Live Beautifully!

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Let me live in my house by the side of the road
 and be a friend to man...
 ~ Sam Walter Foss

How are those things you are grateful for - coming along?  Mine are slowly being penciled in, in this journal of mine.  I cannot say that I have listed each and every single day - since mentioning it here.. but, let me tell you.  My attitude has been of gratitude... because, I'm truly grateful.

Today it is for:
* first snowflakes - flitting through the air
* the smell of apples - so pungent
* the sip of a hot beverage or two on this cozy day
(Yes! I've had more than one.)

***
Had a chance to read a poem to my kiddos this morning, before school.  It comes from The Book of Virtues.  A book we've been reading from  - pretty near - each morning, that we can.

This poem, by New England poet, Sam Walter Foss, brings to light a picture of a humble house where a weary traveler may find a warm and hospitable welcome.  It's entitled:  The House By The Side of the Road.  I'll let you look up to read for yourself.  (it's worth it!)

And, it brought on the discussion, around the breakfast table - how as siblings; friends, neighbors...etc.  We all are a representation of a "house" - by the side of the road.  Cheering on, sharing the load, bringing on the encouragement that is needed... to one another.   Friends are to be the "help-meets" to one another.  In talking... I borrowed from an old blog post of mine (because, I think of this often, still!) - a few thoughts, as I shared with my kiddos, - about the fact that because we have Jesus in our hearts - our "house" should have obvious glowing windows.   In other words... live beautifully.

You can read that post HERE!!!

***
I don't know.  I feel kind of like a bit of a rambler here, but....I hope you were blessed. I hope you go and read that "old blog post" of mine.  I hope you were also (perhaps) challenged...

Live Beautifully.

going somewhere

 Found these footsie photos on my camera/phone.   I cannot deny - these feet are my daughter's.  :)

 She got me to thinking... about me, as a youngster, growing up.  And, to this day... I love my bare feet... to be read... I don't like wearing shoes.  But...as a young gal, my issue was occasionally stubbing a toe - as I would be running or walking down the road.  I specifically remember, one time, stubbing my toe extremely hard on the macadam.  OUCHie!!  And, oh the blood... it is a wonder I have that fifth toe still on my foot.  

Probably more than that were the times I would sprain or overturn my ankles, as I'd run across the yard.  Oh, I would have such a horrible time with that.  One time, so that I had no excuse and still had to go to school.. my dad made a "homemade" single crutch, for me, to use - which I was "so embarrassed" by.  I hated that thing!!  I remember taking it to school but refusing to use it... so I hid it in the corner of our classroom.  I'm not sure why I'm telling you all that, other then... I ask.  Why do we "refuse" help?  Especially, when it is being offered.  People looking on - know it is of our best interest that we take the help they offer. 

Oh, and then there was the time  - I KNOW I broke my toe - possibly even two of them, on the same foot.  There is nothing to be done, really, about broken toes... but... to realize... time will heal.  And... we keep moving on, right?

**

Many of you remember, that my word for this year - is Grow or Growth!!

Well... let me tell you.  That has been happening.  I'm so grateful, for it, too!!   One of the books I've been reading is by a man I heard speak for the first time, back in the summer - though, he's been around for like "forever"... is John C. Maxwell.   I fell in love with his teaching style... and wow!!  Because, of that... I'm soaking up his books.  As many as I can.    The one I'm currently reading is: 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.

Amazing!!  I'm currently in a book study with several others and we're going through this book.  You should see my copy... totally underlined and highlighted.  It's dog-eared and notes written in on the side lines.  It's been a perfect book for me to read.  I needed it.

One illustration, John, shared in this book - encourages me soooo much!!  

Found on page 131... He writes.... Inventor Charles F. Kettering, who was the head of research at General Motors, said, "You will never stub your toe standing still.  The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere."

John continues...In other words, where there is no struggle, there is no progress or gain.. facing difficulties is inevitable - but learning from them is optional.

~~

In owning my own business... I have had some serious bumps in the road, in the past.   I have stubbed my "toe(s)" from time to time.  Which, in reality, is very encouraging.  And, I will have more "stubbed toes" in the future.   A stubbed toe - brings out all the feelings, doesn't it?  There is this temptation to give up - and hobble off the course.  However, when kept in perspective... the reality is - we've been going somewhere.  Presumably, forward!!!  And, THAT is what is truly important.  TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

You don't get anywhere sitting on the sidelines - cheering everyone else along, now do you?

In my job, I am referred to as an Ambassador.  (The same applies, in that I'm a Christian - an Ambassador for Christ!)  What does an Ambassador do?

Well... they tell.  They bring good news!  They share - all the amazing things they know and have come to learn and understand.  They represent...

I like how this verse in Romans 10:15b says... 

 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

You may get tired so rest, if you must, but never, ever quit.

**

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD and KEEP GOING!!!  However....

I am going to share one word of caution.  You can't walk the road alone.  For he that travels by himself - is going too fast!!   We need each other!!  Be sure - your "buddy" is with you - as you go!!!

I hope I've been a blessing here to someone today!!!

give us this day our daily bread

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Recently, I was gifted these books, by a dear friend.

The Life-Giving Table

by, Sally Clarkson

 As well, we were recently gifted this table and bench, by another friend.  We've been enjoying it... a lot!!   Here is a thought taken from the second chapter... by Sally's husband, Clay Clarkson, who authored a portion of the book.

"Creating a lifegiving table is an intentional act of

 gathering, blessing, eating, sharing and serving."

So, the book, Life-Giving Table...what about it?  Well, I have been enjoying thumbing through; slowly reading the first couple of chapters of this book and there is so, SO much to take in.  I said, I feel like I have to "sit and marinate" in it - to let it all soak in.

Its really asking me to think about the "gathering" that takes place around our table.  Sure.  It's the place where a lot of our life happens! Things get plopped. Crafts are crafted.  Its used for play time - of forts and "race tracks"; coloring and games.  Homework is done, there.  Laundry is folded.

Piled high and cleared off again - so that meals can be spread out upon.

Its true that while we gather there to consume our daily bread... that, that is also where training and teaching happens.  Correction.  Encouragement.  Singing.  Prayers are prayed.

Community and Fellowship flow.  Sometimes its raw and loud and not always pleasant.  Most times and more often than not -its amazing!!

I have always said... that the kitchen is the heart of the home.  But, here of late, since reading this book, I've been trying to bring this "idea" to my kiddos.  For them to recognize, that our dining room table... this is a place of ministry... it is the Heart of the Home.  Even more than the kitchen itself.

"For Jesus...the home is not what defines the table; the table 

is what defines the home." ~ Leonard Sweet, from Tablet to Table

Its not a perfect place.  There are scuffs and scars.  Its worn and scratched...

But...it's ours!!

Its function is truly central to our home!

Where daily we pray and ask God... "Give us this day our daily bread."

The Spirit of Loveliness

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It's bedtime.  More often than not, the only time of day - I get to pull out a book to read.  Too many times, the pile of books that I want to read is higher than my arm is long.  I typically never can stay awake long enough to read, let alone retain - anything - that I may have read, in the first place.  Sure, I want to.  It's just that either life is way busier than I think or other conversations take over and take place... but... that really is no excuse.  Personally.  I just don't like reading - not like I'd like to.  I was talking to a dear friend of mine - on Sunday - at church and we were talking about this very thing... and she said ALMOST the exact same thing is true for her... and ya'll... she's an author.  A homeschooling mama... she HAS to read... and yet, she struggles, too!!  I have never felt so supported as to hear my friend admit to this very thing - herself.
Don't get me wrong.  I love books!  I sure do.  In fact, I try to encourage my kiddos' to read, read, read. That books are their "friends".. they need to treat them well, etc.  Honestly, I really do like feeling the pages in between my fingers.  The way they smell,  the way they open, the clever illustrations.... even the font matters a lot!!! I would much, much rather hold a book in my hand than an electronic device - such as a kindle, etc.   And, yet... the "art" of reading; it's novelty, the time it takes itself to read the words and comprehend... is a real struggle.

Why do I share all of this?  And, why the photos of this book - that I share with you today?

Great question.  So, first off, this book was recommended to me by a cousin of mine, some time ago.  My cousin, Carmen, has truly become a dear, dear friend of mine - someone whom I respect quite highly and has become almost, more like a sister to me than some of own immediate sisters.  I clearly remember the day when Carmen truly encouraged me to open this book and take to heart the "teachings" of Emilie Barnes.  A dear saint of the Lord - who has recently gone home to be with her Saviour.  I would say (in my heart and mind) - Emilie has become a pillar post in the foundation of my "home-making"... and home keeping.  I have really admired the things she wrote and shared.  In fact, I have several of her books.  BUT... this one.  The Spirit of Loveliness... has carried me.  I'm forever indebted to my sweet cousin for her persistence that I get myself a copy of this book.

So.  I got to thinking.  There is no better way to get back to who I am than to dust off the cover of this "dear friend" and because it's format is like that of a coffee table book (its easy to read, in bite-sized chucks) ... I can slowly get back into reading (what I would say) has been and always will be one of my first loves.

For me.  The topic of home- keeping, hospitality, and growing in character (to be that godly influence as a wife and mom; a woman of Christ) ... is my deepest passion and desire.

***
In earlier years of blogging - I have alluded to this book before, although I'm not so sure that I actually referenced it.  There is a post about "glowing windows" whose idea came from this book, I'm pretty sure. You've got to go read that one!!!  I even linked it for you - so you can find it easy and go read...
It is simply another but continual prayer of mine.

admitting an area of growth - for me

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--Sharing, an excerpt, from The Life Giving Home - by, Sally Clarkson.

"In taking time to build close relationships, we learn that people are more important than things or material possessions.  We come to understand that close relationships, not status or accomplishment or virtual realities, are what bring happiness and meaning to life.   Our lives become what we live and model, and when we invest personally in the lives of others, we will reap personally in terms of friendship and affection.  Even the way we use our time will help others know that building a relationship requires a commitment to time and sacrifice.

There is always a cost to building intimacy with others.   Giving comfort to one who is ill requires time and practical labor (attending to physical needs).  Listening to the feelings of a teen or young adult usually involves lost sleep because the deepest conversations take place at night.  Buying groceries, cooking meals, making cups of tea, providing snacks requires the sacrifice of time and energy.  Keeping house -- picking up those messes one more time -- is a service of worship to God as we craft a place of beauty and comfort for all who enter our sanctuary of His very presence.

Love is indeed a choice, an obedience, a service and a sacrifice, an initiation.  But love is also the most powerful source of joy.  And it is the means through which God would have us extend His hands, His words, His redemption to our world, within the walls of our home."

***

Wow!!  I admit.  This is certainly an area I'm continuing to grow in...

Oh, I'm so grateful to have been gifted this book!  Thank you, sweet friend.
You know who you are! :)

What Matters To Me

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This post title came to mind this morning and I felt it really encouraged me, with the need, to come vulnerable here, in this space, this morning, and say... what matters to me has really fallen by the wayside.

I know I am not alone in this.. and certainly, this is a topic that I care and share deeply about. Yet, I still need the daily reminders and the constant encouragement.

But seriously.  Today!  Today, I feel so lost in knowing what really matters to me the most.

If you know me well, at all.  How would you describe who I am and what I do?

Here is what I hope one would say:

Bevy is a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a Christ-Follower, a blogger; a creative soul who loves to sew, decorate, cook/bake, think deeply, and who enjoys capturing those moments via the photographic lens or in the written word...

A homemaker who just so happens to also have an etsy shop, and a facebook page and an AWESOME business as an Ambassador for a fabulous health and wellness company.

So, there are the home and family needs..

Laundry

Meals

Discipline

Cleaning

The relationships to keep up with...

Books to read..

Time with God!  

Now to keep up with all of that.  

Each one is important (to me).  Special.  NEEDED.

It's just right now, I feel I'm falling under the attack of overwhelm.

I can't stop!

It ALL has to continue.  I mean, I want it to.

It's who I am!!  Right?

But, does it matter to me?

Here is where I think I've gotten off track.  

Its gotten to where... I have to do all of this.

It's not as easy to do it if I don't want to.  Do you hear what I'm saying?

How to want to do all of this... because it matters to me... needs to be the focus.

And, so I'm humbly coming to ask for prayer... encouragement... and advice.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds me..

"Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established."

and this from Proverbs 14:1

"The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands."

As a way of refreshment and reminder...

Last year - sometime - a dear friend sent me a book called, The Life-giving Home, (info found HERE) that came with a 12-month guided journal - with the same title.  Written by Sally Clarkson and her daughter, Sarah Clarkson.

I really enjoyed the few moments I could steal, to SLOWLY read through this book.

I would like to "add" this (rereading and journaling) into all of the above and really delve into the meat of this book. It really was an easy and encouraging read.  Very relatable, too. 

 Side note:  I ALSO would like to add in a regiment of walking everyday.  Getting that in is something I REALLY, REALLY want to do.  How, When and Where...?

And, then.  There is this!!

and, you know what this means?  Changes...

Changes and Challenges are looming on the horizon!

So many questions.  So many unknowns.  SO MUCH TO DO!!!!!

But, what I do know is this.  I NEED to stick to what matters to me, the most!

And, make those moments count.

I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength! ~ Philippians 4:13 

**
Want to know something?  Even before I hit publish, on this post here, today, a phone call came my way, from a sweet friend who simply wanted to pray with me and for me.
Talk about tears.
God's providence and timing, is always right!!

I really do know I am Blessed!!  And, that matters, too!!

A Safe Refuge

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Every house where love abides 

And friendship is a guest

Is surely home, and home, sweet home

For there the heart can rest.

~ Henry Van Dyke

I've been thinking about Emilie Barnes - sad that her life on this earth has recently passed.  But what an encouraging life of influence she led and how that legacy will continue to endure...

I will always think of Emilie as a mentor in my life.

She will be greatly missed.

A Safe Refuge

A welcoming home is a place of refuge, a place where people worn by the noise and turmoil and hostility of the outside world can find a resting place.  A welcoming home is a place that you and others can enjoy coming home to.

If you live in a house with small children, you may already be shaking your head.  "What do you mean, 'noise and turmoil of the the outside world'? I have to leave home to get away from noise and turmoil!"

But even in the rough-and-tumble of family living, home can be a safe haven and even a place of quiet (at least some of the time).  And especially if noise and activity crowd your life, making the extra effort to create a sense of refuge in the midst of it can pay off wonderful dividends.

Besides, a refuge is not a hole where you disappear to eat and sleep and emerge to go about the business of life.  A welcoming home is where real life happens. It's where personalities are nurtured, where growth is stimulated, where people feel free not only to be themselves but also to develop their best selves.  That caring, nurturing quality - not the absence of noise or strife - is what makes a home a refuge.   

-  The Spirit of Welcome: The Spirit of Loveliness, by Emilie Barnes

**

My prayer - Lord, that I would continue to grow this spirit of nurture, welcome and loveliness... every single day... help me!!  Both in my heart and in my home..

20 years ago today - our lives forever changed!

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I'm missing you today - Dad!!  It's hardly possible that 20 years ago, today, our lives have been forever changed.

Our loss - your gain!!  Heaven's gain - actually!!

***
I'm praying, today, that memories - the good and wonderful (and there are many)- will fill in and around all the places and spaces that are broken still, and hurting.

And am so grateful to God that He is The Healer of broken hearts.  He has been faithful.  He has sustained.  He has comforted.  And - because we know that that is true - we can use what we know and have experienced to minister to each other (as a family) and as well to others who may be walking a similar path.

Above all - the longing for Heaven is only stronger still - in my heart.... and may that NEVER, ever change!

***
My Dad really enjoyed this scrapbook of poetry (Heart Throbs, copyright - 1905) and I think one of his favorite poems was this one:

If You Have A Friend Worth Loving

If you have a friend worth loving, 

Love him.  Yes, and let him know

That you love him, ere life's evening

Tinge his brow with sunset glow.

Why should good word ne'er be said

Of a friend - till he is dead?

If you hear a song that thrills you,

Sung by any child of song,

Praise it.  Do not let the singer

Wait deserved praises long.

Why should one who thrills your heart 

Lack the joy you may impart?

If you hear a prayer that moves you

By its humble, pleading tone,

Join it.  Do not let the seeker

Bow before its God alone.

Why should not your brother share

The strength of "two or three" in prayer?

If you the hot tears falling

From a brother's weeping eyes

Share them.  And by kindly sharing 

Own our kinship in the skies.

Why should anyone be glad

When a brother's heart is sad?

If a silvery laugh goes rippling

Through the sunshine on his face,

Share it.  `Tis the wise man's saying --

For both grief and joy a place.

There's health and goodness in the mirth

In which an honest laugh has birth.

If your work in made more easy

By a friendly, helping hand,

Say so.  Speak out brave and truly

Ere the darkness veil the land.

Should a brother workman dear

Falter for a word of cheer?

Scatter thus your seeds of kindness

All enriching as you go --

Leave them.  Trust the Harvest-Giver;

He will make each seed to grow.

So, until the happy end,

Your life shall never lack a friend. 

~ Anonymous

***
Isn't this a beautiful poem?  

I'm just glad to have had a chance to share this moment with you today!

Tending the garden of our heart and mind..

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Recently, I was the winner-recipient of this book in a blogging friend's giveaway!

How thrilled I was to be the winner - in the first place... but, even more so, what a thrill this book has been to read, albeit to say, its been an encouraging, and easy-to-read, uplift to my soul!  I'm still not finished with the book..with several more chapters to go and some I should probably re-read. :)

I mentioned uplifting and encouraging...especially, the chapter I'm in right now.  This chapter, ironically enough, and one I read last evening, is along the same vein to what I've been posting here on my blog the past couple of times I've posted.  Talking about the thoughts we think and how we tend to them...

How about a quote to get us started.

Surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought come into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time to push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one.  Two things cannot be in one place.  Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow.  

~ Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Ooh, this quote, it gets me!  Where you tend a rose, a thistle cannot grow.  Can I just share a glimpse into this chapter?  It may seem like a lengthy excerpt. but, it's oh so good!

I mean it! I put the book down, last evening, and exhaled a hearty AMEN! Turned out the light and rolled over willing it all to settle in deep.  My hubby who was already asleep -or, so I thought - murmured something about it must have been a good chapter. Yup!  he was right.

I want these words to be such a "part of me".

Here we go... reading a portion from chapter 13 of Nourished, by Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph

Wise delightful people have beautifully tended minds.  They purposefully cultivate a rich, wise thought life through reading, prayer, good mentoring, music and more ~~ focusing their attention wherever they want to grow...

When we selectively choose thoughts that nourish us ("God is in control," "I can trust HIM to sort this out," "He and I can get through this"), we reap the emotions of peace and joy.  When we are picky about the people we allow into our circle of influence, the music and movies and books we enjoy, the spaces and places we hang out, we are designing the mind garden that will not only nourish ourselves but those around us.
No amount of hard work or success, however, will provide us with a meaningful, joyful and interesting life if allow the weeds in our minds to grow wild; fruitlessly ruminating on past offenses or future concerns; fixating on a person who offended us and creating elaborate speeches of "How They Done Us Wrong"; or putting our joy on hold for some imagined perfect circumstance.

Thoughts can sometimes be deceptive.  They make us feel good for awhile, even righteous and spiritual.  But how do you know if a certain train of thought is a weed or a flower?  Here's my (the author) experience: when my mind settles "on things above" ~~ I tend to feel more relaxed, expansive, loving, peaceful, and clearheaded.  If, instead, after a bit of mental meandering, I feel angry, stressed, tied in knots, worried or afraid ~~ I know my thoughts are likely wild weeds.  It's always easiest to stop a negative thought at the threshold of entry so I've learned to simply say to myself, "Not going there." or "Not planting that."  Pausing the negative string of thoughts helps me to refocus and redirect.

The author goes on to share a bit about her own father...

Listen to this.

My father is one of the kindest, wisest, happiest, most balanced, and Christ-like men I know.  Perhaps it is not surprising that Daddy is also one of those rare men prone to pause and savor a good moment, whether it is listening to rain on the roof, delighting in my mother's ageless charm, getting misty over a line from a song, or hugging his child or grandchild just a few seconds longer than most.  He has lived his life in small moments of perpetual gratitude...

I'm paraphrasing, here, when I add...

This small, yet daily habit of mentally planting and watering blessings will yield an abundant garden of gratitude.

***

I don't know about you.. but this was an extremely timely word for me right now... in the current season of my life.  I want this to be said of me...

Whether I'm thinking, today, about my spouse, my children, my extended family or even more extensive things... such as church, work & school related situations or social circles - mine or others...

I've been reminded to consider the roots and where they're planted.

With this.. I want to be sure that I realize anew - What I reap, that's what I'll sow.

And, to cultivate (Nourish) it all with a mixture of grace and gratitude.

My mind, my heart.. may they be of fertile soil... for the good!

The truth is... weeds are just as natural in any garden and no one plants them there on purpose.  They're just there...and they must be tended to, just the same.

***

How does your mind-garden grow??

{day 4} Home Quotes and Sentiments :: What You Read

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:: What You Read ::

Cookbooks!

This photo does not lie...
these are often what you'll find me reading... over and over and over again.

They are the companions to my soul and unfortunately all the cookbooks I own and read did not make the frame.

I read for leisure and inspiration.  Mostly, to compare and conjure up something hopefully new.  I do not consider myself a professional.  Just a girl who enjoys the kitchen and its classics.

These books are well-loved friends; consistently offering up their advice and suggestion; daily delivering grace on that proverbial silver platter...

Tried and true or failure to succeed - they leave it up to me to discover.

The truth is..
these don't get read necessarily in a pinch.  It's more like when in a pinch and the question of what to make for dinner comes... then, therein the results are from my heart and head of something I've read.

In this house!  You'll never get the same dish twice - exactly as the recipe calls - however,  let me KEEP my cookbooks!!

Have nothing in your house 

that you do not know to be useful,  or believe to be beautiful. 

~ William Morris

***

Participating in: 31 days/Five Minute Free Writes/Photography Challenge
To keep abreast of this series, I will be updating this link - on a daily basis.

Summer Reading {dilemma}

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Humor me!  Just for fun...let's take a poll.  Shall we?

This is my stack of books...waiting to be read.  My summer reading pile, if you will?  They've all been recently gifted to me - since Mother's Day or before. Two of them (belonging to a series of three...) I won in a recent giveaway, via Ink Dots (* a new favorite blog I like to read every now and again)!!

Here is the problem.  I don't have much time to just sit and read - a book.  I guess I could take "the time"... (a bit more intentionally), but usually life (which includes home-making, and sewing, and friends over and babysitting, etc.) is happening far too busily for me to do that. Plus, I have a hard time with being distracted.  However, I do like to read at night - right before falling asleep..



The only book I have cracked open so far, from this pile, is one that I have been enjoying/devouring.  It is the one on top entitled, My Praying Life - and that's because I'm in a group/book study with this one, right now.  However, we're taking three chapters per month to discuss...albeit to say, it could take awhile.  I could read ahead but then... I sorta want to.  It's that good!  Except.  What would the point of that be? Then I would be backtracking and trying to remember what I read when it comes time to discuss...

Here is the deal.  Here is the poll.  Here's the scenario.

Your list looks alot like mine. Maybe it's longer.  Maybe not.  The books on your pile; they ALL look good (too!)  and you can hardly wait to read each one.  You...

1.) close your eyes and pull one from the pile...

2.) whichever one is lying on top is the one you finish  first - systematically, you follow through from there on out...

3.) read a chapter from one, each night, until they're all read at once...  (the one I'm most tempted to feat)

4.) skim through, each one, to catch its rough draft (calling it "a read book")...

5.) or, subsequently, read the last chapter of each book and then decide.

6.) you take them either alphabetically by title or author or by how they've been gifted...

7.) which one has the least amount of pages - knocking out the smallest to the largest...

8.) the best cover wins!

I don't know.  Help me out!  How would you decide which book to read first?

By the way.  Actual books with their pages in hand are far more appealing to me then anything kindle-like. Then again, I wouldn't know..

Here, let's add that one to the poll...shall we?

9.) hardcover and/or paperback with real pages

10.) you like would rather use a kindle or other device...and why?

Thanks so much for "playing along"... I can't wait to read your takes on this poll.  Maybe you have another solution to this dilemma..?

***
You know, what has been really fun?  Is, watching my 7 year old just pick up a book, from around the house and find a corner and read.  Not perfect.  But he's reading...

He's reading!!  and he's already told me that he's missing school! :)  But, one thing I will tell you (and I'm proud about this!) is that he finished up a through-the-mail 6-week course of Bible Lessons with CEF - Truth Chasers Club.  And he's earned his very own Bible.  It came in the mail yesterday.  You should have heard him squeal with delight at having his very own Bible come to him.  It's a beautiful ESV, thinline style, with his name engraved, in gold,  on the front.  He is so super excited.

I am too!  I hope and pray he'll always be Truth- Chaser.

A Daybook in March

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FOR TODAY ~ the 4th Monday of the month!

Outside my window... the sun is shining beautiful, this morning. But the temps are dropping...  Three guesses what is in the forecast for tomorrow??  Yup!  Sn-NO!-ow, but only 1-2" and it'll be outta here.. ;)

I am thankful...for the healing that has since come to our home, from over the past week.  What a week, last week was.  I think it hit everybody, except for me. I was the least affected.  I may have had a twinge of it.. however, this bug had hit our son. BAD!

Every hour, consistent in time, this kid threw up... and this went on all Friday night long.  We had been up with him at least twice, by this point, when while as my husband and I crawled back into bed for the third time! I whispered in the dark...as we held one another.  I said to my husband, "Thank you, Scott! Thank you, for helping me! You know, this.  This is what makes the "lovemaking" go on and on in our marriage.. This is what solidifies our making of that love, between us, to the now of helping one another now - in sickness and in health , etc.... this is what really is the making and keeping of our union and what its all about.."  He agreed..and we fell off asleep for another hour until Caleb called out again, and this continued on, and again, and again..
The next morning - Jayne headed for round two..

This photo was taken sometime on Saturday.  Thankfully Caleb and everyone else is feeling way better..by this morning.

We have a *NEW* week ahead of us..praise the Lord!!

In the kitchen...a Buttermilk Coffee Cake (with chopped apples and pecans). It goes along perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, this morning.  And, why wouldn't it?
A Ham Dinner is on the menu for dinner, tonight!

I am wearing... I am wearing a brown linen Sarah skirt, this morning...and a black Tee!  (of course..)

I am creating...I'm almost done with this one "custom" bag order - and I can't wait to tell you the story that goes a long with this bag... hang in there!  It'll come.
Oh, and I got another "custom" bag request as of yesterday..

I am going... to go by Dunkin Donuts and get me a FREE Iced Coffee, today (for a limited time!).  Although, let me tell you.  I did that last week, too, and I think by Thursday that  20oz. was still in the fridge - unfinished.  I guess, I should say "I THINK, I am going.." - maybe I don't really need to go there after all, if I can't finish them..  That's probably quite okay..

I am wondering...and I wonder no more!  There is green pushing through the ground..  We'll be having daffodils before too long...

I am reading...not much of anything *new* this month.  Finishing up the Unglued book, probably this week, and I still have a few other books still lingering around on the nightstand...ones I've share with you previously.. I realize I'm a slow reader.  But, that's okay.  I only read at bedtime anyway.  :)

I am hoping... to receive a few things via snail mail, this week!  I was a recent winner to two different giveaways!  How exciting!!

I am looking forward to...  Okay!  so while my husband and I know who is moving next door, our kids do not. At least, not yet.  It's my brother; one of their favorite uncles.  So - yesterday we got talking about "who just might the new neighbors be"..?   Here is Aubrey's concern: "I hope they're not mean!"  to which I replied, even if they are "we still need to be nice to them".  Caleb pipes up.  "I wonder if they'll know God?" - to which I replied... We'll have to see but of course, if they don't we'll be sure to tell them who Jesus is.."
So, when I told my bro about this (in hushed whispers, at church) he was beside himself in awe of how much these kids have "spiritual concerns and context on their hearts and minds"...

I am learning..as hard as parenting can be at times... what really matters, the things of the LORD!, are really sticking.  Faithful, consistent teaching; living & leading by example is HUGE!!!!!!!!!  And it's hard..
I really appreciate the captive audience I have, we have as parents, at bedtime when we read Scripture, share stories and pray together..
There is something about that happening right at bedtime that one can fall asleep in peace - knowing the LORD is by our side...

Around the house... some Spring Cleaning! is taking place..
As well.  We have been ridding a lot of mice/rodents out of our home.  And Oh!  I have quite a few stories I could share.  And, so could our little Jayne.  She loves it that "Daddy comes to the rescue and will slay the dragon" for her, every. single. time.  "Daddy hit it hard, hard, hard..."she'll say.   He used a wooden mallet type thingy... oh, yes he did!  Hey - if they're not going to take to the traps and they instead choose to just meander around the dining room, s.l.o.w.l.y.  Enough that they can be "taken out" thatta way... then why not?
When they're out of their territory and in mine!  I don't like it..


I am pondering... every night, our little ones will ask us for a story of when we were a kid!  Almost every time I think of this..
As a youngster, I would get reprimanded for calling other children - kids!  My mom would say.  They are children.  NOT baby goats..
Am I the only one that ever happened to?  I still call my kids, kids... but I do think about it.  Why??

A favorite quote for today... I recently received  a little perpetual calendar, as a gift (from Connie S. thank you!); by Ann Voskamp... ohh, there are some great quotes in there.  I have it tucked up on my kitchen windowsill at the moment where I have plenty of time to read and reread the selected piece for the day.  Here is one that continues to grab my attention: ( I have to flip back to read and reread..)
"I have lived pain and my life can tell:  I only deepen the wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks for early light dappled through leaves and the heavy perfume of peonies in June and the song of crickets on summer humid nights and the rivers that run and the stars that rise and the rain that falls and all the good gifts that a good God gives." ~ Ann Voskamp

One of my favorite things...having now broken the ice, one of my favorite things to do right now is to talk to Kaitlin - on the phone.  And, I'm so not a phone person... at all!  She says, she has plans to change that fact about me..  She just may be right!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Scott is having surgery this week... a periodontal surgery.  He'll be home for a couple of days; recovering - possibly working from home, those days!  There is also a Scouts meeting; a Bible Club meeting (for Caleb) and the making of  Scrapple - planned for Saturday!

A peek into my day...



***
Following with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Under Construction..

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"Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." 

~ Camille Pissarro.

This quote got me to to thinking... imagine that?

God sees the beautiful.  When I can't and others won't.

Recently - I started a book study with few ladies from my daughter's Preschool.  We're walking through the book titled, Unglued, by Lysa TerKeurst.  Wow!  Another book that hits home for me.

We're only a couple of chapters in... but already light is being shed.  One of the obvious, running themes throughout the book is this idea of God chiseling us..

Ouch!

When a sculpture works on his masterpiece - there is a lot, let me say that again, A LOT of chiseling involved.  And that piece of stone, clay or marble doesn't cry out and argue with it's maker, nor does it complain and try to get away in the process.  No!  it stays there, in place, silent and yielding.

God says in his Word...Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.

I like this analogy.  Just BE!  Be still...  Know!... He is God.
Easier said than done - as a whole of  humanity!  A people with feelings and emotions and a will..

When asked of Michelangelo, in particular, about his famous David sculpture, how he did it - he was reported to have said "it was easy" -  that he just chipped away everything that didn't look like David.

So it is with God.  God sees the beautiful.  Because He is!  and we are to be like Him.

We are his workmanship... an implication of an ongoing process.  He never leaves our side.
***
I cling to the verse found in Psalm 138:8 (KJV) that reads, "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; Thy mercy, Oh Lord, endureth forever.  Do not forsake (or abandon) the works of thine hands"

Yours truly,
Under Construction...

Friday's Finds :: Out the back door..

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Taking the time to read a book to any and all who'll listen...

What a fun find upon peaking out the back door.

I love that I captured this moment...with the little
sisters and neighbors.

***

In the meantime..

I found a few moments, yesterday afternoon, to put together a pair of (girl) Homespun Baby! shoes for Caleb's schoolteacher...as a gift.  Her last day is today - as she is planning on taking Maternity Leave for the rest of the year!  Her baby girl is due to arrive in a week or two..

 A new teacher will be replacing her...not new to the school but new to teaching.  I'm just a little nervous..

But I sure do appreciate all that Caleb's teacher has done to get him off to a great start.

Please join us in prayer for any and all new adjustments, to be made - all around.

That is it for my Friday's Finds - today!

Thank you for stopping by.  I greatly appreciate you as my reader(s).

Have yourself a wonderful weekend!

A front porch visit with Bevy...

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Good afternoon, my friend!  Good afternoon.

I hope you like rambley - because it's what I've got, today.  First off, today was and still is absolutely gorgeous!  I was able to take advantage of it this morning.  I'm home now and am still smiling.   Come on! Come on, out to the front porch and sit a spell.. let me tell you all about it.

For starters... my mom agreed to watch the girls for me, this morning, so that I could treat myself to another pedi.  Girls, trust me!  IT WAS A NEED!

I had a few other errands to run and so take advantage of it, I did.  I also got in a much needed phone call to an old gal friend of mine... which was nice!  After that, I was able to go do a little hopeful shoe shopping.  ;)  Honestly, I don't these sorts of days very often.  Particularly because and when you live on a budget like we do, it can be little risky to just "go shopping", you know what I mean?... especially the "hopeful" kind of shopping.

I used my "spending" (for fun!) money already on the pedicure... and so what was burning a hole in my pocket was a gift card with only $12.00 and change on it.  I knew I wasn't going to find much.  But... I prayed about it enroute to the store.

I'm looking for several types of shoes - right now.  I could be flexible.  But what on earth could I possibly walk out of the store with and have only paid $12 dollars for?

After trying on several expensive (though on Sale!)various array of shoes, albeit non were quite my size/width, etc. I'm a little picky, because I have to be.  I NEED comfort - not just funky.

I realized that there weren't any my exact size, to be honest.  I knew I wasn't going to settle - so I asked the clerk and she confirmed that indeed there were no sizes hiding in the back. (As I had hoped.)

There on the clearance  rack and you know where I'm going with this, right?  There on the clearance rack was this pair of flip-flops.  For $11.99.  Deal!.  I know flips-flops are kinda outta season - I mean it's the end of summer, but hey!  I can still wear them from time to time.  Especially on days like to day.  And it will be summer again!  Amen?

****

Get this!

Last night.  I was flossing my teeth, and totally broke a portion of my tooth/molar.  It fell out, right onto the counter.  So you know what that means - dentist appointment.  That appointment will take place sometime tomorrow.  It's the first I could get in.

I feel bad.  I was at my mom's one day last week and she had some peanut brittle lying around and I helped myself to a piece.  Here it had totally had gotten stuck in that particular tooth area and I jokingly complained to my mom ... "Wow, mom!  this stuff's liable to pull somebody's teeth out."  (praying all along it wouldn't be mine..)

Lo, and behold!

Now, she's the one feeling bad.

It's all good.  All but the HUGE crater in my mouth that if I eat on the side - well, it doesn't feel so good..

****

The other day, I discovered that my source for most of my upholstery samples (what I use for my bags) is GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.  I called to inquire if they had any hanging around... left to handover.  He said, No! and what they do have on the racks - will have to go back to the manufacture".  I am a little bummed.  But.  The Lord will provide... and honestly, I really do have a lot to work with right now anyway.

I just always like "fresh and new"... to work with.  To choose from.

****

This is my favorite thing I couldn't wait to cackle about.  Pun fully intended, but in this case I'm talking turkey.  Hang in with me!  It's kinda long...

So last year, we got this HUGE turkey that my sister and BIL raised - I'm talking lots and lots and lots of pounds worth in one turkey.  I'll have to find out the exact amount, and let you know.

In fact.  John, my BIL, had to saw the thing in quarters, even to wrap and then freeze it,  because there is NO WAY on God's green earth I would have anything big enough to roast this bird in.  Let's just put it this way.  When I did roast the drumstick...it looked like the Pebbles war-club and it nearly did not fit lengthwise in my roaster pan.  However, it was the bestest tasting thing we ever had.  So moist and yummy..falling right off the bone.  That kind of good..

The same with this (one) Turkey breast.  Alone...it had to be over 11 pounds.  Again.  I wasn't so sure it would fit.  It did.  But barely.  I ended up having it in the oven from 9am- 4pm, at about 300*.  I put up about 5 quart bags of cooked, chopped turkey meat - ready for casseroles and soups and what have you.  I'm so excited about this..

Here is what I really want to tell you.

Back when I canned those red beets, the other week, remember?  Well, the brine for that recipe is close enough to base of this Onion and Herb Salad dressing, as a recipe that I got while visiting with  my friend, Amanda - down in VA. - oh, back in May of 2012.  (the yummiest of salad dressing's ever!)  It's actually from a friend of hers.. named Sarah.  

Anyway.

Last week or so, when I canned my beets ... I had one quart of this brine left over.  So - I went to my neighbor Amanda and asked for some of her herbs (of course I shared a jar of it back with her!) and just started throwing this recipe together.

It made pretty much...obviously.  So... I decided to use it as marinade for this Turkey and I have used it for baked chicken as well. 

WOW!!!  how wonderful.

Here is the recipe:

Herb and Onion Salad Dressing

1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1 -1 1/2 cup sugar

1 large onion, cut into wedges

2 tsp salt

Use the following herbs, as desired:

celery seed, oregano, thyme, basil, marjoram, ground mustard, rosemary, black pepper, 

Combine all ingredients into blender or food processor, slowly add 2 cups of vegetable oil (DO NOT TRY this with Olive Oil) until dressing is thickened.  Store in refrigerator.

I do like to say... I find it a lot of fun to feel this free and get creative in the kitchen.  Not trying to brag or anything, I'm just saying...it's really a blessing to be able to do this sort of thing and get away with it... if you know what I mean?

****

One more thing, about books, and then I'll close.. besides, I know you have to go anyway. ;(

I find it is absolutely the nicest thing in the world, receiving letters and or packages in the mail.  Especially when they are books... because you were thought of - at one point - and that friend just wanted to share that thoughtful blessing with you.  Books are a wonderful extension of friends.. amen!?!?!

That happened to me, yesterday.  Twice! actually.. no.  Three times.

I decided to start attending a Ladies Bible Study - Wednesday Mornings at my daughter's preschool.  So - I got that book yesterday.  It is called Malachi - A love that never lets go (Lisa Harper, Life Way)  Whoa... this is going to be really, really good.

While gone.. and when I got home...I found that a friend of mine had stopped by to drop off the Charlotte Mason Companion Book that I had asked to borrow, at some point.  I told her if I wasn't here when she found the chance to stop by to just drop it in my "mail" basket... and what a fun surprise!!  (I think I'm really going to enjoy this read...)

Later, in the afternoon, yesterday, when my hubby got home from work... and brought it in the mail.  Lo, and behold, a nice little gift awaited me from one of my favorite blog readers/people. ;) A book called, Heavenly Hospitality (Jo Ann Janssen), a handwritten note and a couple of teabags... perfect! Thank you, Kristin.  You're so sweet.

Okay... so, I know.  I kept you long enough...

Good-bye!  Thank you so much  for coming by and visiting.  After you leave, I'm just going to sit here and continue to thumb through this book, if you don't mind, until it's time to throw dinner together.  What do you say..

I'm thinking (some sort of) Soup and biscuits tonight.  That can't be too hard..

****

Enjoy the rest of your day!  I probably won't get a chance to come back here until Monday, Lord Willing!... so with that, have a wonderful weekend.

Will you?