From A Creative Heart

So I've Been Thinking......

2011-11-06T17:28:00.000-05:00

I know, I know....dangerous ground. (smile) I have been reading a book that has been sitting on my reader for some time. I started it in fits and bits....and suddenly it has latched on to my mind and heart. The name of the book is Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.

I am almost finished with it.....and while there is some of it that I am not totally sold on....there are many parts that have majorly stepped on my toes. There are things that I have felt should be done, that I have allowed others to marginalize and I have gone along.

Sometimes we just need that wake up call. Since leaving the church we were attending, I have been surprised at the things that I believe God placed in my heart, have come back around. People, events, openings have appeared that I know have placed me where I am suppose to be. I have learned that when God shows you something, just because those around you can't see it, doesn't mean it is not what He has lead you to do. You just have to make the steps forward and you might just be surprised at who comes along side to join you. God really knows what He is doing........what a concept!!! LOL

There is a book called Radical by David Platt, the book I am reading has some "radical" ideas and others that are out there echoing the same message.......but the distressing part of it is that as Christians, none of this should be radical, but just what we are called to do as Christians. We have gotten way to comfortable in our churches, looking to build bigger and better.....and yet not willing to venture out of them to reach the world that Christ called us to. It is not enough to send money....it is not enough to post from the comfort of your home about problems and the gospel.....it is not enough to pray for someone in the mission field...it simply is not enough. But we do those things and it pacifies our conscience that we are "doing" something.....but it is so far from what God calls us to do that instead of it soothing us, it should be kicking us in the behind and into action. I can't point the finger at anyone else, as I so know how easy it is to get lulled into simply showing up at church, and trying to be "good". God didn't call us to be "good", He called us to GO. We, especially as Americans, have become lazy and self indulgent...... and it is sad.

That is what is on my heart today.....as I wrestle with changes that need to be made in my own life. That stepping outside of your comfort zone. These things are never easy.......easy is, well, easier. But where in the bible did we get a promise of a pass from conversion to comfort. I simply can't find that in my bible..... There are people today that are dying simply for their belief in Christ......and we sit. And if that doesn't make us at the very least "uncomfortable" than we need to check our pulse, because something is dreadfully wrong.

Debbie

Saturday...

2011-11-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

I didn't get the opportunity to post last night as we were hosting the Secret Church in our home. The simulcast didn't finish until around 2am....so any thoughts of posting were not going to happen! LOL If you have never heard or seen on the the Secret Church Broadcasts....you can go to ITunes and check out some of the past teachings. Really, really good stuff...and even though it is a long evening....there are plenty of breaks and David Platt does such an awesome job with the teaching that it keeps you engaged.

The next one will be offered on Good Friday......we did it last year at that time and surprisingly had a larger turn out at our house than expected. So check it out and see if it is something you would like to do with your friends or family....we have found it to be a great time to gather, discuss, worship....and fellowship together. But I think this next time I am going to suggest everyone bring a sleeping bag!!! :)

So that is going to lead me to my gratitude for today. Love when these types of teachings are simulcast or recorded somewhere that we can get access to. There have been some great information about gatherings that are too far away or just too costly for our budget right now to attend....and I wish more would offer some sort of simulcast to participate.....I don't even mind paying, because it is still cheaper than the travel costs.

So share with me.....what are your gratitudes??? What has God been speaking into your life?

Hugs....

Debbie

November 3 Gratitudes.....

2011-11-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends in my life that listen to those "God nudges"....and call or text or email just the right words that I need at that time. May we all "be" that kind of friend to those around us.

I am grateful for a God that loves me beyond what I can imagine....who doesn't give up and walk away.....who blesses us with creative gifts and actually wants us to use them......who hates being put in a box and doesn't want us put in one either. He is so much more than what we can imagine....and He wants so much more for each of us than we can dream... How awesome is that??? And if we are willing to let go of our limitations......we would be amazed at what we could become.

So my prayer for you is a prayer of forgetfulness.....to forget the limits that others have placed on you....to forget all you think you can't do.....to forget the hurts that have held you back.....and forget the words that have crippled you. And I pray that you are open to the dream that God plants in your heart...to become so much more than you can imagine.

Love you all!!!

It's November........What Do You Have To Be Grateful For?

2011-11-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

I love November.....and I love the focus on Gratitudes during this month. It is a time to truly reflect on all we have to be grateful for. We are headed into the holiday season, and sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the festivities and shopping and parties and all that goes with it.....that the true meaning of the season gets lost. I am finding that this tradition of daily gratitudes, especially in November helps to put things in perspective. So for me, I am going to post gratitudes in the sidebar everyday...and once a week I want to share with you a great group that is giving back and invite you to check them out.

It is not to late to get started with the November gratitudes.....so please, join me..... you have more to gain than you know.

Hugs to you,
Debbie

So where am I????

2011-09-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

Where am I??.. In the land of going crazy...LOL I am getting ready to open my new business, I am excited, a bit scared and over the moon.

I will be posting more soon.....but I wanted to give you a link to my new business blog for you to check out:
Graceworks Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks

So go by...check it out....leave me a message about how you like it or any suggestions....would love to hear from you!!! As I set up this weekend, I will have some pictures to share.

Have a wonderful evening!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

At Last....

2011-07-26T15:46:00.000-05:00

I know I have been so inconsistent with my posts.....life has just been crazy for the last two years.... but FINALLY.....it has arrived...

Graduation!!! I finally finished my Massage Therapy courses and will graduate on Sunday!!! Then on Monday I will be taking my licensing test. I have already had a call to work at a local salon when I get my license, soo I am really excited to be moving forward. I am still in school as I want to complete the courses for my esthetics license and being able to teach....but having this course work finished is such an accomplishment for me and I look forward to all that lies ahead.

Thanks to those of you that have been cheering me on and offering such encouragement....Love you all more than you know!!!

Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie.....the graduate!!!!

Two New Favorites......

2011-07-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hello All and Happy Monday....
I love new beginnings and starting a new week is a chance to get a fresh start. And I am working on getting back in the posting groove.

Today's Post is just a couple of my new favorite things and a recipe I tried yesterday and it is a KEEPER!!
Ok, for the favorite things:
Have you discovered www.Pinterest.com ???? This is quickly becoming my new addiction. There is just so much wonderful stuff on that site and it changes hourly!!! Now I am going to give a disclaimer. This is a broad community and is like being in the middle of the mall.....sometimes there is just stuff you don't like, approve of, or want to see....just so you know. But I have found wonderful quotes, great calligraphy with scripture that I want to use in projects, craft ideas, wonderful-wonderful-wonderful recipes, decorating ideas, clothing to drool over and so much more. It is just a collection of what people love in all forms... and as I said, there are things that I see and think "what in the world were they thinking"...but being an adult I can move pass that. So if you are so inclined, check it out! You can follow me if you like...and that is a good way to go, find people you already know on there and follow them.....then you can just read through the people that you follow. There is also a tab for "everything"....which is just as it says , you see everything that is posted. So check it out and let me know what you think. I will be the one setting up the 12-step program for Pinterest addiction...LOL

My next new favorite actually came from a post on Pinterest....www.thinkgarnish.com

I don't know about you...but I have seen Martha Stewart, Ina Gartner and others package their food items and other things in these wonderful packaging things that I didn't know where to get. Well head over to garnish...not only do they sell some of the packaging, they have awesome ideas.

And since I am on a "Pinterest" ramble...I want to share a recipe I picked up there yesterday to try and it is a keeper:

I am not a big biscuit maker. I can remember my grandmother making them every morning and they were wonderful. So I sort of put them in the "to hard to make them right" category. But these changed my mind!

7-Up Biscuits
2 cups Bisquick

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup 7-up

1/4 cup melted butter

Cut sour cream into biscuit mix, add 7-up. Makes a very soft dough.
Sprinkle additional biscuit mix on board or table and pat dough out. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a 9 inch square pan. Place cut biscuits in pan and bake at 450 degrees until golden brown.
(From... www.plainchicken.blogspot.com)

Hope you all have a great day!!!!
Hugs to you all.....

Debbie

Technical Difficulties.....

2011-07-09T22:47:00.000-05:00

Ok...I confess, I have been having technical difficulties with my computer "stuff". First the dog we are fostering decided to eat my laptop cord, then the desktop computer keyboard took a vacation.....and during this my car has been in the shop (and STILL is) so I couldn't just run out and get them fixed. But as of now, at least the desktop is back to functioning. So I am BACK!!!! :)

In the last couple of weeks there has been a parade of beginnings and endings....and fresh starts. I finished my classes in Massage Therapy and I earned my degree....let's all shout Hallelujah together now...LOL. I still have to study to take my boards to get my license, but I have already had a shop call and ask me to work in their salon, so I am thrilled that I have that coming in the near future. I have had a couple of weeks off, of course it is never enough time to squeeze in all the stuff that I have wanted to do....but at least I have had a break. On Tuesday, I head back to school for a 9 month course in Esthetics, followed by a 3 month course in teacher training so that I will actually be licensed to teach at that time. So I will be working and going to school full time....which will be a juggling act for me as you add in home and my work with our church's women's ministry.

Also, I have had to have one of those sit down, come to Jesus meetings with my son about life...future....and how some hard decisions have to be made and carried out. He starts school at the same time I do (at the same school) to be a surgical tech. He is a great kid, but frankly has been really lost since his dad passed away...and he has needed to get some focus....and stop driving his mom crazy....but that is another story!!! LOL

For those of you that have hung in there with me here....thank you!!!
I will be back soooooon....
Hugs,
Debbie

Encouragement

2011-06-25T12:30:00.002-05:00

2011-06-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

And the Winner Is!!!!!!

2011-04-14T11:35:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of you that helped me kick off this first giveaway!!! I wish I had a book for each of you....

The winners are:

Teresa and Robin

Please contact me with you mailing information and I will get the books right out to you. Send your info to:

dailygrace@bellsouth.net

Thanks again to everyone that signed up for this and for all the new visitors to the site. I will be having another drawing for a new book in a few days, so check back. AND I actually have some new post ideas running around my head that I want to get written up in the next day or so.

Hugs to all of you, have a wonderful day!!!

Debbie

For the drawing, I used Random.org...... just so you know..... :)

Book Review!!!

2011-04-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

I am so excited, I have been selected to be a book reviewer for Zondervan. You're shocked to aren't you??? LOL On a serious note, I have always been jealous of my friend, Jen, who reviews lots of great books and is always in the know about what is coming out. Being in school, I haven't had the opportunity to read as much as I have wanted....so this is a great way to jump back in.

Sooooooo......drumroll please, the first book is:

This is a book that I was talking about in an earlier post. I have am really excited to have the opportunity to share this first book with you as it has made such an impact on me.
From this book, I have learned about the word, Eucharisteo. This word and this book are about the wonder of Grace, Thanksgiving and Joy.

"That Thanks-giving might literaly become thanks-living."

-Ann Voskamp

In the past I have kept gratitude journals. I can tell you from my experience that daily listing the things you are grateful for will change your perspective on your life. It is so easy to get caught up in all the negative that can surround you with work, family, church, the cranky neighbors......and you begin to act like a gerbil on a treadmill running the negative over and over in your mind. Taking a deep breath and writing down those breezes that God sends our way each day stops all that noise.

Ann shares with you in this warm and heartfelt book her story. She shares the hurts of her family. The lifechanging moment of seeing her baby sister die before her. So many reasons to mistrust, to hold God at arms length. But through a dare from a friend, she starts a list of 1000 gifts from God. Scribbled on pieces of paper and notebooks, the list grew and grew. A change began....a life lived with thanksgiving for all that she had and hadn't even noticed.

I know you will love this book.....I know that if you allow yourself to be drawn in and begin your own list of 1000 gifts it will change you too. SOOOO..... let me help with that.

The wonderful people of Zondervan have gifted me with two copies of "One Thousand Gifts" to give away.

I LOVE having the opportunity to share this with you and I want to make it easy. So here is how to win a free copy of your own....

There are three ways you can enter:
1. On the left side of the blog, you can scroll down and to the box that says "Sweet Friends" and follow me. If you are already a follower, that is ok....just leave a comment that you follow me.

2. Post about this giveaway on your Facebook. (leave a seperate comment)

3. Post abot this giveaway on your Blog. (leave a seperate comment)

See, told you it was simple!!! We will make this short too as I have another book to add in a few days. You will have till midnight Tuesday, April 12 and I will post the winners on Wednesday, April 13. Be sure to add your email address so that I can contact you.

Thanks so much for participating in my first book giveaway!!!!!!
Love you all...... count your blessings tonight!!!

Disclaimer: Zondervan has provided books for this giveaway and for my review. I am not required to write a positive review....I am only asked to review the book as I see it.

They are watching......

2011-04-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

We all have a "happy place"...that store or place you go that just makes you happy. For me, it is Hobby Lobby. I know it seems silly, but I grew up with a mom that made our clothes, curtains, knit, crochet and tried her hand at all the other crafts that came our way. I inherited that love of the "hand made", but with school and just life lately, I haven't had the opportunity to play with all the craft supplies that are stored around our house. But Saturday I decided to make it a play day and go find some fun things to work with when I am on break.
Strolling down the aisles, I was finding lots of fun stuff to work with and was very happy. That was until the yelling started. There were two women a couple of aisles over having a progressively louder, very heated discussion. Apparently one woman had a young daughter with her that was getting into everything. The mother in exasperation said she was going to beat her behind (insert another less appropriate word) if she didn't stop. Woman #2 decided it was her job to correct this woman and show her the error of her ways. Sadly, Woman #1 didn't see it that way......so the war of words began. To be very honest, if it was just the two women, it would have been humerous because the comments that they were throwing back and forth were getting more and more absurd. And then there was Woman #2's parting shot that she hoped... "God Bless You too"....yes, you need to add dripping sarcasm here. I don't really know how God got dragged into this mess, but there you go.
While two women behaving like the village idiots...well, that is one thing.....but what got me as I rounded the corner looking to head the other way, away from these two, I caught the look in the eyes of the young girl that was in the middle of all this mess. The sadness in her eyes watching these two go at it made me stop in my tracks. It was so sad to see her. You know, it was a huge reminder that we never know who is watching us. We may think it is no big deal....but it is. We need to step up and be the heros in situations around us and not those that just simply are content to make a mess wherever we go, just so that we can "speak our minds".
As I was thinking about this I found myself headed down another aisle....and who would be coming my way....Woman #2 with HER mother..... her mom was telling her that she should never have started that mess and there were just times to be quiet.
I guess we never get to old to learn something from our moms.

Hugs,
Debbie

A Simple Post It Note!

2011-02-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

I have lots to catch up with on here, and I will work on that for the next week..... But I ran across this and love it... A simple post it note with an encouraging message.... How easy is that? And who knows what kind of difference it could make to someone at a crossroads.... watch the video, grab a post it pad and a pen.... make a difference in how someone sees themself.....

One Thousand Gifts....

2011-01-28T00:10:00.001-05:00

I love this book....and I am so excited to find that "incourage" will be having an online book group to go through the book a chapter a week, and each week there will be a video from Ann. I am so looking forward to this!!! Hope you all will join me in this....

Theme for Coming Year.......

2010-12-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

We Are Here....

2010-12-22T20:50:00.002-05:00

Sunday Morning......

2010-12-19T12:13:00.000-05:00

Good Morning All!

Sadly for me, I am not feeling well. We had to miss services this morning at our church...which I hate to do! We are attending a mission church, and we love the people, the services, just the presence of God during these gatherings!

Seeing that I hadn't written for awhile, I wanted to post a few things to let you know that I was still around!!! LOL Just a few more days in this quarter of school...and a light schedule for my last quarter in Massage Therapy. So if I can just pull everything together for my finals on Wednesday, things should go a little easier with my schedule.

For those of you that can use apps on your phone, check out YouVersion. It is a free app I found for my phone this morning that I think I am really going to like....and guess what? It's actually free!!!! It has several versions of the bible, devotionals and reading plans. So if it is something you can use with your phone, check it out.

I am on such a reading jag lately. Haven't had much time for it, but I have been so "hungry" for some reading time and this book is wonderful. I had heard about it from some gals that had gone to Relevant 10...rave reviews of this writer/speaker...and when I read about the book I knew it would be a must read for me. It was finally released a few days ago and I quickly downloaded it! This is one that will speak to your heart and her wonderful writing will cause you to want to slow down to savor each word. I am just about a quarter of the way through the book....so I will share more as I finish up.

Need to go for now....may each of you have a blessed Christmas season. SLOW DOWN and enjoy what this time is truly about...the birth of the Savior who came to save the world. Awesome heart stuff......

One more thing....I have been interested in Advent Conspiracy for about a year now. I am working to set up a page to help with digging wells for clean water in underdeveloped areas. When we have this put together I will share about it. As a family, we have just felt impressed to not put gifts under the tree this year.....but to send what we can out to help those that truly need it. There is something about giving a child water for a year that trumps a tie for Uncle Bob every time. smile.

Hugs and Blessings to all of you!!!!

Christmas....

2010-12-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Found this, Loved it, Wanted to share it with you!! You know how sometimes you are looking to put into words what you feel...and then you find someone or something that pulls it all together in a way you wish you had done. Well, this is it.....smile!

The heart of it all.....

2010-11-21T18:14:00.001-05:00

When I posted about struggling the other day, I know it may have seemed really "down". But sadly, many times when God needs to get my attention, He has to get me to a place where I am ready to listen, and act. Sometimes I can get what He shows me.....but putting it into action---that can be a different story.

In this last week, I have read Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love and I am about half way

through David Platt's book, Radical. It has been a lot to think about, pray about, be convicted of. Part of what I am getting from this is that we have twisted the gospel to make it "comfortable" for us. We have settled into lazy christianity that we would be hard pressed to recognize from the example set by Christ.

When did it become ok to just give to others our scraps, our leftovers.....if we even think or give to them at all? Looking at the percentages of children that are dying every day because of starvation and the lack of clean water is jaw dropping. And I just think if these were our children, we would be desperate to find someone to help....to watch our children dying would break our hearts....and to know that our children could be saved just on what is thrown away on a daily basis by the average American family....

that is truly obscene.

Do I have the answers for this yet....no. But I am no longer comfortable with life as I have been living it. I have said before that it has always bugged me when I have seen stars like Jay Leno with all those cars in his collection. Knowing that they are worth tons of money....and knowing what that money could do to feed a village, drill wells for clean water, build homes it just seems ridiculous. BUT with that said, it is so easy to take shots at someone in the limelight.....sadly, if we would turn the magnifying glass on our own lives and habits we would see that we are just as responsible for the waste and not helping the problem. And please know that when I say "we", I mean "me".

I am looking into some things that I can do to change they way I live and to be able to give. We are so blessed to live where we do......but in becoming complacent with what we have and always expecting more....the blessing is being squandered. And WE are going to be held responsible for what we do or don't do. As someone just shared with me, "God doesn't grade on a curve".

As I research some things in my area and worldwide.....I will be glad to share with you. And I would love to learn of ways you have found to give.

And for those of you that are nervy enough to say..."We need to just start at home first."....well, take some time and search the scriptures for the answer to that one....you might be very surprised.

Hugs to you all....

Your Hands.....

2010-11-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

When it is out of our hands.......it is never out of His....

Hugs,

Struggle...

2010-11-14T15:35:00.001-05:00

I have wanted to be uplifting on this blog....not fall into being whiny even when there were things that "bugged" me. And I have tried.

I haven't written much recently as I was trying to find the words to express what is going on.

I have been here before....

And I really hate this part...those seasons and times of upheaval and change...

but I feel it coming on....

and I struggle.

Even places of comfort are uncomfortable....

Attending a church I love this morning, with people I love and care about....for the first time in a long time I felt totally alone.....

It is not a fun place to be....it makes me want to pull the covers over my head and try to wait it out.

But I know that this is just part of the birthing of something new in my life....

its never easy or pain free....

it just is.

I didn't want to write this, to admit to feeling this way....

but I recalled that one of my favorite blogs is about her journey,

the mountain tops and the valleys...

because we all go through it in one way or another....

and sometimes it just helps to know that someone else has been there...

and survived....

and found joy again.....

and found their road home again....

Love to you all.......prayers for each of you on your journeys...... He is with you and me....

So What About Halloween???

2010-10-31T16:59:00.000-05:00

Several years ago ( boy, I hate to really think how long ago it was!!! LOL), my son was small and I was trying to decide how we were going to handle Halloween. As a Christian, you got the whole array of advice from "it's no big deal" to "how can you be a Christian and participate in it?"....yeah, lots of help there!

But during that time, I went to assist at a women's retreat for pastor's wives. I was working at a salon that went there to pamper those women on one of their evenings there. As I was giving a hand/arm massage to one of the women who was very pregnant and shared that she had 3 other children at home....I asked her the question, "What do you do with Halloween?" And she gave me the best advice that I have ever heard on this subject.

She shared with me that she and her husband had prayed about this and wanted to do something that would reflect something positive on this holiday. She asked me, "What other holiday do people line up to come to your home to visit?" This was so different than when you hand out tracts or go on visitation....people actually wanted to come to you. So why not do something positive with that.

Each year they decide on a theme and the family dresses up in something fun and uplifting (no scary/horror stuff). That year I remember that her daughters wanted to be princesses....and that she would dress as the queen and her husband as King. Her husband was taking refrigerator boxes to make a castle for the front yard. They purchased candy.....the best they could afford.....because as you do unto others, you do as unto Christ.....and what would they buy for His visit??? They made hot cocoa and apple cider to serve. They made this something special and would have the opportunity to visit with friends, neighbors and strangers that would come to their door. They found simple children's tracts to include in the children's treat bags.

Who wouldn't want to visit them? And what a positive message......and how open would people be to them sharing at some point about their faith.....or an invitation to church.......

So who would you be open to the darken cold house or the one that welcomed with warmth, friendship and joy?

Just some food for thought......

Can I Stand For You?

2010-10-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

I was wanting to get something up on the blog.....and after a beautiful southern weekend, I was planning on posting pictures and info on our weekend. But things change......

Sitting down this afternoon to do homework, I started flipping through some television shows that I had recorded and wanted to sift through to see if there were any I wanted to watch. There was a program about women vets.....I was astonished at how many of our women veterans are homeless, have had their children taken from them, and return to.....silence from us.

One of the vets shared how people will show up from miles around to attend the funeral of a returning soldier...but not show up for the ones that return to months in the hospital or needing other care. As a woman and as a widow of a veteran, I hurt for these women.

There was a woman on the show that had lost both legs in an explosion.....she was in the hospital in excruciating pain and felt she was going to die. She watched the clock, willing herself to make it through 60 seconds at a time.....even though she had been transfered back to the US, her hair was matted with blood, she was still covered with dirt and sand from the combat area. A soldier entered the room, took off her arm, and looked at her. She told her she knew she was hurting and understood that, but she was going to make it....and could she "stand for her"? This soldier washed the woman's hair...and for 5 days --through all her pain--when she looked around, this woman was there..."standing for her".

The veteran situation needs our prayers and our voices....and action.

But it also made me think.....how many women do we come across in our lives that need someone just to "stand for her"...... There are women who are harshly judged and we don't know their stories....there are women who are angry and spew such ugliness, but we don't know their story.....how would their lives have been different if someone was willing to "stand for her"? We have women who have lost....homes, husbands, children...health....and after the intial shock when people begin to drift away.....they just need to know that someone will "stand for them".

Such a simple, yet powerful thing......knowing someone is standing for you!!! As Christians....what a powerful, amazing thing to be able to not only stand for someone, but to be able to place their hands into the hands of one that Stood For Them 2000 years ago. Knowing Christ stood for us on the cross and took our place.....we as Christians are called to "stand" for those around us.....

"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son...."

Understand that "standing for" someone doesn't mean that we fix them, offer our opinions on what they could have done differently, how they failed.....it is about loving them, praying for them, reaching out with compassion, and more than that not just lip service but putting feet to our concerns....finding ways to let them know that we truly do care. For that soldier, the simple act of having someone care to just wash her hair.....it sparked a change in how life looked around her.

Do you have something that I can "stand with you" for? Just email me or post your prayer request.... or just your thoughts on this.....

Hugs,

Stop The World

2010-10-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means (Official Music Video)

2010-09-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's a God Thing........

2010-09-25T11:09:00.001-05:00

It's been busy....no, I mean really, seriously busy. I can give you lists of all the stuff I have to do, need to do, haven't done yet, need to have done today, or Monday or Tuesday......you get what I mean. It is the end of the quarter with so much to do.....and sadly the household and laundry fairies haven't shown up for duty in some time. As you can see....I have a legitimate list of excuses for the "busyness" in my life.

Yesterday some things happened that frankly made me mad. Mean people can wreck your day, can't they? The more I thought about it, the more it made me mad. But you know, having someone do something inconsiderate and harsh....doesn't give us a pass to act the same way in return. The worst part is if we allow this kind of thing to change who we are......that is on us, not them.

As I thought on this today, I opened my computer to check on my email. It opened to the internet....and to a page on Lifeway. Please understand, I don't know when the last time was that I had been on this site, it has been some time ago. But recently I had decided to do a study online of Beth Moore's Fruit of the Spirit. I have the book....and apparently (I had forgotten about it)..I had purchased the study to view online on Lifeway. Remember how BUSY I have been....well, I haven't taken the time to just "be still". When I thought about it, I realized for the last couple of weeks, one of the big things that had gone by the wayside with everything that has been going on is my quiet time. Just that time to get away and spend some time in prayer, reading, journaling...and just being with One that guides and leads. Now, if you aren't spending time with the "Navigator" it is so easy to get off course...and stay there till you get back to the One that knows the way. Opening my computer and having it be at the Bible Study, ready to view the lesson for that day let me know that God was reminding me of my missed appointments with Him. Knowing that put the last day into a different perspective.

Some times we will have seasons of busyness....dry spells.....just things off kilter. Use them as a reminder to get back to the basics.....simply drop all the excuses and make the time to spend with God. For when it becomes a "chore" or just something else on our to do lists, let's face it--there are deeper things at work.

Expect hope to be rekindled.

Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.

The dry seasons in life do not last.

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Hugs to you all.....
Debbie

Wednesday Grats....

2010-09-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Don't want to miss the opportunity to get in on the Wednesday Grats this week!!! Please know that all are welcome to join in... Gratitude changes your attitude in so many ways...

1. Thankful for our new church....a pastor that truly wants to make a difference in people lives. Starting small but laying great groundwork for the future.

2. Being close to the end of this quarter! Great teachers and classes...but this quarter I have struggled with feeling behind so much of the time. So I am really ready for this quarter to wind up and be behind me.

3. Opening doors!!! Opportunities for me to sell some of my handmade items in unexpected places. Love it when those "blessings" sneak up on you.

4. For dear friends that make me smile and even join the gym to workout with me!!

5. For my mom who pays attention to the little things (even when I think she isn't) and surprises me with things like "white pumpkins"....thanks mom!!

Hugs to you all!!!
Debbie

Words from Brin......

2010-09-02T17:17:00.002-05:00

If you are not familiar with Brin...well you should be. I have loved her blog for some time and always find something there that speaks to me. You can find Brin here.

I love finding strong, insightful, creative, grace filled women on the web...and there are many.
Today, I just wanted to share the current writing of Miss Brin as it spoke to my heart and I hope it will yours.

Don't give up. Keep going. Don't give up.

Especially when it's hard. Especially during dry spells. Especially in times of mourning. Especially during times of testing... times of learning... times of questioning.

Find your faith. Put it in your pocket. Remind yourself you have it. Remind yourself it's real. Pull it out when you need to; examine it. Patch it up when it's battered. Ask for more when it's not enough. Then take it and keep going.

What we're doing today matters. Because in due season - tomorrow, next year, eternity- there will be a harvest. Good or bad, there will be a harvest. There will be bounty. Where there were hard times, there will be triumph. Where there was lack, there will be plenty. Where there was sorrow, there will be joy. Where there was weariness, there will be rest.

The harvest is coming. Can't you feel Him stirring even now? Don't you see Him getting His sickle ready?

Don't give up. I'll hang in here with you until then. -Brin

(Also I am sorry to miss my Wednesday grats post....thank you to those of you that are participating!!! This week just got a bit busy.....but I am thankful for all of you....for grace....and for God who cares about even the "little things" in our lives.)

Hugs to you all,
Debbie

Wednesday Grats.....

2010-08-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

For those of you new to this....I am taking Wednesdays to take some time and refocus for the week. Look for those things in my life I am grateful for. Living with a spirit of gratitude, makes you look at your life and the outside world in a different way......truly it allows you to give a bit more grace to those around you.

I am grateful for.....

The new church I am working with. I am so excited about the possibilities and the people I am working with. I truly feel there are some wonderful things coming.

Some women's conferences that I am planning on attending in the next few months. Just a great chance to get away, bond with new friends...and just get recharged.

Love the relationship with my family......that I can count on them, and they just make me laugh.

Getting excited about planning a holiday open house here for the first time. Working hard to get back into the swing of "crafting"....it's been hard to get back into that creative mode, but I love it.

Great friends......the ones you can call at all hours of the night because you need to talk...and they still answer the phone...LOL

And I am grateful for all of you that show up here......leave your comments.....share your hearts.....and just let me know your here!!!

Hugs to you all!
Debbie

Thursday Thoughts.......

2010-08-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

Good Evening All!!
You know, some times God just sneaks up on you. It is interesting to get that tap on the shoulder that let's you know that something is brewing....then sit back and watch what developes.
In the last few months, I have had the door open to work with developing a woman's ministry for a new church plant. As that door opened, and I stepped through.....I am amazed at what He has brought my way.
Friends that I had not been in contact with for some time...that had something to share in what I was doing began to contact me...out of the blue. He just amazes me with the grace He bestows.....the fact that He is in the smallest detail....just that little extra thing that lets you know...yep, it's God.

What is this ministry about? I was lead to this scripture when I was working on the mission statement.

So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
Romans 15:7 (NLT)

Accept each other? Kinda tough when we are busy setting standards that we can't even reach. I am amazed at the "Perfect Christian Woman" yardstick that I have seen pulled out at times to measure whether we are worthy But I truly believe each woman desires that acceptance.....that someone believes in her....expects the best.....and wants to cheer her on.

Mission Statement:
To offer a haven of acceptance to women. To continually work to place their hands in God's and provide the tools for the journey ahead of them...through bible study, fellowship, and shared experiences (small groups, outreaches, gatherings and one-on-one).

My heart is to make this a woman's ministry that speaks to a woman's heart in very real, relevant ways.

So "stay tuned" as this journey begins...and please keep me and the other members of this church plant in your prayers!

Every experience God gives us,
every person He puts in our lives
is the perfect preparation for a future
only He can see.----Corrie Ten Boom

Hugs to you all!!!!!
Debbie

Gratitude Wednesday......

2010-08-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

I have always loved the song....it is a reminder to me that things are not always as they seem. It also is a reminder that regardless of how things look...God is still in control.....and there is great peace in that!!!

So what are my grats today....
We have had a rough first year without my husband....but God has faithfully and gracefully walked us through each step of the way. Without faith and knowledge of Him as our Father and source...I don't know what I would have done.

I am grateful for wonderful friends that have been so awesome.

Love that my son put his life on hold for a bit for us to get through this, but is now moving forward with his own.

I am grateful for great books that feed my heart, spirit and mind....

Grateful to be part of a new church family that just makes me smile!!!

Hugs to all of you....I am grateful for each of you.
And if any of you want to join us in our Wednesday Grats...just click below, grab the link and sign up!!!

Sunday.....

2010-08-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

And whatever you do,

Whether in word or deed,

Do it all in the name

of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to

God the Father through

Him.....

Colossians 3:17

Gratitude Blog Hop.....

2010-08-14T22:58:00.000-05:00

We have been talking about gratitudes....how they change our focus to the positive things in our lives. It changes the way we look at our lives, the world in general....and even the way we treat others.

My friend, Kathie, suggested that we use a linky and start sharing our grats through our blogs. Now I am new to this, so bear with me as I try to set this up. But what if we take Wednesdays, the middle of our week and share our grats with each other???

Are you in???

If so just grab the link below and add yourself to the linky list...when you go to the site it will explain how to do it. Looking forward to reading your grats!!!

Hugs, Debbie

Recording The Journey....

2010-08-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

I have talked about working on my health and diet stuff.....but I have hit a glitch where the scale just isn't moving (ok, let's not talk about the cheesecake that was delivered to the house on Sunday...oh baby!!!). In trying to pull back and take a look at what is going on, one of the things I realized that I have slacked off on is using the "My Food Diary" . Now you don't have to use this online program to stay on top of what you are doing....but for me it is huge. It tracks my foods, the types...if I am getting enough fiber, too much sodium...exercise...the works. And being able to see it, makes a difference for me. It is amazing how you can get "amnesia" about what you eat when you don't have a record. If only the body would "forget" and not add it to your thighs!!! smile

Having this record truly keeps me on track. It helps me make better decisions...and even if I am going to eat something that may have more sugar or calories than is really good for me...I can work the rest of the day around that to help minimize the damage. It truly is about the whole accountability thing and having everything in the open to recognize what you are doing.

So why am on I on this whole accountability thing? Because in reviewing at how far off you can get when you just aren't looking, reminded me of the difference in my life when I am journaling and doing gratitudes and when I am not.

Several years ago, I started through the book Simple Abundance with a group of friends. One of the big things I got from this book is trying to daily do a list of gratitudes. With all the junk that goes on in our lives, it is so easy to get pulled into the muck and mire....walking around with a dark cloud hanging over your head. Even in the worst of times....there are things in our lives to be grateful for. When we switch our focus to gratitudes instead of gloom and doom....it really affects how we live our lives and how we treat others....and whether anyone wants to be around us!!! (smile)

And it is not just the grats....journaling to channel my day..the good and the bad. To write it down and then go back and look at it from fresh eyes can give me insights to the situation that I might not get otherwise. Journaling is also a record of our growth....in all areas of our lives. For me it is a record of answered prayers...at how God was resolving something in my life or that of others in ways that I just couldn't see on my own.

Many years ago, in a group I had we all journaled through a bible study. We all learned so much for ourselves and had shared that together. At the end of it, one of the ladies shared that she was going to go back into her journal and "white out" parts of it. She didn't want her kids to ever read it and think poorly of herself or her hubby. I was a bit shocked by this...but then I thought...isn't that what we all do? We like to whitewash our stories a bit so people will not know just how wacky we can be. But I think the truth is always more powerful. Frankly, if all the people we meet through the Bible were perfect, I would just throw in the towel. Knowing that God uses flawed people is such a source of comfort for me....because it tells me that no matter how I screw it up, He still loves me and can use me for His purposes.

(The Message) Isaiah 30:8.... So go now write all this down. Put it in a book so that the record will be there to instruct the coming generations....

Find a book that appeals to you....it doesn't have to be the regular journal. I use a sketch book with blank pages...because I can write, draw, glue in articles or pictures....make it something that truly reflects what I am feeling. Just make it yours. And if you don't write every single day...it is ok, the earth will not end!!!

Write it down......

Hugs to you all...

Debbie

Freckled Foodies Giveaway......

2010-08-04T19:39:00.001-05:00

I don't do a lot of giveaway info here....so when I do, it is something that I am really interested in and want to share with you. Recently, I discovered Sami at Freckled Foodies Blog....I love her blog, her faith and her sharing of healthy food ideas. It has become of one my favorite blogs. Currently, she is hosting a giveaway for:

They are giving away a container of Amazing Meal, she has been bragging about how great this product is. I have been interested in trying it.....and how better to do it than with a great giveaway????

So run over to Sami's blog... Freckled Foodie and check out all the info. And stick around, look through her posts, I am sure you will find lots of info you will enoy.

It has been a crazy week....so I will try to get everything together and post tomorrow!!!
Hugs....now go, run to Freckled Foodie!!!
Debbie

Quiet Day....Down Time Creativity

2010-08-02T23:07:00.000-05:00

So the day started out on the crummy side....feeling lousy, deciding to stay home today. Good day to just crash, try to feel better...
Frankly, I just can't do totally nothing for long....so I started looking for something creative to play around with....ok here is the blank canvas....

Sunday night I am in a G-12 class for our church. We were in a study about prayer this last week and I wanted to put together a prayer journal to use. Now I couldn't have a plain one....LOL So I pulled out some scrap papers, stickers, mod podge and started to play around. And here is what I ended up with....

TA-DA....my new and improved prayer journal. Love this one and it kicked off getting several projects in gear. So from the prayer journal...I pulled out some fabric....

This fabric just said "rice bags" to me....flannels and ribbons......and

Rice, with lavendar flowers....and lavendar oil......ohhhhh such a relaxing scent!!!

Quickly sewed up several muslin bags and filled with the rice/lavendar mixture. Then I pulled out the flannel to sew up covers for the lavendar bags.....and tie up with pretty ribbons. Then they are ready for me to put on Etsy or hold for the November Open House.

Feels good to have some things completed and I am looking forward to pulling out more fabric and patterns.

Hope you all are having a great start to your week.....

AND I am looking forward to starting the Jonah bible study on the Women's Bible Cafe.

Sweet Dreams All.....

It's Thursday......

2010-07-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

Yes, I will be the first to admit I have been a bit out of the loop lately. Things are going well. I am loving school...I have stepped on board a church mission in our area working with their women's ministry. So there is alot going on. But as I have stated in the past, I am struggling with this whole "creative" thing that has been lost as bit in the last year. I am so used to having tons of projects all going on at the same time....shows to get ready for.....booths to fill.....orders to knock out......and all of that is "silent" right now.

I thought the thing to do was to take a "Big Girl Pill" and just realize that things change, focus shifts, "to everything there is a season"....etc, etc, etc. But there is still this nagging thing in the back of my mind that I want to jump back in. I thought about shows, maybe doing one.....about booths as an outlet. But a friend of ours was talking to me about her cheesecake business and wanted to brainstorm ideas. I was so excited for her and what she is getting into. Then in class the other day, my instructor was talking about rice bags and teaching how to make them in class to use in your massages.....they are going to use tube socks....(insert shudder here)....as you know that I was making the muslin bag ones with lavendar flowers and oil...with a nice pillow cover you could wash. Well, those of you that know me, know that the brain kicked into overdrive...LOL. So I have decided to have a holiday open house here in November. It gives me time to prepare and I am inviting my cheesecake friend to be here to and maybe some others. I think it is a way for me to have something to work toward and test the waters without going off the deepend. In other words, if it doesn't go well you are all getting rice bags for Christmas!!! LOL

Anyway...things are going well. I am looking into doing an online study of Jonah with the women on

http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/

It would be great if you would join me in this!! I found the workbook available at our local Lifeway and will be picking it up tomorrow. But you can go to their website and download the first chapter to see if it is something that you would like to do.

Thanks for reading....for being a follower....for commenting....for encouragement. Life is at a really good place right now. And frankly there have been moments when I had trouble seeing this far down the line. Your sharing, faith, prayers and friendship have meant so much.

Off to start those rice bags.....and what color did you need???? LOL

Hugs to you all, Debbie

Standing Knee Deep....

2010-07-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

Recently, I started thinking about this song. I was reminded of it awhile back in a Simple Abundance reading. There is a lot of truth here on many levels....the people that we take for granted, those things that we always intended to do and think we will have plenty of time for, people in need that we believe someone else will take care of.

We are such a busy people.......racing through life and missing so much. Standing Knee Deep.....

Just a thought.....
Hugs to you all,

Debbie

Happy Father's Day.....

2010-06-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

So thankful as we remember all the wonderful times we had with John in our lives.
For those of you that still have your fathers.....be sure to let them know just how much they mean to you.
Hugs,
Debbie

Where To Go From Here......

2010-06-19T20:56:00.003-05:00

The last few days I have been kicking around what to do with this blog. Continue on....but if that, with what? I started this blog when my son was graduating from high school, to explore a bit (out loud so to speak...) about how our lives were changing....from his graduation, there was home stuff to share, craft shows and a new store, my husbands illness and passing, moving to start over, school.... A bit of a mixture.

I know there are many blogs that have a grand purpose...faith, books, crafts, cooking and such. And there are many that I follow when I can. But I have wondered where I fit. And I guess I have wondered if I really have anything to say that anyone would want to read.

Finally, I have come to the decision, just to write, where I am, what is going on, regardless of how many or how few followers. I have so appreciated all of you..... and thank you for supporting me so far. And if you continue to follow.....I would love your feedback from time to time..... And thank you for your "gift" of patience...LOL

Moving on.......

What is going on? Well, the family joke is that if anyone finds out that I have called the doctor for an appointment, that they should go ahead and order the funeral flowers because the end must be near!!! LOL Truly, I hate going to the doctor and will do anything to avoid it. But in the last few months, I have decided that I really need to take better care of myself. With that in mind, I found a new doctor for our family and went in for a visit. I really surprised myself, as I love this medical group. Everyone there is just concerned and helpful and open to alternativel treatments (they offer massage, accupuncture, and other alternative medicine) Ok....so I really liked them, that was until the blood work and the medical fast!!! LOL I know, I survived, but I am still on the gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, caffeine free, almost meat free program. I KNOW....who knew I could survive this for over a week!!! But I have, and I have a couple of meds I need to take now to balance out my system......and I don't know when I have ever felt better.

The struggle is to figure out how to live like this. I have known people with food sensitivities, and have sympathized, but now trying to find new ways of cooking, new foods....I have a whole new outlook on this and appreciation for what they go through. It is not easy. Friday, I went to a large grocery with my mom...was looking for a few products and just became so overwhelmed with how hard it was to find the things I wanted. Trust me, I know this will work out....I will get a handle on this....it is just a lot at one time.

Moving forward, my life right now is school, massage, and this new lifestyle.......working in my normal daily dealings with faith, family, home, friends....it is all a juggling act right now....sadly I am dropping more than a few balls at times. But this is a work in progress.....and I am at peace with so much of what is going on with us now. (For everything there is a season....)

And there are some new doors opening ahead, I wish you would just add me to your prayer list about those. I have found some things that God put in my path long ago, are now coming together. Funny how He works like that!!! You know, from time to time I have tried to share with God how He could handle something better....and then He shows me why He is God and I am not.....smile.

Thanks for hanging with me so far......Hugs to you all.....
Thanks for sharing the journey with me,
Debbie

Happy Sunday.....

2010-06-13T16:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still around! Above is a picture of one of my new displays on the front porch...I love birdhouses and I found these on sale at Hobby Lobby this week....

I added them to a baby changing table that I found. It was white and we spray painted it a darker sage green...love the look. It is a great piece to place by my front door for packages and such. I am still looking for some things to add to the other shelves but for now I am happy with how it is coming together.

Finally, I updated the side panels with new books on my to read list and health items. I saw a new doctor on Friday and I really love the people he has in the practice. It is all about overall health care and not just waiting for problems to pop up. So I had alot of blood work done (yes, I am the one that is REALLY scared of needles...so you know how much I loved this!!! LOL) And I am having to fast all weekend to get rid of the sugar, caffiene and other things. I thought it might be worse than it is, but other than a couple of headaches, it hasn't been to bad. I have to go gluten free for awhile to see if that is a problem.....and while this will mean some major changes, I am looking forward to having a plan and some answers. But on the down side, I am so over the whole water only thing!!

Hope you are all off to a great Summer. June is a hard month for us....John passed away a year ago, his birthday and Father's Day all falls this month....so many reminders....but truly so many are really happy memories. I thank all of you that have been so supportive and caring to us during this past year. We are so thankful for dear friends and family.

Have a great week!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Never Forgotten....

2010-05-30T10:55:00.002-05:00

We All Need A Little Positivity.....

2010-05-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

During a recent Business class, they were talking about daily affirmations. Didn't really think much about it, but then I ran across this You Tube video and it just made me laugh......and think. What if we all started our day with something positive??? Now, don't expect me to be climbing up on the bathroom sink and cheerleading.....but what a better way to start the day instead of cranky!!!

Hope you are all having a great week.....I will post more soon!!
Hugs to you all!!
Debbie

Where Does The Time Go?????

2010-04-13T17:12:00.000-05:00

Seriously, where does it go? I had a break from school and not much got crossed off my "to do" list.... We had planned on a trip to Atlanta to the museum and at the last minute decided to reschedule it so that things could get finished here at home. And still.....it slipped away. I think I have done more today than the whole 5 days put together....geesh!
But one thing I did do this week was cook.....I picked up Trisha Yearwoods new cookbook and really love it! So far we have made baked bean casserole, hot corn dip, and "sweet & saltine". Let me just comment on the Sweet and Saltine recipe.....I saw Trisha on The View and she said her family calls this treat "Crack"...and I know why!!! That stuff is so darn easy and quick to make.....and it just way to addictive!!! And I know, we have been working on eating healthier, but during my time off, I just felt a need for some good old fashion southern cooking---can't do this often, but darn it was good!!! LOL Now I will be heading to Weight Watchers.......

Hopefully in the next week or two, I can work in the trip to Atlanta for the Bodies In Motion exhibit. I have heard such wonderful things about it and I want to get there before it is gone. If any of you have been to it, I would love to know what you thought about it.

School starts tomorrow.....classes in Kines, Business Law, Special Populations, and Sports Massage!!! Looking forward to them and to getting closer to finishing!

Have a great week!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

**Quote I heard this week and love..."If you know Him well enough, if you need Him bad enough, He will show up early..."

Happy Easter....

2010-04-04T11:41:00.001-05:00

Hopefully, this is where I am going to spend much of my afternoon...with family and friends. I pray that all of you have a wonderful Easter!!!
Hugs to you all,
Debbie

(P.S. For some reason the comments area isn't working and I can't figure it out...I have posted for help with blogger, so hopefully it will be fixed soon!!---don't know why but suddenly it "fixed" itself with this post......Easter Bunny???? lol)

Saturday Potpourri....

2010-04-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday All!!

Well this morning I am trying to memorize the "Sweet 16" muscles that attach to the scapula. Aren't you impressed??? LOL

Love the Gerber Daisys above...found them at Lowes this week and had to have them. There is just something so cheerful about them. They are in a planter by my front steps...they are my "greeters".

Things have been busy here...as I am sure they are for all of you too. We have been trying to work in the yard, clean the decks...get ready for warm weather.....all while trying to study for this quarters finals. I have two more tests this coming week and then I have a week break. I am really looking forward to that!

Have you been watching the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution....love that show and his passion for these kids. The show from last week where NONE of the kids in the elementary school class knew what a tomato, potato, or cauliflower was....so darn sad. But heck they knew what catsup and chicken nuggets were. It not only saddens me that our kids don't have the grasp on what is healthy for them to eat, but the fact that we are all so busy that we lose that time with them at the table sharing a meal and sharing our days. I know I have been guilty too....and it is so easy to justify not having the time....but "busy" is coming with a really high price tag....costing us in our relationships and our health. And I point the finger at myself as much as anyone else.

Other "televison" stuff.....Lost, Lost, Lost.....I have to say I am going to miss that show. They were stressing me out with the first shows not answering anything....but now things are coming together...and it will be interesting to see how it ends. Who do you think will end up as Keeper of the Island?

Do you have any fun plans for Easter? We are planning on going to church and then having a simple cookout with family. Normally we would have the whole ham and every Southern dish my mom could possible make for Easter....but this year we wanted to keep it really simple, less stress, and easy for everyone. We have a new grill and it will give my son and brother a chance to play with it.

I need to get back to studying.....Wishing each of you a blessed Easter and a wonderful week!!!!
Hugs to you,

Debbie

A Little of This, A Little of That......

2010-03-11T20:52:00.003-05:00

Life is pretty busy right now....but I wanted to drop in and say thank you to those of you that follow this blog and hang in here with me. Your encouragement and friendship is so wonderful!

Let's catch up a bit. Did anyone see Oprah today? It was a repeat of her show with Michael Pollan and Alicia Silverstone on Food 101. I saw it before...and it makes you think about the foods we eat. And not about not whether you think you should or shouldn't eat meat...but the fact that the meats we eat are not what our great grandmothers were preparing. With all the added antibotics and other stuff.....we don't really know what we are eating. Interesting stuff.....I picked up Alicia's book. While I don't see me going Vegan.....I have been working on cutting back on meats....and the meats that I have been buying, I have been looking for more grass feed beef... We have a new Earth Fare grocery in Chattanooga....and I LOVE this place!!! Really great food.

School is going great......I had to miss today with a bug of some sort. Just one of those goofy things where I have just felt a little off all week...and then last night feel really bad and then it continued in to this morning.... I will be fine, just needed a day to sleep and just recharge.

So what are you all watching??? We are watching Lost and Survivor (and Modern Family). Lost is giving me a headache.....good grief, can they start helping us a bit with some info instead of more questiosn?????? They are driving me nuts!!! LOL

Well.....that is about it for now. Hope you all have had a great week...and have something fun planned for this weekend. I just want to stay around home and veg this weekend.....
Take care!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Massage Are Us.....

2010-02-25T20:50:00.005-05:00

I realize that this is a big deal for me.....but not so much for anyone else!!! LOL I FINALLY received my massage table today and I am really excited. And well, a bit stressed too. We have to have 50 massages done on our own by the end of the quarter. Since we just received them today...I have some massagin to do!!! So I am calling all my friends, relatives, passerbys to come on over!!! LOL
These are just a couple of pictures of the area I set up to do massage in. All kidding aside, I really am loving this and the people I have been meeting through school. I knew there was more to this than a lot of people think.....but I am really impressed with all we have to learn. From Anatomy to Kineseology to Somatic Psych and more.....there is just so much that goes in to doing this and doing it well.

My schedule has changed and I have had to add a class to Fridays for awhile. Hate that, as it was my at home catch up day. But it is only for 1/2 a quarter and I will survive!! Dust bunnies may take over, but it will work out!!!

Hugs to all of you!!! Have a great weekend.....

Debbie

Prayers Please.....

2010-02-23T19:31:00.002-05:00

This has to be one of my favorite verses, because it reminds me that regardless of how things look , what I feel, what others say......God still is in control and He is looking out for me. EVEN when I don't have answers or understand.

That brings me to my prayer requests.....first is for my friend Jen. Her neighbor is 91 and dying. This lady and her son (and his partner) have become very close to my friend and her family. Not only are they dealing with her passing.....but with the family circus that has come with it. It is just so sad that things like this don't cause a family to pull together......but just become really ugly. Please prayer for my friend and her family as they step in to love their friends through this.

And another prayer request.....a woman that I had met through school was notified yesterday that her 14 year old daughter died of an asthma attack. It is just so sad...her daughter was skateboarding and fell off and in running back home she had an attack. Her inhaler didn't work and her father ran for the nebulizer, but she was gone by the time he got back. Understandably, this family is devastated. Please keep them in your prayers....the mother is carrying such guilt because she wasn't home at that time. It is just so heartbreaking.

Thank you for your prayers for my friends.
Hugs,
Debbie

I'm BACK!!!

2010-02-17T20:56:00.003-05:00

We somehow managed to get a nasty virus on our computer......I mean really, don't the people that do this stuff have a life??? It just baffles me.....oh well....we are up and running again and I will be posting something fun soon!!!

Hugs to you all!!! I have missed you!!!

Debbie

APQ -1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

2010-01-31T16:58:00.005-05:00

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge (Click the title above as it will link you to all the info!!!!)

I have a LOVE of pillowcases. Sadly, I haven't taken the time to make any for awhile (as my friend Jen will attest to as she weekly reminds me that I need to make her one....or two.......or twelve!!!). I love making them and mixing fabrics, color patterns, just to make them fun and funky....or soft and romantic.....so many choices!!!

Because I have been out of the sewing loop......I didn't know about the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge until a friend sent me a link. This sounds like so much fun...and like something I would love to get my friends together to do on a wintry weekend!

So go to the link.....check it out......see all the great ideas for gifting your pillowcases......and there are great free patterns. Why are you still here???? Scoot....get over there!!!! LOL

AND....if you decide to make some, I would love, love, love to see pictures of what you create...and maybe we can showcase them here??? Whatcha think?????
HUGS,
Debbie

Where Was This Stuff At Christmas??????

2010-01-29T17:22:00.004-05:00

Well, this certainly isn't the norm in our area of Tennessee!!!!!!

And the ability of the local drivers........ummmmm......let's just say it leaves ALOT to be desired!!! LOL

Anyway.....it looks like we are going to be snowed in this weekend....and I am so looking forward to it. Alittle reading, alittle sewing, alittle cleaning, alittle baking........and apparently a house full of 20 somethings!!! LOL

Sorry I haven't posted more frequently....I am still trying to balance home, school, life!!! It's a bit overwhelming at times. I can tell you that I made the Dean's List......I was really excited to find the certificate in my mailbox... I know, it may be silly.....but I have been working really hard and to see it acknowledged, that is sweet!

We have had a little shop open locally for primitives....I, of course, couldn't wait to stop by. Just a small shop but the owner seems very nice. I think I am going to try to put some of my dolls and such in her shop. With everything going on, I knew I didn't have time to make enough items for a booth or a show right now....but to have a place to put some fun things I would like to do would be great!!! And it if gets rolling, it might help me get back to doing more of it.

One thing I have started to do is work on my health. I have had so many starts and stops with this. Part of the problem is I tend to approach this kind of stuff with an "all or nothing" type attitude. Clean the kitchen out of all the junk food and usually it is not a few days down the road that we are all craving it. So I am trying to be better to approach this with baby steps. I know where I want to end up at....but I know that trying to jump in full force will just crash and burn. So I want to post each months focus on the side of my blog and will let you know how I do...a way to be accountable. And I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. I started this month with vitamins/supplements. I hate taking stuff.....occasionally an Advil or maybe something for sinus....but that is pretty much it. Anything that has to be taken on a regular basis, usually falls quickly by the wayside. But this month, I purchased on of those boxes where you can lay out everything you are to take for a week. I have started taking the baby aspirin, a good multivitamin, glucosamine (sp??) for my knees (and I am seeing a big improvement after two weeks!!!), fish oil, and calcium. And n honestly say that I feel better. I also have added in drinking more water.....which is a big deal for me. (hey, I am Miss Diet Pepsi!!!)....

They have ordered our massage beds that we get to take home....I am really excited as once I get it, I have to do 50 massages on my own to turn in before the end of the quarter! I have a bunch of volunteers, which is fun!!!

Well, this potpourri of info is to catch you up on what is going on here.......looking forward to some time this weekend to catch up on some of my favorite blogs!!!

Have a wonderful, fun, relaxing weekend.....do something fun for yourself....and something to feed your creative spirit!!!
HUGS,
Debbie

Grace.....

2010-01-12T15:45:00.005-05:00

This is my favorite song......and the theme for my life at this time. This year is going to be about Grace....thankfulness for it being extended so lovingly to me.....and working on extending it with the same open heart to others.....
Enjoy the song....
Hugs,
Debbie

How Do I Love Thee, QVC....let me count the ways...

2010-01-04T23:20:00.006-05:00

Here you will find the object of my affection.....the "cinnamon" Keurig that I have been coveting. I saw it on QVC....waited to see if it would work in the budget.....checked to see if I REALLY wanted it....all that good stuff. Then when I finally decided that I could purchase it....they were all gone!!! (insert big sigh here!) When I called to check on them..I was told I qualified as a customer in good standing to get it on easy pay...and that I could be put on the wait list.

Frankly, the wait list can become the pit of despair when you figure out that the item that you covet so will probably never, ever come back into stock. So imagine my surprise when I received a phone call on Sunday that they had my precious Keurig and it would arrive on the 7th (please insert "happy" dance here).

This morning I was checking out the shipping on QVC to find that I was on the "wait list" again...I just "knew" this had to be a horrible mistake. So I called, only to be told that because I had requested that they call me for approval before shipping that other people that didn't request being called shot ahead of me in line and by the time they turned in my request....they were all gone. And they sent me a letter to let me know..... Remember they CALLED me to get me all excited about the shipment.....but sent the reversal by pony express.

Feeling a big miffed about this whole thing....and realizing that I had given away our current coffee maker....caffeine induced stress and paranoia set in....that is when I dashed an email off to QVC sharing my irritation and lack of coffee. Yes, I did feel better after sending it....I wasn't ugly just stated the facts, how it could have been handled better....and the fact that you really shouldn't come between a woman and her coffee...just never a good idea.

This evening, I found a lovely email from QVC....they have express shipped my Keurig...and they thanked me and wished me "happy coffee days".

Yes, QVC will be receiving birthday, Christmas and other assorted holiday cards....and they may get left in the will.

Hope you had a good coffee day too.....
Hugs,
Debbie

Welcome Home.....

2010-01-03T13:14:00.008-05:00

Well Friends....this is our new home. A wonderful arts and crafts type home built in the 1930's. There is just something special about this place....and we have felt it's homey atmosphere from the moment we stepped onto the front porch.
I had worried about leaving our other home....but as my son shared with me, it really hadn't felt like home the last few months with John not being there. So this is a grand place to make a fresh start.

This is a little area in my kitchen....I love being able to use this great shelf my friend Stephanie, from Between the Vines, made. It had been in my living room before and repurposing it as a spice shelf is a great space saver!!! And my rosemary......picked this up at Lowes during the holidays. We have been using sprigs of it to make rosemary yeast rolls that are divine!!! (the recipe is from Pioneer Woman...her book is awesome!!!)

And this is one of my end tables...decorated with sweet items made by friends who were part of our shop at one time or another. It is so special to have these touches and memories around our new home.

This will be a year of changes....growth.....new adventures. And I hope you will join me along the way.

Hugs to you all....and I am praying for each of you a very special new year!!!

Debbie

Moving, Moving, Moving......

2009-12-14T00:22:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have not posted....our move is taking much longer than we expected. I am not going to complain because our new landlord has been doing some really wonderful things for us in our new home....so it truly is a blessing. I am just getting really antsy to get settled in and to have Christmas.....
So say a prayer for us as we work this move....and for my upcoming finals for this quarter....there is just alot on my plate right now and I hope to be blogging again soon.
I will share this, I am sick to death of eating out!!! So I have been eyeing all the cooking magazines and new books....as I so want to get back to cooking and baking. I picked up the new Pioneer Woman cookbook and it looks wonderful....you will have to check it out. I am planning to use several of the recipes for Christmas Eve dinner.

Anyway.....Blessings and a Merry Merry Christmas to all of you!!! I so appreciate your friendship and prayers as we have traveled through this last year....you all will never truly know how much it meant to us!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Ok Christians, I am officially embarrassed for us.....

2009-11-03T17:26:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I have found the same stuff gets said to me over and over in different ways....and after awhile I just feel like that for some reason I am suppose to share this...so here goes.
In the last month, this topic of conversation has come up among several of my son's friends that work in the restaurant business....the story? They hate working Sunday's because the church crowd is the WORST at tipping and in the way they treat the restaurant staff. How sad is that???

We recently found a great "new to us" pizza place in Chattanooga and we have been going often and telling our friends -- one of the waiters was sharing with my son about being there when a Christian group came in, their bill came to $100 and he was surprised and please to find two $100 bills on the table for payment. He had really worked hard for this group and was thrilled to see that they had appreciated it....that was until he found that one of the $100 bills was actually a track telling him how he was going to hell on the back of it. Really????? I mean Really???? What kind of witness do you think you are leaving with this tacky act?????

This stuff just makes me highly irritated to think that this is the witness we are giving. I work really hard to make sure that we try to go above and beyond if we are able to help change the opinion of these folks that work really hard for their money.

If you are guilty of this....SHAME ON YOU!!! We truly do need to set a better example of what living a Christian life truly is.....it is about sharing the love and grace that God grants to each of us every day.... Do I miss the boat on this......sadly, I do on a frequent basis.....but let's work to make a difference in how the restaurant community thinks of us.

Ok....I am off my soapbox......for now anyway....LOL
Hugs to each of you!!
Debbie

P.S. thanks for all the comments about the Halloween decorated house....I am sure I will have another picture to share when the Christmas decorations come out.....

A Little Overboard, Don't You Think???

2009-10-28T15:11:00.003-05:00

I quickly snapped this picture on my way home from school the other day.....sorry for the poor quality, but I have been wanting to post a picture of this house for some time.
This isn't even ALL of the blowups that are on this lawn!!

This is for Halloween......it is even more crowded for Christmas, if you can imagine!!! LOL
There is always so much on the lawn that it is just too much to take in...and each time I pass it, I just think that someone either has money to burn or way, way, way too much time on their hands........or this is the result of a bet gone wrong!!! LOL

But the more that I look at it, the more that I see that I think alot of us do this with our lives.....we clutter it with so much "stuff" that it is hard to really see the "heart" of who we are. Plus we have so much clutter around us of all we have to do, want to do, demand to do, feel pressured to do.....that we just look unapproachable. Check out the house above, I am not sure how the heck you would even get to the front door without a map!!

So I am working to take this life lesson to heart. I am "decluttering" some things in my life that I have been hanging on to, but they are things that aren't serving me well. Are there some things that you need to let go of????

Hugs to you all...
Debbie

I Am Here.......

2009-10-12T12:35:00.002-05:00

I love, love, love Fall!!! I am so happy to have cooler weather.....if the rain would just let up that would be great!!! With so much rain, I know I saw an ark being built and animals beginning to pair up....geeesh!!! LOL

School is back in session....and is much tougher this go around. Math has never been my "thing" and I have a college math course, plus anatomy/physiology and intro to massage. Please understand that I have trouble remembering my own telephone number right now, so adding these body parts, systems and such to memorize, well, I am a little over my head. But I am hanging in there. Plus trying to balance homework, getting items done for a craft show, and just keeping up with home stuff is making me a bit nuts. I do know it will be ok....it is just a struggle to work some sort of system out to make things easier.

I do know that with starting my massage classes I am very aware of wanting to "practice what I preach"....and that so much of what I am learning is linked to good health. I have battled with trying to find a better way of eating that is actually doable for me...and for my life. And frankly it has been hard. I did pick up a magazine that I liked this week called "Clean Eating"...it advocates some of the things Jen has been preaching to me for some time about eating 5-6 smaller meals. I just always had trouble trying to figure out how the heck I was going to find the time to plan those ahead for when I am away from home....but I am going to give it a shot and see how it goes.

Hope you all are doing something fun this Fall to share the season with your family. Walks, pumpkin farms, hayrides, and such......it makes for wonderful memories.

Have a wonderful week!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Crossroads

2009-09-27T21:57:00.006-05:00

I am sorry I have been so absent....school is taking more of my time than I even imagined. But Monday I do my final projects and then finish up and get a couple of weeks off. So I hope to catch up a bit here and have some fun for a change!

Below is one of my projects I am submitting....what do you think???
Hugs,
Debbie

(video removed....)

Prayers please....

2009-09-10T19:44:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends...
I really was hoping things were headed for an upturn and that things were beginning to take on the shape of something resembling a new normal for us. But today I got hit with some things that have totally changed what I thought our life was beginning to look like.
This has been a really hard afternoon....I do know that God knows what lies ahead and that He loves us, but in truth, it just hurts right now.
So I am here to ask for prayers for my family, as we work our way through this...and look to finding what our life it going to look like.
Hugs,
Debbie

I Soooooooooo Get It Now!!!

2009-09-07T19:58:00.004-05:00

A couple of years ago (or so), an online friend decided to go back to school. She is this wonderful, creative soul whose blog and posts (on an online group we were on then) were "required" reading as far as I was concerned. She introduced me to new authors, great books, decorating divas and designs..and wonderful recipes.... (Thank You Teresa!!).... But when she went back to school...she dropped off the face of the earth. I was a bit miffed....how could she leave me in the lurch like that....who was going to fill that void????? LOL Ok, maybe is wasn't quite THAT dramatic....but I really did miss seeing her posts and ideas.

Now that I have started back to school....I SOOOOO understand. It has been much tougher than I thought to try and find my balance...to adjust to a new schedule and figure out how to make it work in my life without it driving me nuts!!! These first two weeks I have really stressed over my classes. They haven't been that hard, but trying to read and comprehend the textbooks is like reading Greek to me. My instructor said if we were 'readers" we wouldn't have any problems.....sorry, but I beg to differ as these writings are a far cry from my usual reads.
And quite honestly, I made myself ill stressing about the first test I was to take for my Art Appreciation class...only to find it was so much easier than I made it out to be and actually aced the thing to my surprise. Will that stop me from stressing about the next test this week....probably not, but at least I have a better idea of what is expected and I am really working to adjust.

I haven't forgotten my sweet friends here...and I am getting a laptop this week and it should make it easier for me to get online and do some fun things I have missed. So I will try to catch up a bit with all of you. I have missed my crafting too and I have been struggling to get back in the groove of that so I will be ready for upcoming shows. I did manage to get all my supplies ordered this weekend and they should be coming in soon...and that will help. Doing potpourri, soaps, room sprays...those fragrances always get me in the mood for Fall and the Holidays!!!

Just wanted to let you know that I am still here!!! That I have missed you all...and will try to get back more. But if I am absent a bit....at least you know that I am home burning the midnight oil for whatever class is driving me crazy that day!!! LOL

Hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap Group Update.....

2009-08-19T14:36:00.002-05:00

I have been worried that I might have lost someone from the pin swap list. So if you haven't been contacted (I have had trouble with some emails)....please don't feel you have been forgotten. Go to www.yahoogroups.com and look for the group "The Gathering Basket". This is the group I set up for this swap group....there we will post updates and share info about the swap.
If you can't get on, please email me at: dailygrace@bellsouth.net

I am going to close the sign ups later tonight....so get with me as soon as you can!!! I can already see that this is going to be a fun group. I love it when you get a group of women together that have the willingness to share ideas, inspire each other....let the creativity flow!!!! LOL

Hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap Update.....

2009-08-17T13:40:00.003-05:00

I am so excited about the pin swap and all the gals that want to participate. I will be working on an email to send you all this evening...and if you missed the sign up, please go ahead and email me your name and email addy...and I will get you added.

Actually, if those of you that signed up want to email me directly with your email addy and name, it will make getting my list together so much easier.

Looking forward to this!!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

A little of this, A little of that.....

2009-08-11T15:10:00.001-05:00

I started this blog awhile back just to record where I was with my life. At that time my son was just getting ready to graduate from high school and I knew that my life would be changing....entering a new phase. The blog reflected that journey.....but it also became about home, crafting and such.
During the last few months more changes have occurred with the passing of my hubby...and I was wondering about where this blog was going....was I pulling it in two many directions...what did I really want it to be about??? Especially since our "life" is being tossed in so many directions.
I decided to keep this blog about home....decorating, crafts....about the grace of opening your home to others....and even about the faith side of life. But I needed a place to put all my stuff about some of the other changes in my life. So I have started a sister blog to put those things about health, about changes in the year ahead and such.
It may be of no interest to you at all...and that is perfectly ok....but it is there if you are interested.... http://lossandfound-ajourney.blogspot.com

About the pin swap.....I have had others tell me they were interested, I am hoping we have a good turn out for this as I believe it will be lots of fun.

Sweet Dreams all....
hugs,
Debbie

Pin Swap!!!!

2009-08-10T14:49:00.004-05:00

(Hi--you will see we have added a swap button for the pin swap to the side bar..please feel free to add it to your blog and link back to this post. Thank you so much for helping me promote this...and a HUGE thanks to Kris of SewPrimKris for making the button for me!!!)

Pins, glorious pins....I love fun seasonal pins, everyday pins....from prim to shabby chic and everything in between.
I am inviting you to join me in a fun pin swap. For now, I am just asking you to sign up to make pins in whatever medium you work with for this swap. How many you will need to make will depend on how many we have sign up. If there are alot of people, we will break down into smaller groups.....so hang on till the sign ups end and we will have more info then.
So the rules, you ask????
Simple....make pins for your group (number to be determined) and by the cut off date, you will mail your pins, a return address label and a small shipping fee (to be determined---this is not for anything other than to pay for the shipping of your set of pins back to you)..to me. I will then package them up and ship them back out to all of the participants... This way no one ends up not receiving something because someone didn't participate...only those sending something in will receive a package back.
One of the things I really love about these types of swaps is I always learn something.....everyone is at a different place with their crafting, different mediums and such and it is so much fun to collect. I also love these to use on small trees for ornies.....
If you have any questions let me know....and I will get back with you. You have until Sunday, August 16 to sign up and I plan to give everyone until October 1 to get your pins in...I wanted everyone to have plenty of time and not be hurried.
So Sign Up Today...and tell you friends....
A side note....I would love to have an icon for this that you could put on your blogs to advertise it...I don't know how to do this or who to ask...if you have anyone you would like to suggest or ideas on how to do a nice one, please let me know!!! (dailygrace@bellsouth.net)

Thanks everyone...I look forward to sharing this with you all!!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Sweet Friendship Swap...and Creative Beginnings....

2009-08-08T19:55:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful mail day!!! Awhile back I signed up to do a Friendship Swap....this was a new one for me. For this swap you had to find things to represent each letter in the word "Friends"...it was such great fun and an opportunity to get to know someone new. I was so fortunate to be paired up with Joann from CA. I signed up for this swap before John was taken to the hospital....and Joann has been such a sweetheart through all of this, even giving me the option to back out if I no longer wanted to participate. Through everything that was going on...it was something I had to look forward to, and I am glad I decided to stay with it.

Opening the box was so much fun, as I took out each item...I knew just where it would go or how I could use it...and it was truly special to have some items (the tote and pillow) that Joann had made herself.

Thank you Joann for being such a dear.....and as you can see from the next picture, I am finding homes for all the sweet gifts your sent. You have been such a great friend through this....thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

Above is the mantle I put up in my bedroom...as you can see I already have a space for the pillow and tin Joann sent.
*****************************************************************

We were invited to a wedding this weekend...the first one that I have attended in some time. And feeling like my creativity has been on hiatus for awhile...I decided to try to make a gift tin to house the gift card that I was giving. I know -so dang generic...I normally try to do some sort of themed basket, but you read the last sentence.....creativity has left the building (for awhile)...LOL.
I have seen such beautiful things done with these tins...and I know this is just basic, but give me credit for trying...LOL

It really was a lot of fun to pull out the papers and stickers to create something again...just feels good. I filled the inside of the tin with wrapped wintergreen lifesavers and buried the gift card in it. I was happy with the result...and everyone seemed to really like it. So at least it is a start.

Do something creatively fun this weekend.....it can be something as simple as making a card...but it can really open you up to your creative side that spills over into all areas of your life.

I haven't forgotten the pin swap....I will be posting the sign ups for it on Monday, I really am hoping that several of you will want to play!!!

Have a great weekend.....tomorrow is church and then off to see Julia and Julie.....
Hugs,
Debbie

The Note......

2009-08-07T00:21:00.002-05:00

This has been a really busy week....lots of decisions to make. Some things had to go on the back burner till other things are handled...and some things just may not make the list, ever.

But as I have been dealing with all the new things coming our way...I remembered several years ago, I was doing a little speaking for women's groups about the creativity of grace in our lives. When I started, I chatted with a dear friend whose ministry I was working with...and told her how in making some of the decisions about this, I just wish God would write me a note and fill me in on what I needed to do. Then He gently reminded me of the time in the Old Testament that He wrote on the wall.....yep, things didn't go to well with that.... (smile). But awhile later, I discovered Beth Moore studies, and in one of them she talks about "God Stops"....all the little things we take for granted that God has placed in our way to make us smile, to remind us that He loves us....and things that just act as a gentle hug. So I am looking for these things in my life...those sweet reminders....

After a meeting this week about my going back to school (I will fill you all in on that adventure later!!! LOL).....I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and decided to stop by a popular re-sale book store in our area and browsed through some books...looking for some treasures to take home. As I was flipping through the pages of one of my "finds"....I found a note tucked inside that spoke to me....it said,
"You and I have some pretty big waves in our oceans of life right now. They're simply an invitation from God's own hand to come with Him "further still", and come to know Him more intimately than we have ever dared dream. So come on Sister...we've got some waves to walk on."

I truly feel like I got my "note from home" this week..... And a reminder, that the words of kindness we share with others, may reach much farther than we ever realized....

Sweet dreams all,
Debbie

Jars in Waiting.......

2009-07-29T15:06:00.011-05:00

(thanks for the heads up...I believe all the links are fixed now!!!)

Hi...My name is Debbie.....and I have a mason jar addiction......(group response..."Hi Debbie!").

Ok, now that we have THAT over with....LOL. Several months ago, while spending the evening working at the library I had some time to surf the web looking for some new blogs, ideas, recipes and such. This is when I stumbled across lots of info on baking in jars. I loved this idea. Now in the past, I had played with the cookies in the jar thing (you know--where you layer all the ingredients for a cookie mix in the jar, attach the recipe to the jar and give as gifts)....but baking...loved that!!!! Plus, I found those pricey bakery sites that sold the little jars of cupcakes for big bucks, but had fanatical followers to attest to their lusciousness. So there had to be something to this, right????

So here is what I found....I have been collecting these to have a "play" date with them in my kitchen...and hopefully it will happen this weekend....
First....I found PIES!!! Yes, pies in a jar.....
check them out at:
Sycamore Stirrings, Not Martha, Lloyd and Lauren

Cake in a jar:
Angry Chicken

Then came drinks....
All Recipes, Mommy's Kitchen, Country Pleasures

Current favorite to try... CUPCAKES!
Ok, after reading this blog I went straight to Wally World right after work to pick up what I needed to make these. Funny thing was, I was standing in the jar aisle when a woman walked up to me to ask what I was canning....my reply? "Cupcakes"....yep, that threw her a bit!!! LOL She was from our local extension agency and is teaching a canning class on Saturday and she thought she had a new recruit!!! LOL

Joy Shope Yes, she does wonderful cupcakes in the jar, and shows how she decorates the jar for giving. This was a new blog for me and I am a big fan now. I tried other recipes for baking the cupcakes in the jar with less than stellar results....I mean they were edible and ok and something new to try. But I like the idea of going ahead to bake the cupcakes separately and layering them in the jar.

I know there are a lot of other ideas out there.....I use the jars to store homemade bath salts, bed linen powders, bulk spices, flavored tea bags, and much more.....

And I know that some of you have some ideas of your own, or other sites to share and I would love to hear those!!! So come on, comment......(smile)
In the future I will try to collect some more ideas as filling the jars are great gift ideas too!!!

And I would like to leave you with a youtube video I found today and love. This has become a favorite song of mine recently.....
Hugs,
Debbie

Mason Jar Love and A Swap Idea.......

2009-07-27T15:51:00.004-05:00

Ok, I promised a post about mason jars for today, but sadly my day has been a little chaotic. So I will visit this subject again on Wednesday. But I want you to participate then, so let me tell you what I am thinking about....and then get your ideas together to share in the comments area on Wednesday.

I have always had a thing for mason jars....I have done some of the simple stuff, put my buttons, ribbons, other sewing notions in them.....even some scrapbooking items. I have made lamps out of them with rosehips and cinnamon sticks in the jar part. But now I am doing some new things courtsey of some great blog ideas I have found. I am going to look for the links so I can share those with you Wednesday...but I have found great ice tea syrup ideas, a great coffee syrup recipe, salads in a jar....as well as small pies in a jar!!! I just love all the possiblities!!! So let me have a little more time to get all the info together to share....and I would love to hear your ideas too!

And I tweeked the coffee recipe for us and I love, love, love the result....and I will go ahead and share with you. The original idea came from Mommy's Kitchen.
What I did was take a wide mouth quart jar....add to it one cup of coffee (not instant..but the regular coffee grounds). Then fill the jar with water to about 3/4" from the top. Then I put on the lid (after shaking it around a bit) and set it on the counter overnight. The next morning I strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer with a coffee filter placed in it....I put the "coffee syrup" into another jar for the fridge. I do this for a couple of days in order to fill the jar with syrup...or you could just have 2 or 3 jars going.
Now the original recipe had you use 4 ounces of coffee syrup, 4 ounces of milk, sweeten to taste and you could add a flavored coffee syrup....then pour over ice. it is ok, but I needed more punch for it to taste like my favorite Frappachino....sooooo.... I use 4 ounces of coffee syrup, 4 ounces of my favorite coffee creamer (french vanilla or southern pecan)...now this I water down a bit for my taste...and sometimes add a splash of caramel coffee syrup. Pour over ice....ohhhh baby!!! love this stuff and it is addictive!!!!

Now for the next idea....
I have been wanting to do a swap for awhile....I have loved the Friendship Swap I am participating in...and the Kitchen Swap I finished awhile back....so tell me what you think of this idea....

I found this great canvas tote at Walmart and it started me thinking..... I would love to fix this up to carry to my craft shows (or for carrying library books, crafts I am working on.....whatever works for you). These totes came in canvas, denim...and a few other colors and different styles. What better way to decorate than with pins!!!! What I love about pins is that you could change them out for different looks...or for the seasons or holidays. And I love having things that are handmade from my friends to just remind me of them. (NOTE; Just wanted to clarify, you don't have to use the same tote I am..it was just an idea. You could use something you already have or make your own great tote!!!)

In thinking about working this into a swap....I thought of a swap we did for several years on one of the groups I had. We did a handmade swap, this was a swap where everyone made something in whatever craft medium they worked in...they would make enough for everyone to have one. Send them all to me, along with money to ship it back. I would put together a box for everyone with one of each item...so you got back a wonderful box of treasures. The beauty is, you don't have to worry about someone not sending something as they wouldn't receive anything unless they sent theirs in.

Are you with me so far?????

So I thought this might work with pins....we would see how many are interested....if the group got too big we could divide it up by groups of 10 or 12.....your could sign up for more than one group if you wanted. And we could possibly have groups by... Everyday Pins, Halloween/Fall pins, Christmas/Winter pins.....

I would love to know what you think about this before I do a sign up.....and I would give everyone a month or two to do this so that no one is rushed.

What do you think?????
Have a great evening....I am off to finish painting my bedroom...(btw, there are extra paint brushes if anyone has the urge to paint!!! LOL)
Hugs,
Debbie

Blog-napped post...

2009-07-26T13:24:00.005-05:00

Yes, I stole the quote from someone elses blog post today....I got it from Teresa at Plumwater Cottage...but it just spoke to my heart this morning.

My hubby was my biggest cheerleader...and that is what I thought of as I read this post.. My prayer is that we all do this for someone in our lives!!

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” ~~e e cummings

Have a wonderful Sunday...tomorrow I want to talk about my mason jar obsession...LOL.
Hugs to you all!!!
Debbie

This Just Made Me Smile......

2009-07-24T15:01:00.005-05:00

You know, sometimes we just take ourselves way to seriously...but to see the fun and joy that was put into this "celebration" of marriage...well, it just made my day!!! Enjoy!!!

Now Open.....

2009-07-21T23:42:00.002-05:00

I am working hard to get things in order and moving forward here....so I am starting by reopening my little blog shop. You can find it at: Pieces From A Creative Heart
The plan is to add something there each day...so please, stop by and check it out...you might find a little something special for yourself or some fun gift giving items. And just leave me a comment to let me know what you think....

Thanks so much!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Sunday Ramblings......

2009-07-12T11:51:00.005-05:00

I woke up this morning to heavy rain outside and decided it would be a great day to just sleep in and putter around the house.....I also realized that I missed blogging and wanted to start again.
There have been so many ups and downs in the last few weeks....trying to work through all the paperwork, wanting to ask John about how something was handled and realizing I can't do that any more....and trying to find out who I am now.
I was so blessed to be married to someone that was my biggest cheerleader....I grew up always hearing the negative about anything you wanted to do....but with John, I only heard "why not"? Even with this encouragement, because of John's extended illness...there were alot of things that were put on hold..... And now I need to figure out where I am going, what I am going to do, what life if going to look like now and who I am. It will be different, but it can be good...and that is what I am trying to focus on.
I guess I really began to think of this while at one of the many office visits one of the papers I had to sign said "marriage ended due to death".....I realized that I was no longer a "wife"..something that I have been for so long that I have forgotten what time was like before there was someone else.
So that is where I am right now.....I am trying to figure out what I am going to be doing....part of it depends on what I find out from the VA and such....I know that I am eligible to go back to school (this was something that John and I had talked about me looking in to for January)...going back to work (great timing on this with the economy)....and figuring out what craft shows that I can get ready for.....trying to get some things together for Etsy and my selling blog... Just working on that one step in front of the other stuff.
I did read a blog today that dedicates her Sunday posts to a prayer for the week....and asking for grace.... I like that, and I may borrow that for my blog in the future too.

Once again...thank you all for your prayers, comments and friendship....I am trying to move forward....and want to begin to blog again on the good stuff.... And all the while remembering:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) Amen.
Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie

This Week......

2009-06-24T09:57:00.005-05:00

Frankly, the last few days have been tough ones......but ones that showed us that we are not alone...and that gift is precious.

The last few days held not only the passing of my hubby......but a few days after, Father's Day and his birthday.....very real reminders with floods of memories of him. So I would like to post today some of the pictures that we used for his memorial.....

We realize that for awhile we will live on a teeter totter.....life going up and down as we look for balance. But we truly are beginning to get our footing.......learning to breath deep again.....

Thank you for your prayers and friendship.....a new chapter is opening for me.....and I am not sure exactly what lies ahead.....but I know I don't go alone.

Skipping Rope...

2009-06-18T07:28:00.004-05:00

Do you remember when we were kids and skipping rope on the playground? Two of your friends would be manning the rope...twirling it round and round as you listened to the quiet slap of it hitting the ground with each turn. When you were ready to jump in, you stood beside the rope watching it turn......bobbing along with it to get into the rhythm so you could jump in and be part of the "dance" of jumping rope. That is where I feel I am at right now....standing next to the rope....watching my friends cheer me on....trying to find the rhythm so that I can get back into the game again. It is hard right now because I am missing a beat or two in the rhythm...but I am getting there.

Last night was John's memorial....you never really know how these things are going to turn out. But I could not have orchestrated a more perfect service. We decided to have an open time of sharing...allow anyone that wanted to say something about John to speak. When the minister first opened it up, there was silence.....all I could think of was that this may have been an awful mistake. I looked at the minister and signaled that he could just move on...he just smiled at me and continued to wait. He told me later that he had been a minister for some time and he could tell when people were being moved to do something...and he had no problem waiting for them to be "obedient"...(smile). And I am glad he didn't follow my signal....because in a bit several rose to speak some I knew, some I didn't, some sharing stories that I never knew, and some just confirming some of the special things that I have always known about my sweet hubby...but you don't always know that others get it too.

While each and every one that spoke truly touched my heart....one young man really made the service complete. Alex was our neighbor's son in Indiana....I always had a soft spot for this kid. He just had a spirit of fun about him...and even babysat my son for awhile. I know Zach was always thrilled to have Alex come over because whatever they did would be an adventure. I knew that Alex's parents were coming in for the service....but his arrival (along with his sweet wife and two adorable children) was a big surprise....and an even bigger surprise when he rose to speak. Alex told about growing up and listening to my hubby, his father and a couple of their friends sharing about life, their time in the service and all the things they went through....he told about how it touched him to hear these stories from "men of honor".....how he came to want to be just like them. Men who sacrificed for their country....who worked to be good fathers and husbands...and how it set a course for his own life. Because of them, he had enlisted in the service to give back to his country....and now he is home, married, father of two sweet kids and still working to give back. And he credited John for helping to set the course for his life....John would have been so honored to know that.

Others have stepped forward too....a neighborhood friend is taking Zack with a men's group from his church on a Star Trek movie outing this afternoon...and offers of all sorts of help have been coming in..... And with it, I am trying to find the rhythm....I know it is there......but it may take me a bit to be able to catch and jump back in. Till then, know that I so appreciate all the comments, emails and prayers....each one has been such a bright spot and such encouragement. I know there are brighter things ahead....and I know there are tough times too. But with the pain, there are been glimpses of such grace....knowing that John is no longer in pain....knowing what wonderful friends and support I have. With that, I can't pass up this opportunity to thank my dear sister/friend Jen who has showered us with support, love, a listening ear and even some calls to the funeral home....we love you and the family so much!!! Also my mom and brother have been so amazing during this......loving us, cleaning house and my brother coming to clean gutters and make sure my car was ok....love that.

Once again, thank you.....for praying, emailing, commenting and just caring....it does make a difference.
Love you all....
Debbie

Memorial Service..

2009-06-13T22:27:00.003-05:00

First, I can't thank you all for your kind words, prayers, offers of a listening ear and more. Right now there are friends and family in and out here....but I know soon that things will calm down and as it becomes more "quiet" I will need those listening ears. So know your offer is appreciated and not taken lightly.

We are having a memorial service for John on Wednesday at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home, Dayton, TN. We are hearing from friends that will be traveling in and we look forward to seeing them and sharing this time.

I ask for your continued prayers for myself and my family. There are some big decisions ahead and some possibilities that I am not looking forward too. But I also know that God sees the big picture...and knows the way ahead.....even when it isn't clear to me at all.

Thanks again for your love and support.....
Hugs,
Debbie

John

2009-06-09T22:45:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your sweet wishes and prayers.....John passed away this evening.
It was and is a sad time for all of us and frankly, I am a bit lost right now.
We asked for your continued prayers for us.....
Hugs to you all,
Debbie

A Note About John....

2009-06-08T17:13:00.004-05:00

Hello....
Thanks for the prayers and for the concern....I so appreciate all of you. Time has been limited....I can check facebook and twitter on my phone at the hospital--sometimes, seems like wifi is very spotty there.

There is no change in John...other than they now have him resting comfortably. They are giving him an anti-anxiety drug to help him...which has really made a difference and he is now resting so much better. We had a new doctor this morning that is checking into some things...they are all stumped so far about what could have happened. I think that is the hardest part, not knowing...the questioning if you could have done something different....all those things that are up in the air right now.

We have a social worker-counselor-chaplin-hospice nurses....these people are serious about making sure you get through this. For the most part they have been kind....but in some ways it feels like they are moving this along way to fast. I want to know that we aren't missing something...that we don't just give up. But then you have to consider all the possibilities...what you are going to do in all scenerios......that is when it just hits you like waves. I find that I think I have it together and am getting through.....then I make a call to tell someone or run into someone that wants to know what happened and in the middle of the story it just becomes "real" and it hits you again. Frankly...this journey sucks. And you could sink into that so easily.......

But then you get the chance to see grace at work.....beautiful white flowers that arrive just at the right time....nurses who have a sarcastic streak and like to tease--it so breaks the tension and gives us a chance to step out of the hurt for a bit....doctors who take the time to explain what is going on at each step.....nurses, aides, doctors who speak directly to John when they visit, acknowledge him and include him so that he knows he is not forgotten....friends and neighbors that have reached out.....family that have stepped in to take shifts so John is never alone and churches that have prayed and continue to pray for John and for us.....things that have happened that have protected us from making some mistakes.....a tax check that showed up to really help at this time.....big things, little things, but all things delivered with grace....from One that knows the beginning and end of this story.....and right now I have to blindly trust in that...and know that all is well.

Hugs,
Debbie

Asking for Prayers.....

2009-06-06T21:10:00.002-05:00

This morning my hubby was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Even with this start...I never imagined that I might not get the opportunity to chat with him again.

They are not sure what caused it or exactly what has happened...but he is in a coma like state...possible stroke or heart attack in his sleep....and they believe he has suffered possible brain damage.

So I am asking for your prayers for my dear hubby John....I asked that he not be in pain....that Zach and I stay strong and make decisions that my husband would want in this matter. And I know that miracles are possible....

Debbie

Just a couple of pictures....

2009-05-31T01:08:00.003-05:00

We have had so much rain.....alittle was great, but after a few days, it was beginning to be depressing!!! So glad we finally had a break and we had a beautiful day today.

And just sharing a picture of my mom....she was great to come to the hospital to stay with me while the hubby was there. Gotta love that.....

Have a great weekend all!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Settling Back In....

2009-05-26T00:50:00.003-05:00

Hello All...I thought I needed to post some sort of proof that I have actually been doing something creative lately!! LOL
To be honest, I don't know if it is dealing with the hubby's medical stuff...or just hitting a glitch, but for the last couple of weeks I have had a horrible time getting myself back into the groove of crafting. As I have posted, I worked to turn our garage into my studio...it still needs a few things, but it is ready to work in. Then I discovered something that surprised me. I have never been one to be claustrophobic, but if I have to work very long out there...it really has started to bother me, and I found myself staying away from there. Can you imagine finally having a set up that works, with plenty of space.....geez, I even have a bathroom out there, fridge and tv......and I can't work there!!! It is just so closed in with no windows and the only door is the garage door which has no windows in it either. We were planning a few additional things for out there.....an air conditioner and finish painting...but now we have decided to add a door with lots of glass...and possibly a window. I think this should do the trick as it has never bothered me before. Strange the things that creep up on us!!! LOL

As you can see from the picture above, I have been knitting....which is something I enjoy but don't do alot of. But I am getting lots of cottage cloths done to list on Etsy and Artfire...and possibly some for swaps and upcoming shows. I enjoy doing them, and I have found this pattern to be wonderful for using myself around the house. I will get some pictures up in a day or two.

I don't know if I posted this before, but I have started the Weight Watchers online and really like it. Also, I have discovered the Hungry Girl books and have tried a few of the recipes...and my family likes them too. (Also, there is a great show on Lifetime--Cook Yourself Thin--lots of great recipes and ideas for eating better. Our library got the book in by the same name and it has some great recipes. It is one of those books that I am going to have to purchase for my own library.

And below you will see my new coffee fave.....Diet Mocha Coffee...it is my own concoction of Diet chocolate milk, sugar free chocolate syrup, coffee, and some sugar free whipped cream....and sometimes a dash of French Vanilla creamer.

I hope you are all off to a wonderful week!!! I have spent today with my favorite veteran...my hubby....
Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts, prayers and messages while he was in the hospital...it really meant so much to us!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

A Note To God.......

2009-05-19T09:59:00.006-05:00

I saw this on Oprah...and absolutely loved it. Thought you might enjoy it too......
Hugs,
Debbie

Say A Little Prayer Please.....

2009-05-14T22:16:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I won't go into a long rambling complaint fest of what I think of the VA medical system.....let's just say that it is not the best we could be doing for the men and women that lay their lives on the line for their country.

BUT....we were having problems with them deliverying some meds that my hubby needs....so after several calls.....and frustrated explanation of why what they suggested was not in his best interest...they finally had him come in to see them and then they would decide if he was worthy enough for them to write the prescription for the medication that he requires......(yes, I am saying these words outloud and through clenched teeth...). Upon arriving and sharing with them that all of this and the lack of meds was causing him chest pains...they immediately rushed him to the back and the next thing I know the ambulance is there to take him to a local hospital to be checked out. Now understand, they rushed him to the back.....I had to wait out front, when they finally came to get me, all I was told was that they would be sending him to the hospital and just wait in the appointed chair for a few moments. During this time, I watched them conference with the Ambulance crew....chat amongst themselves......strap my hubby in the gurney and head out the door....all without saying a word to me. It was at this time I looked at a nurse in the hall and asked if anyone even cared that I was there.....and was it on anyone's to do list to let me know what was going on, where they were taking my hubby and how do I even get to that hospital from there?????? Nope, not a happy, jovial camper at this point....

The Upside???? They are not equiped to treat my hubby....so he was taken to a really good hospital in our area...they walked us through everything, checking with us often to see if we had any questions......were we being treated well.....could they do anything else for us...... It was a total night and day difference in the way we were treated.

They contacted my hubby's heart doctor that wanted him kept overnight...and will be checking him out throughly in the morning .... which is a major blessing. My hubby deals with so much pain on a daily basis...and the drama of today was soooo totally unnecessary....but it turned out to be a blessing that he is where he is, and getting much better treatment.

So please say a prayer for him......I would so appreciate it!!!
Hugs to you all!!!
Debbie

Hybernation......

2009-05-07T12:38:00.003-05:00

It definitely is the rainy season here in Tennessee.....I have had a couple of days to just veg out here at home and have taken advantage of it.

It has been forever since I have had the time to just read a bit...nothing deep, nothing earth shattering.....but hubby wasn't feeling well, the house was quiet, and it was nice for some simple escapism.

On another note....the other day I wrote a post about Heartfelt Challenges....and I have been pleasantly surprised by the response. Thank you to all of you that have written that you were going to take on the challenge and appreciated the reminder. I think we all just need that nudge every now and then. AND I was truly surprised to be the recipient of the Challenge too.....the other day, out of the blue, I received a sweet phone call from a gal that I have know for probably 10 years through online groups. After reading the challenge, she decided to just pick up the phone and call me...we had a fun chat and I will be returning the favor soon. Then about an hour later, I found an UPS package at the front door....I was the recipient of a wonderful RAK from Kimmer...

Thank you for your sweet thoughtfulness to both of the gals. I appreciate it more than you know and the timing was perfect!!! And let me just say from someone that received this....that when you do take on the challenge to do for someone else...it means the world to know that someone is thinking of you, whether it is a call, or a surprise package!!! The thoughtfulness is priceless.

AND I decided to pamper myself a bit last week and went with a really relaxing pedicure.....it felt so darn good and I love the color!!! (OPI's, I'm Not Really A Waitress...)

I have lots of posts in my head for some new things...but I don't want to drop them all in this post...so have a great day, take some time for yourself, and don't forget to reach out to someone else today---even if it is just a smile, you never know how much that can mean to someone else.

HUGS!!!!!
Debbie

Headed for a Rainy Evening....

2009-04-23T16:21:00.005-05:00

This is our sweet dog Abby.....this is her normal position.....you can find her like this almost any time of the day....except when she needs to make a short trip outside....or to request a refill on her food....LOL

These are some beautiful flowers my hubby brought in from the backyard....we have some beautiful plants...but they are the "everyman for themselves" variety as they don't get a lot of TLC from us!!! Poor things.....LOL

And now to what has been occupying me today.... I normally go into panic mode about a month before my craft shows and I have to work round the clock to get everything ready to go. I am really trying to be better about it this year, especially since we don't have the shop to worry about. So today, I have been chatting with my partner, getting dates set for the upcoming shows we want to do (in the Fall)....getting applications together to send in. I have decided (with a few exceptions) to just jump into doing all Fall/Halloween right now. If I concentrate on that for a couple of months, that should really put me ahead with stock for the shows....(ok, that is the brilliant plan in my mind....we will see how that pans out...LOL)

So I am pulling patterns, making lists of things that need to be ordered.....deciding what I really want to make and what I am willing to bypass this year. I am still trying to decide if I want to do our annual Fall Harvest Potpourri....and primitive soap.... I do know I will be making lots of fun tags (those were a big seller last year)....pumpkin dolls......primitive apples and pears..... and several new items.

I just have a tough time making things so far ahead as I am so burned out on the holiday by the time it arrives. But hopefully, starting so far ahead, it will be easier not to have to do so much at once. Plus, I am looking into some small shops that I can sell finished items to and also getting my Etsy shop/blog shop up and running.

Now....About the Scrapbook/Journal....I simply forgot about it!!! It totally left my mind....so it is on the calendar in BIG letters to get back to on Monday. Sorry for the delay.... I just really have been off track.

Just another thing.....my friend Jen and I have tossed around the idea of a radio show for some time....the people we put together didn't fit.....then the timing wasn't right....just didn't quite work for awhile. But now it is back on the "do we want to do this list".....I want it to be about life....friendship, faith, current events, home, crafting.....a variety of items that we can share, and also introduce you to some of the wonderful women that we have found through websites, blogs, books and real life....so what do you think??? Would you be interested in listening?? One difference for us over some of the others (that we enjoy listening too...)--We want to cover a broader spectrum of subjects....and from the prospective of mom's with older kids. There is so much out there for moms of smaller children and babies (I wish this had been available when I had a young child!!!)...but I think those of us that are at this stage of life need a voice to...and we have wisdom to offer those with younger children too.

That is what has been filling my day....
Hugs to you all!!!!
Debbie

Sunday's Heartfelt Challenge.....

2009-04-19T19:03:00.007-05:00

This is a post that has been rumbling around in my head...but I wasn't sure how to frame it for my blog. The last thing I want to post is a "poor, pitiful me" entry...but I know that there are far more women (and men) that are going through something similar and it is for them that I am writing this.
So to start.....what is a Heartfelt Challenge? It is a reminder in our busy lives to reach out to those around us. It is not that we don't mean to do something special for someone else...we just get really busy...or we think of things that will take more time, more money--so the idea gets shelved for another time. By issuing a challenge...I am giving you an idea for something simple you can do...not a guilt trip, but just a nudge and a reminder that it can be something as simple as just picking up the phone.

I am in a situation that many find themselves in. My hubby is very ill. We have days that are great...and then we have days that are like the last three...where no one has had any sleep...we are all cranky, worn out and just want to hide for a bit. I am very fortunate...I have a best friend that I can call to whine to at 3 in the morning if I need too, my son is home right now--living here while attending school so he can help me out a bit (this is such a huge gift to me that I don't even know how to thank him for---and it comes with the guilt that he should be out living and creating his own life), my mom is nearby and checks in and is always sending over a new plate of some new recipe she has tried!!

But there are others dealing with these same struggles...be it a spouse, child, parent, or other....it can be so isolating!! People can judge you for being a bit (or maybe a lot) cranky at times--they don't realize the nights you have gone without sleep...or worried about finances....or just feeling alone. Living with this is much like a death.....when friends and family first hear of a health crisis, they rally to lend support, pray and just a listening ear. But even though you continue to live with this...their lives move on and you are dropped from the social calendar because you have had to turn them down so many times. They just take for granted that you "can't" and just don't bother to offer any more.

I can't tell you what it means for someone just to take the time to pick up the phone and call....and allow you to really share your heart...and not just pretend everything is wonderful. We get tired of hearing, "I don't know how you do it"....because we know that there are days when we are at the ends of our rope and we don't handle it well and just want to go to bed ourselves, pull the covers over our heads and hide for awhile. A card in the mail is a gift.....just that reminder that someone does remember you!! These are great ways to let someone know you are there...as a visit to the home can sometimes be stressful, depending on what is going on there.

So our Heartfelt Challenge....pick up the phone or mail a card. It costs so little to do these things in time and money.....but what it will do for someone that needs this lift.....priceless. Find someone in your church, your neighborhood, your workplace...and reach out to them!! It will do wonders for your heart as well.

Hugs to all of you!!!
Debbie

One Project Down......

2009-04-16T23:13:00.004-05:00

This week has been full of procrastination...... But today I actually finished the skirt for the sink in my studio bathroom. This is just one of those simple projects that I should have been able to churn out a couple of weeks ago. I just kept going out to the studio, getting sidetracked and ending up not getting much done. So today, I called my mom and asked if she wanted to come over and work in the studio....now my mom--no nonsense--if there is a project, there is no playing around, it is to be finished in record time, before anyone else and perfectly done. Needless to say, it is finished!!! LOL (but to my mom's utter sadness, I took several shortcuts on this project as "perfection" is pretty much not in my vocabulary!!!)

Love my new bathroom....the flooring is pretty much done.....and everything is "workable and I have no excuse not to get busy!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Getting Week Started......

2009-04-14T14:55:00.007-05:00

Yes, we are a family addicted to coffee now..... I love the different flavors of coffee, flavored creamers and such..... Todays fave: Green Mountain Half Caf with White Chocolate Coconut creamer...just YUM!

My week is a bit off as I was called in to sub on Monday....and the weather here has been so dreadful with all the storms...it has left me just wanting to curl up on the couch and nap!

So look for the Scrapbook/Journal post on Thursday...that will give me some time to get some things together and ready to post. Looking forward to sharing!!!

For this post.....since I was at the library yesterday, I have a stash of new books AND already know that I will have to purchase some of them for my own library.....Here is what is on my nightstand reading list....

Hummingbird bakery cookbook.....OMG, you could gain 20 pounds just reading this. The recipes sound wonderful and I can't wait to try some..

Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore...what can I say, love me some Beth Moore and her great teaching style.

Seams to Me...Anna Marie Horner (I am really enjoying this!!)

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker

(Getting Soon!!!) Boneman's Daughter by Ted Dekker....read some of the previews of this book and on his blog about how he came up with the story...can't wait to get this one!!!

Country Living's Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.....great looking recipes, stories, decorating ideas and more...this one I need for my own stash!!

There are other fiction on the list...The Knitting Club, some Iris Johansen mysteries and such.....there just hasn't been alot of reading time lately and I really plan to spend some time reading. Also, picked up some on CD's so I can listen while crafting....

SOOOOOO.... tell me what is on your reading list???? I always get great ideas from my friends for new books, authors and such!!!

The UPS just delivered my Sephora Order....ohhh baby, I have to tell you I am a new Philosophy skincare convert and I just love this stuff!!! LOL I am off to play in the new products....
Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Something Special!!!!
If you are a fabric addict like I am.....run over to the Farm Chick Blog and you will find a great giveaway for Pixie Dust Fabric!!! Love this line and can't wait to get some of it to play with...I am thinking fun pillows, pillow cases, etc....beautiful colors for Spring!! Now shoo, get over there!!!! LOL

To Make You Smile....

2009-04-12T12:46:00.000-05:00

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Have a wonderful weekend.....

2009-04-09T15:15:00.004-05:00

I am going to be off line for a few days....but I wanted to wish all of your a blessed Easter weekend and leave you with a little "Bebo".....(smile).

Hugs to you all!!
Debbie

Garden of My Dreams....

2009-04-08T14:58:00.003-05:00

Ok...I have been wanting to garden--but frankly, with my knee issues, it wasn't going to happen. And I really am not that big on the outdoor stuff, so I knew that I wouldn't be able to care for something big.
Well this weekend, I found this at Sam's Club and I am in love with it!!! It even has the front gate, a hose attachment, lattice in the back for climbing plants.....I WANT this baby!!! LOL
But as a friend of mine told me last night "you can buy a bunch of fresh veggies for the price of that set up!!!" Which is true....but I am looking at the long haul and not for just one year...
So what do you think???
Hugs,
Debbie

I just love this....

2009-04-06T13:53:00.003-05:00

Where is Spring and a Studio Update....

2009-04-06T10:59:00.007-05:00

I these tulips! I found them over the weekend at Sam's Club and they look so good in my entryway. It is such a beautiful sign of Spring....sadly, my entryway looks like Spring...outside, not so much!

Well, I have been chatting a bit about moving the studio to the garage...it should (at least in my mind) been such a short project....but it is going to be a work in progress for awhile as I am still working on painting, the flooring...and trying to decide on lighting.
Here is the only "before" picture I am not embarrassed to post!! LOL The garage has just been one of those "dumping" areas in the house where anything that didn't have a "home" was stored.

This will be my new computer area. Right now we still haven't figured out why the wireless won't work out here on this computer when it will work on other things....

Part of my fabric storage (yep, there are many other plastic totes with fabric treasures)...

Storage and cutting table area....

Larger picture of sewing table/work area...

Another shot of cutting table area...

Still much work to do....but at least it is set up and ready to work in. So if you want to drop by, I still have boxes of fabric to fold and put away, patterns to organize and small treasures to sort....
Have a wonderful Monday...next week, we will be back to our scrapbook/journal...I hope you are ready and able to share some of your thoughts and ideas!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Retro Eggs.....

2009-04-05T21:54:00.002-05:00

I absolutely adore these fun retro eggs....there are so many fun things that you could do with them....and great way to use up scraps of fabrics.

So if you want something fun to play with--GO to Retro Mama
You will find great instructions and pictures for making these cuties!!!
Go on....get over there....have fun!!!
HUGS,
Debbie

Yep, we have survived the flu....

2009-04-03T22:51:00.002-05:00

You know, this picture looks pretty much how the whole family has felt the last few days...

So this is the reason I have been missing in action here....and I have missed posting and catching up on all the great adventures of my friends here.

I will be back to posting tomorrow and am looking forward to sharing my new "creative" space with you....it is not finished, but it is finally useable!!!

Alright you all....take those vitamins, drink plenty of liquids and I will be back shortly!!
Hugs,

Debbie

For Today....

2009-03-29T18:55:00.004-05:00

"We need to find God,

and he cannot be found in

noise and restlessness.

See how nature--trees,

flowers, grass--grows in

silence; see the stars, the

moon and the sun, how

they move in silence...

We need silence to be able

to touch souls."

--Mother Teresa, 1920-1997

A Gift For God

Go Forth and Read...

2009-03-24T17:02:00.005-05:00

Good Afternoon....
I have been online today catching up with some things...and working with a website group that I will have info on tomorrow...
But in the midst trying to read through my list of blogs...I found a post that I was saying "Amen" too and thought I would share it with you.. It is from the Bayou Belles -- go check it out and we will chat more tomorrow...
Hugs,
Debbie

Just A Note...

2009-03-23T22:59:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note.....I am going to delay the next Scrap/Journal post for a couple of weeks. I am in the midst of painting and moving my studio and there just isn't a spot to work in right now...so I will be back with the journal in two weeks...ready to go. I will be posting other "stuff"...but let's delay the book for now. This will give some of you time to catch up, get started and such....as I would love to see your pictures and ideas.

Sweet dreams all....post more tomorrow!!
Hugs,
Debbie