Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Gothic with Jane

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The fun starts tomorrow! I have my book ready to go and am looking forward to a wonderful read! To join in the fun visit here!

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So I just read Chapter 1 and have been introduced to Catherine Morland. Daughter of a middleclass clergy man their family lived in the village of Fullerton, Wiltshire.Wiltshire is a county in the southwest quadrant of England- a land of gently rolling hills and lovely, gracious homes...
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as well as beautiful old farms ad country homes.PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket It is easy to imagine Catherine Morland growing up in such a beautiful scene.

Tempt My Tummy, Tuesday

Lisa at Blessed with Grace is hosting this celebration of great food today. Check out her site for many more fun recipes.
Today I am going Chinese!
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Stirfry Chicken and Veggies
1 lb. chicken tenders, cut in bite size pieces
1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 head of savoy cabbage, sliced thinly
3 carrots, sliced on the diagonal turning 1/4 turn following each slice
3 stems of celery chopped same manner
1 bunch of green onions, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
Vegetable or peanut oil
Soy sauce to taste
Serve over cooked white rice

First, stir-fry chicken tenders, seasoned with the garlic salt, in a little oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet, until browned. Remove. Next add all the chopped veggies and remaining spices and sugar and a little oil to the wok or skillet. Cook and stir to whatever tenderness you like your veggies; add the chicken, cooked rice and soy sauce to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Sometimes I mix up a bit of cornstarch and cold water to add to the collected juices at the bottom of the wok to mix in with the dish to create a nice sauce .
Notes: You can use most any veggies you want mushrooms, red peppers, squash, and broccoli are some.

Number of Servings: 4 or 5
I used to make variations of this easy dish with my 4th graders following a reading story about China. The kids loved to eat this with chopped sticks. It is so tasty and nutritious, it makes for a wonderful quick meal anytime and kids love it!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Best Shot Monday

red BSM button

Tracey, at Mother May I, is hosting all the fun. Check her site here for other best shots.

Today I had to take a picture of a picture. But it is one I truly love!!

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Two peas in a pod!!

Amanda's nickname as a preteen was "Spazzy" because she was such a fiesty, fun, energetic young lady!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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I am sharing in the Simple Woman's Daybook today along with so many
others --you may follow by checking in over at Peggy's blog
For Today...
Outside my Window... the promise of a beautiful autumn day

I am thinking...I wish my head would stop hurting. I banged it pretty badly getting in to the car over the weekend

I am thankful... to be retired...it is so wonderful not to have to get out and go on mornings like these

From the kitchen...the smell of fresh brewed coffee is permeating the air

I am wearing...my soft yellow tee and tan seer sucker capris

I am reading...Stepping Up and Beleiving God, by Beth Moore

I am hoping...that I do not get a call to sub this week...I don't know... I just have little ambition these days

I am creating...a new music list of holiday music for my blog. I want it all ready to go when the time comes. I may switch over before you know it... I love Christmas music!!

I am hearing...October, by Danny Wright.. I love his piano solos.

Around the house...I have a ton of ironing to do...bah!

One of my favorite things...planning social events...my friend Dottie and I are going to start working on plans for some Sunday School class get togethers!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I have errands to run this morning, revival M-W nights, Stepping Up Bible study tomorrow and I take refreshments, Bible study also Wednesday morning (care group) , Wednesday night dinner church, Thursday senior , senior choir, Thursdsay night ladies' study on Beleiving God, Friday allergy shot, It's another camp out at church kind of week, but I love it all!!

Here is a picture I thought of sharing with you...I haven't taken anything new lately so I'll just say!!
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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Scottish Autumn

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Upper Room

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Please agree with me in this prayer!
Dear Father, We come before you with humble hearts today knowing that without you and your guidance we are nothing and can do nothing. You are the great I AM and your greatness is beyond our understanding. It is even difficult for our finite minds to wrap around just how awesome You are and that You are mindful of us, Your creation, yet You word tells us of Your compassion, Your mercy, and lovingkindness. You tell us if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2Chr. 7:14). Father, we are seeking Your face, Your ear, that You might hear our cry for help. You know that trials that face our nation. You know the greed and avarice, the manipulation that has gone before in our government- its corruption and lawlessness, that is now being revealed in part but that threatens the livelihood of so many innocent- the loss the homes, jobs, lifetime savings,- the many blessings that You have given us. Father, we know that our nation- the people- have turned from You, we've taken You out of the marketplace, schools, government, we've turned our eyes on the world and what it offers instead of keeping our eyes focused on You. We've worshipped the manna and not Jehovah Jireh. We've allowed the expedient to rule our actions and the politically correct to dominate our ideology. Yesterday when I heard the report that over 50 % of (christians) believe that there are many paths to heaven I was sickened unto my heart. Oh, how this must grieve the Lord Jesus who suffered, bled, and died for the church. I am reminded then of last week when our pastor of a large baptist church told us that he feared there were less than 20% of the members truly saved in our body. When I really, really consider the way of things I know you are heart sick over your children, over your church, over just how far this once Christian nation has fallen. And if the coming cataclysm is your judgment, I pray that you will stay your hand with mercy. I pray that the light of Christ will permeate into the darkest recesses of our government and reveal the hidden chaff, reveal the truth, build up the innocent and godly, and diminish the ungodly, greedy, evildoers. I pray that every true christian is making this and similar prayers their main activity during this time that we are seeking your face, studying your word, drawing ever closer trusting in You and You alone- not Your blessings, not their pocketbooks, but putting their faith and adoration on You---so that if this is your judgment, that we will be able to bear it, sharing with one another, encouraging one another even as the DAY OF THE LORD draws ever closer. In Jesus name! Amen.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Just Because- Perthshire, home to the Lindsays

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Northanger Abbey

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I am becoming an avid fan of Jane Austen and am joining a small reading group dedicated to her works along with her contemporaries. We will begin by reading and discussing Northanger Abbey. I researched abbies in Austen Country- Hampshire, and dicovered this beautiful monastery, Mottisfont.

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To read about it go here.
Now about Northanger Abbey: According to Wikipedia, "Northanger Abbey was the first of Jane Austen's novels to be completed for publication, though she had previously made a start on Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. According to Cassandra Austen's Memorandum, Susan (as it was first called) was written about the years 1798-1799.
Northanger Abbey was written by Austen in 1798, revised for the press in 1803, and sold in the same year for £10 to a London bookseller, Crosby & Co., who decided against publishing the novel. The bookseller was content to sell it back to the novelist's brother, Henry Austen, for the exact sum that he had paid for it at the beginning, not knowing that the writer was already the author of four popular novels. The novel was further revised before being brought out posthumously in late December 1817 (1818 given on the title-page), as the first two volumes of a four-volume set with Persuasion."

Pink Saturday

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Visit here to particpate in Pink fun!
This week when when I as wondering what I had to offer that was pink, I was coming up empty-handed until I stepped into the kitchen and there it was. And I can't tell you exactly how amazed I am about this, either. You see, I have never been any good with house plants, until this one. Two years ago when we started going to our new church I was taking a ladies Bible Study and met a new friend, Colleen. Such a lovely, extremely sweet woman, on the last night of the study she brought a large box to class filled with small potted violets- she had divided her one huge violet into smaller pots. She had at least 8 maybe more. I took one hoping beyond hope I wouldnt kill it. It bloomed that summer and has continued to do so well, blooming at least 4 - 5 times since. I repotted it last spring.
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Friday, September 26, 2008

My Husband Rocks Anniversary Giveaway

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Katylin of the Great Adventure has a terrific Anniversary Giveaway going on for My Husband Rocks, Friday! This is what she has to say about it all!!
"For the giveaway this go 'round, all of the following prizes will be awarded to 1 (one) winner!
My delightful bloggy friend Amy (her photography site, her blog) seen above with her three adorable sons, has generously offered to create an 8x10 photo collage using 3-6 photos of the winner's choosing.
The book Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. This is a fabulous marriage book that looks at the core needs of husbands and wives.
A "Bee Joyful" Teapot/Cup set (pic to come).And (drumroll, please . . . ) From*me Tees has generously offered two (2) t-shirts in size to be specified by our winner!The first shirt is the new long-sleeved 'My Husband Rocks' shirt in dark chocolate!!! I am totally getting one of these! The winner will have the option for either the fitted version:
or the classic version:
The second is the new men's short sleeve 'My Wife Rocks' tee in cream:
All you have to do is:
How can you win all these fabulous prizes? You ask, well I'll tell you:1) Comment on this post with a valid e-mail address (i.e. katylinvw[at]yahoo[dot]com) - no e-mail, no entry - sorry, but i've got to be able to get a hold of you if you're the winner!~ to do any of the following "bonus" entries, you must first complete #1 ~2) Those who participate in MHR Friday this week will receive 5 (five) bonus entries.3) Blog about the giveaway and receive 3 (three) additional chances.4) E-mail 3 of your friends and Bcc: me and receive 3 (three) additional entries.There you have it folks! Good luck to you all!

My Husband Rocks, Friday

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Katylin, at the Great Adventure, hosts this every Friday, and it is always my delight to join in. I love my husband so much. When you become an empty nester the marital relationship becomes so much richer as you draw closer and depend so much more on each other. I love it! But I miss him so much when he goes to work and the home is just too quiet!
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He always said he'd be retiring in just a few more years, but who knows now with the way of the world. It is a comfort to know that even though the world seems to be toppling all around us, God will provide- with his empowering, families need to draw closer, love more, allow his love to pour out through us to help others, and dig in to His sheltering arms and manifest the power of his Word in our actions and our hearts, and minds!

Show and Tell, Friday

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Kelli, of There is No Place Like Home is hosting Show and Tell, Friday every week. Visit her site here to share in the fun!
Today I would like to share one of my most valued treasures. As a Virginia History teacher for 30 years I have been an avid student of all things Williamsburg and the founding principles of this country. I'll always remember when in 1983 I attended a sidewalk art show and was first introduced to P. Buckley Moss's work. Sublime! But her work with children with learning disabilities and her altruism spoke even more poignantly to me.
All the more thrilling was that she is a now native Virginian . So when I saw this piece depicting the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg I was completely enraptured and had to buy it even though at that time purchasing fine art was not on my priority list. But I loved it and had to have it! Now as a member of the P. Moss Society I am so thrilled I did it!!
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More Teatime

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So the magazine also had a marvelous article about the Willow Tearooms of Glasgow. The article went on to tell about Charles Macintosh and Kate Cranston, Victorian entrepreneaurs who started the first tea rooms in Scotland. Their's was an inspiring tale of creative ingenuity, style, and fortitude I find so lacking in today's world. Their story demonstrates achievement, excellence, and uplifting values that have survived all these many years establishing a grand tradition that stands the test of time! My heart draws ever closer in appreciation for such endeavors.
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From Teatime Magazine

I love Teatime!
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This month's issue is fantastic. If you haven't gotten yours yet, run out and pick one up today.Their website offers some delightful items for us to peruse while you wait!
Cozy Comforts
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core . . .
— John Keats, “Ode to Autumn”
One of the main reasons I am enthralled with this issue is because it
"tours the tearooms of Scotland and as we discover the history and tealore of this charming Celtic country." The website offer this beautiful British recipe to be taken with TEA!!

A favored sweet in Great Britain, Sticky Toffee Pudding is fantastically rich but relatively easy to prepare. A buttery drizzle of toffee sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds an over-the-top note of flavor to an already decadent dessert that is perfect for teatime or anytime at all.

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Makes 6 servings

1 cup boiling water
1 cup finely chopped dates
1 cup butter, softened and divided
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
1 egg
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
Garnish: whipped cream, chopped toasted pecans


1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish; set aside.

2. In a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the dates; set aside. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer at medium speed, cream 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar for 4 minutes, until pale in color. Beat in the egg, then scrape down the sides.

3. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt, and mix until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and the dates with the water, and stir until well combined.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm.

5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the remaining 1/2 cup butter, remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, cream, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt for 6 minutes.

6. Using a 2 1/4 -inch round cutter, cut 12 rounds. On each serving plate, stack two rounds, and top with toffee sauce. Garnish with whipped cream and pecans, if desired. Serve immediately.

Favorite Family Foto, Friday

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Debra, at Pictures, Pots, and Pens is hosting this today, so click here to see other great family fotos!
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This foto was taken almost 19 years ago to the day. It was Amanda's first violin recital and she was 4 years old. That was the best investment we ever made, for she is a professional violinist today, and she met her husband because of violin. She played in his chamber group as a teen.
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Likewise, this foto was taken 8 years ago, almost to the day!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Just For Fun --Inverness Castle

I want to start a series of posts that demonstrate some historical and geographic treasures of Scotland. I had a blogger friend tell me in a comment recently they were drawn to my blog because they were enthralled by castles. Well, so am I. Tonight I am writing about Inverness Castle. I actually just took this picture of it using a webcam there at a kiltmaker's shop by the name of Highland House of Fraser. It is only 3am in Inverness at this time. I love the play of color in this high resolution photo.
Photobucket I took this information from wikipedia.
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, in Inverness, Scotland. The red sand stone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th century defensive structure.
A succession of castles has stood on this site since 1057.

The castle is said to have been built by Máel Coluim III of Scotland, after he had razed to the ground the castle in which Macbeth of Scotland according to much later tradition, murdered Máel Coluim's father Donnchad I of Scotland, and which stood on a hill around 1 km to the north-east.

The first Inverness Castle was partially destroyed by King Robert I of Scotland and a replacement castle was sacked in the 15th century.
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In 1427 King James I of Scotland held a parliament in the castle to which the northern chieftains were summoned, of whom three were executed for asserting an independent sovereignty.
In 1548 another castle with tower was completed by George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly (1514-1562). He was constable of the castle until 1562. The castle was later taken by the Clan Munro and Clan Fraser who supported Mary Queen of Scots in 1562.

Inverness Castle 1562, Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis, chief of the Clan Munro was a staunch supporter and faithful friend of Mary Queen of Scots and he consequently was treated favourably by her son James VI. George Buchanan states, that when the unfortunate princess went to Inverness in 1562 and found the gates of the castle shut against her; "as soon as they heard of their sovereign's danger, a great number of the most eminent Scots poured in around her, especially the Frasers and Munros, who were esteemed the most valiant of the clans inhabiting those countries in the north". These two clans took Inverness Castle for the Queen, which had refused her admission. The Queen later hanged the governor, a Gordon who had refused her admission.
In 1715 the Clan MacKay took the side of King George I and defended Inverness Castle against the Jacobites.

In 1725 the Castle was extended and reinforced by General George Wade after the initial early Jacobite Uprisings.

In 1745 when the second major Jacobite Uprisings began Inverness Castle was defended against the Jacobites by an Independent company from the Clan Ross who supported the British government. However soon afterwards when it was held by General Sir John Cope it fell to the Jacobite rebel leader Bonnie Prince Charlie who levelled it using explosive charges.


£50 notes
The castle features on the reverse of the Royal Bank of Scotland £50 note introduced in 2005

For readers of historical scottish romance I find that the surrounding area around Inverness very often plays an important role as so many major clans and historical events are associated with that area. Inverness Castle is definitely on my 'bucket list'!

Patriotic Duty

This week I am priveleged to be able to serve my country, try within the realm of my ability to uphold the Christian standards upon which this nation was founded and make my voice heard in my community!
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My next initiative in my patriotic duty is to storm the gates of heaven that
1. God's will be done in this coming election
2. To humble myself before the Lord with fasting and repentance that he might hear my prayer and heal our land
3. Pray that the truth on both sides of the political arena will come to light
4. Pray that those who have let greed and corruption influence them to serve toward their own personal gain instead of what is best for this country will be brought under godly authority and be held accountable

Thankful Thursday, 1000 Gifts

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Iris, of Sting My Heart, hosts this opportunity to demonstrate our thankfulness and love for the Lord and His promises through his word each Thursday. Today I am sharing about Paul's prayer for believers found in Ephesians 1.
17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
This section of scripture has always been so awesome to me. To think that I share in the inheritance of His so great power manifest through the Holy Spirit, even that power exerted in raising Christ from the dead, I am catapulted into a mind boggling realm of wonder. Where is the evidence of this awesome power in my life? In the life of the church? The study, Beleiving God, by Beth Moore is bringing this scripture and so much more to light. Finally, the eyes of my heart are being opened. Praise God!Thank you, Jesus!
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In an effort to reach 1000 blessings by the end of the year I need to step up my praise!I am so thankful for
246. my Wednesday morning care group. This group from my previous church is made up mainly of older women whose testimony demonstrates refined gold in wisdom, understanding, love, and expectation. My prayer life has grown exponentially through the teaching and inspiration of this group.
247. God's working in my life, that even through adversity and persecution I am able to see God's hand in bringing me from one place into a much better place of service to Him
248. the veil between the physical and the spiritual worlds is becoming so transparent- the scales are falling off of my eyes that I might see God through my persecution and know that I must need do nothing in retaliation or defense. God is in control and He is my Fortress and my Rock. Praise God!
249. I have the confidence through this wee struggle to know that when even greater trial comes, God can handle that also and I can rest in Him. God is so good!
250. Thank you so much, Father, for the confirmation I received this week- such a huge blessing!
251. We were so blessed by our visit with the kids last night, the abilities God has given them in their post grad work, the opportunities God has poured into their lives and the provision of Joshua's great job. They are such a handsome, sweet, loving couple! I just love to sit back and admire them together!!
252. the music that God has put into my soul. I love the rhythm, the quality, the toe-tapping joy of it thrills my heart!
253.That autumn has come and the expectation for the bursting colors of the season is evidenced by the glimmers of russet and gold that are peeking through.
254. Jacket weather has arrived!
255. The soul quenching fellowship this morning around our breakfast out with dear, dear sisters in Christ where our wonderful conversation was satuarated with God, His word, his promise, His work in our lives!
256. My visit with my parents this morning seeing them out in the yard doing some end of the season maintenance and cleanup even in their frailty their desire to keep on keeping on is so inspiring to me and all who know them. Praise the Lord!
257. My dear husband who is taking off this afternoon to be here at home with me while the workmen are coming to work on a project here in the house. He knows I feel uncomfortable with this and his love in being here is very precious to me.
258. This morning the children's voices on the playground across the street is music to my ears. Beleive me, sometimes it is not! Praise God it consoles me today!
259. Praise God He constrained me today when I had a very disappointing episode at the grocery store with arrogant checkout employees. Obviously there is stress within that store management, but at food prices skyrocketting, customers deserve to at least be treated respectfully at pay up time! But God's grace was with me! He is faithful!
260. My dear, sweet husband just undertook to fix an fabulous dinner of amazing buckwheat cakes, smattered with fresh blueberries, a side dish of crispy bacon, and coffee while I was able to finish my last couple of day of Beleiving God homework!
261. I am so thankful that I am able to attend 2 Beth Moore studies which are blessing my life unbeleivably. But keeping up with all the home work is daunting! So far so good, because God is making it all possible for me to find the time to do it. Oh, Father, keep me obedient to use the given time to Your Glory! Amen!

Andochas

Last night we drove up to Tech and had dinner with the kids then went on campus to Burruss Hall for a wonderful musical concert and show! It was the Irish celtic group, Andochas,
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along with the Haran dancers. Much like RiverDance this was just up my alley! Photobucket
I loved it. The rhythms were in my blood! They explained their music is syncopated to a 9/8 metre which givs it that celtic timbre.

For a clip, go here.
I bought their Dragonfly cd which has all their best music! Love it!!
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Beautiful Blogger Award!!

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My heart is so full! I can hardly contain my joy and the awesomeness of what this award means to me. I know you probably think wow, she really is proud of this award, and I am so very pleased to receive it, but it represents so much more to me at this particular time. I've been studying in Stepping Up and also Beleiving God, (both Beth Moore studies) how God's timing is so meaningful.
First of all, however, I do wish to thank Lisa of Blessed with Grace for awarding me this very special award along with the other bloggers who participate in her very fun food celebration each week, Tempt My Tummy, Tuesday. I love that weekly endeavor... so many fine recipes and kitchen hints! I look forward to it every week. I thank you so much, Lisa, for this great commemoration, but I am also thanking the Lord for making this possible. They say that when God closes a door he opens a window. That has been made evident in my spiritual life recently in my church ministry, but now I truly beleive God is working in my personal life to demonstrate to me how He wants me to spend my computer time. The door has closed on one very longtime internet endeavor which had always given me great joy until just recently, but now my blogging which is a deeper expression of my life in His kingdom has taken on a much greater impact on my life, and I truly believe that these wonderful awards I have received this week are God's confirmation to me to persevere here in making my voice for Him heard. God is so good.

Award Time Blogging Friends Forever

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I was tagged for a special award from a special friend I've known for some time from my visits on the Mitford porch, dear Marian , the Princess of Pink. Marian has always been a very special friend to everyone she meets. Her joy of life and sweetness have never been dispelled even through terrible pain of loss and upheaval in her life. Her testimony is far-reaching- across the Atlantic Ocean and way beyond! She is my special Dutch friend!
There are just 3 rules attached to this award!
1. There are only five people allowed.
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
3. One has to be a new follower of your blog, or live in another part of the world.

I tag the following for this award:
Raquel of Kitchen Mysteries
Renna of Finding My Knitch
Aluara of The Cottage Rose
Carrie of Oakrise Cottage
Lynette, of Utterly Unplugged from Jordan
I am amazed and honored to have these wonderful bloggers visit my humble site and pray a special blessing on each one of you today and through0ut this beautiful autumn season!

Word Filled Wednesday

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Amydeanne, at the 160 Acre Wood, has requested we share God's wonderful word that we might abide in His revlation and truth on Wednesday.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

20 Little Things To Treasure in Autumn

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Melissa, of The Inspired Room has challenged us to create this wonderful listing of how autumn tantalizes our senses in authentic ways. I love the way melissa says it, "Autumn gives us every opportunity to live an authentic life. Yet how easy it is to miss the little things in the pursuit of a “perfect” life! An authentic life is made up of recognizing beautiful moments in an imperfect world. We must discipline ourselves to linger even for a moment on those things so they will become emblazoned in our memory like a snapshot in a tattered scrapbook. "
"Everyone is invited to take part in this, anywhere in the world!
So, take a few moments to dream up your cozy Fall inspiration. Then make your list of 20 Little Things to share with in the 20 Little Things to Treasure in Autumn post Mr. Linky or at the Blissfully Domestic forum post here.
1. The azure blue of an autumn sky
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2. The hint of woodsmoke in the crispy air
3. The farewell song of the cicada
4. The morning chill that begs me to break out my jacket
5. Sleepy mornings as the predawn sun is slow to crest the horizon
6. Candlelit windows and tablescapes
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7. Russets, golds, and browns gradually taking hold of the landscape
8. Early evenings and longer nights to spend around a cosy setting
9. Mountain rides reveling in the the Creator's artistry
10. Traipsing through crunchy leaves
11. Savory, spicy aromas wafting from the kitchen
12. Pumpkin pies with whipped cream on top
13. Hot mulled cider with cinnamon in large mugs
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14. Memories of family picnics at Peaks of Otter
15. Hayrides, campfires, and roasting marshmallows
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16. Hiking and 'stepping stones' up the Maury River on lazy Sunday afternoons
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17. Caramel apples and popcorn balls
18. Corduroy, flannel, cable knit, and Lindsay tartan
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19. Turning off the ac, opening up the windows, and airing out the house
20. Snuggling under downy covers
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Farewell

 After  17 years of   blogging  I am  pretty sad to  just fade  out  with  hardly  anyone showing any   farewell,  concern  about my  surger...