Thursday, October 30, 2014

A Spirit of Gratitude - October 30

I AM THANKFUL FOR


Perfectly clear night skies
My mom stopping by
Completing a project
Being able to go back to bed on a teacher workday
The Man of the House bringing home ice cream
Mucinex
The Man of the House smoking a chicken for dinner
Getting lots of laundry done
Cinnamon hot chocolate
Waffles for breakfast (that someone else made)
Getting a lot of crochet done
Hall's cough drops
The Man of the House picking the male offspring up from practice
The grand baby singing
Orchestra concerts
Finishing the last of the ice cream - right out of the carton
Grandbaby snuggles
God sending me the right message at just the right time
Greek yogurt with blueberries and chia seeds
 
 

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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Delight, Rejoice, and Sing

As our grandson has grown over the past almost three years (almost Three years!?  How is that possible? Time really does fly by!!)  we have enjoyed seeing him learn and do new things.  We have taken joy in every discovery and milestone, almost as if he was the first child ever  to accomplish the feat.

New words, first steps - all met with delight.  Maybe even applause.  We "oooh" and "aaah" over artwork and first attempts to write letters and numbers.  We delight over everything he does and accomplishes.

God feels the same way about us!!

http://workingwomenoffaith.com/verse-for-the-week-zephaniah-317/

He takes delight in us.  Everything we learn, every thing we do, is met with rejoicing.  Every step made in obedience.  Every song we sing.  Every faith filled choice is His delight.

When you feel as if no one notices.  When you feel as if no one cares about everything - anything - you do.  Remember... God is watching. He is singing over you.  He is rejoicing. 
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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Three Things: That Make Me Happy

Well, once again, my post for yesterday didn't get published. If you're counting, that's twice in less than a week.  What is with me and getting "Publish" goin' on time?  I apologize for the late post.

LOTS of things make me happy.  It would be simple to fill this list just with immediate family members alone.  The Man of the House makes me happy.  The offspring make me happy.  And the grand baby makes me happy.  They are the top 4 on my "Things That make Me Happy" list.  Without question. And if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time now, you can probably guess that, Yes, reading makes me happy.  Coffee makes me happy (and awake)  Knowing all of that - let's just move on to some other things that make me happy.

1) Living in the Mountains - Here in western North Carolina, I am constantly surrounded by so much natural beauty.  God's artwork at it's best.  We get a definite distinction between all four seasons (usually)  The summers are hot.  The winter's aren't too cold (again - usually).  And the autumn is just spectacular! I don't think a week goes by when I don't have my breath taken away from a view along my daily travels.


2)  The Sound of a Child's laughter -  You know the one... that full, hard belly laugh of a child.  You don't?  Go to YouTube right now and search for "baby (or babies) laughing"  Seriously... it's the BEST.  I challenge you to listen to a child's uninhibited, joyous laughter and not end up laughing yourself.  Or at least wearing a huge grin on your face.

3)  Sleep - good sleep.  Restful sleep.  Or maybe I'm just thinking it would make me happy because I have been waking myself up coughing which has prevented a good night's sleep for the past 2 nights.  Nope.  Even without the cough... I just love a good, deep sleep.  Or, more precisely, the rested peaceful feeling I have the next day makes me happy.

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Saturday, October 25, 2014

Saturday's Inspiration: Only Fools




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Friday, October 24, 2014

A Spirit of Gratitude (A Day Late, but Still Grateful)

oops!!  I didn't get around to hitting the publish button yesterday to get the weekly Spirit of Gratitude up on Thursday as usual.  It happens.  But whether on a Thursday, or a Friday - I am still thankful.  Here's this week's list...


I AM THANKFUL FOR
Tea and bagels
Dancing with the grand baby
The Man of the House fixing dinner
Peach tea
Family yard work day
Watching scary movies with the Man of the House
The Male Offspring playing guitar
Crockpot Gumbo
The grand baby playing at the park
Warm Autumn days
Breakfast for dinner
Chilly Autumn morning
Lunch with my dad
Playing outside with the Grand Baby


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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Don't You Care?

"Lord, don't you care?"

Martha said it...  when all the demands started to make her feel overwhelmed. The long to-do list of running a household, taking care of her family, entertaining guests.   "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10.40)

The disciples said it... when the storm felt too big, too strong, and they feared they would be overtaken. "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" (Mark 4.37-38)

And most of us at some point or another have probably said it.  When all the demands press down on us. When the storm raged around us.  When we feel buried under our worries.  Leaving us overwhelmed, tired, confused.

"Lord, don't you care?"


photo - publicdomainpictures.net


"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5.7)

 Yes, He cares.

Even when you feel lost and alone.  He's there. When it feels hopeless. He's working it out for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8.28)

 Take your eyes off the circumstances.  Stop focusing on the many things. Stay focused on the One thing that matters.  The One who can quiet the storms.

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Saturday, October 18, 2014

Saturday's Inspiration: She was amazed



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Thursday, October 16, 2014

A Spirit of Gratitude - October 16

I AM THANKFUL FOR

Cookie cake
The sound of rain
The Male Offspring's musical talent
Bright full moon in the pre-dawn sky
Ray of sun breaking through clouds
Leftovers for lunch
Vacation planning
Homemade pizza
Another Etsy order!
The Man of the House getting a free haircut for his birthday
New curtains for bedroom - on sale!
Suddenly there is fall color everywhere
Putting stuff back in the bedroom
Overtime nail-biter games
Delicious (and easy) chicken recipe
Misty mountain days
The power coming back on after about an hour
A crock pot of soup on a stormy day
The male offspring laughing

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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Remain

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4)

photo - publicdomainpictures.net

Remain  (verb)

1)  to be a part not destroyed, taken, or used up.
** In Christ you are not something destroyed or used up.  You can not, will not, ever be taken by the enemy.  You are safe in His refuge.  His fortress.  You are whole.  Worthy.  Loved

2)  to be something yet to be shown, done, or treated
**  In Christ, you are a work in progress.  God's glory is always waiting (always remains) to be shown in you.  What He can fully do through your life is waiting to be shown. Waiting to be done.

3)  to stay in the same place or with the same person or group
4)  to continue unchanged
**  God is faithful.  Never changing.  Constant.  When all else fades away - He remains.


 
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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

When You Feel As If You Are Falling

Ever felt like you were sliding down a long, steep slope?   Slipping down, faster and faster?  Everything out of control?  Nothing to hold onto.  Nothing to stop your downward descent.  Alone. In the dark.

photo publicdomainpictures.net

You don't have to be afraid.  You don't have to despair.  No matter how bad things might seem... no matter your circumstances.  God will not let you fall!!

He will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  (1 Peter 5 10)

He will turn your darkness into light.  (2 Samuel 22.29)

He will provide you with his full armor.  (Ephesians 6.10)

He will provide you with a refuge.  A fortress. (Psalm 91.2)

He will help you to overcome! (1 John 5.5)

Seek Him. Turn to Him.  And there you will find the comfort, the security, the answers you need. A safe place to land.


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Monday, October 13, 2014

Three Things: I love to quote

I love quotations.  Seriously...  From Bible verses - to books and movies - and right on to quotes by "famous' people.  I adore a good quote or saying.   I wasn't even sure I could narrow it down to just three to share with you for this post.  Instead of trying to pick three favorites, or figure out what three I quote most often - I decided just to go with the first three that came to mind while I was typing.  This the result

Three Things I Love to Quote

1)  Joshua 1.9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

This is my personal verse for the year.  (as you may recall - My one word is "Fearless") It has gotten me through some very discouraging times in the past 9 months.

2)  Maya Angelou -  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"3

3)  
 
 

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Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Song in my Heart- Multiplied


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Saturday, October 11, 2014

Saturday's Inspiration: Sometimes




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Friday, October 10, 2014

Are You Mean?

It seems to be an epidemic recently... a sort of social game to try to belittle, mock, make fun of, and say hurtful things about people - both those in the public eye and not.

 

We stand in line at the grocery store next to the magazine pointing out which celebrities have cellulite or the "worst beach bodies" and the like.  Mocking pregnant women for how much weight they gain, or obsess over how quickly they lose the "baby weight".  We read online gossip about who is cheating on who and which marriage is on the rocks.  We watch television shows discussing who wore which outfit better, or who looked fabulous (or not) on the red carpet to some awards show.

We post cruel comments on social media and under blogs. Hiding behind a keyboard to be our most hateful, judgemental selves. 

Women gather and complain about their husbands. To talk about each other. Whisper across grocery carts, in school pick up lanes, and around corners in church corridors about what this one or that one wore/did/said.

We give others less than flattering labels. We focus on their short comings.  Point our their flaws.We build ourselves up, try to cover our insecurities - by tearing down others.

And then we wonder why our children bully. We can't tell them to "be nice" and then act the way we do.  Children learn by example. 

http://dailybiblememe.com/tag/1-thessalonians-511/

It's time to break the pattern!  I challenge you today to only be kind and encouraging.  Build someone up by complimenting them.  Sit on your hands or bite your tongue when you feel hurtful, negative, judgemental words rising up in you.  Refuse to take part in gossip about others.  Speak love.

Are you in?  If so, leave a comment letting me know!  



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Thursday, October 9, 2014

A Spirit of Gratitude: October 9

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

New crock pot recipes
Packing
Driving in the dark
Safe travels
Walking downtown
Arts and Crafts trail
Braving the Sky Lift


Dinner at roof top patio
Late afternoon nap
Ice cream
Picture for living room wall
Pretty new sweater
Lunch at The Diner
Dixie Stampede

Christmas Place
Breakfast at the Old Mill
Coming Home

Weekends away with the Man of the House
New closet organizer installed
Pre-birthday shopping
Knowing God's got it all under control
The Man of the House


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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Celebrating the Man of the House

Today is one of my favorite day's of the entire year.  It's the Man of the House's birthday. 
 
I've been searching my brain for a clever post idea to celebrate today.  Last year I did a post from the grand baby's point of view, and the year before I did 41 Reasons why I love him.   But this year, the clever just wasn't coming.

So, I decided to go with the sincere.  Here are a few things I want to celebrate about him on his birthday:


He's a great husband and father (and grandfather):  He works his behind off to support this family.  He leads with strength, encouragement, and kindness. He makes each of us feel valued, loved, and safe.  He is the glue that holds this family together.  And he puts up with me - trust me, that is saying a LOT. 


He's capable and talented:  Walk through our house with me, and I'll show you a million things he's replaced, repaired, or rebuilt!  There's rarely a need to call a handy man - I've got my handy man right here! 

He inspires me:  His work ethic.  His  kindness and compassion.  His self discipline.  His selflessness.  All things I admire and pray every day that our children have inherited from him.

He is my best friend:  He makes me laugh.  He encourages me to be more than I think I can, to do things that scare me, and to chase my dreams.  And he is there to comfort me when things don't go as I had hoped or when my feelings are hurt.  To help me along when things are tough.  To dry my tears when I cry.

He is the love of my life:  He is the biggest blessing in my life.  The best thing that ever happened to me.  I thank God everyday for letting me spend my life with him.

 Happy birthday puddin' pop! I love you!





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Sunday, October 5, 2014

The Song In My Heart: Keep Making Me



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Saturday, October 4, 2014

Saturday's Inspiration: Never Stop



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Friday, October 3, 2014

50 Things To Do When You're Bored

 Every find yourself being bored?  I mean really bored.  Nothing to do, no where to go, mind numbing boredom?  Or maybe just a little bored.  What's a person to do when there's nothing to do?  Well... I'll tell ya!!
photo credit: publicdomanpictures.net


  1. Read a book
  2. Learn a new craft
  3. Google "How to (insert name of new craft you want to learn here)"
  4. Finish one of those many work in progress DIY projects you have sitting around
  5. Binge watch something on Netflix
  6. Paint your toenails
  7. Pinterest!
  8. Take a walk
  9. Take a bath
  10. Braid your hair - experiment with one large braid and many tiny ones all over
  11. Do a puzzle
  12. Color
  13. Go for a drive - find a road you've never traveled before
  14. Crochet
  15. Knit
  16. Google "How to knit" or "How to crochet"
  17. Watch cartoons
  18. Organize your closet
  19. Organize a drawer
  20. Find 10 things you can giveaway/donate
  21. Google "trendy make up looks"
  22. Experiment with new make up looks
  23. Watch a documentary
  24. Organize your spices
  25. Words with Friends
  26. Rearrange your furniture
  27. Take a nap
  28. Read a magazine
  29. Organize your kitchen cabinets
  30. Clean your bathroom
  31. Floss your teeth
  32. Write a letter
  33. Or an email
  34. Play Sudoku
  35. Do a cross word puzzle
  36. Write a poem
  37. Write a story
  38. Write in your journal
  39. Start a journal
  40. Look at journals online (pinterest, amazon, etsy)
  41. Pray
  42. Day dream about your next vacation
  43. Day dream about your dream vacation
  44. Look up vacation destinations on the internet
  45. Start a "Dream Vacation" board on Pinterest
  46. Exercise 
  47. Make a list of reasons not to exercise
  48. Draw something (or just doodle something)
  49. Watch old cartoons from your youth
  50.  Make a list of 50 Things to do When You're Bored

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Thursday, October 2, 2014

A Spirit of Gratitude: October 2

I AM THANKFUL FOR:


Gravy made from scratch
Snuggles from the grand baby
Snuggles from the Man of the House
Planning for a weekend get away with the Man of the House
Staying up way too late
Awesome new White Chicken Chili recipe
The grand baby wearing his Halloween costume
Finding the Amish cheese we used to get in Ohio in our local grocery store
More and More Etsy orders!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
Queen B's Busy Work
The grand baby laughing and saying "That's funny!"
Getting a great deal on a new duvet cover and shams set
Moving furniture back into the bedroom
The "kids" going for a walk together
October

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

As I Have Love You

“A new command I give you: Love one another. 
As I have loved you, 
so you must love one another."
 ~ John 13:34



"Love one another" 
Jesus' words to His disciples.  "Love one another"  Seems simple enough, doesn't it? 

But He doesn't stop there.  Not just the basic "love one another" .  Nope... 

"As I have loved you, so you must love one another"

Whoa!!  Hold up there! 

Love others as Jesus loved?

Jesus... Fully God.  Fully man.  

Jesus...  Who gave up everything - His place in Heaven, His home.  His place of power at the right hand of God.  His very life!  Gave it all up out of love.

THAT's the kind of love to which we are called?  Those are some mighty big sandals to fill!

I dare say most of us aren't willing or able to love fully to that extent.

But if we tried... If each of us held that kind of love up as the example we worked to imitate.  

Imagine the difference it could make in the world if each of us at least made the attempt to love as Jesus loved.  
   
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