A Weekend Getaway

This past weekend my husband and I had a weekend getaway to a lovely island on the coast of northern Florida. No meetings or schedule to follow--just sightseeing and exploring a different place! We drove around (yes, got lost a few times, but that's okay!), walked on the beach, explored the Historic District, and ate some wonderful food. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing a place we'd never seen before and not having to rush to be anywhere at a certain time. ~ After we arrived back home I was thinking about how important it is for everyone to take some time now and then to bask in God's creation. Relax and look around at the world the Lord has made for us. That also made me think about a passage in my Bible which tells about Jesus taking some time away from the crowds and busy-ness around Him. Since He was perfect but yet also needed time to be refreshed, we certainly need that time---because we are certainly not even close to perfection! I'm very thankful the Lord blessed my husband and me with that wonderful weekend. And...Lord willing---hope to enjoy more weekends like that one in the future! ~ The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1

The Queen of Clutter

Over the years I've jokingly referred to myself as "The Queen of Clutter" ~ a "title" I'm not proud of! I used to say the reason for my packrat habits was due to the fact I was a school teacher. I'd look at items that others might toss and always say: Hey, maybe my students could make something from that! But since I had to retire from my teaching career (due to health reasons) the packrat habits have continued. Not to an extreme, but enough that it has begun to really bother me. So I've prayed about this (and yes, I've read numerous books on getting organized) and have decided that clutter will NOT control me! Life is too full of opportunities for productive and enjoyable activities to feel that clutter has a hold on us. ~ I realize that many folks don't have this issue---they are organized and have everything in its place, no stacks of papers, etc. I think that's wonderful, and I'd love to have those tendencies. But since my packrat gene is so dominant, I'll have to do the best I can. Many times I've been determined to organize closets and drawers, but this time I'm REALLY determined! ~ Are you an orderly and organized person, or do you struggle with clutter and packrat tendencies? ~ Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 

A "Lovely" Weekend

This past weekend I traveled with a few family members for a very quick trip to our Georgia coast. While there we stayed at Epworth-by-the-Sea on St. Simon's Island. Such a beautiful place! Although we've visited Epworth before, this was our first time actually staying there, and we definitely want to return. The inn where we stayed was very nice and had a great view of the Frederica River. One of the highlights for me was attending the Sunday morning service at the Lovely Lane Chapel. Oh my! That Chapel has gorgeous stained glass windows and you can just "feel" the history around you. Outside there are numerous large Live Oak trees, draped with Spanish Moss. I LOVE it there! ~ I'm including a photo I snapped on Sunday morning after the Chapel service. The Lovely Lane Chapel is in the background and I was in front of one of the many beautiful Live Oaks on the island. Even though the weather that morning was rainy and dreary, everything on the island looked so green and lush. I cannot wait to visit again! ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalms 19:1

Spring Cleaning

When I was growing up, I often heard my mother and other ladies in our community refer to doing "spring cleaning." Since I've been an adult I too have enjoyed continuing this habit. After winter weather, it's refreshing to open windows and thoroughly clean during the springtime. ~ Thinking of doing a thorough cleaning in my home led me to thinking of another kind of spring "cleaning"--cleansing my heart. Am I holding onto emotions I need to release? Since I've always been a "worrier" I seem to have an ongoing battle with that. Yet my Bible tells me I shouldn't worry. Some folks hang onto grudges for years, and those need to be released. Other folks deal with fear, and seem to always be fearful of something negative happening. If you're struggling with worry, fear, holding a grudge, or anything else that you need to let go, then join me in a spring cleaning---let's try to cleanse our hearts and turn these emotions and feelings over to the Lord. You might think that's easier said than done--but with much prayer and searching our Bible, it CAN be done. So as I continue with my spring cleaning, I'm seeking God's help to cleanse my heart and mind--helping me to be worry-free, and instead rely on HIM in all things. Happy Spring! ~ Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

A Quiet Witness

Last week my precious father-in-law (Papaw) passed away, and it's been an emotionally and physically draining time for us. Although we will miss him so much (and already do) we have NO doubt at all that he is in Heaven. Papaw was one of the most Godly men I've ever known, and even though he was usually quiet and reserved, he always made certain other folks knew about Jesus. Papaw witnessed to others about salvation, but he did it in a quiet way--never wanting attention for himself or any fanfare. He only wanted others to know that Jesus is our only hope, and if we want to go to Heaven we must believe on Him. ~ As I feel saddened over our loss of Papaw here on earth, I feel a great peace and JOY at knowing he's in Heaven and we'll all be together again one day. What a comforting thought!

Song of My Heart

Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer continues to be my favorite author because her books are such a pleasure to read (not to mention the fact she's a wonderful person and a cat-lover too!). Her recent release Song of My Heart is a delightful story set in Kansas in 1895. The story follows Sadie Wagner as she uses her God-given talent of singing to help her family, and there's never a dull moment. The story features romance, adventure, bits of humor, and even some mystery that kept me wanting to see what happened next. The characters really came alive for me, and I must admit I did NOT want this story to end! ~ I've read AND enjoyed all of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but have to say I think Song of My Heart is now my new favorite of this talented author's work!

It's the TRUTH!

A thought occurred to me yet again this evening---not a new thought, but one that I wanted to share. It's really very simple: My entire day seems to go more smoothly when I begin the day by spending time with the Lord---especially reading my Bible. This isn't to say that any of us ever has a day without problems---oh no! That's just part of being alive--we encounter some kind of problem or difficulty or hassle (or whatever you want to call it) every day. BUT, for me personally, I can HANDLE those pesky problems much better when I've begun my day with the Lord. ~ I'm sorry to say that some days I'm in such a "rush" to get things done, and I wait and read my Bible later in the day. From now on, I'm going to make a serious effort to begin every day by spending time with God first---after all, the Bible is the TRUTH, so if I want a guidebook for my day it's right there in a book on my desk. And that's the truth!