

Today is Day 20 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Temporary."

Do you know that this world is just our temporary home?  Do you know that someday Jesus is coming back to take His children home to heaven for eternity?  If we have repented and believed who He is, heaven will be our permanent home. Check out Romans 10: 9-10. 

I can't even imagine what heaven will be like. If God made earth this beautiful (and He did) and it is only temporary, what in the world must heaven be like?  I mean it has been created for eternity. I know it has to be so much more than my mind can ever imagine. But it is fun to think about. The Bible mentions streets of gold and walls of jasper and gates of pearls. Can you imagine? 

 And Jesus will be there. We'll actually get to sit down and talk with him.  I'll get to see my mom and brother again too, and all my other friends and family.  It's gonna be so wonderful. 

So while I love this world, I'm looking forward to the day I get to go to heaven. 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Honor

Today is Day 19 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Honor."

I looked up honor in the dictionary and it means to esteem or to respect, also to show honesty, fairness or integrity in one's beliefs.

The Bible says in Ephesian 6:2-3, "“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 

According to this verse, if we honor our parents, then we will have a long life.  I love this promise and while I haven't been a perfect daughter, I feel for the most part I have honored and respected my parents.  But I have been blessed, my parents were worth honoring.  They trained me as a child to love God and to believe in Jesus Christ.  As an adult, they have always treated me with respect.

I hope I have done even half as well with my girls.

 

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Worth

Today is Day 18 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Worth."

What is worth more than a million dollars? My relationship with my husband is worth more than all the gold in the world to me. There is nothing in this world I would trade it for. He and I are perfect together. That does not mean we don't have our ups and downs like everyone else, but we are still perfect together. There is no one else who would put up with all my little aggravating things, nor would anyone put up with his. lol See why our relationship is worth everything to me?

Also my relationships with my girls and extended family members are worth their weight in gold. Life would be so boring without them.

But I guess the one relationship that is worth more than all the others put together, is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Him I could never make it through this life. And without Him I would never make it to heaven.

I am so thankful that God designed us for relationship. First with Him and then with others! How in the world did He think all this stuff up when He created everything? He is so awesome!!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Offer

Today is Day 17 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Offer."

I think I would like to talk about what God has offered to every one of us.  He has offered to save us from our sins.  According to Romans 10:9 all we have to do is "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Isn't that just the most awesome thing?  We are just sinners, but He loves us so much, He gave His son for us so that we could have eternal life!!  What an offer!! I know it's one I don't plan to miss.  How about you?  Will you take Him up on His offer?

Friday, October 16, 2015

Green

Today is Day 16 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Green."

Green green grass of home.
Green space.
Green as in money.
Green with envy.
Turning green because your ill.

I think I'll go with green space.  Parks.  I love parks, especially parks that have lots of green space and a lake.  Hubby and I love going to a park and sitting and staring out at the lake and just enjoying the day.  It's very relaxing.  I love taking pictures of those places.

 Here's one of the most recent.  There's a park close to where my dad stays called Armco Park.  We took a few minutes the other day and drove through.  Hubby used to go there when he was a kid, but I had only been there once and that was probably 5 or 6 years ago.  It's small, but it's beautiful








Thursday, October 15, 2015

Thankful Thursday and 31 Day Writing Challenge-Laugh and a Giveaway Link

 http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/10/thankful-thursday-link-up-41.html
 Things I am thankful for right now.

**  the weather - it's been beautiful this week...sunny and cool...love it!

**  the good supper we had last night...hubby and I made a double recipe of lasagna from scratch. It really turned out good (sorry, don't mean to brag, but I think we were just really hungry by the time we were done. lol).  We are sharing half with my sister and her husband.  He just had surgery.  Everything went well and he is home recovering. Thank you Jesus!

**  our vacation is less that three weeks away!  So ready for the break.

**  our puppy.  I complained about her barking in yesterday's post and while that can get aggravating, I still and so thankful for her.  She brings so much joy to our lives.  And that far outweighs the aggravation.

Look at those eyes!  How could I stay aggravated at her?
 So what are you thankful for today?  Why not join in with Rebecca Jo at Knit by God's Hand and write your own Thankful Thursday post?




Today is Day 15 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Laugh."

I love to laugh.  When I was little I laughed all the time.  In fact, sometimes they called my Giggle Box because I laughed so much. Of course, they called me Chatty Cathy too because I talked to much.  I bet I drove everybody crazy!!

Proverbs 17:22 says:   "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  So according to the Bible laughter is good too.

Just have to share this video from Mary Poppins, "I Love to Laugh."  Hope you enjoy.








DaySpring.com is celebrating all of the amazing Write 31 Days readers who are supporting nearly 2,000 writers this October! To enter to win a $500 DaySpring shopping spree, just click on this link & follow the giveaway widget instructions. Good luck, and thanks for reading!

Have a great day!



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge & 31 Day Writing Challenge

My 31 Day Writing Challenge is in Question #8.  Now onto the Wednesday Hodgepodge.



1. What's something that has recently 'tried your patience'?
The only thing I can think of right now is our dog, Lucy.  She has gotten into a spell of barking a lot lately and that can really get on my nerves, especially in the middle of the night.  Hope this bad habit will end soon. lol

 

2. Do you think patience comes to us naturally or is it something you have to learn as you grow? On a scale of 1-10 generally how patient are you? (1=I blow up at the drop of a hat and 10=I've got all the time in the world).
I don't think it comes naturally to most people.  I may be around a 5 now.  I used to be more of a 2 or 3.  I'm a work in progress.


3. Share about a time when you felt like you could fly. Or a time you wished you could fly. Or a time you felt like you were flying.
At EPCOT at Disney World there's a ride called Soarin'.  It's really cool and does feel like you're flying.

4. Your favorite song with the word fly in the title or lyrics, or your favorite song that relates to flying in some way?
"You an Fly" from Peter Pan



5. What's in your fall picnic basket and where are we picnicking in your neck of the woods this time of year?
If we do picnics, it's usually pretty simple.  Like Subway sandwiches, chips and something to drink or Fried Chicken and something to drink.  Where?  Indian Lake State Park.


 

6. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping...which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?
Carpentry.  I'd do some remodeling in my house.  Like new countertops in my kitchen and some updates in my bathrooms.

7. What's something you think is too expensive to justify buying lately?
A brand new vehicle.  I can't believe how expensive they are.  That's why the last few times we've bought vehicles, we've bought newer model used ones.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today is Day 14 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Fly."

I love almost anything that has anything to do with flying.  We live only about 45 minutes from Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum.  I love going there and seeing all the planes from down through history all the way up to current models.  We took the girls multiple times. 

We also like to go to the Cincinnati Airport and go to the observation area and watch planes coming and going.  Hubby and I both love to do this.

I also love learning about space and all things space ships.  I think it would be pretty cool to fly into space, although I don't know if I'd ever have enough nerve to try it.  Probably I'll just have to stick with watching documentaries and movies about space.

What about you?  Do you like to fly?

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Patience

Today is Day 13 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Patience."

Patience is tough. I know it's something I have difficulty with. It took me awhile to learn, it may not be the best thing in the world to pray for. Because, the way to learn patience, is to use it. James 1:3 says "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." I remember when I was young and single, I'd pray for patience while I was waiting to find a man to love and marry. Well, let me tell you, God gave me patience by making me wait until I was 29 to meet my future hubby  and 30 until he asked me out for the first time. lol  It wasn't easy, but it was so worth the wait.

Patience is definitely needed in this life when dealing with other people. But when we're born again and have the Holy Spirit living in us, we develop the fruit of the spirit and one of these is patience. You can find the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23."But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

Each of these characteristics of the fruit can be hard to learn, but each one is so worth it.  So my plan is to pray and grow in the Spirit.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Storm

Today is Day 12 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Storm."

I am not a major fan of storms. While I do think a little bit of lightening and thunder can be neat, I'd really prefer that it didn't storm too often. I mean I think when lightening streaks across the sky it can be really beautiful and low rumbling thunder is pretty cool sounding. But I hate those really loud thunder-boomers. They scare me to death sometimes.

But, you know, there are other kinds of storms in our life. Sometimes my life is just downright stormy. For the past year we have gone through a lot of really hard times and I really don't like those kinds of storms either. But I've also learned in the past year, there are purposes for those storms in our life. They can help us grow closer to the Lord and they can help us determine what we really believe. Do we just say we trust our lives to the Lord or do we really do it? I can tell you, in the past year I've learned to really trust Him and believe His Word.

So while, I hate storms, I'm thankful for what I've learned and can now believe with certainty. And though I would prefer not to have to go through any more storms, I must say, those really loud thunder-boomers can grab my attention. And when He's got my attention, that's when He can really teach me the lessons I need to learn.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Rest

Today is Day 11 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Rest."

I personally believe that rest is very important. Working all week and then coming home to cook, clean the house, do laundry, etc can get very tiresome. Our bodies need a time to rest and relax. But not only do our bodies need to rest, so do our minds.

Sometimes I just can feel completely overwhelmed in my mind. It's flitting from here to there to everywhere, thinking about all kinds of things. Some thoughts are important and some are not. Some thoughts are worrisome and worry can flat just wear me out. I don't know about you, but sometimes I can get way more tired by my thoughts than I do by physical labor.

I guess that's why I am looking so forward to our vacation trip next month to the beach. There, I can unwind and I can rest my mind and know that there is nothing I need to worry about for a few weeks. The beach is one of the places that calm me most. I can't help but just think about God and His majesty when I watch the ocean. The beauty and the grandeur just amazes me. I find when I'm at the beach I spend a lot more time considering God and a lot less time worrying.  My plans are to rest in Him.


If all goes as planned this is the view I will be seeing

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Ready

Today is Day 10 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from Five Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Ready."

Ready or not, here I come.  How many times did we say that when we were kids playing hide and seek?  I loved that game and we played it quite often.

Ready to heat and serve.  My favorite way to cook. lol  I do not have a great fondness for cooking, so quick and easy is my favorite way.  Hubby however, is an excellent cook.  So he does the vast majority of our cooking and I do the clean-up.  Makes us both happy.

Ready to serve.  I think it is very important to always be ready to serve when there is a need.  I think I am most of the time, but I also think that sometimes I'm oblivious to the need.  My prayer is that the Lord will open my eyes to truly see other people so I can help them when they need it.

I think we need to always be ready to give a witness for the Lord.  In 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) the Word says, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."


That is my goal, always be ready to speak the words the Lord wants me to say.


Friday, October 9, 2015

Trust

Day 9 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from 5 Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Trust."

Is it possible to have a good relationship with anyone without trust? I don't think so. Trust is so very important. If I can't believe that someone is going to be truthful and trustworthy, then I have no desire to be their friend. But I must be trustworthy too for others to want to befriend me. Trust could be one of the most important things needed for a good relationship.

I've learned I can trust my husband always. He has been so faithful and loving and kind. I thank God for him. And speaking of God, I know I can trust Him above all. He has never failed me and He has always taken care of me. I know He has my back and He always will. Philippians 1:6 says " being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

I trust that He will.


Thursday, October 8, 2015

Thankful Thursday

If you're looking for my 31 day writing challenge, it is in the post below this one.

http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/10/thankful-thursday-link-up-40.html

Things I am thankful for today.

** Beautiful fall weather. I just love the fall. Temperatures are a little warmer again, but they'll be coming back down some this weekend.

** The wonderful discussions we are having in our women's Bible Study. I love the diversity of this group. We come from multiple denominations, we range from age 24 to 80 something. It is so awesome to see the older ladies just pouring their wisdom out to the younger ones. I love it.

** I'm thankful that the medical test I had last week, came back with a good report. Everything is healing nicely. God is so good!!

So let me know in the comments what you are thankful for.


Purple

Day 8 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from 5 Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Purple."

Purple, what in the world can I write about purple? Okay let's see.

Purple is a color that I like. Not my favorite color but I do like it. Purple is a color that perks up my looks. It makes my skin color look better. So I do like wearing purple.

However, when I saw purple, I immediately thought of that big purple dinosaur, Barney. I cannot tell you the number of hours we spent watching Barney with our girls when they were little. They loved him. In fact, they watched him so much that we used his show to help them understand time. If we were in the car going some place and they would ask how long before we get there, we'd tell them. It would be about as long as one Barney show. It always seemed to satisfy them and they really seemed to understand.

Then when little Carina was living with us we started her on Barney shows on YouTube and she loved him too.

So I guess one of my favorite purple things is Barney. What about you? What is your favorite purple thing?

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Wednesday Hodgepodge and 31 Day Writing Challenge - Love

If you're looking for the 31 Day Writing Challenge, it is in the Random Thought Question #8.



1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so?
Nope, not at all.  Although I have been eyeing the pumpkin pie at Frisch's.  My sister took a piece to my dad on Saturday when we were visiting and looked so good.  Dad loved it!!

2.  "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld  

What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will?
 How about the 31 day Writing Challenge?  I never thought I'd be able to write that much, but so far I've done 7 days.  That's really good for me, because I don't consider myself much of a writer.  But maybe it was the "lack of will" or I just didn't want to think that hard.  lol  Thanks Joyce, for encouraging me to give it a try.  Don't know if I'll make the whole 31, but I'm proud of myself so far. 

3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own (click here to see the list). Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower?
 Ohio is the scarlet carnation and it is very beautiful.  But if I were to pick, I'd pick the morning glory. 

Scarlett Carnation (from internet)

Morning Glory (from internet)


 4. What have you lost interest in recently?
Can't think of anything right now.

5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician?
Who's the best? I have no idea, but I love listening to David Foster play the piano.  Here's a youtube video of David Foster playing St. Elmo's Fire.



6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Ever make them indoors? Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? Do you have an autumn bucket list?
I'm not a S'mores fan.   But I'd be glad to eat the Hershey bar for you and you can keep the rest.  :)
Haven't sat round a fire pit in a long time and probably won't be doing it this year either.  No real fall bucket list, except to maybe get some pretty fall pictures.

7. Your favorite small town? Why?
Lebanon, OH, because it's my home town.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
My random thought is the 31 Day Writing Challenge.

Day 7 of the 31 Day Writing Challenge with a prompt from 5 Minute Friday. The prompt for today is "Love."

The first thing that comes to my mind is, "Love is a many splendored thing."  lol 

I mean, I've already talked about loving my family and loving my home.  So, I really don't know exactly where to go with this particular post.

What is love (besides a many splendored thing)?  Love can be a feeling , an emotion, an attitude, etc.  But something else it is, is a choice.  I think we can choose to love someone.  When someone hurts me, I can choose to be angry and hate them or I can choose to forgive and love them.

I believe the Bible teaches us to forgive and to love.  It's not always easy, but it is the right thing to do.  After all, Jesus did it for us.  He chose to forgive us of our sins and love us.  And as I live this life, I'm trying to become more like Him, so I choose to love too, with His help.