Giveaway Continues and a "Toodle Do!"

GIVEAWAY ! CHECK IT OUT....

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Today we are leaving for Tampa. This will be another first in the travel log. As I have said before, I am very excited to be going with a group of women that make it a fun journey from departure to return.

Our travel agent (aka Cheyrl) has already given us our individual itinerary folders. We've got several things booked, a car rented and a place to stay. I'm packed and ready for departure. Be back Saturday!

GIVEAWAY ! CHECK IT OUT....

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A good friend, Sandy, passed this on to me a couple of days ago. Sorry, Sandy, it has taken me this long to get this out there.

I've given it my best shot to answer these questions with only one word! Here goes............

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Your mother? faithful
4. Your father? funloving
5. Your favorite food? all
6. Your dream last night? silly
7. Your favorite drink? coke
8. Your dream/goal? legacy
9. What room are you in? living
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? toothless
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? following. . .
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? pessimistic
15. Muffins? poppyseed
16. Wish list item? travel
17. Where did you grow up? farm
18. Last thing you did? play
19. What are you wearing? capris
20. Your TV? on
21. Your pets? shedder!!!
22. Friends? Christian
23. Your life? Blessed
24. Your mood? joyful
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle? unwashed
27. Something you’re not wearing? frown
28. Your favorite store? uncrowded
29. Your favorite color? many
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? movie
32. Your best friend? faithful
33. One place that I go to over and over? church
34. One person who emails me regularly? husband
35. Favorite place to eat? table

Now, I'm to pass this on. So......rather than choose six of you, let's do this. If you want to play along, just do so. Come back and let me know you did. I'll throw in an extra entry into my giveaway. How's that for an easy way out?

2nd Giveaway and a Song

I am excited to let you in on a secr.........Wait! It's not a secret. I'm having my second giveaway, and it begins today! Check out the cute little bag here. Perfect for stashing stuff this fall.

Hold on -- I'm not through! Inside the bag, you are going to find two crosses. They are made with magnetic clips, so they can be easily added to any of your necklaces. The first one is RED and the other is SILVER.

As last time, it's easy to get your entries. So get going girls; you could earn four chances to win. The lucky winner will be getting these in the mail soon. And remember, if you don't for some reason like jewelry, think regifting! I won't tell a soul! 

Comment -- one entry

Follow -- one entry

Mention it on your blog this week -- 2 extra entries

Giveaway closes Tuesday, October 6 at 9:00 PM.

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I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN

My soul finds rest in You
My fortress and my rock
My hope for life my hiding place
My refuge and my God

In You I've found my home
My shelter from the storm
And I'll pour out my heart to You
And lean upon Your throne

I will put my trust in You
I will put my hope there, too
I will stand upon Your word
And I will not be shaken

I will let my praises show
Holding on to what I know
Because I know You're always there
And I will not be shaken
I will not be shaken
(Repeat)

I will not be moved
I'm leaning on the throne
Because You died for me
And called me to Your own
And even when the strongest winds begin to blow

I will stand my ground
I will not be moved
I will not be shaken.

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Late breaking news.........

Thena at Patiently Waiting is having a great giveaway -- a Paula Deen cookbook. So hop over there and enter hers, too!

"Auntie Pam's" Part 2

I promised a few days ago to share some other examples of a friend's work. If you missed the post and first display of work, check it out. She does alot of stuff for babies and toddlers. I just have to share these. She had a request to come up with something for a set of triplet baby girls. Oh my! These were just perfect -- the cutest, softest, and "pinkest" little bathrobes!! How awesome is that. Here they are!

Have a great weekend, ladies!

SEPTEMBER 25--A BIRTHDAY AND A FAIR

Rockin' Biker Babe! Happy First Birthday, Glory.

(Mute the playlist.)

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The State Fair of Texas opens today and runs through October 18. So if you are in the Dallas area (or not) you might want to head this way. Check out this site for special discounts on admission.

Candle Craze

Joining up with Kimba again to celebrate the DIY spirit.

 I can't get enough of candles. I love them all--all sizes, colors, fragrances, styles; you get the point. I saw something very similar to this little number out in a store. It was great EXCEPT for the price. So I decided I could replicate it.

I just found the candle holder, candle, and cross at HL for 50% off. I had already purchased the beaded strings earlier at some craft shop just because I loved them so much. 

Then I added some dazzling jewels to the cross and finished it off with some wide pretty ribbon. The photo is not top quality here but the ribbon actually has cute little gold beads also.

A Few Words from Glory and Jonah!

Hey Everybody............Just a reminder about my birthday party!

Yeah, that's right. I'm "ONE YEAR OLD" Friday.

.

Bring on the cake and goods!

WOOHOO--a Party! Don't forget about me.

I AM the big brother!

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Hope your day is filled with

Tomorrow is the official day for Keelie's wreath party. But we can share our goods now. If you follow me, you will recall I am repurposing one that had been out of use and tucked away. It needed some TLC in the worst way. So, here she is before.............

I first had to remove the "yucky" stuff.  Then I added a few new items. Just because I said "new items," don't fret. New doesn't have to be expensive. Most of what I added, came from Dollar Tree! Woohoo!! Sure hope you like it. I especially like the sunflowery thing. 

I am so glad we were encouraged to do this fun little DIY and get to participate in the giveaway. Happy Fall, Everyone!!

"Auntie Pam's Originals" for Friday's Fotos

No, I'm not Auntie Pam. But a friend is. She asked me to take these the other day before she put this custom order in the mail. So.....I decided to just share them with you, too, for my Friday Fotos. If you think these are cute, you'll love some of the other things she does including children's stuff. I'll try to share some of those with you next week. She does great work! 

Bathroom Redo Complete!

I'm joining A Soft Place To Land today for DIY. Last week I posted a sneak peak at the project. This past weekend bought me some extra time to finish it. I am so pleased to have a new look in there. 

Butternut Squash Soup

I got a new recipe this week from a friend. I made it for my ladies' bible study group tonight. It was great! And it even looks "fallish" if you can use that word to describe soup!

4 T. butter or margarine

1 pkg. Lipton onion soup mix

1 butternut squash (approx. 4 lbs), peeled, cubed

4 to 5 cups water

1 t. dried marjoram leaves

1/2 t. ground black pepper

1/4 t. ground red pepper  ( I omitted this.)

8 chicken bouillon cubes

2 pkg. (8 0z) cream cheese, cubed

Put all ingredients in a dutch oven and cook until the squash is tender. In blender or food processor, place approximately a third of it. Blend until smooth. Repeat. Return all this to the pan. Stir in cream cheese. Cover, cook on low heat setting until cheese is melted stirring with wire whisk until smooth.

Several notes:

*You can easily cut this in half. I wrote it out as I made it which was a double batch. 

*You could cook it in a slow cooker on low setting for 6-8 hours. Then use your food processor and continue.

*You can serve with real bacon bits, chives, or parsley. Bacon is yummy with it!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

ESTROGEN ISSUES

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE 'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.

2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.

3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.

4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.

5. You 're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: 'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.

6 Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.

7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'

8. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

9. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

If you had already read this, it was worth reading again! I know we could all add to the list. What would be your #10?

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1. time at home
2. birthday meal for Jenna
3. worship

4. cooler weather

5. a bargain

6. leftovers

7. rain

8. finished projects

9. hugs

10. more rain

Our Source....

 I heard today, September 13th, is Positive Thinking Day! The power of positive thinking is absolutely astounding. Medical research confirms that a positive attitude works wonders at fighting disease. People with an "I think I can" attitude, are far more likely to succeed at work, and in accomplishing every goal they set in life.

As Christians,  we recognize that the key to positive thinking is not based on self (as the world promotes) but rather in Christ. Scriptures are rich in confirmation of what Christ has done for us and that living for Him is what abundant life is all about. As we turn on the news these days, it's difficult to not let negativity take over our thinking. However, we know who wrote the BOOK, we know how the story ends, and we Have Faith in God!!

Have Faith in God

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He'll answer yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

Friday Fotos

I have also decided to link this to "Show and Tell" today which is hosted every week by Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home. What's more special to share than an old photo with a few special memories. Thank you for hosting this Kelli. 

Friday Fotos is just one foto today. This is a picture of my sweet maternal grandmother, Emma May Henderson (aka “Ma”). She lived about 20 miles from us. As little girls, Marilyn and I went with Mother religiously to see her every Saturday morning as well as other times sporadically. We bought her groceries, did things around the house for her, and made sure her offering was ready for Sunday morning! That was the most important thing to her.

With a poor quality photo, you can’t see her expression but she loved her yard. With cane in hand, she would walk for hours outside enjoying the flowers. She did have a beautiful one. Her driveway was even lined with beautiful irises of all colors. Her backyard had the softest St. Augustine grass; we just wanted to kick off our shoes every time we were back there.

The house was great -- white framed with red trim. The porch was a favorite. It was painted a traditional gray. Notice the red bench. I have some fond memories staying with her overnight. We would sit out there on the bench talking and sometimes waiting for the ice cream truck. She was such a great little witness for the Lord. She talked to me about how much Jesus loved me and how lucky I was to have a mother and daddy who loved me as they did.

By the time Rick and I married, she had moved to a nursing home in town on the same street where we lived. We picked her up every Sunday to take her to church. She had her cane in hand, shawl around her shoulders, and a sweet smile on her face.

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Thanks to my DIL and A Soft Place to Land I am here today. DIL was participating, and I also wanted to jump in on the fun! So here's the deal....... I had taken a bid from a painter for this extra bath re-do. It originally had wallpaper in there. I wanted the paper to go AWAY and be replaced with a light texture. I just was not sure I wanted to tackle this.

The DIY spirit won out! I dealt with the paper, got the Kilz going, and then asked DIL to get the texturing going. (She's good!) I then finished the texturing on the weekend. Now it was time for the painting.

I don't necessarily enjoy painting or want to do it for a living, but I sure love the feel of a freshly painted room! So here's the sneak peek! 

LOVE-ly Things

I just LOVE Sonic's Happy Hour. A couple of reasons--sweet tea and diet coke half price!

I just LOVE Ladies' Bible Studies. Several reasons come to mind.  I love the fellowship we have together! I love the opportunity to learn how the Bible applies to us as women. I love the snacks we share with each other. I love our prayer time together. I love how we lean on each other. I love how we can learn to join God as He works. I love the accountability we have with each other.

We have a new study beginning in about a week. It's "Life Principles from Women of the Bible." I'm ready!

God Loves Little Boys
Author: Unknown

God loves little boys and all that they do
Exploring and laughing and roughhousing, too.

God loves their energy, eagerness and wit.
He loves their serious side and their fanciful spirit.

He guides them and tends them while they grow,
Giving them all of the grace he can bestow.

God’s plan for his boys is wondrous as well,
Because soon in their place, little men will dwell.





It's simply adorable that a backyard caterpillar and a $1.00 toy could bring such delight and wonder for Jonah.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

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Power of the Cross

(Heather Hedley)

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

Chorus:
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the victory cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the power of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us
What a love! What a cost!