Comfort

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 3:3

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;

I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

I will be glad and rejoice in You;

I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

I will say of the Lord, "He is

my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him will I trust."

Psalm 91:2

Necklaces found @ http://therustedchain.bigcartel.com/

One of My Loves

When I was young, my Mom wore a cameo ring on her index finger. It was just part of her to me. She loves jewelry and has always worn some daily. Her ring was white gold with a thin band and the cameo was about the size of a small bean.

Preferring things that sparkle and shine, her cameo wasn't my favorite of all her rings. But, it definitely stood out to me and I became aware of that type of jewelry.

Fast forward the years. Now as an adult, I have a great appreciation for cameos. Real or fake. I don't care about that part at all. One of my favorite necklaces is a fake cameo from Charlotte Russe. The biggest aspect of the real ones that I appreciate is the detail work and craftsmanship that goes into the carving. It's amazing. Love cameos! (I found these online at a site that specializes in them. All types. These are 2 faves.)

My Green Thumb is Happy

Yesterday Shane sent me a text asking how many trees I'd like for him to bring home from work. He is currently preparing a new building pad for an addition to a private school. Part of the process involves removing the existing trees and bushes from a landscaped area before the grading begins.

Well, you can imagine that I was delighted. I told him the more the merrier, but ultimately I trusted his judgement. Any tree or shrub that can be transplanted is cordially invited to move into our yard. Guess what? He brought home four bushes and two cherry trees! YAY!!! My green thumb is thrilled! I'll happily share their new homes soon...

Sacred Influence

As wives, do we realize that we each have an immeasurable influence on our husbands? Two of my friends have really enjoyed the book Sacred Influence, that deals specifically with this topic. Becoming the wife I was made to be is extremely important to me, so anything (book, sermon, etc) that will help me in that arena is welcome!

Really looking forward to reading this and seeing how God speaks to me through it!

Have you read it?

BTW, I am notorious for using too many commas.

Good Monday

This morning the Lord woke me up early so that I could spend some time with Him before the whole house was awake. I love it when He does that. Don't really like getting up early, but I love that He desires time with me! When I woke up, I looked at the clock and thought it was too early (anything before 7am). Tried for several minutes to readjust and go back to sleep. Didn't work.

Thought it might be the time change, but then I realized Who it was.

So I asked, "Is it You, Lord, who's waking me up?"

What a silly question.

Yep! It was Him.

There's no better way to start my day.><>

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

Proverbs 15:16

The Lord is far from the wicked but hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 15:29

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

Proverbs 14:10

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

Green Thumb

I have a green thumb that I believe is beginning to take over my whole hand. Many times throughout the day I find myself thinking about landscaping. It's borderline obsession. My brain knows that this stuff is not really important. I just like it...

My thumb has become more noticeable since the sun is out and all the stores are getting green stuff in again. This is my version of spring fever...not capris, flip flops, baseball, or a fake tan.(I like all of those, too.) My fever most often has chorophyll and roots.

Hannah's Cake

This is my first diaper cake. (I still like the name baby cake better, but don't think many people would know what I was talking about if I started calling them that.)

The base is a cake board and the center is a bottle of Burt's Bees shampoo. I chose it for the shape of the bottle--it's nice and round compared to most baby shampoos. The top is one of the little blankets with an animal head. I picked the daises for their color and cheerfulness.

From start to finish, it may take about 2 hrs. if you already have all of your supplies and baby goodies. Make sure to have clothes pins and straight pins to help attach things if you decide to make one. I already have my next cake in the works...

March Memories

Eleven years ago on March 15th, Shane and I got engaged. It blows my mind that it's been that long! Over a decade. Longer than high school and middle school combined. WOW.

Shane is the quiet (sometimes, unless Nascar is on) one. He likes to figure how things work and is definitely 'Mr. Fix-It'. Things he enjoys include, but aren't limited to: being a daddy, anything with a motor, racing, the great outdoors, helping others, being in or on water, carpentry, heavy equipment, golf, history, politics, and reading.

I used to think I was the smart one...don't judge, you've done it too. Let's put it this way, I could win Wheel of Fortune and he could win Jeopardy. Nothing like eating humble pie:)

We were each completely different people back then. I was only 19. Crazy. But, saying yes was one of the best decisions I've ever made. And marriage has been hard. You won't hear either of us ever say that "we don't have to work at it" or some Hollywood nonsense. And despite all that we've endured, I love him more today than all my yesterdays.

S is my BFF and lots more. I'm thankful for each day we have together even when he makes me crazy or doesn't make me coffee.LOL (That's when I practice forgiveness.)

Without our new lives in Christ, we couldn't have made it two yrs or ten. He alone has performed miracles in both of our hearts and helped us through all the storms of life. Praise God for the healing and restoration that He has done in our relationship. I wouldn't rather be One with anyone else...

'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.'

Genesis 2:24

Cutie Diaper Cake

One of my FB friends posted these pics. It is one of the cutest "diaper" cakes I've seen. (I think I'd rather call them 'baby' cakes. Sounds a little cute and fresh. Whenever I've mentioned a diaper cake to W, he tells me that it is "disgusting!" Oh, the silliness in this home.)

I think what I love about this cake is the bright colors and the use of Gerber daisies...

It has such a playful and happy feeling to it. Seeing these pictures totally inspired me to make one. (And I have an abundance of expectant friends, so the opportunity is here.)

For some reason until now, I haven't really cared for diaper cakes...always perferring real cake instead. Wink. Wink. But I'm very happy to tell you I began construction on my first 'baby' cake this morning and it's almost done. Haven't picked my ribbon or flowers yet, it depends on what I find. I'll share it soon.

GH and Dr. Gary Frizzell

This is a dress worn by an actress on General Hospital many years ago (before I gave it up) and I love, love it. Mostly for the detail at the shoulder. Silly, I know....but I'm rather silly. Personally, I have no need for a wedding dress seeing as that I'm currently hitched. I've just kept a picture of this one for-eva for no apparent reason...

General Hospital and "O" used to fill my 3-5pm block of time with the little ones napping away. It was my great escape. Unfortunately, it was a rather trashy escape.

I heard an evangelist say something a couple of years ago that totally convicted me in the area of soap operas and my daily dates with Oprah. Dr. Gary Frizzell said "Every time we view something unclean it grieves the Holy Spirit." YOOWZERS!!!

Compared to other shows and channels, I thought my selections were mild. But, that was the problem. I was comparing them to my standards, not God and His call for us to be holy. (Haven't we all done that at some time or another? We can attempt to justify just about anything we want. Then we try to make ourselves feel better by comparing ourselves to others...)

Breaking the habit of watching the shows was the hardest part. Once I did it for a week or so, it became much easier. It was just that--a bad habit. As I relinquished my hold of GH and 'O', God opened my eyes and planted many questions in my heart like:

"How beneficial would it be if I spent time with Him during their naps?"

"How much could I learn about the Bible?"

"Shouldn't I be putting His Word in my heart?"

It's seems like a no-brainer now, but for someone who wasn't intentionally spending time with Him it was a big deal!

For those of you who don't give time to develop a close relationship with God, I encourage you to evaluate how you're spending the time that our Heavenly Father's giving to you.

There is time everyday. We may have to cut some junk out, but it is possible. And it is so worth it.

Dr. Frizzell is the author of "How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life"

For a Friend Who Hearts Farmhouses

I would consider my Mom's house an old farm house that has been completely renovated. It sits on many acres and is surrounded by mature oak trees. To see it now, one would hardly believe what it started as and how much it has changed literally one room at a time. (I would say from the ground up, but it has a lovely crawl space under the original structure). Mom loves the crawl space.((chuckles))
It has been a labor of love to transform it into the house it is now. Blood(maybe), sweat, and definitely tears went into the renovation. These were accompanied by countless late nights and thousands of gallons of sweet tea. (Not an exaggeration, she's in Georgia...that's what they drink!) Now that it is finished, it is beautiful. It's a blend of victorian and traditional. Lots of stained glass...lots, like in almost every room!

If you go by and see Mom she'll show you the picture book and offer to take you on the 'Nickel Tour.' I'd take it if I were you...what else can a nickel buy these days?! Mom, I have to poke fun. It's in love. Promise!

I haven't been home since Christmas, so I'm due for a trip! Love the big trees, big porch, having acreage, it's pretty cool. Hope I can go home soon~

The Biscuit

I was about 7 months into marriage and only 20 yrs old when I discovered I was preggers with our first child. Talk about scared! I felt like a baby (although, I guess I wasn't, but I felt like it) having a baby. The hubs was super supportive, but for about two weeks I was freaking out.

Once I found out we were having a girl, I was really happy! Having two younger sisters definitely made me very comfortable with girly stuff. Helping take care of them (including hair and makeup:) was good practice. Plus, the clothes! Girls are so fun to dress.

So, in the fall of 2000 we had our Biscuit. She was 8.5lbs...and her proud papa made a profound statement. "She's a big ole' biscuit." It was something like that and "Biscuit" stuck.

Lucky girl, Biscuit also goes by Tater.

Ways to describe Bisc: Helpful. Caring. Thoughtful. Loving. A Tad Bit Controlling (which I contribute to her birth order). Super Friendly. Motivated. Fun. Take Charge. Very Girly. Loves Being Outside. Incredible Big Sister.

We love our Tater Biscuit! She's my big third grader who excels in math. Her hobbies include dancing, cheering, and soccer. Lately she has been talking about having a convertible when she's older. GEESH.

We are really trying to enjoy our years with Tater. For a parent the days are long, but the years go quickly. She is a treasure.

I'm so thankful for you. Love being your Mom and love you Bisc~

Banquette Anticipation

Last night when we were all eating dinner, I commented on how nice it was to all be together as a family. We weren't all at the same table though.

Particularly to have Dubs(also known as W) sitting with us(he's the youngest and has sensory issues). His meals are almost always different from ours because he is super sensitive to smells and textures. Needless to say, his diet is limited...but it is improving.

Anyway, he was at the table (a four seater) with hubs, Biscuit and E. He had a dinner plate that had all the things the rest of us were eating. He did try the carrots (and gagged) and then the rice (which he didn't go down either). Dubs did try them though! And that is huge. For those of you who haven't dealt with this I don't expect you to understand. This is not just a power struggle or a child who is stubborn(although he can be:).

Then main point of the story is that after I made my comment, E was quick to respond. "I can't wait until we have our bank, uh, what is it called?" Our banquette is what he was referring to.

There have been plans to build one for some time--remember the 3ft list? Well, it is almost at the top. My husband is rather handy and will hopefully start on it soon. We've lived here for 2 1/2 yrs, and never been able to sit altogether for a meal at our kitchen table because the breakfast room is too narrow. It can barely squeeze the table that's in there. Here's some good ones that caught my eye...