Tuesday, May 31, 2011

May 31, 2011
The wings remind me of stained glass....only GOD could create a living creature so beautiful....and perfect!!!  And...am I the only person alive who loves thistles?!?
Could it be because they're P-U-R-P-L-E?!?
(taken 5/30/11 at Seven Islands Game Refuge)

Women of the Bible - In the Military

 Today's "Women of the Bible" is going to be a bit different than usual.  Since yesterday was Memorial Day, I thought it would be interesting to do a bit of research about women in scripture who served physically in battle....and....there are NONE!!!  The only one who actually came close was Deborah, the prophetess and judge....but, she wasn't actually in battle, but served as a judge and advisor to Barak, the chief military officer.  

According to the laws of the Old Testament, the men were the ones who were to go to war....

Numbers 1:1-3
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names,  
every male by their polls;  From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

 
 I know we all have our own opinions about women serving in the military today.  I found a commentary at Bible dot com that made a lot of valid points and I found myself agreeing.  Of course....I've never been big on "women's lib".   So, if you have time, follow the link and scroll down to #4 and  let me know your thoughts!!!

HOPE all of you had a great Memorial  Day!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!  

p.s...I've put an update on my Weight Loss Journey page above

Monday, May 30, 2011

Lookie, Lookie!!!

Followers (100)
Zippity-do-dah!!!
Thank you!!!
;-)

Happy Memorial Day!

May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!

What we do for ourselves dies with us. 

What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.

~~~Albert Pine~~~

 

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
~~~Abraham Lincoln~~~ 

 Greater love has no one than this: 
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 

Happy Memorial Day, my sweet readers!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!! 

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Elvis has left the building!!! ;-)

May 29, 2011
Does it look like we went to Graceland for Memorial Day weekend?!?!  Actually....Elvis was spotted in beautiful downtown Dandridge, TN!  I even had my picture taken with him for proof!!!
;-)

Sunday Morning Song - Everything Works Together

Although I'm not a big fan of "talk box",
I heard this song one day last week and was immediately drawn to the lyrics.
HOPE you enjoy it, too!

Just don't forget to turn off my PlayList above before listening!!!

Happy SONday, sweet readers!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

p.s....if you get a chance, listen to 
"The Steeple Song"
by Don Francisco on my PlayList above.
It's near the bottom of the list.
As I listened.....I imagined Jesus talking to me!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

May 28, 2011
Run, Sawyer, run!!!
(taken Easter Sunday - April 24, 2011 in our front yard)

Christian Blogger Award

I received an invitation from my sweet blogging friend,
Ms. Jacki at Christie Cottage....

.....presenting me with this very special award.....

(click on image to go to her list of Christian blogs)

 I am so honored that she thought of me!!!
And one of the sweetest things she told me was that she prays for me and my family when she reads my blog each morning!

If you get a chance, please visit Ms. Jacki's site and find her link to other Christian blogs.
She has something special each day of the week!!!

Thanks so much, Ms. Jacki....
....especially for your prayers!

HOPE each of you have a wonderful 
Memorial Day weekend!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

p.s...notice my new "grab my button"!

Friday, May 27, 2011

May 27, 2011
Our current flag!

Fantastic Friday - Edition #19

Hello, sweet readers!!!

Can you believe it's time again for Fantastic Friday?
They roll around really fast, don't they?!?

  Have y'all had a fantastic week?!?
I sure HOPE so!

 My week has been great.  I FINALLY got to have lunch with my precious friend....it had been way too long!!!  I got my brand spankin' new prescription sunglasses....something I've never had before, but definitely need because of my dry eye and cataracts (am I not too young for a cataract?....please say yes!!!).  
I received a very nice compliment from a lady at Sally Beauty Supply (thank you, Lord for sweet unexpected words)....received phone calls from three older ladies who mean the world to me....and.....even the trip to the grocery store reaped a harvest of  blessings since I had almost $10 worth of coupons!!!  Plus, on top of all that....our GRANDsons spent a day with me....and who would have thought that a couple of spray bottles full of water would keep them occupied for HOURS!!!
;-)

 Ain't God good?
Oh, yes HE most certainly is!!!

 So....remember.....this is a super easy peasy party.  All you've gotta do is link up....and visit others....and HOPEfully make some brand new bloggy friends!!!

HOPE each of you have a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend!!!  
Leave me a comment and let me know what you've got planned!!!

 In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
p.s....don't forget to head over to Jessica Leigh 
and sign up for her Willow House give-a-way!!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

May 26, 2011
I can tell you who gave me just about every flower and/or bush in our yard! This one came from my precious father-in-law! They're called red hot pokers. Wish I could get a pic of the really neat, but odd, birds who like to eat the seeds!!!

My Heart's Desire!

 Don't you just love those two words together....heart's desire?  

When I hear them, I think of a dream....a HOPE....something that is longed for.  I've used that term several times lately, applying it to myself and some things that are truly my own "heart's desire".  

As I asked God to speak to me thru His word a few weeks ago....I was led that morning to Psalm 37.  Several of the verses could be applied to a situation in my life....but what jumped off the page at me were these words in verse 4....

Take delight in the Lord,
      and he will give you your heart’s desires.

One of the greatest things that my own heart longs for is to see our precious GRAND-sons give their little hearts to Jesus and go thru the waters of baptism.  You will probably hear this Nannie shouting from wherever you may be at the time!!!

 I HOPE that God sends Pappy just the right job that He wants him to have.....of course, God already knows my heart's desire is for Pappy to be able to "retire".....NOW!!!

And....I have a HOPE that God will send His blessings down on  

So, what about you?
Do you have a few "heart's desires" of your own?

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May 25, 2011
Seven Islands Game Refuge.
HOPE to post more pics of this place soon!!!

Not too big....not too small....

....but just right!!!


I love the story of Goldilocks and The Three Bears because that was one of my Daddy's favorite stories to tell!!!  I remember Jess sitting on his lap when she was an itty bitty girl and Daddy telling her all about little Miss Goldilocks and her encounter with Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear!!!  The moral of the story is that we should respect the privacy and the property of others....don't steal....don't be sneaky and think that nobody will find out what we've done wrong!!!

But....it also reminds me....that just like Goldilocks who found one of the bowls of porridge to be just the right temperature to eat....and one of the chairs to be just the right size for her to sit in....and one of the beds the most comfortable for her to go to sleep on....
God is ALWAYS.....just right!

And, we don't ever have to worry if a concern is too big....or too small....to take to Him.
Because....He knows all about it already.
He's just waiting for us to bring it to Him!!! 

I Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him 
because he cares for you. 

Happy Wednesday, my sweet readers!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

May 24, 2011
What's so funny?!?!
It was what our son-in-law was doing to make the boys laugh....
and it worked for all of us!!!
;-)
(Easter - April 24, 2011)

Women of the Bible - Potiphar's Wife

(Guido Reni - image credit
Don't let anybody try to convince you that there are no "juicy" stories in the Bible....that reading scripture is boring.  Let's take the tale of Potiphar's wife as an example!!!

Joseph was sold to Potiphar, the Egyptian, when he was brought to Egypt as a slave.  Potiphar was a high officer of Pharaoh and a wealthy man.  Eventually, he put Joseph in charge of his household.  Potiphar's wife became attracted to Joseph and tried to seduce him.  When he rejected her advances, she falsely accused him and had him imprisoned.

When I read this, I was reminded of the quote:
"idle hands are the devil's tools".

Since Mrs. Potiphar was married to a very wealthy man, she probably had a lot of servants and very little to keep herself busy....thus, she had a lot of time on her hands....time that she spent lusting after  the young and handsome Joseph.  She begged Joseph to sleep with her day after day and he continually refused.  One day he went into the house to attend to his duties....those things that kept him busy....and since none of the other servants were inside,
Mrs. Potiphar grabbed Joseph by his cloak and again asked him to "come to bed with me". But, Joseph left his clothing in her hand and ran out of the house....naked!!!  Of course, you know that this woman was totally humiliated....so, instead of owning up to her own wrong doing....she accused Joseph of trying to rape her, resulting in him being thrown into prison by her husband.  But, because the Lord was with Joseph....he showed him kindness and he was granted favor in the eyes of the prison warden!

Conclusions:
First....
Keep busy doing something to occupy your hands....and especially your mind!!!
Second....
If you do what is right....God will reward!
And....Third....
If you find yourself in a situation where you're tempted to sin....if all else fails....
....RUN!!!!

HOPE everybody has a great Tuesday!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

May 23, 2011
Back of an old Methodist church in 
Kodak/Midway community!
Love the "quilt"....expect to see more of these!

Best Friends Forever

As y'all know, my sweet Mamaw recently went to heaven. I immediately received two calls from friends when they heard the news of her passing. As the days went by after her death, I started to receive more calls....cards came with precious words written inside filled with love and prayers....flowers were sent....a special wreath arrived via UPS from my best friend.  Words of comfort were written on my blog to help ease the pain of our loss.  And, oh, what it meant to me for people to take the time to come to the chapel during the "receiving of friends".  I had 3 friends who planned to drive 2 hours each way just to show their respect and love and friendship for me. 

 Since that day two weeks ago....Pappy and I have discussed the topic of friendship and how there were some "friends" who didn't acknowledge our loss, even though they knew what this precious woman meant to me.  I told him that I had noticed that most of the time when "friend" is mentioned in the Bible, it's referring to relationships between men.  For instance, David and Jonathan....and remember Job's friends (if you can call them friends).  


I did a bit of research and some form of the word friend appears 99 times in the KJV, according to  Bible Gateway.  As I scanned thru the verses, if a particular friendship was mentioned, it was between men.  When I try to think of friendship between women in the Bible, I'm reminded of the baby King Solomon was going to cut in half so that each of two Momma's could have a portion.  Of course the real Momma said to just give the baby to the other lady to spare her child being tortured.  Could the relationship between those two women even come close to a friendship?  
I don't think so!!!

Do you think God was trying to tell us in His subtle and evasive way that it's difficult for women to be friends?


Since I've had some enlightening friendships over the years....here is what I've decided....

If you can find somebody you can trust....can confide in and not be afraid that what you say will be shared with others....

 Proverbs 16:28
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
      gossip separates the best of friends.

....somebody who is supportive and shows respect....offers Christian advice....

Proverbs 27:9
 The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense. 

....doesn't tear down....doesn't try to make you feel inferior when they find out your weaknesses....

 Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a sincere friend
      are better than many kisses from an enemy.
 



....someone who doesn't try to compete with you....
Galatians 6:4
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.

....then, whatever you do....hang onto that friend for dear life....
....because she truly is a God-send!!!

 Romans 12:9-10
Don’t just pretend to love others.
Really love them. 
Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good. 
Love each other with genuine affection,
and take delight in honoring each other.
 
 In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Sunday, May 22, 2011



May 22, 2011
Precious Words from God!

Sunday Morning Song - Never Saw You Coming

If you're reading this....then, that means 
Mr. Harold Camping was entirely wrong....
....yet again!!!
;-)

Mark 13:32
 But about that day or hour no one knows, 
not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, 
but only the Father.

(don't forget....turn off my PlayList above before listening)

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

May 21, 2011
Me and MY man!!!
;-)
(picture taken before Mamaw's funeral - 5/10/11)

I'm in LOVE!!!

Have you ever been so in love with somebody that you felt like your heart was just going to explode?  Has a loved one ever done something for you....that was just the best thing you could ever imagine and you were so overwhelmed that you couldn't even begin to put into words how much you love and appreciate them?

Well....that's where I am right now....that's what my heart is feeling....what's going on inside of me and I have to tell somebody....so I'm gonna share this with y'all even though I can't see you personally and watch how you react.  

I'M IN LOVE!!!
There....I said it....it's out in the open!!!

I'M IN LOVE WITH MY JESUS....
and....guess what?
HE'S IN LOVE WITH ME, TOO!!!

(don't forget to turn off my PlayList above before listening)
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Baby Blues!!

A sweet friend ordered something for a baby boy due in August!!!  Here's what I came up with....something a bit different than my usual!

I like it!!!
How 'bout you?!?

Blessings to you,

p.s....HOPE to make an announcement soon about an Etsy shop!!!
 May 20, 2011
I named these "Ladies of Faith" roses because they were given by my Sunday School class in memory of my Mamaw!

Fantastic Friday - Edition #18

Let's have a party!!!  

Since we skipped last Friday, let's get back in the swing of things and start this weekend off by sharing what's made your life "fantastic" this week....or something great you have planned....well, unless the Lord changes your plan!!!
;-)

So....I'll go first!!!
My week has been fantastic because of one word....OBEDIENCE!!!
Okay, let me change that, since I'm a girl, and I have the right to change my mind....
....let's go with 3 words....
....TRUST and OBEY!!!

I think that will have to be a post next week!!!

Remember, this is a super simple "blog hop".
Just follow me here at Jeremiah 29:11 
(and if you want you can follow me @  
....but only if you want to!!!
;-)
Join in the little "linky" below.
Visit others and make new friends!!!

HOPE all of you have a "fantastic" weekend full of lots of happy blessings!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!! 

p.s...my sweet daughter is having an awesome give-a-way over @ Jessica Leigh!
Go check it out!!!
 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

May 19, 2011
 Like water off a (Rocky Valley) duck's back!!
;)

What are your plans?


Proverbs 16:1
We can make our own plans,
      but the Lord gives the right answer.
 

I've came across several things lately....blog posts, devotionals, etc....that referred to the scripture verse of Jeremiah 29:11....or, that had something to do with the word "plan".  Most of the time when I read that verse, HOPE is what jumps out at me, simply because that is such a meaningful word to a lot of us.   As I searched for the "Merriam-Webster" definition of the word "plan"....here is the one that I liked the best....

"a method for achieving an end"

So often we make plans.  It might be for our vacation, or a weekend away....plans to go to supper with friends....plans to spend time with GRANDchildren.    I'm reminded of the quote in the Robert Burns Poem about "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry"....which pretty much means that we can make all the plans that we want....but things can happen to make those plans change.  The best interruption of our plans is when we allow God to direct our lives....let Him make our plans for us.  Oh, that doesn't mean that we can't have our own agenda....but if God intervenes and changes things....we don't need to let it upset us.
Because, even if we can't see it at the time....it's ALWAYS for our best!!!

 Isaiah 55:8
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”


In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May 18, 2011
Roses sent by Jeff and Janice for Mamaw!
(played around with the pic in Microsoft Picture It)

Word Filled Wednesday


In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011


May 17, 2011
A gift from a sweet friend I've known for many years, 
Ms. George Anna!!!  

Women of the Bible - The Virtuous Woman

 image credit

Last week, at the graveside service for my Mamaw, the pastor who is a family friend told us that he had never used the scripture from Proverbs 31:10-31 at a funeral service....but that was what he chose to read from as Mamaw was laid to rest.  So, as I thought about what woman to talk about today, I wanted to do a  bit of research on the virtuous woman.  I've always loved this scripture, but have never felt that I even  come close to the woman with all those amazing attributes!
(although Pappy says differently....:-)

I found a web-site - Proverbs 31 Woman - that broke down each verse in such a beautiful way that I would love to share with you all!

Proverbs 31:10-31 

Her Character as a Wife

Rare and precious
Who can find a virtuous woman?
      She is more precious than rubies.

Trustworthy
 Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.

Kind
  She brings him good, not harm,
      all the days of her life.

 Her Devotion as a Homemaker

  Works joyfully
She finds wool and flax
      and busily spins it.

 Goes the extra mile to get the choicest goods
She is like a merchant’s ship,
      bringing her food from afar.

  Disciplined
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
      and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Knows how to handle money
  She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
      with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 Energetic
She is energetic and strong,
      a hard worker.

 Good steward
She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
      her lamp burns late into the night.

Diligent
Her hands are busy spinning thread,
      her fingers twisting fiber.

 Her Generosity as a Neighbor

 Compassionate and Generous
She extends a helping hand to the poor
      and opens her arms to the needy.

  Her Devotion as a Homemaker

 Provides for the future
She has no fear of winter for her household,
      for everyone has warm clothes.

 Elegant
She makes her own bedspreads.
      She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

 Influential
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
      where he sits with the other civic leaders.

 Industrious
She makes belted linen garments
      and sashes to sell to the merchants.

 Her Influence as a Teacher

 Poised
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
      and she laughs without fear of the future.

 Wise
When she speaks, her words are wise,
      and she gives instructions with kindness.

 Her Effectiveness As a Mother

 Manages Her Home
She carefully watches everything in her household
      and suffers nothing from laziness.

 Praiseworthy
 Her children stand and bless her.
      Her husband praises her:

Distinguished
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
      but you surpass them all!”

 Her Excellence As a Person

God-fearing
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
      but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
 
 Honored
Reward her for all she has done.
      Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.


Conclusions:
I've met several women in my lifetime who meet these "qualifications" to be classified as a virtuous woman.  Here's one of my favorite of these verses....

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last,
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

That's the legacy that I want to leave behind.  
I want to be remembered as a woman who loved her Jesus....and tried her best to obey Him!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Monday, May 16, 2011

May 16, 2011
This is what every day should be!!!
;-)

Moving Mountains!

When I get up in the mornings, I pray and ask God to speak to me thru His word before I do my devotional.  As I prayed yesterday morning, I asked that He speak to me thru the message we were about to hear at church....and He did....and it all started with the musicAs we stood to sing along with the choir, they began to sing one of my favorites, 
"Mighty to Save"....
....and you know I have a lot of favorites...;-)

   Here's the chorus:
My Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave.


Now, let's zero in on the part that I knew God was directing at me...
"My Savior....He can move the mountains".

We all have a lot of "mountains" in our lives....
what I like to call the "Terrible Threes"....
Troubles and Trials and Tribulations

But God can move those mountains....or make them smaller and easier to cross....or take us by the hand and lead us over, or around them!!!
As I thought about God moving our mountains....I was reminded of this verse of scripture....

Matthew 17:20
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. 
 “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ 
and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

 How about you?
Have you turned your mountains over to the Lord?
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

May 15, 2011
Gorgeous clouds one day last week driving thru Rocky Valley.  
I was reminded of that old gospel song, Steppin' on a Cloud....

Steppin' on a cloud we'll see Jesus
Rise to meet Him in the air
Steppin' on a cloud He will greet us
Oh, the joy together we'll share
I'm gonna leave this world behind me
I'm a going where the devil cannot find me
I'm going higher, higher, higher, higher 
To meet Jesus steppin' on a cloud

I'm going higher to praise him, higher to thank him 
I'm going higher to meet him, higher to greet him 
Going up higher, higher, higher, higher
To meet Jesus steppin' on a cloud