Helloooooo!

Well, guess I toook a little blogger vacation, didn't I? I was so busy doing the mundane that I had nothing interesting to write.... so, I didn't write anything. Today's no different - LOL - but I don't want to lose my faithful readers!

I went over to Lyn's today and we walked and talked for two miles. It was invigorating all the way around - mentally, spiritually, physically! If you're feeling sluggish in any of those areas, grab Hubby Dear or your close girlfriend and get your mouth and feet going. It'll perk you right up!

It Makes Ya Think!

Every month we get a newsletter from some missionaries we support. Their news is always inspirining, as they serve God whole-heartily in Mexico and see the Lord move in many neat ways. In this month's letter we were asked "If you take away the decorations, food and festivities, would you still celebrate Christmas with joy?"

I had to stop and think about that.... I am so used to having so much, love my Christmas decorations, think parties at this time of year (or any other time) are a blast (I literally tied darling teensy bells to one of my toes last night, promising the hostess I'd be there with bells on my toes) and just shine with all the lighted houses. But what if all I had were a roof over my head and a bed with smelly, noisy animals, and none of the above?

Well, it's made me think - and thank. "And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them" Luke 2:20. What joy is Jesus!

Counting....and Wishing I Were Down!

You know, cleaning is hard work, and don't let anyone tell you any different! It's also continuous. Now, if I worked at it more continually than I normally do, I think I would've been done by now... I'm pooped! But then I think of Mike, my hard-working, diligent man of men. Or even Jesus, who kept on doing the work His Father gave Him, till it was finished (although a woman's work is never finished; we all know that). So, onward, but a bit more slowly. Hahahahaha. Doing this little bit of complaining has helped, 'cuz now I am laughing. I mean, after all - I get to stay inside, talk on the phone while I work, listen to music as loud or low as I want, can stop when I want and take a break, can set my own hours, and get a reward every night of a job well done (ok, most nights). Now I ask you - is there anything to do but give thanks? Up and at 'em again, giving thanks while doing round 2. Asta la vista, baby! Oh, I was looking up toilet bowl stain removal and Martha had it under her HOMEKEEPING section. HOMEKEEPING.... THAT'S WHAT MOMS/WIVES DO. yay! (I can't help sharing all this today, as I am in a yakkin' kinda mood!)

The Countdown Continues

Do you know what fun I'm having? Christmas music is filling our home with joyous melodies, while I fill our home with prayers for joy for my familia, while cleaning. When Tim emptied his room before going to Oakland, he handed me a manilla envelope full of sentimental papers, including this darling book that he wrote and illustrated in second grade about his family. And what did his mom do? "My mom cleans." :) And mom still does, because for me, it's a way to love my family and make their lives a little more peaceful and refreshing. It's a selfless act of serving (cuz I'd rather be doing almost anything else). Though my family might not have ever noticed that the fruit of my labor made their lives more peaceful and comforted, I could tell it sunk deep into their beings. Anyway, I am having fun doing what moms do - clean (amongst a jillion other things).

I lighted the cinnamon-scented candle to add some fun ambiance to washing the dishes, and as the warm sudsy water created sterile plates and glasses, my hubby dear came to mind... He's not feeling well, hates driving, yet he got up very early, filled the thermos with hot coffee and took off for an overnight trip for work - and no complaints (just a few sighs). And I was longing to lay in bed and read, remember?! This is what has made cleaning fun today: doing right lifts the countenance and the heart's joy. And it's right fun that I get to be part of a team, carefully guarding the things of home, while Mike goes out and serves us, keeping us in this sweet home. And that knowledge makes me feel good... and thankful... that I have this man who serves us and that I get to serve.

Anyhoo, this is adding to the festively joyous merriment of the season, knowing this home and family are also gifts from God. Be blessed with much merriment in your serving today! xo

The Countdown Begins

Seven.... six... five... the Christmas-Day-Countdown began for me this morning. Last week I was breathing a sigh of relief over having the shopping and most of the wrapping done, and then when I woke up this morning I rememebered something -- there's still cleaning and baking and marketing! So, my schedule book will be pulled out and I will set my pen to prepare a daily to-do list, so that by Christmas Eve I am totally ready to celebrate, being festively joyous!

That means that instead of lying in bed reading, as I'm longing to do, I must reach my goal of a clean house by 3:30 (that's when Susan will come a'honking for Curves). I'm not a disciplined person, but what's the alternative - a messy, chaotic mind, lacking any kind of joy.

And you know what? My countdown will add up to a more festive joy for my family, too, because they will be able to enjoy the fruit of my labors with me. So... one... two...three....Go Liz!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christsmas!

Third time's a charm!! I kept pushing the 'enter' button, instead of 'tab', and now, ta da - that created a lesson! You know how in the Bible when God meant something to be paid attention to greatly, He'd repeat it three times? Well, there ya go - He wants you to have a merry little Christmas!

The word 'merry' means: full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit; laughing; happy; mirthful; festively joyous; hilarious.

I love all those things - PARTY attitudes!! In the bustle, the hustle, the troubled, and calm we have - all year long, but especially during this special season - Jesus...the reason for our hearts' merriment!

Oh! do have yourself a MERRY, MERRY, MERRY little Christmas!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christsmas!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christsmas!

The Beautiful Gift

Susan's package got wrapped beautifully in gold foil, with embossed Chritmas lights. The ribbons glistened on top, with a gorgeous bow I made myself in reds and gold. I love looking at it! Then, as I read in Isaiah, I saw a truly magnificent gift - Emmanual, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. God's zeal sent Jesus as the gift we've always wanted.... though we just didn't know, till the Holy Spirit helped us unwrap it. Let's admire that package for the rest of our lives!

Christmas Fun

In 60 little minutes, Susan's little orange-crush-colored car will whip into the driveway, Christmas music blaring from inside. We'll hit Curves first, then all the fun shops on H Street. Of course, we'll go to lunch and have our annual Christmas exchange. She's gonna love what she's getting! (Can't tell you what it is till she opens it.) I have one hour to get it wrapped!

Yesterday, Lyn and I spent the day making Christmas goodies. It was oodles of fun! Fun with friends and family make the holidays brighter, don't you think?

I still haven't read my Bible this morning.... not that I have to, but it's so easy to scoot along through the days and forget all about Jesus and why we are having this month-long celebration. 60 minutes is plenty of time to spend time with the Word and get Susan's gift wrapped. TTFN

A Joyous Season! And Don't Forget It!

Okay, I've been caught again! Yesterday I woke up depressed and couldn't shake it (not that I tried to, I've realized this morning). On top of that, a multitude of chores, errands, to-do's rushed upon me like an NFL defensive lineman (those huge guys). My shoulders throbbed from the stress of it all; they haven't done that for quite awhile. Anyhoo, this morning, it hit me what a joyous season this really is, thanks to Jesus being born as a human baby, to save us all from the penalty of our sins. Well, a friend emailed last night saying she was depressed. Then it was that I awoke to the fact that the enemy-of-our-souls does not want us joyous, but depressed by the endless busyness, trials, woes, and choes (chores). I was caught again, giving in!

We are to fight the good fight, the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timmy 1:18. My Pastor gave the best-ever meaning to that fight, but drats!, I can't find it. However, let's just think of it this way: take a punch at whatever attacks your joy in the Lord! Just put on the boxing gloves of God's Word, and go at it! (Don't even think about throwing in the white towel of defeat, appealing as your feelings may be towards it....as mine have many a'time.)

This is a joyous season of celebration. Don't forget it, by getting caught up in the cares of this world, and neglecting to pray, sing praises (the old Christmas carols...just look at the words!), rest in God's arms and faithful promises, and thank Jesus for coming down here and rescuing us with such a great gift of love!

A Merry & Blessed Christmas

Sometimes it's little things that make huge impacts in our lives. For Hugh Martin, it was one little song, written in 1943. Ralph Blane and he had created a merry jingle for Judy Garland to sing in "Meet Me In St. Louis." And fame inflamed over that one little song that is now a Christmas staple - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Little did Hugh know that years after writing that song, he would make one little decision that would forevermore grant him that merry Christmas of which he so happily sang - the decision to believe in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

And now, at age 90, he has rewritten the song into one that points to Jesus as the reason for the season's merriment- Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas. It's a sweet song in which his piano talents are displayed as well as his ability to still write lyrics that bring merriment and blessing! See, ya just never know what little thing is going to make a huge impact in your life.... and others'!

Mama Mia!

Well, shoot! Tim is moving! He's in there right now, cleaning out his room; that'll take him longer than 8 days, so guess he won't be moving next Tuesday, after all. hahhahahahaaha. He's got a new apartment, a new job, a new life.... drats! He can't wait.

But I can. He's not even coming back for Christmas. sigh sigh sigh. Some things are inevitable - and unlikable. This is one of them. I know he will have a blast in this new growth spurt, and I'm happy for that part, just sad for the change that will take him outta Bakersfield.

So, really, I guess his leaving is ushering in a new life for me, too. Give me time; I'll adjust.

There is a time for everything....

'Tis the Season to be JOLLY! Falalalalalalala la la la

Guess how the first of December began for moi!!!!! Susannah played Santy Clause and delivered all kinds of fun! A jingly jangly bling bling for my wrist, a hot coffee for my tummy, Christmassy paper towels for my busy hands, and a funny card explaining visually how Vixen got her name, for my overall health (laughter IS good for you!). Before she arrived, i quickly dashed through the house plugging in all the Christmas lights. See, all those many days of work paid off for oooooodles of sparkling fun!! Oh, yeah, baby, 'tis the season to be jolly! faaaaaallalalalalalal la la la la la!! A merry December 1st to you! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!!!!

A Merry Ride

If it happened in the middle of summer, it would be no big deal. After all, I love to roll the windows down and let my short locks blow in the breeze. Fresh air invigorates! But, when it's the end of November and the temperatures have dropped below my comfy level, having a window stick in the down position is not very convenient or cozy.

So, I emptied my car, lowered the seats to flat position, and stuffed in my darling bicycle, complete with a cute red and black polka dot bag that carried my muffler, Christmas CDs and CD player, my purse, my garage door opener, money, a package to be mailed, and my woolen hat. I was set to drop off the car and ride the 11.5 miles back across town to home sweet home.

The weather was chilly but not freezing. I mean, no icicles formed on my sweat! I listened to Garth Brooks Christmas CD and Ray Conniff's - both are full of jolly, happy tunes. It was a very merry ride, and I am now invigorated to carry on with chores. Happy Day to you!

OH, FUNNY!

Cukooooo! In that last entry, I mentioned nothing about the title. The truth I was going to tell you about is this: Mike pulled down all our boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations, and he could not help his annual comment - YOU HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!! I instantly assured him that I was planning on giving some of it to a friend. His immediate response, said with such a note of plea in it that I could only laugh, pass it on, and comply. He said, "NO!!! if you give it away, you'll feel the need to replace it. Please, keep what you have.!!!" I am still laughing, cuz he knows me well!!!

Do you wanna hear a shocker? Amy heard that mike was cleaning, thought that was so mind-boggling, that she shook her head, figured she was awake and not still dreaming, and came into the kithen, filled up a bucket with water and Murphy's oil soap, and did all the cupboards in the house! Oh my goodness!!!! She told me later that if dad, dad!, was going to help, she wanted to, too. So, how do you like those apples??? Seeing as how it was a family affair, i called tim home and included him in the fun, allowing him to clean the screens. hoooooorya! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!!!!!!

The Funny Truth

Thanksgiving Day was a success.... It's over, but giving thanks continues in my heart. There's just so many things to be thankful for! And now, I'm focused on a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes. How thankful I am that God loved me (and YOU!) enough to hand-wrap this gift of Love!

This morning I was reading a psalm, and it mentioned that David's line would go on forever, as the moon - "the faithful witness in the sky." I liked that. A beaming witness that our God is there.....always and ever and beyond!

So, Thanksgiving is behind us and the Christmas celebration ahead of us. Joy to the world!! The cleaning bug attacked me this morning (haven't seen that bug in a very long time!), and I am getting the home sparkling for the holidays. It's been really fun. Surprising, isn't it? I rarely want to do it (clean, that is), but once I start, it's actually enjoyable. With my toothbrush in hand, I was getting seven years of dust off my baseboards, when in came Mike, saying, "Why don't you leave those kinds of chores for me?" I fainted! Do you know why he offered such a miraculous thing? Because he is anxious for our decorations to go up! He wanted me to put them up yesterday. Holidays are important traditions. So, bless your family and get to work!

Oh, be sure to start with prayer. Give this celebration, including all the work and preparation, as well as the joyous things, to the Lord. Remember, we unwrapped that gift the day we believed - let's not let Him just sit on the shelf!

Thanksgiving Day is over, but continue with thanks as you deck the halls! Falalalallalala!

Every year, magazine articles are filled with steps to easier holidays. I've never followed them... which I now see was not very wise! How did I come to this conclusion? Well, this year, Thanksgiving was rolling in so fast that it caught me unaware - and unprepared!!

So, on Sunday I grabbed my rarely-used schedule book (I had BIG visions of discipline and order when I bought it) and broke up into little steps all I'd need to do to be ready for Thanksgiving Day. And guess what? All those steps have led me to the top of the accomplishment ladder. I am shocked! And happy!

I think I will do the same for Christmas. It just might make it calm and bright and holly-jolly!!
But that's all I'll say about Christmas, because Thanksgiving is to be celebrated with gusto, tomorrow.

I just made my own fun coffee and read Psalm 117. There's lots in those two verses to make you thankful to God. For my coffee, I heated half cup light eggnog, then poured some brewed caramel truffle coffee in it. Let me tell you - this is something else to be thankful for - I love my coffee!

Just think..... if I would keep to a schedule, there'd be more time to spend with the Word, while sipping yummy coffee!

Happy Thanksgiving

Give thanks in all things, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus! Margaret Jensen's mom said that a happy heart is a thankful heart. No wonder they link the words 'happy' and 'thanksgiving' together!! Like turkey and stuffing....or stuffed!!!

If you find yourself a bit cranky over the length of your to-do list, start at the top of the list and work your way down - with thanks. For instance, I have to grocery shop. So, I'll thank the Lord for money to do that and a store to do it in. Some countries have no clue about this luxury! Next, bake.... well, hmmmm..... we can be thankful for the warmth and sweet aroma. Etcetera. This little game might make some real changes of heart...and attitude. That'd be nice, wouldn't it?

Since I'll be so busy thanking and preparing for the Big Day, this might be the only howdy this week. We'll see. May you find your hearts filled with lots of thanks and happinesses!

Baby, it's Cold Outside

Brrrrrrrr! Our furnace has not yet been turned on. We're holding out for the really cold, unbearable days before clicking on that dollar sucker. Each morning I check the thermostat, and each morning it's one degree cooler. When it hits zero, don't worry, that bubba's coming on!!

Though the sun is brightly shining, it can't fool me! I KNOW it is cold outside! Think I'll light a fire and spend this day in cozy warmth with a good book!

Lazy, Crazy Day

Do you ever have those mornings where the warmth of the blankets glues you to the bed? That's today! My list keeps growing with cleaning, errands, work, writing, etc., and all i want to do is stretch under the covers and read my newest library find. Alas... what's a woman to do?!

Since lolly-gagging in bed all day is not an option, I'm going to moan for about five (maybe ten) minutes, then get up and JUST DO IT ALL! I'd love it to be a lazy day, but then I'd be crazy tomorrow. So, hi ho hi ho.... it's off to work I go! TaTa

The Big Word "MY"

This morning, I had barely read three paragraphs of a chapter on change when I began to notice something: the word "MY." "Disrupted my...", "anything that rocks my boat..."

We do not like "MY" disrupted, do we? And, for sure, we don't like it to rock our boats... or our worlds... or any of our carefully layed plans! No sirrrreeeee!

But it happens, doesn't it, and there's nothing we can do to stop it. Can we keep it from upsetting our joy, though? By the time I'm finished reading the whole chapter, I hope to find the answer to that question. In the meantime, I have an inking that if "MY" plans, boats, and happenings were given to God with open hands (gulp, not always easy) then the "MY" becomes "HIS" and then it's up to the Lord to deal with it all, while I joyfully bob along for the ride.

It's not really that simple, but a process of learning to let go and trust, I think. Letting God become "MY" trust, surely will help!

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7.)

On the Road Again

No, not on a trip. Just on the road to recovery- finally! It's been eight days of this upper respiratory battle. Glad to lick it, at last, and be on the road to robust health again! Drink your water!

A Living Charm Bracelet

Sweet memories are like charms on a bracelet, jingling precious rememberings of life's happy moments.

If the past four days were dangling from shiny circles of silver, there would be lips... for the kiss good-bye to Mike that had to hold me over for the five days he would be in Arizona...without me. A truck... for the sleigh ride that whisked Shannon and I to the fall-colored coast, for our annual rendevouz of friendship. The word "Sisters" for the twenty-three-and-a-half-year-old friendship we share. A beachball.... for the 'ball' we had on our three days at the beach. A bible.... for the fellowship we enjoyed, with each other and Jesus, who goes everywhere with us. A telephone... that was the only way we were connected to the sweet nothings of our Hubby Dears. A basket... because we each brought one, filled with items to ensure girlyhood. A frenchfry... because, twice, we shared french fries smothered in ketchup. (I would put a coin... for all the shopping, but we spent them all!)

It's the little things in life that add up to a bracelet-full of things cherished. Don't let memories just sit there....let them dangle in front of you....for lots of happinesses remembered. :)

Be Ye Transformed by the Renewing of Thy Mind

You are what you think, even more than what you eat (I mean, I eat tons of chocolate and am still white)!

Yesterday, one little question in an email caused a lot of what goes on inside my head to surface. For some reason, I decided to skim it off and write it down. Boy, was I amazed at how negative my subconscious are!

Anyhoo, just in case you are like me, here's what I wrote in my journal, in answer to the question: Are you going to the Mount Hermon writing conference this year? (Which means that I will have to write!!! EEEK!) The first response was my thought, the second is a new thought to replace the first.....

NO!..... Yes, Lord! SCARED!.... Be encouraged! NOBODY! ...Somebody to God - His child! INSECURE!.... Trust in the Lord! NOT SMART ENOUGH!....Then, learn! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!...."Good?" So, what? I am accepted in the Beloved! NOT CONFIDENT ENOUGH!.... Trust more! NOTHING WRITTEN! .... Get busy! DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE! ....Pray & fast!

So, there ya have it - the Liz's inards....on their way to being renewed!

I'm Going Out

It's that cloudy, delightful weather I like (only in November & December; after that I want sunshine). Perfect weather for sipping ny second cuppa coffee and talking things over with Jesus. Outside on my front porch I have a darling buttery-yellow bistro table, and that's where the Lord and I are headed, right out there, alone in the crisp morning quietness.

Do you have a favorite place to meet with God? Spending time in the word is much more fun in a special place you like to be. Or, I think so, anyway.

While my coffee was brewing, I got this Thanksgiving brainstorm - each day I am going to offer thanks to the Lord for something about Him, correlating the number of items with the number on the calendar. As the number grows, so will my thanks. I'll have to use my fingers to keep track...and my toes! I've never done this before, but it's a great idea! Wanna do it with me? Oh, do! Yesterday I thanked Him that He is God, my God, and this morning I thanked Him that He is love and that He loves MOI!! Hoooooray!

Coffee's ready.... I'm going out with the Lord for our morning date. Ta ta!

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

Inquiring minds like to know! So, while wiping off last night's spilled hot chocolate, I asked the Lord why it is that dieting or restricting my foods causes me to freak out. I mean, what is this madness?????

His swift answer included a picture of lost friendships. Over the years many friends have come and gone, some missed more than others. I am a loyal friend - to a fault! A friend can do me wrong, and still I hang on to the friendship, remembering all the fun times and good things about that person (shoot! I need to do this more with Hubby Dear...). Anyhoo, the Lord's answer revealed that my 'friend' food has been a companion of many years, and I am as fiercly loyal to the comfort of it, as bad for me as this 'frienship' is, as I am to any other friendship. Darn wierd!

But true. As I think back on some lost or given-up friendships, I can see where I have grown because of that loss. There are a few that I mourn over every now and then, but for the most part, I've moved happily on. And wouldn't this be true of food friendship, too? Of course!

Will it be easy? No, just as, initially, it's hard when friendships change. I like my comfort, and change disrupts that. Change also brings renewal, ever notice that? So, now that this inquiring mind has her answer, it will be fun to lock hands with many new friendships. I can't wait!

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Climb Every Mountain!

Okay, here's what happened... Lyn and I were movin' and a'groovin' on our 4-mile trek when she told me about an uphill climb she and her daughter used to attack. That did it! "Let's go!" I said. And Lyn, fit as an Olympic gymnast, didn't have to have her arm twisted. We turned around, walked the mile and a half back to my house, then drove to THE MOUNTAIN. Up and down we went, twice, Lyn always far ahead of me. It was great fun, and I dont' know when my lungs have been that worked up!

All total, my guess is that we walked 100 miles. Ok, maybe only six or seven. Still, I did it! I thought about the guys and gals on The Biggest Loser (my very favorite show): How do they RUN up those mountains??????? I think it's that whip their trainers snap on their legs; Just kidding! Maybe I need to buy Lyn one!

Anyhoo, what mountain have you been wanting to climb, lately? To lose 20 pounds? To get organized? Learn a new language? Open your Bible more than once a month? You can do it! Just put one foot in front of the other, choose a pace you can live with, and just climb every mountain....one at a time! Good luck!

Oh, the Weather Outside is Delightful!

Not frightful at all, like Dean Martin sings on my new Christmas CD! He says the weather is frightful and the fire delightful.... I think fire's are a delight, too, but today's not cold enough for a fire. It's just perfectly delightful!

And if that isn't enough, I also had the delight of an unscheduled day off. That makes a regular ol' day like a holiday! It's like a surprise birthday card -- like the one I got from Cheryl Dear in today's mail. I was so happy when I saw it that I just cried. A delighted cry of friendship remembered. (Do you know what I'm talking about?) Lifelong friendships are delight-a-mundo!

Dinner's been slowly roasting all day in the oven, and the smell reminds me of something Grandma would make when we were kids. A new Christmas book arrived in the mail... and a hot bubble bath awaits. I'm gonna go slip under those puffy perfumed clouds and read and savor every word that Cheryl wrote in my birthday card...

It's been an unusually wonderful day. Just as delightful as the weather!

There really are such things as happy endings! Remember that plate fiasco I shared two days ago? Well, thanks to the grace of the Lord, the Ebay seller kindly agreed to fix it all, accepting my original offer and erasing my blunder. Oh, happy was I to finally get an email from her!

Two friends gave me the same counsel for this pickle I canned: Ask for forgiveness (for the lust of the flesh that waylaid me) and ask for grace ('cuz i needed it in that Ebay situation). For me, asking forgivness was easy, but asking for grace... when I didn't deserve it?... well, I was a bit more hesitant with that. Silly me! What is grace, after all, but God's undeserved favor?! And do I need that? Oh, yeah, Baby!

So, my big blunder was erased twice - once from the blood of the Lamb, and once from the gracious Seller. A happy ending, see? Happy are those whose God is the Lord!!! (Psalm 144:15)

Guess what I did today? Walked over five miles with Lyn! And we talked the whole time, too. Not just gibberish, either, but fellowshipped to the full hilt. We encouraged one another in love and good deeds, and mingled in with that was always some admonishing. And we're still talking! Our time together is just wonderful!

I remember my friend Shannon and I doing the exact same thing, years ago, back in our younger days. Sometimes, the little pricks and proddings would make our flesh get all riled up, and off we'd stomp. But not for long. Both of us wanted the truth, always, even when it was painful to hear. We'd quickly come to terms with the truth and be right back to our great friendship.

Do you have an encouraging friend (or two)? Now's a good time to tell them how thankful you are for their support in pushing you heavenward. If you do not have this kind of friend, quickly get with God and ask that He provide one...or two. He will, and you will see just how wonderful it is!

Joining the Blogger World

I saw it, and had to have it! It's not the first time this week that it's happened, either. Yesterday was my birthday, so, of course, when I walked into Olcott's (an upper-class store, full of gorgeous allurements for the home) and saw those darling birthday plates, the words just pushed their way out of my lips, before I even thought about it: "I'll take them all! Wrap them in fun birthday paper, please." So, when my friend Emily showed me her new blog, I wanted one. And, though I didn't even know what a blog was till three weeks ago, here I am.... making my first blog ever.

So, welcome! Like most things I do, I'm not certain the direction this will take, but I hope that it steers you towards Jesus, and that you will be encouraged along the way. :)

I have to tell you, too, that having everything your eyes land on is not necessarily healthy for you. Ever since I've brought those plates home, I have had little sleep, as it's kept me up at night, thinking about Katrina victims and how frivolous this purchase was, though Mike was fine with me getting them as my birthday gift...from him. (See what a good helpmeet I am, saving him from extra work?) But see, I didn't stop there. Oh, no! I jumped with both feet right into Ebay and made a best offer on the matching bowls. Well, it bit me in the hiny, 'cuz I made a best offer and did it all wrong. Thus.... I ended making it look like I was offering MORE than the asking price. Sheesh!!! Now my stomach hurts. WARNING: Giving in to the lust of the flesh is hazardous to your health!

The Bible says, "Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied" (Proverbs 27:20). I'm living proof!