my cup runneth over

Goodbye...for now

2010-07-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2

If you're a regular reader to my blog, you know my posts have been very sporadic as of late. I'm not sure how to transition into something like this except to say after much thought and prayer in these last few weeks, I've come to the decision to suspend my blog. I say suspend because I'm not entirely sure I'll never be back. However, for now I'm certain it's the right choice.

"My Cup Runneth Over" represents a significant investment of my heart and God has clearly used it for much good in my life -- not the least of which has been connecting me with you. I've said before but it bears repeating here...I set out to create a place in Blogworld to share blessings and encourage others, but God turned that blessing around tenfold as YOU shared blessings and encouraged ME! Truly I can say this experience (and many of you) have changed my life in many wonderful ways.

So, why the departure? Well, speaking for me personally, blogging became too much of a good thing.  A few weeks back I realized (or perhaps finally listened to that still small voice that had been trying to tell me) blogging was taking too big a place in my life. It was crowding out other things...important things.

Interestingly enough, this realization came simultaneously (or perhaps because of) a season I currently find myself in. Beth Moore calls it "Further Still."  I can't think of any other (or any better) way to say it. She explains there are times God has us walk our faith journey shoulder to shoulder with other believers, but then there are times when he wants to take us to a place of "further still," where no one else can go with us. He and I have already started down this road and I can tell you, the closer I draw to Him, the more real and precious He becomes. I don't want to waste a moment of this journey, walking alongside the One who calls my name, so I'll humbly narrow my gaze toward Him and press forward to the place of further still.

And so, for now...this is Good-bye. Thank you for your kindness, friendship, encouragement and love. You will forever have a place in my heart. I pray God's sweetest and most abundant blessings for you.

Love,
Tracy

P.S. I'd welcome the opportunity to stay in contact via e-mail, should you so desire.  tcklensch@gmail.com

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart & Happy Father's Day, too!

2010-06-20T15:20:00.001-04:00

Since I can't seem to load any photos today, my words will have to suffice.

First, I'd like to wish a wonderful and special birthday to my Sweetheart. We celebrated with Brennan & Breezy when they were home late last month. It was a combination Birthday/Father's Day celebration and it was so very sweet. The kids bought dinner -- two different kinds of pizza...including Tom's favorite, Hawaiian, not to mention melt-in-your-mouth breadsticks. Add to that a delicious birthday cake with Graeter's Ice Cream (a regional favorite that is incredibly good -- Oprah Winfrey once said it was her all-time favorite!)

One of our favorite shows is "Scrubs." It happens to be one of Brennan & Breezy's too, so they own several seasons on DVD. They set up their laptop on the table so that we could watch (mini-drive-in style) as we enjoyed the pizza and dessert....wasn't that clever and thoughtful?

One of the nicknames Tom is best known for is "Daddio of the Patio." Brennan & Breezy found this great, sort of vintage-retro sign that says just that! They couldn't pass it up. That was one of their gifts! Breezy also made Tom an awesome plaque (similar in style to the one she made me for Mother's Day), except his is in browns, greens and a little black. She included a quote from "Oh the Places You will Go" from Dr. Suess.  It turned out so well! Hopefully, I'll be able to load photos of them later.

Since he shares his birthday with Father's Day, he and I had a special lunch yesterday to celebrate his birthday. It was a sweet time together.

Last night, I took my Dad (and Mom) out to dinner at Cracker Barrell for Father's Day.  We had so much fun, celebrating the blessings of this year as compared to last.  If you were reading my blog back then, you know my Dad fell from a scaffold just after Memorial Day, shattering both his heels and ankles. He spent weeks on bedrest with casts on both legs.  By Father's Day, he was still in a good bit of pain, and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the long road that lay ahead.  He does now walk with a cane. He still has pain and residual issues from the accident, but life is good. He is able to work part-time, drive and do a number of things he once enjoyed (he just moves a little slower). What a difference a year can make! I love him dearly and wish him a great and special day!

After church this morning, Tom opened his gifts from me and then we enjoyed a light lunch. He always prefers a low-key birthday celebration and I try my best to honor that.

In a short bit, we're heading to Tom's parents to celebrate Father's Day with his Dad, Bob. He is now 86 years old, so every year is an extra special blessing. We're looking forward to celebrating with him.

For Tom, my Dad, Clyde, my Father-in-law, Bob - may the remainder of this Father's Day be a special one. All three of you are dearly loved. If you're a Father, I extend these wishes to you, as well!

Once again, for Tom...Happy Birthday Sweetheart.  I love you.

For the Love of Quotes

2010-06-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

My son, Brennan shared this powerful quote on his Facebook:

"People do not drift toward Holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated." — D.A. Carson

Congratulations Brooke!!!

2010-06-04T18:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Graduation! We're so proud of you.
May God bless you in all your future plans!

...Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9

A Special Birthday Celebration!

2010-06-02T20:51:00.006-04:00

We recently celebrated my mother-in-law, Millie's 90th birthday! To her friends, her age has always been a closely guarded secret (we family members figured it out a couple of years ago). ; ) She called us back in February to say she and my father-in-law had booked a local banquet facility for a birthday celebration. She thought a brunch would be a fun way celebrate and at last, reveal her her age! We were especially happy to discover it fell during the time Brennan & Breezy would be home for vacation, too which was an added bonus! (By the way, special thanks to Breezy for sharing some of these photos!)

Pink was her color of choice for the party...

Isn't this a beautiful arrangement? It was a giveaway for one lucky guest.

The photo immediately behind Millie was her graduation portrait...the photo in the middle was a recent one of she and my father-in-law, the other photo is Millie at 4 years of age.

Aren't they adorable? My dear father-in-law not only wore a rose colored jacket, he wore a pink kerchief and even pink socks in honor of her special day!

They had a great crowd...many long-time friends...some dating back to when my husband and his sisters were children! (The woman immediately below with her husband was their babysitter and a dear and precious friend.)

I thought it was especially fitting that the daugther of Millie's long-time best friend, Annie won the flower arrangement. Kathy is a beautiful woman that seems to exude joy and kindness.

It was a beautiful celebration and It warmed my heart to see how many people love Millie!

A Hero's Salute

2010-05-30T13:47:00.001-04:00

As you celebrate Memorial Day with family and friends this weekend, please remember to honor those gave the ultimate sacrifice. My husband shared this video with me. It is a tribute to a fallen officer, Staff Sargeant John Beale, who died in the line of duty last year in Afghanistan. He was a 39-year-old veteran of Desert Storm who later joined the National Guard with a strong desire to return to military service in 2005. As a civilian, he worked for his local county water authority where he was also very involved in their youth programs. He left behind a wife and two children. This is his procession...spanning multiple communities. Truly, one of the most moving videos I've ever seen. In a time when true patriotism and support for our troops seems to be diminishing, the spirit of America demonstrated by these Georgia communities will touch your heart and restore your hope. To each and every one who gave their lives in the line of duty...thank you. May we never forget.

Craft Day!!!

2010-05-29T00:05:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday was soooooo much fun! It was Breezy, her Mom, Lisa and me, crafting and creating all.day.long! If you saw my last post, you know Lisa is quite creative. And if you saw this post, you know Breezy is very talented, too! The ideas that flow from this family...wow!

One of the things Breezy was looking forward to during this time of vacation was crafting...and let me tell you, crafting she has done! Holy cow, the girl is AMAZING!!! I wish I could show you everything she's made since she's been here! Some are gifts, so they need to be kept secret. = ) Still others are being kept under wraps for a different reason...you see, she's building an inventory. That's right! She's creating all sorts of charming products for her very own website! Really & truly! I think I'm almost as excited and anxious as she is! When everything is up and running, you can bet I'll pass along the particulars...you're in for a treat!

Want a tiny little sneak peak? She says I can show you what she made on Saturday...

A charming little bottle gift, two hair accessories, one vintage style pin..

She created the darling little owl on this tote bag by making a stencil from freezer paper!

Isn't that adorable!?

Although Lisa and I weren't cranking out scores of items like Breezy, we did get quite a bit accomplished on the projects we had undertaken. She was working on the scrapbook from the Breezy's bridal showers and the wedding.

She loves to incorporate memorabilia and vintage elements. Her pages are BEAUTIFUL!

As for me? I worked on a gift and though I can't show you the whole thing, I'll give you a little peek, too!

I'll share more about this later and maybe even do a tutorial. But for now? I'm sleepy and not thinking too clearly so I bid you good-night! Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Christmas in May...Elegant Feather Ornament

2010-05-25T22:59:00.001-04:00

Better late than never! (It's still the 25th for just a little while longer!) In keeping with my tradition, here is this month's ornament. This wonderful idea came from Breezy's Mom, Lisa! = ) It's easy, elegant and meaningful. (This was shared as the favor for their December Women's Prayer Breakfast.)

Take a glass ball ornament, fill it with a single white feather. (Lisa says these can be found by the bag at Hobby Lobby). Simply draw on sprigs and berries with white and silver markers (found at any craft store) and add a sheer ribbon for hanging.

Lisa wrote this beautiful poem which she typed onto a card with a pretty little angel. Simply punch a hole and thread it over the ribbon for gift-giving. (I haven't yet figured out how to make this an attachment to the blog post, but I do have it as a PDF file. If you'd like me to send it to you, simply e-mail me at tcklensch@gmail.com.)

Isn't that a great little ornament? Special thanks to Lisa for sharing such a wonderful idea!

Trip to SC, Graduation & Our Kids are Home!

2010-05-23T00:57:00.011-04:00

Greetings! Hope this finds you well. Just wanted to share a little about our trip to South Carolina and Brennan's Graduation.

Initially, we had only planned to go down early Tuesday for Graduation that evening and come home Wednesday. When we found out both Brennan & Breezy were in a play the weekend before, we felt we couldn't pass up the opportunity to head down early to catch the final performance on Saturday night. It was called Joseph of Aramathea. Brennan played John the Baptist and Breezy played Martha. It was wonderful and we enjoyed it so much!

On Sunday, we spent several hours with the kids, including lunch at their favorite local spot...a wonderful Mexican restaurant that was FANTASTIC! Let me just say it quickly became a favorite to us, too and I suspect we'll visit anytime we're in town. Everything was positively delicious! It started getting rainy and stormy as we headed back to the hotel. Tom and Brennan chatted and Breezy and I checked out all sorts of blogs...it was great!

On Monday, Brennan had some final exams and projects and Breezy was working, so Tom and I were on our own. It was unfortunately still very, very rainy in Greenville, meaning we couldn't do many of the things we would have normally enjoyed (we love their beautiful downtown area). Tom said, "let's head to the beach!" (You need to know Greenville, although in SC, couldn't be farther from the beach!) We went to Google to find the closest, which was Folly Beach, near Charleston, 3 1/2 hours away. Unfortunately, they had rain in their forecast that day, too. We checked other beaches, just in case, but all were expecting 70% rain and thunderstorms!

We decided to take our chances that we'd miss it and hit the road. After all, it was better than sitting in the hotel all day! About 2 1/2 hours into the trip, we hit some unbelievably hard rain. (So much for our chances!) It was so hard to see! Finally, it cleared up just before we arrived at Folly Beach. It was cloudy there, but not raining!

(photo courtesy of Google images)

We walked on the beach for a while, put our toes in the (very) cold water, and then decided to head over to Charleston, an an effort to beat the rain. The skies were getting darker by this time and it was sprinkling just as we arrived. We parked and started walking around town, then stopped for a late lunch at Five Guys Deli (there is one locally but we've never eaten there). It was terrific!

We both quickly noticed there were college kids everywhere! (There are a number of colleges/technical schools in and around Charleston.) As we were finishing lunch, the rain got heavier and this time accompanied by thunder & lightning! We decided the rest of our exploring was going to be better done from the car...i.e. no photos. (Sorry!) = ( We headed back to Greenville thinking we'll have to try visiting again sometime in better weather!

Tuesday was graduation day and at last, the sun returned! It turned into a beautiful day. We took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in a bit, had lunch at Panera, then headed to the school for graduation practice. Later, we enjoyed dinner with the kids and then we headed back to the school for the big event! Though Brennan's college is a small one, they went to great lengths to host a special, inspiring and wonderful ceremony.

Receiving his degree...

With faculty and other 2010 graduates, Rachel & Natalie

Thought this was such a sweet moment...Breezy is so proud of Brennan! (and so are we!)

And a kiss for his favorite girl!

Following the ceremony, there was a wonderful reception for the students, family and friends. Everyone enjoyed it so much. Finally, it was time to call it a day. We were making the trip home on Wednesday and wanted to get a good night's rest. Speaking of making the trip home, a certain couple followed us here! = ) They have several vacation days and they wanted to spend it with their families. (Hooray!) You can only imagine how much we're loving that! = )

The Potter & the Clay (originally published April '08)

2010-05-18T08:48:00.004-04:00

…We are the clay, and You our potter; and we are all the work of Your hand. ~ Isaiah 64:8

Have you ever watched a potter work? He takes a dense mass of clay and first pounds and shapes it into a ball. He then places it firmly in the center of the potter’s wheel and begins the slow process of shaping. Initially, the clay is quite rigid and unyielding, so he continuously uses water to keep it workable.

The potter’s job requires much patience. As the wheel spins, he continuously changes the position of his hands and fingers as he shapes the clay into what he wants it to be. More pressure here, a more delicate touch there, literally even squeezing in some places. He might even change the speed at which the wheel is turning.

Once the clay takes on its initial shape, he begins using tools that trim away excess and further refine it into the desired form. By now, the piece looks finished, but must be placed in the kiln and subjected to intense heat before it is fully strengthened and usable to its fullest potential.

I’ve been thinking about our message yesterday which brought this question…

“How are you responding to God’s attempts to mold and shape your life?"

More specifically…

Have you first offered yourself to Him for use?

Are you allowing Him to pound, press, apply pressure and even squeeze where needed?

Are you soaking in the water of his Word in order that you might remain workable?

Have you given Him the ability to trim away those excess things in your life keeping you from a closer walk with Him?

Are you willing to be subjected to intense heat so that in the end you’ll be fully strengthened and more perfected?

Or…

Are you resisting being used at all?

Are you fighting his attempts to pound, press, apply pressure and even squeeze where needed?

Have you neglected soaking in the water from God’s Word and in doing so, become resistant, rigid and unyielding to change?

Are you trying to avoid (or asking God to take away) painful situations, rather than endure the work of His refining tools?

Do you give up in the midst of intense heat, before ever realizing the full strength you could gain in Him through the process?

In the end, I don't want to be a vessel whose shape bears no resemblance to the Potter's design; one that represents defiance and resistance to His workings. Instead, I want my final shape to be that which He lovingly intended and purposefully created because I surrendered to His hands. More than anything...I want to be a creation He can look upon with great joy.

Lord, I want to be used by you. Help me to allow you full access to every part of me. Do what is needed to shape me into who you want me to be. Help me stay saturated in your Word so that my heart is tender and workable. Take away those things that keep me from a closer walk with you. When I find myself in the midst of extreme discomfort, Lord remind me those trials are from you, specifically designed for me, that I may become fully strengthened and perfected in you. May it be so Lord Jesus…

Lessons for Life (Through an Old Man at the Airport)

2010-05-16T19:51:00.002-04:00

Tom and I are spending a few days in South Carolina. Last night, we were privileged to see Brennan and Breezy, along with many of our "adopted" kids in an outstanding play on the life of Joseph of Aramathea. It was fantastic! We'll be remaining in town, taking a mini-vacation as we await Brennan's graduation on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, I'm repeating a former post or two...this one is an all-time favorite, shared first nearly two years ago.

For those of you familiar with Beth Moore, this is possibly a story you've heard before. Personally, this has been one of the most impacting illustrations on humility and obedience I have ever heard. I've read it countless times over the years and it never fails to challenge me. I know it is rather long, but I promise, well worth the read.

Taken from the book, Further Still by Beth Moore

At the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport...an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me.

All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man. I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh, no, God, please, no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane."

Then I heard it... "I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man."

Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."

I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?"

I repeated, "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that."

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?"

At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks.

Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? I thought...of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush."

"I have one in my bag," he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull.

A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees and said, "Sir, do you know Jesus?"

He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said, "You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride."

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and sadly, we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?"

I said, "Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!"

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way, all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Laugh Break

2010-05-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday! A friend sent this to me a while back and I absolutely loved it. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and take just a few moments to listen. Jeanne Robertson is a professional speaker and humorist. (Almost guaranteed to give you a few giggles!) = )

My Mother's Day Gifts... = )

2010-05-11T06:30:00.001-04:00

Just had to share with you my charming Mother's Day gifts from Breezy & Brennan. They were perfect! First...

I should tell you...I've always loved flowers in a Mason jar, but this was precious! I love the way that ribbon and button dress it up. She added that sweet mini clothespin and made the card attached with scrapbooking software. Isn't that a great idea!? = )

Then...this! I absolutely LOVE it! She stained the wood plaques and then Mod-Podged pink paper to the front which she distressed. She added a slight antique coloring to the photos and added a beautiful quote (chosen by Brennan), then embellished with ribbon and buttons. The photos she chose are some of my favorites. This is truly an absolute treasure!

I've always told you Breezy and her family were talented and creative. Over the years, I've seen her create some wonderful and very special gifts for Brennan. It was especially meaningful to receive something so special for my own! Apparently, her inspiration for both gifts came from things she has seen in blogworld. Yes, she too has been bitten by the blogging bug! (I love it!) She has been having lots of fun exploring & getting all sorts of ideas. = )

Oh and lest I forget! Here is the beautiful quote:

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving.

Hope you had a wonderful and special Mother's Day, too!

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-09T13:17:00.004-04:00

I was privileged to spend yesterday celebrating Mother's Day with my sweet Mom. We had such a great time! I'm beyond grateful He blessed me with a Mom that is tender, kind, caring, compassionate, fun, flexible, talented and so very easy to love. What a gift! I pray His most abundant blessings for her.

A little later, I'll be seeing my sweet boy and daughter-in-love...I absolutely cannot wait! It's my first Mother's Day with two kids! ; ) They've been in town this week, working with the college seminar team which has provided a few bonus visits (the greatest Mother's Day gift, ever!) What a treat it has been and how I love them so!

Tonight, we'll honor my mother-in-love, Millie. She too is a treasure to me and I truly thank God for her. At nearly 90 years of age, every Mother's Day we have together is a special gift.

In the quieter moments, I can't help but think of so many Mom's I know, in all walks and stages of life...

* those joyously celebrating their first Mother's Day and those whose babies are preparing leave the nest;
* those who now care for their aging Mothers as she once cared for them;

* those spending Mother's Day without their own dear Mom;

* those whose arms still ache to hold a baby of their own and those who were privileged to hold babies that have now returned to Heaven;

* those separated by distance and those separated by broken relationships;
* those who gave birth to babies that will be loved and nurtured by arms other than their own;

* those with a house full and those with just one....
I'm praying for you today.

A friend wrote this morning and I couldn't agree more...next to salvation and my husband, there has been no greater gift or privilege in my life than being a Mom. I truly can't thank Him enough.

Hope your day is special in every way! Savor every moment, every hand-picked flower, every hand-made card, every sticky kiss, every "I love you" They make the sweetest of memories as days go by.

And the Winner Is...

2010-05-07T12:30:00.003-04:00

Greetings friends!
Only have a quick minute. Just wanted to say Congratulations! to Judy of Just a Little Something for You! She won my drawing for Elaine Olsen's book, Peace for the Journey: In the Pleasure of His Company. I'm thrilled because both Judy & Elaine are among the dearest people in all of blogworld! I know she is in for such a treat with this book.

Speaking of such a treat...have you met Judy or visited Just a Little Something for You? She is a lovely, gracious and talented woman whose blog is a delightful mixture of family, creativity, inspiration, recipes and wonderful gift ideas. She's a tremendous encourager and a treasured friend. Please stop by and say Hello!

If you missed the drawing, but would like Elaine's book, visit Peace for the Journey.

A Very Special Day for Elaine of Peace for the Journey

2010-05-03T12:43:00.003-04:00

Two years ago, just a couple of weeks after my blogging journey began, I found my way to a very special place...Peace for the Journey. With the first post, Elaine had me. What a gift of expression! Just as quickly as I fell in love with her style of writing, I fell in love with her heart for God (both of which are extraordinary!) I've often said since then, the words that flow from her pen are truly anointed, and I mean that with all my heart! As the wife of a Pastor and devoted Mom to four, her real life provides the inspiration behind her posts. She weaves a story like few others but all the while, pointing you straight to the source, the one who unmistakeably owns her heart, the Giver of all Peace...Christ.

Well...I'm overjoyed to tell you...today she is celebrating the release of her book, Peace for the Journey: In the Pleasure of His Company. Can I just tell you... I cannot wait to get my copy! I've already thought of a friend or two I'd like to bless with one, as well. In fact, one of you will be blessed with a signed copy! Simply leave a comment anytime between now and Thursday at midnight (Eastern time). I'll draw and announce the winner on Friday.

If you'd rather not wait (or you want more than one copy), take a moment and watch the trailer below, then follow the link for ordering information.

http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/2010/05/peace-for-journey-in-pleasure-of-his.html

Back in the Day...

2010-05-01T20:26:00.001-04:00

Special thanks to my friend Looo (not a typo) for sharing! = )

Powerful Words from Beth Moore...

2010-04-28T12:00:00.009-04:00

I've been working through this personal reflection study for the last couple of months...in fact I'm only days away from finishing. It was a gift to me some time ago. (Thank you again, Elaine! I can't express to you how much I've loved this book!)

Even though I've taken Beth's Bible study, A Heart Like His (twice, in fact... about 10 years apart) this is a more personal, reflective journey, perfect for independent study time. I spend 15-30 minutes each morning, but most days the passage she shares or something she's written will resonate for hours (and sometimes days) beyond my study time. As she takes you through the life of David, she asks you to examine various personal issues, struggles, motives, sins, etc. and then invites you to journal a prayer at the close of each day.

Several days ago, she shared a chapter on Extremes. She explained that much of David's life was characterized in that way. She related that was so often true of her life's journey as well. She wrote and shared this beautiful prayer. I can't seem to stop thinking about it, and praying it on my own behalf. Perhaps you will find it so meaningful, as well.

Satisfy me not with the lesser of You
Find me no solace in shadows of the true
No ordinary measure of extraordinary means
The depth, the length, and breadth of You
and nothing in between.

Etch these words upon my heart knowing all the while
No ordinary roadblocks plague extraordinary miles
Your power as my portion, Your glory as my fare
Take me to extremities, but meet me fully there.

Christmas in April...Handprint Snowmen!

2010-04-25T14:00:00.005-04:00

If you're a regular reader, you know I feature a Christmas ornament idea on the 25th of every month. I know, I know...it looks a bit strange to see "Christmas" in April. My goal however, is to help you prepare in small ways all throughout the year, so that when the season arrives, you'll have some breathing room admidst the chaos. If you're one who cannot bring themselves to think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving, that's fine too. By then, there will be quite an archive of ideas for you to choose from!

I'm especially excited about this month's ornament. It's one of the cutest I have ever seen! I found it originally at Confessions of a Homeschooler, and saw other versions at Home Grown Hearts and My Family My Forever, as well. I already had all the necessary materials...well, almost everything, that is. The one thing I needed most were some tiny hands! As I began to think of who I might recruit to help, a light bulb went off!

Meet my friend Stephanie and her adorable kids Rheya and Zander.

She and I work together at the law firm. She is a computer whiz and absolute sweetheart. We became Facebook buddies a while back, and I soon discovered she was also a busy and very devoted wife and Mom. Her love for her family just beams and she loves doing things with them. I wondered if she might like to make these ornaments with her kids, and guess what? She was all for it! I gave her the materials and printed the tutorial found at Confessions of a Homeschooler, and she took it from there. With two of her three kids, they created these...

Rheya's...

...can't forget her little thumb snowman...

Then Zander's...

and his thumb snowman...

Aren't they ADORABLE!?!? Those sweet and priceless handprints get me every time! This is truly one of the sweetest ornaments, ever! Can you imagine what a terrific gift this would be a for Grandparent?! Add some filler inside (snow, tinsel, paper shred, cotton batting, etc.) and you're good to go!

There is even a poem you can print and attach to your ornament:

These aren't just five snowmen

As anyone can see.

I made them with my hand

Which is a part of me.

Now each year when you trim the tree

You'll look back and recall

Christmas of 2010

When my hand was just this small!

I got even more excited that in the process of all this, I learned Stephanie had always wanted to start a blog. Well? Now she has! Please stop by her place, Adventures in Mommyland 101 and give her a warm welcome to blogworld.

Could You Use Some Encouragement Today?

2010-04-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

If you have a few moments to spare, take a look at this video. My high-school aged nephew shared it with me. He recently saw it at Youth Camp. It's an awesome, moving message, and one that will encourage you today. Blessings friends. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Tulips!!

2010-04-18T09:00:00.002-04:00

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! I worked in the yard for hours yesterday, weeding, cleaning up mulch beds, trimming, etc. Needless to say, the muscles are feeling it, but that's alright. The Lord couldn't have given a more perfect day for that kind of work...not a cloud in the sky, cool and breezy -- it was glorious! He and I had a great day together. Don't you find times like that wonderful for thinking, praying, listening and reflecting?

I had taken these photos last Saturday, as I knew the tulips wouldn't last much longer. I have had so much fun with them...from the anticipation of watching for the first one to pop through the soil, to the excitement the day I noticed not one, but 20-something of them! I began calling them "my babies." Every day I walked down our sidewalk, or pulled the car into the garage, I'd look at them growing and it never failed to make me smile. I'd often say, "grow babies, grow!" My hubby even started saying..."Did you see your babies, today?" How incredibly beautiful and perfect that they began blooming on Easter Sunday. I have enjoyed their brilliant color and beauty every day since then.

Flowers have always fascinated me. Such a beautiful reward for the hopeful heart who plants a seed and shows some love. That is to say nothing, of course, of their incredible display of God's creativity.

April Gifts

Your dawn of sunshine does impart
The warmth of spring upon my heart.
Forsythia sprays its radiant hue
Against your sky of cloudless blue.
Rows of tulips on the lawn
Sparkle as they stretch and yawn.

And as we mark the moving hours,

Clouds roll in with sudden showers.
But not with sky too dark to be
Without some hope for all to see
At the very end of day
The sun peek through to leave its rays.

O April day, you seem to know

How to coax the flowers to grow.
Your sun and moisture in good measure
Give another spring to treasure.

~ Elaine B. Porter

(from Ideals Magazine)

Happy Birthday Brooke!!!

2010-04-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

Today, I want to wish a very special birthday to my oldest niece, Brooke. It's a big one -- the big 18!!

She's a very busy high school senior, working hard to "finish well." For several years now, her plan has been to pursue a pre-law degree, and then attend law school. She's always been extremely smart...never once below a 4.0 average, in her entire life! Her discipline and desire to do her best (even from a very young age) is second to none.

Brooke is the oldest of my sister and brother-in-law's five children, so you can imagine what an enormous help she is (and always has been). Her siblings couldn't ask for a better "big sister" and they know it. She and my sister have always been extra close.

In addition, she shares a very special relationship with her Grandparents (my parents)...especially her Grandpa. Last year, when asked to write about her "hero," she wrote about him. She has a great heart for God and is a definite bright spot in our family! Not only that, she is an absolute blast to be around. (Family gatherings are always made more fun by her hilarious and crazy antics, not to mention her contagious laugh!)

Brookie, (have to take advantage as I know I won't be able to call you this much longer...) We love you dearly and we're so proud of you!!! Thank you for all the joy and happiness you bring into our lives (and others, too!) We wish you a very joyous birthday, filled with every blessing you desire! XOXO

Lessons from a Tandem & a Precious Old Friend

2010-04-09T22:21:00.008-04:00

Have you ever ridden a tandem (or two-seater) bike? Believer it or not, I spent a good bit of time riding one in my young life, but hadn't thought about that for quite some time.  Not long ago, I happened to hear Chuck Swindoll share a story that captivated my attention and brought memories flooding back to my mind.  It's called "A Bike Ride with God" and its original author is unknown.

     #     #     #

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like the president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable ... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, and it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal." I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we're off again. He said, "Give the gifts away, they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him at first, to be in control of my life, I thought He would wreck it; But He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He smiles and says ... "Pedal."

#     #     #

This is a powerful lesson for anyone, don't you think? Let me tell you why I found it especially meaningful.

My childhood best friend, Danny had a sister who was blind. Diana absolutely loved adventure of any kind. One of the things she had always dreamed of was riding bikes with Danny. Around the time he and I were in middle school, their parents found and purchased a tandem bike. She could not wait to take a ride, so the moment it was unloaded from their station wagon, they were off.  Soon they returned and asked me to join them -- this time Danny on his bike, Diana and I on the tandem. We had an absolute blast! Diana, who was about 20 years old by this time, was in her element.  She'd say "Let's pedal faster!" and we would. (In fact, we often went faster than I thought that bike could go! )

Our neighborhood had a few twists and hills, which she especially loved -- the more adventurous the ride, the better.  I remember glancing back at her once as we were flying down one of those hills.  She was squealing with delight, positively beaming with her feet sticking straight out to either side. It was pure, complete, unbridled joy. One of those moments forever etched in my heart.

As you can imagine, I couldn't help but think of Diana and re-live those memories as I heard the story, but its significance doesn't stop there.

It occurred to me that all my years of riding the tandem found me in the front position. Diana, whose blindness prevented her from ever being the one who steered or controlled the bike, was always so very happy and eager to simply pedal and enjoy.  She never once appeared to give thought to wanting to be the one in control, nor did she ever seem fearful of her safety.  Instead, she embraced the ride wherever it lead, with great joy, passion and complete trust.

Something else that will delight you about Diana? She sought her relationship with the Lord the very same way. I met her when I was 5 years old, and my earliest and most recurrent memory is her sitting on their front porch, reading one of many volumes of her Braille Bible, grinning from ear to ear. If you asked her what she was reading...she'd say "the Bible...the greatest story ever told!"

As you can imagine, she had quite an impact on my life...an eternal one, in fact.  You see it was Diana, who (with great joy) lead me to the Lord.

Dear Father, thank you for reminding me of Diana's exuberant faith -- joyful, passionate, humble and completely trusting in You and Your will. I'm so grateful for her influence in my life. She truly made knowing You irresistible. How I long to live that way!   May it be so...

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T14:00:00.000-04:00

It is my hope and prayer that more than anything else, today finds you rejoicing in the hope we have in Christ, through His unspeakable sacrifice for all, and triumph over the grave...He Lives!!!

Wonderful Easter Object Lessons for Children

2010-03-31T20:37:00.006-04:00

Many of you have heard of Resurrection Cookies. If you were reading the blog last year, you may remember I shared the recipe and instructions on how to use them as you share The Easter Story.

Well, earlier this week, while visiting my friend, Jennifer of the wonderful blog, Smelling Coffee, I learned of yet another special object lesson. Resurrection Rolls! A fascinating illustration of the empty tomb. Please take a moment and visit to learn about this very creative idea.

Maybe you have older children. You will want to check out Jennifer's post today, sharing a wonderful devotional idea for your older children or teens.

One last thing, she shared the Jelly Bean Prayer.

Using her post, I typed up the prayer, attached it to small cellophane bags of jelly beans and gave them to my Bible study girls today (Sorry...I forgot to take a photo before distributing them!) They absolutely loved them and some planned to make them with their grandchildren.

I created the color coded prayer card on Microsoft Word, but I'm unsure how to link it to my blog. I would be happy to send it to you via e-mail...just leave your e-mail address in a comment.

Special thanks to Jennifer for such wonderful and creative ideas to illustrate The Easter Story!

Long Overdue Thanks

2010-03-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

With all the recent talk on my blog about giveaways, I realized I have two very long overdue Thanks to share.

Last month, I won two different giveaways just a couple of days apart! First, a wonderful vinyl wall phrase that reads "Every Day is a Gift" from As Time Goes By, a blog written by sisters Victoria & Christina. I've wanted one of these for over a year, so you can imagine how happy I was to have won! I'm still trying to decide exactly where I plan to place it (and since the whole house is due for a fresh painting...it will have to wait a little longer to actually go up on the wall!) Thank you so much Victoria & Christina!

If you enjoy thrifting/repurposing/decorating & photography (not to mention meeting really sweet ladies!), pay them a visit. Bet you'll like it, too!

A couple of days later, I was visiting TidyMom, a really fun blog devoted to baking, creating, mothering and yes, tidiness. She was sharing a wonderful cherry dessert that was made in a heart-shaped pan. At the end of her post, she mentioned that she was giving away several Wilton Heart-Shaped Pans. I entered and lo and behold, I won there as well! Thanks so much TidyMom!

My initial plan was to make her dessert (or something similar) while using the pan. I assumed I could share my thanks AND a recipe, too! Well...let's just say what resulted could only be described as an "epic failure." (I really wish I would have taken a photo! You would have gotten quite a kick out of it.) For now, this photo I took before the baking fiasco will have to do. = )

Thanks again for two wonderful blessings and my apologies for such latecoming thanks!! = )

Happy Birthday Jordyn & Josh!!!

2010-03-26T12:30:00.001-04:00

Believe it or not, these two, (my niece and nephew Josh & Jordyn), are twins! Today, they are 12 years old! I absolutely cannot believe it. They are very busy and talented middle school students...Josh is an awesome cross-country runner and Jordyn is fierce on the basketball court. Among a host of other talents and activities, both are honor roll students and members of National Junior Honor Society. They are as different as night and day, yet both GREAT kids who are lots of fun.

Josh & Jordyn, I love you dearly and wish you a wonderful and very special birthday! Looking forward to celebrating with you next weekend!!!

Christmas in March...Mittens!

2010-03-26T01:30:00.007-04:00

Greetings friends! In my efforts to help you prepare for Christmas all year long, here is this month's ornament (just a shade late...usually the 25th of each month). Not too long ago, I found a WONDERFUL site, "Childmade...an Idea Place." I found scores of great ideas...one of which I chose to do for this month's ornament selection...(hold onto your hats...these are ADORABLE!)

http://childmadetutorials.blogspot.com/2010/01/mini-mittens.html

Normally, I show you step-by-step instructions, but her tutorial in this link is sooooo well done, I'm going to instead suggest you follow her instructions. That's exactly what I did and I had no trouble whatsoever (although mine are nowhere near as darling as hers!) You can make them in sets...

or make them in singles...

I'm just getting started, but I've discovered these are so much fun to make! As you can see from the examples in her tutorial, the possibilities for decorating the mittens are endless! Not only that, you can make a set for Christmas, and then another set to keep up all winter long! Have fun & let me know if you give them a try.

Happy Birthday Marcia!

2010-03-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

Someone very near and dear to my heart is celebrating a birthday today...my sister, Marcia ("Mar-see-uh"). Next to Tom, she is my closest friend...I've adored her since the very day my parents brought her home from the hospital.

Of her many gifts, I'd like to tell you a little about her heart for serving others. She is one of the most thoughtful, caring souls I've ever known. She's a hairdresser by occupation and just the other day, I called and asked what she was doing. She said, "Buying flowers." I said..."Sounds fun, what's the occassion?" She said, "I've got a client coming in, an older woman...and today is her birthday. I thought it would be fun to surprise her." So very sweet, yet this is the kind of thing she does all the time! She is constantly looking for ways to bless others.

So many times, I myself have been a recipient of her kindness. A while back, I had a nasty case of tonsilitis. The antibiotic they had given me wasn't working, so they called in something stronger. I felt absolutely horrible, but I was going to need to go out to pick up the new medication if I wanted to feel better. Well, she insisted on picking it up. When she returned, she had not only my medication, but a two kinds of soup from Panera and a slush puppie! (Did I mention this was two weeks before Christmas? And she has 5 kids?)

Last summer, when my Dad was hurt, she was positively tireless in her efforts to help both he and Mom with things that needed to be done, but always going a step farther to show an added measure of kindness, grace and thoughtfulness, too.

She absolutely adores her husband and kids, and as you can imagine, they adore her right back. Any given day finds her running in a million directions, tending to the their needs, cheering them on, giving love, support, encouragement oh, and laughter...always lots of laughter, too. She wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.

Happy Birthday Marce! I love you so much & thank God that He made us sisters! Hope you enjoy your day...looking forward to seeing you tonight! ((Hugs!))

Happy Spring!!!

2010-03-20T10:20:00.005-04:00

Greetings sweet friends! Are you as happy as I am that Spring (at last) has officially arrived!? While God truly speaks into every season a beauty all its own, for me personally, that is especially true of Spring. There is something so powerfully encouraging about seeing new life spring up from places that gave no indication of its presence just a short time ago. (Could there be a more perfect season for Easter?) I think Spring mirrors many of us as believers. In our Winter season, God is quietly, almost imperceptibly at work within us, yet because we feel no difference, or see no change in outward circumstances, we often find ourselves lulled into discouragement and defeat. Then, very slowly, God begins to reveal in our Spring the beauty He's been cultivating all along.

In a great post by a friend earlier this week, I was reminded of several of my favorite verses that speak to this very thing. I especially love this one...

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!”
~ Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Maybe you've been walking through an especially long Winter season. Will you trust that God has been imperceptibly at work within you? Will you reach out and take His hand today and ask Him to reveal to you a glimpse of your Spring?

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:15-17

* * * * * *

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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. ~ Isaiah 40:30-31

* * * * * *

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

~ Isaiah 43:18-19

He's at work dear friends, in each of us who know Him. May you find a quiet time and place today to think on that truth. This song shares it beautifully & powerfully...may it encourage you this day.

And the winner is...(drumroll, please)

2010-03-18T06:10:00.002-04:00

Karen of Hallelujah Anyhow!

It's been several months since I first "met" Karen here in blogworld. A wife, Mom & Grandma who loves the Lord, she is a kind & wonderful encourager. Please stop by her lovely blog and say Hello! Once again...Congratulations Karen!!! No doubt you'll have fun with that panini press!

I know it may sound cheesy, but it's true...I really wish I could have given a prize to all of you! Thank you so much for celebrating my blog birthday with me. You really helped to make it an extra special celebration!

May your day be blessed...

Tracy

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T07:00:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard of Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer? I admit I had not until two years ago when friends of ours (who were missionaries in Ireland at the time) shared it. I found the portion quoted above to be especially meaningful. Why is this known as his Breastplate Prayer? Because it was Saint Patrick's prayer seeking God's protection over his life...adversaries that were both seen and unseen. To read the prayer in its entirety, click here.

I can't read Saint Patrick's prayer without thinking of what God says about "putting on the whole armour of God" in Ephesians 6:10-19:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Though many things have changed since the writing of both Ephesians and Saint Patrick's Prayer, their relevance is not lost in today's world. Why not adopt his as your prayer today?

Blessings to you all...
Tracy

P.S. Remember, my giveaway continues up until midnight (Eastern time) tonight. If you haven't entered today, please stop by.

The Finale! Blog Birthday Giveaway from CSN!

2010-03-11T18:00:00.001-05:00

As I was planning the final gift for my blog birthday giveaway, I was contacted by CSN Stores about an opportunity to choose one of their products to give to one of you! (What perfect timing!) I thought, "This will be sooooo much fun!" Just moments after clicking on their link I realized I might be in for a challenge! I was stunned to learn CSN is home to over 200 online stores! Truly a one-stop-shop! Whether you need bar stools, home decor, housewares, toys, even furniture and mailboxes, they're the place to go! That being said, I was so overwhelmed by choices, I couldn't possibly narrow it down to one item. I asked nicely and the kind folks at csn have agreed to let me share several items from which you can choose your prize. (whew!)

Bearing in mind what I know about many of you, my dear readers, I headed toward housewares and made the following choices... (hoping I chose wisely):

Le Creuset Stoneware 10.5" x 7" Baking Dish with FREE 7" x 5" Bonus Dish

Your choice of colors: Carribean (shown), Dijon, Kiwi, Cobalt, Black Onyx, Cherry, or White

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10" and 12" Omelet Combo Set

Pfaltzgraff Providence Pedestal Server

Calaphon Contemporary Nonstick Panini Pan Press

Demeyere Resto 134oz Water Kettle

Simply click on the links below each photo to read specifics about each product.

This giveaway will run through next Wednesday (3/17) at midnight (Eastern time). Winner will be announced on Thursday (3/18)! You can enter once each day between now and then. Simply leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and which product you'd prefer. You may also gain one extra entry by sharing this on your blog and commenting with a link to your site. I wish all of you could win, but alas only one will be chosen. Hoping it's YOU! = )

Congratulations & Blog Birthday Giveaway #4...

2010-03-11T01:00:00.007-05:00

Greetings friends! Once again...Congratulations are in order! This time to...

Melissa Jo of MJP Photography and Melissa Jo's Recipes. She is the keeper of two very artful & creative blogs! I really enjoy her photography at MJP....if you're a fan of photography, you will too! Is cooking more your style? Then stop by and check out all she has to offer at her recipe blog! In any case...please do stop by and say Hello & Congrats!

Thank you so much for your comments! Some really good ideas for blessing others. = ) Thanks to all of you for always blessing ME, too!

I've been saving the best for last! I'll be posting about the final Giveaway later today (Thursday). (You won't want to miss it!)

Congratulations & Blog Birthday Giveaway #3!

2010-03-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to say the winner of Giveaway # 2 is...

Kristin of Fresh Water Words!

Unlike many of my blog buddies, I have the distinct privilege of knowing Kristin in "real life!" = ) In fact, I've known her for many years...probably back to her elementary days when they moved to our area. Later, she was in my middle school small group. That's when I really got to know her best. She is among Brennan & Breezy's closest friends and in fact, can be seen in their wedding photos! She is a lovely and very talented young woman, currently pursuing a degree in photography. She's done some really exciting and wonderful things in addition to photography, from working with Compassion Internation, designing graphic artwork for various organizations and even creating web sites, working closely with people like Bethany Dillon! Pretty impressive for a 20-year-old! The best part? She's one of the most humble souls I've ever met. Once again...Congrats Kristin! = ) Please take a moment and stop by her blog.

Now...onto the next giveaway!

A beautiful assortment of 24 all occassion notecards. Birthday, thank you, sympathy, and "just because." These are especially decorative, charming little cards, perfect to keep "on hand."

AND

A wonderful candle by Bridgewater Candle Company called "White Cotton." Reminds me of freshly laundered clothing fresh from the clothesline...a perfect fragrance for spring & summer!

Are you like me, do you just love going to your mailbox finding an unexpected card or letter from a friend? Don't get me wrong, I love technology and use e-mail and e-cards regularly, but I still love to both send and receive paper cards...especially when they're unexpected. = ) Taking just a few moments to send a card could make such a difference in someone's day. (If you've been blessed in this way, I suspect you know just what I mean.) We're even told in Scripture, "encourage one another daily, while it is still today." Hebrews 3:13. Won't you join me in looking for an opportunity to bless someone unexpectedly?

Leave a comment sharing something kind or encouraging someone has done for you, or something you plan to do (or have done in the past) for someone else. In doing so, you might give the rest of us some really good ideas! I read last year about a woman who decided to bless the person behind her at Starbucks by paying for their coffee at the drive-up window. That person continued the blessing, as did the next one and the next one. It carried on for over an hour! Can you imagine!? Let's go forth and bless someone today!

Giveaway will remain open until midnight (Eastern Time) Wednesday (3/10). Winner will be drawn then and announced on Thursday morning! Here's hoping you win! = )

Congratulations & Blog Birthday Giveaway #2!

2010-03-06T11:45:00.034-05:00

First things first...

Congratulations to Heidi of Everyday Cookies!!!

She was the winner of Giveaway #1...the women's devotional book and the ESV Bible with the celtic cross. I only recently discovered her charming blog and I was so glad! She is a wonderfully talented, creative, and Godly woman. Please stop by and say Hello. She shared her favorite verse, Proverbs 31:25: "Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." Heidi takes this verse to heart by "always facing tomorrow with a smile." Now that's a woman I want to know better! = )

Now, onto Giveaway #2!

A beautiful 4 x 6 frame from Mason Lane. It's very substantial with lots of lovely detailing. (It's crisp white, but could easily be accented with glaze should you so choose.)

AND

A new 8GB memory card!

How do you enter? Leave a comment sharing either your favorite photo subject OR tell me about your personal favorite photo. Giveaway will remain open until midnight Monday (3/8). Winner will be announced on Tuesday morning!

Have a great weekend! = )

2 Years Ago Today...

2010-03-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

...I ventured into a whole new world...blog world! It's been quite an adventure to say the very least. Life-changing is more like it. To this day, it staggers my imagination the paths I've been privileged to cross since that time. While I believe God gave me the nudge to start "my cup runneth over" as a means for sharing joy and encouragement with others, He constantly turns that around and blesses me, too!

Beyond countless things practical, there are other things I've learned through the course of my blog journey thus far:

* Friends I've never met face-to-face can occupy a huge place in my heart!

* Some of the sweetest encouragers and most faithful prayer warriors I've ever known can be found here.

* When something wonderful happens in my life, be it big or small, blog friends find great joy in celebrating with me.

* I am privileged to know some extraordinarily gifted writers.

* My walk with Christ is much stronger and deeper than it was two years ago, due in part to journeying alongside some amazing women of faith here.

* My life is unbelievably, unquestionably, undeservedly blessed.

Among the blogs I regularly read,

* some are devotional and reflective and challenge my faith;

* some give ideas for showing kindness & encouraging others;

* some celebrate and savor life's everyday blessings;

* some demonstrate how to create a more loving & welcoming home;

* some flow with creative ideas for crafting;

* some pass along hints for cutting costs and saving money;

* some serve up tried and true recipes;

* some share their glimpses of life thorugh a camera lens;

There are also a few that seem to cover many, if not all these areas, which is where I like to think of mine. On any given day, you could see a post on any number of these topics. Yet whether I'm sharing my favorite new recipe, a thrifty idea or a something I've learned studying the Word, it truly remains my hope that the joy of the Lord is demonsrated in everything I share.

Now...let's celebrate! I have put together a number of giveaways for the next week. I'm so excited because I think (humbly, of course) they are really good! They also cover of variety of different interests, so if one doesn't strike your fancy, perhaps another will!

First up...

100 Days of Grace - a beautiful devotional book for women and a compact sized, ESV Bible embellished with a beautiful Celtic cross. It's the perfect size for carrying in your purse!

To enter, leave a comment sharing with me your favorite scripture. I'll take comments through midnight (Eastern time) tomorrow, Friday (3/05). Winner will be announced on Saturday morning with the posting of the next giveaway! Here's hoping you win! = )

Our Favorite Soup...Chicken & Wild Rice

2010-02-27T02:03:00.002-05:00

Ready for another family favorite? This one is a keeper! As far as soups go, this is our absolute top choice...we love it! And guess what? It's surprisingly easy to prepare. (Yay!) This was given to me by my friend, Cindy several years ago. We were speaking about it recently and she mentioned it was said to be a recipe from The White House (yes, that White House)...no wonder it's sooo good! ; )

You will need:

1 medium onion, chopped

10 oz mushrooms (sliced)

1 clove of garlic (minced)

6 Tablespoons Butter (For the last batch, we used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter instead)

6 oz wild rice (cooked)

1/2 cup flour

6 cans chicken broth (we use 4 cans and add more if necessary)

2 cups Half & Half (we use fat free)

1/2 pound Velveeta cheese (we use 2%) (cubed)

1 pound chicken (cooked and cut into bite sized pieces)

1/2 cup white cooking wine

(Substituting I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Fat Free Half & Half and 2 % Velveeta barely altered the taste, but did make the broth thinner than the original version.)

Prepare rice according to package instructions. In a separate skillet, saute onions, mushrooms and garlic in butter or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter until onions are tender and semi-clear.

Add flour and toss quickly until most everything is coated.

Immediately pour in one can of the chicken broth, stir in to combine. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occassionally.

After 15 minutes, add remainder of broth, chicken, rice, cheese & wine, stir to combine.

Transfer to a deep pot. Add 1-2 more cans of broth if you'd like. Cook for 10 more minutes. Lastly, add the half & half. Stir to combine well and remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!

If you'd like to see more recipes, stop by Colleen's Weekly Recipe Exchange at And Baby Makes Five.

Christmas in February...Clay Pot Snowman!

2010-02-25T13:15:00.007-05:00

You will remember, I promised to post a Christmas ornament idea every month on the 25th. With just a little pre-planning throughout the year, think how well prepared you can be for Christmas! This month's ornament...a snowman!

Start with a tiny clay pot. There was no size increment on the package, but I can tell you it was similar in size to a medication cup. You will also need: acrylic paint (white and other colors of your choosing), ribbon or thread for hanging, small scraps of fleece or felt, tiny pom-poms (optional), needle and thread, tiny rubber bands and glitter or Epsom Salt (optional).

Start by painting your clay pot white. It took two coats. Take a felt or fleece scrap approximately 3 x 6 inches in size (it needs to be large enough to wrap around your clay pot toward the top (actually the bottom) with room for stitching. There will be lots of excess over the top of the clay pot.

(Sorry for the change in colors...) Fold your fabric in half and stitch along the short side as shown.

Trim the excess close to the seam and turn inside out. It should look like this. Set aside.

Back to your clay pot. Paint the rim as desired (this is the scarf of the snowman). Once dry, you'll want to prepare it for hanging. You'll need approximately 7" of ribbon. Fold in half as shown and feed the ribbon through the bottom hole. I used a washer to keep it from going through. It just occurred to me you could use a little jingle bell...how cute would that be?

Place your clay pot face down with the ribbon through the top. (Don't worry that your washer is resting on the table.)

Slide your felt or fleece tube over the ribbon onto your clay pot. Fold up the lower edge and rubber-band or tie tightly the upper-most portion of the tube. Pull up on your hanging ribbon. It should now be secure. Take a sharp pair of scissors and trim little notches in the gathered felt on top as shown.

I used pom-poms for the nose (you could also use paint or tiny buttons or beads). Paint the eyes and mouth (or use a fine point Sharpie).

Decide one of your snowmen looks like he could use some ear muffs (larger pom-pom, cut in half) = )

If you choose to glitter or cover your snowman with "snow" (Epsom salt), you'll want to do so before adhering the pom-poms (or you'll need to take them off and move the hats slightly off the clay pot before coating with glue). Sprinkle with snow or glitter. Replace hat & pom-poms. Enjoy!

(This would also make a fun tie-on to a Christmas gift!)

Want to see more crafty, creative ideas?

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2010-02-23T12:38:00.004-05:00

Only One Mother

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
But only one mother the wide world over.

~George Cooper

I love you Mom! How I thank God that in all the world, he choose you for mine. What an amazing gift. I wish you a wonderful and special birthday! Can't wait to celebrate with you! XOXOXO

Valentine's Weekend

2010-02-20T12:02:00.009-05:00

First, I want to thank you for your kind words and prayers for the families in Thursday's post.  I can't tell you how much that means to me. This post was in the works at that time, but had been set aside.

Are you digging out of snow where you are? We've had record-breaking snowfalls this month and currently have about 7 inches on the ground. (I am sooo looking forward to Spring!) Between two large snowfalls, we had a several cold but clear days.  We had tossed around the idea of traveling south to see the kids, but hadn't finalized our plans until we knew what kind of weather was in store.  (Normally, we would wait to visit until it wasn't questionable, but there were performances at the college that we really wanted to see.)

Thursday night, we decided it was a go and got packed. I had taken Friday off, so we hit the road in the morning, hopeful we had left the snow behind (for a few days anyway). Would you believe, 6 hours into the trip (two hours outside of Greenville) it started to SNOW!!! By the time we arrived, there were about 3 inches on the ground! A very rare occurence there.

We arrived in just enough time to get checked into the hotel, change our clothes and head to the college.  We saw Bren & Breezy just moments after walking through the door. It was great to see them!! We hugged and chatted for a few moments with them (and some of our "adopted" kids) and then settled in to enjoy some pre-show entertainment, planned especially in honor of Valentine's weekend. Then, it was onto the plays -- two of them, back to back with an intermission in between.  The Miracle Worker (the story of Ann Sullivan, teacher to Helen Keller) by William Gibson and The Last Leaf written by O Henry. Each was only about an hour in length, yet both were very moving (we were in tears on more than one occassion) and beautifully performed.

Chatting with many of the cast members afterward. I was definitely swooning over their wardrobe! Hard to believe the old man on the far right is only 21 years old! ; )

Don't they look great!?

My two favorite guys in all the world! I wish you could have seen the makeup on stage. Very effective and Brennan portrayed his character extremely well!

Love this photo. When Breezy's Mom saw this, she started singing "When I'm 64!" ; )

Peter & Jaimie (they too are newlyweds!)

After the performance we spent a little time with the kids, then called it a night. (All those hours travelling were catching up!)

On Saturday, the performances were matinee which was wonderful because it allowed for much more time with the kids. = ) It was really great to see each of the plays again. I think Saturday's performances were even better than Friday's (and they were awesome to begin with!)

When everything wrapped up, it was still early evening, so we had lots of time to "catch up" with Bren & Breezy during dinner.  (Yay!!!) Afterward, they came to our hotel. We had the best time! We had a couple of Valentine gifts for them and I made some Valentine cookies so we just snacked and chatted for at least a couple of hours (maybe more). It was bliss! = ) When we all started to get sleepy, they headed home and we made plans to meet for a quick breakfast on Sunday morning before we headed home.

Sunday morning, we checked the weather forecast and learned they were predicting more snow back home beginning late that night and we wanted to get home well before that started. We met the kids at McDonald's, shared a quick breakfast (so happy to get to see and hug them one more time!) and then were on our way. Tom and I had decided this trip was our Valentine's gift to one another (and one that would be hard to top!)  The kids are hoping to come home sometime in March. If not, they'll be home for spring break in April. Either way...we cannot wait!  = )

Joys & Sorrows

2010-02-18T05:49:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how to start a post like this...except to say I can't ever remember a time when my heart was so strangely divided between joy and sorrow.

Extraordinary joy for a dear couple who are currently half-way around the world, preparing to bring their long-awaited baby girl to her new home on American soil. Extraordinary sorrow for another as they try to say goodbye to their daughter who was unexpectedly welcomed to her eternal home in Heaven this week.

# # # # # # #

We met Craig and Celeste as young newlyweds back in the mid 90's. We were part of the same Bible study. Both are elementary school teachers, each of which taught Brennan. Later on, we served with them when they headed up our junior high youth group. In all the time we've known them, they have taught and cared for countless children, yet never having one of their own. They have exemplified quiet patience, trust and faithfulness as they've walked this long and difficult road.

A couple of years ago, they prayerfully began pursuing a private adoption. Everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. There were many showers and gifts and they prepared a special room in their home for this baby who already had a place in their hearts.  When they received the call to come to the hospital on the day of his birth, they were overjoyed.  They arrived and began waiting to meet their new son. After a number of hours, they were given the news...the young mother had decided to keep him. They were devastated.

After continued prayer, they began pursuing other options which ultimately lead them to this adoption, which is now finalized.  We've been getting updates from Korea each day this week. As of Friday, it will be official. On Sunday, they will make the long flight back home to start their new life as a family.  As you can imagine, a huge number of people (past and current students, their familes, teachers, friends and family) are completely overjoyed that God has blessed them with a beautiful baby of their own.

# # # # # # #

It was also in the mid-90's, when we met the other family, Kurt and Shari and their daughters, one of which also named Celeste and Rachele. They were brand new to our area at the time, and we met at church.  We learned Celeste and Brennan were the same age. Beginning in first grade and for many years, they attended school and church together. She was very well-loved, beautiful, smart, energetic and fun. She transferred toward the end of high school and soon thereafter, her family relocated to California.  We saw her once after that time. Apparently, she had just come home several weeks ago during Christmas break, as well.

This past Sunday, she was a passenger in a car that was involved in a very tragic accident, and she passed away. It's still so hard to believe. All week, our hearts have been broken for her family, and others who knew and loved her.  For our kids, this is the first such loss of a former classmate in their adult lives, which I think is especially hard. There is a helplessness we all feel because her family is so far away. There has been quite an outpouring of love to her family on Facebook, and of course many prayers on their behalf which her family indicates has been a great comfort.  Praise God for the peace that comes in knowing we will see her again!

I can't tell you how many times Matt Redman's song "Blessed be your Name" has played over in my head this week. He does indeed give and take away... May we show humble gratitude when he gives, humble grace and strength when He takes away.

Valentines from God

2010-02-14T00:46:00.002-05:00

Greetings my sweet friends! I hope this day finds you well. I'd like to share a former post that is near to my heart for two reasons. First, it was written about "Aunt Helen" -- a very special woman who would have celebrated her 90th birthday this past week. Secondly, in the context of Valentine's Day, I can't help but think about the incredible nature of God's love for us...perfect, ever-faithful, unchanging and demonstrative.

He places loving reminders, or "Valentines" all around us every day. We need only open our eyes to see them. Have you received one lately? A moment amidst the ordinary when He speaks through the face of a sleeping baby, a vibrant rainbow or a friend's encouraging word, and you just know it was something He meant especially for you? Allow me to share one of my favorite of these such moments...

It happened several years ago. My husband, Tom and I found ourselves in the midst of some challenging situations at the time and were feeling particularly overwhelmed. Among other things, there were major difficulties going on at work for Tom. In addition, several months prior, we had joined the youth staff which meant each of us were caring for our own small group of 8-10 middle school students. Although our hearts were willing, we were completely out of our comfort zone in this new and unfamiliar territory. (Our own son was just then in middle school for goodness sake!) There was much we didn't know. Add to this, one of our biggest challenges was helping to look after Tom’s elderly Aunt, who lived next door.

God had divinely placed us here for the purpose of helping to care for Aunt Helen. A widow with no children of her own, she had practically helped raise Tom and his sisters, and she had always been so good to me. Being nearby to help her was truly a privilege, yet it could also be quite a challenge. She was 81 years old at the time and though her petite frame suggested frailty, it spoke nothing of her legendary determination. She took great joy in doing something challenging (and often dangerous) just to prove to herself (and to you) that she could.

It was January or February in one of those winters where we kept getting snow, just a few inches at a time, for what seemed like weeks. Shoveling the driveway became almost a daily task, in an effort to keep Aunt Helen from slipping and breaking a leg or hip, should she take a notion to walk outside (which she often did).

We tried everything to keep her off that driveway…we got her newspaper early each morning, we got her groceries and we picked up medicine. However, since Tom and I were both working, there were often hours when no one was home and the mail was delivered during that time. Despite our pleas, and offers to bring her mail as soon as we got home from work, many days we returned to find her mailbox already empty, because she insisted on walking that driveway and getting it herself.

And so…with every snowfall, whether a little or a lot, we were over there shoveling and salting like mad. With everything else that was going on at the time, this typically minor chore grew to be a bit of a thorn in our side. We were long past enjoying its beauty. In fact, every time it started to snow, we would find ourselves groaning.

Well, on this particular Sunday, I woke up very early – well before my alarm. It was still dark outside and I realized Tom was already up and out of bed. When I didn’t see him anywhere in the house, I peeked outside and spotted him (yet again) shoveling snow next door. (We had gotten around an inch overnight.) I made my way through our garage and opened the side door just a few feet away from where he was working. "Good morning," I said…He greeted me with a smile and said, "Grab a flashlight and your coat and come out here…I want to show you something..."

A few moments later, I returned as instructed. He took my hand and led me to the end of Aunt Helen's driveway. I turned on the flashlight and there, in the peaceful silence of that early Sunday morning, this is what we saw...

Now a logical person might assume it was pure coincidence that these tire tracks (most likely from the newspaper delivery truck) formed two hearts. Instead, what we saw was a blessing from the Lord, spoken straight to our weary souls saying, "I know your struggles, I see your faithfulness, I care about what burdens you, I love you and I'm right here with you."

It's hard to put into words the encouragement that flooded our hearts that morning, truly when we needed it most. We stood there for several moments, not saying anything, just taking it in and thanking the Lord. Then I went to get my camera to capture this moment I didn't ever want to forget. It still encourages me every time I look at this photo. I pray it does the same for you this day.

...May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)

The Rose

2010-02-10T12:00:00.005-05:00

I first heard the story of “The Rose” nearly 15 years ago as a sermon illustration and it gripped my heart. A little research revealed it was actually written back in 1943 by an author named Sulamith Ish-Kishor, and first published in Collier’s magazine. More recently, it was shared by Max Lucado, in his book “And the Angels Were Silent” and also “A Third Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul.” Since then, through wide circulation on the internet (where some slight variances on the story are noted), it has become a favorite for many. It remains one of mine.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose.

His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond and their exchange began. Soon thereafter, he was shipped overseas for service in World War II.

During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn’t matter what she looked like.

When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. “You'll recognize me,” she wrote, “by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel.”

So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen. I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened:

A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose.

As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. “Going my way, sailor?” she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes.

The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her.

This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. “I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?”

The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. “I don't know what this is about, son,” she answered, “but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should tell you that she is waiting for you in the restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test.”

It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive.

“Tell me who you love,” the famous quote says, “and I will tell you who you are.” In his book, Lucado goes on to share a reminder that Maynell is not the first person to test character based on a person’s concern for the unlovely. Christ himself reminds us what we’ve done unto “the least of these,” we’ve done unto Him. “To see Jesus, see the unattractive and forgotten. The rejected people of the world wear roses. Sometimes we, like John Blanchard have to adjust our expectations. Sometimes we have to re-examine our motives. Had he turned his back on the unlovely, he would have missed the love of his life. If we turn our backs, we’ll miss even more.”

Sandahl's White Chicken Chili

2010-02-06T00:32:00.004-05:00

Our friend, Sandahl recently shared her recipe for white chicken chili, a perfect winter-time lunch or dinner. We made it for the first time last weekend and boy, are we hooked! It's fabulous (and easy)! With her blessing, I'm sharing the recipe with you!

First, gather your ingrdients...(oops, just realized the onions are missing from the photo...)

3-4 cans white kidney (cannellini) beans (we used 3)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. oil
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
4 cups diced cooked chicken breast
6 cups chicken broth
2 medium onions, chopped
2 - 4 oz. cans green chiles
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
grated monterey jack cheese
sour cream

First, drain and rinse your beans...

Next, combine beans, broth, garlic and half of the onion in a large pot.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.

Saute rest of onion in oil until tender; add chiles and seasonings and mix well.

Add mixture to beans and broth. Add chicken and simmer for 1 hour.

Top each serving with sour cream and grated cheese, the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!!! I'd love to hear what you think if you try this. Thanks again to you, Sandahl!

If you'd like more recipes, follow this link to visit my friend, Colleen. She hosts a recipe swap every weekend on her terrific blog, "And Baby Makes Five". (That's where I'm heading!)

When Only God Sees...

2010-02-03T19:15:00.003-05:00

I read this inspiring piece for the first time a couple of years ago, entitled "I'm Invisible," a special tribute to Moms. Perhaps you've read it, too. Today, it crossed my desk again as "author unknown." I did just a little research and learned it was written by Nicole Johnson (who has a website of her own http://www.freshbrewedlife.com/). It's apparently an excerpt from her book entitled "The Invisible Woman - When Only God Sees". For those who may not have seen it (and for those who may want to simply enjoy it again), I wanted to share it with you.

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:

Can you fix this?

Can you tie this?

Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.

I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'

I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?'

I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:

'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And, the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Two Quick & Easy Favorite Recipes!

2010-01-29T06:37:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday Friends! I'm not sure how I've managed to go all this time without sharing two of our absolute favorite recipes! Chicken Spaghetti and Banana Pudding! The really great thing? Both recipes are absolutely packed with flavor, but low in fat! Not only that, they're easy to prepare and quick, too! Who doesn't like that!?

I was first given the Chicken Spaghetti recipe by Cheryl at Hope for Each Day (who is an absolute sweetheart, by the way...). She knew we were doing Weight Watchers and it was a WW recipe. I didn't wait long at all to give it a try. It instantly became a family favorite.

Here is what you need...

8 oz cooked chicken

3 cups spaghetti (I use 7-8 oz of Ronzoni Angel Hair or Thin Spaghetti)
4 oz . Mexican Velveeta (cubed)
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional - we do not use)

1 can Rotel tomatos (we use mild, but if you prefer more spice, you might try medium)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Saute' the onions and peppers. Cook spaghetti.

When onions are tender, mix in all other ingredients...

When the cheese has melted and it's well combined, it should look something like this (sometimes it looks a bit more pink than this).

Lightly oil a casserole dish and pour in your drained, cooked spaghetti...

Pour over the sauce mixture and combine until all spaghetti is well covered.

Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees (I typically cover with foil until the last 5 minutes to keep any spaghetti on the surface from drying out). Makes 6 servings. Serve with salad or your favorite steamed veggies.

I've shared this recipe with so many people and everyone LOVES it! Bet you will, too!

(Two great timesavers...when I buy a bag of chicken breasts, I immediately bake most of them in a couple of casserole dishes. Once finished, I cut them up for several recipes we eat frequently and place them in freezer bags in 1/2 to 1 pound increments. When you need it, just grab it from the freezer! Makes a fast recipe even faster! Another thing I like to do is chop and freeze several onions at once. I simply peel them, cut them into fourths, chop them in the food processor and then freeze them in individual ziploc bags. This makes quick work of many recipes (and I only have to wash the food processor once!)

Now onto dessert!

I have to tell you, growing up my Mom made the best Banana Pudding...from scratch! Still one of my favorite things, especially when served warm! As my hubby could attest, (but out of sweetness probably would not)...I'm not my Mom in the kitchen! I do enjoy experimenting and making special meals and desserts sometimes, but my comfort zone definitely lies in boxes, mixes & pre-packaged food...thank-you-very-much. This is about as easy as it gets, and though it doesn't quite taste like Mom's...this one won't add pounds or inches to your waistline! (This recipe makes enough pudding to fill a large trifle dish, you could essentially cut this recipe in half if you want to make less.)

You'll need:

1 box reduced fat vanilla wafers (you won't use the whole box)

2 boxes banana cream pudding (sugar free, fat free only comes in small boxes)

4 bananas

3 3/4 cups milk (we always use skim)

2- 8 oz tubs of Cool Whip (we've used Lite, Fat Free and Sugar Free)

Just prepare pudding as per instructions on the box. Layer beginning with vanilla wafers, pudding, bananas and cool whip...then, repeat. I like to crush some vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the cool whip on top. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours...ENJOY!!!

I'd love to hear if you try either or both of these recipes!

Now take a moment to visit a new blog friend, Colleen of And Baby Makes Five. She hosts a weekly recipe swap every Friday!

Happy Birthday Brennan!

2010-01-27T06:19:00.013-05:00

A young man who is very near to my heart is celebrating his birthday today...his first as a married man! = )

Recently, I ran across a very old spiral bound notebook. I've never been one to journal, but I have been known to scribble random thoughts and notes. As I picked up the notebook and flipped through its pages, I found the story of Brennan's birth! From all appearances, I wrote this when he was still quite young as if I was telling him the story. I thought it would be fun to share it, in honor of his birthday.

* * *

On a sunny Saturday in May of 1988, a man and his wife discovered they were expecting a baby. They were so very happy, extremely excited and a little nervous all at once! For nearly 4 years, it had just been the two of them. It wasn't long at all before they shared the great news with family and friends, that soon they would be a family of three!

A few weeks later, they got to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time! What a thrill that was! Soon the woman's tummy began to grow...she felt wonderful! The couple began reading all about how the baby was growing and changing everyday. What a miracle! Then one day, the woman felt the baby kick for the first time! She couldn't wait for her husband to feel it too, and very soon, he did. The baby continued to grow and they began to try to choose a name for this special little person.

Every night, the man would place his head on his wife's tummy and talk to the baby. After a few months, the woman was able to see it when she had an ultrsound. The baby was flipping and moving around in every direction and even sucking its thumb! It was incredible!  She learned it weighed only about 1 pound and was abut 6" long. She learned the baby was healthy and expected to arrive in late January or early February of 1989. Oh, and one other thing...she learned that "it" was a "he!"

She called her husband right away to share the news that they would have a son. They both spent much of that day in a sort of daydream, thinking of their baby boy.

They began making preparations and decorating the room that was soon to be occupied by this little guy.  They choose periwinkle blue carpet and painted walls of warm beige. They found a charming border with lambs, horses and lions in beige, blue and pink, which the man put up with the help of his brother-in-law. One set of Grandparents bought a lovely crib, the other Grandparents bought a matching changing table. The man surprised his wife with a beautiful rocking chair. She couldn't wait to rock her sweet baby boy. There were baby showers and many special gifts in anticipation of his arrival.

At last, one evening the woman was admitted to the hospital. She was given medication they hoped would coax the baby to come.  She got settled into her hospital room, and the waiting began. She and her husband played Uno to pass the time. They called both sets of Grandparents and sometime later, they drifted off to sleep. About 3:30 in the morning, the woman awoke to find her water had broken! It was finally time! (or so they thought...) The hours that followed suggested the baby was quite comfy where he was and really didn't want to leave. After many hours (27 to be exact), the doctor decided it was time to help the baby make it's arrival. At long last...he did! At 6:19 am on Friday, January 27th, 1989.

He was born with quite a lot of auburn hair and round little cheeks and dimples on his hands. He weighed a whopping 9 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Lots of people said he looked like his maternal Grandpa. As you might guess, to the man and woman, he was the most precious baby they had ever seen.

After a couple of days in the hospital and many visitors...the couple took the baby home to begin their new life together as a family...our family...and that sweet and precious baby? He was Brennan Thomas Klensch.  A good natured, loving, happy baby (not to mention beautiful!) Everyone said he looked just like the Gerber baby. He was (and still is) definitely a "cuddler" which only made him more lovable. He was even known to put his head on the shoulder of people holding him for the first time, and they would always just melt. Those huge blue eyes and the sweetest of smiles never failed to light up any room. The joy he brought (and continues to bring) to his Daddy and Mommy is something beyond anything they could have ever imagined.  There was never a doubt God had blessed them greatly with this extraordinary gift.

Bren, even though your baby days have long since passed, you continue to bring great joy to Dad and I. Being your parents remains the greatest privilege God has ever given to us. We can truly never thank Him enough. We are so very proud of you and the way you serve and honor God with your life. We wish you a wonderful day of celebration! (No doubt Breezy is making it a very special one.) We love & miss you so much!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~3 John 1:4

Christmas in January...Sweet Pasta Angel!

2010-01-25T22:53:00.140-05:00

Can you believe Christmas was a month ago?! Wow, that seemed to fly. I don't know about you, but I seemed to find all sorts of wonderful and creative craft ideas in blogworld in the month of December! In fact, it seemed the closer we got to Christmas, the more creative ideas I found. There were sooooo many things I wanted to try...just simply not enough time. Well, I may have come up with a plan...
I'm going to take some of those ideas I saw in December and create them all throughout the year. My plan is to feature one every month on the 25th. So while it might look a little strange to see ornaments in April, July or September, think of how many things you could have finished by Christmas! What do you think?
I want to start with a simple pasta angel. I've seen many variations, but it's always the same basic idea. Here are the materials I used:

In addition, you will need tacky glue and your embellishments of choice (hot glue helps, too).
Start with one of the wooden beads (I used 3/4"). Take your ribbon (I used narrow, wired silver). Cut a piece approximately 5 inches lin length and fold it half. Feed through the holes in the bead. Tie a knot. (This is your loop for hanging the ornament.)

Feed the lower part of the knot down through a rigatoni noodle. Run a bead of glue around one end and attach where head comes to rest.

Now it's time for ~~the bow tie pasta~~, oops...I mean wings! Glue them onto the rigatoni, up near the angel's head.

Your angel needs some arms! You will need 2 pieces of macaroni. Run a bead of glue along one side of each piece and affix them as indicated.

Now, she'll need some hair. I found this tiny little star pasta. You could use rice, grits, cous-cous or any other very small pasta. Pour a small amount into a shallow container.

Spread a layer of glue on the angel's head, in the approximate shape of her hairline (avoiding the hole on top of the bead where the loop will come through). Affix pasta.

By now, your angel should look something like this. From here, there are all sorts of variations. I've seen them painted gold, silver, soft white or not painted at all. I've seen them with faces and without. I've seen them holding stars, tiny silk rosebuds, tiny songbooks, and even an upside-down tack to simulate a candle!

When trying to decide what to use for my angel, I ran across these in my button tin. I thought...perfect!

Glue the embellishment of your choice in between the macaroni.

Oh, and one last thing...her halo! (Found in the wedding section of the craft store.)

There you have it! This would be a really wonderful craft to do with older children. I'd love to hear if you give it a try. Watch for the next ornament on February 25th!

Linking up today with:

News from Haiti...and How You Can Help

2010-01-20T06:40:00.002-05:00

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you. ~ Isaiah 54:10

Last night, I visited Beth Moore's blog and met this family. They are the McCormicks, missionaries in northern Haiti. Pam McCormick attended Moody Bible Institute with Beth Moore's daughter, Melissa a few years back. Because they live several hours away from Port-au-Prince, Melissa has been able to have some contact with Pam since the earthquake. She asked Pam to share what she could about the disaster, what's happening now, their greatest needs, etc. If you've been prayerfully looking for how best to help, please take a few moments to read...http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2010/01/real-deal.html.

If you'd like to visit the McCormick's site directly, click here.

Happy Birthday Blake!

2010-01-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today a very special young man in my family is turning 16! Meet my nephew, Blake. He's a caring, talented, funny, humble, and most importantly... Godly guy. To know him truly is to love him. He lives his faith boldly, yet humbly...whether on the football field, in the halls of his school or with family and friends. He is well-respected by adults and peers alike, and adored by his family.

Blakers, hope your day is tremendous and special in every way!!! We love you and we're so very proud of the person you are. We're looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend!

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ~1 Timothy 4:12

Apple Strudel in Phyllo Dough...A Most Delicious Dessert!

2010-01-17T13:30:00.007-05:00

I made a tasty dessert this weekend and thought you might like to try it, too! It takes just a little time, but the results... oh.my.goodness! I found this recipe on a wonderful cooking blog called mmm...cafe, and made it for the first time about a year ago. It was definitely a hit and I printed it back then for my recipe binder. I ran across it recently and thought I'd make it again...only this time with photos, so I could share it with you! This is apparently Paula Deen's recipe (with a couple of minor adjustments). Though you will find this a very do-able recipe, can I suggest you read this entire post before you begin? (It will definitely go more smoothly...trust me.)

First, let's gather the ingredients...

You will need:

Strudel:

1/4 cup apple juice

1/2 cup golden raisins (I only had regular, so I used those)

2 medium apples (I used 1 large Gala and 1 small Granny Smith)

1/2 lemon, juiced or 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice

1 Tbsp. of lemon zest (optional - I didn't use)

1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

2 Tbsp of butter, cut into small pieces

10 sheets (or a few more) of phyllo dough, thawed

4 Tbsp. butter (melted) for brushing phyllo sheets
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
Caramel sauce (optional)

Glaze:

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup confectioner's sugar (or more if too thin)

2 Tbsp. milk (or more if too thick)

Alright, now we're ready...first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, pour apple juice over the raisins and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Let sit for 15 minutes. Oh, this already smells good!

Meanwhile...peel, core, and dice your apples. Drain the raisins somewhat and pour them over the apples. Add in lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, brown sugar, cookie crumbs, pecans and small slivers of butter in a large bowl.

For the cookies, I just put them in a ziploc and then crushed them with my rolling pin.

I also chop my pecans very fine...almost crumb-like.

Stir until well-blended. Doesn't that look tasty?! Now we get to move onto the phyllo! If you're unfamiliar, phyllo is very thin sheets of dough that become delicious and flaky when baked. One thing to note...because it is so thin, it dries out very quickly. You will want a mildly damp dishtowel to lay over the sheets of dough until you're ready to use them. (Don't worry if you tear a few sheets before you get the hang of it as you should have more than plenty!)

Go ahead and melt the 4 Tbsp. of butter in a small dish.

Working on the parchment paper, lay out your first sheet of phyllo. Brush with melted butter, but don't go all the way to the edge, leave about an inch all the way around. Stack another layer of phyllo over the first, then repeat until you have 5 sheets (each of which should be brushed individually with butter as they are added). Then, spoon approximately 1/2 your apple mixture onto the nearest third of the phyllo (again, don't go all the way to the edge).

Once you've done that, you'll be ready to start rolling! First, gently lift the bottom of the edge of the phyllo and fold over once, away from you...

Now fold over each end to seal the strudel. Brush ends and top with butter. Roll once more, away from you (so that the seam should now be on the bottom). Brush what is now the top and sides of strudel with butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

At this stage you will realize you have enough filling to make another strudel. Since it is coated with butter, this one will sit just fine while you put together another one...I'll wait. = ) (You'll notice the second one is a little faster and easier than the first.) Once they're both finished, place them side-by-side on your parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown. While they're in the oven, mix up your glaze. You want to be able to drizzle it, so add more confectioner's sugar or milk until you get it just right...

You might also want to microwave your caramel sauce, because it's sometimes too thick to drizzle.

Right about now, the most wonderful aroma should be wafting through your kitchen. Once out of the oven, move very carefully to a serving dish (I used two spatulas, one on each end). Drizzle with both the caramel sauce and the glaze (you probably won't use it all).

Now...slice and enjoy the fruit of your labor!! If you serve it warm, a little scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect compliment, although this dessert is delectable all by itself!!! Gooey, flaky and the apples cook perfectly (not too soft, not too firm). I'd love to hear what you think if you try it!

A few additional notes...

* Somewhat draining the raisins was my suggestion. I didn't do that and lots of the residual liquid leaked from the strudel and made a very big mess on my cookie sheet and started to cause the bottom of the strudel to burn.

* Not a raisin lover? You could certainly leave them out, but can I suggest you don't do that? The flavor they add from being soaked in the apple juice is amazing. Not to mention, you really don't taste "raisin" just additional flavor...I promise!

* I cut the powdered sugar called for in the original recipe in half! I had tons of glaze left over! I think by only using 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, it should cut down substantially on that.

* Believe it or not, Paula's recipe only called for 2 Tbsp. of melted butter for brushing the dough. It wasn't enough! Right in the middle of working with the phyllo, I had to melt more, which is why I suggest 4 Tbsp. You may find you use less (or more).

* If you'd rather make one large strudel, instead of two small...I would definitely add a few more layers of phyllo dough.

Bon Appetit!

In Need of a Blessing?

2010-01-15T08:30:00.004-05:00

Where does this Friday morning find you? Worn out? Stressed? Happy? For some, it's been an incredibly hard week, for others perhaps, it's been one of joy and blessing. Wherever you are, I believe this will speak to your heart. It's a prayer of surrender and truly one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. May it bless you this day, sweet friends.

A Banner Shopping Day!

2010-01-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

I had quite an amazing find last weekend while thrifting...

I've been on the lookout for a nice set of "white" dishes for months. Often when I see them, they're excessively worn or missing too many pieces. Imagine my utter delight when my eyes fell upon this...it's the Heritage pattern by Pfalzgraff...LOTS of it, dinner plates, 3 different sizes of bowls, luncheon plates, cups and saucers, and several accessories, including a beautiful tea pot! It was dusty, but every piece was in amazing condition! With cautious optimism, I began looking for the price, and finally found it on the bottom of the tea pot... Are you ready??

Yes, you read that right...$20!!! (with the notation that the teapot was included with the set!!!)

Before I knew what came over me, I was doing my happy dance (well at least on the inside...LOL) Can you imagine!?! = ) I've found some really good deals thrifting, but this has to be the best! I was smiling all.day.long. And check this out...when I got home, I realized the carafe I found last summer for $2.00 is the same pattern! = ) Woo-hoo!!!

Something else I'm always on the lookout for...hardback books with colors that work with those in my home. I especially love the Reader's Digest condensed books. Yet again, would you look at this?? These were only $.50 each!

Lastly, I found these 3 brand new homespun dish towels. They too were $.50. I've been thinking about changing our bedroom or our home office to tan and black. I'm thinking I could possibly use these for a valance or pillow.

Indeed, it was a banner day at the thrift. By the way, I checked online and found the Pfalzgraff dishes and accessories are worth 300.00!!! (The teapot alone is worth $38.00!) Needless to say, I'm sooooooo glad I stopped in! = )

Do you love thrifty finds?? Want to see more? Take a moment to visit Leigh (Thrifty Thursday) or Jane (Frugalicious Friday)!

First "Game Night" of 2010 - New Year's Night

2010-01-03T13:48:00.020-05:00

We are a game-loving family! We try to schedule several "game nights" throughout the year, especially when Brennan & Breezy are in town. They're always soooo much fun. My sister, Marcia and her hubby, David were hosting this one, which we planned several weeks ago. Tom was still feeling bad so he stayed home, but he insisted that I go. I reluctantly agreed.

You've seen photos of my sister's kids before...there are 5 of them. The two oldest are in high school, the 3 youngest are in elementary and middle school. They are such great kids! The 3 youngest each had a friend over that night, so that they could have their own "game night." When I arrived, this was on the front door...I felt as though I was on the VIP list for a movie premiere! Even their dog (Riley) on the list!

There was soooo much food...hankie pankies, taco dip, chili dip, pecan squares, cheesecake, salami, etc...let's just say there was no New Year's dieting that night! After snacking on appetizers, we were ready for the games...we started with several rounds of an old-time favorite, Catch Phrase. We played girls against the guys and had a blast. Then we played Apples to Apples, another fun game (that I am apparently NO good at...LOL) Finally, we played a new game, Guesstures...very much like charades, it was a lot of fun.

My nephew Blake and his girlfriend, Lydia

You know these two...

David, my brother-in-law...the man is crazy-competitive!

My sister, Marcia. She was on my team and can I just say, she rocks! We still lost, only by one point!

I tried without success to get a photo of my niece, Brooke. I did record a video clip of her that is hilarious, but it won't load! = ( (Sorry Brookie!) She is so much fun!

Here are the rest of the kids...we were downstairs, they were upstairs. Funny how at this moment, they look much calmer and mature than us grown-ups...LOL. (In reality, I'm not sure who laughed harder or had more fun.) = )

By this time, I was really missing my hubby, so I headed home. Brennan & Breezy stayed awhile longer and played what I understand was quite a wild game of Spoons. No doubt the laughter was abounding as it had been all night. It was definitely a fun way to kick-off the new year!

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-01T02:00:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year, sweet friends! Hope you had a wonderful time ringing in the new year, whether out with friends or family, or in your "comfy clothes" at home. We had been invited to spend New Year's Eve with Breezy's family, but my sweet hubby has been sick for several days, so we spent a nice, quiet evening at home instead.

Like many of you, I've been thinking about my life in the coming year -- things I'd like to do, places I'd like to go & ways I'd like to grow. In these first few hours of the new year, I'm asking God to guide my thoughts, my steps, my words and my walk as I journey with Him through 2010. His timeless promises and past faithfulness have proven I can fully and completely trust in Him. There is truly no greater gift.

I have to thank Him once again for the countless ways He's blessed me through so many of you in 2009! Oh, and that reminds me! I'd like to say Congratulations to my buddy Sue of The Time of our Lives! Tom drew her name just after midnight from among the comments from the last post. She has a great blog and she is such a kind encourager to me. If you haven't yet met her, please stop by and say "Hello!"

Earlier tonight (or last night by now), Tom and I were talking about New Year's Eve 10 years ago...as we were on the verge of "Y2K." Remember that? Here's a photo we took that night. Thinking on how much our lives have changed since then...only God, friends...only God. = )

Hope you enjoy the rest of this long weekend!

December - A Review (better known as "Blog Posts I Intended to Write...")

2009-12-29T23:55:00.012-05:00

It’s so hard to believe Christmas is now behind us and we’re just days away from ringing in the new year. It seems like just yesterday, it was Thanksgiving! There were many things I wanted to blog about during the month, but didn’t because of time constraints (and more often than not, I forgot to take photos!) Now that things are settling down, I wanted to share some of the highlights from our December. While this ~~may~~ will likely be world’s longest post, I hope you’ll find it worth the read…

• At the beginning of the month, I celebrated my 44th birthday. (You know it’s going to be a good birthday when your dear hubby serves you red velvet cake for breakfast!) Oh, I love that man! ; ) At work, I arrived to find cakes, cookies, chocolates and other goodies from my sweet co-workers. It was glorious! For dinner, Tom took me to one of our favorite local restaurants. It’s always a treat as they are known for outstanding food, and service that is second to none. (Even moreso when it’s a special occasion.) At the end of the meal, we were treated to a wonderful dessert, compliments of the owner. It was a lovely day!

• That weekend, Tom and I hosted the youth leaders of our church for a Christmas dinner. We used to serve with these great people and many are very good friends...we absolutely loved having them in our home…it was a great, great time!

• The following week…Christmas cards, baking and a little shopping.

• The second weekend was a busy one! Friday was an ornament exchange at work. It was great because several former co-workers returned and it was soooooo good to catch up. More baking on Saturday and that night, a surprise birthday party for our friend, Tracy Robertson. Yet another wonderful time (and I remembered my camera!)

On Sunday…our annual cookie exchange! Two friends who had taken part for years relocated since our last one - one to North Carolina and one to Ireland! Needless to say…we really missed them. We welcomed a couple of new friends this time, met for lunch, had a great time together and exchanged our cookies.

• It was also during this particular weekend that our local city officials were judging homes in our community for a Christmas decorating contest. For the second year in a row, our house was one of the winners! Tom had worked very hard and did a WONDERFUL job! I was thrilled for him because he absolutely LOVES Christmas! You need to know he never puts up lights to compete, instead it’s just an expression of joy (which makes winning even sweeter). The mayor and other city officials came to our house to present Tom with a plaque and a large, beautiful poinsettia.

Jesus, Mary & Joseph are on the porch, along with angels. On the far left, you can see the 3 wise men and on the far right, there is a shepherd tending his sheep. The photos below are the side and a little of the back yard.

Those candles were given to us by Tom's Mom. She used them for years at her house and they are truly vintage! We love them!

• Just a few short days later, our local newspaper featured Tom as one of four homeowners with beautiful Christmas light displays. As you can see, although we love all the whimsy of Christmas, first and foremost our display points to Christ. When the article was written, I was delighted to see the reporter made a point of highlighting that, both in photos and her story!

• Later in the week…it was time for more baking! We had set aside an evening and my Mom, my sister, Marcia and my niece Brooke all came over and we baked like crazy ladies! (As you can see from the photos...we take our baking very seriously! LOL) Several different kinds of cookies, buckeyes, candy, etc…soooo much fun!

• That weekend, two biggies…Tom narrated our church’s beautiful Christmas Program, “One of Us.” He did a great job, as did the choir and orchestra. It's been a couple of years since our church did a large Christmas program and we really enjoyed it. Later that same night…our kids arrived home! We could not wait to see them! Married life certainly agrees with both of them. We had a a great time “catching up” for an hour or so and planned a dinner together the following night. They’re so happy to be home and we’re thrilled to have them! Bless their hearts, they’re trying so hard to spend lots of quality time with BOTH sides of the family. = )

• The last few days before Christmas, more baking! This time - loaves and loaves of pumpkin bread, and also…this incredibly easy (and very addictive) snack, found on a great blog...Beneath my Heart!

• Since my first Christmas with Tom's family as his fiancée in 1983, we’ve spent Christmas Eve at the home of his sister, Nancy and her husband, Dan. They have a log cabin...so beautiful and cozy -- it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else. The fire in the stone fireplace and the Christmas decor make the house look extra special. We had a great time and if you saw the slides in the previous post, you know that the hit of the night was the digital frame we got for Bob & Millie. Nancy had compiled photos from all of us and grouped them into decades. There were over 300 of them! Bob and Millie absolutely loved it, as did the rest of the family. It was especially fun to watch Breezy as she saw many of her new family members as they looked “back then.”

After Nancy & Dan's, we came back to our house to celebrate “Our Christmas” with Brennan & Breezy. We had such a sweet time together and they absolutely loved their gifts. They surprised us with a beautiful wedding portrait. LOVE it!

• Christmas Morning at our house was quiet. Had my devotional time and then after a little while, finished wrapping a couple of things and we headed to my parents’ house to celebrate with my side of the family in the early afternoon. We enjoyed delicious lasagna and homemade lemon meringue pie, cheesecake, cookies, etc. (I love my Mom's cooking, but especially her desserts!)

As to our gift exchange, we did things differently this year. Because we’ve all felt the pinch economically, we opted to forego the usual gifts and instead each person brought only 1 gift valued at $10-15. They all went into a pile in the middle of the floor and we drew numbers to determine the order. You could choose a gift, but the person after you could either take it or choose a new one. Our family had an absolute blast with this! There were movie certificates, blockbuster certificates, gift cards for food, ice cream, Starbucks and even some board games in the mix. Besides spending only about 15% of what we normally would, there was so much less stress and time spent running all over town looking for this or that gift, which made for a much calmer, more reflective Christmas. Definitely helped me keep my focus on Christ like never before.

As we wrapped up our time at my parents' house, we headed to my in-laws to once again join the rest of his family for a little while on Christmas night. Every year, as we leave their house to head home, Tom and I simultaneously thank God for granting us yet another Christmas with them. Both his Mom & Dad are in their upper 80’s and every year is truly a gift.

• Saturday evening (the night after Christmas), Tom and I went along with Brennan, Bri, Bri’s Mom, Lisa and our friends, the Robertsons to Bethlehem Blessings at the Creation Museum. Despite very cold temps, we really enjoyed our time together there…we were especially partial to the vignette of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (played by a wonderful family friend) and the live animals.

• Sunday was a day of rest! (And boy, did we need that!) Hope you and yours have had a wonderful and special December celebrating CHRIST and making some great memories with family and friends.

• If you’ve made it this far and you’re still reading…I want to say THANKS! Leave a comment and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $10 St*rbucks gift card (a Merry Christmas gift from me!) If you share your favorite December memory in your comment, I’ll enter your name twice! Feel free to enter up until midnight (Eastern time) New Year’s Eve…I’ll draw and announce the winner on New Year’s Day!

Love & sweet blessings!
Tracy

Our Family Christmas - 2009

2009-12-27T22:36:00.005-05:00

Hope you and yours had a wonderful and special Christmas together! Ours was terrific! We had such a great time and very much enjoyed our moments together. (Wish I didn't have to go back to work tomorrow!) I'm hoping to post a few more photos later in the week of other highlights from throughout the month...

Blessings to you!

O Holy Night...

2009-12-25T03:12:00.004-05:00

From our family to yours...may you have a most joyous and blessed Christmas! When things settle and you have a few quiet moments, please watch this...one of the most moving recordings of this song I have ever heard...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 24!!!

2009-12-19T01:16:00.007-05:00

Don't have too long...like many of you, I'm up to my elbows in Christmas preparations. Just wanted to check in to share my last passage. Like countless others this month, I decided to join Beth Moore in closing out the year with her favorite passage, Psalm 27:4 (NIV):

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

I couldn't think of a more perfect passage for closing out the year. This challenge has been a wonderful and incredible faith builder. While I have memorized scripture before, I've never done so a consistent basis. It has truly been life-changing! In a year of several twists and turns (my Dad's injury, job changes, the marriage of our son, to name a few...) I've never felt more peace in the very depths of my soul. Over and over again, the Lord has encouraged me, admonished me, humbled me and strengthened me as I read, re-read and committed these passages to memory.

I'm not sure yet if there will be an "official" Scripture Memory Challenge for 2010, but I personally have no intention of stopping! I'm hoping if you took part this year, you too will continue. If you didn't, why not give it a try? Think about it, only two verses a month. You can do it!

Blessings sweet friends!
Tracy

...And the Winner Is...

2009-12-04T06:14:00.009-05:00

Congratulations to my friend
Lea of Shabby Olde Potting Shed!!!

Lea and I have been blog buddies for quite some time and let me just tell you, she is a TREASURE! She's got a joy in the Lord that is contagious, and she's one of the sweetest encouragers you will ever know. She's also extremely talented when it comes to sewing, crafting, gardening, etc. If you don't know her (or even if you do)...stop by and say Hello!!!

Thanks to everyone else for taking part! = )

Cookies Anyone?? A Giveaway!

2009-12-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

Greetings! Hope this Wednesday finds you well. If you read my post on Monday , you know I promised a GIVEAWAY sometime this week -- well...today's the day!! What's the occasion? Well, it's my birthday! = ) And since we all know everything is sweeter when shared with friends, I've decided to share the birthday joy and cheer with YOU!

I think you will agree that ANYTIME is a good time for cookies, but isn't that especially true at Christmas? Not only are they delicious and fun to bake, they make wonderful gifts! Just yesterday, a co-worker surprised me with a batch of her fabulous Pecan Puffs. They were WONDERFUL, and they warmed my heart all throughout the day!

Soooooo, what am I giving away? How about this terrific Gooseberry Patch cookbook, filled to the very brim with yummy cookie recipes? (Talk about dreamy!) And how about this darling little snowman plate? Wouldn't he make a great gift, filled with home-made cookies!? (or perhaps filled with cookies in your own kitchen?) LOL!

All you need to do is simply leave a comment sometime between now and tomorrow (12/3) at 10:00 pm (Eastern Time), telling me the name of your favorite cookie. If you don't have a blog, please be sure to leave your e-mail address within your comment. The winner will be posted sometime on Friday! Here's hoping you win! = )

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 23

2009-12-01T15:00:00.002-05:00

(photo courtesy of Google images)

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
"This is the way; walk in it."

~ Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap!

2009-11-30T12:30:00.003-05:00

Hello friends! Hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful and special Thanksgiving weekend. Brennan & Breezy arrived back home in the wee early hours last Wednesday morning. After having a chance to sleep in, they spent the rest of the day and evening visiting family. It was soooo good to see them! They’re doing well…loving married life, and they were very happy to be “home.”

Like many of you (I’m sure), Thursday morning started early and the evening ended late, but with many blessings in between. At the dinner table, we gave thanks for the newest members of our family, for those of Thanksgivings past who are still missed, and those for whom God has graciously granted yet another year. We shared memories and lots of laughter throughout the night. (I wish I could tell you just how many times I was reminded NOT to pour the gravy down the drain...LOL!)

After the last guests left, I did a bit more kitchen cleanup, and then headed off to bed. Had to catch at least a few winks before meeting family and friends for our annual Christmas shopping adventure at 5:00 am! We stood in several long lines, but got several really great deals. Though not quite as wild as last year, we did manage to capture some fun Target photos…

Here is Breezy, ready for Black Friday shopping!

My nephew, Blake and Brennan..."um, nice skirts guys..."

...and you thought those were just Christmas trees!

My sister, Marcia modeling these lovely "earrings"...aren't they just the perfect compliment to your favorite Christmas ensemble??

My niece, Brooke finds her long lost friend in the toy section! (No, she didn't really kiss him!)

They gave me such a hard time last year about not being in the photos...they insisted this year on "crowning" me the Christmas queen and snapping this one...

By 2:00 pm, I was ready to call it a day. I bid farewell to my crazy family and headed home for a blissful nap. That night, Tom, Brennan, Breezy, her mom, Lisa and I had tickets for A Christmas Carol at the IMAX (which was quite good, by the way).

From that point on, the weekend was much more peaceful and relaxed. I did do just a couple of errands late Saturday. Yesterday, we were invited to enjoy a wonderful breakfast with Breezy’s family, Breezy and Brennan before they headed back to SC. We left them with hugs and prayers and we’ve already started the countdown of days until they’ll be back home for Christmas break… ; )

Even though it seemed to pass too quickly, it’s was a great weekend. Hope yours was, too. = )

Love & blessings,
Tracy

P.S. Almost forgot! Be sure to watch for a giveaway sometime this week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as
You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father,
~Amen

- Harry Jewell

I am Thankful...

2009-11-25T12:09:00.002-05:00

Greetings! How does this Thanksgiving Eve find you? Sleep-deprived? Stressed? With a To-Do list longer than your arm? Oh friends, I know… My state of mind is a glorious mix of busy, tired, happy, frazzled, excited, but most of all…blessed. I’m looking forward to giving Thanks with my family even more than usual this year.

Amidst the craziness of “getting ready” with all its many tasks, I've been thinking on these blessings from the year...

* Celebrating 25 years of marriage in September, with my dearest friend.

* Unforgettable memories of our family vacation this summer.

* The joy of watching Brennan marry his long-time best friend, a young woman who absolutely adores him.

* The joy of welcoming the delightful (and quite loveable) Breezy “officially” into our family.

* The gift of yet another Thanksgiving with both sets of parents. We are incredibly blessed.

* Gratitude that my Dad’s work injury, though painful and difficult, didn’t result in paralysis or worse.

* Growing closer to my sister through some shared struggles.

* Faithful friends. Perhaps more than any other year, I’ve been acutely aware of the blessing of the encouragement, support and faithful prayers of friends, several of which I’ve met through blogging.

* The transition into a full-time position on September 1st. -- truly a gift from God. Not only that? I work for three of the kindest, most wonderful attorneys imaginable. Couldn’t ask for better... (Didn’t have to, God knew.) = )

Tomorrow as I prepare and enjoy the Thanksgiving meal with my family and in-laws, I’ll do so with an overwhelmingly grateful heart. God has been so good to my family and I.

I pray you have a wonderful time celebrating God’s goodness tomorrow, savoring the moments with your family and/or friends, and making some special new memories. Remember those who are alone and consider inviting them to be a part of your celebration.

I leave you with a simple, yet beautiful prayer, by Mary Fairchild:

Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You've done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.

Thanking God for YOU…
Tracy

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge # 22

2009-11-16T13:00:00.002-05:00

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in Him,
rooted and built up in Him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.

~ Colossians 2:6-7