Pink Saturday

Today is the last day of January. I can hardly fathom that! So I really want to take this time time to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day which is right around the corner!

Photo: Karen's Whimsy

Please join Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more Pink Saturday!

Show and Tell, Friday

Kelli of There is No Place Like Home hosts this theme every week. Visit her site for more Show and Tell!

This particular painting is very precious to us. When Amanda was lttile she'd crawl up into bed with us everynight as we read her bedtime stories. We read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Secret Garden, and The Trumpet of the Swan to name just a few. Amanda was really taken by Lewis, the swan ,and his own true love. So when she was 6 we vacationed in Philadelphia and took her back to the International Airport to relive the moment she arrived into our lives in 1985, we also visited the Philadelphia Zoo, the real home of our dear hero, Lewis, and Amanda was so happy to see the male and female swans there on exhibit. On this trip we also visited Cape May, New Jersey and as we wandered the sidewalk art sale, there it was. This perfect commemoration of not only Amanda's favorite love story, but a memento of our fabulous walk down this poignant time in our family's life.

Favorite Family Foto, Friday

Deborah, of Pictures, Pots, and Pens, hosts this theme each week. It is fun to look up cute fotos of family and I just love this shot out neighbor took of Amanda in his garden when she was four. I only wish I could scan it instead of take a picture of it. But hopefully, the essence of it comes through!

As you can see she has always had that dazzling smile!

On MY Way

to school this morning I was entranced by the scenic drive. I have travelled this road every work day for 30 years plus. I live about 25 miles away from school in the next county- a much more rural locale than my hometown. To think that I have commuted up the valley on this interstate so many times,

often times much before the sun has crested the Blue Ridge range beyond the school...

The quiet serenity of a country road soothes the spirit and calms the soul...

Pastorale farms have greeted me all along the way.

and then I am there.

Long, low, and windowless wonder, this hall of academia....

And then there I am waiting for the day .... a new chapter to unfold. Will it be a day of wonder and discovery? I pray for that and so much more!

Four days down.... 5 to go! Oh precious Lord, give me strength!

I DREAD Today

If you happen by my blog today especially this morning, please pray for my day. This is the fourth day of my 10 day sub in fifth grade and yesterday I could sense that the climate was deteriorating. The classes had been very good the first 2 days, but it just couldnt last. Yesterday they simply told me " I dont want to!" I mean I have never had students just say something like that. Today the plans are such as to require more work from me than them, and in my spirit, I find myself rebelling. I dont want to either. It is no fun when it is difficult to find any joy in being around a certain group of students. There is one class- right in the middle of the day that really is NO pleasure at all. After 6 years of retirement this is tough. I dont mean to be bellyaching, but I dread dealing with trying to keep them engaged, paying attention and being accountable when so many are rebellious. I suppose I could just go in- do my job and not care whether they did their part or not, but I cant do that. I really do care too much and want them to be the best they can be! Argh! I really need God's provision today!

Fleur-de-Lys Pattern

I love to incorporate this beautiful scrolling pattern throughout my decor.

It really helps me connect with the past and appreciate my heritage all the more.

The Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lys is what caught my eye about this backround.

Being representative of French royalty it has always attracted me. I suppose due to my Normandy roots. Although Fleurs-de-lis feature prominently in the Crown Jewels of England and Scotland as well. The tressure flory-counterflory (flowered border) has been a prominent part of the design of the Scottish royal arms and Royal Standard since James I of Scotland.

The treasured fleur-de-luce he claims

To wreathe his shield, since royal James.

.
–Sir Walter Scott, The Lay of the Last Minstrel.

If you have followed my blog for a while you probably know how enamored I am with all things Scottish because

of my Lindsay and Blair lineage. So the fleur-de-lys symbol resonates with me deep within!

(Thanks to Wikipedia for help with this post)

Word Filled wednesday

Amy Deanne of the 160 Acre Woods hosts this wonderful theme each Wednesday. Please check her site for more Words from the Lord!

'"In your anger do not sin:' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

I love this scripture. I learned this one from my parents from an early age. I was raised in a very loving home, but my parents were fussy. They just naturally fussed at each other a lot, and some other family members would actually laugh at them for being so quarrelsome. But the one thing my parents always taught me, was to never let the sun go down on your anger. They would quarrel and then the air was always clear. They never went to bed mad.

In my own home, in the early days of our marriage it really helped me to remember this key verse. Sometimes an argument would go on deep into the night, because I was always determned to resolve any conflict before going to bed. Learning the importance of conflict resolution is one of the most valuable skills in marriage, especially learning to give and take and to choose your battles. And then eventually, it is wonderful when there just doesnt seem to be a need for conflict at all. What a wonderful place to reside!

It's Official!

We are so pleased to announce that as of today our daughter is officially married to a doctor! Joshua defended and passed his dissertation for PHD! Now it is Gung ho to Boston in just a few weeks!

I love this montage.

This is one of their latest photos! Handsome couple, aren't they?

CHANGE

Change is a reality of life! We can look forward to change or we can dread it! But one thing is certain, change is always coming! So we may as well choose to look ahead with expectation for the wonders of change, the limitless range of new possibilities that come with change and enjoy the ride! Therefore, my blog change demonstrates the expectation for renewed focus in living, ministry, and purpose!

Tablescape Thursday

Susan, of Between Naps on the Porch hosts this each week!

On Saturday I hosted our church prayer team for our study on praying effectively. We have started meeting in the various homes and this time I was honored to have the girls. We always like to have a bit of something decadent so I cheated and stopped it at Fresh Market for a carrot cake roll.

It was lovely reprising my antique dishes I inherited for Lynn's mom, which I hadnt used since last summer.

My new tea cosy worked like a charm keeping our pot toasty warm. The tea and coffee poured freely and we truly had a marvelous time of fellowship as well as the excellent teaching on the believer's authority!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman for more!

FOR TODAY January 26, 2009

Outside my window... it is cloudy and the threat of a winter storm is upon us. They are calling for light snow flurries today developing into an event overnight!

I am thinking...I hope to get a full day of subbing today and wouldn't mind going in and having school close around 10 am tomorrow. Although I certainly do not wish to drive back home the 30 some odd miles in freezing rain! Yikes!

I am thankful for...the opportunity to sub and take advantage of my retirement package, even though it requires 20 days of sometimes grueling work. It depends on the class. Thankfully, this class is a nice group of kids. It is just that after 6 years of retirement I'm ready to really give it up now.

From the kitchen...Nothing scheduled for today although I do have some ground beef I need to use. Lynn is taking me to breakfast this morning and I'll have to think about supper.

I am wearing...white turtle neck and navy slacks.

I am creating... plans to create an atmosphere for learning in fifth grade!

I am going...to be subbing all week and next week for our Mr. H. He was Amanda's fifth grade teacher here in the city schools 11 years ago and now he teaches at my old school. Small world!

I am reading...The Believer's Authority- a great book on how to pray more effectively.

I am hoping...to find some time this week to catch up on my Esther, Bible Study homework. It is so hard to catch up once I get behind. Of course, I will miss the meeting this week and thankfully schools are closed next Tuesday so I will get to go.

I am hearing...the radiators pop and crack as they warm up. This old house really talks on cold mornings.

Around the house...nothing is planned except for the general pick up.

One of my favorite things...meeting with my prayer group friends. I love to share Bible truths with like minded women who love to deep in and make biblical connections in scripture. This group is amazing- we all bring a special dynamic to the discussions and we have so much fun in the Lord!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Subbing, subbing, subbing subbing, subbing.Sometime I will watch the taped movie from last night- The Last Templar- I hope it was good. I will watch the taped episode of 24 that I am recording tonight, Wednesday night church dinner and pastor's study, and that is all I can think of. I hope that is all. I will need to rest the rest of the time!!

Here is picture I thought I would share...

If you have not discovered Etiquette with Miss Janice's site you must visit her for her tips on tea parties. On of my favorite things is haveing ladies over for tea. The niceties that tea incurs just blesses me in my spirit.

I love my tea chest that Lynn bought me for Christmas several years ago. It is my faithful companion with every tea party I have!

Pink Saturday

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound today for more Pink!!

Today I am in the PINK! It's teatime!

My prayer ladies are coming here for a little Bible Study and tea this morning. I cheated and stopped in at Fresh Market last night a bought a gorgeous carrot cake roll. And I will make some banana nut bread muffins in just a jiffy. So I'm off to the kitchen! You have a blessed PINK Saturday~

My Husband Rocks, Friday

Visit Katy Lin of The great Adventure for more My Husband Rocks, Friday!

You have to really love a man with a Bible under his arm and devotion in his heart for the Lord and his family!

We were on our way out the door Wednesday night for Fellowship dinner and Pastor's Study/prayer meeting! It is truly wonderful when the husband takes the spiritual leadership roll in the household.

I ran across this website about leading the spiritual life in the home.

http://www.heavenministries.com/Articles/SpiritualLeaderof%20home.htm

It very simply and succinctly lays out the importance and the steps in growing in spiritual leadership.

Show and Tell, Friday

Visit with Kelli, at There is No Place Like Home for more Show and Tell, Friday!

This week while going around consignment shops price checking for a church project I ran across these wonderful dishes. They really struck a cord with me.

I love transferware dishes and grew up with the traditional blue and white willow pattern, but these are in pink. The pattern, Brook, depicts a quaint English cottage with a turretted castle tower in the background. Of course, I fell instantly in love. They only had these 8 salad dishes. Now I have something very special to me to collect!

Churchill China seen here in both blue and pink!

Here I paired the salad plate with my whites for our cosy dinner for three this week.

Favorite Family Foto Friday

You'll find more family fotos by visiting Deborah at Pictures, Pots, and Pens!

I was thrilled to have Amanda stop in one evening this week to share with us all about their trip to New England and talk about some properties they had seen. I was able to make one of her favorite "little girl" meals,

~ pork chops, rice and peas~

And then there she was sitting in her regular seat at the table! I have to say,

"I just love it see her sitting there!"

Of course, we always miss Joshua, but he is all but finished writing his dissertation! It is due tomorrow! Praise the Lord, He is almost finished!

Today marks the middle of winter- with no snow on the horizon, I am now looking forward to spring!

I was walking around the yard yesterday afternoon and was enjoying the play of the setting sunlight on the environs. As I meandered up the sideyard I enjoyed the beauty of the haws on our thriving yearling hawthorn tree. I dreamed of how wonderful it will be when the tree grows to maturity in a few years.

Last year we suffered such a devastasting year when we lost so many trees to storm and drought, yet the newness of life continues with our new plantings. I have gotten somewhat used to the exposure of our home which used to be so sweetly shrouded in the shade of several spreading maples, and now is laid bare to passersby.

I look forward to the coming spring and the fresh and delicate blooms of the budding red maples and the white blosoms which will spring forth on this wonderful hawthorn.

THE HAWTHORN TREE
by: Willa Cather (1873-1947)

CROSS the shimmering meadows--
Ah, when he came to me!
In the spring-time,
In the night-time,
In the starlight,
Beneath the hawthorn tree.

Up from the misty marsh-land--
Ah, when he climbed to me!
To my white bower,
To my sweet rest,
To my warm breast,
Beneath the hawthorn tree.

Ask of me what the birds sang,
High in the hawthorn tree;
What the breeze tells,
What the rose smells,
What the stars shine--
Not what he said to me!

Senior Adult Choir

It is so wonderful to be singing in the choir again. I arrived at practice today about 20 minutes early and just sitting in the choir room amid the various props and instruments was so fulfilling, as if I a part of something much bigger than myself, and my spirit began to soar with the significance of it all.

Worship is such an integral part of the church experience and to be able to participate in corporate worship with this group is a real answer to prayer.

I used to sing in a large church choir as a young woman before we adopted Amanda, and we worked so hard on our enunciation and diction, I loved the precision of it all. For the intervening years since 1995 until 2006, we attended a much smaller church that only had a contemporary worship team, so much of the dynamics of choral singing were lost.

When we moved to this church with its dual choral program we found we mainly wanted the traditional service with the chancel choir and beautiful organ accompaniment- that had really been missing in our spiritual lives. But when I tried to sing in the choir I found much to my dismay between the lost skills and my poor eyes with age, I as having a very difficult time keeping up, so I dropped out after a very short time. But then I was asked to sing with the senior adult choir. I suppose I am the youngest member which suits me fine, but from the very first day of practice I knew I had found my niche. You wouldnt' believe how much it helped singing from large print music! HEEHEE! I know now that I can ask for music reading glasses which I will check into the next time I go to the opthomologist. I am learning that getting older isn't for wimps! I am only 58! This is just the beginning!

What Was I Thinking

Tomorrow I begin a 10 day substitute stint in fifth grade. I am really, really dreading this. When I first got the call I thought great, I'll get 10 days done all at once and wont be dragging around all spring trying to scrounge up days, but now I am thinking, oh my goodness, what have I done? This is my 6th year of retirement and to say that I am out of the mood of teaching is an understatement. But also fifth graders this time of year are not exactly the mot accepting of a substitute. Last year I did one day in fifth and I promised I'd never go back... to that class. I do remember these kids from last year and they are a good group so I do hold out hope that they havent changed too much. but those hormones do a job of 11 and 12 year olds. Anyway, I will be teaching geometry and physical science. There again, with my experience in third and fourth grade, I am feeling more than a little over whelmed today. If anyone is reading this, please send along a prayer for me to be lifted in spirit and strengthened in the Lord to face and accomplish the best job I can in this endeavor. Right at this moment I am feeling ineffectual and tired. I need a huge dose of adrenalin, which I suppose will come about the time I step into that room at 7:30 in the morning.

Cannon Fodder

I love to visit the blogs I am following to catch up on their posts and what's going on! I try to especially check in daily with Stacey in the Highlands and her very special blog, A Lamb in the Field. Today she was following up on a meme by Penny at Diosa Domestica De La Locura, called "cannon fodder"!
1. Is there someone you'd like to be kissing right now?
well, if I hold off for about half an hour I will be kissing him, my dear hubby, Lynn who is coming home to take me to the podiatrist!
2. When you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean? I do get quite when I have something'eating on me' whether it is sickness of body or spirit. When i get really quiet, Lynn starts poking me with "What's wrong, what did I do now"
3. What are you listening to right now? Josh Groban singing Thankful! I love that so much!
4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms? I love them! They thrill me. I usually like to just go lie on the bed near the window and watch them.
5. Do you believe in perfect? I have to defer to Stacey's answer, it really is the only answer!Yes, and He is the only one who is ~Jesus!
6. Are you a jealous person? I try not to be jealous, but there is envy in my heart sometimes. I do not believe it is a stronghold, though.
7. What was the first thing you thought of this morning? How nice it was to sleep a little later than usual, and then really dreading Friday when I begin that 10 day sub job in fifth grade. What was I thinking!
8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep? Hallelujah, I am living the season of falling fast asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow! No time for thinking.
9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life? I love my life, my family, home, church, friends. I am very content!
10. Do people think you are either older or younger than you are? I am usually younger than I think. I think Lynn and I look younger than our high school friends, probably because Amanda has kept us young. But I do feel my age more and more.
11. Do you think men truly understand women? Not so well. My husband does pretty good, though.
12. How about women understanding men? I am getting there, of course, it takes a course in Martian to really begin to get it. We really are from different planets.
13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful? Does my mother count?
14. What is one fact about the last person who called you? I am her best friend and she relies on me for a lot which makes me very happy~my mom.
15. Other than your current one, what's the longest relationship you've had? The ongoing relationship I have with the Bridegroom and the lover of my soul. That would be 47 years.

Word Filled Wednesday

Join Amy Deanne for more tribute to God's word!

Just as I have been contemplating this season of my life in the previous posts, I cannot but be completely filled with awe and gratefulness because of this promise of God. For there is no loss of any kind that He does not absolutely come to redeem, fill or restore! He is all the portion we need! He fills every empty place or longing we have! All we have to do is give the need over to Him! Praise God for His lovingkindness, grace and mercy!

It is through His perfect ordering and alignment of all things that we have hope for that brighter tomorrow. Spring will come and all things will become new!

Empty Arms

Today while I was driving to church for Bible study I was taken by the loneliness of the trees~their empty branches reaching into the heavens~ as if to grasp and firmly hold on to something, someone one. Yet ever, ever empty arms, striving -so forlorn. I felt deep in my spirit I could associate with that grieving loss and pain. We all go through seasons of loss and loneliness, seeking for that something that will satisfy a sense of barrenness in our lives. I suffered this loss of purpose immediately following my retirement from teaching! The loneliness and bleakness of those days while I was seeking redefinition were much like the grasping trees seeking redemption for their loss of fertility. But just as the trees will live to bud and blossom again, so too did I then and will I now move into renewed purpose in life. Yes, I am feeling a loss and emptiness with the swift approach of my only child's move so far away. Yes, there is a feeling of bereft loneliness and dismay as I contemplate the miles of separation that will necessarily divide us, but just as God has ordered the seasons of life to ebb and flow so too will I pass into a renewed season with Him, with my husband, with my niche in my church and community. I will again redefine my life~ grow, and prosper in my new identity, not distinguished by grief, but by victory and completion.

~A new dawn is coming!~

"Bare branches of each tree
on this chilly January morn
look so cold so forlorn.
Gray skies dip ever so low
left from yesterday's dusting of snow.
Yet in the heart of each tree
waiting for each who wait to see
new life as warm sun and breeze will blow,
like magic, unlock springs sap to flow,
buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow."

- Nelda Hartmann, January Morn

I Am Now Following

Beth Moore,'s blog, The LPM Blog . How wonderful to have a fresh word from Beth each day! I am so thrilled to be taking her newest Bible Study, Esther.

What an amazing study , for such a time as this! She presents her teaching before a set that is a recreated Oval Office and just to know that this production was filmed at least 18 months ago, but is being aired at my church during these next 10 weeks is awesome to say the least. For Beth's website,"You will learn strong lessons of faith that will equip you to live a courageous life". Wow, does that sound like something we could all use a huge dose of. Courage it takes to face life's challenges.
Check out her promo on this link! I know you'll want to find this Bible study in your area!
http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/esther.asp
For us to see this film being played out from the "Oval Office" today just demonstrated how important it really is for woman of faith to band together in prayer for our nation as the baton is passed today and our nation is led by a new leadership down a different road. Let's pray that God's Holy Spirit will always be the ultimate guide for our country, and do check out where you might attend this Bible study in your area.

I am very excited about tonight's program of the Symphony Orchestra. I particularly love Debussy's La Mer!
Sea to Shining Sea
Monday, January 19, 2009 - 8:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Theatre
Symphony Orchestra

Billy Joel - Elegy - Virginia Premiere
Britten - Four Sea Interludes
Handel - Hornpipe from "Water Music"
Rachmaninoff - Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14
Smetana - The Moldau from "Ma Vlast"
Debussy - La Mer

The Simple Woman Daybook

Join in the fun with Peggy at The Simple Woman!

FOR TODAY January 19, 2009

Outside my window...there is just barely a light skiff of white scattered over all. With the threat of more today I'm not sure of many things regarding my schedule!

I am thinking...I hope we get to meet up at Lynne's house for our usual prayer meeting. Lois is teaching us some important concepts about the authority of the believer- wonderful stuff.

I am thankful for...the Holy Spirit, God's perfect gift to us. I am so thankful to live in this church age. Praise God!

From the kitchen...not much going on today. Lynn is off and he's taking me to breakfast!

I am wearing... my terry house coat. So deliciously cosy!

I am creating...nothing at this time!

I am going... to Lynne's this morning~ she just called!

I am reading...The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee ~wonderfully deep theology!

I am hoping...for a restful and calm week. I have a ten day substitute stint in fifth grade coming up starting Friday! YIKES!!

I am hearing...traffic picking up outside.

Around the house... the house is taking care of itself this week. except for laundry there are no plans for anything special- just a general pick up and vaccuum. Hopefully, Lynn will do the vaccuuming this week! YES! Maybe today while I am up at Lynne's.

One of my favorite things... body lotion, during this time of year. My skin is so dry! I just lubed up a few minutes ago! I should buy stock in the company!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Monday: prayer meeting, Amanda coming to help pick up her new upholstered chair and then we are going to dinner and to the symphony tonight!

Tuesday: Beth Moore, Esther, bible study

Wednesday:Ageless group and Wednesday night fellowship dinner and pastor's study

Thursday: I don't think I'll leave the house!

Friday: Starting that 10 day sub job!

Here is a picture I thought I 'd share:

This painting hangs in the Capitol. I am praying that our leaders will be wise to seek God's council as they perform their tasks in leading our country. I urge you all to pray unceasingly for our new president and his cabinet.