Blue Monday

Are you a little Blue today? 

I was a little Blue last Monday because I didn't get to link my post.

Click here to see it

 Last week we had to change addresses.  Not us personally but our ministry offices and warehouse.  And, it made me a little blue as we said goodbye to some amazing people that donated space to us. 

And so I thought I would search for a few blue mailboxs.  

Actually the idea came from this phot I found at Oranizing Mama.  I love this idea.  So cute.  What a great way to organize the kids. 

Then I googled mail boxs and found this cute one. 

And these.  Wow lots of blue here!

And then well I got distracted because you see my birthday is coming up soon and I am thinking about cake.  And I promise you that I am going to have cake this year!

Maybe not this big.  Maybe not blue but I will have cake! 

To join in Blue Monday (wheather your Blue or not) click here

BTW before you run over to Sally's did you notice my question at the top of the page?  Would you mind leaving me a comment and answer my question of the week? 


Smiling on a Blue Monday,

What a Friend

What a friend we have in Jesus . . .

As I was thinking about the words of the song What a Friend We Have In Jesus this photo came to mind.  How often do we think of sista friends before we think of Jesus as our friend.  How often do we think of the Joy we have when we're with friends before we think of the Joy we need to have in Jesus. 
If you think of the word Joy  . . . think of it this way Jesus (zero)0 (nothing) You.  There really is nothing between me and Jesus or at least there shouldn't be.  There are many, many times that I cry out the words of a verse in Psalms Create in me a clean (pure) heart.  I add the pure because I want my thoughs and my actions to be pure.  Pure in that they are actions that God has put on my mind.
But too often I forget to treat him like my friend and ask his opinion.  Too often I get in the middle of the day and look at the chaos around me and wonder 'why didn't I pray about my day before it started?'
The answer is simple really.  I choose my sista friends first.  I think first of checking my email and facebook before I pray for the day. 

I pray today that tomorrow will be a better day.  I pray today that tomorrow I will remember What a friend I have in Jesus. 

Today I am linking with Charlotte at Spirtual Sundays.  Click here to read more Sunday posts.

Did you see my question of the week at the top of my page?  Would you leave a comment and let me know how you use photo's on your blog?  Just leave a comment on any post.

Seeking Joy in Him on the Journey,

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

                                                                 

Welcome to Then Sings My Soul Saturday.  One of my favorite days of the week.  I really love songs and singing about Jesus. 

This one brings lots of memories back to me.  I have looked for it before and never found a good version.  Then today this one popped up. 

I hope you enjoy and maybe it'll bring back some memories for you too!



Thanks to Amy Wyatt for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays.   Click here

Finishing It Up Friday

Today I am joining Carla at Crazy Mama Quilts.  She has a fun new linky on Friday where we quiltin' ladies post and link up quilts we finished this week.

Here's mine.  And can I say I love it . . .

I do have to say I am embarrased at how long it took to finish! 
I began this quilt; pieced and had it long arm quilted in the 80's!  I was so unhappy with the quilting that it got put away.    We ended up moving shortly afterward.  It was meant to hang on the wall in my entryway then when we moved I just never finished it.  ( The original pattern called for 1 1/2" strips. I cut mine 2 1/2" so it would fit on my wall. )


Well now I have a 3 year old grandson and I decided it was time to finish it!

You probably won't believe this but back in the 80's when I pieced it I had a hard time finding orange fabric.  This is what I came up with.  The darkest one is a Jenny Byer.   I have a few scraps that made the many moves since piecing and finishing and I didn't remember to check for any other selvages to write this post.   The eyes on the Jack o Latern; I am not real happy with and will probably change.  Also the nose and the ghosts eyes are felt because I couldn't find my wool.  Felt is a bad choice it sheds all over the white.  I found my wool and did the ghosts mouth.  I like it much better!  I will probably change the felt pieces to wool. 

I really like the binding.  I like the color changes.  I am really liking these kinds of bindings.  I did make a huge mistake on it though.  You see I haven't done bindings in a loooong time and I went to the original pattern instructions because that is what I had out. (I live in a one bedroom apartment. I sew in the bedroom.  You should see under my bed! I'll save that for another post.  This one is scary enough!)   The instructions said cut strips 1 1/2" huge mistake in my opinion.  I didn't realize my mistake until I had cut alot and I didn't have much orange left so I had to go with it.  It took much longer to bind that it would have I think I had been able to fold the binding in half. 
But all in all even though there numerous mistakes (another post soon to share all that) or things I would have changed I love it now that it is done! 

If you are a quilter or a lover of quilts you must visit Carla and look at all the quilts on the linky.  I have spent the week just going by and looking at all the amazing quilts!  You'll love your visit I am sure.   And I just found another Friday sewing link at Amy  Lou Who check out her linky party.  Click here.

And I am joining Sarah over at Cofessions of a Fabric Addict (because I am one too.) And because she called her link up Whoop! Whoop! Because I finally finished this quilt! Click here to visit her blog and see her amazing photography and quilts and link up!

Thanks for joining the Journey today!

Thoghts on Halloween . . . What are yours?

I know a lot of people have very definite opinions about Halloween and actually of lot of things.  But let's talk about Halloween. 

Here's my thought. And, please forgive me if you have a different opinion than mine. 

I think that the simpleness of little kids dressing up in simple costumes and getting to go to parties and fairs and carnivals is O.K.

I miss trick or treating.  Although I never got much candy because there weren't many people in our neighborhood even back in the 60's that still opened their doors at our knock. 

Fast forwarding.  I know that Halloween has taken a huge turn from the simpleness of the 60's.  I dislike all the scary stuff.  I dislike haunted houses.  

Anyway just a few thoughts.  I had to share because I have someone in my house that loves the dressing up part and going to see her friends. 

Here's a couple of photo's . . .

I did explain to her about the dangers . . .

We just decided to stay home and chew on a new rawhide bone!

Thankful Thursday Oct. 24

Good morning.  I am thankful that it is Thankful Thursday and I can share with you all some of the things (because there are too many for All) that I am thankful today.  

Today I am Thankful that I am Happy!

Today I am Thankful that I am going to a Pumpkin Carving party my daughter is having for our grandson and his friends.  I'll post photo's on Saturday. 

Today I am Thankful that our daughter is already making plans for Thanksgiving. 

Today I am Thankful that she is able to make Thanksgiving plans and include 'her' family. 

Today I am Thankful that I am able to coach my drama team/choir at the boys unit where we are chaplains.  I love my boys!

Today I am Thankful it is fall and the weather is cool.  No more 3 digits!  Praise God!

Today I am Thankful I can link to Lynn and share my Thankfulness with you. Lynn has a special post today.   Click here to go to the linky post. 

Thanks for stopping in.  Tomorrow I have a different kind of post ready.  So please come by and see what I have been up to when I am not posting. 

Have a Happy Journey Today . . .

Happy Tuesday

Hi thanks for stopping in.  I know I said I would be posting more and I promise next week I'll be back but I have been busy finishing up a quilt for my grandson.  I will be posting photo's on Friday.   I found this great quilters linky party at Crazy Mama Quilts.  She inspires!

I have been doing a lot of sewing so I haven't been doing much posting.  Forgive me please. 

I have been  visiting old and new friends.  Leaving a few comments.    I figured out how to comment from my phone.  And I can post from my phone.  The only down side I can't link and I have to pre-write the post and save them as a draft.  Which isn't all together bad.   I'll be posting again regularly.  I have some great ideas for devotionals and house keeping stuff and I have been challenged to begin the
Love Dare project with a twist so watch for those posts coming soon!

Until then I wanted to share a little something I am about to start working on. 

I thought these were adorable I hope to have about 6 done by Friday my daughter is having a party for our grandson.  I'll post photo's. 

Have Great Day!

Thankful Thursday Oct. 20

Welcome to Thankful Thursday. . .
Today I was thinking about what I am Thankful for I had this list I was going to share.  And then, I visited a friend and well mine didn't seem so important anymore.   Here's what
Denise says . . .
Everyone, count your blessings today, instead of your problems. I promise you, you will lose count. Praise God, from whom all our blessings flow. If you wake up in the morning, you have been blessed. If you can see, you are blessed. If you can walk, you are blessed. If you are able to use both arms, and both hands, you are blessed. If you can hear, you are blessed. If you can swallow, you are blessed. If you can speak, you are blessed. Come on people, realize how very blessed you are. More importantly, realize Who it is that blesses you continually. Give our Lord Jesus, the thanks that He so very much deserves. When I was in Siskin Rehab Hospital, I was on the second floor, known as the stroke floor. My heart truly went out to all the people on that floor. Some of them could not eat, because they could no longer swallow. Some had to be in a wheel chair, as I was, because they could no longer walk. Some were using walkers, or a cane. But, they never gave up, and never complained. Please, do not complain about what you do not have, instead, celebrate all that you have been blessed with.

Denise's faith and spirit is a Blessing to many.   I am Thankful that God uses Denise to remind me of his faithfulness. 

For more Thankful Thursday posts visit Lynn this months hostess.  Click here

It'll Leave A Mark

 Yep when you get thrown under the bus it will leave a mark.  This isn't the post I intended today. 
But, because I need to ask for a little  LOT of  Prayer I decided to share a little of what happened yesterday.

Before I share the story first let me share part of a verse that I clung to.  Because I couldn't remember the entire verse...
The angel of the Lord encamps around me!
Even though I was not able to remember the entire verse I am confident that my father brought those few words to mind.  

I am grateful that not only did he bring that verse to mind he helped me to not go crazy and say wrong things.  He helped me to hold my tongue and not respond to threats.  Although I did post on facebook that a 'witch hunt' has begun.    God did indeed send a couple of angels to my rescue in the form of a couple of old time friends. 

They responded because the second part of my facebook post mentioned that it hurts when someone you've trusted and thought was your friend not only doesn't stand up for you but joins with others that are 'out to get you'. 

Yesterday some people that are associated with an organization that we belong to and collaborate with in ministry set out to do some major damage to our ministry.    We are a very small ministry and typically we have very few visits to our website.  Yesterday there were over 68 visits within a 2 hour period.  

Two things really hurt in all this . . .

The first thing that hurt was that a college that we thought was our friend had the power to diffuse the situation and chose not to.  And in fact joined in the attack without getting any details.

Secondly last week we managed to change our website over to blogspot and we were able to maintain our .org name.  This was a major Praise for us.  Last week I was so happy posting and uploading photo's.  We have not been able to make changes for over 2 years to our website! So you can imagine the Joy I felt. 

But, now I have had to take the site down because now it has to have approval from our State to allow me to 'say' certain things and to post photo's of kids.  Which by the way I already have signed releases but those releases are being questioned now. 

So, my day yesterday did in fact turn out to be rather Blue even though I didn't get to publish my Blue Monday post.  It is posted now. (check the post below this one)

Even though I was sad and frustrated and a little angry I was confident that the main reason that all this happened was/is because we are right where God wants us to be.  We are doing exactly what God wants us to do . 

We may make mistakes.  We may make wrong decisions but by daily asking God to Search me.  O God. Know my anxious heart.  See if there is any offensive way in me/us.  And lead us/me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:12. 

There are many days we will be attacked.  As individuals and as servants but it is how we react to those attacks that is the challenge.    I pray that yesterday that God was pleased with the way that I responded.  

I have learned that God shows me daily that he is there to 'watch my back'.  Because some days it really feels like he is the only one. 

If you ever feel that way I hope that you will turn to God.  I hope you will realize that he is there and he will send his angels to encamp around you and fight off the evil one that is seeking to do destroy you. 

Here are a few other verses that help me   . . .

The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him,
and I am helped.
My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7 

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 
Psalm 3:73

Today my pray for you is that you trust in God.  That you feel safe with him.  And that you realize that if you ask he'll send an angel to encamp around you and protect you.  That angel may be an 'old'
friend. 



And if you have a chance would you pray for our ministry.  Please pray that the approvals that we need to be able network and tell others about are work are received quickly.  Please pray that God provides all that is needed. 

Thank you Father God for sending angels along on The Journey

There are those days . . .

Are there days that as a wife and mother you fill like this?

At the end of the day.  Or the middle of the day.  Or maybe the minute your feet hit the floor in the morning.

I think we have all been there some time or another.  I hear some Amens!

Today I was thinking about failures.  Mine.  In this season of my life I can look back at those years when my kids were growing up.  I had the perfect kids.  The perfect house.  The mostly perfect Cowboy (husband)  Actually he was perfect back then but; I wished he was around more.  But he was working hard so who am I to complain?

But I did.  Mostly quietly to myself and God.  Because I really enjoyed sending my children to private school.  I really enjoyed a beautiful house.  I enjoyed playing all day while everyone else was gone to work and school.  I enjoyed eating out alot!   

Yes I was proud of my kids.  I was proud of our lifestyle.   I took all of it for granted  I think.  As I look back I realize that I did have a lot of pride.   And I look back and realize that there were many mistakes this mama made.  I can't change them.  I can ponder them and ask God to remind me of the major ones so I can receive his grace and maybe the grace and forgiveness of my children and my Cowboy. 

And hopefully as I am reminded about my mistakes.  I realize some of the things I should have done differently I pray that I can help someone else from looking back and having feelings of failure. 

I am in a new season.  The season of being a grandmother.  Maybe yours is the season of finally getting stay at home with your children but there is a little bit of regret.  Maybe your season is filled with toddlers, or school age children.  Maybe your blessed to be a home school mom.  Maybe your in the 'grandma' season with me. 

One of my favorite scriptures reminds me that it is only a season.  And too fast there will be another season.

There is a season for everything, a season for every activity under heaven
Ecclessiastes 3:1

As I look forward I realize that I need to have faith and trust in God.  I need to ask Him for forgiveness for my mistakes and I need to ask Him for help. I need to meditate and ponder His word.  Because in Him there is no failure.

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Psalms 24:10

I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength!
Philippians 4:13

This mama and grandmother and wife needs His strength.  And, his grace and mercy.  And His arms to comfort.  And His hands to hold the tears.  

And with His help it will be a Journey of Joy

Today and many days as I sit and write my post I have another window open and have my dear friend Denise's blog up so I can listen to her playlist.  If you need encouragement go over to Denise's.  She is fighting some major health issues right now.  But she is one amazing 'Believer' .  Even in through her struggles and lately as she has reported her status she Blesses the reader with her strength and faith.
And she has an amazing playlist that lifts you up as you listen!  Click here to visit Denise.

Joyfully on the Journey,

Did you see my ? of the week at the top of my blog?  How do you keep track of photo's you find so you can give credit?

Photo Credit: I found the beautiful photo at Mrs. Junes blog A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.

Click here to visit.

Blue Monday Laundry Day Oh Joy!

First I have to say . . . I missed Monday . . .
But I loved this post I had planned so I wanted to share it!

And thank you for coming by last week.  Sorry I couldn't take you along on our holiday.  I hope you enjoyed the photos. 
Well we are back from our little (pretend holiday) and after every vacation.  What happens next the dreaded  "L" word.
Yep it is laundry day and I am Blue.

Since I am blue I got out these cheerful Blue clothes pins.
Oh I forgot to mention I keep my 3 year old grandson on Mondays  he really chases those Blues away.

 But today well he got into some mud and you can only imagine what I had to do next . . .

Into the wash go some socks.

 And then next . . .

All those jeans and things from the trip.  (this is fantasy btw)

And now I have to give a little credit where it is due.  Nope he isn't mine but isn't he adorable.  His mama was the inspiration for this Blue Laundry day post.  Behind him it is hard to see is the amazing custom built clothesline with removable swings for the kids.  You have to go over and check out the post.  It is truly amazing!  I love this mama of 11 kids!  Click here

Thanks for coming by and helping beat the Blues today. 

 Oh before you go stop over at Sally's she is our amazing Blue Monday hostess!  Click here to pop over.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome . . .
I opened the gate come on in and read my Thankful list . . .

Sometimes I am thankful for the silliest things.  I just love this photo I found somewhere.  Better Homes and Gardens probably.  I love the door and the colors of the leaves.  I am thankful that there are so many places to find eye candy. 

I am thankful for where I live for now. (We will be moving next spring) I live in a little small town that reminds me of Gilmore Girls.  At least main street does.  Lots of cute little shops and a pretty gazebo. 

I am thankful that God continues to Bless us.  He is opening amazing doors for our ministry.  I am thankful he has been patient with me while I wait on him.

I don't really now how beautiful me feet are but I am thankful he lets me share His good news. 

For more beautiful feet and Thankful posts visit Lynn for Thankful Thursday.  Click Here

I am thankful to you my friend for stopping by for a visit. 

Enjoy your day,

Wordfilled Wednesday

Welcome to Wordfilled Wednesday

I loved this photo of my grandson when I received it in the mail. 
 It is hard to see but he is flying a kite. 

I love the look of concentration!  I don't get to see them the often because they live out of state.
I am Blessed when I get mail!

For more Wordfilled Wednesday posts join Amy at Internet Cafe Devotions.   Click Here

So what do you think?

So I need your help!  I need your opinion. 
                         What do you think of . . .

I don't think we even got half way through before the 3 year finally didn't want to watch it anymore. 
We were so tired of watching Toy Story 2 (which we own) that we got 3 at the library. 
My 3 year old grandson surprised when in the beginning when the dog lays down I gigled and said "The dogs old!"  He responded and said "That's not funny." I was thinking 'Oh my gosh was he dead?'  I couldn't tell so I wondered 'Well does he die in the end?

His "That's not funny" comment was repeated over and over throughout the part of the movie we watched. 

I was personally disturbed when the group first gets to the day care and the kids are in my opinion 'wild' and destroy the toys. 

Did this disturb you?  Or is it just me. 

And maybe I am jumping the gun here because we didn't see it all the way through which we will do tonight or tomorrow. 

But I wanted to get some opinions. 

What did you think?   Did it bother your 3 year old?  Did it disturb you?  Am I stupid?

So how about a discussion?  Maybe not on the "Am I stupid?" guestion

My I Need A Vacation...Blue Monday

I would really love a vacation and so today I am takin' one . . .
Come and join me!

So first things first . . .

I set my alarm.   Then, I got dressed and;

Put on some great walkin' shoes.  Everyone knows you gotta have great walkin' shoes. 

And then the most amazing thing happened! 

Cowboy wanted to go so.  A second Honey Moon he called!  How can a woman refuse!

Sorry to say my dear sweet friends. You are 'univited'  at least for this trip.  Please don't be mad. 

Ohhhhh....It was such a fun trip.....

We found the cutests little trailer right on the beach.  And after a little food and a little ______ we decided to do some exploring. 

And so we set sail. . .

And sailed off into the sunset under a Blue sky

I really am sorry I had to 'univite' you but if you are really lonely and need something fun to do today.  Go over and visit Sally for more fun Blue Monday!  Click here

                                                   May you have a blessed day in the Lord
                                                                        Happy Sunday

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Welcome . . .
(Finally see earlier post) to Then Sings My Soul. Today I am posting a sweet old gospel tune.

Today my post is dedicated to Miss Audrey Kilgo. Miss Audrey went home be with the Lord this week. She was an amazingly sweet lady that volunteered at our Ministry Mission Makeover.

Miss Audrey just happened by one day on her way to church. She stopped in to see what Mission Makeover was about.

She become one of our most dedicated volunteers.

I chose this song because I knew that she would love it. I chose this more contemporary version for all the girls that she touched while volunteering.




Thank you Father for allowing Miss Audrey to touch our lives.


Please visit Amy for more Then Sings My Soul posts.  Click here

Does anyone know why this is happening?  I was trying to post a video for Then Sings My Soul and it wouldn't work so I tried this one same thing happens.  Weird. 

Prayer Please

Today I am asking for prayer. 
I have had the most frustrating morning.
And now trying to embed my video for Then Sings My Soul I can't get it to work.
I have a new computer and either it is smarter than me (which is possible...my phone is) or it has a problem.
Which I pray it is me!

I had an amazing video tribute planned to one of our dear sweet volunteers.  She went to be with the Lord this week.  It was sad to hear.  But I am happy that she is with Jesus. 

Personally our ministry still continues to struggle.  This morning we had to go and get a post office box because the office that has been loaned to us for 4 years isn't available any more.   Freeway expansion caused Automotive Service Association our sponsor to move.  They will not have space for us in the new location. 

The post office box cost $90.00 for 6 months!  We were not prepared at all for that expense.  Wow that might as well be $200.00 for a year!

It makes me sad and angry to have to spend so much money this way.  That amount of money could go so far feeding families!  And gas to get us to McFadden (we are volunteer chaplains). 

Oh I need strength.  I need encouragement.  I need less frustration. 

Oh Lord I need you to give me strength.

Do you have enough to eat?

Do you have enough to eat...is a question I think about alot.   I operate a food pantry.  A couple of weeks ago we went to a conference for pantrys.   There were lots of different classes and trainings. 

One was really interesting to me so I wanted to share it.  The topic was Community Gardens. 

A community garden is a plot of land around which neighborhoods can come together on individual or family plots to grow food and build community.  Community gardens can be a first step in providing food security for families, neighborhoods and communities.

Community Gardens:

• Build neighborliness and sense of ownership in the garden and the community
• Make productive use of urban vacant land, providing cooling, neighborhood composting and recycling of organic wastes to create soil, water filtration and absorption
• Grow flowers and ornamental vegetables that beautify the neighborhood
• Provide low-cost organic vegetables and herbs
• Create a sense of pride and accomplishment and the empowerment of food self-sufficiency
• Make a place for outdoor activities, exercise, recreation and therapy to alleviate stress
• Have long been used as an additional form of healing for people who are ill and as activities for the mentally handicapped
• Teach children about the environment and plants and about working with others
• Give older people a way to be productive, interact with, and mentor /care for children
• Provide the opportunities for everyone in a neighborhood to be able to interact and work together and learn about each other
• Save money for people growing their own food
• Help homeless people, and others in difficult situations, to regain their pride and sense of belonging to a community, learn skills and be productive for their own sake and the sake of the community.
• Community Gardens are about community-building, neighborliness, the environment, local self-sufficiency, healthy organic food, economic empowerment, and improving the urban landscape of a community.

Community gardens can be started by groups at a church or just people in a neighborhood.  A community carden project would be a great activity for a Home School group. 

October is a perfect time to start thinking about and planning a community garden for the spring.  There are alot of sites just google Community gardens you'll get lots of info. and help.  

              This is the day that the Lord has made!
                I will rejoice and be glad in it!
                           Psalm 118:24

Joyfully . . .

This Is The Day

Welcome . . .

               This is the day that the Lord has made! 
                 I will rejoice and be glad in it!
                            Psalm 118:24

I am grateful for this verse.  I am Thankful for this verse.  Because it reminds me where my priorities need to be.  I need to rejoice and be glad.  Even if I don't feel like it.  Because God has given me a beautifull day. 


Yes, we are having a beautiful day here in Texas.  The weather is so nice I am able to leave the door and windows open!  Yea Fall.  My favorite time of the year.  It makes me happy seeing all the beautiful colors.
And decorations all the pumpkins, and leaves and corn stalks.  One of my favorite things to do is visit all the great blogs and look at the beautiful photo's ya'll post! 

Last fall I did just that and I made a collage of some of my favorite photo's. 

Each of these photo's made me smile. 

Probably my favorite one is the Cowboy. 

 I like to pretrend it is my very own Cowboy.  (hehe) 

In case your a new visitor I do have my own Cowboy. 

We are transplanted ranchers living in the city.

Today I am thankful for fall.  Today I am thankful for God's mercy. 

Today I am thankful he understands when I forget to be thankful and joyful. 

More thankful posts over at Thankful Thursday.  Click here.

Today I am Joyful.  I hope your having a Joyfull day!

May your day be filled with Joy and Thankfulness.

Sharing my Journey with you . . .