Thankful Thursday and other stuff

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Can you believe it?  I actually made it here to blog today. I have missed you all.  Before I give my list of thanksgiving, I wanted to update you all on all that is going around here.

Since my last post, it hasn’t been boring.  I have made a trip home to Kentucky to visit with family and witness my nephew become a legal member of our family.  That was a truly awesome day for my sister, and as tears strolled down our faces, she whispered to me “ I’m finally a mom”.  Thrilled and ecstatic don’t do justice to her feelings that day.

Although I made the trip alone, hubby had to stay home, it was some fun time with my mom and dad.  Spent alot of time eating out, watching some movies, and running to antique shops.  A very favorite past time for me and my mom. 

But since getting back home, some areas of my life I have been fretting over.  I hate to even mention it because I sound like a broken record.  But selling this house is taking a huge toll on me and making me question my trust in God. Is he listening to me?  Did I actually say that?  

Why is it so hard to trust God when things look so bleak.  I really don’t distrust God, I really do trust him, but I keep asking myself why certain things aren’t happening for us and everything is working out for all those around us.  Is selling this home some kind of lesson?….what am I suppose to be learning from it?  PATIENCE…..oh boy, I am not good with this trait.  I am finding myself getting disgruntle over the smallest of things.  I am getting anxious about everything.  All my feelings are so raw and I could cry at drop of a hat.  I just want to move on…..I want to start the next chapter in my life. But apparently I have unfinished business in this chapter.

So I am back to “trusting God” that he knows what’s best….I read “

“Trusting God actually takes effort. Trusting God actually takes work. It
takes reading the Bible. It takes meditating on Scripture. It takes praying
about things. It takes taking our own souls to task and stopping one kind of
thinking and turning to another kind of thinking. It takes work. It takes 
effort.”

this excerpt was taken from “Trusting God” by Carolyn Mahaney, Carolyn goes on to say “

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.
11:6). Fear is sin. And as my husband has often graciously reminded
me—God is not sympathetic to my unbelief. Why? Because fear,
worry, and unbelief say to God that we don’t really believe He is
“merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast
love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15). We are calling God a liar.” 

Ok, WOW I never really thought about that before.  How God views my lack of faith and trust.

If you are lacking in faith and having a hard time Trusting God” check out the whole article written by Carolyn Mahaney.

 

In saying all that, I have much to be grateful and thankful for:

• My nephew,Caleb
• Wonderful time spent with my hubby this last week, we have had a incredible time with some awesome discussions.
• The wonderful rain we received this week to make our flowers and gardens happy.
• Great friends to share a meal with.
• My DIL receiving her AA .
• Another great sunny day and seeing the flowers sprinkle the earth with color. God is a awesome artist.
• Home movies of my children taken 26 years ago.  I can relive their youth.
• And I am thankful for this house too, at least I have a nice home and I can make the payments because we have work. So even when I am disgruntled with having it, I am grateful that I do, because many don’t.  God has been so good to me.
• Thankful for my wonderful hubby.  (pic below was taken at our rehearsal for our wedding)

If you would like to participate in Thankful Thursday join us this month at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage”
Hugs,

James 1:21“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for so many things.  God has been truly good and gracious with me. Moreso than I ever deserve.

I’m a firm believer that one should have gratitude in his heart and be truly happy with what he has been blessed with.  Lately I have been feeling a bit “tattered” and through my bleak times I was finding it hard to be thankful.  Although I knew in my head I had much to be thankful for I just didn’t feel it in my heart.  But no today…..Today I am thankful that my “thankfulness is back”.

I’m thankful that I am getting to go visit my family in Kentucky for a few days.

Thankful I will be there when my sister’s son’s adoption goes through on Tuesday.  Praise God!

If you would like to participate in Thankful Thursday join us this month at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage”

Have a blessed rest of week.

Hugs,

Romans 12:3“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

The week is getting away from me

Good giggity Miss Wigity,where has this week gone?  I don’t have a clue.  I didn’t mean to stay away so long but I guess that is what happens when you are doing thangs.  :) And please don’t ask me what because I can’t remember. 

I have to tell you ladies, we woke up to the most beautiful weather here this morning, the temps were in the 60’s and just wonderful.  It was a welcomed break from the hot humid days and mornings we have been having.  I know that it is short lived, so I really was grateful and  gave a sweet thanks to Jesus.  Hubby even got outside and watered the lawn early this AM while it was still cool.  I think he was enjoying it too. (The photo to the right is my deck, this shot was taken several years ago, but it is still where I drink in the beauty of the  day.

This morning has been a very productive morning for me, I am getting ready for my upcoming trip to Kentucky.  Let’s see, I have striped the sheets from my bed and washed and dried and put them back on the bed, one load in the dryer and one more in the washer, suitcases are almost packed. Making list of things to NOT forget to take.  So when I am rushing out the door bright and early on Friday morning I am not forgetting anything.   Still have some other inside chores to do today, but thought before I started my afternoon, I would post.

Before I started my morning, I spent some time reading in Proverbs.  I am loving reading through Proverbs on a daily bases.  When you take the time to really read it and soak in all the wisdom that is there, it is incredible.  The last two days I have been meditating on a couple of verses that I thought I would share. Taken from the NIV translation.

Proverbs 28:13-

¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds     mercy.

Proverbs 29: 20 -

²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
       There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 30: 5-6-

⁵ "Every word of God is flawless;
       he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

⁶ Do not add to his words,
       or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Each one of these verses hold great impact on our daily lives. They give us something to ponder and really think about.  What are your meditating on today? 

Well the time has come to go back to my duties, the dryer just peeped as my que to get up and finish my work.

“She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17

Hope you have a blessed day, and thanks for stopping by to visit. I love your visits.

Zechariah 14:9“The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Busyness

has come to my house over the last several days.  Over the last several days I have been overwhelmed with getting more things organized.  Jeepers!!!  I go from having no motivation to overkill….hoping that I will get some balance back soon.  Seems like that has been my mantra for the last several months.  Oh well, it is what it is right?

Ephesians 5:15-17- Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day cleaning out my INBOX on my computer.  You heard me right…I had over 7 thousand emails.  Don’t ask why I let it get so bad. So I sifted through them and kept what I wanted (you know all the cute pictures my sister sends of my nephew Caleb) and important stuff, like emails my hubby sends me (wink).  Got everything filed away  from decorating inspiration to recipes.  What a good feeling it was last night when I went to bed and nothing in my inbox.  I would say yesterday was a complete and utterly productive day. BTW, Mandi has a great article on helping you get started on organizing your files here. To top it off I also took my darling daughter and her boyfriend to lunch and spent some time with them.  Fun times!!

But the highlight of my day was when I cleaned out my armoire to get things ready to give to goodwill.  I had stacks of shorts and blouses, that I couldn’t wear and decided that I wasn’t going to hang onto them anymore much less move ifn we ever sell this house.  But thankfully before I threw everything in a bag to ditch, I tried a few things on and to my surprise everything fit.  I knew I had lost a little weight because my clothes hadn’t been quite as snug, but when I got on the scales I was surprised to see I had lost 10 pounds.  Did you hear me?  10 pounds.  I was doing the happy dance.  Now if I could lose about 15 more, I would be where I would like to be.  Over the last several years the weight has creeped on, but fortunately for me I hide weight well.  But I just wasn’t as comfortable as I was used too, so losing the extra pounds has felt wonderful.

Today, my goals are to spend some time cleaning out some of my other computer tools.  My Google reader, Springpad, organizing my file structure, and if time allows, get to some of my photo editors.  I really need to get a handle on my Picasa and photobucket accts.  Although the sun is out and wooing me to come outside, I think I best stay in and stay cool.  It’s going to be another hot one today?

Before I close I wanted to share a link with you for the 50 best organizing blogs, because if you are like me…you like ORGANIZED chaos.  Check them out here.

Need to scoot, time is wastin…

Isaiah 40:31“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Be blessed,

My Monday

Happy Monday Morning everybody!!!!  I hope everyone had a great weekend and got a chance to spend some time with that special “father” in your lives.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to  spend it with my dad, but I did talk to him on the phone, nor did I spent it with my hubby as he went to Houston to spend it with his dad.  Plus he got to spend it with his children.  So he had a nice day.  :)  And that is all that matters right?  I mean, it is their day!!!

 

Let me say “thank you to everyone that has left me comments or sent me emails” to my last post.  Your prayers, and concerns really mean the world to me.  Let’s just say that I am doing quite a bit better, I have taken action and started on some medication.  Which I can see a big difference already and it hasn’t been that long…so I know it will get better as time goes on.  The hopeless feeling has dissipated and for that I am grateful.  Each day brings new hope and excitement.  I can’t tell you how good that feels.  Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you all.

Since I had the weekend to myself, by the way it was a LONG three days, I missed my hubby while he was gone, I had a chance to catch up on some reading.  I finished up “Plain Paradise”  by Beth Wiseman and “A Promise for Spring” by Kim Vogel Sawyer, (which I highly recommend both these books) and I’m now reading “Hanna’s Dream”.  Yet  another Amish fiction for me.  The book description states ” Set in the Amish communities of northern Indiana and Montana, Hannah Miller has just found a poem about love that stirs her dreams. Checking her past experiences with boys, no one seems to fit, especially not Sam. She had chosen him in the eighth grade only because everyone back then just had to have someone. With his mouth that always fell open when astonished, Hannah now looks for someone else. Feel the agony of mistakes, the burden of guilt, and one girl s attempt to make sense out of love. In this end, will Hannah go the whole way with the logic of her conclusions?”

I also had the chance to spend some time with my daughter and her boyfriend on Friday night, they came over to visit and it was such a wonderful treat to have them here, we didn’t do anything special just visited and watch some TV but it was WONDERFUL!  I loved seeing her and catching up with her. We talked about her recent trip to the beach, (wish I had pictures to show you but she hasn’t uploaded them yet) her work schedule, and just things going on in her life.  Then on Saturday night my son and his wife came over, actually we met for dinner and then came back to the house and just  chilaxed! It is one of the first times I have seen him since he got married and I loved having them here too.  I really do miss seeing my kids on a regular bases so it makes the time spent with them now even more precious.  They really made me one happy momma this weekend.  Thank you Wesley and Tori! 

I am suppose to have a lunch date with Tori and her boyfriend tomorrow, but other than that nothing is on the agenda.  Not really sure what this week holds in store.  I haven’t really kept up with my blogging or blog visiting, so I may try to catch up on some of that. Really need to scoot, want to spend some quiet time reading.  Hope you have a blessed  Monday!

Psalm 91:1“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Crawling out from under the rock

I hope finally for good. Ladies, this has been a very trying time for me, alot of changes going on in and around me and I have felt a bit out of sync and a bit overwhelmed. Days filled with sadness and gloom.

I decided to share this with you because I need to be accountable for this feeling that I have been denying for way to long. Over the course of the last two months I have come to realize that I do suffer from depression and these feelings of inadequacy as a mother, wife have to stop, among other areas.

I get so "down" on myself and regardless of all the sweet gestures made toward me, I don't feel them. I hope some of you can relate to this, and can offer some words or guidance to me. My poor sweet hubby has tried to express this to me, but I would “cut” him off because I didn’t  want to believe I suffered from this. Not another flaw, not another character defect. Is is situational or permanent?  How can you tell?  How do you know?

Between family, work decisions, becoming a empty nester, my life as I have known it has changed majorly over the course of a few months. All the things that made me who I was, is no more.  I was always a mother, but now with all my kids on their own, and living there own lives, I don’t have that “label” anymore per se. I’m not needed like I was before. As well as a  employee, since I now am at home again full time (at least for now).  I don’t have that label either.  I feel I have to reinvent myself and I really don’t know how…where to start? 

I know the first place to look is in God’s word to see what he says on the matter of depression, so I have picked a few verses that spoke to me.

(Using  Bible gateway to research my verses)

Broken Heart- (NASB) Psalms 34:18, Proverbs 17:22

¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
         And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

²²A joyful heart is good medicine,
         But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Can result from failure to confess- Psalms 32:3-4

³When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
         Through my groaning all day long.
⁴For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
         My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.

After spending time reading all the different scriptures dealing with depression that I could find, I didn’t stop there, I went in search for more biblical teachings from women who have been there.

As I was thinking about all I have been struggling with, I was reminded again of David and his struggles.  Instead of relaying it all again, Courtney at Women Living Well stated it wonderfully. (Psalms 69)  Back in February she started a series of post about depression and if you struggle or have been struggling, I hope you will take a look at them. 

I thank you all for being patient with me and for not given up on me and my blog….but I find myself at a crossroad in life, with alot of new adventures just over the horizon, and I don’t want to miss them, so the time has come for me to take action….so that I can live in the Joy promised by my Father.

God turns mourning into Joy – Jeremiah 31:13

¹³ Then maidens will dance and be glad,
       young men and old as well.
       I will turn their mourning into gladness;
       I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Love,

Summertime is here

and with that we tend to spend more time outside so with that  in mind, I thought I would share a little inspiration with you.

What better time to head to your local Diary Queen or other favorite ice cream spot, to have  a nice cold treat on a HOT summer day.

Sometimes my hubby and I like to take a walk in the evenings up to our little ice cream shack that is patronized by all the locals here.  It’s a great way to cool off as well as catch up with some of your neighbors. 

 

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.  ~Celia Thaxter

Now would be a great time to dust off that picnic basket and load it down with all kinds of goodies.  Maybe grab some books or a fishing pole.  Head off to the nearest lake, or meadow and just relish in the day.

You can’t have a picnic without food, so I have shared a few treats with you below.

"If a June night could talk,
it would probably boast it invented romance."
-  Bern Williams

Summer just wouldn’t be Summer without the “House Wine of the South”.  Ice Tea.  It’s always a favorite drink of mine, not only in the summer.  It is something I drink year round, but will tell you that it taste best on a HOT summer day when it is chilled with loads of ice and some lemon. 

Wine of the South-Sweet Iced Tea

Ingredients
3 Family size tea bags
2 Cups of cold water
1 Cup of sugar

Directions

I recommend Luzianne Tea Bags if available, if not Liptons is another great choice.

Place the two cups water in a pot and add the tea bags. Bring to a boil, do not continue boiling. Remove from heat and let steep. Pour warm tea into empty pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill remaining pitcher with cold water.

In summer, the song sings itself.  ~William Carlos Williams

And what about some fresh strawberry pie.  Yummy!

Ingredients

• 2 (8 inch) pie shells, baked
• 2 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

Directions

1. In a saucepan, mix together the sugar and corn starch; make sure to blend corn starch in completely. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mix, and stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Place strawberries in baked pie shells; position berries with points facing up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries.
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Summer has set in with its usual severity.  ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Or some good ole Strawberry Shortcake!  Delicious!!!!

Biscuits
3 1/2 cups (14 7/8 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup dried buttermilk powder*
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter or margarine, or1/2 cup shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup (8 ounces) milk*
Shortcake
2 quarts hulled strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup (8 ounces, 1/2 pint ) whipping cream

*Or substitute 1 cup buttermilk for the buttermilk powder and milk.

The Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk together the dry ingredients, and cut in the cold butter, margarine or shortening. Whisk the vanilla and egg with the milk, then add all at once to the dry ingredients and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times, just until it holds together. Pat the dough out until it's about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, and cut it into circles (using a sharp cutter for the highest rising biscuits). Place the biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet, brush the tops with milk or egg white for a shiny surface, sprinkle with sugar if desired, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 9 biscuits.
To Assemble Shortcake: Mash 2 cups of the strawberries. Slice the remaining strawberries, and mix all of the berries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let rest 1 hour. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Just before serving, split open the biscuits, spoon half the berries and whipped cream on the bottom half, top with remaining biscuit halves, and spoon on remaining berries and cream.

Summer time an' the livin' is easy, Fish are jumpin' an' the cotton is high. Oh, yo' daddy's rich, and yo' ma' is good-lookin', So hush, little baby, don' yo' cry.
Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward

I hope you have a blessed day and weekend.  Get out and enjoy our beautiful summer weather.