What have I been up to? Prayer Request and UPDATE

Here's a little of what I have been up to the past few days.

A little bit of sewing for my son.

Window valance in progress.

Couple of completed panels for the living room and bedroom.

Finished valance.

Yes, all of these are very basic. Actually made up by me. I wish I could say these were whipped up in a few hours, but I am not quite as fast as many of the other ladies out there. I am also not a no sew girl. It's just not in me, especially when my husband bought me a nice machine.  It is looking like a great summer to be inside sewing. The temperatures here have been  close to the 100's with heat indexes of around 105. So glad we took vacation a few weeks ago!

PRAYER REQUEST

My girl is on her way to the Dr. She's not felt the baby move in a couple of days. We know that God is in control and always knows best. Please pray for her as she travels. She has a wonderful Mother-In-Law who is with her, only wish I were closer. I will keep you posted. Please pray for a peace and comfort for her regardless of the outcome.

UPDATE

Mom and baby are fine! Strong heartbeat and  lots of movement when they did the ultra-sound.

Blessings,

Jackie

Choices

A friend said I could have some of these.

 

But do I choose this one,

 

this one,

or this one?

Answer?

Some of this,

and a lot of this, which really ended up being some of all three.

Aren't they beautiful? Hope you are enjoying a few beautiful things today.  Jackie

Vacation Thrifting

As promised here are some of my "Thrifty Finds" I find while we were at Hilton Head.

If you are looking for treasures at bargain prices, you will not want to miss The Bargain Box!

They have some of the best prices, and best selection.

I picked up this Tail golf shirt in like new condition for $1.00

They were clearancing all women's clothes to restock with totally new items, so all women's items were $1.00.

You will also want to check out St. Francis Thrift Shop.

Glass punch ladle, $1.00

Vintage Apron 2.00 from "The Litter Box Thrift Store"

along with this little reproduction flower vase w/ metal frog on top.

Retro pillow case from the Bargain Box for .25

Perfect, since the gardenias were in full bloom when we returned.

I loved to hear about your fun finds this summer.

Jackie

Back from Vacation

We have returned from a week of vacation at Hilton Head Island, and  a much needed vacation it was! The weather couldn't have been better! Even with a little rain we were still able to spend many hours on the beach every day! My husband loves the beach as much as I do, with the exception that I love to sit and read, and he likes to walk on the beach. When I 've had enough sun I just move under my umbrella. There's nothing like the sound of the ocean for some relaxation!

This little guy headed to greet us as soon as he saw lunch, I mean Stella.

If you are in the area Market Street Cafe is the place to eat! Reasonable prices, great service, and great food! This little Greek Cafe had the BEST Greek Pizzas. Toppings were fresh, and not your typical greasy pizza. A large variety from salad, gyros, assorted wraps and what looked like great desserts. We were just too full to give them a try.

 

I hope your summer is off to an absolutely wonderful start!

Jackie

My Cup Is Filled

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the ladies conference, "Womanhood: What Am I Missing?" at Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, NC. The topics included were for women of every walk in life, whether single, married, young mothers or an empty nester like me. The best way to sum it up is that, It encouraged and challenged us for the times in which we live. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company, but most of all we were challenged to live godly lives as a woman of God, in a culture that encourages us to do just the opposite.

My accomodations were the best! One of my very best friends is Dean to Women at the seminary, and I stayed with her. It is not often that we get to see each other, but we seem to pick up right where we left off, as if we have never been apart. I hope you are blessed with at least one friend like this. Did I mention that her husband cooked breakfast for us both mornings? One great guy! We did a lot of catching up, but most of all I was encouraged not only by their love and hospitality to me, but the love they both have for the Lord, and for people. How many people do you know that, at the age of 50 will quit their job, move from a house that they designed and built, had just completed a beautiful remodel, to return to school to get their Masters Degree in Christianity, and dedicate themselves to teaching others to defend the faith, always desiring to share the gospel with those around them?

Go here  to see all that they are involved in, to reach the world for Christ.

God always knows what we need, when we need it, and this was just what I needed. I am refreshed, challenged and encouraged to dig deeper. I challenge you to encourage someone with the love of Christ this week.

Jackie

Thoughts for Thursday

Give God Your Worries

"Who is among you that fears the Lord, let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God"

Isaiah 50:10

Let's get six words clearly fixed in our minds. These six words form the foundation of God's therapeautic process for all worry warts.

WORRY ABOUT NOTHING

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

What qualifies as a worry? Anything that drains your tank of joy-something you cannot change, something you are not responsible for, something you are unable to control, something(or someone) that frightens and torments you, agitates you, keeps you awake when you should be asleep.  All of that now needs to be switched from your worry list to your prayer list. Give each worry-one by one-to God...Tell Him you will no longer keep your anxiety to yourself...The more you practice giving your mental burdens to the Lord, the more exciting it gest to see how God will handle the thing that are impossible for you to do anything about.

I found this on a friends desk this week, while filling in for her at work. I do not know the author, but  What a reminder to "cast our cares upon Him"

Jackie

Sailing Into Summer!

I am not sure where the school year has gone, but it has passed quickly and next Tuesday will be our last day of school! I will say, I am looking forward to the break and working on the long over-due TO DO LIST!

Thanks so much for wishing me a speedy recovery from the Vertigo. It is much better, and I am only having slight dizziness. Hopefully this will be the last week of it!

This past Friday, Blaine had his SR. Art Show. Great turn out, great show, and he did sell one of his paintings which he was very excited about.

Here is Blaine with his friend Jimmy. They kidded Jimmy about being dressed like the artwork, so we snapped a quick picture. Jimmy graduated from UGA in 1957, worked in banking, then retired, then went back to school to obtain his art degree. He is such a supporter and encourager to all of the students.

We headed on to Athens for a visit with my Mom and Dad for Mother's Day, shopped a little, and just enjoyed our visit. Blaine came for lunch on Sunday, and now he's home for a few days. Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day, and you are having a blessed week.

Jackie

Time to Get Cooking!

I know that I have been a little LOT absent around here, but not by choice. Things have literally been SpiNNing around here. Remember I told you that I woke up Sunday morning and everything was spinning? Me, the bed, the ceiling. Well, you get the picture. I have VERTIGO! Never had it before, and never want it again! Enough said about that.

May has ended up being a very busy month! I will probably be scarce around here at least until the first of June. Maybe I will still have a reader or two. 

Went to the Dr. earlier today, and now I am COOKING. Really cooking. My boy has his Senior Art Show tomorrow, with one of his classmates, and  I am cooking the sweets for the reception.

Magic Bars are cooling.

Mixing Grandmother's Pecan Puffs.

 

Gooey Butter Cake, plated and ready to go.

Brownies are almost cool, but they will have to wait until tomorrow.

I have over-estimated my energy, and getting dizzy when I reached for the serving plates. Better get to bed. There will be plenty to do tomorrow before we head out. I forgot to tell you, that we will be leaving after the reception to go to my parent's house for Mother's day, subbing Monday, then headed to Charlotte, NC for  a ladies conference at Southern Evangelical Seminary on Saturday. I am looking forward to the conference, but need a little rest between now and then.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Jackie

Monday's Prayer

I am praying that when my feet hit the floor this morning, that the bedroom will not be SpiNNinG! Yes, yesterday when my feet hit the floor, the room was spinning! I am not one to typically get a stomach virus, or anything resembling it, so it was a rough Sunday,alone! My good friend even had to come walk Stella for me.  I will spare you the details, but I remained in bed until about 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon. Everytime I lifted my head off the pillow things were spinning, not a good feeling! I am praying today will be much better. Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend, and looking forward to a wonderful week ahead! 
Jackie

A New Project....

....to add to the other 365 projects that I need to either get started on or finish.
In case you didn't notice, that would be one a day for the next year, if I get started tomorrow!

So Long Insecurity!

TO DO List:

1. Clean house for dog-sitter.
2. Pack suitcase.
3. Pray.
4. Head out to Woodstock, GA to hear Beth Moore Saturday, LIVE!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jackie

Pretty Pillowcases

....and at 50 cents a pair, what a find!

A little bit of blue.

It's Boy!

Remember I told you a while back that I'm going to be a Grandma?

Well today, we found out that it is going to be a BOY!
Can't wait!  Ansley's due date is September 23, so she's almost half- way there. She and baby are doing well. Please continue to pray that her UC meds will not adversely affect our little boy.

They have been able to come up with plenty of Girl names, but no Boy names, so I know she would love to hear some of your ideas. They are looking for an old fashioned name vs. trendy. Of course I am not sure that they are not all somewhat old fashioned after looking on the internet at name ideas.

Ansley surprised me with a short visit this weekend. She just needed a dose of her Mama. She shopped my house, and took back several odds and ends to add to her decor. That is the best kind of shopping! We had fun, ate out, groomed Chloe, visited with some friends she used to work with, had a good day at church, and before we knew it, it was time for her to go.

Have a blessed week, and let's hear those baby names!

Jackie

A Yellow Rose

For Someone Special!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jackie

BORING?

YES, I am still here.

YES, I do realize my blog has been pretty Boring lately!

 YES, my life is pretty ordinary these days.

Yesterday it was far too beautiful to be inside, in front of a computer screen, or even doing the much needed housework! This view was much better, and  I did get my 5 blueberry bushes planted. The weather here has been absolutely beautiful!

Tonight was a great evening to watch a ballgame.

 

My nephew plays college ball. When they play at home, it is about a 45 minute drive for me.

 He pitches and it has been a tough season, so I want to be there to support him whether he plays or not.

 I also got a nice surprise! I was not expecting my sister to be there, but she made the drive with her husband, because he had said he might be pitching tonight, and she didn't want to miss it.  He did, and they won with a homer in the bottom of the 9th!

Just a few of the little things God has blessed me with. What are some of the ways He  has blessed you this week?

Jackie

Thoughts for Thursday

A while back I picked up this little book at the Thrift Store.

Today while having my quiet time, I read some of it for the first time, and thought I would share with you.

Lord,

I search for some sense in life.

I look for some tomorrow

when I shall see.

And know.

And then life shall be so much more meaningful.

But what I've got is today.

I see dimly.

I know little,

and life is very ordinary.

So I wait for tomorrow, dreamily,

and thumb-twiddle away my today.

Vague anticipation of my own spiritual fulfillment

someday

robs me of the only day that is truly mine.

Lord, God,

you have called me to live in the now.

Air castles and ambiguities aren't for real.

Life is.

If this were the only day I had on earth,

what would I do with it?

This is the only day I have right now.

I dare not waste it.

Lord, keep me keenly, sharply aware

of the immediacy of my living.

Keep me vitally awake this

this day.

Recycling Garden Style

It was an absolutely beautiful day today so I did a little planting, actually a little cleaning out pots and planting. I thought I would share a few things that made it through our unusually cold winter, and I am in hopes that they will grow as abundantly as they did last year.

Little shoots from my spider plants.

 I stuck these in the pot at the end of the summer, and they made it.

I pulled all of this from the pots,

and

this is what I have now.

Next week I will be dividing these.

You will not believe the roots under these tiny little plants.

Oak Leaf Hydrangeas

 These came from a neighbor's plant that had lots of new shoots and she was willing to share with me. I will probably be collecting a few more of these, because the blooms make beautiful flower arrangements. What economical gardening tips do you have to share? Hope you are enjoying Spring as much as I am.

Have a blessed Easter.

Jackie

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