Fragrant Reminders

Isn't it amazing how a certain smell or scent can evoke memories for us? Of course, the happy memories are the ones we like (and the pleasant scents too!). Yesterday I was grocery-shopping and spied a loaf of cinnamon bread. I didn't purchase it, but had to pick it up and sniff it through the plastic--it looked sooo yummy. Sure enough, it smelled as yummy as it looked, and suddenly in my mind I was transported back to when my three children were little, and thoughts of the cozy house we lived in then. For some reason, that particular cinnamon-bread smell made me think of our kitchen and those happy times when my children were very young (I was blessed to be a "stay-at-home" Mom for a while). Maybe it's because I baked a good bit when the children and I were at home (which we were most of the time), but whatever the reason that's where my thoughts traveled as I stood in the middle of the bakery section of the store. When I realized I had tears in my eyes (*sigh* I'm such an emotional Mom) I hastily set the cinnamon bread back on the shelf and forced myself to focus on finishing my shopping. Thankfully no one I knew was in the store then, because they might've wondered why I had tears while shopping in the bakery! ~ Later yesterday I thought back to that very small incident in the store, and it made me realize just how powerful our senses can be. Is there a particular fragrance that makes you think of a sweet memory?

Surprise Seeds

Oh my! This summer has been zipping by way too quickly, and I cannot believe it's been over a month since I've posted a blog*sigh*. But I wanted to share about my "surprise seeds"---an old packet of seeds I found in May and decided to plant. Since they were old, I almost tossed the packet into the trash, but am SO glad I didn't! I planted them in an extra flower pot I had, watered them, and set them on my front steps so they'd receive lots of afternoon sun. A couple weeks later, I was thrilled to see tiny green plants peeking through the dirt. I continued to water them, and now--in late July--I'm very happy to say I have a lovely pot of bright yellow flowers! The picture above (a zinnia) is very similar to my flowers, so I'm thinking they must be in the zinnia family (I didn't save the packet they came in, but I remember the words "mixture" on the packet!). I've decided that these particular flowers have flourished in the bright sun on my front porch steps. As I thought about those words earlier today, it occurred to me that Christians can also flourish, but we "flourish in the SON"! If we strive to live the kind of life we should, and do what the Lord would have us to do, then we will surely flourish as we serve Him. So as I continue enjoying the lovely yellow flowers on my porch, I'll remember that I need to stay in the light of the Son, if I'm to truly flourish and live a fruitful life. ...as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Psalm 103:15

One Year Ago....

It's hard to believe it has been exactly one year ago that I entered a major Atlanta hospital for what was supposed to be three spinal surgeries. Due to some serious complications, my neurosurgeon had to bring me out of anesthesia during the 3rd procedure, let me rest for five days, and then finish correcting my spine (resulting in a total of 4 surgeries in an 8-day period!). Yes, it was truly the roughest time I've ever been through. BUT....I wasn't alone. The Lord was with me the entire time, and I felt His presence beside me even during long, agonizing nights. I also knew there were countless people praying for me---not only precious family and friends, but folks I didn't even know! I am convinced those prayers helped me through that ordeal and through the long healing process after I returned home. God is sooo GOOD! ~ As rough as that time was, I look back now and see so many blessings that came during (and after) that time in my life. The care and kindness of not only family and friends, but also the hospital staff helped to ease the pain and fear during my hospital stay and recuperation. ~ As I prepared myself for that experience, I clung to a verse from the book of Isaiah. That verse will always be special to me, and I praise the Lord for His protection and comfort in all the trials of life. ~ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

National Doughnut Day

YAY! At last, I have a legitimate excuse to eat my favorite: a creme-filled doughnut! Mmmmm.... ~ It's true that I've never met a doughnut I didn't like. Several years ago my husband made that comment about me, and although I laughed at the time, later I realized how very true his words were. ~ So if you're a doughnut-lover like me, go ahead and indulge today, and ENJOY every yummy bite!

May We Never Forget...

Since today is Memorial Day, I wanted to briefly share a thought that has been on my heart. So many of us (myself included) tend to take for granted our freedoms in this great country. We don't mean to, but we are so blessed with an excess of not only material possessions, but the freedoms we have everyday. As we honor the men and women who have served (and continue to serve) our United States of America, may we never forget the price so many have paid, so that we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and blessings. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA!!!

The Officer's Secret

Christian author Debby Giusti has written a wonderful suspense book that I highly recommend! The Officer's Secret is a captivating story set at a fictional military base here in Georgia. Although I normally read historical and contemporary romance stories, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a suspense book. Debby Giusti's style of writing kept me turning pages and eager to see what happened next! ~ Even if you don't usually read suspense (and especially if you DO!) I'd encourage you to hurry and get this book while it's available (in my area the Walmart and Kroger stores carry it). The Officer's Secret is in the LOVE INSPIRED line of books, so should be easy to locate in your store. ~ On a personal note, Debby Giusti is not only a talented author but a precious lady (and prayer warrior!) as well. I look forward to reading many more of her books!

Sunflowers and Squirrels

I LOVE sunflowers!! And (this may sound crazy, I know)....I LOVE squirrels! Well, maybe I shouldn't say "love"---but I think they're cute, and I feed them well on my deck. After all, they entertain me with their antics as they chase each other and sprawl on my deck railing as if they're sunbathing. ~ Last year I planted some sunflower seeds in a nice, sunny spot in my backyard. Sadly nothing ever happened. I decided that some of the squirrels must've dug up the seeds for a meal, and I accepted the fact that the only sunflowers I'd ever have would be the artificial ones in my home (I use a "sunflower" theme in my kitchen).

About six weeks ago I noticed a weed growing in a large discarded flower pot on my deck. The pot is filled with dirt and had once housed a plant that's no longer with us, but I'd figured the large flower pot would be useful one day. I started to go out and pull the weed out of the dirt, but was curious as to how tall it would grow, so I let it be. Each week the "weed" grew taller, the stem sturdier, and the large green leaves seemed to be quite healthy. Could it be a sunflower? I looked on the internet at different types of sunflowers and compared the leaves with the ones in the pot on my deck. A few days later a beautiful sunflower bloomed in that flower pot---not a weed, but a SUNFLOWER!!! Needless to say, I was thrilled! I decided that perhaps my squirrels felt guilty about digging up my seeds last year, so they planted some seeds for me in that discarded pot. ~ More blooms have appeared, and it's been an unexpected blessing as I've enjoyed the gorgeous bright yellow blooms from my kitchen window. ~ This has reminded me of how the Lord gives us unexpected blessings in life. Sometimes when we least expect it, He blesses us in a special way. May I always be thankful for ALL my blessings, and may I remember to give thanks to Him!