Something Spooktacular!

. .. . . . . . .. . .  ..

Just thought a little reminder about this little Something Spooktacular bag ...might be a good idea!  Check it out further, here.

*****

Hey, how is your weekend going, so far?   

Do you do Halloween?  

If you don't (and we don't either) - here's a great alternative to consider!   Read the link above (Do you do Halloween?) and then read about our Amazing Results (from our own challenge), the story, from our experience last year.  

The UPDATE to these results is that you never know where one year may lead in regards to building a neighborly relationship.  It's been a continual amazement, for us anyway, in seeing how the Lord has led us to get to know our next door neighbor, someone we didn't think we knew and then, to continue to be a blessing to her and to her family over the course of the year.  It's really been amazing.

Friday's Finds: {no. 34/10}

{Welcome to Friday's Finds! For those of you who are new to this blog and/or just poppin' in - Hello! and welcome. On Friday's I like try to feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned.}

. . . .. . . . .. . . .. .. .. .

For today's Friday's Finds.  We have... well actually, there are a couple of things. And we'll throw in some Friday FUNnies into the mix. Why not?  Hang in there as we go through these.

****

One afternoon we were trying to figure out what Aubrey had on her head.  Here it was a hand crocheted "baby hat" that my dear friend Nancy made.  Nancy had given them to us, as a gift, for Aubrey to use for her dolls.

Works beautifully to play "Mennonite Grandma Rhoda" though...

Caleb was not to be outdone.  Guess what we found, later that day?   One very stretched out little hat.

He's such a goof!

****

On this past Sunday afternoon, Caleb noticed this hot-air balloon off in the distant skies... and oh so badly wanted to "go get it".

These things travel rather quickly.  Just like that we heard this huge WHOOSH!! WHOO-OOO-SSHHH!

and we realized it was right over our house.   Well.  This freaked Caleb out something terrible.  He could not handle this thing SO BIG and SO CLOSE as this hot-air balloon - right here in our field.

Finally I got him calmed down enough that he agreed if I carry him - we would go back outside to stand with daddy out by the fence to watch. 

As it turned out it was a guy from our church who does this as a hobby.  He didn't know we lived here and so Scott says to him, "Well, we've had lots of folks stop by our place -from church before- but NEVER like this!"  Only then did Jack realize who we were... it was pretty funny (for us anyway).

****

So, right after our Nature Hike the other day... Caleb got sick (coughing and sneezing, clear runny nose) - which I'm almost certain is all due to allergies.  I decided to grease him up with Vick's.  Pretty good and proper.  Scott was out late - studying.  He'll stay longer at work for the peace and quiet.  When he got home - the little ones still hadn't quite settled for the night and were still playing with toys in their room.  I knew by the look on Scott's face that he could smell the Vick's, all the way downstairs - as it was pretty strong.

Caleb was upstairs - wearing *new* Pj's - hand-me-downs from his cousin.  First time wearing them.  He comes down the steps, around the corner into daddy's waiting arms... while I blurt out...in perfect timing...without missing a beat.

~Curious George PJ's~

This brings on a whole new definition to the term "grease monkey".  We all got a laugh out of that one.

******

We got a knock on our door the other afternoon.  Our neighbors found this box at their front door.  But it was for me.  Surprise!!

I received the best gift.  Mindy from Momma Mindy Moments sent me this box of great upholstery remnants, buttons (Love the buttons!) and vintage lace doilies - a couple of pieces were hand tatted.

Thank you so much, Mindy.  You have no idea how that made my day.  Especially you're hand-written note of thoughtfulness and your encouragement in regards to my family and my little home business on the side.  I really appreciated that.

****Can you say - Wow!?  How's that for a combination of life happenings all in one week?

Here's to hoping you all have

a fun, happy and safe weekend. 

Nature Hike

. . ... . . . .. .  ..  . . . . .

Just the other afternoon... I decided we needed to get out of the house (for one - I was finally feeling better) and go for a Nature Hike, of sorts.  It was a colder, crispy, kind of day - so we bundled up and headed out.

Is this mean?  I wanted to be sure we'd go someplace where there was NO PLAYGROUND in the nearby vicinity.  I wanted us to truly enjoy a day in Nature.


The kids loved the crunchy sounds of golden yellow, reds and brown underneath their feet.  Often veering off the path for more ...

So did I.

I think nearly every large stick found along the way was "relocated"...

At one point, both little ones were sitting on this tree stump.  I intended to get a picture of both of them.  Caleb bailed - I snapped the picture- Aubrey started to roll off of the stump and I caught her before her nose hit the ground (too hard) with one hand/arm... All in One Motion.  This is the way the picture turned out...

We even scared up a few buffalo.  Yup!  A neighboring farm raises buffalo... kinda scared me to see and hear these animals come running up from the bottom of the pasture...down there.

Across the road from this beautiful park is a farm that sells pumpkins, corn stalks, etc.  So - we rounded out our day with a view from the car of these big ole "punkins".

~*~*~*~*~*~

Just a couple of parting shots - which helped to make up my favorite part of our Nature Hike.  This certainly was a day that did a world of good for me.  Lots of fresh air and fun...

Now for another sort of Nature's Hike... see here.  You'll enjoy!

Country Back Roads

. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . ..

The other day I was really inspired by a good friend to go ahead and take the country back road a bit more often.

It was something that she said that made me think - You know?  we've got quite a few country roads around here that I haven't been on lately (or, if even at all)... and I've lived in this general area for - how long? 
It's time to take a few country back roads... and risk "the day of the fast car's horn honkin' at you for doin' so".

It's a shame... that country back roads - at least in these parts - are getting less and less enjoyable... because of all the "new development" going on.  Back roads are almost a thing of the past...

Go ahead - pick a country road- and drive around for awhile.  Take it all in.  Don't forget your camera... and watch out for that fast car who isn't aware of the slow lolly-gag vehicle, crawlin' along on the shoulder - enjoying the scenery. 

They're out there.

He finally caught up...

. . . . . . . . .

My husband has this thing where it's a big deal, for him to be married to an older woman.  I don't get it.  Other than - I'm glad he finally caught up again, for a couple of months - now we're truly on the same page. 

Same age... same page.  I wish...if only it were that simple.  And, even though I am older then Scott by a couple of months... in SO MANY ways...(and I love this about him and our scenario) Scott is SO MUCH older than me in character and in life experience.  It's a beautiful dynamic - a real blessing.

One thing that came to mind... as I was thinking about a particular way to bless him, with words, today... was this portion of Scripture found  the Psalms.   I'll share them in a minute.  When I began really seeking the Lord about what sort of man I was desiring (for my future) as a spouse... these verses became sort of a bedrock - for my prayers. 
I really believe the Lord answered those prayers... when he brought,my husband, Scott into my life.  

They read like this:

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.  His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.  Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.  Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.  Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.  Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.  He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  His heart is secure, he will have no fear, in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.  He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
~Psalm 112:1-9

I can say - I am really blessed to share this day with you, Scott.

Happy 37th Birthday, Honey!  I hope your day is as special as you are. 

And, that's pretty special.  I love you!

Bags by Bevy : Weekend Happenings

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All in one weekend - Bags by Bevy style!

~All is Well~

Bag and Pocket Pouch Combination

(Sold!)

This was meant to be sold as a combination - but I broke the set up, at the last minute.  I was at a family reunion on Saturday.  Of course, I took my bags along, to show.  Why wouldn't I?

The bag was sold to Eunice L. and the pocket pouch to Brenda C.  The sole price of this bag combo was a donation made to our India Mission Trip - to be taken with our church, later in November. 

This sale makes me so excited.  Thank you, ladies!

~Corner Cafe~

(Sold to Wanda L.)

Also sold on Saturday at the family reunion.    Thank you, so much,Wanda!  You're gonna love it.

****

~Going Williamsburg Blue~

(Sold to Linda N.)

I realized I never showed you all this bag.  It was one that never made it into the etsy shop.  My mom's cousin stopped by, our home, one evening to pick something up and asked to see my bag selection.  We had talked about them during a family reunion back in the summer.  I had forgotten about her interest... anyway.  I had this one sitting there ready to post up on my etsy.  Instead, Linda really wanted it... so, SURE!!!! 

She loved the name and said that Williamsburg was where she and her husband went for their Wedding Trip...many years ago.  :)  I was happy to oblige.

***

Yesterday, I received two confirmed orders for my Homespun Baby! shoes, for the same customer.  It sounds like the little guy, that these shoes are for, is one determined little guy.  These are ONLY pair the shoes for him!  Any other kind will always come off - on purpose.  He will only wear these shoes.   I gave this couple a pair of these shoes as a baby gift... I saw on Sunday.... they look like they have been well used.

This is not the exact pair.  But very similiar to this pair, though.

****

I was hoping to get some sewing done this weekend - but that didn't really happen.  I do have a couple more bags in the works... as I need too, just to keep up.  All in due time. 

 

Oh  wait... I have something really great to tell you.

My hubby actually made dinner for us on Saturday evening.  He didn't go to this family reunion, with us - just so that he could study.  AND It (the meal) Was Really GOOD!  Plus... he didn't burn the house down .... which is/was a huge plus.  This deserves to be shouted from the rooftop.  He says he can't cook and that he can burn water.  With witnesses to prove it!!

I love my man!!!!!!!!!  A lot.

Friday's Finds: {no. 33/10}

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Today's Friday's Finds:  My new "favorite for fall" styled lunch menu...

Actually, I'm sure this wrap is nothing new.  But I feel like I thought it up and I'm so glad I did.  Because it's what I had for a couple of days in a row.  A new wrap - fresh made every day- of course.  Yum!!!!!!!!!

Gather up all of your ingredients:

Tortilla Wrap : Ranch Dressing* : Baby Swiss : Roasted Turkey : Crispy Bacon :  several thin slices Red or Green Apple

* Don't go heavy on the dressing.  Just a nice little swirly, doodle will do around the tortilla wrap.  Or... and actually... I was thinking of using a cranberry mayo sort of thing... but I didn't feel like making that from scratch, because I would've had to do that.  I didn't have any cran-mayo on hand.

Trust me!  This is really, really delicious.  I think you'll thank me.  Somehow having plenty of apples around makes me want to think outside the box for a fall-ish feelin' sort of lunch.  Serve this up with a tall glass of milk and you're set.

Now, I just need a name for this.... ;)

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Imagine if...

. . . . . . .

Imagine if -  Me, Myself and I were sitting, here on this porch - visiting.  Conversing.  Holding a heart-to- heart conversation.

Do you think it would go on,  sounding something like this?

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do.  And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.  As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do --this I keep doing. 

Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but is is sin living in me that does it.

So, I find this law at work; When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God's law;  but I see another work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.  What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body of death? 

Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

~verses taken from Romans 7, the apostle Paul talking ~

***

I had to chuckle a bit thinking of this (personal) dialogue taking place.  In not so many words -this is the same "round and round" reality we deal with on a regular basis, isn't it? 

In other words, we may not speak this out per say ... but it is evidently a reality.  At least for me, it is.

*******

How about when Me, Myself and I start asking each other these sorts of questions:

How well do you really know yourself?

What makes you truly angry?  Do you know what it is that really ticks you off?

Tell me, when do you feel most happy?  Can you describe that?

What about life inspires you?

And, there are other questions, you could ask...

***

These are some tough questions to ask yourself, especially if you've only been half- listening in on "the conversation".  If you choose to live your life without really asking yourself the deep (meaningful) questions about yourself you're only going to be a mere nonchalant acquaintance to your soul.  How well... do you really k-n-o-w yourself?  Ask it...

Know what I mean?

This is truly a hypothetical post... and one that continues to challenge me, as well.  In my case... I have to be like the Apostle Paul, and basically, I need to talk (more) to myself, rather then (always) listen to myself.

Imagine if... I asked Me this question about Myself...

Who do you say that I am?

Don't mind me - these are just a few rambling thoughts....this morning.

How is this for some good old- fashioned fun?

. . . . . .

: : Sometimes it calls for thinking outside the box to play nicer with each other... like this, for some good old-fashioned fun inside the box.

It seemed like they played for hours on end....nicely, too.  Ahhh, so wonderful! 

: :photos from a week or two ago - on one of those nicer, warmer days.

One Good Apple : : Because of Those

. . . . . . . .

Because of Those
          ~ by Virginia K. Oliver

It's because of those who love us,
Those we know do really care,
That this life is worth the living
With the sorrows we must share.

It's because of those who know us,
Those who always understand,
That we find the going easy
When we need a helping hand.

They are the true friends who can take us,
When we are not up to par,
And can still appreciate us
Just exactly as we are.

((Amen and Amen))



                                         

*~*~*~

I just want to say thank you for all of your kind, heart-felt comments, all your thoughts and prayers, on my behalf, regarding my post from yesterday.  You all mean a lot to me... and ~amazingly enough~ the Lord brought some really wonderful words, of hope & encouragement through several means yesterday...that I'm still reaping the benefits of. 

Kind words and kind friends are almost like one good apple, one right after another...start gathering them all up... and you begin to notice a REAL bumper crop of blessing. 

Thank you again, and please, keep praying....

Just Keeping it Real :: Off and On Track

. . . . . . .

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

I'm so grateful that I've been thinking of this verse, here of late. 

In desiring to keep it real, here at Treasured Up and Pondered, I just wanted to share something with you, today.

Please be praying...

For the past 3-4 weeks or so, I've been trying to figure out why or what is causing these waves of nausea like symptoms.  NO PAIN!  - just a sense of heaviness on my chest.  Overwhelmed? Tired? Too much drama?  To much to do?  -  all of these suggestions most likely have been playing a huge role in this.

I went to the Chiropractor for a regular visit...just last week.  I wondered if I should tell him.  I did... and before I could hardly get three sentences out he mentioned "anxiety attacks".  He struggles with them too.  He told me what to do about it.  I need 5,000 units of Vitamin D/daily - for the next month... and he added, "I know sitting out in the sun is not going to happen for you, or I would tell you to do that."

I just don't like waking up in the morning feeling like this -even before my feet hit the floor, I feel it coming on.  I don't like how I'm with our little ones.  I've been blaming it on them and their little antics to set me off.  Then I would go down the tracks of guilt trip 101 .

I've been blaming it on Scott's vigorous study schedule; our busy-ness; our semi-lack of one on one time as a couple (I'm not saying that there isn't any).  That big black engine payed no mind if I hopped on board for that guilt trip ride to 'nowhere fast'.

I've been blaming it on all the drama that is in our lives - things that happen "out of our control" - the things that NEED to get done (ie; sewing, sewing and more sewing) and don't...


And then, I would get upset at myself for even going crossing those tracks once more.  Many tears and many apologies have been doled out, here of late.

It's true... I do have a lot on my mind... but... the Chiropractor said, "although those things are there, and even if they do dissipate and the list gets smaller - these anxiety attacks can still remain. It's our bodies naturally talking to us...


Enough said.

I'm just asking you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I will be getting those extra doses of Vitamin D...and with that, get myself back on track to a regular usage of Multi-Vitamins.  I just know I need to do it.

In the meantime... I will also dwell on Philippians 4:6-7 that reads:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

: : Anyone else relate to this, at all?

Friday's Finds: {no. 32/10}

. . . . . .
{Welcome to Friday's Finds! For those of you who are new to this blog and/or just poppin' in - Hello! and welcome. On Friday's I like try to feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned.}


Here is my today's Friday's Finds...

~Black Raspberry Yogurt - Covered Pretzels~

~*~*~*~

People, there is nothing like this in all the world! 

IF you love Black Raspberry Ice Cream (like I do!) and you don't mind it several scoops high stacked into either a waffle or a pretzel cone...

then in a pinch....

this is the perfect mini-substitute. 

***

And, let me tell you what... If my little ones even remotely find out that I have a secret stash - all up nice in my favorite little antique jar - then my gig is all over. 

  Because... they will not let it rest.  Period.

SHHH!! 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

 I will!... with my secret Black Raspberry Indulgence...boy, am I ever glad I found these things.

Message In a Bottle - Part two

. . . . . . .

These little antique bottles remain in my window sill as a daily reminder...of what God showed me one day. Read on... 

 Oh, and... If you're feeling a bit "confused" - you might want to go back and read Part One, to this post - if you would like.

I can remember reading this account in Scripture, several years ago (It's found several places, in the Gospels, but speaking mainly of Matthew 26: 6-13)... along side of a devotional book of sorts and thinking {this young woman} really lived her life with a Reckless Abandon. 

She poured out an exquisitely expensive perfume, from an Alabaster Jar, on Jesus' head?  That is serious.

Giving her all in all - not minding what others thought of her - despite the probable reprimand of society around her.

What did that (Reckless Abandonment) look like?  How does that happen for someone? I had these questions going round and round for a long time.  I wanted to "get it".  I wanted to understand.  Something about this woman's sacrificial heart had connected with mine and I needed to know.

I remember asking the LORD to, please, show me a picture of what Reckless Abandonment would look like to him if someone were to be Recklessly Abandoned.

I thought & prayed about it some more.  I realized that in order to show abandonment- something has to be removed from something; given up on or left to a bare minimum; showing no intention to reclaim it.  When you add the word reckless to it... it means to be done quickly; carelessly - without thought or rationale to the consequences.

I was thinking: "Lord, this is intense".   I began praying; "Lord, take me away from me!  Show me a picture of what this would look like to you if I were to live my life with a total Reckless Abandonment to you.

And, you know what?  He did!!

I was standing in a Sunday Morning Worship Service... singing with the rest of the congregation, both arms outstretched, hands raised in worship... and these thoughts/questions came to my mind again.  I prayed... continuing to be in a heart of worship.  Lord, take me away from me... I prayed some more.  I had my eyes closed - but just that quick I could literally feel as if it were my flesh and blood departing from me and I could see in my "mind's eye" as if it were a frail frame of nothing but  skeletal bones. 

ME. 

That was me, but not really me.  Yes!, I was standing there naked to the literal bone but the soul of me was not there.  I saw a pure picture of what reckless abandonment looked like.  Emptied of Self.

Ahh-ha, so this was the picture I was asking for the Lord to show me.  I needed to understand what it was that the Lord saw when he sees a heart devoted to him in a life of sacrifice.  One who lives their life in a total and complete surrender... with a deeper love and beautiful life of service, sacrifice and devotion towards their Saviour.

((I don't know if this is making any sense, to y'all, but I'm trying.))

So, how does this all compute?  Living with Reckless Abandonment?  an Alabaster Jar? a Message In a Bottle?

Well friends, it is through brokeness that the perfume of grace gives off it's sweetest fragrance.

But here is really the true Message In a Bottle.

Why did Jesus endorse such extravagance? 
This was a special occasion- he knew that he would soon be crucified.  In this impulsive act of sacrifice, the woman symbolically prepared his body for burial as it was customary in those days to do - anoint the bodies of dead people with spices and sweet-smelling oil.  Jesus just affirmed another important principle: It is never a waste to give one's ALL to honor him.

(paraphrased from the Quest Study Bible)

Matthew 26:13 says:  I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached through out the world, what {she} has done will also be told, in memory of her.

Keep spreading the Message....live your life with a reckless abandonement...poured out; utterly and completely emptied of self. 

: : Do I continue to portray this portrait?   Not in the least - not nearly as sincere, nor as beautifully as I would like too.  By the way, this Message In a Bottle was for me, too.

Message In a Bottle

. . . . . . .

I know what you're thinking... and there are quite a few beautiful stories, these included, that make up that cliche saying... Message In a Bottle.  But, I would like to offer up a different perspective, today & tomorrow.  Please keep reading...

Have you read the story recently, found in Scripture, of the woman who brought an Alabaster Jar, filled with rare and expensive perfume, to Jesus, and poured it out - on his head? 

Actually, there are two separate accounts found in Scripture (two different women, both bringing expensive perfume in an Alabaster Jar), one where it was poured on his head, the other being poured out on his feet; along with her tears and wiped with her hair.

For the sake of my point in this post, I'm going to refer to them as one account; one story...one woman.


The argument, from those that observed her doing this, was; "Why all this waste?  It could have been sold and the money given to the poor." 
Jesus reminded them, "She has done a beautiful thing to me... when she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial."

In a sense, {she} emptied herself... completely.  With total and utter Reckless Abandonment.  The woman gave ALL she had.  It was a costly sacrifice to give.

What does it mean to Recklessly Abandon - something?

What does with Reckless Abandonment feel like?

How does to Recklessly Abandon - happen?

I have had all of these very questions... and more.

To be continued...

Apples Apples Everywhere

. . . . . . . .

Smell of Apples in the Air.  Apples Apples Everywhere. 

Red and Yellow to be Found.  Apples Apples all Around.

.

I recently picked up a few apples to make applesauce... do some baking... and obviously save some for eating.  And, do you know how many apples I've found in these boxes with one bite taken out of them already?  Yeah... lots. ;)

Last year, the big apple recipe was Bevy's Bavarian Apple Tart.

This year, its Apple Dabble Cake.  A very easy, stir by hand, sort of cake that takes little time to make.

Deliciously rich and moist, too.

~Apple Dabble Cake~

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

3 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

3 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon
4 cups raw apples, chopped (I like using a tarter, baking apple)

Mix ingredients by hand in order given. Pour into 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350* for 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile in med. saucepan, combine.

1 stick butter (or less - I've done it with 5 T. and it tasted great)

1 cup. brown sugar

1/4 cup cream or milk

Boil for 4 minutes. Pour over hot baked cake and return to oven for a few minutes.

ENJOY!!!!

: : I love this time of year!  Don't you?