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!