Roses and Prayers for Boston

I thought I'd post a photo of our friend Jack's roses... as a sort of token of my thoughts and prayers for the people of Boston.  Like all of you, I was shocked and saddened by the news of the terrible act of terrorism that happened at the Boston Marathon....

At times like this I think of  Psalm 46:

1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2: "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
11: "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." 

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims.... and my hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ..... He is my refuge, my strength, my peace, and my strong tower..... 

"Hoppy" Easter!!!

Sorry about the title of this post... I just couldn't resist! LOL! Especially since I was sharing a photo of the gorgeous Bunny covered in Glitter that Mom bought me from Marshall's.  Isn't he pretty?? He has been smiling cheerfully, in all his spring - y glory, atop our piano, for several weeks now. I hope that all of you have a beautiful Easter!  I love this time of year.... it reminds of my dear, beloved Savior's Sacrifice of Love... He took MY place on that cross on Calvary!! He Who knew no sin, became sin for us.... and died in our place.... Praise His Name!!! And He did not stay on that Cross!! He rose from the dead, triumphant over death, hell, and the grave!!!! Y'all know that I'm a musician, and I frequently mention songs that speak to my heart.... The one that has been going over in my mind the past several days is a classic. It's "The Old Rugged Cross" .... and, like it says, "I'll Cherish the Old Rugged Cross" and "I will Cling to the Old Rugged Cross"!!!  I never want to forget or take for granted what God has done for Me... and what He has done for the entire world......
Thank You Jesus for Your Sacrifice of Love! 

We Match!

Doesn't Miss Lily Bug look adorable in her pink scarf with a rosette?  I and my family are having so much fun with this precious stray the Lord sent our way.... She is such a darling!  And she makes us laugh all the time!! Aren't our furry friends wonderful?? As any true animal lover knows.... they add such an extra dimesion of joy to our lives.... I am thankful every day for my Lily Bug!  God surely picked the perfect doggy friend for my family when He sent her our way, and we are greatful!! 

Whew! What A Day We Had...

First thing this morning, I learned that someone in a foreign country had stolen my credit card info and was treating themselves to all sorts of things....thank God my Credit card Co. caught on and shut that down real quick!!!!!

Then my mother got bit by a dog,  and went to the urgent care clinic only to find that a glitch in the computer says that the insurance she has so faithfully been making payments on.... and had used in the last couple of weeks at her primary care physician's.... was supposedly terminated in Dec. so she couldn't get treatment unless she wanted to be out a large sum of money!!! and of course the insurance office doesnt open back up until Monday......

Now I know why the Lord led me to read Psalm 34, early this morning, and verse 19 in particular!!! I am so thankful He is still in Control, no matter what may happen!  Praise His Name!!

Sharing photos and memories....

Just thought I 'd share a few of the arrangements from Ladies' Retreat  with y'all..... I did have such fun putting them together..... I hope each of you is haveing an awesome week...... it is Spring Break time here in this part of Texas..... and I have been thinking about the fun I had on Spring Breaks while in school and college..... my sister and I surely enjoyed our swimming pool during Spring Breaks.... we always thought we'd get THE tan to end all tans.... and go back to College bronzed and gorgeous..... tee hee.... I can remember how aggravated we were if it rained......ha ha!  Ahh.... memories!  

Ladies Retreat Decor 2013

I have always wanted an antique looking lantern, so used my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby and bought myself an early birthday present.... so I could fix up with a pretty bow and garland and use it on the Desert Table, of  course!



I decided to try making three large Pedestal, or candlestick arrangements for the "Speaker's Table" instead of using traditional vases



This arrangement was in the center, with the other two on each end of the table.

This is how the "Speaker's Table" looked from across the Gym



A photo of one of the end arrangements (Click on any of the photos for a closer peek)

 I had so much fun doing the decorating for Ladies' Retreat at my Church this year! I also had lots of help from some of my dear friends... and I am so greatful to them!
When I saw the gorgeous purple table cloths my Pastor's Wife had purchased... I could see them in my mind, paired with a "funky green" color and a mix of light and dark purples and sparkley gold.....
I made 25 small arrangements... (will share pix later) and three large pedestal arrangements.... I am tired but it was such fun!
I felt so blessed to be able to contribute something that I can "do" so that it might add a little bit of joy to the ladies attending the retreat.....
And what an awesome Retreat! God's Prescence was so Real and so Powerful! I was blessed and strengthened... and I know others were too...I'm so thankful my Pastor's Wife has a burden for Ladies.....

Happy Valentine's Day 2013

I decided to take some pictures of the little Valentines table I fixed to set our "goodies" on.  Some of the sweets on the darling little plate are faux, and some are the "real" thing.... Isn't Valentine's day fun???  I stopped by Kroger's earlier.... and the floral shop was "buzzing" with men .... it made me smile as I watched them selecting Roses and Candy for their sweethearts or moms or daughters....one gentle man was really into it! He had picked out some beautiful pink roses and some lighter pink flowers and was having the Floral Lady "fix" it up in a vase with curly ribbon and such.... He had definite ideas about where he wanted the card placed (in the center) and was taking the entire process pretty seriously.... I thought it was cute...

Well, dear ones, I hope your Valentine's Day is overflowing with Love.....and remember.... even if you have no - one to share this special day with..... there is a God who loves you with an everlasting Love.... He loves you so very much that He gave His Life on a Cross and shed His Precious Blood that You and I could be saved...... Now that's REAL Love!!!!

Hugs,
Jenni

Another Song on my Heart Today

           This is a photo of some ducks in a pond near my Aunt's house....they are not worried.... they trust the One that created them and holds them in the palm of His hand.....


Every day it seems there is more and more to worry and fret about, doesn't it?  If you listen to the news or read the internet, you can get pretty worked up!!!  And that doesn't even have anything to do with the personal worries we carry, about our own lives......

Oh, but there is SomeOne who is ready and waiting to help us bear our burdens and cares, if we will just Ask Him To......

I've had this song on my heart yet again, today.....


"His Eye is on the Sparrow"
      by Civilla D. Martin

Why should I feel discouraged,  why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely,  and long for heav'n and home
When Jesus is my portion,  my constant Friend is He:
His Eye is on the Sparrow, And I know He watches me.....

I sing because I'm happy,  I sing because I'm Free
His Eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.....

"Let not your heart be troubled", His tender Word I hear,
And resting in His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears,
Though by the path He leadeth, but one path I may see:
His Eye is on the Sparrow,  and I know He watches me....

Whenever I am tempted,   whenever clouds arise, 
When songs give way to sighing,  when hope within me dies....
I draw the closer to Him,  from care He sets me free:
His Eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me!!!!!