And the Winner Is.....

Good morning, friends in Bloggyland! I am amazed at all of the wonderful comments left on my blog about the canvas give away! I am still trying to drop by and visit each one of you. I wish that I could give all of you one!! I will gladly take orders if you want to purchase one for a birthday, yourself, or Christmas! Speaking of, Hobby Lobby has had their Christmas stuff out for SEVERAL weeks now!! Mercy! I am planning on doing a Christmas give away in a few months--similar canvas, Christmas scripture and Christmas colors.

OK, I put your names into a baseball cap--it was laying on the floor and needed to be picked up anyway! Then, Child #2 drew the lucky winner!! And that would be..........drum roll please..............

Nichole at "On Purpose"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!! Just let me know your favorite short scripture :) and 2-3 colors that you could use.

Girls, I hope that all of you have a great weekend. We are at the climax of swim team with Divisionals tomorrow(90 plus degree temps and humidity!) and Pasta Pump-Up tonight (food--my favorite!!) I need to gather my ingredients for Baked Ziti , so I need to run to the grocery store--only for the 14th time this week it seems!!

On Monday, I'll be back and link up with Rhoda and her yard sale treasures! I am so excited about my finds, I just can't wait to share with y'all.

Hugs!

Dasani, anyone?

Wow! I love all of the sweet comments on my last post--the 100th one! If you want to be entered in the canvas give-away this Friday, leave a message on that post! I'll put them all in a hat on Friday morning, and I'll post around lunch time--if I can get my boys off the computer! We are struggling with our sharing of the computer this summer!! Anybody else know the feeling?

I am studying John's account of the Samaritan Woman (John 4 1-42). I was overwhelmed at some of the insights gleaned last night while reading. I wanted to share some of these with you and would LOVE to hear your thoughts!

I'm reading from Anne Graham Lotz's book, Just Give Me Jesus. Her teaching has shown me some things in the Bible that I sorta overlooked. I simply didn't read beyond the words to the deeper meaning. I tend to do that!! Yes, confession time! One of these was the fact that the Samaritan woman was dissatisfied spiritually because she didn't know the TRUTH. You see, the Samaritans worshiped the true God, but...the Samaritan Bible only contained the Pentateuch. The Pentateuch contained only the first five books of the Old Testament. That's all this Samaritan woman knew!

But first, take a look at her. She was a woman without any girlfriends! She had no Kelly's or Lee's or Wendy's to go to the well with early in the morning. She missed out on chit chatting with the other women in town. She didn't know who had gotten married or had babies or had redecorated their homes...no one would talk to her. Bless her heart! She had been through five husbands and was living with a man now that she was not married to. Can you imagine what she went through each time she had to go out in public --whether to draw water or to get food from the market? All alone and knowing that others were pointing fingers at her? And now, she's met a Jewish Rabbi who is actually talking to her! Her little world has been shaken up today!

After Jesus asked her for some water from Jacob's well, conversation ensued. Can you imagine what was going on in her head? When Jesus told her about the "living water," her heart must have leaped for joy! Not ever having to draw water again because she would never be thirsty again! She asked him for some of this water. Jesus told her that the water He gave would "...become a spring of water welling up to eternal life." All she had to do was to confess her sins and be forgiven. Y'all, she was so excited...she heard the TRUTH from the ONE and ONLY, the Messiah himself! Never before had she experienced so much joy! She had been set free to have everlasting life. She is one of those that I can't wait to talk to when I go to Heaven! She was no longer spiritually dissatisfied.

OK, what keeps us from being satisfied spiritually? Think about this one. For me, it's setting aside time to spend in God's Word each day? BUT... I don't always process what the scriptures say. I am a speed reader, and in college, that was great! But now, I need to slow it down in order to hear every little thing that Jesus wants me to know. I don't want to be thirsty again.


Blessings!

My 100th Post--Amazing!!

Wow! 100 posts! It only took a year! I just can't believe that I stuck with it this long! But I know why--it's you! My wonderful bloggyland friends whom I get to visit on a regular basis. Thanks for your kind comments, uplifting advice, and honesty. I truly appreciate it.

As I mentioned last week, I am going to do a give-away for this post! Do y'all remember this cute little canvas that I put in my Etsy shop?

Well, you can't have this one!!! It's mine and adorns my little antique chest of drawers in the study!!! But....I would LOVE To make one for you!!! You pick out your two colors (I'll use various shades of them.) and your scripture verse that you'd like. Just don't make it as long as the 23rd Psalm! It needs to be a relatively short verse, PLEASE? We will draw your name, and I'll email you to find out your colors, verse, and mailing address. And, we will do this the old fashioned, kindergarten teacher way!! I will put all of your names in a hat and one of my kids will draw out one name ! None of this fancy shamnsey computer generated stuff--no siree, Bob! Just don't forget to leave me an email address on your comment, please. And, if you would kindly mention that Runner Mom is having a give-away on your blog, I would so appreciate it!! I will draw names next Friday and let y'all know the winner then. Oh, I hope that you like this little painting! I love mine!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful 4th of July!! I would love to know your plans! We're going down to my friend, Phebe's house for fun, food, fellowship, swimming--and fireworks! I'm trying to figure out what side dish to take!! Any ideas? Let me know!! Be safe, and God bless our wonderful country!

Hugs!

Post #99--Scenes from the Beach

In the morning , O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

Isn't it great to know that God hears our voice each and every morning? Is our voice one of peace and relaxation? Or, is it peppered with anxiety and worry? God encourages us to lay our burdens at His footstool each day--maybe several times a day in order to receive that peace. Have you been to the Lord this morning?

While on vacation, a slower paced morning meant that I had plenty of time to spend with God before the day began. I could read my devotionals, spend time in the Bible and journal my prayers without hearing the clock ticking to remind me of another carpool session. It was lovely!

We spent hours on the beach digging holes!! And playing in them, and re-digging the next day after the tides had washed away our tunnels and army trenches.

We had time to leisurely stroll down to a creek and see the alligator pop out of the murky green water in expectation of a late afternoon snack!!! (No, not the kids!! Just cheese crackers!!)

Time--it was on our side! As I type this, I have already taken the boys and myself to cross country practice (I ran with some of the newbie young girls--they were precious!). We then drove to swim team practice. I ran again--at my pace and with my ipod and lost myself in my "She Speaks" talk that is coming up in 30 days!! Now, it's almost 11:00, and I still haven't had my entire quiet time. But, it is still morning, and the heat outside is still on "low!" I plan on sneaking out to my back porch and laying my requests before my God and King while it's still morning--dirty running clothes and all!

Y'all have a beautiful day! BTW, the little boy in the photo is my nephew--he's a trip! Love that child!

Blessings!

Post # 98--Tres Fru Fru!

Ya'll, my eyes--even with the dollar tree glasses and all--are crossin' on me! I have been on a painting frenzy this week! My sweet friend, Lisa, whom I highlighted months ago (she does the darling monograms), is going on vacation. The location happens to be a wonderful community at the beach where folks set up shop in their front yards and SELL their cute stuff! I don't mind asking people things (!), so I asked Lisa if I could send a few items down with her! Remember, I am a woman on a mission to buy a new camera!! So, hopefully, she'll be able to sell a few goodies for me!

I'm actually waiting on the E600 glue to dry--I will pass out in my car if I load up the stuff now and try to drive to her house and deliver my things! Mercy...it's potent! But, it works!! I wanted to let y'all see one of the cute ideas that I actually thought of on my own! Now, if you're a Susie or a Nestor or a Kimba or a Kjisa or just beautiful you---this stuff comes naturally to you girls! I truly have to focus! With everything else flying around in my life, that's sometimes difficult to do!

This morning, I had to make a detour to Wal-Mart for a laundry bag. The small ones that you use in the washing machine...the kind that never wear out or tear up! Well, after 15 plus years, ours did! Across the aisle from the bags were these darlin' little canvas bins! Too cute!
Hmm...what can I paint on this I pondered!! (Not out loud!!!) Then I came up with this.

I call it the "Tres Simple Canvas Bin." I plan on making more! They were fun!! It still takes me several hours to draw and paint and repaint and do a third repaint on these babies! I want to create a "Tres Fru Fru Canvas Bin" as well! You can store cleaning supplies or towels or crafts or pool stuff or books or snacks.....the list is endless! Lots of my friends will be seeing these for Christmas or birthdays with their initials on them or holiday motifs or scripture(that's the fru fru)!! Can ya tell I'm excited??

I would LOVE to make some for y'all! But I'm clueless as to how to ship them. I don't want it to cost you an arm and a leg!! They are very light weight but odd shaped. Let me know if you have any ideas. The "Tres Simple" ones are $18.00. The "Tres Fru Fru" ones will be $24.00. You pick your colors and ribbons. Holler at me if you would like to get one, and we'll figure out how to do the s/h. I will be at "She Speaks" in July and will be able to bring some with me if you're going to that wonderful weekend.

My dog is inhaling these E600 fumes!!! Bless Scarlette's heart...um, lungs! Need to let her out before she goes bananas!! Y'all have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs!

My QT Place--the Backporch

I'm linking up with a new friend--she's so cute! Edie from Life in Grace is hosting a redo for your patio. Edie's gotten into the spray paint and has had a glorious time by the looks of things!She has some really cute ideas as do the other gals who have linked up. Hop over there and check it out when you can.

Well, I DO NOT have a patio, but I do have a great back porch! Take a look at the top picture. If you notice the little lime green table with the pink polka dots and a flamingo planter on it, you will see my redo! It was on my grandmother's porch when my Mama was growing up. It is a true antique! It used to be an ugly green, but I painted it a fun and funky green!! The second picture is what I see from my plastic (Nope, not the real wood!!) Adirondack chair when I have my quiet time. And those phlox smell lovely! SO, no painting outside recently.I HAVE been busy painting my little canvases inside my house to sell!! I'm trying to save my nickels and pennies to purchase a new camera, people! And, they "ain't" cheap!

I promise to get to the back porch--hang on a second with me! Speaking of hand-painted canvases, I'm going to be giving one away--probably next week!! Would you like one? For free??? I'm going to be celebrating my ONE HUNDREDTH POST at the end of next week and would love to give one of my sweet peeps a prize! I can't believe that I've stuck with blogging for almost a year now! I have had a ball getting to know y'all. And, the things that you have taught me--thank you! I wish that I could give you all a big hug! So, be on the lookout next week for my announcement.

OK--back porch again! This is actually the quietest place I have to get away and spend time with God. I even keep a fleece blanket out there for cool mornings. Now, if it's freezing cold and a hard wind is blowing, you will find me curled up in a comfy chair INSIDE the house!!

I want to share what my scripture this morning was. "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." Ps. 52:8-9. Friends, the only way that I will flourish like that olive tree is to have a relationship with God. For me, it has to be intentional planning! I have to plan to meet with Him in a quiet place on a regular basis in order to know Him. It just doesn't "happen." Life does happen....we all know that! I desire to know Him better, and the only way is by prayer, reading His Love Letter to me, and growing my faith with other Christians walking the same path. We're at different places along this journey, but we're all headed in the same direction! Praise Him!

So, I encourage you to grab your Bible and head out to the patio, back porch or deck early in the morning--before the rest of your darlin' families need you!! Spend some time with the one who loves you with an "unfailing love."

Hugs!

Dirty Laundry

This is the sight that greeted me today as I drove winding mountain roads to pick Child #2 up from church camp. This campsite had a major renovation over the fall and winter that would have made the writers at HGTV proud!! They demolished cabins that looked like cement blocks from the 1960's and designed super cool cabins with indoor plumbing and A/C! The kids were so excited! No more trips to the outhouse in the middle of the night carrying a flashlight!

But the aroma that permeated throughout the deck was overwhelming! After daily thunderstorms over the week, everything was soaked and smelly! Put 16 pairs of stinky tennis shoes in one area, and you've got a recipe to scare off any wild animals!

We packed up our camper's things (I just about went ahead and threw out all of his smelly stuff!), then met them under a shelter that must have had temps in the low 100's! And talk about humidity! Mercy me! I was dripping wet! I felt as though I had been running for miles...not just standing around waiting for the closing program to begin!

After signing out Child #2, we scooted to the mama mini van and took off. He desperately needed a "baconator" from Wendy's! And a Frosty! After a quick call to Daddy, he relaxed, and life was good again!

After a shower, he sat down to wait for his turn on the computer. Y'all, I promise I just sent one teensy weensy email! I turned to tell him that he could play a game, and look what I saw! Bless his precious heart! Child with long legs curled up in a ball on the tiniest chair that we own (still waiting for the slipcover to be made!!!)

It was time for the dreaded task--laundry! I proceeded to carefully take out all wet clothing from his suitcase, bookbag, dirty clothes bag, and Wal-mart bags that were thrown in for good measure in case something was still wet--ha!

Now, let me back up a bit. On the way home, he had explained in great detail some of the games that they had played. One involved teams using an obstacle course with those plastic baby pools. In each pool, you had either flour or Rice Krispies or other stuff to roll around in!!! I'm not talking one little bag or box--that pool was full! Of course, you were wet when you got in. Peanut butter was another yummy item slathered on kids' faces. Then marshmellows were thrown at said faces to see who could get the most marshmellows to stick. Gross!! But the kids loved it! Child #2 still had flour balls stuck in his hair and under his chin after bath number one.

Back to the laundry. I had almost all of the clothes in the washer when I touched something sticky at the bottom of one of the bags. Yucky sticky unknown item was pulled out. This used to be his cute orange bathing suit.

The white stuff was melted Rice Krispies--I told y'all it was hot! I felt like I was washing Rice Krispie treats! Oohh! Nasty! Tide did the trick though! I praise God for small miracles!
These had been brand new spanking white socks! I just chunked them! Not even worth it. He'll run around barefoot until school starts anyway!

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 5:1-2 A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about being stinky after a run. This scripture from Ephesians was on my heart as I sorted the smelly clothes. I wondered what type of offering my child had been to others at camp. Could they see the love that he has for Christ by his actions? Or had he been self-centered? Knowing his personality, I know that he hates having attention drawn to him, but while away from family, kids tend to act differently.

Later, during supper, I asked him about a certain activity that really looked fun from the DVD that we had watched during the closing program. I wanted to know if his cabin had done it and did he enjoy it? He said that his cabin DID do it, but not him. Hmm....did he get time-out? Then he finished the story. Another camper had gotten hurt during the activity, and he needed to go to the nurse. Child #2 offered to help him get to the nurse's office knowing that he would miss the rest of that fun activity. I was so touched at his actions. He made the right call--he sacrificed a part of his camping fun to help out another child. Bless his heart!

Child #1 comes home from mission camp tomorrow. Yep, more dirty laundry! But, we'll all be together again. We can celebrate Father's Day together as a family. I pray that your husbands and daddies will be blessed this Father's Day. Even if your earthly father is no longer with you, your Heavenly Daddy will always be there beside you.

Blessings!