So many answered prayers.....

(I had shared this beautiful picture I bought at Cracker Barrel with y'all before, but couldn't resist sharing it again)

As this year draws to a close, I have been thinking a lot about how many prayers God has answered for me personally this year.... and how many things He has brought me and my family through.... Oh He has been so Faithful! He has been our Provider, our Comfort, our Friend, our Joy, our Savior, our Strong Tower and Refuge........ and so much more......

As for some of the answered prayers:

As many of you know, we lost our beloved black Labrador retriever in May, and it was such terrible time..... I wept for days, and just didn't know how I was going to get through it..... we had lost him on a Tuesday, and on that Friday night, I went to Wal -Mart with my parents.... just needing to get out of the house..... as I walked around the store, I remember praying in my mind: "Lord, I don't know what I'm going to do.... my heart is broken, Lord.... please help me!" I specifically told Him that my heart was broken...... and when I got home later, what did I find waiting on the table for me? My sister and our friend Kerri and gotten me a book, and notepad..... and on the top of every page of the note pad was Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"

and then back in September, I had another bought of Pnuemonia.... and was not supposed to be out of the bed, but needed some things from Wal - Mart, and so thought I would just go there and then come home...... I started having trouble breathing...... and, by the time I got home, I was starting to panic, needed a breathing treatment, and felt very bad...... I know that God hears and answers prayer..... and I wanted my Pastor to pray for me...... so tried to call him.... but He was having a wedding at the Church that day... so didn't get him right then..... (he called me back a short time later though) and then I tried another minister in our Church.... and couldn't get him either...... so I was in tears standing by the phone.... and I said aloud "God I need a minster to pray for me.... what am I gonna do?" right after I said those words..... the phone rang...... and it was a precious friend from another city, whom I haven't heard from in a long time..... she is married to a minister..... and she heard the distress in my voice and said: "Are you ok?" and I told her what was going on..... and she said, "would you like my husband to pray for you?" and she handed him the phone and he said: "Well, let's pray right now!" and as he prayed, the power and strength and peace of the Lord just went all over me.....

Isn't God good? He never ceases to amaze me! and there is no way to share with you all of the prayers He has answered for me and my family this year..... but I have to tell you these recent ones:

A few weeks ago, an evangelist (my Pastor's nephew) was preaching at our church, and He kept saying : "I just feel like God wants me to tell someone that everything is going to be allright! No matter what the situation, God is already present in that situation...... He is there before you... and everything is going to be allright....." (that's not word for word, but you get the meaning) and I remember standing up in front of the altar, and thinking "Lord, everything is going well for me and my family..... are you giving us these promises to store up for the future? That we can be reassured and draw strength and peace from them in future days?" Well, little did I know, that a few days later, my Dad would find that the contract to his job would not be renewed..... and that my Mom would have a scare with a possible malignancy on her ovary.......

Do you know how comforted I was to think back on the message that minister had delivered???? I repeated it over and over and over again..... Mom and dad and my sister and I would repeat it over to one another, too, and it was such a comfort...... and the Friday before Christmas, Mom had another sonogram, and the doctor says that she doesn't think the tumor is malignant at all, just to make sure it is watched regularly for any growth......... but that she has seen many of these type and they are almost always benign.............

and today, the last day of his contract, my Dad got some phone calls about good job prospects..... one in particular that looks very promising....... he could go to work there as soon as next week, they said.......

Praise the Lord! Oh my soul rejoices in Him! And my eyes fill with happy tears of thanksgiving as I type this...... My God is able to supply my every need! (and not just for me and my family, dear friends! He can do the same for you and your family)

I have been ill this week, and was feeling rather low last night, but opened up my Bible and somehow found myself reading Hebrews 4:15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities......." and I got to thinking about how that God understood what I was going through, and how He cared for me, and took care of me, and could heal me...... today, as I was getting ready for Church this evening..... I prayed "Lord I need some encouragement from You at Church tonight, please let something be said that will let me know You are with me in this sickness and pain....." and do you know what one of the scriptures was that was mentioned at Church this evening? That's right! Hebrews 4:15!!! And the message Bro. Wesley Jackson preached from the book of Revelation was so annointed and powerful I just sat there and wiped away tears.......

God is so good! I could never, ever thank Him enough for all of the wonderful, amazing, Miraculous things He has done! Praise His Name!

Gone but not forgotten

These are pictures of Jazz from Christmas Eve. of 2010. How he always loved tearing into his presents on Christmas! And he would always pose patiently for us, when we wanted his picture among the holiday decorations.... How we missed him this year..... but we have our pictures and our memories... and I am thankful tot he Lord for the eleven years he was ours..... a blessing from above! Some people would think we were silly to take on so after a dog..... but I am thankful that so many of my friends understand.....

we had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope each of you, did too...

To My Savior on Christmas Day......

(my Mom bought this picture at Kirkland's. There is no artist signature, and no markings indicating who the artist is.... isn't it beautiful, though?)

Dear Savior, how my heart rejoices in the advent of Your Birth..... to me, Your Name is more beautiful than the loveliest music that could ever be composed..... there are no words to express the love that overflows my heart today....or describe the wellspring of Joy that flows from my soul at the very thought of You..... Thank You for what You have done..... You are my heart beat..... my reason for living, my everything.....

I Praise You Oh God, for the Marvelous things You have done......

All through the house.....

Mom and I had a gift wrapping marathon last night! Ever had one of those? Whew! We finally finished around 2:00 a.m. and then, after she and dad went to bed, everything was so quiet, and looked so peaceful, I couldn't resist taking a few pictures..... we always open gifts on Christmas Eve, so it won't stay that way for long, hehe. My sister and brother-in-law (who live across the street) will be coming over with their big ol dog Camo, and things will be pretty noisy, especially when Camo tears into his gift, a new squeaky toy!

Do you see Frosty the Snowman's hat, resting on the chair in the top photo? I left it there so he could get it.... (Mom found the hat at Kirkland's, isn't it cute?)

Isn't today fun..... don't you just love Christmas? And of course... I am rejoicing today in the wonderous, miraculous birth of the One Whom I love more than anything else.....

Merry Christmas!

Handmade Victorian Christmas Cards

Just sharing some Cards I made for friends using some beautiful victorian lady stickers I bought off ebay.... I added glitter to the their hats and muffs, and some pretty snowflake stickers among other things.... I hope they made the ones receiving them smile......

Well, I have finally finished all my Christmas shopping, and have got most of my gifts wrapped..... still have a few to finish up, though.....

I have been a very busy girl... but I am enjoying this season so much! I hope that each of you are too!

Hugs,

Jenni

Christmas Gift Bag, and Joyful Thoughts......

(These are photos of the gift bag and hand made card I crafted today for someone very special to me... thought I'd go for the girly - girl pink, green, white and cream look, rather than the traditional colors.... I hope she likes it!)

Wow! Today I learned the meaning of the words "Christmas Rush"!! LOL! I got a lot done, though, so it's all good..... I am still up in the wee hours, though, washing some clothes.....

But it was a good day! I sneaked over and played santa for someone..... left a card and gift bag full of goodies where she will find it tomorrow.... what fun! And, as I drove home, I had the radio on, and was listening to Christmas Carols, when the wonder of what God did for mankind so long ago, just swept over me, and I wept..... to think that He, the Awesome God of the Universe would come to this earth and put on a robe of this old, human flesh, so that He could die for our sins...... oh my! I got to thinking: "Lord, You know what it's like to be flesh and blood.... You have felt what it's like to walk around in fallible flesh, You understand how that we humans can start out with good intentions and then make mistakes"..... for, although He knew no sin, my friends.... it says that He was: "tempted in all points like as we...." go read Hebrews 4:15.... isn't that amazing????? He is so very good.......His Mercy endureth for ever! I am rejoicing in Him this morning!

Snowy Angel Christmas Card

Hi precious friends of my heart! Just thought I'd share a photo of the newest Angel Card I made using Jolee stickers and some pretty sparkly card stock....

I love this card because it looks so peaceful..... and isn't Peace a beautiful and rare experience in this hectic world in which we live? Oh, I owe all of the Peace that fills my heart this morning to my Beloved Prince of Peace..... Just speaking His Lovely Name covers me with that Peace........A scripture that is dear to my heart is Isaiah Chapter 9 and verse 6: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." He is everything we need Him to be; and more! Sadly, Peace is in such short supply these days; But Jesus knew how badly we would need it, and so He Himself became our Peace..... Oh my Goodness! I love Him so! What would I do without Him?

If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed today by the cares of life, and in need of rest for your soul.... talk to Him about it, ok? I know He will listen with love and care to you.... and He can give you that beautiful Peace that is like nothing else in this world! Matthew chapter 11: 28 - 30 says:

28: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29:"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Hand - made Angel Christmas Card

Hello, dear friends! Things have been pretty busy around here, but I managed to find the time to craft this Angel Card, using many of the same supplies I listed for the first one I did......

Don't the colors Red, Green, and Gold just say "Christmas"?? They are so bright and timeless and cheery.....

I am enjoying this Christmas Season of 2011...... but, my heart is aching, too. This is the first Christmas without my beloved Black Labrador Retriever Jazz.... We lost him in May, and we knew it would be difficult when the Holidays rolled around.... Pets add so much happiness to our lives, don't they?? They seem to make our happy moments even more full... and are so comforting during the trying times that come, too. So, if you have a beloved pet with you today.... give him or her an extra hug and a treat from us, ok??

I am so thankful that the Lord Jesus is helping us through this...... He is our Constant, Always Present Joy and Strength......

Just enjoying the season....

(This is a photo of our table - top tree in the living room)

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Christmas Season so far.... I'll bet you are all realllly busy! I have been, too. One of the things I am really enjoying is hearing my piano students playing Christmas Carols.... don't you just love Christmas music? It is so timeless, and brings back so many happy memories of fun with family and friends.... it's the musical background for our childhood excitement as the month of December drew closer and closer to the "day" we waited for so anxiously.....
And the words to my favorite Christmas songs, "O Come O Come Emanuel" "What Child is This" and "Joy to the World" tell of the longing of a lost world for a Savior, and of the joy that reigned; even filling the Heavens with Angel's songs, when He finally arrived......

I also like some of the other Christmas tunes, too.... like: Harry Connick Jr. singing "Santa Claus Santa Claus, must have been old Santa Claus" ( I just love Harry Connick Jr.'s music in general, though!)...... do y'all know that one?? or what about: Elvis Presley singing: "It's Christmas time pretty baby.... and the snow is on the ground..." and of COURSE "I wanta hippopotumus for Christmas, only a hippopotumus will do"..... ever heard those??? And who could leave out "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch!"
What are some of your personal favorites????

Hugs!
Jenni

My Nativity - Topped Piano

(Click on any of the photos if you'd like a closer look)

I had such a wonderful time the other evening, decorating the top of my antique Piano! For several years I have wanted a Nativity Scene. but could never find one within my budget that looked just "Right". So I was so excited and touched last month when my Mom and Sister announced that they had found the perfect one at Kirkland's, and bought it for me..... they are so dear to my heart! I just couldn't wait to put it up..... and I knew the perfect spot.... on my Piano top...

With this in mind, I kept my eye out at the Houston Nutcracker Market for a nautral looking swag that had a slightly shaggy or wispy look..... (I just had a picture in my mind of what I wanted, LOL, and nothing else would do) so I was happy to find these swags with apples and berries and long needled pine.... with touches of gold here and there......

The Nativity didn't come with a stable backdrop, so I thought, Hmmm..... maybe I just get a couple of tiny pine trees and add lights to sort of illuminate it more and frame it????? I was happy with the result! Thank so much for taking the time to look at my photos! I hope you all have a joyful weekend!
Hugs,

Jenni

Sharing photos from Thanksgiving

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we enjoyed with our dear friends Jack and Brenda! It has become a tradition for our families to be together on that day, and we look forward to it, every year.... As I mentioned last year, they have such a beautiful home, and Jack has created a lovely fish pond and Rose garden that we always enjoy seeing..... I took these pictures as dusk fell, so they are a little dark, but I couldn't resist sharing them with you all anyway.....

Well, I had to go back on antibiotics and steroids this weekend, YUCK! And was feeling pretty low until I went to Church last night.... What a blessing of strength and hope and encouragement I received! I went up for prayer, and when the minister placed the annointing oil and his hand on my head and began to seek the Lord for my healing, I felt warmth and strength and God's prescence just flood over me....

So I am starting this week out with strength and joy and peace and the assurance of God's tender care and nearness..... and isn't that a wonderful way to start out the week? My heart is singing Praise to my Heavenly Father today for His incredible goodness!

I hope each of you has a beautiful week, too, and please remember that God cares and understands......

Making "Scrappy -ish" Christmas Cards

I just thought I would share a picture of what I have been crafting...I found these gorgeous 3D Angel stickers on ebay. They are by Elizabeth Brownd for K and Co. I just love K and Co. Scrapping things! When I saw the pretty angels, I knew they would be perfect for Christmas Cards. I cut both the burgandy paper and "ornament" from a sheet of Union Square "Beautiful Day" Journey paper, and the toile sheet is cut from the Mademoiselle stack by DCWV. The Joy card stock stickers are from The Paper Studio..... I added a pretty velvet ribbon bow, scattered some Martha Stewart glitter across the toile, and I was happy..... (I cleaned house today and I just had to do something fun and crafty before nighty - night time! Tee hee!)

I hope you all had a happy day, dear friends.....

Hugs,

Jenni

My Heart is full of Thanksgiving....

(Another photo of my Fall decorations last year)

How my heart rejoices today in God's goodness! He didn't have to save me, and yet, He did... He didn't have to give me a loving family and a home, and yet He did.......
He didn't have to take that long and agonizing Path to Calvary's Cross, and yet, He did.....
He doesn't have to keep me and my family in His amazing grace and mercy, and yet, He does, daily....
He doesn't have to hear my every whisper, every cry of my soul, and yet, He cares enough and loves me enough, to listen attentively to my every word, and He provides for my every need .......

He is my best and dearest Friend, and the love of my heart and soul.....

Today, my heart is thankful, dear and precious friends.... and words are not quite up to the task of expressing how I feel ....

I hope that each of you has a wonderful and happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

What a Lovely Shop in Canton, Texas!

This is a Christmas Tree inside "The Very Thing"

This is the faux tart I bought in "The Very Thing"

This past weekend, my family and I traveled to visit my Dad's Sister Joann, her husband Kennith, and their son Steve. They live near Canton Texas..... So in between visiting with them, Aunt Joann, Mom, and I managed to drive to Canton so that I could see the town that I have heard so much about, and have wanted to visit for so long. I didn't realize that my Aunt and Uncle and Cousin lived so close to town......

What a fun trip! We arrived in town just as they were putting the Christmas decorations up around the Courthouse.... and I got some lovely pictures that I will share with you all later! (And met the lady in charge, who is so very nice) I also spied a shop called : "The Very Thing" just across the way from the courthouse, and it looked so inviting, of course I just had to go inside! Oh what treasures we saw! The kind lady behind the register allowed me to snap a picture of this gorgeous Christmas tree all decked out in white and silver.... there were several other lovely trees, but this one was my favorite of them all! It seems the lady that owns this shop (as well as several other stores) is an incredible decorator, who has that special touch of creativity that is visible in every corner of her wonderful establishment......

I caught sight of the most delicious looking faux tartlets and sweets, and so of course I had to have one! The second photo above is of that yummy faux creation nestled among some of the decorations on our end table.... After all, isn't Christmas the time of year that visions of sugar plums dance in our heads??

If you are ever in Canton, Texas, you should try and visit "The Very Thing". You will be happy that you did.....

Pretty Purses at the Market

( Iwanted this Piano purse so badly! But all I could afford was a picture of it! LOL!!)

This booth at the nutcracker market had the prettiest purses! we had such fun looking at them... Do you see the one on top shaped like a guitar?

These purses are all Mary Frances brand, if I am not mistaken.... I think they are absolutely gorgeous!

I did buy a purse at a different booth..... it was not as expensive, and is kind of funky, but I loved it! I will share a pic of it with you all later. I hope y'all are having a happy week!

More Nutcracker Market Photos

Hello, dear friends! I am just sharing more pictures from the Nutcracker Market. We had such a wonderful time, and everyone had decorated everthing so pretty.... I am glad my Mom, Sister, and I have made it a tradition to go for the last four years! We girls do love to shop! And I am most thankful we are able to spend this time together.... When you are with someone you love.... even doing something simple. like eating a sandwich together is a blessing, not to be taken for granted.......today, my heart is filled with praise to God for my precious family......

Houston Nutcracker Market 2011

(Click on photos for a closer peek at these gorgeous booths!)

YAY! It's that time of year again! My Mom, Sister and I, spent most of yesterday, shopping - til - we - dropped at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, which is put on by the Houston Ballet Foundation. Oh my goodness! We had sooo much fun! This was the fourth year we have gone, and it gets us in the "Christmas mood" every year. Above are photos of some of the incredible booths that some of the 323 vendors had set up for the event. They also had lots of food booths this year, and we enjoyed Toffee! Tamales! Dips! And of course we had to purchase some of each because they were so good!

Over the next week, I will be sharing more pictures with you all, as well as photos of the "pretties" I bought this year. I hope you enjoy them!

Pretty Christmas Cards

(Click on photo if you'd like a closer look)
Isn't this card beautiful? I found it at Family Christian Stores, when my sister and I went shopping on Saturday.... Actually my sister spied it first and said "Look Jenni! Look at these!" She knows what I like... **Smiles** When I saw it, it touched my heart! To me, it shows the humbleness; the very ordinary circumstances in which this extraordinary miracle took place......the rather plain clothing, and the humanity of those in the picture.... (for that's the way in which He came, didn't He?? So humbly, among the mundane, among plain and simple people just like you and me..... and yet He was and is the Holy God of Glory.... Oh My! I NEVER want to lose the Wonder of it!!) That is my criteria for picking Christmas cards every year... either the picture on the card, or the scripture inside, or the saying must give my heart that special little tug..... This particular card says: "Praying your Christmas season is filled with the wonder of Jesus" and the scripture is Colossians 1: 15, 16, and 19..... the art is by Michael Dudash, and the Card is put out by DaySpring cards. I buy a lot of DaySpring Cards, because I love that they have scriptures, meaningful messages, and are pretty.....
We also went to Michael's and I found another box of Cards with Mary and baby Jesus on the front, and they were just perfect too. I'll be sharing those with you later....
My weekend was wonderful, and I hope y'all's was too!
Hugs,
Jenni

Holding their cute little Paws....

Here I am again, with my sister, pet - sitting for our dear friends... tonight was fun; the evening started with us going to Pappasito's Mexican Restaurant, to celebrate our dear friend Mike's birthday.... I forgot my camera, but I did manage to get reallly good pics on my phone of him wearing the HUGE Sombrero hat as everyone sang "Happy Birthday"... these pics are priceless, believe me! That sombrero was so big an entire family could set up house in there! LOL!! And our friend Mike was such a good sport about it.... I really adore his whole family.... they are kind, good people who are fun to be around...

After we ate, (I had the BBQ chicken salad with avacado ranch dressing, YUM!) my sis and I drove over here to be with these two darling animals that we love so much. I have already got lots of kisses and hugs in with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I just want to hug him to pieces! He is a sweetie.... and Alex the cat has got plenty of attention, too, I can assure you! He is an elderly kitty that is very loving and affectionate (and nosy, hehe) and we just love him....

Tomorrow we hope to get some shopping in..... I am hoping to find some really pretty Christmas cards.... I know it's old fashioned, but what can I say?? I love sending and receiving them... and I usually have them purchased online by now... but this year I am behind. I did get a box of cards after Christmas last year, they were on sale, (woo hoo) but I am definitely going to need more than one box... usually around three or four boxes gets everyone on my card list taken care of.... What about you?? Do you still send Christmas cards every year?? Do you buy them individually, or do you get the boxed cards, or the photo kind? I love those too....
It's a brisk, cold night here in Texas, and my heart is happy.... I just love this time of year..... when the air is cold and crisp, and the holidays are waiting just around the corner...... I hope all of you have a great weekend, as well! Please remember, God Cares and Understands!

With A Thankful Heart

I have been inspired by a Bloggy - Friend to think of something for which to be thankful, every day of this month. Oh, this is such an easy thing to do!! God has been so very good to me.....

So far, I have rejoiced in these things:

Nov. 1st: "Lord, I am thankful for Your Hand of safety upon me and my family as we travel up and down the highways and streets each day. I have personally had several near misses this year, but You kept me safe. Thank You from my Heart."

Nov. 2nd: "Lord, I am so very very thankful that You have kept me and my Family in Church all these years..... it is only by Your Goodness, Mercy and Grace that we are still serving You, and my heart is thankful!"

Chubby Squirrels

(Click on photo to get a close up of this overweight little guy)

We have been feeding the squirrels with deer corn, and over the past few days, I've noticed they are enjoying it a little too much. They are so cute, and start running in from all over the yard when I call them. But, I am afraid they may need Weight Watchers! They are also very messy eaters. I guess Mama Squirrels don't stress neatness at the table! But the good thing is that the doves (who are also getting plump,) clean up whatever pieces of corn they leave behind. Their is one particular squirrel that I have nicknamed "grandpa tubby" that is really overweight! He is so funny looking, because he has tufts of white hair that stick out from behind his ears. ( I think he looks a bit like grandpa munster!) He is too sneaky for the camera right now, though, and always runs away when I try to snap his picture.....

I hope each of you has a blessed week of peace and happiness!

My Sister's Coconut Cream Tartlets

I took this picture of my tartlet, from the batch she made for our family yesterday... Doesn't it look scrumptious? Coconut cream pies have always been some of my favorite pies, and so, this mini version made me smile! (at least it did before I scarfed it down) **LOL**
From time to time my sister Kim has come up with some really yummy deserts... and I appreciate her sharing them with all of us! I am so blessed she is my sister..... it looked so pretty and delicious, I just had to take a picture to show all of you... doesn't Fall just make you want to bake?? Have any of you been making any yummies this week??

A Fall - Bedecked Piano

(Click on photos if you'd like to take a closer peek)

As most of you know, I love to decorate my old antique Piano for the Seasons... it is battered and scarred and scratched, but much loved! My family has had it since I was twelve, and my sister and I learned how to play on this beloved old instrument....

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a picture from last year's Fall decorations with all of you... and I finally got around to finishing it this year! So of course I just had to show y'all what it looked like... Now, I haven't had time this year to do as much as I usually do, (I am still helping take care of my Grandmother as she recovers from hip replacement surgery) but I did get a pretty light up pumpkin made of twigs and orange berries from Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago... it was on sale, too, WOO HOO! And then I bought a pretty Fall Candle ring and plunked the pumpkin right in the middle of that, and centered it on the top of the Piano.... the swag with lights and the Bows and other decorations are from last year....

It was pretty low key and just took a few minutes, but I had fun, and it was a break from all the "serious" stuff I have been doing lately.... (that's one reason I love to make things and decorate... they are such a relaxing escape from the everyday, aren't they??)

So what have you all been creating lately?? Please share! And I hope y'all's weekend is Beautiful!! It's just starting to get cooler here in Texas, and we are LOVING it!

Hugs,

Jenni

A "Wild" Fall Basket

(Click on photos if you'd like a closer look)
Hello, dear friends of my heart! My Goodness, how I have missed blogging! I have still been assisting my Mom with my Grandmother after her hip replacement surgery, staying with her, fixing her breakfast, monitering her blood pressure, and making sure she takes all of her medicines. It has been a big job, but I am so happy to do it, thankful to take some of the load off my Mother, and thrilled and greatful that Grannie is making progress.

I have tried to make time to visit some of my favorite blogs, because I enjoy y'all so Much! but I am embarrassed over how long it's been since I actually posted!

I thought I'd share some photos of the brown Basket I "fancied" up last night, with Ribbon and Floral picks from Michael's Holiday collection.... the brown basket and the feathers are from Michael's, too. It's for my Pastor's Wife; we are celebrating Pastor Appreciation tomorrow evening after Church with a dinner, and each family is supposed to bring an appreciation card to honor our wonderful Pastor and his dear wife. This basket is for holding the cards, and I hope my Pastor's wife likes it!
Some News: My mom just left with my sister and brother - in - law; they were taking their big ol' catahoula dog to the emergency vet. They had taken him for a walk, and he "attacked" a stone bunny rabbit in a neighbor's yard, and knocked two of his front teeth out, and messed another tooth up!! he was bleeding quite a bit, and I could tell he was hurting, poor lambie! I would say that rabbit was one bunny he couldn't get the better of!! He succeeded in completely knocking one of the rabbit's ears off, though! LOL!

I hope each of you has a most blessed weekend! Remember, God Cares!

Jenni

God is so Good!!!!

(This is yet another photo of the Morning Glory Vine in our front yard... Please read the Previous Post from Friday to learn of it's special encouragement to Me)

Oh my goodness! I posted on Friday about Ezekiel chapter 37, and the Valley of Dry Bones..... and how that there is hope for those that have walked away from the Lord.....

Can you imagine the strength that I gained, the hope that was renewed in me, and the fire that was kindled in my heart on Sunday Morning.... when the Evangelist preaching our Revival ministered and brought forth... Ezekiel chapter 37, and the Valley of Dry Bones????

I am telling, you, My God is so good!! He is Amazing!! He is Gracious, Merciful, and Kind.... And His Love never Fails.... His Ways are above our ways and His thoughts above our thoughts......

My heart is Full to overflowing with Praises to His Beautiful and Matchless Name, today!!!!

Take Hope today, my friends..... God showed me yet again this weekend that there is HOPE for those that have wandered away from Him....

How I love Him!! There is no Name with as much power, or that is as beautiful as the precious Name of Jesus!!

Please take the time to talk to Him today.... He is listening, and He Cares!!!

Thoughts about Job Cha.14, and Ezekiel Cha. 37

( I took these pics in our front yard, a few days ago)
Hello, precious friends, dear to my heart! I am sorry I've been away for so long! I've been very busy teaching, and helping take care of my grandmother, who has the beginning stages of dementia, and recently came home after hip replacement surgery.

This Summer has been a brutal one for the state of Texas. We are in a prolonged period of drought, and experienced record breaking stretches of unbearable heat, as well as thousands of acres of wildfires in many different areas, across the state.

My family watered and watered and watered our lawn this summer.... but it felt like a losing battle, let me tell you! Just keeping up with the potted plants was quite the ordeal.... and, in spite of our best efforts, some of the grass died.... and there are sad patches that are dried up and brittle, and are very, very evidently dead and gone...

Imagine my delight and surprise the other day, as I walked through the front yard, looking at a particularly ugly, dry patch, only to see that a Morning Glory Vine had sprung up in the midst of it, and was growing with all of it's might!!! Oh, my Goodness! How that sight refreshed me..... and got me to thinking how that even in the seemingly driest, most barren, and trying parts of our lives..... God can still bring beauty and glory.... just by the touch of His hand and the closeness of His dear Spirit.....

And then, a little later, this scripture passage came to my mind:
Job Chapter 14:

7: "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

8: "Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

9: "Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant."

And I thought about how that near this Morning Glory Vine, I have a beautiful Boston Fern in a pot... that I have lovingly watered all Summer long.... and I thought about how that somehow, the scent of that water... the smallest trickle or run off must have been reaching that vine...... and helped it to grow up out of that old dead, dry, patch of burned up grass scorched brown and lifeless by the Texas heat.....

And I thought of friends and loved ones, dear to my heart, that have turned and walked away from the Lord..... and how that it seems right now that every desire for Him and His House has dried up within them..... and been scorched by the cares of life or the want of worldly things....... and how that in spite of it all.... He still loves them, with an everlasting love..... and He is still reaching for them..... and still wants to draw them to Himself and Save and comfort and heal their brokeness..... and these Scriptures gave me Hope, and Joy, and built my Faith.....

Lord Jesus, let that scent of the water of Your Precious Spirit reach these dear ones today.....

Ezekiel Chapter 37:

1: "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

2: "And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

And verse 5 says: "Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:"

These verses give me even more hope..... can those old dead, dry bones, live again?? YES! Praise the Lord! He is ABLE to restore and heal, deliver and save, and make a way out of no way! For He is Mighty, and He is GOD!

Piano all decked out for Fall...

(This is a photo I took of last year's Fall Piano decorations... you can click on the pic for a closer look, if you'd like)

I've mentioned before how much I looove decorating the top of our old, rather battered, but much - loved antique piano. I treat it like one would a fire place mantel! I am thinking on "fixing it up" this weekend, to bring a big dose of Fall color into the house. So I got to looking at the pics from last year to see if I'd like to make some changes.........

On another note, I am feeling stronger and stronger...... we are having a time of Revival Services at our Church, and my goodness!! I am getting strengthened and revived, my desire to draw ever closer to Him is growing and increasing.... God's Spirit has been so Real and Wonderful around there, it feels like a slice of Heaven when everyone gathers to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth...... Last evening, after the Word had gone forth and everyone was praying around the altar, there was such an abundance and over flowing of God's love and peace and joy.... it was simply Amazing.....

It makes me think of that old song: "I'm living in Glory and this is like Heaven to me"

I hope y'all's week is going well! If I knew y'all's was, too, that would double my own joy! For you are dear, dear friends.....

Blessings from my heart,

Jenni

What Jesus Did For Me on Saturday

The Lord did something very special and encouraging for me this past weekend...... as y'all know, I have had a return of this pesky pnuemonia..... which has made breathing difficult at times..... I was supposed to remain in the bed on Sat. and rest rest REST! (but who wants to do that, right?) So I decided to go Wal - Mart for something I needed, and then I was going to go and practice my piano a bit......

I knew in Wal - Mart that I was in trouble...... I felt that old crushing weight on my chest, and it was getting worse. So I hurried and paid, and headed straight home to take a breathing treatment. by the time I got home, I was panicking a bit.... (anybody with athsma will understand this feeling) as I was having a harder time getting a good breath......

I came inside the house, and set up the nebulizer for a treatment, and then realllly wanted to speak to my Pastor or another minister in our church and ask for prayer..... I believe in prayer!

So I called my pastor at his home and on his cell phone...... but couldn't get him... (he usually always answers his cell in case someone needs him, and DID call me back a few minutes later) he is a very caring and prayerful man, and I love him so much......

Well, I couldn't get him right then, so I tried another minister's home... but didn't reach him either.... tried the Church and couldn't get anyone... (finally did a while later) meanwhile I was having a HARDER time breathing, and still rather panicky.... I prayed "Lord... I really need a preacher to pray for me right now! Oh Jesus what am I going to do????"

Well, the phone rang right in the midst of that, and friend that is a minister's wife ( who lives in another city) was on the line, and she had NO IDEA what was going on! When she heard my distress, she said: "Let me get my husband on the line, and he will pray for you ....."

And the Minister got on the line, and He said "Well, sister, let's pray right now...." And He PRAYED! And touched the Lord for me....... and I felt God's caring and love and strength just go all over me..... and I began to breath better and calm down and have that beautiful peace that I was going to be ok......

And then right after I got off the line with him, my Pastor called and further reassured me that he was praying, and then I got a call from another minister from our Church who also reassured me that they were praying at the Church for me.......

Isn't Jesus Amazing????? Oh how He cares, even for the little sparrows that fall from their nests, and so much more for us...... and to think that He would do all of that for me..... to let me know He heard me, and was not going to let me just be sick or scared, longing for prayer......

How my heart praises Him! He is my everything!

9 -11 -11.... I Still Haven't Forgotten.....

And neither have countless others........ my heart is full of prayer today for the families and loved ones of those who perished on that terrible September morning. It seems hard to believe that ten years have passed,but they have, by God's mercy and grace......

And we haven't forgotten, and will not, forget..........

More Fun Fall Crafty Things

Before I became ill again, I was able to finish a couple more Fall projects..... I turned the plain willow basket into a pretty Autumn accent filled with goodies for a dear sister - in - the - Lord who doesn'tknow she is getting it yet...... she has been going through many trials, and I want her to know that I care, and most of all, that God cares!

Now for the other piece! I have done several orange, green and gold Fall pumpkins, (and posted the pics on here) but a teacher friend requested a burgundy and gold one..... and I think it turned out nicely.... she was happy with it, so I am overjoyed!

Thanks for letting me share these things with you all, and thanks for praying for me and for encouraging me! You are all dear to my heart.....

It's Baaaack... But I Still Have Joy!

Well, precious friends of my heart....... I am having a relapse of that yucky pneumonia.... sigh, or should I say "Cough, cough"!!!! Went to the Doctor last evening, got two more shots, (one of which was a dreaded steroid) and took a breathing treatment that left me light - headed, but able to breathe a bit better......

This time the doctor mentioned the dreaded "H" word, if I do not get better in the next few days..... he said I may need to be admitted for a few days...../ but I am trusting Jesus that I am NOT going to have to do that......... in Jesus' Name! I feel His prescence and strength as I am typing this...... He IS going to bring me through this.......

Over the past few days, the air quality in the Houston area has been poor, due to the terrible wildfires raging in Magnolia, in Bastrop, Waller and Grimes counties......... the radio station warned anyone with athsma or lung problems to stay inside and be careful...... I was already not feeling well before that, but do wonder if that could have contributed to my difficulty breathing yesterday!

Please pray for the Texas wildfires to be put out quickly! And for those that have suffered so much from this trying and scary time.......

I am so thankful that there is a God in Heaven, that not only cares, but gives us a strong arm to lean on during trying times of trial or illness. Just knowing He is here with me is of imeasurable comfort! How I love Him! As the old song says: It's gonna be worth it all, it's gonna be worth it all! it's gonna be worth it all some beautiful, happy day!!!!! ..... it's gonna be worth every long mile... every heart ache and every trial, it's gonna be worth it all some beautiful, happy day!!!!!

Pumpkin time: Before and After

Yay! I actually got some crafting done today..... and I had fun turning this plain gold pumpkin from Michael's into a colorful Fall accent. The orange flower and the Plaid and brown sparkle ribbon all came from Michael's, too. The gold -edged green ribbon is some that I have had since last Fall, and I think it may have come from Hobby - Lobby. I wired the bow together, and tied and glued it in place, glued on the orange flower and some leaves and berries, and "bibbidy - bobbidy - boo!" A fancy pumpkin...... or, as some say here in Texas: a "Punkin".......

Hooray for Fall! September is here at last...........