Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Snow Day
At my house, Wednesday seemed like a regular holiday! Dad and I were both off work, and (this was the only sad part of the situation) church was canceled as well. So, we all spent the day reading, crafting, working on projects that it seemed we never had time to do otherwise, and just enjoying being together!
The temperature was in the teens this week, and when I went out in the mornings to feed the chickens, I carried our kettle full of boiling water to pour into their frozen water dishes. My heavy rubber work boots crunched on the grass, and I could sense the hot water cooling in my kettle as I crossed the yard from the house to the chicken pen!
I snuck out into the yard later Wednesday afternoon to get some pictures. The sky had become overcast, our dirt driveway and the dirt road running in front of our house were frozen slick, and their were actually icicles hanging from our roof and from the noses of our cars! It was beautiful, but so much colder than any southern winter I could remember, and I scurried back inside to my crafting pretty soon!
Yes, I know, for some of my readers from places where snow is a common occurrence, a dusting such as pictured in the images above is nothing to notice, much less get excited about! But combine the fact that this snow was mixed with icy sleet (making the roads treacherous) with the fact that snow of any kind coming to our part of the southern United States is extremely rare, and you have a couple of days of excitement for a small town! School was out for three days this week, many places of business were closed for at least one, and most of the residents of this area enjoyed a couple of unexpected days curled up in front of fireplaces or engaging in relaxing indoor activities of other kinds. Unless of course they were families with active children; in that case, there was time spent out in the snow!
The temperature was in the teens this week, and when I went out in the mornings to feed the chickens, I carried our kettle full of boiling water to pour into their frozen water dishes. My heavy rubber work boots crunched on the grass, and I could sense the hot water cooling in my kettle as I crossed the yard from the house to the chicken pen!
I snuck out into the yard later Wednesday afternoon to get some pictures. The sky had become overcast, our dirt driveway and the dirt road running in front of our house were frozen slick, and their were actually icicles hanging from our roof and from the noses of our cars! It was beautiful, but so much colder than any southern winter I could remember, and I scurried back inside to my crafting pretty soon!
Yes, I know, for some of my readers from places where snow is a common occurrence, a dusting such as pictured in the images above is nothing to notice, much less get excited about! But combine the fact that this snow was mixed with icy sleet (making the roads treacherous) with the fact that snow of any kind coming to our part of the southern United States is extremely rare, and you have a couple of days of excitement for a small town! School was out for three days this week, many places of business were closed for at least one, and most of the residents of this area enjoyed a couple of unexpected days curled up in front of fireplaces or engaging in relaxing indoor activities of other kinds. Unless of course they were families with active children; in that case, there was time spent out in the snow!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year's Resolutions - 2014
New Year's Resolutions. Some people love 'em. Some people hate 'em. Some people don't let it bother them much either way. Like me.
I had 'New Year's Resolutions' for 2010. I had them for 2011. I sort-of had some for 2012. I didn't do any for 2013, except for one of the left-overs from 2012.
This year, I'm going to [try to] do 'New Year's Resolutions' again. But this year is going to be harder than all the previous ones, I think.
1. Memorize a book of the Bible.
2. Do the Radical Experiment.
On {1.}: Memorizing the Bible has been important to Christians through the centuries.
It was (is - my mom celebrated a milestone birthday recently and wouldn't let herself open her presents until she'd quoted Philippians 1 for us. It had been her goal to have it memorized by her birthday. You know, just a little shout-out to my mom there :) ) important to my parents as Trissy and I grew up and they worked to help us learn literally reams of Scripture. It's important to me now, and this past year has sharpened it's importance like I don't think it's ever been sharpened.
For a Christian, the Bible is his water, his food, his warmth, his rest, his very breath and life!!
Memorization is difficult. But what more worthy subject to exert the struggle on than This?!
So, one of my resolutions is to memorize at least one book of the Bible. I'm not sure which one yet, but I'm thinking one of Paul's books (so practical and useful for just every-day advice!), maybe Ephesians or Colossians. We'll see.
On {2.}: I take a deep breath on this one. See this post.
A very short list, yet a pretty formidable one. But life has got to change. I've got to change. I don't want to be one of those just-average Christians who goes through life content to float along saved and satisfied. I don't want to stop learning about the Lord, and I don't want my love for Him and others to stop growing, until the day I die; or even beyond that, for that matter.
2014. God help me.
I had 'New Year's Resolutions' for 2010. I had them for 2011. I sort-of had some for 2012. I didn't do any for 2013, except for one of the left-overs from 2012.
This year, I'm going to [try to] do 'New Year's Resolutions' again. But this year is going to be harder than all the previous ones, I think.
1. Memorize a book of the Bible.
2. Do the Radical Experiment.
On {1.}: Memorizing the Bible has been important to Christians through the centuries.
It was (is - my mom celebrated a milestone birthday recently and wouldn't let herself open her presents until she'd quoted Philippians 1 for us. It had been her goal to have it memorized by her birthday. You know, just a little shout-out to my mom there :) ) important to my parents as Trissy and I grew up and they worked to help us learn literally reams of Scripture. It's important to me now, and this past year has sharpened it's importance like I don't think it's ever been sharpened.
For a Christian, the Bible is his water, his food, his warmth, his rest, his very breath and life!!
Memorization is difficult. But what more worthy subject to exert the struggle on than This?!
So, one of my resolutions is to memorize at least one book of the Bible. I'm not sure which one yet, but I'm thinking one of Paul's books (so practical and useful for just every-day advice!), maybe Ephesians or Colossians. We'll see.
On {2.}: I take a deep breath on this one. See this post.
A very short list, yet a pretty formidable one. But life has got to change. I've got to change. I don't want to be one of those just-average Christians who goes through life content to float along saved and satisfied. I don't want to stop learning about the Lord, and I don't want my love for Him and others to stop growing, until the day I die; or even beyond that, for that matter.
2014. God help me.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Christmas - 2013
Mom's sister and brother-in-law came for Christmas from a few states away. They both have health problems and don't get to make the trip over very much, so it's a treat to have them. The Grandparents aren't really able to travel, and my family won't leave them by themselves, so we don't get to make the trip over to see this uncle and aunt very much either.
Last night we had a relaxing little Christmas Eve 'party', eating goodies, watching a Christmas movie, and just enjoying all being together.
Christmas morning started nice and slow, and pretty much stayed that way all day. I rode from our house up to The Grandparents' on my bicycle, and the cold Christmas morning was just about perfect. The frost on the hood of my uncle and aunt's van glittered like magic in the morning sun - this photo does nothing as far as doing it justice.
This year, our family (Dad, Mom, Trissy, and me) agreed to not buy each other presents, but instead use the money we'd planned to spend, to help purchase gifts for impoverished and vulnerable people through Samaritans Purse's Gift Catalog. We were all so glad that we did it that way! As it was, we still gave gifts to The Grandparents and Mom's sister and brother-in-law, and they to us. But they were simple, small, and/or meaningful things, and the 'commercial' side of Christmas has happily been awarded an even-tinier-than-usual place in our celebrations of the season.
All in all, it was a very nice Christmas. Different, but nice.
Christmas lasts for days at our house. Especially if we have guests/family over. My uncle and aunt are planning to stay until New Year's morning, and school is out for two weeks. So just work at the restaurant a few days a week for me, and work with the surveying company a few days a week for Dad. Otherwise, we've been enjoying each other's company, working puzzles, reading, listening to Christmas stories, eating [too many] goodies, and generally trying to not waste our little 'vacation'.
Last night we had a relaxing little Christmas Eve 'party', eating goodies, watching a Christmas movie, and just enjoying all being together.
Christmas morning started nice and slow, and pretty much stayed that way all day. I rode from our house up to The Grandparents' on my bicycle, and the cold Christmas morning was just about perfect. The frost on the hood of my uncle and aunt's van glittered like magic in the morning sun - this photo does nothing as far as doing it justice.
This year, our family (Dad, Mom, Trissy, and me) agreed to not buy each other presents, but instead use the money we'd planned to spend, to help purchase gifts for impoverished and vulnerable people through Samaritans Purse's Gift Catalog. We were all so glad that we did it that way! As it was, we still gave gifts to The Grandparents and Mom's sister and brother-in-law, and they to us. But they were simple, small, and/or meaningful things, and the 'commercial' side of Christmas has happily been awarded an even-tinier-than-usual place in our celebrations of the season.
All in all, it was a very nice Christmas. Different, but nice.
Christmas lasts for days at our house. Especially if we have guests/family over. My uncle and aunt are planning to stay until New Year's morning, and school is out for two weeks. So just work at the restaurant a few days a week for me, and work with the surveying company a few days a week for Dad. Otherwise, we've been enjoying each other's company, working puzzles, reading, listening to Christmas stories, eating [too many] goodies, and generally trying to not waste our little 'vacation'.
Friday, August 9, 2013
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 97
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: Firefly
2. Hearing:
3. Smell: Candles
4. Taste:
5. Touch: Hand Hug
The stories behind the list:
1. During a slow spell at the restaurant, I was leaning on the ledge that goes around the inside of the front service area, looking out the window. When I glanced down, on the outside ledge there was a firefly walking along. I hadn't seen a firefly in such a long time.
2.
3. We have a gas cooking stove, and when the tank gets about empty, you can start to smell gas in the house a little bit. It's not dangerous, but the smell is pretty annoying, and makes Mom feel sick. The tank is getting low again, and there's been a nagging gas smell in the kitchen the past few days. So we lit some candles to help burn the gas smell off, and produce a countering nice candle smell!
I absolutely love the smell of candles. Even if they don't have a scent, the smell of the match after it's blown out, or the burning wick of the candle itself, gives me such a wonderful comfortable feeling. It makes me think of Fall, chilly weather, craft projects or reading inside while it rains outside, pumpkin pie, leaves on the ground, Thanksgiving Day. And then later in the year, scarves and gloves and hats and comfy coats, hot chocolate, Christmas music, Christmas decorations and lights, the central heating turned on in the house, standing over the floor vents warming bare toes, curling up on the couch on chilly mornings with a fleece blanket to read my Bible, Winter, Christmas traditions, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years. Memories, pictures, friends, family, warmth, love, laughter. All this from the smell of a candle being lit. Even in August.
4.
5. My S. ladies came by the restarant early Wednesday morning. Their big silver van was having some work done on it at the shop next door, and they saw my Tilly parked at the restaurant and stopped just to say hello to me! Before they left, Piper reached in through the window and showed me how to give a 'hand hug'.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New Year's Resolutions - 2011
Well, here I am again, and a new year has begun. I wonder if you remember this post from last year about this time, and my list of resolutions for 2010. In case you don't remember what they are, or in the event that you did not read that post at all, please allow me to refresh your memory:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Now, I would like to look at each one, and see how I did with accomplishing them :) .
I'm afraid I did not do quite as well as I had hoped, yet I am satisfied. I think that under the circumstances of all that has gone on this past year, the Lord helped me to do quite well with my list:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
Check. The Lord helped me to get this done fairly early in the year. I do need to brush up though - it's been a little while since I reviewed.
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
Ooh, not so good. Number-of-books-out-of-that-box-actually-finished-and-returned: zero, zilch, nothing, none
*Sigh* Not much time for pleasure reading this year... I actually finished the first book from that box this week. So here's one that goes back on the list for 2011 lol!
3. Learn to be more understanding
Whoo boy, I sure hope so. I suppose this one really can't be measured for success, or checked off a list. It's work is on-going. I would like to think it's easier for me to 'think before I act', 'turn the other cheek', and 'put myself in their shoes' more than it was last year. Honestly though, it's still hard - real hard - to always just bite my lip and be humble. In fact, I don't. Not "always".
Psalms 145:8
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
Check. Well, sort of. This is as far as it's gone. And right now it's obviously more mine than Trissy's. But I hope to work on it more in 2011, and at least it's a start. Check it out and let me know what you think!
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Hmm,
Check, ended-up-taking-it-online, and haven't-done-anything-about-it-yet. So, some accomplished, some not. At least, not yet. :)
Now what about this year? 2011? Seems so weird to write/type that - 2011. Anyway...
Will I make New Year's Resolutions this year? *Sigh* Sure, why not. I'll still keep it small, and maybe without SO much school this year, I'll end up getting more of it accomplished.
Ok, here goes:
1. Finish memorizing Ps. 107:8-22, and start on another passage
2. Read and return at least 1/2 of that box of borrowed books!
3. Open an Etsy shop
4. Get the internet/laptop situation ironed out and working (long story - don't ask)
5. Unload at least 3/4 of the stored pictures off of the computer, save them on CDs, and help Mom start printing the ones she wants
6. Get brownies made for Russell and Archer, and a cheesecake for Austin, before the end of January! (another long story - I'll try to get it told at some point)
7. Go on a mission trip
Yes, I added two since last year. For a couple of reasons. Number one, some of them are not that hard, I just need to get them done! So if I get them done before too long, it's not too outrageous to think I'll get some others accomplished. Number two, 7. is on the list out of faith and hope. The church is planning two mission trips for the summer, and I REALLY want to go on one of them, at least. But it's going to take a bundle of money, and I've never tried to raise that much in such a short time. Besides that, there're the issues of care for The Grandparents, permission from Dad and Mom, and other things like that. Anyway, it's up to the Lord whether that one gets checked off or not!
So I'm going to go for now, I'm hungry, and I'm going to go eat a sandwitch :)
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
1. Finish memorizing John 14
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Now, I would like to look at each one, and see how I did with accomplishing them :) .
I'm afraid I did not do quite as well as I had hoped, yet I am satisfied. I think that under the circumstances of all that has gone on this past year, the Lord helped me to do quite well with my list:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
Check. The Lord helped me to get this done fairly early in the year. I do need to brush up though - it's been a little while since I reviewed.
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
Ooh, not so good. Number-of-books-out-of-that-box-actually-finished-and-returned: zero, zilch, nothing, none
*Sigh* Not much time for pleasure reading this year... I actually finished the first book from that box this week. So here's one that goes back on the list for 2011 lol!
3. Learn to be more understanding
Whoo boy, I sure hope so. I suppose this one really can't be measured for success, or checked off a list. It's work is on-going. I would like to think it's easier for me to 'think before I act', 'turn the other cheek', and 'put myself in their shoes' more than it was last year. Honestly though, it's still hard - real hard - to always just bite my lip and be humble. In fact, I don't. Not "always".
Psalms 145:8
4. Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
Check. Well, sort of. This is as far as it's gone. And right now it's obviously more mine than Trissy's. But I hope to work on it more in 2011, and at least it's a start. Check it out and let me know what you think!
5. CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Hmm,
Check, ended-up-taking-it-online, and haven't-done-anything-about-it-yet. So, some accomplished, some not. At least, not yet. :)
Now what about this year? 2011? Seems so weird to write/type that - 2011. Anyway...
Will I make New Year's Resolutions this year? *Sigh* Sure, why not. I'll still keep it small, and maybe without SO much school this year, I'll end up getting more of it accomplished.
Ok, here goes:
1. Finish memorizing Ps. 107:8-22, and start on another passage
2. Read and return at least 1/2 of that box of borrowed books!
5. Unload at least 3/4 of the stored pictures off of the computer, save them on CDs, and help Mom start printing the ones she wants
Yes, I added two since last year. For a couple of reasons. Number one, some of them are not that hard, I just need to get them done! So if I get them done before too long, it's not too outrageous to think I'll get some others accomplished. Number two, 7. is on the list out of faith and hope. The church is planning two mission trips for the summer, and I REALLY want to go on one of them, at least. But it's going to take a bundle of money, and I've never tried to raise that much in such a short time. Besides that, there're the issues of care for The Grandparents, permission from Dad and Mom, and other things like that. Anyway, it's up to the Lord whether that one gets checked off or not!
So I'm going to go for now, I'm hungry, and I'm going to go eat a sandwitch :)
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Dark Days And Disappointments
Ok, this post really isn't as morbid as the title ... maybe ... I just couldn't come up with anything better, and I'm really discouraged right now. Mom's oldest brother passed away Christmas morning right after midnight. Her father fell and broke his hip the day before Thanksgiving, and has been in various hospitals (all at least an hour's drive away) ever since. College starts back for me Jan. 7. My registration didn't go through, so I don't know if I'll be able to get all my classes for this semester, and may be forced to graduate a whole year behind. That's not a big deal - the graduating late - it's just those eight extra months of school. I've got to get in contact with the instructors for the classes I will be taking this semester, and order books. The Grandmother is discouraged about the slow progress The Grandfather is making - they both just want him home. We all do. She, Dad, Mom, Trissy, and I are all exhausted from driving (some of us) to see him every day except two, I think, since he's been in the hospital. Trissy has been taking up my slack during school and finals, so she is tired. We were both sick with a virus all last week. Today is Mom's birthday, and instead of celebrating it, we are getting ready for a two-day drive, week-long trip, to go to her brother's funeral. Mom is tired worrying about The Grandparents, sad about losing her brother, and pressured while making plans to be gone several states away, for a week. Dad is tired from worrying about Mom all the time. And while our Christmas was nice (although very different), none of us have had a 'real' Christmas break.
So now that you've listened to my list of woes, let me say I'm sorry to weigh you down with my problems. I just had to let it out. Please pray for my whole family - we are all tired and discouraged. And please pray for me - I know I should be noble and selfless and submissive, but I am having alot of trouble right now being any of those, though I want to so badly. I just want to stay here. I don't want to go to a funeral, and I sure don't want to lose a whole week of my three-week break from school - especially since I'm really struggling with the stress of the college issues that have got to be taken care of before January 7.
I know God is soverign - He not only knows how this is all going to turn out, He planned it to turn out that way. Whenever I think of that, it is a great comfort - I know He will give me just enough strength to get through the 'schedule' He has laid out.
I wish it would rain - a beautiful, thundering, rejoicing, winter rain.
Somewhere, it is raining.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
So now that you've listened to my list of woes, let me say I'm sorry to weigh you down with my problems. I just had to let it out. Please pray for my whole family - we are all tired and discouraged. And please pray for me - I know I should be noble and selfless and submissive, but I am having alot of trouble right now being any of those, though I want to so badly. I just want to stay here. I don't want to go to a funeral, and I sure don't want to lose a whole week of my three-week break from school - especially since I'm really struggling with the stress of the college issues that have got to be taken care of before January 7.
I know God is soverign - He not only knows how this is all going to turn out, He planned it to turn out that way. Whenever I think of that, it is a great comfort - I know He will give me just enough strength to get through the 'schedule' He has laid out.
I wish it would rain - a beautiful, thundering, rejoicing, winter rain.
Somewhere, it is raining.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A Christmas Tag
Ok, on a blog I just discovered recently, and am really enjoying, the young lady who authors it requested a Christmas tag. I've been wanting to do a tag for a while, so this is a good excuse! Hope this fulfills your 'want' Lucy!
1. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
2. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
3. Do you do Christmas baking? If so, post one of your recipes.
4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If so, are they store-bought, or home-made? Do you like to use 'cute' ones, 'inspirational' ones, 'elegant' ones, or combinations?
5. What is your favorite Christmas song or carol, and why?
6. Do you go somewhere for Christmas or stay home?
7. Do you usually have guests for Christmas?
8. Do you do volunteer or charity work of some kind at Christmas? If so, tell what, and some of the lessons or memories you've gotten from the experience.
9. Do you give gifts at Christmas? If so, are they store-bought, home-made, or a combination? Which do you like to give best? Which would you rather receive? Why?
10. Do you use a Christmas tree as part of your decorating? Why or why not (give specifics)?
11. Do you get snow where you live? If so, what are your favorite snow-related activities? Why? If not, what do you imagine your favorites would be, and why?
12. What is your favorite Christmas story? Please post it if you have access to a copy.
13. Is your birthday also in December? Do you know someone who's birthday is in December? If so, is an effort made to make it special and seperate from the Christmas celebrations? If so, what are some of the ways you/they accomplish this?
14. What are your favorite Christmas/Winter color combinations? (Ex.: Red and Green, Red and Black and White, Red and Gold, Green and Gold, White and Silver, etc.)
15. Are there some special ways you focus on Christ at Christmas?
Ok, I may keep adding to this tag - I had fun coming up with it, and hopefully it will be a challenge, as well as an enjoyment to all who participate! I will try to publish my own answers later.
I tag
Lucy of course,
Cora,
Grace,
Jenna
and anyone else who wants to do it!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
1. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
2. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
3. Do you do Christmas baking? If so, post one of your recipes.
4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If so, are they store-bought, or home-made? Do you like to use 'cute' ones, 'inspirational' ones, 'elegant' ones, or combinations?
5. What is your favorite Christmas song or carol, and why?
6. Do you go somewhere for Christmas or stay home?
7. Do you usually have guests for Christmas?
8. Do you do volunteer or charity work of some kind at Christmas? If so, tell what, and some of the lessons or memories you've gotten from the experience.
9. Do you give gifts at Christmas? If so, are they store-bought, home-made, or a combination? Which do you like to give best? Which would you rather receive? Why?
10. Do you use a Christmas tree as part of your decorating? Why or why not (give specifics)?
11. Do you get snow where you live? If so, what are your favorite snow-related activities? Why? If not, what do you imagine your favorites would be, and why?
12. What is your favorite Christmas story? Please post it if you have access to a copy.
13. Is your birthday also in December? Do you know someone who's birthday is in December? If so, is an effort made to make it special and seperate from the Christmas celebrations? If so, what are some of the ways you/they accomplish this?
14. What are your favorite Christmas/Winter color combinations? (Ex.: Red and Green, Red and Black and White, Red and Gold, Green and Gold, White and Silver, etc.)
15. Are there some special ways you focus on Christ at Christmas?
Ok, I may keep adding to this tag - I had fun coming up with it, and hopefully it will be a challenge, as well as an enjoyment to all who participate! I will try to publish my own answers later.
I tag
Lucy of course,
Cora,
Grace,
Jenna
and anyone else who wants to do it!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Summer in December
Well, we had an absolutely beautiful summer day here today! Seventy-five degrees, a cheerful sun shining, and a wonderfully lovely breeze. The only problem is, this is DECEMBER 22! For crying out loud!
Ah well, such are the oddities of living in my beloved Dixie. Any of y'all northerners want to send us some SNOW?! ;D
Ah well, such are the oddities of living in my beloved Dixie. Any of y'all northerners want to send us some SNOW?! ;D
Saturday, December 11, 2010
50 Free Christmas Cards From Shutterfly!
I read on Emily's blog about a wonderful promotion Shutterfly is doing this Christmas! They will send 50 Christmas cards FREE to anyone who will blog about the offer! How can you beat that?! My cousin uses Shutterfly frequently to create unique and meaningful gifts. They always turn out great, and each item has such a nice personal feel - not as if you just went out and picked something random up for the occasion, but something with meaning and thoughtfulness. I've never used Shutterfly personally, but I've been impressed with what I've seen of their work.
They have a wide variety of gift ideas to choose from, - calendars, stationery, mugs, albums, canvases, even mousepads - as well as invitations, and of course, they offer picture development.
They have such a large and varied selection of Christmas cards, it was hard to choose just a few of my favorites! I love the Family Wall card, the Red Revamped card, and the Snow Flurries Cocoa card, and that's just the first page! There are Elegant Cards, Fun Cards, and a nice selection of Religious and Christian Cards (where my most favorites are)!
If you're interested in participating in this great offer, click HERE to learn more! And be sure to look around at their other great Christmas gift options while you're there!
Thanks Shutterfly!
They have a wide variety of gift ideas to choose from, - calendars, stationery, mugs, albums, canvases, even mousepads - as well as invitations, and of course, they offer picture development.
They have such a large and varied selection of Christmas cards, it was hard to choose just a few of my favorites! I love the Family Wall card, the Red Revamped card, and the Snow Flurries Cocoa card, and that's just the first page! There are Elegant Cards, Fun Cards, and a nice selection of Religious and Christian Cards (where my most favorites are)!
If you're interested in participating in this great offer, click HERE to learn more! And be sure to look around at their other great Christmas gift options while you're there!
Thanks Shutterfly!
Friday, November 26, 2010
An Old-Fasioned Christmas
Grace at Grace's Garden Walk is hosting an event she's calling "An Old-Fashioned Christmas".
It seems to me that Christmas is becoming more and more comercialized, materialistic, and impersonal with each year that passes. Christmas is about Christ - first and foremost - and also about celebrating the blessings of friends and family. It's about thanking the Lord for the ultimate Gift - His Son Jesus. It's about making memories, about spending quality time with those we love. Yes, for many people, it's about the gifts. About the pressure. For the stores, it's the biggest money-maker of the year. But that is so wrong.
Why do we really give gifts at Christmastime? Why do we drink hot chocolate and bake special goodies; hang festive decorations; throw celebrations and parties?
Well, it should be because we've been given so much, we want to share the blessings; because we want to put ourselves into the task of warming hearts and sweetening memories; because we have something to celebrate; because it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Anyone that knows me very well, knows this is one of my 'passions' - to bring meaning back into Christmas. They also know, I love to give gifts - and I love to include a little of myself with each one. One of the best ways to accomplish all three? - well for me, hand-made gifts that begin in the heart. That could include making decorations (and then using them!), helping a friend with a project, playing a game with a little cousin or a grandfather, sending a note, baking and giving goodies, cleaning house for someone who's having trouble juggling life, and yes, making and giving presents!
I have really been looking forward to Grace's event. With my college schedule, I'm not sure if I will be able to participate to quite the extent I'd like, but I'm going to try! Around here, my family strives to make every Christmas an 'Old-Fashioned' Christmas.
Care to join us?
It seems to me that Christmas is becoming more and more comercialized, materialistic, and impersonal with each year that passes. Christmas is about Christ - first and foremost - and also about celebrating the blessings of friends and family. It's about thanking the Lord for the ultimate Gift - His Son Jesus. It's about making memories, about spending quality time with those we love. Yes, for many people, it's about the gifts. About the pressure. For the stores, it's the biggest money-maker of the year. But that is so wrong.
Why do we really give gifts at Christmastime? Why do we drink hot chocolate and bake special goodies; hang festive decorations; throw celebrations and parties?
Well, it should be because we've been given so much, we want to share the blessings; because we want to put ourselves into the task of warming hearts and sweetening memories; because we have something to celebrate; because it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Anyone that knows me very well, knows this is one of my 'passions' - to bring meaning back into Christmas. They also know, I love to give gifts - and I love to include a little of myself with each one. One of the best ways to accomplish all three? - well for me, hand-made gifts that begin in the heart. That could include making decorations (and then using them!), helping a friend with a project, playing a game with a little cousin or a grandfather, sending a note, baking and giving goodies, cleaning house for someone who's having trouble juggling life, and yes, making and giving presents!
I have really been looking forward to Grace's event. With my college schedule, I'm not sure if I will be able to participate to quite the extent I'd like, but I'm going to try! Around here, my family strives to make every Christmas an 'Old-Fashioned' Christmas.
Care to join us?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Year's Resolutions - 2010
Wow, another year has begun. Seems hard to believe, but it's true. May God use me greatly in the coming months!
I have never been one to really make "New Year's Resolutions", but last year I decided to just try one simple resolution, just for fun, and if I didn't get it accomplished, hey, it really wasn't that a big deal anyway ;)! But I did get it done, and I feel like it really taught me something about persistence, accountability, and the importance of seeing something through to the end. It made me feel good too!
So this year I'm going a bit further, making a little bit longer list, and hopefully I'll learn something this year along the way as well! I'm going to list them here, and periodically throughout the year if you want, you can drop me a comment asking about how it's going, and if I've been able to check any off yet :D
OK, here they are:
1. Finish memorizing John 14
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4.Get my and Trissy's home-made craft business started
5.CLEP out of English Comp, Geography, and College Algebra
Wow, even those few look pretty formidable! But with the Lord's help, maybe they'll be accomplished!
(I think as they do get done, I'm going to come back to this post, and cross through them!)
I have never been one to really make "New Year's Resolutions", but last year I decided to just try one simple resolution, just for fun, and if I didn't get it accomplished, hey, it really wasn't that a big deal anyway ;)! But I did get it done, and I feel like it really taught me something about persistence, accountability, and the importance of seeing something through to the end. It made me feel good too!
So this year I'm going a bit further, making a little bit longer list, and hopefully I'll learn something this year along the way as well! I'm going to list them here, and periodically throughout the year if you want, you can drop me a comment asking about how it's going, and if I've been able to check any off yet :D
OK, here they are:
2. Read and return that cardboard box full of borrowed books!
3. Learn to be more understanding
4.
5.
Wow, even those few look pretty formidable! But with the Lord's help, maybe they'll be accomplished!
(I think as they do get done, I'm going to come back to this post, and cross through them!)
Our Visit To Texas
Our trip to TX went very well. We had a safe and uneventful time up (besides getting very tired of being in the car ;) ), and spent almost a week with Mom's sister and her family. This was the last chance we'd get to visit them before our cousin (their only child) got married, so we decided to take advantage of it, and spent New Year's with them. We had a good time - it was kind of rotten though, because Trissy and I both had bad colds, and were trying to "keep them to ourselves", and that was a little tricky, but we had fun anyway :)
I know I said I'd post "about our visit", but there really isn't that much to "post" about! We basically just relaxed: played games, watched a couple of movies, and enjoyed a break from the hectic-ness (if that's even a word :) ) of our 'regular lives'. It was nice.
One other thing though. On the way back, we got stopped on the highway in a crowd of traffic, and sat there for almost an hour. We could see blue lights up ahead, but nothing else. Then a helicopter flew over and landed up there on the highway. When we finally got moving again and our car got up beside it, we saw it was a wreck, and y'all, the car was so smashed and crushed that it seemed almost impossible for anyone to have gotten out alive. But we knew they were at least alive, 'cause the helicopter had come and airlifted them out. That was some consolation. I have no idea how to find out what eventually happened to them, but I would appreciate it if you would pray for the person (or persons) who were in that wreck, that if they were not saved, that it would serve as a wake-up call, and they would live long enough to accept Christ, and even recover fully so that they would have a longer life to live for Him.
I know I said I'd post "about our visit", but there really isn't that much to "post" about! We basically just relaxed: played games, watched a couple of movies, and enjoyed a break from the hectic-ness (if that's even a word :) ) of our 'regular lives'. It was nice.
One other thing though. On the way back, we got stopped on the highway in a crowd of traffic, and sat there for almost an hour. We could see blue lights up ahead, but nothing else. Then a helicopter flew over and landed up there on the highway. When we finally got moving again and our car got up beside it, we saw it was a wreck, and y'all, the car was so smashed and crushed that it seemed almost impossible for anyone to have gotten out alive. But we knew they were at least alive, 'cause the helicopter had come and airlifted them out. That was some consolation. I have no idea how to find out what eventually happened to them, but I would appreciate it if you would pray for the person (or persons) who were in that wreck, that if they were not saved, that it would serve as a wake-up call, and they would live long enough to accept Christ, and even recover fully so that they would have a longer life to live for Him.
Monday, December 28, 2009
How Our Christmas Went
We had a nice 'quiet' Christmas at our grandparents house. We spent Christmas Eve there, so in the morning, we ate cimamon rolls for breakfast, then passed out gifts. I made Trissy a "bookmark book"! I got the idea from a craft website; it's a little book the size of a bookmark, but the pages are blank, and you can write inside, but still use it as a bookmark! I also gave her a pair of 'fun socks', light blue with white and dark blue snowflakes on them :). She gave me $25 toward my "new camera fund"!
Later in the afternoon, two of the married cousins and their families came down and we had supper, visited, and played games.
Sorry that's kindof short, but we're going to visit one of Mom's sisters and her family in Texas, and I've got to finish getting ready to leave! We'll be pulling out early tommorrow morning, and hope to be traveling back on New Year's Day!
I'll try to post about our visit then, when we get back!
Take care and keep looking Up! :)
-Kyrie<><
Later in the afternoon, two of the married cousins and their families came down and we had supper, visited, and played games.
Sorry that's kindof short, but we're going to visit one of Mom's sisters and her family in Texas, and I've got to finish getting ready to leave! We'll be pulling out early tommorrow morning, and hope to be traveling back on New Year's Day!
I'll try to post about our visit then, when we get back!
Take care and keep looking Up! :)
-Kyrie<><
Friday, December 25, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
Luke 2:1-20
MERRY CHRISTMAS! May the Joy of the Lord fill your day!
And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
Luke 2:1-20
MERRY CHRISTMAS! May the Joy of the Lord fill your day!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Reason We Celebrate Christmas
I just wanted to wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas!
In all the bustle that goes on, remember that Christmas isn't about gifts
-though it is "more blessed to give than to receive", and that is one way we enjoy showing our love and appreciation for each other-
it's not about the decorations,
-though they are pretty, and add to the cheer and color-
it's not even about family
-though this is one of the most wonderful blessings the Lord has given us-
Christmas is about the greatest gift, the most beautiful person, and the friend that is "closer than a brother"
-Our Savior - Jesus CHRIST-
This Christmas, as you enjoy all the beauty, color, fun, and good-will that goes with the season, remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas!
In all the bustle that goes on, remember that Christmas isn't about gifts
-though it is "more blessed to give than to receive", and that is one way we enjoy showing our love and appreciation for each other-
it's not about the decorations,
-though they are pretty, and add to the cheer and color-
it's not even about family
-though this is one of the most wonderful blessings the Lord has given us-
Christmas is about the greatest gift, the most beautiful person, and the friend that is "closer than a brother"
-Our Savior - Jesus CHRIST-
This Christmas, as you enjoy all the beauty, color, fun, and good-will that goes with the season, remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Christmas is Coming!
We started putting up our decorations for Christmas a couple of days ago, and I am so excited! We use an evergreen garland instead of a tree, and when it's draped over the top of the big livingroom bookcase, the candles are set around and lit, and we start putting all the memory-full ornaments on, you know Christmas is really coming!
We usually do it where one side I decorate with the ornaments I've collected over the years, Trissy does the other side with hers, and Dad & Mom's go over the top; this year though Trissy and I are mixing ours up, and so it looks different than in past years, and it's almost like a treasure hunt to find the 'favorites' among the branches. I hope to post a few pictures of it here soon. I have been wanting to post more pictures on my blog, but my devoted little camera has been working hard for me for two solid, picture-full years and I think it's getting ready to enjoy it's retirement :). So we'll see. I'm hoping to start saving up for another one soon... I want one that would be better to use for 'real' photography, and those are expensive!
But back to the subject. I changed my blog to match my Christmas spirit, and I really like it! What do you all think? A huge thanks to Libby at Rosie Blog Designs for the beautiful background! Go check her out - she does a great job!
We usually do it where one side I decorate with the ornaments I've collected over the years, Trissy does the other side with hers, and Dad & Mom's go over the top; this year though Trissy and I are mixing ours up, and so it looks different than in past years, and it's almost like a treasure hunt to find the 'favorites' among the branches. I hope to post a few pictures of it here soon. I have been wanting to post more pictures on my blog, but my devoted little camera has been working hard for me for two solid, picture-full years and I think it's getting ready to enjoy it's retirement :). So we'll see. I'm hoping to start saving up for another one soon... I want one that would be better to use for 'real' photography, and those are expensive!
But back to the subject. I changed my blog to match my Christmas spirit, and I really like it! What do you all think? A huge thanks to Libby at Rosie Blog Designs for the beautiful background! Go check her out - she does a great job!
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