God's Forever Plan

(Painting above by Brian Jekel)

This morning I was reading Luke 2:21-52...the focus was on the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna to wait for the Christ to appear. But the verses that grabbed my attention are part of the blessing given by Simeon:

"For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation

which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel."

verses 30-32

I am fairly certain the few folks who do read this blog...are Gentiles.  God's forever plan - hallelujah - was to send light to the Gentiles....US!  We were never an afterthought, or something God thought up later on when He saw what a mess we were. 

This may not excite you, but it never fails to thrill my soul!

Thank You, Lord for your forever plan to redeem ALL mankind...every nation, tongue, tribe.

Happy, Holy Christmas to you all!

Jesus Saves

Last year we began presenting a living Bethlehem village, following Mary and Joseph on their journey to the manger.  Our first village was Once Upon a Holy Night...it was an unbelievable experience for our church.  This year we were led to attempt to present Jesus Saves, a song written by Travis Cottrell.

Here are a few highlights...

The village begins to take shape (doesn't look very impressive, does it)...

Jake begins the story and tour...David (soldier on the right) is about to read the decree saying "all the world
must be taxed..."

Our guests "shopping" (everything is free!)...

Joseph pays his taxes...

Turned away at the Inn...

Shepherds at the manger..."humblest hearts adore Him"...

Wise men..."the wisest bow before Him"...

"It is done will shout the cross, Christ has paid redemption's cost..."

"...the empty tomb declaring - Jesus Saves!"

(Angel of the Lord rolling stone away - hard to see the flashing light and fog rolling)

"God is making all things new..."

"all the saints will shout together"..."the redeemed will sing forever!"....

Sky "alive with praise"...

Hebrews says that God inhabits the praise of His people.  All I can say is...when you
exalt the Savior - God is pleased!  We sang Jesus Saves 19 times and it never grew
old.

Our ladies sewed and designed costumes for months...free gifts were made, wrapped, bagged
and prepared and all the items given -  from hot chocolate and cookies, to shop gifts - were
donated by our people.   One couple arranges for our live animals; and then they
transport them back and forth to the village every night.

The men built the village and a storm came through and blew it away.  They went out
the very next day and built it again.  They designed and figured out every technical aspect,
including fireworks this year - which were timed precisely to coordinate with the song.
Amazing.

For months we prayed for moderate temperatures, dry weather, good health - and for
those who would come. While we prayed that others' lives would be touched and changed
after this experience -  we discovered that we are the ones who are most changed every year. 
We receive the greatest blessing.

Living Bethlehem 2010 - Jesus Saves is past. LB 2009 was great and we doubted 2010
could be better...but it was!  Now we are praying and anticipating what God has for us
for Living Bethlehem 2011!

What makes a good blog?

Here it is...someone who consistently blogs.  Simple, huh.  No one wants to read the same old post over and over again.  If one goes to a blog and it hasn't changed in say...weeks or months...one ceases to go there!
So, what do you do when you have nothing to say...or no pictures to illustrate?  I have no answer.
I'm going to try to do better.  It will be my new year's resolution.

Blooming Reminder

My Daddy went home to be with Jesus on February 2 of this year...it seems like years and years ago most of the time.  But I have this...

This African violet was in an arrangement sent to Daddy's funeral.  This is the third time it has bloomed

since February 2nd.  Every time it blooms, I am reminded...

• My Daddy lives....in heaven
• Life goes on
• There is beauty around me all the time
• My heavenly Father loves me enough to give me this sweet reminder
• I will see my Daddy again one day!

I am not a "green thumb" person...I am usually more of a black thumb-er.  Yet, this plant continues

to live and thrive...my personal blooming reminder.

Win a New Blog Design

Take a look see at:

http://www.littlesailordesignblog.blogspot.com/

Christmas China Give-away

Check out the awesome giveaway...Stonegable is listed in my blog roll at the right.

Beautiful Christmas china...enter (but I'm hoping I win!)

No Pretending...

As children, we learn to pretend.  Having an imagination is a wonderful thing.  My children loved to "play" (their word for pretend) church, or school, or bank.  They loved to make mud pies...hand out
play money.  That is healthy and right and good.

But...

This morning my K-Love scripture made me stop and think about pretending:

"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.:  ( Romans 12:9, NLT )

Do I just pretend to love others?  What does that look like?

• Maybe, if I have a hidden agenda?  An ulterior motive???
• What if I really do not feel love...but to your face - I "pretend" love?
• Whenever I put myself first

"Really love them..."    From God's Word, I've learned a couple of things about love:

1. Love acts.  I can give without loving...but it is impossible to love without giving.  I can say I love you...if I do...my actions will show it.  (like sending Bit-o-Honey - LOL)  Love ACTS.
2. Love is a choice.   We are commanded to love: our spouses, one another, the Body of Christ, our enemies.  If God commands me to do something...I make a choice to obey or not.  Love is not just a feeling...it is a choice - a commitment. 

You know it's a funny thing, but if we start choosing to love, and act in true loving ways...we begin to feel that love.

"Really"...how can I really love?

• Pay attention
• Look for ways to demonstrate my love
• Really, is also an intensifier...going above and beyond
• Examine my motives...often

If you keep the context...to hate what is wrong...that would mean pretending to love is wrong and we should hate "pretend love"; and really loving...is good...and we should cling to that, pursue that, make it our goal!

Do we "really" love or are we just pretending? 

With God's grace, no more pretending for me...

Starfish Jewelry Give-Away

Here's another give-away...at Dreamy Whites...

http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/

She's giving away a silver necklace from Starfish....

Disheroon give-away!

My friend Rebekah is doing a give-away...go check it out!

http://thedisheroons.blogspot.com/

Random

Haven't written in awhile. Haven't had much to say...

Pictures that say it all...

Amelia...after 4 shots.  Poor sweetheart.  How does one even imagine what she's thinking?
No one has ever hurt her..."why are they hurting me?"
She looks heartbroken and my heart breaks every time I see this.  I think it's the face in the hand.

Millie and Amelia...at Amelia's first birthday.  Millie's first birthday is next
Saturday!  Future best friends?

No picture, but yesterday I asked the Lord to show me who He wanted me to minister
to.  In a couple of hours, my phone rang...a teary voice...can you come?   I hurried.
Listened...hugged...loved...shared scripture that comforts and encourages me.  Thank You, Lord. 
I was blessed.

My sweet brother calls our Father, "The Great Choreographer". We have been trying to
pay more attention to all the ways our Father works in our life every day. 
Circumstancial?  Nope.
Accidental?  Not likely. 
God is always moving and working and orchestrating people and events.
Why?...to change me...to bring glory to Himself.

Random?  Are you kidding me?

Blessings to you!

Priceless

I know we've all seen the commercials listing things purchased and then the final thing, such as time with your child...priceless.

The ages of our grandchildren range from 17 years down to 11 months.  It seems like it's been so long since the older ones were tiny.  Lately, I've gotten to spend some time with some of the younger grandchildren, doing the things I once did with the older ones: playing, singing, laughing...

Last night, I got to lie down with Jackson (almost 3yr. old), supposedly for him to go to sleep - a habit we've gotten into.

Granny: "Do you like chocolate gravy?" 
Jackson: "I DO like chocolate gravy!"  (and we had it this morning)

He loves the little projector that puts a picture on the ceiling while it plays through several songs.  The picture is an ocean scene: a whale, a crab, a turtle and a jellyfish... 
Jackson:  "Where is the jellyfish?" 
Granny: "In the jelly jar"
(He had to go check it out.)

Jackson: "Where is my wheelbarrow?" 
Granny: "In the living room"
Jackson: "I want it."
Granny: "It has to stay there so I can put a treat in it."
Jackson: "You are going to put a treat in my wheelbarrow?"
Granny: "Yes."
Jackson: "OK"
(he loved his package of gum!)

One of the songs it plays is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".  He has it in a book and knows it by heart.  Last night, I began to sing when it came on and suddenly, Jackson is lying close beside me singing in a sweet, high little voice - right on key.  (Where's the video camera when you need it?)  I will treasure these memories long after he has outgrown lying down with Granny to go to sleep.

Priceless.

Red Door blog give-away

Wonderful decorating ideas...and a give-away that ends tonight!

http://reddoorhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Giveaways

Women need women

There are ministries, studies, even a mentoring program with woman to woman in the title.  And it's true! Women need women.  As much as we might love our husbands...there are things men just do not understand. To my daughters and my friends - who let me cry...have a pity party occasionally...pour out my heart...not be perfect.  I need you in my life.  The Lord knew that and placed you close at hand.  Thank you!

Growing Older...

Yes, it's true...I'm growing older.  Another birthday has come and gone.  There are definitely advantages to growing older:

• The obvious one - I'm still here!
• I think I'm a little wiser
• People call me "Sweetie" and "Honey"
• The importance of birthdays seems less

This year was a little different.  Jay and I both have our birthdays in September, and we have usually been able to go see our children.  Not this year. Birthdays fell in the middle of the week.  This year, I caught a stomach "bug" and spent most of the day in bed.

My children called and that is always wonderful.  My friends sent sweet and beautiful cards.  Facebook added a new dimension with birthday wishes from friends and family - far and wide - some very unexpected.  Friends dropped by and brought gifts - so thoughtful and made me feel very special.

I received these at work...

Aren't they gorgeous?  The roses smelled
heavenly. The the sunflowers' color is so
vivid it almost "hurts" to look at them.






I also received a first....

A cake!  Came by FedEx...thank you Jill!
We haven't tasted it yet, but it looks scrumptious, and the box it is in - delightful!






This next gift expresses perfectly my last point in how birthdays change with age.

                                                                                                                                                                      

Yes, it's Diet Dr. Pepper.  After asking and asking, "what do you want for your birthday?" and hearing,

"Nothing"...this is what my sweet husband brought to me, as I lay in bed sick.  Diet Dr. Pepper is my

major vice, so much so, that I switched to Diet Dr. Thunder (Wal-Mart's brand) because I felt guilty.

LOL!  I couldn't stop smiling when I saw this box.  Clever man.

From my brother, Kevin.  Oh how I love him and

the new relationship we have in Jesus Christ!

 Thank you, Family and Friends - for enriching my life!

Finding Joy in My Kitchen

One of the blogs in my favorites is entitled "Finding Joy in My Kitchen"...well, this past weekend that's exactly what happened to me...

I found Joy in my kitchen - my daughter, Joy!










Last Saturday was the day of a brunch that for months and months I've been thinking on, and planning, picking gifts up for, planning, thinking ...get the picture?  I so wanted to make the ladies of First Baptist feel special and blessed and challenged! The theme changed, the format changed, but one thing remained the same, I wanted Joy to come to demonstrate and to speak.

Here's the sign-up table in our church foyer...

We finally settled on "A Woman's Armor" and used an apron to represent that armor. My daughter-in-love, Sara, helped me set up this display (she's so talented!).



Joy is a very busy young wife and mother.  But after a hard day of work, she loaded up and drove 3 hours to my house and we began cooking and laughing and cooking and laughing.  (There is always much laughter when any Weavers get together.)  It was a late night due to the goofy mix-ups we made and an early morning on Saturday, to get everything ready and in place before the ladies arrived.  She even made Spiced Pecans that we bagged up as favors for each special lady who would come.

Joy has never done this type of thing before, but I just knew she "had it in her" and I knew she would pray and seek what God would have her to say.  Although nervous - she was exactly the right person and God knew that.

40 ladies came!  I was so busy and scattered, my camera stayed in my purse until it was over and I remembered it, but Shantele was gracious enough to share these photos she took with her phone.

Our menu was:

                       Bacon and Spinach Quiche

                       Blueberry Scones

                       Fruit K-bobs

                       Sunshine Punch, Coffee and Tea

God was so good to help me find door prizes, which I think the ladies loved.  We gave away aprons,  candles, coasters (made by Sara), and the 3 dishes Joy prepared in demonstration time - fun, fun! 

First, Joy demonstrated 4 easy recipes for everyone, whether you cook or not and spoke about using our

homes to minister and reach out to others.  After brunch, she spoke about our armor as women:

                

                A meek and quiet spirit and what that really means...

                            A servant's heart

                                       Holiness

Even amid power outages (no A/C, no sound system) - everyone was patient and gracious and God was there. We were so blessed!

Thanks so much to everyone who helped me - thank you FB Ladies for embracing the idea and coming and Thank you, Joy!  Most of all, Thank You, Lord - for every good gift You give us and for meeting with us whenever we gather in Your name!

Labor Day 2010 ... in the books

Labor Day 2010 has come and gone.  It was different for us, or it seemed different.  We didn't go anywhere or do anything.  We certainly didn't labor.  Very quiet.  Working on music, choir, Living Bethlehem, and the
Ladies Brunch coming up.

I decided to caramelize some onions and peppers, intending to add beef in some way - either meatballs or patties...and saw some chicken I'd thawed.  So, we had chicken fajitas.  Yummy. 

And for dessert...

Baked Apple Dessert






I don't remember the real name.  It's from a Diabetic Living magazine that Joy brought to me.
It was delicious...and healthy!  Of course, anyone who knows me knows...I had piecrust,
so I used it rather than making the biscuit crust in the recipe (next time I'll made the crust)...
and I don't own a custard cup, so I used the smallest jelly jar I have in the middle.

It's an amazing thing.  You can't tell in this picture, but you bake it with the custard cup (or jar)
in the center and the crust on top.  After it cools, you invert it...and all the sauce will be in the
cup.  I know!  I didn't believe it either...but it happens!  Amazing.  I'm sure my sons can tell
me why this happens, but I choose to believe in miracles.

The Perils of Penelope Pitstop

Most will not have any recollection of Penelope, nor the many perils she faced - since she was a cartoon character of the late 60's.

Doesn't she look just like me? 

Every episode, Penelope faced a new "peril"...most usually involving this guy...

The Hidden Claw!  I don't remember why this guy was always after her, but he
was relentless. Do you recognize him?  I see a strong resemblance between him...
and my enemy (Satan).

While Penelope and her enemy were make-believe...I am a real person and my
enemy is very real as well.  And while I've not yet been tied in a chair, or tied to
the railroad tracks...my "perils" are spiritual and often feel as confining and they
are definitely as desperately dangerous.

I know whenever we make any decision to follow God in any way,
to be obedient, to get out of the boat and walk on the water with Jesus...
the enemy comes...and like the Hidden Claw - he is relentless!

Jesus said Satan comes to steal, and kill and destroy.  In 1 Peter 5 we're told
to be serious and vigilant...why? 

• Because our enemy is like a roaring lion...roaring - to paralyze his victims
  with fear.  Have you ever felt fear?  If not, I  am pretty sure you haven't
  stepped out in faith to follow the Lord's calling.
• Because he's roaming about seeking those he can destroy.  If I'm not on
  guard...if I'm not alert...vigilant - he will destroy me in any way he can.

There's more to this story.  Penelope had a group of goofy dwarf-like guys who
would always come to her rescue. 
But I have...

•  Jesus Christ - the Creator of the universe, My Savior
• The Holy Spirit - my Comforter and my Power
• The Word of God, which exposes Satan's lies and tricks.

If I take the warning of God's Word seriously, if I am vigilant, if I am on guard,
if I am prayed up and studying The word daily -

I do not have to cower in fear when Satan roars.
I do not have to be deceived by his lies.
I do not have to be destroyed by his tricks.

And just like Penelope (who came out the victor in every episode)...

I can be victorious through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Praise God!

On Hiatus

That's the only explanation I have.  On hiatus.  No heart for blogging.

Girls

My pastor's wife friend and former co-worker, Jeannie, asked me to speak at
a retreat for her ladies.  That was months ago.  The day finally arrived
this past Friday and I was on my way.

I had prayed and God had told me to share...

• About women
• About what He's been doing in me
• A challenge

On the way there, I began to second guess myself... "I don't know these girls - maybe
this is not what I should share!"..."Lord! Give me something - a verse, anything!".  But
of course, I got nothing (He had already given it to me.).  I finally thought - this is what
I have and this is what I'm sharing.

I arrived and supper was almost on the table.  We sat down and began to visit and eat,
share and eat, laugh and eat...(did I mention eat?). 

After supper, we did the Lawnmower Song...just to work off our healthy meal
and have fun!

The time came for me to share my heart.

It's an amazing thing to share God's Word and His principles...how the Holy Spirit brings
things to mind that you haven't planned: verses, stories, illustrations.  And these girls, had
already become my friends.







That's another amazing thing.  Girls can share things with each other that they can't
share with men, not even their husbands, simply because we're girls.  God made us that
way.  He instructed the older girls to teach the younger girls.  It just works.

I got to share about the calling God has given to me...and what He's been up to in
my life and my heart.  What a privilege to be a co-laborer together with Him!

And then...I was able to challenge them to find God's calling for themselves...and to seek
Him with all their hearts...to listen and hear Him.

Amazing.

Raindrops on roses...

These are a few of my favorite things...  so the song goes.

I am sharing my newest favorite things first...

Last night we came home with this!

Yes, it's a Yamaha! 

But it is not a mower, or a 4-wheeler, or a motorbike, or one of the

gazillion other things they manufacture...

It's a....

Keyboard!
88 keys!
Yay!!!!!







(and yes - it is on my counter in the kitchen at present, but I do have a stand,
see it in the background?)

The first thing I did this morning?  Yep, you got it...played the keyboard.  Last
thing last night..oh, yeah...played the keyboard.  I do love it.  It is going to
greatly enhance my service to my Lord!

Next, please!

                                                               

My dear friend, Kellie, gave me this!
She did my life verse, for which this blog is
entitled, in calligraphy and framed it.
It's beautiful...it's perfect...I love it.
I hope to use it in my blog header in the very
near future.






And my last favorite thing for this episode...

Handpainted cabinet knobs...with leopard
accents to complement my leopard shower
curtain (which I love but did not photograph.)







Oops!  I found more!

This is my mom's living room, newly painted -

Color?  Bleached wheat - she loves it.


And now, a new recipe...

Lemon Shortbread
(secret ingredient - cornmeal!)






The end.

Blessings!

Exactly What We Need

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for me.  God has been giving me a new assignment - one that challenges me to my very core...one that allows me to use my giftedness in a new way...one that forces me to lean on Him completely. 

It's been a wonderful, terrifying, anxious, joyous, roller coaster ride.  When God calls us to something...Satan begin his attacks - to discourage us and make us doubt.  He uses unsuspecting people...good people...even God's people to do his dirty work.

Where am I going with this?  To this wonderful, amazing truth...God knows exactly what we need.

Everytime I've desperately needed direction...God has given it.
Everytime I've needed affirmation and encouragement...God has supplied it.
Everytime I've been tempted to quit...God has reminded me of His calling and promise to be with me.

This past week for 3 days I got to keep these 2 precious grandbabies...

Millie Elizabeth...8 months

                                                            

Jackson Luke - 2 years 7 months

God knew that is what I needed.  I really doubted my ability to take care of these two - at my age? It's been so long...can I do this?  But before bedtime the first day...I was back in "mom" mode and everything was under control.  It was a needed break from things that were beyond my control...things that were filling me with anxiety.  It was busy...full of laughter and kisses and hugs and dirty diapers and potty training and a new appreciation for Jello (Jackson's new favorite thing).  I got to build my relationship with two of my grandchildren - precious! It was wonderfully tiring - and I was so glad we were able to help Cary and Sara have a little time away and alone.

They went home last night and it was very quiet here.  And you know what?  All the challenges and anxieties came back in full force.  Today, I've been oppressed and heavy in spirit and nauseated in body.  I've read scripture and I've prayed...

And on my way home from work...God gave me the answer.

When I got home...God sent me encouragement and afffirmation through a most unexpected source.

He reminded me AGAIN of His call on my life and His ability!

And then God gave me this week's resources...done! 

It reminds me of a Brooklyn Tabernacle song entitled How Many Times...

How many times must I prove how much I love you?

How many ways must my love for you I show.
How many times must I rescue you from trouble,
For to know just how much I love you?


How many days must I build a fence all around you?
How many nights must I wipe your tears away.
How many storms must I bring you safely through
For you to know just how much I love you?

Didn't I wake you up this morning,
clothed in your right mind?
When you walked up on a problem,
Didn't I step right in on time.
When you were weak along life's journey,
My angels carried you,
So you would know just how much I love you.

Didn't I put food on your table,
Show up when the bills were due?
When the pains were wracking your body,
Didn't I send healing down to you?
When you were lost in sin and sorrow,
I died to set you free.
So you would know just how much I love you.
 
God always knows exactly what we need and He is SO able and willing to supply -
Praise His Holy Name!
 
Blessings!

Monogram

I love monograms...do you?  Monograms are hugely popular right now.  Just go to a baby shower.  You'll see that baby's name or initials or something embroidered on everything from burp rags, to diaper bags, to bloomers.

I have a couple of items with a "W" on them...and one crocheted "Weaver" on the wall.  Recently, I ordered this monogram and applied to the big plain mirror in the living room...

Why do we love monograms?  I think because they make something personal...they show ownership...family spirit or whatever.  It made me think of my Heavenly Father.  I have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  He tells me that he has me engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16); that I am always in His memory!  He loves me...I belong to Him and He wants me to know it! 

Do you know Him?  Are you engraved on His hands?  All it takes is "A"...admit you are a sinner; "B"...believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins; and "C"...confess Him as your Lord and Savior...and you can have this relationship.  Then you will be engraved on His palms too!  How special that God made a way for everyone to know Him and He left us His Word to tell us that way.  He wants us to know exactly how much He loves His children!

Blessings!

YOU Drive...I'll Ride

I love a good mental picture...words or phrases that you can immediately see in your mind.  Ultimately, we only fully comprehend when we can process with a mental picture.  When someone talks about something I can't even begin to see in my mind...I'm lost...unfocused...clueless.  I don't know what they're talking about.

Years ago a group called FFH (I believe stands for Far From Home) had a song entitled, You Drive...I'll Ride.  This song has a catchy tune and good lyrics...and this is the mental image it brings to my mind:

I never saw this movie, Thelma and Louise, but I've seen bits, clips, and photos.  It's not a movie I recommend, it's the visual...a long, sleek convertible - one driving...the other simply riding.
One is in control...the other trusting.  The driver chooses to drive out over the Grand Canyon...the passenger controls the radio and simply rides.

In You Drive...I'll Ride the singer is relinquishing the steering wheel to God...it's about repentance, submission and yielding to God's will.  That's where I've been for a couple of weeks now...letting God break my heart again so I can yield...so I can hear the still small voice guiding me to His will...

"YOU take the wheel, I will work the radio
YOU take the wheel, we'll go where YOU want to go
YOU take the wheel, take it fast or take it slow
Wherever YOU choose I'm fine...
YOU drive...I'll ride"

Yielding...trusting...following...obeying...
Difficult?  You betcha!  But there is freedom and peace in giving up the steering wheel.
Do I know where I'm going?  Ultimately..."YOU'RE driving me home" -
I'm on a journey...when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior...my destination was settled - forever.

The roadmap however, is another story.  I have no idea where He is leading me...I have to follow...or
"ride along" day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. I've taken back the wheel so many times, and ended up on a side trip...losing my way...but oh, HE is faithful to draw me back...break my heart again...and I yield up the wheel one more time. And I'll confess, lately I feel like I'm soaring off into the Grand Canyon, scared and trembling. I know He is in control and He is Good and His purposes are BEST.

The truth is this...my destination was settled in 1972.  What God is interested in most now...is my journey. He is faithfully transforming me into the image of Christ, bit by bit...experience by experience...relationship by relationship...trauma by trauma...trouble by trouble...grace by grace...when I yield and trust and most of all, cooperate with Him, by handing the steering wheel back to His most capable hands.

So, my prayer today once again is...Lord, YOU drive...I'll ride.

Blessings!

Random Thoughts on Wisdom

This week was the scheduled time to have my wisdom teeth removed.  I opted for the sedation method - I am a chicken when it comes to any type of dentistry.  It went quite well I think.  This is Friday and I feel very much back to my old self.  My sweet Jill has taken very good care of me, allowing her Dad (my Jay) to go back home and take care of business there.

I find the name "wisdom" teeth very thought provoking.  These teeth do not make one wise.  Many people never have any.  There is the old adage, that when one cuts these teeth - one's life is half over.  And although they are named "wise", they are usually not very good teeth and do not last.  At the same time...when you mention wisdom teeth, everyone knows exactly which teeth you are talking about and their removal is felt with commiseration.

I am thankful wisdom is not dependent on a few teeth, aren't you?  Wisdom comes from our Heavenly Father and we must seek her (wisdom is feminine in scripture - Yay!) according to Proverbs and ask for her according to James.  Wisdom can come from experience...a very costly and painful school.  I feel I have gained a lot of wisdom in my 58 years.  On the other hand, sometimes I feel clueless.  It is what my husband would call an "oxymoron" I think.

Almost everyone has wondered why I am having these teeth removed now...am I not a little old?  It's just the way of my life.  Rarely have I done anything the way anyone else does...I always wanted to be different. LOL!  These wise teeth were causing harm to my dental health...and after being told and told for about 5 years that I needed them removed...I did it.  I am either stubborn, hard of hearing, or maybe not so wise after all??? 

It has allowed me some time with Jill and Amelia and Joy and her boys, even Kerri and Kandace came for a visit...time to be lazy and rest and think...hopefully I have even gained a little wisdom.

These are my random thoughts for a week of some pain, some discomfort, and a lot of love and care.  I am truly blessed, and hopefully a little wiser.

The Rest of the Story

This morning I woke at 4:30 and decided I would go ahead and get started on my day. I had my usual breakfast of Greek yogurt and blueberries and my major vice, Diet Dr. Pepper...my Bible study and prayer...and then running through the shower and getting ready for work.

I got my fruit print tablecloth (one of my favorites)...my metal vase and purple flowers...and my gold bird (that all sounds crazy!) and took off for Blytheville.  I went straight to Kroger and got some cokes...fruit napkins...green plates...cups and silverware.  All the time I was praying my co-workers would be late, so I could get everything ready before they got there.  I hurried to make a birthday poster in Publisher.

I managed to get everything ready...and here it is!

They were pleasantly surprised...and said the cake was delicious.  I got ice cream and whipped cream to go with it since the ganache was made with semi-sweet chocolate.  I ate a tiny piece as is and it was really good. 

Here are my co-workers...

Louise...who is a July 4th baby!

and

Romona, whose birthday was the last part of June.

For many years, we always traveled to the churches we ministered in...and we were always the recipients of the hospitality of others.  I desired this particular gift and I began to ask for it.  That is scriptural, Paul said to desire the best gifts.  I think God has finally given it to me.  I absolutely love trying to make others feel loved and special.  The only bummer to me was that the ganache lost its glossy appearance after it set, detracting from the "presentation" but not the taste.  A piddly detail, but there it is.

Blessings!

Dressy Chocolate Loaf

This is my latest attempt at culinary brilliance...the Dressy Chocolate Loaf.  Two of my co-workers have birthdays and I am taking it to work tomorrow to celebrate!  I saw this on another blog, which shall remain nameless (since I can't remember it).  I am always half-way into a project before I remember to take pictures...

It is a homemade chocolate cake...simple ingredients you would have on hand for the most part...flour, cocoa, sugar, butter, eggs, etc...and sour cream.  Easy to put together but with specific mixing instructions and baked in a loaf pan - a little unusual.  It baked up exactly like the recipe.

After it cools, you slice it into 3 layers and fill with your choice of jam filling...

I had some blackberry filling I made for some berry turnovers...yummy!

Then...semi-sweet chocolate melted over simmering water...

and more sour cream! 

It is amazing!  It turns quickly into a glossy ganache icing.

And the finished dressy loaf...

I'll have to let you know how it tastes...

Blessings!