On The Lookout For

On The Lookout For

. . . For something to write about. But I have some help in my search.

And we left you something to enjoy while we look . . .

. . . The light is on.

We left a few books for you to enjoy.





And some cake in case you get hungry. And here is  . . .

                                                          . . . Some place to sit and enjoy the sunshine! 

How Rude

I gave Daisy a special treat tonight.  She left her bowl of milk for this . . . 

She kinda got in a little trouble last night.  She's a real helper with the decorations but she is always 'In The Way'.  The Cowboy said that should be her name.  

                             How Rude!
                                I just love Full House
                      
I have no idea why this is so grainy.  It looks like I put texture in it.
Kinda cool looking.  
She cracked me up she left her bowl of milk (Yes she's spoiled)
For what was in that box!
                     
Hmmm.  Can it be?  It smells like Chicken!
 Chicken, Chicken, Chicken! I could so be in a comercial!
                    
  Yep! It was Chicken. And it's all gone.  Back to that milk bowl!
                                

What Should I do Today . . .

 What Should I do Today . . .

Let's see . . . Maybe a little house cleaning. 

Or maybe go for a ride? That's sounds like fun!

                                  Or maybe spend some time getting some work done.

                                                                                        Nope don't think so.

Or maybe get caught up on some reading

So what do you think. What cha' doin today?

Another one of my dreams . . .

I think spring may be around the corner here in North Texas. Although it is supposed to be cold next week! I thought since I have to go to the food bank this morning I would leave you with a reminder of spring! See that green grass!

This unprofessional shot (mine) is Cody the pony. He lives at McFadden Ranch. He is blind and was donated to the ranch. Since there are no fences on the ranch he spends his days tied to big huge trees with a really, really long rope. He does have a pen and a nice shelter to sleep in at night.

It is my dream that one day we could have a real barn and some fences and a couple of horses to keep Cody company and for the boys to have the opportunity to know the true Blessing of these amazing animals.

You can read about our ministry at McFadden Ranch click here. You can read about my Biggest/Best investment here.

The same thing happens over and . . .

over... and I can't seem to make it stop!

I keep getting this itch . . .

And I just have to scratch it.  And the only thing that makes it
stop is when I change my blog!  Yep it is that time again.
Someday soon like maybe February 1st you'll see the new look.  I'll give you a hint it has to do with a holiday!  And you'll see lots of Red.  I hope your looking forward to it because I am! 
I will have all new photo's on the sidebar so I think you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't have time to read a post!

But don't wait till then come by tomorrow and see what I am Thankful for . . .

Don't Take The Girl

Reposting to join Tex at Good Fences . . .

from the original post . . .
Leaving you a cute photo I found in a google images search. Reminds me of a song that I played last night for a party with my drama team.
Amazingly my group of 10 ex gang members, drug dealers and who know's what else loved this song . . . I hope you do too!


Apparently he's coming town my favorite radio station is giving away tickets!

And from the original post . . .

And one of their prayer requests:
"I am asking you to pray about this certain topic.  Tell God that I am sorry about everything I did in the past and to set a straight path for me.  And walk with me in all I do.  Thank you."

Say a pray for my boys would ya?  Off to the food bank.  Have a good day!

Linking with Tex.  Click Here.





And one of their prayer requests:
"I am asking you to pray about this certain topic.  Tell God that I am sorry about everything I did in the past and to set a straight path for me.  And walk with me in all I do.  Thank you."

Say a pray for my boys would ya?  Off to the food bank.  Have a good day!

On my shopping list . . . What's on yours?

How many shopping days till Christmas?  Is that something your thinking about?  Have you begun your shopping?  Are you one of those what's it called "Black Friday" shoppers?      

Or maybe planning some online shopping.  Maybe you need some ideas. 

Today I want to share something I discovered through an email from a B&B Media Group.  They have offered some really good books for review.  Today they shared this.

This is only one of the beautifully framed prints offered.
Here's the description from their website.

Heaven on Earth
Artist: Ron DiCianni
Children, it seems, more than most adults want to know the details about Heaven. Will there be trees? How about food and things to drink? Will we really be able to walk with the lions and tigers that now are seen only in cages at the zoo, safely away from eating us? Will there be sports in Heaven, or will it be one long church service?
When a child thinks of Disneyland, he is excited. When he thinks of our description of the North Pole, there is surely a leap in his imagination and wonder. But we have done a poor job of relating that Heaven will leave those fictional places in the dust. What God is preparing is beyond comprehension as to its excellence. Maybe a visual reminder will help them to finally realize that the best is yet to be! Isaiah described that one day:
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”
Can we ask for more than that? However it is pretty certain that description is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when we finally experience Heaven on the new Earth that God has promised to create!

I visited the site there are some really nice pieces.  And they have books too.  Here's a little more info. from the site about the books they offer:
Each of these books represents collaboration between our artist’s and some of the best author’s in the country. Including Art by Ron DiCianni and writings by Jerry Jenkins, Max Lucado, Randy Alcorn and many more, each of these books masterfully lays out the truths of God in stories that children and adults can both enjoy. Most of the books on this list are bestsellers and all of them are designed to bring the reader closer to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Here's the link to the website.

Here's a suggestion when you visit there. 
. . .When our children were young we were like most young families in that we spent a lot of time decorating our home.  One of the things that we really liked was artwork/prints.  We purchased some really nice pieces.  A couple of those happened to be prints that depicted Christmas scenes.  We had no long term plans we just really liked them.  When our son married that first Christmas I got out the prints and I realized one print in particular reminded me of them.  I didn't think much more about it and then when our daughter became engaged I realized what was going on with these two prints.  Each print was perfect for each of them.  And so that year each  main gift was the print.  They were both really surprised that we gave them these family treasures. 

. . . So does this give you any ideas for Christmas.  Go over and visit
Tapestry Productions.

What's on my mind . . .

I don't know about you but the holidays are on my mind.  I guess that was probably a silly comment I am sure you are thinking about them too.  
I have missed posting for a few days.  The ministry becomes even busier this time of year. 
I hope you'll come by and see me.  I love the visits.  And because I don't get to be around adults much I especially love it when you leave comments. 
I know you girls out there with babies and preschoolers feel the same way. 
I tell ya what you come by here and leave a comment and I will come and visit you! 
Duty is calling me but I wanted to leave you with a cute little photo!

Everyone is into the holidays.  Look at the expression of determination!  If I know my daughter that batch of party mix won't make it to the end of the week!

Wishing you Blessings today.

Come back tomorrow for WFW I have a good one planned!

Where is the Journey going?

Maybe you've wondered where I have been the last couple of days.
Since Friday well actually Thursday I have been busy with . . .

A little of this.

Some of this well actually a lot!

And a lot of this!  I have been doing a lot of reading in between the above!

For the last few days we have been having to do a little packing and a lot of moving of our records and boxes of supplies for our ministry.  Today we got the keys to a new 'little' building.  It is the smallest space we have ever had but the dynamics of our ministry has changed so much in the last few years we realize we don't need a lot of space. 

We were able to rent 1,000 square feet of office and workshop space.   Between our regular activities of chapel, meetings and working with the youth we've been sorting through supplies and figuring out what we need to keep, what needs to be stored for now and what needs to go. 

And during all the driving back and forth I have been reading. 

I have a bunch of books in various stages of the review process. 

Some still waiting.  Some finished. 

Some reviews ready to be published. 

So, I hope you haven't been disappointed when you've come by.  I promise I will get back to regular posting in the next couple days. 

So come on by and leave me a comment and let me know you've been here.

Off to see the wizard!

Off to see the wizard . . . Nah not really but those words popped into my head.  
But I am off to see . . .

 My sweet litte grandson and my daughter & mom.
The plan for the day Mexican food.  Yum. Yum.
And maybe a short trip to JoAnn's.  We have to limit my mom who has been known to spend 2 hours there! 
I will return with photo's of the day. 
But while I am away.  Go and to visit Tiffany.

You will be Blessed.  I am skipping off to see . . .

In The Dark

As happy and thankful as I am my Thankful post is here. I am sad and depressed. I am bored. I am anxious to do something.

God finally gave me peace about getting a job. For weeks as we talked about the fact that we were going to have to find jobs I struggled with it. There were many reasons for my struggles. #1 I had a hard time because I knew that it would be a struggle to work and manage the ministry and manage the house and home. My Cowboy is not a detail person. He is not real helpful around the house. Sometimes like when he decides we need to vacuum. He'll search for the vacuum do one or maybe two rooms and then stop and leave the vacuum out. So I struggled with realizing that I would have a lot on my plate if I were to go to work. #2 The other reason I struggled was having to schedule work and ministry. I have already had to stop doing the drama team at the boys facility because of Cowboy's job. (we only have one vehicle our truck is in the shop until we can pay for it) This really makes me sad. Every time I go there even if it is for a meeting the boys ask about drama team.
#3. I know the kind of job that I want. I know the kind of job I would be good at. But, I don't have the college background. And, when your past 50 it is really hard to get a job. I keep getting more and more depressed as I see postings for jobs that I would be so good at. I keep sending my resume. I keep praying but. Nothing happens. No phone calls. No emails. Of the 2 dozen postings I have answered I have gotten not one response. Not even so much as a 'thanks but no thanks' email.

So it leaves me frustrated. I am left feeling confused. I am left feeling sad. I am left feeling that I should write something positive. But I don't have any positive words. I don't have any encouraging words.

But I am left wondering if your in a position where you have the words that are encouraging. Maybe today you have a word that will help me. Maybe God has spoken to you recently about waiting on Him. Or He has shown you His plan in a certain situation.

Maybe today we just need to rest in His arms and just wait for the darkness to be turned to light.

I am gettin' the itch . . .

Well you see it is like this. I have had this itch . .



And no matter how much I scratch it . . .

I just can't get over this urge . . .

And no. Daisy does not have fleas. It is my itch and my urge. You see it all started when I went over here. Now trust me don't go there because you might get the itch too! Only go there if you've changed your blog background or layout or template or whatever the heck it is called. If you haven't stay here for awhile. You see she used a Shabby Blogs layout. I was hooked and so I went over there. And I found this for my sidebar

Isn't it cute? I am adding it tonight and then maybe over the weekend when I have a little more time I'll scratch that itch and make a few changes here. So when you come by if you don't recognize the decor don't worry it is only me doing a little makeover.

And for a makeover of the heart . . .

Here's the verse I am working on this week.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts Him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for Joy, and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

Oh wait but before you go will you stop over here and give me your opinion on my question about Bible verse memory?

Wow on Wednesday

Today I am writing a short post just to tell you all I love you and appreciate you and ask you to keep coming by and visiting.
God is giving me much to be thankful for and many things to share.
And I have books ready to review.
But, I don't have inter-net at home yet so not much posting.
I am praying for you guys.
I thank you for your prayers.
I'll be visiting when I can.
Hang in there. Have a Blessed Day and go and visit Amy Dean's Wordfilled Wednesday it will Bless your socks off!

Posting on random thoughts . ..

I know you have heard the saying about 'when life gives you lemons make lemonade' or what about the one 'when life gives you scraps make a quilt'?

Come on over because the fridge is full of lemonade. It won't be served all cute and pretty as the darling photo above but it is filled with love and I stirred it with my finger so it is really sweet! I washed my hands first! Because I was digging through fabric scraps to make quilts.

Making a quilt is one of my true pleasures. One that I really haven't been able to do much of in a very long time. But I am determined that soon I will be sitting a machine and joining all those lovely pieces of fabric together. I have spent a lot of time visiting other bloggers that quilt and I have a few ideas in mind. I have learned a lot too. I can't wait to try out some of the new things I have learned.

And, I have decided that I am going to make my goal to really produce and really finish up some amazing creations very fast.

What will I do with all these amazing creations you ask? Well I might sell a few. I'll post the photo's and if anyone really wants them and wants to pay shipping I will make a deal. But my main purpose is just to create and use the wonderful fabric that I have. And well I also intend to give a way alot of them. The other day my friend Melanie wrote about a friend whose house burned down. It broke my heart as I read that. I wished I had a quilt already finished up and waiting for a home.

Today my friend Carrie wrote about being 'in the pit'. Here are the verses she was talking about . . Psalm 40

¹I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

²He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

³And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

I had to think a little about her thoughts about these amazing words. She talked about being 'in the pit' and how it is the choices that we make that cause those circumstances. She said it may be a pit of my own design or one designed especially for me by the enemy. I wonder as I 'sit in this pit' I tend to question myself. I know in my heart all of the promises that God has for us. But when circumstances and the lemons of life crash in around you it is hard to understand.

But one thing I do understand is that God will redeem me. He will bring me out of the pit. He will make me a better person. And so today I am singing a new song. I am Praising God for the lemons and I am planning a quilt.

What's in a name ...so why do you come here?

I have been thinking alot lately and just wondering about those of you that visit here. I mentioned the other day in my I'm beautiful post about what draws me to visit other blogs.
And well I am wondering about what brings you here.

I just love the illustration above. The names of Jesus. Tonight I happend to think about the name Jesus. When I think of His name I am in awe. It just causes me to think reverence. Tonight we had auditions for our drama team at the boys facility. One of the boys names was Jesus. I got to thinking later how hard it would be to have that name. It made me really feel sorry for him. He did not pronounce it in the spainish way he actually pronounced it as Jesus.
What a name to live up to.

And well I was just thinking about what I need to 'live up to here'. I am wondering if you happen to be among those over there on the sidebar that are following. Why do you come here?
Maybe you just happen to come over once in a while and maybe you don't even leave comments but would you do me a favor and leave one here. Let me know why you came by.

Do you like my random thoughts? Do you find Jesus when you come here? Do you read my book reviews? Did you just maybe stumble in and wonder what the heck is going on? And you leave almost as soon as you arrive? Do you mind taking a minute and telling me what your thinking. Even if it is something like 'girl find another hobby'.

I really, really would like to know. You see I love this medium. I love writing and sharing my thoughts, my ideas, my impressions. I love sharing what God is saying to me. I hope that your encouraged when you visit here.

So help me out will 'ya and give me your input. I have been seriously thinking about some huge changes and well I need your help.

What would you change here? And why did you come by?

Embracing God's 2nd Calling . . .What?

to the reader . . . Caution. . . I have no idea how long this post will be. It may seem random in places. . . you may have difficulty reading because of typo's (I hate this dawng computer) it may be whinny or inspirational. I hope the later. I am writing it to you and to God. Read on you'll understand.

7 years ago we began working part time in ministry. Within 6 months we were full time while Cowboy held down a full time job. (see this computer is stupid I did not ask for italics again nor turn it off it is possessed I say) We owned our own business so he could spend lots of time on the ministry. Opp's sorry, I am getting a little ahead. . . we began working in ministry when my Cowboy was called by God to try and help teenagers and get them to come to church and tell them about God and about Jesus Christ. This was not his idea it was God's. He followed God's calling and we ended up in full time ministry. That ministry evolved into what it is today. Working in prison units teaching auto mechanics to the boys, sewing to the girls and leading chapel services in both units. There were times a few years ago that I was so burned out that I had a hard time ministering. We literally left our house at 8 or 9 in the morning and didn't come home till 9 or 10 at night. It was physically demanding and emotionally demanding. Picture dealing with 20-22 teenagers every single day. The last few years I was either cooking or co-ordinating the evening meal for these 20 or so kids. And I loved it. But what I couldn't handle was the every single day part. Oh I forgot about Saturday that was our short day. We came home at 3:00 in the afternoon. That was the day the kids from the jail came. And that is another story. As I began to be burned out...here's why; if you haven't read between the lines. Who do you think did the laundry, took care of all the meals, cleaned up after all the meals, took out the trash, made the bed (no cross that one off no one made the bed) you get where I am going. And run a seperate girls ministry during the day. You know you've heard 'be careful what you pray for'. Well I prayed for some relief. I was only asking for maybe a day off but what happened was we lost all funding sources and all our volunteers. All of this for two reasons. We became estranged from Cowboys mother (who btw is a closet alcoholic) because she didn't not accept our son in law. And we changed churches because the church we were at told us how wrong we were because of the estrangement. (there is much more to this story our son in law worked in our ministry) Just before all this happened I began working with the halfway house (girls prison) and so the ministry shifted gears and instead of working primarily with local kids we began working 100% with the girls inside the prison unit and soon after we finally got into the boys unit. (we had been praying to be allowed to work with the boys for 3 years). Since that time we have struggled. I mean really, really struggled. But Cowboy always said God gave him the vision for this ministry for two reasons...#1 no one else would do it. And #2 he was too stubborn to quit.

Fast forward to what is going on right now. A few months ago we learned the house we were living in was being sold. We were already behind on rent because the corporate sponsors had begun changing their policy and they began really dragging their feet on disbursement of funds. Slowly they began to pay and we were able to get some other corporate sponsors interested in the Auto Mechanics program. Not the faith-based part of our work. We began looking for a house prayerfully asking God to provide a combination of house and place for ministry. And, we felt like he did when we found the house and hanger. Still having difficulty with the funding they still continued to provide albeit slow. The board approved signing the lease and approved the house and we waited on funds. We were given from one source the first months rent. But the deposit was coming from another source. They assured us it was on it's way. We barely had the money in the bank to cover that check but we had written some others for utilities etc. Well long story short the money was not wired as they had promised and of all checks to bounce the deposit check bounced. The sponsors sent half of the deposit eventually but we still haven't gotten the rest. We have not received this months funding and we are being forced to move. We knew this was happening two weeks ago but remember I told you Cowboy is stubborn. Last weekend we went to Houston to a convention (all expenses paid) where we received an award for our Chaplaincy programming. Theoretically we should have stayed home and packed but we were still holding onto faith and hope that God would answer our prayers and provide a miracle.

Today we are still asking God for a miracle. But more so we are asking him for direction. In April when all this started I began feeling that God was leading us toward apartment ministry. I talked to Cowboy the stubborn one. He adamantly said God is not calling him to apartment ministry. His words "God called me to do auto mission." We heard someone say one time actually pray that he would not get too far ahead of God or get behind God. Well I am wondering now if that is what we are doing? When I first approached Cowboy about the apartment ministry he said well get the info. and I did but it just didn't seem right. They didn't call us back. I emailed and then finally got someone to call and they said that the application process required both of us to fill out separate applications (it didn't say that on the form that I originally found on the inter-net and filled out) and so I thought well that is our answer. God talks to Cowboy more than me. Or at least Cowboy is a better listener.

Shortly before we were to move I found out that one of our long time closest friends just changed jobs. He is working in apartment ministry (with a different firm). I thought it was interesting but actually forgot about it until last night or maybe this morning I woke up and remembered that he is in apartment ministry.

Right now we don't know where we will sleep tonight. But Cowboy is calling our friend to see if he can help with a temporary apartment that takes dogs btw. (if not our option is a weekly motel and we don't know what to do with the dog)

I am praying. He is praying. We are asking God is this our 2nd calling.

Will you pray for us today and tomorrow and the rest of this week. Will you please leave me comments. Will you please pass onto your other friends and ask them to lift us and our ministries before the Lord. We need guidance and direction. Here's the link to the ministry blog. Please go there and see what we are all about.

Thank you for stopping in. Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for praying for us. I'll will be writing more posts about our ministry journey and I hope that you'll come back. I hope that you'll find something here that touches your heart.

Sending you God's love and Blessings today.

Dreaming of an Enchanted April

I found a give a way over at Gina's. She is offering this book. I would love to read it. The movie looks great too. Gina wanted to know where we would spend an enchanted time. Maybe a villa in Italy, or a France like the movie. I think I would feel I was in the lap of luxury in a Villa in Mexico or maybe Raton Honduras we visited there on a cruise it was so beautiful quant and not real touristy (then). I saw it not too long ago on HGTV International House Hunters. Guess it isn't so isolated anymore. Of course my dream place would be on the beach but it would also have a stable on the property filled with horses. Sounds like heaven on earth to me. Gina invited everyone over to visit her blog and enter so go on over.

Random Post and Prayer Request

I took a break today from looking for a house and packing to do a little visiting in blog land.
One of my favorite people and places is Rachel Anne's Home Sanctuary. I was other there today and she suggested visting another blog so I did. And then I went to another blog and found this...I loved the idea so I wanted to share it!



Rowena is trying to get people to join her in de-cluttering. I am going to join. I had a great time reading some of the other posts.

So if you need a little nudge toward de-cluttering join us.

We are still on our quest to find a new home. To day we began talking about something that I really need wisdom and guidance from the Lord concerning. And so dear sweet sisters. I ask you all to pray for us and leave me comments and words of wisdom.

This is something that I have been thinking about for a while. The other day we found a house that would accomodate us and my mother. I began praying about my mother moving in with us. Actually praying God would soften Cowboys heart to even consider it. And God did begin to move. Today during a conversation about houses I mentioned to Cowboy and he agreed.

Would you guys prayer with us. We are still house hunting but now our criteria has changed somewhat. We haven't even spoken to my mother who will need some huge nudging.

But if God softened Cowboys heart then I know he will work a miracle with not only my mother but with all the details.

I have been wanting this for awhile. As I was praying last night I was overwhelmed concerning the thought of my mommy coming to live with me. I don't get to see her often. Having her with us would be fun in a lot of ways I know. But in a lot of ways it will be a huge change.

If any of you have your elderly parents living with you and you have any words of wisdom I would surely appreciate it. And, please pray for us. All of us as we seek God's direction.

Announcing My Etsy Shop

Tomorrow I'll be sharing a little about why I decided to take the plunge and put some things up on the Etsy Shop. I put some things on the sidebar. I promise I won't leave them up forever. It isn't my desire to turn this blog into a store. But I wanted to let you know what I am up to.

Soon I'll be moving the shop info. to the bottom of the page. But I wanted to highlight in for a few days. I need to get some stuff sold and moved out.

Because I am moving out. We did find a house in Southlake. If you have heard of it don't get all weird on me I am moving into a slum house compared to the other houses in the city. We love the little house.

But it is going to take every dime we can scrape up to make it happen. So the opening of The Mission Shop. I have lots and lots and lots of fabric to sell. If your a quilter or seamstress please begin checking I'll posting some things everyday.

I also have a few vintage kitchen items, and sewing supplies too. And I'll post a few quilts too. Just keep coming by and stay tuned.

Also dear friends please pray for us. My lifestyle has already changed this year due to ministry but once we move I'll be working a lot more in the fundraising efforts mostly writing grants but it will keep me from posting as much. I have a lovely office of my own that I will not have to share as long as I get some grants written and some funding coming in.

And if (strike over...I don't know how to do that) when I do then I hope to get back to the sewing room and making more Angel's and Santa's like the ones I have posted already.

Thanks for visiting. I know I need to get the background changed and I need to clean up the sidebar but with packing and getting stuff up for sale I am having a hard time keeping up. Please bear with me and please come back.

Don't forget I am still doing a book giveway. Go to my Monday post and leave a comment.
Or just comment here and say "I want the book".

Blessings and Hugs

Tuesday Trade Day and a Random Post

I am offering to trade this. It is a plate from Pottery Barn. My post below tells more.
I am adding this post because I have been having a problem with spam comments. Every few days I get annonymous comments that are trying to sell me something. I deleted one earlier or tried but it left a message that said it was deleted by the administrator. I thought that sounded tacky. So I wanted to let everyone know what was going.
I don't want this to affect the trade. I am leaving this up through tonight then I'll put it on the sidebar. It's available till someone wants it. I have something new to offer next week. So if you came by today and this didn't interest you come back.
Come by tomorrow for Wordfilled Wednesday