FINALLY put up our Christmas Tree....

WooHoo!  I finally got around to putting up our little Christmas Tree... and, I fixed that lopsided bottom you see in the pix...LOL!!!  (And yep... I just had to add the butterflies on there...)  Merry Christmas!   

Thoughts on REAL Christmas Joy

Yay!  I got my old piano decked in her Christmas Finery...And I think the old girl looks quite pretty!  Hmm.. I don't know why I'm a little bit later this year in putting up the decorations...I did get my grandmother's house done...I usually do the fall decorating and the Christmas decorating while she's asleep, so that when she wakes up the next morning, she's surprised!  I got our porch almost done... but have yet to put our Christmas tree up.  (I have had lots of fun shopping with my sister, though, and have been enjoying working with the Christmas Carolers at Church)  How about you?  Awww... I bet you already have got it ALL Done... right? **sMiLeS** Well, Whatever your doing, I Hope you're having fun...smiling a lot...and filled with the joy of the Season. (But even if you aren't, dear one... if, maybe this Christmas Season is difficult for you...for some reason... you may not feel all that joyful... or even a little sad....please remember, that, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle... amidst all the shopping and noise...there is SomeOne that loves you so very much.  His Name is Jesus, and He wants to give you Peace in the midst of your storm...and HE is the REAL reason for Christmas anyway....He came to earth so long ago, and gave His Life on Calvary, because He Loves YOU....and even if you had been the only person in the world, He still would have come....because that's the kind of God He is...So when you start feeling overwhelmed... when the sadness or dispair makes you feel like giving up... talk to Him about it... ok?  He wants to help you.  You are important to Him...and you will be in my prayers!)
Blessings,
Jenni    

It's That Time Of Year...

Yay!  The Christmas Season is finally here... Don't you just love it?  I hope each one of you had a Wonderful Thanksgiving filled with Love... surrounded by those nearest and dearest to you...I did!  And I felt like the most Blessed person on God's earth yesterday... enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.... God is good, isn't He?  And even when I have eternity to offer Him Thanks.... it will NOT be long enough to adequately Praise Him for the Things He has done for me and my family....I hope you have a fabulous Christmas Season...filled with Blessings!  Best Wishes - Jenni

Thankful Thoughts



 Thanksgiving Day is so close, dear friends... So, I'm thinking Thankful Thoughts today!  When I stop to really muse and ponder the things for which I am thankful.... the list is overwhelming!  God has been so GOOD to this Girl....letting me be adopted into a family that would take me to Church from the time I was a year old... and into adulthood...

And they taught me about Jesus... and they loved me and fed and clothed me, and made sure I was educated...and they spoil me rotten to this day!  I am soooo thankful for my parents... I am quite generous with the hugs and telling them I love them.... I want them to know how much I appreciate and cherish them!

And I have a wonderful Sister and Brother in Law, whom I adore....and darling pets....Camo and Lily and Mr. Tom... on which to love and hug....

And I have the sweetest, kindest, Godliest, smartest and most wonderful friends anyone could ever have....

And I have a wise and loving Pastor and his wife... who really care about the condition of my soul.... and are doing their best to help me make it through this life and into Heaven.....

And, the list goes on and on and on.... (and I will be sharing more later this week)

Most of all, I am Thankful for my Beautiful, Wonderful, Amazing, Holy God.... Jesus Christ.... Who loves undconditionally, and gave His own life in order to save mine!  Lord, I thank You, with everything within me for all You have done for me....

and another thing, on a lighter note... this clutzy girl was feeling very un-lovely one day this past week.... (do you ever have one of those days?) and an adult student told me "Jenni, You are such a dainty, feminine lady! And you have such a beautiful life!"  Oh, dear friends.... that lifted my spirits so much... it was a comment that came at a much needed time...So, I am thankful for precious students and friends... that can see beauty in me, even on my "clutzy/absentminded/un-lovely" days....when I am so much more a caterpillar instead of a butterfly....

And I am thankful for my precious young student Talayna... who gave me a turkey she had made for me from a bottle of glitter... with tail feathers made from cutouts in the shape of her dear little hands..... (I will share a photo later this week)  this is, I would imagine, the sort of thing Moms receive all the time.... but not being a mom myself, it is DOUBLY precious to me when I get something like this.... made with love by a dear little person God has blessed me to know.....

And I am thankful for each of you that has taken the time to read my ramblings....you are kind, and I appreciate it!  Have a wonderful weekend!
Jenni

The Bitter with the Sweet

It's the early morning hours... I was asleep, but woke up a little hungry.  Now, I cannot sleep if I'm hungry! Don't know about you... but if my tummy isn't happy, I may as well forget it!  So I went to the fridge and found a snack I LOVE.... I can't resist Strawberries...I was in strawberry heaven this Summer... my sweet Mom knows her girl, and kept me supplied. LOL! Only, Strawberries in the Summer have a sweeter taste....Sometimes I just wash them and eat them... Mmmm....

It is now November, though.... and THESE strawberries needed some help....they were a bit too sour.... so I added some strawberry yogurt and that was pretty good.....and it reminds me that if we trust the Lord, he can bring Sweetness, Peace, Joy and Hope to every bitter disappointment or hurt that we face in our lives.....

This has all made me think, precious friends...do you have something from your past, an old hurt that you think is healed over, but every once in a while, it makes itself known to you all over again.....it's like a wound you thought had healed up, but then the scab gets knocked off and there is fresh blood to cause you pain.....

This happened to me recently.....and so I shared it with my Lord throughout yesterday... and in these morning hours, too...everytime that hurt feeling rises up in my heart... I tell Him all about it! His Shoulders are big enough, and strong enough to bear the weight of the entire world, after all....so I don't have to deal with this all alone....This reminds me of an old song called: "Bring All Your Needs To The Altar".... "Bring all your needs to the altar... bring all your needs to the Lord.... He is so willing, and able to help you... so bring all your needs to the Lord"

The Lord has also brought a Precious Scripture to my remembrance... Psalm 147:3 "He healeth the broken in heart,and bindeth up their wounds."

I've found in my Lord a real Hiding place... so many times I've run to Him, when things get a little hard to deal with, and He NEVER disappoints me... He helps me cope, Comforts me, and lets His Beautiful Peace that passeth all understanding fill my Soul and Spirit....Here's another beautiful scripture: Psalm 61:2-3 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy."

Is there something that's bothering you today, dear one? If the answer is "Yes", please think about what I've shared with you, ok? You are NOT alone in your painful situation... Jesus cares about you! You may wonder "Well, if He cares so much, why did this pain have to come into my life in the first place? Why didn't He just stop it from happening?" I Certainly don't have all the answers, (some days I don't feel all that bright, actually) but  I can only say that we live in a fallen, sinful world, and God gave mankind freewill to make choices...and those selfish sinful choices that are made affect those around them... inflict pain, hurt, and sadness...The Beautiful thing is, we don't have to deal with the aftermath or the consequences all by ourselves... Our loving Father is always waiting to help us pick up the broken pieces....He loves you and me SO MUCH! 

Tell Him about what you are dealing with, and ask Him to help you....and then, tell Him again whenever it bothers you....He loves you and wants to help you with it, I promise!

Wow... I had no idea I would say all of that....sharing this with you has actually helped me with my situation....and Jesus has brought Sweetness to this hurt...in the form of Scriptures, Song, and sharing with you, my precious friends....

I'll be praying for the Lord to strengthen and help everyone that reads this post... Hugs, Jenni

Nutcracker Market 2013 - Yay!

The Lovely Wells-Fargo Wagon is always Present in the Lobby...this pic was taken in 2011, and it looked much the same this year

Many of the Booths this year had these pretty flowered headbands...Here I am, Modeling the one I bought...LOL!

This smiling NutCracker was there to greet you as you entered the Market this year... Don't know why the photo turned out so RED!  Maybe it was all the red surroundings... carpet, booth curtains, etc....

My friend Sandy and I happened upon our friend Jan as we browsed...so we all stayed together, and had so much fun! I took this photo of the two Grandmothers occupied in a fave pastime.. shopping for Grandbabies!!  (Thanks Sandy dear for buying my ticket! And Jan for the tamales... yum!) These are some of the sweetest ladies ever... I am blessed to know them!

I fell in love with this gorgeous lace Jacket... Isn't it pretty? I also found a lacy black vest... and bought my sister a darling glittered snowman...(she didn't get to come with us this year and I wasn't about to leave without getting her SOMETHING! She's usually my ultimate shopping buddy)

Peace from His Promises



 Elections make me nervous!  I cringe in these uncertain times when the results are declared...and I must say the results of a certain Governor's Race gave me a sick tummy..... because I see the direction in which our Country is moving..... I am reminded constantly of the fall of ancient Rome.... and of a certain fiddler that played a merry tune among the flames as Rome, that great city, burned....but, you know what?? When I start feeling despondant over the way things are going, I remember precious Scriptures of Hope and Encouragement!  I'd like to share some with you.... these are the ones on my heart right now...

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Mark 4:39 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Isaiah 9:6 "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."

Now I'm Smiling, Dear Friends- of- my- Heart.... Why Worry?  HE has it ALL in Control!  Aren't you thankful for the Bible?  It can Comfort and Strengthen with "exceeding great and precious promises" as 2 Peter 1:4 says....

Some Fun Fall Photos

Two Sleeping Beauties, Blakely and Bella



Miss Blakely Anne, arrived at the Fall Fest Sound Asleep



A Proud Grandmother getting a Cuddle

Still Snoozing away!!

Chas looks like shes holding a perfect little baby Doll! 

A Pretty Peacock and her "Starbuck" Mom...

Photos of Our Darling Pets

This is a pic of Miss Lily, a few weeks after we rescued her from the streets last year.



She was already so sweet and obedient... she let me pose her on my bed with a pumpkin, though she didn't like it very much, LOL!





My Sister and Brother-in-Law, last Christmas Eve. with the dogs, right before opening Gifts at our house...

 

Same evening, and my Brother-in-law was eating something, hehe! Notice the rapt attention he is getting from both dogs....

Last Dec. after I decorated the Tree.... Lilybug enjoyed a Chewy rawhide

Sharing some "Faith - Filled" Thoughts...

This is a delcious coconut tartlet my sister made some time ago... hmm... Think I'll ask her to make them again!

Hello, precious friends - of - my - heart....I was wondering... is it legal to be this happy? Tee hee! **SMiLeS** I just got home from Revival Services at Church...and the Minister was encouraging us to make Use of the Faith that God has given us...He brought out how that so often, we will ask God to encrease our Faith....while not utilizing the measure of Faith that is already at our disposal! God is so Awesome, dear friends...And when we make the connection with Him, reaching up to Him in Faith that He WILL answer us when we Pray.... He WILL be Faithful Concerning His Promises....Our Wonderful, Loving, Merciful, God will always respond, and strengthen us, touch us, and meet our needs!

I am Praying and Asking Him to help me do just what the minister preached...Exercise the Faith God has given me!

And this time of year just makes me so happy... I go around with a Song on my heart, and Joy in my Spirit...the cooler temps give me energy to accomplish more...and I love to spend time with family and friends...How about you? Is this your favorite Season? or do you prefer the other three? I think it might just depend on where you live, too...here in this part of the Texas Gulf Coast, a relief from the Summer heat cannot fail to bring a smile to our faces! (even though we are still being "bugged" by those pesky skeeters)

Be encouraged today!  Best Fall Wishes, Jenni 

A Joyful Fall Day...

Here's a Photo of my beloved old Piano, wearing her Fall decorations proudly... it's from a few years ago... I actually haven't gotten around to fixing her up this year, yet... but I'm hoping to, this weekend!  I like to try something new every year... so Im not sure how she'll turn out....

Oh! Precious Friends... I've been so Happy... it started when I was driving down the road by my house...as I spoke aloud some things to the Lord...and instantly, His Prescence filled my car...and my Spirit was refreshed...it makes me want to weep with Joy, now, as I share this with you......it also let me know Someone has been praying for me... so, if you're reading this, and you have been, Thank You from my heart!

Our God is so Wonderful!  His Love NEVER fails... even when we disappoint Him, when we make Promises we don't keep, when we aren't all we should be, He Loves and Loves and Loves......There is no Ocean as Deep, no Mountain as Tall, No Expanse as Wide... as the depth of His amazing, beautiful, love and mercy for us.....

So, if you're wondering today if God Really Loves and Cares about You, my friend.... wonder no more!!! His Love for you is written in His Word the Bible...just waiting for you to discover it!
Ask Him to hold your hand and lead you to Him.....He will, I promise! His hands are reaching for you, even now, and they have scars in them.... the prints of Nails.... He was nailed to a wooden Cross many years ago, to bear our sins.... yours, mine, and whomsoever will...John 15:13 says:"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

And,  that's just what He did for us.....He also loves to hear your voice....if you talk to Him, He will listen.... I promise you that, too....

So, I've been rejoicing in Him... and that's one of the reasons I've been so Happy...and of course, I just HAD to share it with you all.... as well as letting you know you are in my prayers!  Blessings, Jenni 

Some Hand Made Fall Decorations...

This is a Fall Basket I made for a friend that is a Minister's Wife, several years ago

This is another Fall - themed Basket I created for my Own Pastor's Wife...I was so excited that she liked it!

Just a different view of the same Basket...

I made this Fall Arrangement last year...for a Dinner at our Church...And I loved it so much, I now have it as part of my Fall Decor

This is a Card I hand - painted when I was going through my water color phase...hehe! Anything not nailed down got water - colored and glittered with Martha Stewart glitter....I'm not very good at painting, but I enjoy it!! I hope I didn't bore you with pix of these things I crafted....I do LOVE making things with my hands....It relaxes me and gives me joy...especially if it makes other people Smile....Blessings, Jenni 

Thoughts From a Thirsty Soul

Hello, dear Friends of my Heart... In these early morning hours, I've been thinking, praying, seeking...for my soul is thirsty... Oh so thirsty... for a drink from the well of God's Spirit that will never run dry...  I am reminded of David's profound, annointed words in the beautiful Psalm 63.  It's a Psalm that I have prayed aloud to my Beloved many times....

PSALM 63

V1: "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

V2: "To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.


And I have been thinking about Altars...Altars held such special meaning in Biblical times, to the early Patriarchs... and, they still have very deep meaning to us, today. Jacob built many Altars, and each led him to greater Fellowship with God; one of the first things Noah did after leaving the Ark, was to build an Altar to God...

There is a very beautiful song that has been on my heart for the last several days...and I'd like to share some of the lyrics with you.

"The Altar of God"  by Nancy Grandquist

I'm going back to the altar...where I started out;

Seems I've forsaken concecration... forgotten, Holy Vows;

Send down Your Fire, Lord...Cleanse me within, without;

At the altar... the altar of God...


Verse 1: My heart, was so deceived... to think, I wouldn't need;

The Power of Your love, to strengthen me....

I was, so far away.... I grew cold, I didn't Pray...

But now I've turned around, and I'm Going back,

To that Holy, Sacred Place......

My Soul is stirred this morning...Oh God! Help me to get back to my Altar of Personal consecration....Shut away from the World...in Your Holy Prescence.... in sweet Communion and Fellowship with You....I'm longing to go deeper...to get closer, to draw nearer...I've been there before... and there is no place like it...nothing in this world can compare to the Beauty and Value of having a Daily altar of Prayer...I'm going back to the Altar. Precious Friends...Won't you go back, too? 

It's Fall Again...

Hello, Dear Friends! It's been a while since I really had time to Blog, and I've missed it! (and missed visiting you all, at my favorite Blogs, too!) Well, the Calendar says it's October, and that means it's the Fall of the year again... though here in this part of Texas, I must say, Summer temps are overstaying their welcome!!! I, for one, will be so thrilled when the weather actually cooperates with the Calendar... you know, when you step outside your front door and the air is crisp and cool, and you feel a certain pep in your step because the heat and humidity aren't weighing you down..I used to LOVE this time of year when I was in college... walking across campus was more of an adventure... or so it seemed to me in those days.... I still love this time of year... I have been taking stock of my life, (as I do every year around this time, preparing for year's end, and the new year to come). What have I accomplished this year... have I seen any of my New Year's Dreams and Goals come to fruition? Oh my! I'm so happy to report that I have... I will be sharing more about that, later on...It's past time for me to be in bed, dearest friends...and I'm getting sleepy, so I will say goodbye for now... Please don't forget, though, that God loves you so much! And He is just a prayer away...Fall Best Wishes!! Jenni

My Heart is Thankful, dear Friends!  Some of you may remember that my Dad, wno is a contractor, finished a contract in May, and could not seem to find another one, unfortunately....but i posted on this Blog that I KNEW God would take care of our family.... I KNEW He would open a door and provide....and I stated that I would post on this blog, thanking Him, when my Dad began a new contract....and so, here it is!  Daddy's first day at his new job was on Monday!  Praise the Lord!  He NEVER, EVER lets His children down! He is Faithful, and every day I Love Him More......Thanks for reading this, and rejoicing with me....   

A Baby Shower for a Precious Friend

We Created a pretty back drop for the mommy to be opening gifts

And there she is! My Sweet Friend Chas...

I made a pretty pink wreath for the cake table lattice; mommy wants to use it as her hospital door wreath...

The Yummy Cake and cupcakes, too!  And a wish tree to leave good wishes for mommy and baby...

Ooh!  Lots of exciting gift bags for baby Blakely Anne!

It Is Well...

You can see more beautiful flowers such as these at Moody Gardens, in Galveston, Tx.



Hello, dear Friends....it's been quite a while since I posted anything, but so much has been going on!!!  My goodness! Do you ever feel as if your life is a wee bit out-of-control?? LOL!

I have been a bit under the weather, with that old congestion that is a frequent, though unwelcome guest in my life.... and I've got something wierd going on with my eyes.... they are so red!!  It seemed to start when I changed the type of contac solution I was using??? But we haven't been able to find the kind I've used for 20 yrs with no problem.....and someone told us the company that makes it discontinued it!!! So, I don't know what to do..... Meanwhile.... I look like I've been on a ten day crying jag....

You all know how much I love music.... and a song is on my heart today.... I've been having a rather difficult time lately.... and was starting to wonder "Why?"  Then I thought.... Hmm... what happens when a person simply REFUSES to get down or depressed?  What if they just dig their feet in, and won't go down that road....instead.... they simply CHOOSE to be thankful and Happy, and content and unruffled... going about with a song on their lips and a Praise in their heart as if everything was Wonderful???
And then, I thought, "I bet that makes the enemy of my soul angry and confused! Hehe!" You know, he throws things at me to upset me, but I refuse to remain upset.... instead, I praise the Lord that I love so much No matter what!!!! And those thoughts have led me to this song:

             "It Is Well With My Soul" By Horatio Spafford

When Peace, like a River, attendeth my way,
When Sorrows like Sea Billows Roll;
Whatever My Lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is Well,   It is well with my soul

It is Well, with my soul...
It is well, It is well.... With my soul

Thou satan should buffet, though trial should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
An shed His Own blood for my Soul.

My Sin, Oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My Sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the Cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!

Christmas Memories in July!



These are random photos, taken at Christmas throughout the last several years

 Hello, dear Friends!  Every year around this time, it seems the hotter it gets outside, the more I think of Christmas... I just love that time of the year, don't you? It's so wonderful.... a month of closeness with family and friends.... sharing meals and trading laughs, and keeping secrets that will only be revealed when a loved - one opens that "perfect gift"... the one that you searched high and low for....

It seems the days around that time of year just have a certain joy, a hint of spice, an air of mystery, and of course, most importantly.... the Feeling of Amazing Love that ties it all together, as we remember and reflect upon the Greatest Gift of all.... Jesus Christ, God in Flesh, come down form Heaven, to save the world from sin and certain death.......

I hope you enjoyed this brief "time warp"... this moment of memories.... I certainly had fun taking a break from the Summer Heat even if just for a little while....

So, Merry Christmas in the Middle of July!

Safe Harbor in Jesus



This is a photo I took on July 4th, of  Sailboats and other craft, leaving Harbor to launch out and watch the firework show

Some Scriptures are on my mind this morning, found in Mark chapter 6:

Mark 6:

45 "And straightway he constrained his disciples to get in the ship, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while he sent away the people."
46 "And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
47 " And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
48 "And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea, and would have passed by them.
49 "But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
50 "For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I;  be not afraid.
51 "And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered."

Several thoughts come to mind as I read this passage of scriptures....the first thing is that even my Blessed Lord made time to get by Himself and pray....therefore, If I am striving to be like Him, I must do the same!

The second thing that catches my attention is that when He saw them "toiling in rowing" and that the wind was "contrary" to them... He started towards them... I believe He was getting close to them when they needed Him...

The third thing, is that He "would have passed by them".... that is, until they cried out...I believe He was just listening for their voices calling Him.... just as He listens for ours today....He already knows we have needs... but He waits for us to seek Him about those needs.... and I must say, some of the sweetest and most blessed fellowship I've had with my Lord,  has been in those times of need, stress, sorrow or pain... When He is Oh so near.... ready to comfort, strengthen, and give me Peace that passes understanding!  There's no Comfort like being in the presence of Jesus, my friends...

The fourth thing, is how He responded to their cries.... He immediately calmed their fear!!! And even came into the boat with them....

The fifth thing is very obvious when you read verse 51!  When Jesus steps "on board" your life or into your stormy situation.... the winds  (in your soul) will cease... and you can have sweet Peace in the midst of your storm....no matter what you are going through, dear friend, talk to Him about it! Jesus Cares and understands! I know... He is always there for me.... And every time I've ever called on His Precious Name, He has Faithfully Answered and Spoken Sweet Peace to my soul.....

Are you burdened today?? Is there something in your life that seems out - of - control, or even hopeless? Don't give up! Just remember He's near you, and He's listening for your voice.......

Candy - Colored Bow, and a happy Soul

Just Made this Bow for a Wedding shower I'm helping with... Love those colors!


Well, I'm feeling so happy in my Soul this morning! I had to make another trip tot he urgent care clinic on Monday evening, with a terrible sore throat, and swollen neck glands?? And just generally feeling yucky.... the Dr. prescribed some antibiotics and something to relieve the old sinuses... and yesterday I was down for the count for pretty much the entire day.... guess I needed to rest... no "pep in my step" **Smiles**... and so just was a "bum" yesterday, Hehe! But I woke up around Dawn, feeling much better... got up, took a long, hot bath...(isn't it amazing how those make you feel better?) and talked to the Lord for a while.... and so was refreshed in body and in Spirit....It will probably be another long, hot Summer day here in this part of the South... but I'm feeling refreshed and strengthened, Praise the Lord! I hope each of you have a wonderful day filled with hope and Joy....Stay healthy! And, Above all, talk to Him... He loves to hear your voice!

Wonderful Peace

This is a card I made sometime ago, using some darling Beatrix Potter stickers by Colorbok

I been giving lots of thought to the word "Peace".  I certainly needed some Peace, yesterday on the fourth of July, when my Mom, Sister, and I, went to watch fireworks near Kemah.... Everything was fine.... until too many people tried to crowd their vehicles into a tight little area near the water..... and, (I saw it coming....) I knew there were going to be some tempers flaring when the show was over, and tired, and in some cases tipsy folks got into their trucks and cars.... and were READY to get out of there.....

So I prayed to the Lord as they crowded around our car and push came to shove.... one thuggish fellow tried and tried to force his way into the stream of cars by using his truck as a weapon.... and he was so blatantly agressive about it....and was going the wrong way and had to turn around, besides.... people were not too happy with him.... his Thuggish, muscle - bound, Tat - covered buddy saw that our car contained three harmless looking women.... so he decided to wave his arms, look intimidating, and get into the tiny space between us and the SUV ahead of us.... and LEAN ON OUR HOOD and refuse to move... thus opening a path for his buddy to force his way ahead of us..... now, we had patiently sat and waited our turn... trying to be polite and courteous to those around us.... but, when he did that.....it didn't go over too well..... hehe!

My Mom, who was driving... (I was in the passenger side praying) very gently eased the car forward, and tapped him on the behind!!!! Goodness!  You never saw someone jump out of the way so fast! He ran and got into their truck, and he and his buddy "decided" to wait their turn like everyone else!!!! Now, I don't recommend doing this!!! It is just plain foolhardy in this day and age of guns and short, hair - trigger tempers....but, we were getting kind of scared and freaked out....and really DID feel threatened by those two bullies....we had reached the point where we wanted AWAY from THEM... we had had enough!...and so, with much prayer... we finally got out of that tight space under the Kemah Bridge... and all of us breathed a sigh of relief.... and decided we'd NEVER go to that spot to watch fireworks again....nope, not even if they lit up the sky all the way to Galveston! 

I was thinking as we sat there in the crowd, how wonderful it is to know the Lord.... how precious to be able to call on Him when you are in a situation that makes you nervous..... how awesome to have His Peace that passes understanding... surround you when you need it most!!!!

Now, we did have a good fourth of July.... My Brother - in - Law grilled ribs and chicken and sausage and we had corn on the cob and baked beans and  delicious strawberry cake and washed it all down with sweet tea.....OOH! It was sooo good!!!

I hope you and your family and friends had a wonderful day too!

         "God Bless America"  By: Irving Berlin


God bless America, Land that I love

Stand Beside her, And guide her,

Through the night, With a light from Above

From the mountains,To the Prairies

To the oceans, White with foam

God Bless America, My home sweet home

God Bless America, My home sweet home!!!!



I'm so thankful to Be an American...to live in the  greatest Country in the world!  Where I can live and breathe and pray and worship and be happy in Freedom.... And I am so filled with gratitude to those that fought and gave their lives so that I could be free......

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Scrapbooked Photo

(Click on photo to enlarge and read  poem, if you like... it's from Crafty Secrets)

Some time ago I wanted to give a unique gift to a dear friend.....so I thought and thought, and came up with the idea of scrapbooking a page with her darling little girl's photo, adding a poem, and putting it in a frame of a matching color.... I'm not very good at scrapbooking.... making cards and watercoloring are more my "thing"...But it was FUN!! And that is one adorable Baby Girl....Miss Personality! She keeps everyone at church entertained, believe you me!!! I love to just watch her.... she is a tiny little bundle of energy....( I actually often wonder WHERE her Mommy gets the energy to keep up with her, LOL)Another reason I love to watch her is because I (and many others) prayed and wept and sought the Lord for her little self to join us in our world....and, our Gracious God answered....He is such a good God!
I hope her picture made you smile.... We kept it on our fridge for the longest time... because you can't look at the photo and NOT smile!!!

Something's Very Interesting!!

I was looking through some photos from last Christmas eve and found this one... of Camo (on the left) and Miss Lily.... Wouldn't you like to know what it is they're looking at? If I remember correctly, I think I took the picture when my brother-in-law was holding up something to eat..... yep, that will get their complete attention, every time! LOL! I just thought the photo was too cute, and had to share it with y'all!

Oh my goodness... I'm crazy about our pets.... and proud of it.... as I've said before... they add so much joy to our lives!