Goodguys Everywhere

The Goodguys National Car Show at TMS proved not only to be a big deal but a huge success. Our friend's car sold.

It was such a beautiful weekend to be outdoors. There were thousands of people and probably a couple thousand custom and classic cars on display.  Marilyn and Rickie came down for a little while on Saturday. And then we enjoyed Jenna and a friend spending the day with us yesterday.

We are already making plans to go back to this event next year.

Let's Believe!

This is an eleven-week study by Beth Moore that I did several years ago. I am looking so forward to getting to do it again. God's timing is perfect, and He has brought such an amazing group of women together for such a time as this. We will start up again on Wednesday. Can't wait!


Thanks to my sis for allowing me to do it at her house. Mine is -- should I say --  "under construction." That's a post in itself.

Trip Time and The Amish

I am leaving early in the morning for the airport to head out on a girls' trip. We will be hitting several states I have not been to before. I am guessing the highlight of the trip for me though will be touring Pennsylvania and some of the Amish areas.

On a side note....I am so thrilled to be able to leave with a major project checked off my list as of last night. You know that feeling, don't you? Well, it deserves a big "Woohoo!"

Have a great week everyone.

July 4th

As Marilyn said, the 2011 July 4th weekend was a success. It was full of family, friends, food, fireworks, and fun.

Davis and Miller Fireworks (Gunter pyro crew)

They actually do two city shows. (We didn't get a picture of the other city crew.) Attendees from larger cities around us said the Davis and Miller shows put theirs to shame!! Way to go guys.

Natchez and "The Tomato Place"

This past week we took a girls' trip to Natchez. Thanks to Trip Advisor, we stumbled onto a little gem outside of town! 

From the road, "The Tomato Place" appears to just be this way-too-cute little produce stand with a hot dog stand beside it. It is so much more! Packed into two small buildings from days gone by, this family owned and operated business is so cool. 

The hot dog stand building is actually the kitchen where fresh entrees, sandwiches, and desserts are prepared daily. As you browse both inside and outside the main little building, you will find in this tiny area the best fresh produce, jellies, honey, cookbooks, crafts, and trinkets. There are a few tables crammed inside so you can sit after you have placed your order from the chalkboard. There are also tables outside as well.

We enjoyed the best BLTS ever. The sweet potato fries and okra were to die for. The bread pudding was a treat, too. If I had not been stuffed, I would have loved to try one of their fresh strawberry banana smoothies!

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and the chance to just relax in such a quaint place. Thumbs up and up and up..........

You can check out their website here.

Words from Charon on "Jonah" (by Priscilla Shires)......

First, let me say that I am ill-equipped to do JONAH justice in one blog post!  This, by far, was my favorite Bible study in years!  I'll admit when I first saw the title I thought "what on earth is there to know about Jonah and the whale?"  A LOT.  That's what!  Girls--if you're about to start Jonah, know that you will be BLESSED!

This Bible study will change the way you look at life's circumstances, or, as noted in the Bible study, interruptions.  Jonah certainly was interrupted when he was directed by God to go to Ninevah!  Not only did Jonah run, but he was interrupted AGAIN when he was swallowed by a whale!

We've all had interruptions--good and/or bad.  Some shake us to our very core, some are challenging, and some interruptions are exciting.  A few of my personal interruptions are

-My brother's Naval ship being bombed overseas and us not knowing if he was alive for 2 or 3 days
-My Mom dying at 44 years young; I was 20.  This happened only 7 months after my brother's ship being bombed.
-Having my children "planned" out.  I thought I would have 2; one boy and one girl.  2 rowdy, rambunctious boys later, "why 2 boys Lord" was on my mind all the time.  (I know many women suffer from infertility and this in no way is meant to offend you--it simply goes to show that OUR plans are not HIS plans.)  A necessary and somewhat emergency hysterectomy when I was 27 years old would make me thankful to have children period.  (though I still have days when I yearn for baby dolls and tea parties rather than super heroes and hot wheels, ha-ha).

Our yielding to God during life's interruptions is what is important.  As Priscilla notes in the study, the interrupted life is the privileged life.  We are such a privileged people that our God lives AND speaks to us!  (although I'm guilty of running just like Jonah when God does speak).

While God's call to you might seem like an interruption to you at first, you will find through the JONAH Bible study that this call is actually DIVINE INTERVENTION.

May you be blessed as you venture into JONAH!


Thank you, Charon!! Hugs to you.

Charon is doing a "Guest Post!"

This past week I posted about my new bible study that will begin Wednesday night -- "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted." (Previous Post)

My first comment came from a special blogging friend.

Charon graciously agreed to do a guest post for me. We have been blogging friends for a long time. She loves and enjoys so many things that I do -- God, her family, sweet tea, Diet Coke, and even Paula Deen!

So be sure and come back to see how "Jonah" touched her!

New Bible Study

We just finished our ten-week study of "The Patriarchs" by Beth Moore. She has challenged us each week, and we have learned so much. We had a time of praise and reflection last night that blessed my heart!

I have such an awesome group of ladies to fellowship and study with each week. We are jumping right in and starting a new one next week. I am SO excited!!! I have never done a study by Priscilla Shirer. We will be doing "Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted." I hear it is awesome and life changing!!


"What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! In this study, Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city."

Can anyone relate?!

A New Study

My ladies' group will be starting back this evening. We are doing Beth Moore's "The Patriarchs." Many of us have done her studies before; however, only a couple have done this one. I know it will be challenging but a real blessing! I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you have done it before.

Blessings!

1. These are pictures from the sunrise I mentioned a couple of days ago.

2. Lunch today with a special friend.

3. Plenty of prescribed meds today to help this "junk" go away. I already feel 100% better thanks to a shot.

4. Celebrations around the corner........so

Merry Christmas!

Free Random Stuff

First bit of randomness......I just came across a very generous offer for free sewing patterns! Just go to HomeSpun Threads, where all the patterns are free. Not sure how long this will last, but it's a great deal if you need some projects!

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Second bit.......These bring me simple moments of pleasure five or ten minutes at a time.

Third bit of randomness....this video which my brother sent me. Family and friends...please watch "Old Barns and Old People" (silence my music first).

And finally.....

I'm watching the sunrise this morning. Absolutely breathtaking! Enjoy the beautiful day God has given us!

 Annual Girly Party

Keelie hosted her annual girls' Christmas party last night. It's such a treat. She prepares the main YUMMY food! We also do a cookie exchange. Marilyn always brings everyone homemade jellies (that's what's in the wire basket on the table). We do a small gift exchange and play a couple of games as well. Miss Glory got to participate this year. Oh, and one of the best things we now always do......come in comfy PJs or the likes there of!

My kind of fun.......family, friends, and food!

(some of the treats)

(my family)

It's All about Him! Marilyn, my sister, said it so well she is my guest writer for the day!

It's All about Him!
Marilyn, my sister, said it so well she is my guest writer for the day!

Last year, the week of Thanksgiving in our Victory SS Class an extreme need was brought to our attention. We had a handicapped, widow lady that was living in a house that was BAD. I will not dwell on this, other than our class was convicted to do something about this. Our SS teacher became our fearless leader. Praise God for Godly teachers.

One year and one week later we are handing over the keys to a brand new house built by God's people. God says that he gives different talents to others, and we are all different parts of the body to be one. This house is God's way of showing this. Many people and businesses donated materials, time, food, money, and talents for this to come to fruition. I am very careful about what I write, because I do not want us to take any of the credit. It is truly "All about Him." God just allowed us to do His work for Him for us to receive the blessings.

Savannah and a Giveaway!

Marilyn, two friends, and I are headed out this morning! I have wanted to tour Savannah now for several years, and I am so excited that I will finally get to see it. We fly out bright and early (6:55 a.m.) and will come home Monday night. We have 7 days of "stuff" lined up to do in 4-5 days. We will be staying in a row house similar to these.

While I am away, I will be hosting a giveaway for a surprise gift I'll be bringing home. Just leave me a comment. The giveaway will close Monday night, November 22, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Treats for the Ladies

Last week I had decided to whip up something for the ladies in my bible study. Nothing fancy....just a few Halloween treats to take home.

Supplies......white sacks, computer-printed image, homemade cookies and brownies, a Snickers bar, and bible verse cards I made.

Oh my goodness. What did I do??

Yes, I forgot to give them to the ladies. I realized it the next morning! Don't laugh...do not laugh!

I just put everything in the freezer--sacks and all. Luckily, I did remember to take them out yesterday.

So last night when we met, I had myself a note taped in my book..."GIVE OUT THE HALLOWEEN SACKS!"

Do any of you relate?

Hope you got treated--not tricked!

Craft Camp

Our crafting camp had a minor adjust on Thursday and Friday. Rather than going to Marilyn's lake house, we needed to stay at home to do it. So we set up everything and worked at my house. We had a full day yesterday working like little bees. All four of us had a productive day. We had muffins for breakfast, and I had made tortilla soup for lunch.

I got so busy during the day I forgot to take any additional pictures. These I had taken early in the morning while getting things out.  

More later.......

Waiting is Weaving

You may remember that In my ladies’ bible study group we are studying “Women of the Bible.” Each week we study a different one. We have learned so much through our fellowship and studying together.

Our next lady to study is Elizabeth. I wanted to share something that has already jumped off the page. It is in reference to Christians having to WAIT. Yes, we sometimes don’t like to do that.  But we have to remember that God sometimes has awesome surprises awaiting us! Our challenge is to faithfully follow and trust Him as we do so.

Read what the author says.

“Are you waiting on God about something now? Remember, He cares about the smallest thing and is working all within the big picture of His redemptive plan that includes you. Trust His timing, and His goodness….God is never late; nor is He ever too early. He is always on time, working according to His timing that is always perfect.

With God, waiting is weaving----weaving the full beautiful tapestry of His will.”

Don’t you just love that?

Learning From Other Women

This is the bible study we are doing now. It is a continuation of learning life principles from biblical women. Last fall we did the first book. Each book is a 12-week study focusing on a different female character every week.

Each week, we discuss.......

Her place in God's divine plan
Her challenges along the way
Her faith
Her flaws
Her victories
And then finally, how we can apply what we've learned.

We are all part of God's divine plan. How exciting is that?!

Quilts are home!

The little lady that I take some of my quilt tops to called me yesterday. She had finished the quilts that I pieced recently. Here you go. I am so proud of both of them.

I always enjoy visiting with this special little lady. Yesterday, she showed Marilyn and I a closet where she has over 70 quilt tops ready to be quilted. She has made hundreds of quilts. Some have been sold, some raffled for community projects, and some given to family members. The house is full of them. She is an amazing quilter by the way. I really need to get her an Etsy shop!

Two Mailbox Surprises Yesterday

First.....I received two books from Linda at Mocha with Linda. I can't wait to start them.

Second...We received a thank you card. Not so out of the ordinary (well, maybe it is....). Except this was from a young couple that we had as July 4th guests. She had written a sweet note letting us know how much they had enjoyed the family, food, and fun during the holiday weekend. Very thoughtful.

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