Count Down To Christmas Linky Party #5

Why Christmas in August?  You can read one reason here. 
But mainly I just love Christmas.  I know you do too even if it is early!

Even though it's early if  this doesn't make you smile.  Well.
Maybe a little story . . .
Once upon time there was a boy.  He was alone even though there were people all around he was sad. 

Everyday he would pass the Christmas tree and he would wish.
Somedays he would even pray.  But he wondered if anyone was listening.  But he knew.  He knew why he was sad.  Why
he was lonely.   Why he wouldn't see his family.  Why he
couldn't buy them gifts.  But he wished. 

And then one day. They called his name.  He didn't know why.
When your name is called you have to answer.  There is no choice
But this time it was different . . .

He walked in the room he couldn't believe what he saw.  The table was filled with bears, wrapping paper, cards and pencils.  And . . . 

There were even Christmas cookies! In that few minutes a sad and lonely young man began to smile and began to realize that someone cares.  And that maybe just maybe "God wasn't as mad at him as he thought ". . .

This is a story that makes me smile to share.   To see the smile on the faces of these young men melts my heart.  I could share many stories with you but. 

I was thinking that maybe you might have a story to share.  Or maybe a Christmas memory.  When was the last time you dug out your old photo album?  

Around here we love all things Christmas!  Stories, Decorations,
Recipes, Crafts.  It's simple really just link.  No hoops to jump through.  Just get in the spirit and join us!

Maybe you need an idea for a post.   Well our friend at
Debbie Dabble had a great and simple idea last week.
Check it out! Click Here. 

 

I would be remiss if I didn't add this amazing video.  Thank you Michelle for being our first link and thanks for the video!

 



The link is below!  Come and join us!

Titus 2 Wanna Be

 Many, many years ago I had a yearning a desire to be a part of the Woman's Ministry at our church. That was a difficult time for me because I really, really had a longing to be 'apart' as a leader.  

Alone I was studying about being a mentor and I was praying that God would open a door to use me. When it didn't happen I was frustrated and probably a little hurt. 
 

Now all these years later I really don't remember the emotions that I felt at that time. But I think I do have an idea why God didn't answer my prayer. Because you see at that time my children were at home. They were both in elementary school. All these years later I wonder if Gods better plan was for me to devote my time to my family at that time in my life.

In some ways I did devote myself to them but it is always easy for me to get absorbed in other things. It was during that time that I begin quilting. I spent many hours playing with fabric while the kids hung out playing nintendo (yes it was a long time ago) or watched t.v. Don't get me wrong we spent a lot of time together. Our horses at the time were at a rented pasture and so everyday after school we sent straight there and spent the afternoon riding, feeding, cleaning and bedding them down for the night. It was a really pleasant and enjoyable time. It was a time that I wouldn't change for all the money in the world. I firmly believe that the horses played a huge role in keeping my kids 'out of trouble'. By the time we got home every evening it was dinner time and then homework time and bedtime. This went on all through their growing up years. 
 

As I think back I think about the time I spent with God. And, if truth be known if I were to logg those hours it would probably fit into a really small spreadsheet.

As I think back it makes me wonder if unintentionally I was putting my kids and my desires above God. Was I unintentionally making idols out of the things in my life? 
 

Is there a possibility that things like my quilting habit, my children's activities and even my church activities were things that got in the way of my relationship with my father? Sadly I probably could answer yes.

I thought of these words . . . Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10: 27.

Dear sister are you going through a time in your life when your responsibilities are draining you? Are you like me are you eagerly accepting your role as wife and mommy seriously? Are you spending time with your children and securing their future by allowing into your lives things like sports and activities that 'keep them out of trouble'? Like we did with the horses

If you are I commend you. But are you like me are you putting all these things before your relationship with your Father?

Today I urge you to join me in taking some time to sit still and be with the Father. Take some time and just rest and relax and offer Him your heart.

Take some time and . . .




I 'wanna be' a Titus 2 woman. I wanna share my faith and my stories and what I have learned to help you get there before me. At this 'time' in my life I have the time to share myself with you. I have the time to share my faith Journey. And as the older, more mature and maybe a little wiser (at least I hope) I have the time to share with you what I have learned and am learning on my Journey.
Thank you for joining me on My Journey.

Photos From Prompts

One of my favorite linkys is Ashley's Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  
Ashley provides prompts.  I really enjoy it because it stretches me!
I seriously have to think about coming up with pics from these prompts!  

Check out this weeks promts . . . 
Like I said it stretches me.  I didn't want to do this first one!

Bathroom Selfie 

I should have used the smallest pic I could.  I didn't want to do this
because I don't like to be in the pics.  That's why I hold the camera!

Hop, Skip, Jump



He's always moving. There's always a Hop, Skip or a Jump!
                                So do I need a better camera? 

                                                                Creative Angle 

Well not much of an angle but go with me.   I just thought he is handsome and wanted to use this shot.    Very creative Cowboy all dressed up!

                                              Box or Package

And

Unfocused

I don't think this one needs any explanation!  Like I said.  He

moves too fast for me!

Thanks Ashley for giving me inspiration and stretching me!

To visit Ashley and Scavenger hung Sunday click here.

Linking with Christine for Picture Perfect Wednesday.  Click Here

     

A Walk Around The Linky Party . . .

And the party starts over at Sally's . . .

  This weekend I started playing with editing. So I bordered these for Sally.

Then I tried something a little different . . .




Something a little nostalgic for Mary at Dear Little Red House.
With just a little more Blue.

And then to honor our sweet new Mosaic Monday hostess . . .

A little Lavender for Judith

Welcome Judith.  Click Here to visit/Join Mosaic Monday.
And don't forget Sally over at Blue Monday.
Linking Wednesday for Outdoor Wednesday.
Linking with Christine for Picture Perfect.  Click Here.
Then on Thursday be sure and visit Tex for some Good Fences.

Thanks for coming by

I've some friends asking what happened to the horses!

Never far away!

Enjoy

                      

One of my mares. I will always love this girl

I'll share her story on another post

 A new Count Down To Christmas starts on Tuesday
Link any day
Come and join us! 

Playing with Pictures

A few pics I played around with . . .

My dog isn't the best at posing. But I try!  She makes me smile
anyway.
I took this one on July 4th weekend.  I edited on Pic Monkey by using the 'Frosty' edge option.  I would like to try taking her pic here again without the leash.  I'll have to get Cowboy to go with us to help.

Next I tried a different option.  Check this out!

I love the sparkles. It really looks like rays coming off the crown! Perfect for the crown photo!
It's hard to see but the tie around her neck is just a strip of fabric it had hearts on it. 
I had used it to tie my hair up.  This shot was taken at the end of the evening when my Cowboy and I serve a Valentines Dinner to our daughter and grandson. 
In this shot she was recently groomed.  Really, really short.

This next one is probably my favorite . . .

I used Pic Monkey again on this one and did the edges dark. 
I like the way the lighting came through the window.
Here she is shaggy again.  This was just before she was groomed.
She looks peaceful but she is actually pouting.  I was decorating the Christmas tree,  I had told her to stay on the tile in the entry way.  She snuck over to this hide that was laying on the floor.
I had used the hides on the mantel for fall.  

So have you tried Pic Monkey.  It is simple to use.  I only used the free option but you can do more if purchase the upgrade. 

Check it out and these fun linky's . . .
Linking with Camera Critters.  Click Here.
Linking with Donna's Photo Challenge.  Click Here.
Linking with Smile It's The Weekend.  Click Here.  

Do you love Christmas?  Check out my Count Down Linky!
It's fun and simple just post anything Christmas related.
The link opens every Tuesday and runs all week.  Click Here!

Staycation Day 1 Sweeeeeet Satuday

                                     Staycation
                                      To Do List

Day 1

1. Sleep Late...Check

Move Mountains . . . (topic of an upcoming post.  Do you feel like you are always moving mountains?)

2. Nothing.  Working On It!

Have a Good Day Hope your Saturday is Sweet
Just in case you Saturday isn't so sweet yet maybe this
will sweeten you day . . .

photo sources Pinterest

Linking with Christine for Sweet Saturday
Linking with Camera Critters

Letter L Alphabet Thursday

Letter L . . .

Little Horse . . .

Laugh . . . He does.  He makes me Laugh. 

Love

And lastly L is for Linky . . .

Linking with Jenny for Alphabet Thursday.  Click Here. 

My Last Fence

It is bittersweet for me to share this fence . . .
This photo is from the last Christmas we spent in the last house with property where we were blessed to live. 

To celebrate my Count Down To Christmas link party I wanted to share it with you and Tex.
Linking with Tex for Good Fences.  Click Here.
Linking with Outdoor Wednesday.  Click Here.
Linking with My Journey Back for Count Down To Christmas.  Click Here.

Perfect Pictures

A few perfect pics  of people and critters . . .

 Two Things

Lost Two Teeth

Animal

Fairy Pig

Handwriting

Arm Writing

Frozen



Naptime



Linking Perfect Pics with Christine for Picture Perfect Wednesday. Click Here.
Linking Prompts with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt. Link Closed.   Click Here to visit.
Linking with Create with Joy for Wordless Wednesday. Click Here.
Linking with Sweet Serindipty for Friday Photo Journal.  Click Here (Opens On Friday)
Linking with Camera Critters.  Click Here.

Count Down To Christmas #4 Christmas in August

Welcome to our 4th week of Counting Down To Christmas.  I want to thank all the bloggers that have already joined us.  You are making this project very fun for me!

Last week I promised I would share why August is especially a special time for me to think of Christmas.  When I was a child I loved going to church. 

One of the programs I attended was Girls in Action or G.A.'s as we called it.

G.A.'s was the missions activities/discipleship program for girls.  We learned all about missionaries all over the world.   We learned about famous missionaries.  We learned about the countries where they served.  In fact at times it was a real geography and history lesson and I really think I learned more in G.A.s than I did at school.


G.A.'s was a program a little like Girl Scouts in that you had to complete projects and activities to more up in the levels of the program.   I don't really remember all the levels but they were named after royalty like: Princess, Lady in Waiting and Queen. 

Each year there was a huge program at the end of the year and the girls received crowns and other items as awards for completing the levels.  It was a big event.  We wore fancy dresses. 

Christmas in August is just one project that we participated in.  It was a learning project and a hands on project




Christmas In August is a program to help missionaries by providing them with resources and things they need for the ministry that they do.  They provide a 'wish list' of items that would be helpful to them in their service. 

The first Christmas in August^TM was a project of the Sunbeam Band of the First Baptist Church of Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1927.  The full story is here.   When the project began it provided needed items for foreign missionaries and was planned in August to give the 'gift's time to make it through the mail to the recipients. 

Through the years there have been changes to the program and now it focuses on home missionaries. 

The time that I spent in the G.A. program is very special to me.  I really enjoyed it and I have some wonderful memories.   

If you have memories of G.A.'s and Christmas in August I would love for you to share them here at our Count Down To Christmas link. 

The linky is open all week.  No real rules just links about Christmas.  It would be nice if you commented and visited the other links.  And followed me! 

Thank you for allowing me to share my special Christmas In August memories with you. 

And one more thing before the link up.  Beginning with this weeks linky party I will be choosing my favorite post from last week.
Today the honor goes to Sara at Magnolia Surprise Click Here 
Sara shared a wonderful post about the great crocheted Christmas items she is making.  Here's a sneak peak . . .


I love these stars!  I have to have some!

Now on with the party.  Link up!

When God Closses Doors-- My New Journey

This past  January I began teaching at a Christian Preschool. 

In two weeks we will begin our school year.  I am excited.  I am Blessed.  I am thankful.  Every day I thank God as I drive in.
Everyday as I walk into my room I am thankful. 

It was a difficult Journey and I am so glad it is over

I teach three year olds.

I spent almost a year looking for a job.  When your over
50 with no education it is really, really hard to find a job.

The last 10 years I spent managing a non-profit that my Cowboy and I founded.  

When I began my job search it was that experience that I feel back on with both feet jumped into searching for a job in that field.


I went on almost a dozen interviews.  Three different non-profits
interviewed and called me back.  One called me back for two other interviews.  Each time I thought I would receive an offer. 

Each time no offer came.  To say I was down and depressed is putting it lightly. 

I began to get more and more depressed and disappointed.  And honestly I began to loose faith.  It was so hard.   

I truly felt alone and abandoned by God. 

Then I went through a phase of applying for any office/clerical job I could find.  I received no calls.  No interviews. 

More depression.  More questions.  I began to beat myself up for lacking faith. 

It was here on this Journey that I kept myself from completely giving in to the idea of believing that God was punishing me.  Or just didn't care anymore. 

Because here I had to stay strong.  Because here I knew deep down that there might be someone who stopped in that might need a little
encouragement. 

And so here I kept it all together. 

And I tried really hard to be cheerful and offer hope and encouragement. 

Today I am not lacking in faith.  For many reasons I see God's hand in where I am now.   

And I remember these words His plans are not my plans.  His ways are not my ways. He does have a bigger plan.  A better plan. 

And even when He seems silent.  He isn't.  All things are working together. 

We have to trust.  We have to have faith. 

And today I am more empowered than ever to share a little faith, a little trust and a little hope. 

Today I hope that you are encouraged to Trust God more.   And look forward to seeing around that curve.

Linking with Jess for The Art of  Homemaking Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Monday's Musings.  Click Here.

Finding Hope along the Journey

 Sherry

Homemaking Monday A New Series

Welcome to my new Monday Homemaking Series
Here you'll find homemaking related posts.  Today I thought it would be fun to introduce myself and tell you A little about me . . .
As a little girl I dreamed of being a wife and a mommy

My dreams came true

As a young bride back in the 70's I received a special cookbook from my mother. . .

 Betty became my 'go to girl'.  But I loved reading cookbooks.  I have collected cookbooks throughout my marriage.  I have a huge
collection. 

Things have changed a lot since those early days in the 70's. 
My 'go to' place is Pinterest. 


And now over 30 years later my Cowboy and I have raised two wonderful kids and are now grandparents and are empty nesters.

So I am cooking for two again.  I still love cooking!


I love visiting my friends in the blog world for cooking ideas and for tips and just fun things. 


The other day I a fun meme that was perfect for my 'a little about me' post.   A to Z about me . . .

(A) Aprons - Y/N If Y what does your favorite look like?

(B) Baking - Favorite thing to bake.
 I love baking so I'll try anything. 

(C) Clothesline - Y/N?
 Yes.  But I don't have one.  If I was in a house I would definitely
 have one!


(D) Donuts - Have you ever made them?
Yes, Once was enough!

 (E) Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday.
 Cooking Dinner.  We do try to go out once a week.  But I  normaly cook our dinner.

 (F) Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze?
  Yes.  Thank goodness.  We've been without.  Just bought one last weekend!

(G) Garbage Disposal - Y/N
 Yes.  Best thing since sliced bread!

(H) Handbook - what is your favorite homemaking resource?
 Back in the day I went to my Betty Crocker cookbook for everything.  Now a days its Pinterest.

(I) Ironing- Love it or hate it?
 Not a fan!  I guess that means hate!


(J) Junk Drawer - Y/N - Where is it?
Yes. In the kitchen

 (K) Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme?
 White with mostly royal blue plates on rack and red and black towels

(L) Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking?
Making my house a home.

 (M) Mop - Y/N
 This is a love/hate relationship.   I've learned not to hate it!

(N) Nylons - wash by hand or in the washing machine?
 What is a nylon? LOL haven't had a pair in I don't know how long!

(O) Oven - Do you use the window to check on things or do you open the door?
 No window!

(P) Pizza - What do you put on yours?
 1/2 Pepperoni   1/2 sausage, cheese

(Q) Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
 I am in my little sewing room.  Click here for a tour of my little sewing space. 

 (R) Recipe Card Box - Y/N
Yes.  I have a cool wooden box my sister gave me years ago.

(S) Style of house
 Now in an apartment.  My dream would be a house on land.  Any kind of house with enough space for horses.

(T) Tablecloth and napkins - Y/N
 Not a fan of tablecloths but we use cloth napkins every day.  I don't buy paper napkins.

(U) Under the sink - Organized or toxic wasteland?
Can't stand toxic waste.  3 things dish/dishwasher soap and bleach spray are under my sink.

 (V) Vacuum - How many times per week?
 Everyday. I have a big black hairy dog!

(W) Wash - How many loads per week?
 Gee never really counted probably 5.

(X) Do you make a daily to-do list and check it off as you do things?
 Used to not anymore. 

(Y) Yard -Y/N - Who does what?
Cowboy has always paid someone to do the yard work.  He cannot stand it!  One reason we're in an apartment.

 (Z) Zzzz's - What is the last homemaking task you do for the day before you go to bed?
 Fold a load of cloths if I have washed in the evening.  Plug my phone in.

So that's a little about me.
Linking with Jess for Homemaking Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Lori for Making Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Much Ado Monday.  Click Here.
Linking with Nicole for Growing In Grace.  Click Here.
I'm linking up to Friendship Friday at Create With Joy.