Here We Go Again

This past Thursday a few of us ladies got together again for a light meal and  fellowship. We had a wonderful time! We had some of the same ladies as before, and some new friends that joined us this time.  Even when I was limited on time to prepare, I kept it simple, and with the help of my wonderful husband, everything was ready with time to spare.

I pulled out the Blue Willow dishes with navy placemats.

Found these little notes at Hobby Lobby. I divided the large package, and made individual sets for each lady with a few little lifesavers tucked inside.  Iencouraged each lady to write a note to someone that God brings to mind in the next couple of weeks.

Glass hurricanes used at my daughter's wedding.

Yard sale bird nests.

Thrift store eggs.

River rock and moss that I had on hand.

Snipped a little ivy and peach blossoms to tuck inside.

Result: A quick and easy springy table centerpiece.

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

The Gift of Kindness

Today while eating alone, I was struck by the kindness and thoughtfulness of a young boy about 12 years old. While eating with his parents, he turned around and asked me if I was eating alone. When I replied that I was, he simply said, "would you like to join us?" I was almost done, and they had just arrived. I asked him his name, and thanked him for his kindness, and told him that I was finishing up.  We were not of the same racial background, yet, it made no difference to him .In a simple gesture of kindness, he reached out to me. It lifted my spirits, and I felt God reminding me that I am never alone. In response I wanted Justin to know what a special gift he had given.Upon leaving, I asked for the ticket, paid for his family, and had the ticket sent back to the table thanking Justin. I am sure the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do this, come to think of it, I don't think I have ever done anything like this. I left there feeling like I had received a wonderful gift, and in fact I had. The kindness of a stranger. Reach out to someone today, and have a wonderful weekend!

Jackie

Necessary Ingredient

When the clock says 11:29 and you are still cooking!

Well,

not actually cooking,

but putting a few things together to cook tomorrow.

 Do you remember I told you at the beginning of the year, I committed to have a group of ladies regularly for some food, fun and fellowship? Well, I did the unthinkable, the thing I said I would not do, absolutely no way, even marked it on my calendar to remind me, and I did it anyway! I said I would not agree to sub the day of , or the day before our ladies fellowship, and I did! plus I have subbed Monday and Tuesday both! Tonight and tomorrow is crunch time. I love preparing for these get togethers, I have just left myself no margin this time.

However I do want to share this absolutely wonderful recipe that I am making. We are having breakfast. Not just any breakfast. There is a BREAKFAST CASSEROLE in the fridge, and a FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE in the fridge. Ready to pop in the oven tomorrow evening. We are also bringing muffins to swap.

*Just a note, this is not to be used while counting calories!

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

8 Eggs                                        1 Tsp Vanilla

2 Cups 1/2 & 1/2                       1/4 Tsp Cinnamon

1 Cup Milk                                 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

2 Tbs Sugar                                Dash Salt

Loaf of French Bread 13-16 oz

Grease 9x13 casserole. Slice bread into 20 1 inch slices

Make 2 rows in casserole dish. Pour above mixture over bread (be sure to pour some in between slices)

Refrigerate overnight.

PRALINE TOPPING

1 Cup Butter                        1 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup chopped Pecans        2 Tbs light corn syrup

1/4 Tsp Cinnamon               1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

Mix well spread over bread before baking.

Bake 350 degrees, 40 minutes or until puffed and light brown.

Can be served with syrup.

Hope you enjoy and have a blessed day!     

Jackie

Yesterday

was sunshine.

Today

is

RAIN.

 I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine yesterday, with no hint of rain in sight, and today I woke up to gray skies with rain on the horizon. Isn't that a lot like life? One day we are enjoying the sunshine of pleasant circumstances with no hints of rain in sight, and before we know it the rain is upon us. For those who know the Lord, we know that his grace is sufficient in these times of rain. The key is, drawing close before the rain comes. Are you drawing closer today?

 Jackie

24"Therefore (V)everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24-25

What I've Been Up To

Substitute teaching,

visiting my boy,

picking Buttercups,

(an empty cup is a necessity if you are on the road)

doing laundry,

and

enjoying a good cup of coffee and a little sunshine!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Jackie

Smiling

I actually caught him smiling!

My sweet boy and his professor after Honors Night.

Little bit of loveliness....

....at least that's what I thought when I found this at the thrift store today.

Vintage tablecloth with napkins.

No spots or stains!

A little closer look at the corners of the tablecloth.

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Sunshine

We have been blessed with sunshine at our house today,

and Stella is soaking it up!

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Looking forward......

This trip is coming up in April. I will actually be attending the  live conference at FBC Woodstock.

Will any of you ladies be attending? 

 I think that it sold out like super fast! I was on a waiting list and blessed, that a spot that opened up.

A wonderful friend called me this evening to invite me to this coming up in May.

It will be held at Southern Evangelical Seminary near

Charlotte, NC.

If you are interested there is a limited number of seats.

You can go here to read more details about the conference and the sessions that will be offered.

I have been busy subbing, and hope to have a few more exciting things to share over this way soon. Have a blessed week! Jackie