Daily Pearls

Daily Pearls
Through my window: A rather lazy Sunday afternoon is just skittering by.... a wonderful breeze is wafting in the window, which negates the sunny bright heat that radiates off everything else.... the very tips of the maples are tinged in russet..the dogwoods are proudly primacy in their autumnal transformation....the sound of bouncing basketballs on the school pavement across the street punctuates the air. Occassionally, the revved up motors of sports and utility vehicles grind into action as revelers enjoy this fine, fair day..It appears to be a grand day for motoring as there is a steady stream of autos coming and going.


Through my door: It was delightful to leave for church this morning as we purposefully set out to attend our new Sunday School class.... and we will soon venture out back to church this evening to have an informal time with our new senior pastor as he quizzes us in an effort to get to know his flock...


Hearing: A lone dog has been barking rhythmically most of the afternoon, and aside from that, I am hearing the realtor closing up the Open House new door.... it is so sad to realize our good neighbors are gone and their home sits empty, dark, and so forlorn.... praying for a lovely retired couple to downsize and move right in.... the perfect home for that...

What's Cooking: Well, I don't plan to do any cooking tonight... tomorrow I will be cooking to take to a family from our class who is experienceing a terrible personal tragedy...

Hearth and Home: Mainly sprucing up the home for autumn... I did purchase a lovely pillow for the sunroom last week at Kohl's and I am stocking up on those waxless candles that run on battery... I just love those .. never more will I fear burning the house down, or scorching the hutch with a burning candle.... my one main paux pas of my early homemaking career.


Healthy Living: Well, in the morning I am leading our First Place Bible Study for Health and If I will just apply the lesson that I know in my mind to the intent of my heart and will it would really help me to overcome the pull of food in my flesh... and I would really begin to see the evidence of controlled eating in my life... plus I am hoping with the onset of cooler weather my friend and I will rededicate ourselves to walking.

Creative Corner: Blogging appears to be my main creative outlet thses days.

Reading:
Healing the Nations a Study of Ephesians by Jim Tarter,
Revelation Bible study by Beth Moore
The Errors in the King James Bible by Dr. Peter S. Ruckman, answers every major attack on the King James text, and demonstrated that no one ahs ever proved an error in the text... Interesting book...


Random Thoughts: Has anyone else begun to think that it may be prudent to start stockpiling food?


Praying: So many prayer requests for loved one, friends, for sicknesses, emtional problems, employment, finances, world problems, National problems, community problems, the election,our church and our pastor's transition, to know God's will for my life personally, .. the list goes on....

Planning: Have to take my parents up to the country one day this week for a funeral for my aunt.. dad's youngest SIL... time to see the family but under such sad circumstances...Praise God, Aunt Jeannette is with her heavenly Father today and all her pain is gone.

Simple Pleasures: I love the music on my blog... I keep it playing all day long.
I thank Harvest of Pearls for this meme! You might wish to visit her blog and enjoy her offerings today.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: Praise the Lord the sun is shining brightly, the radiant light glistening off the several inches of snow that threatens to blind me when behold it..

Through my door: It would be really nice to go somewhere this afternoon.... after being cooped up in the house for days a little jaunt across town would be just what the doctor ordered.

Hearing: I am enjoying listening to my blog music... I love Chris Botti!! So soulful!!!

What's Cooking: Well, nothing if I can help it.. Lynn made delicious french toast and fruit cup for breakfast. I made a wonderful cranberry chicken salad for lunch, and Ive got my finger crossed for supper out tonight!

Hearth and Home: The house is mopped and vacuumed, dusted, and straightened. The laundry is finished and all is well with the world! Just relax!!YAYA!!

Healthy Living: Still working on portion control and looking forward to getting out for more walks as the weather improves!

Creative Corner: I am looking forward to getting into some oil painting... I have some great ideas about some bird paintings. I can hardly wait to be starting up my bird journals again this spring!

Reading:
James Herriot's~ All Creatures Great and Small
Susan Allen Toth~ England As You Like It
Rebecca Shaw~ A Country Affair.... countrylife in Yorkshire
Begin With Christ, Bible study



On My Mind:God is so amazingly good... always working out the most minute details of our lives for our good... gifting us with exactly what we need but in ways that are even better than we could had ever thought to ask.... to really know that he is concerned about what I want... am interested in... and then sets into motion events to bring about blessings if only we are alert to the possibilities.
My prayer life: I am praying to see God at work around me so I might join Him in His work to bring about his kingdom work. I am praying against the enemy's attack on our institutions and our way of life. I am being still and listening for God's small voice. My deep desire is to know His will and live in it! I wrote this last week but it is my on-going initiative!!!!!

Gratefulness: Again for opportunities... even in the most amazing avenues... to share about who he is... Lord give me the words the opening, the initiative and the courage to speak what you would have me to say!

Praying:Our prayer group and Bible study groups will be able to meet this week... thanksgiving for my parents continuing good health . I pray for continuing strength, mobility and freedom from pain. That Amanda and Joshua will be having a great week this week at work and in all their endeavors.
Planning: Looking online for bed ad breakfast to register for our anniversary coming up in a month... Now that is a great pastime.. Love it!!

Simple Pleasures: Meeting new friends and learning of far away places... places to dream about!

Thanks to Thia. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window:

A powerful nor'easter storm is developing off the Virginia coast bringing us flooding rain and high winds today. The Roanoke River is at flood stage. This storm is due to travel on up the coast tonightbringing flooding rains to NY City and on to Boston!

Through my door: I am going to be stopping in on Marlene this morning to discuss the prayer chain Dottie and I have been working on for our dearest Doris! All the time slots of the 24/7 prayer chain are filled except for the wee hours, at which time I feel sure family members who are staying with Doris at the hospital will be covering. Then I am off to choir practice.

Hearing: a lone bird is heralding important news right outside my window!

What's Cooking: Chicken salad... I hope to make it quite tasty with pecans and cranberries!!!

Hearth and Home: I need to do a general clean up.. every table is loaded with stuff"...mostly Bible study stuff... but I need to clear up for the weekend!

Healthy Living:11 pounds off altogether. I need to put a little more focus on my menu planning!!!

Creative Corner: no plans

On My Mind: I have a week's worth of work to do on my Daniel study for today. Our class is tonight.... Lord, help me!!!!

My prayer life:

The prayer conference we attended Saturday was amazing! I am inspired and encouraged to move into strategic spiritual warfare over so many areas of my life, our church, and my loved ones lives!!!!

Gratefulness:

I am grateful for my dear friend, Dottie, in whom I can trust and count on. She is undoubtedly, the best friend anyone could ever have.

Praying: Praise the Lord, mom is doing so much better. God has answered our prayers... her knee is doing so much better, her brusing is much less significant, and she is getting around much better! God is good!!!I , also, lift up Doris to You, Father, She needs your healing touch. Recreate in her those things she needs for full recovery... her heart and kidneys, Lord, bless her and fill her with Your strength! Heal Drew, Father and be glorified in the miracle you are doing there! Praise God for the answer to prayer regarding the 2 year old who fell and suffered brain loss, she is doing better! I bind the effects of the enemy over all of these situations.. I plead the blood of Jesus over these and by His stripes they are healed! In Jesus Name!!!! .

Planning: I am beginning to think about our Thanksgiving celebration this year. Lynn and I will just be serving my parents, but I want it to be a nice dinner. Mom and dad havent been here in several months.. They havent even seen our new floor we got in August! I would love to have my sofa back by then but I don't know if that is going to happen!
Simple Pleasures:

Do I ever enjoy when while Lynn and I are watching tv he takes my feet into his lap and gives them a nice massage! That is a real simple, yet invogorating pleasure!!!!

Thanks to Thia. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: A brisk, but sunny dawn!

Through my door: I will be leaving soon to go to a Bible study breakfast.. we will be starting a new teacher as our dear Marlene is taking a hiatus during this time that her mentor and spritual mother, Doris is recouperating. Our prayers are with you, Doris! Then I will stop in at mom's. Her face is improving but her knee is still swollen and the hematoma is not going down very much even with the continuing ice packs. Please pray for her knee to return to normal.. Mom's spirit is weakening...

Hearing: the hustle and bustle of cars whizzing past outside on their way to work, school, and what have you!

What's Cooking: Tonight is meatloaf night at church....

Hearth and Home: yesterday was a great day of clearing out the old and amiing room for the new.... I packed up 3 large bags of old clothes ( my fat clothes that I refuse to ever have to wear again) and took them along with 3 old bed spreads I have been hanging on to to the Good Will. Oh, it is good to lighten up, isn't it???

HAHA, my closets are still full, though, with scads of clothes waiting to be brought up in the laundry room.....hopefully, I'll be in that same throw away mode again quite soon!

I also, cleared out and rearranged the studio!!!YAYA!!!!

Healthy Living:three more pounds off last week! Persevere! Enjoy then blessing!!!

Creative Corner: Cleaning out the studio was a giant step toward thinking creatively don't you agree!!!!

Reading:
Storm over Coronado, by Donna Jeremiah
Book of Mark, Bible
Beth Moore's Study of Daniel Chapter 8
First Place 4 Health Bible study
Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby Chapter 8

On My Mind: I am excited about the outcome of the election.... God is faithful... to allow for godly men to serve and to help preserve Christian values in Maine! Hallelujah!!!Citizens must remain vigilant and use our God given civic responsibilities to let our representatives know how we feel about the workings of our government. I am writing my Senator this afternoon.

My prayer life: I am praying to see God at work around me so I might join Him in His work to bring about his kingdom work. I am praying against the enemy's attack on our institutions and our way of life. I am being still and listening for God's small voice. My deep desire is to know His will and live in it! I wrote this last week but it is my on-going initiative!!!!!

Gratefulness: For Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I am seeing this in every area of my life.... Oh, Lord, give me the wisdom, the patience, and the faith, to never react out of frustration, anger, or self-centeredness. Help keep me focused on Your purposes, trusting when I dont know your plan, and waiting for your timing in all things.... I love you, Lord!!!!

Praying: Dear Lord, please heal mother's knee. I plead the blood of Jesus over her body, and pray that by His stripes she is healed! I , also, lift up Doris to You, Father, She needs your healing touch. Recreate in her those things she needs for full recovery... her heart and kidneys, Lord, bless her and fill her with Your strength! I lift up Ross to you, that in this coming hour he will have clarity of mind to recall all that he needs to do well on his tests today and tomorrow and that your perfect will for his life will come to fruition! Heal Drew, Father and be glorified in the mracle you are doing there! Be with the family of the 2 year old who fell and suffered brain loss, Oh, God, recreate in her new life and restore her to her family In Jesus Name!!!! .

Planning: I am excited about attending the Intercessors Prayer Workshop at Patrick Henry College this weekend! Some of our prayer ladies are attending with me and I know it will be a joyous and very beneficial time with other beleivers!!!!

Simple Pleasures: seeing God in our wonderful daughter... her sweetness, her loving nature... her wisdom and compassion!

Thanks to Thia. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: It is a rather gray day, but the vibrant folliage does offer a bit of cheer. The colors are fading quickly now, it seems however.

Through my door: I was out early this morning to go get my allergy shot, and then stopped in at krogers to pick up my food for the Thanksgiving food baskets that we need to take to church on Sunday! Our class is bringing in soups and mac and cheese. The I stopped in at mom's to check on their situation today. We unwrapped her knee to get some air. It is looking much better, all things considered! And the swelling in her face is better. The blood is draining on down her neck and bodice, but she looked brighter and was more cheerful today!

I started their lunch for them and left both mom and dad in good spirits... ready to watch one of their fav shows, Matlock.

Hearing: the quiet murmur of the ceiling fan. It is a quiet afternoon here.

What's Cooking: Hoping for dinner out tonight! We'll see! Lynn told me last night I'd really provided lots of good eats this week.... maybe a deserve to be treated out this evening

Hearth and Home: We did get the sunroom sofa off to the upholstery shop yesterday, and now i'm busy perusing this months Southern Lady Holiday edition for holiday house trimming....

Healthy Living:I am thrilled that the scales keep going down this week! I am into the next smaller size... I am thrilled to be wearing a pair of khaki slacks I havent worn in quite a while!

Creative Corner: still no plans right now.

Reading:
Storm over Coronado, by Donna Jeremiah
Book of Mark, Bible
Beth Moore's Study of Daniel Chapter 8
First Place 4 Health Bible study
Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby Chapter 8

On My Mind: I've been thinking a lot about the Tea Party that is being held this afternoon where concerned citizens are lining the major thoroughfare with their placards showing their extreme dismay with the proposed health care bill our government is trying to pass. I have deep reservations about this plan. Every doctor I have spoken to, thinks it is definitely the wrong direction for our country, and I agree. I am thinking that our government lies to push an agenda, and I am praying that truth will be uncovered and rational minds will prevail!

My prayer life: I am praying to see God at work around me so I might join Him in His work to bring about his kingdom work. I am praying against the enemy's attack on our institutions and our way of life. I am being still and listening for God's small voice. My deep desire is to know His will and live in it!

Gratefulness: I am so grateful to have my parents and pray that the Lord will sustain them in their health, strength, and stability.

Praying:I particualrly lift up Doris to the Father today! Father, She heeds your healing touch. Recreate in her those things she needs for full recovery... her heart and kidneys, Lord, bless her and fill her with Your strength! In Jesus Name!!!! I prayed this last week, and I must keep this prayer and of course add my mom and dad for continued strength and healing.

Planning: Just trying to keep my head above water...

Simple Pleasures: seeing God's treasure in simple everyday things...

Thanks to Thia. I love with this theme so I am borrowing it. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: There is the threat of rain today, but I am praying it holds off until this afternoon, as my sweet husband is coming home from work early today to load up our sunroom sofa to take to the reupholsterer! It is noon and the clouds are still high in the sky so I am hopeful!!!
Through my door: I have had a turbulent week. On Sunday we were so blessed to get to take my parents up the valley to meet our kids who were passing through on their way home from a wedding they were in on Saturday. It was a fabulous time together all six of us... my parents and Lynn and I with Amanda and Joshua.

You can see what a joy Amanda is to us. She brightens our lives immeasurably!

It is always so hard to say goodbye to her!

Then we had a 2 hour trek home that night, and no sooner had I dropped off my parents and returned home that we got a call that mom had fallen face first on the tile floor in the bathroom. We spent all night in ER.

Thank God she didnt break anything, but we have had the concern of a brain bleedfor the lat 48 hours. Thankfully the time to be concerned about will soon be past. But she is very banged up and her poor face is black, blue, and quite swollen.

Anyway I have been traipsing back and forth from house to house and to the market. Praise the Lord they live only a short distance away!

Hearing: the loud whirring of my computer fan... I pray it isnt about to go out!!!Also, the kiddies at the school across the street are playing joyfully on the playground across the way!

What's Cooking:Meatloaf, acorn squash, and pumpkin pie!

Hearth and Home: The sunroom is getting a redo ever since we replaced the carpet with tile. The tables are new and the sofa is next on our list.

They promised it might be all done by the end of next week.

Healthy Living:Ive been cooking for two families so far this week, and by the time I get around to eating dinner here, I am not as hungry.... so maybe that will be a good thing in the long run!

Creative Corner: still no plans right now.

Reading:
Storm over Coronado, by Donna Jeremiah
Book of Mark, Bible
Beth Moore's Study of Daniel
First Place 4 Health Bible study
Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby

On My Mind: Just as soon as I publish this post I must run and do my experiencing God homework... I am terribly behind in all my study. But I have been experiencing God which certainly is better anyway!!!
My prayer life: Prayer is such a marvelous opportunity we have when we know the Father through the Son. We experienced such peace and comfort Sunday night in the ER as mom started the healing process and began this long road to recovery. Her poor knee and elbow were both abraded and the entire skin peeled back, I was dreading the continuing care of these wounds and I was praying for God's strength and wisdom in how I was going to be able to take care of these, but He basically delivered me from that entirely. Mom's fragile skin won't hold a stitch, but the doctor used about 30 of those suture strips to hold the skin in place and we were told to just leave it alone... even that the strips will just basically fall off when it is ready to and the wounds have healed. Praise God.....

Gratefulness: for my wonderful husband and how the Lord is working in his life and spiritual growth! Hallelujah!!!

Praying:I particualrly lift up Doris to the Father today! Father, She heeds your healing touch. Recreate in her those things she needs for full recovery... her heart and kidneys, Lord, bless her and fill her with Your strength! In Jesus Name!!!! I prayed this last week, and I must keep this prayer and of course add my mom and dad for continued strength and healing.
Planning: Just trying to keep my head above water...

Simple Pleasures: looking out my sunroom window at the chorus of beauty and peceful surroundings!

Thanks to Thia. I love with this theme so I am borrowing it. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: It is a gloomy kind of day today~ there is a definite chill in the air and a threat of rain to come.

Through my door: I hurried out the door this morning rushing to make it to the allergy doctor in time.... I awoke last night with a sinus headache and upon taking some Benadryl, did oversleep this morning with only 15 minutes to make it to the office upon rising! Argh!!! Then when I was finally called I was told my allergies and sinsues precluded my ability to receive my shot! Oh... too have just stayed in bed this morning.

Hearing: I am listening to Truth for Life: Alistair Begg is such an engaging expositor! I love his inspiring sermons!

What's Cooking:Savory baked tilapia. I love this delicate and very nutritious fish!

Hearth and Home: Lynn is coming home early today so we can go by the furniture store to pick up our new end table for the sunroom. Hopefully, next month we can get the sofa reupholstered! We've been on the waiting list now for 6 weeks.

Healthy Living: This week, I am trying to hold on to the 9 pound loss I have had thus far. I am trying to drink more milk... something that seems hard for me these days!

Creative Corner: still no plans right now.

Reading:
Storm over Coronado, by Donna Jeremiah
Book of Mark, Bible
Beth Moore's Study of Daniel
First Place 4 Health Bible study
Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby

On My Mind:Yesterday I had such a wonderful time... I joined the Senior bus trip to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway up to Mabry Mill. The day was gorgeous, the fellowship so sweet. I really enjoyed walking the area with Dottie, Bill and their two babies, Heather and Holly!Dottie is such an amazing friend... so thoughtful... so considerate... and encouraging. She is a real blessing to me.

My prayer life.it is all about expectation!! Lord, guide me unto all understanding of your kingdom life... edify my spirit to be expectant and full faith in your Word, holding unwaveringly to the truth of who I am and what you wish to accomplish through me. Keep me close and pure. My deep desire is tobe used in your kingdom work that You might be glorified in all things!!!
Gratefulness: simple pleasures like talking with Teresa yesterday and seeing in her a deep spiritual understanding. I look forward to more talks with her!
Praying:I particualrly lift up Doris to the Father today! Father, She heeds your healing touch. Recreate in her those things she needs for full recovery... her heart and kidneys, Lord, bless her and fill her with Your strength! In Jesus Name!!!!
Planning: Not too much to plan this week,,, but just wait... it's coming!

Simple Pleasures: power naps in the afternoon... all tucked into a cozy comforter! Lovely!!!

Thanks to Thia. I love with this theme so I am borrowing it. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

Daily Pearls

Through my window: What a glorious day we enjoyed today....mid seventies and clear as a bell. Not many more days like today in the offering!

Through my door: I was priveleged to go with my mom to Bible Study this morning. I love that group... the ageless group. I am one of the 3 younger members, and I'm just barely in my 50's!!! Just to pray and worship together with this precious group is like a bit of heaven on earth!

Hearing: Joshua Bell on violin, playing Paganini, Caprice #24! It doesnt get much better than that!!!

What's Cooking:Thankfully, the church put on the dinner tonight so the kitchen was rather quiet and at rest today!

Hearth and Home: I am excited about the coffee table I picked up today at the consignment shop for $25. I think it will really coordinate well with the end table we have yet to pick up at Grand Interiors. We tried to pick it up tonight, but they were closed after church... so maybe tomorrow. To tell the truth, though I wish I had just gone to the consignment shops first, Great bargains there now!!!!

Healthy Living: I am very excited about First Place 4 Health. Finding true balance in the total being... mind, spirit, body, and soul, is such a great program. I am really trying to think about every thing I eat, and more importantly how much and when to eat. I am praying for the fortitude to be faithful in walking several times a week.

Creative Corner: No time for creativity at this time... hopefully soon, however.

Reading:
Storm over Coronado, by Donna Jeremiah
Book of Mark, Bible
Beth Moore's Study of Daniel
First Place 4 Health Bible study
Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby

On My Mind: I am so looking forward to Sunday when we will visit with the kids. My parents are ecstatic about seeing them, as they havent seen them since we got together for dinner in July. So we get another chance for dinner on Sunday as we travel to meet them as they will be passing through from Boston.

My prayer life. It is becoming more and more evident that I need to be much more dedicated and intentional in my prayerlife, and in developing an even much more intimate relationship with God. It seems that as this world seems to be spiralling out of control, we need to be much more about the Lord's business, empowered by the Holy Spirit colaboring to bring about the Lord's purposes.

Gratefulness: So much.... my salvation, my life, my marriage, our home, and family!!!

Praying:So many requests from so many....for health, stability, healing, strength, courage, forgiveness, unity, wisdom, provision, ..."Help us" Lord!"

Planning: Not too much to plan this week,,, but just wait... it's coming!

Simple Pleasures: Curling up in my "Secret Place" to meet with God, pen and journal in hand and coffee in my new green mug!

Thanks to Thia. I just happened on her site tonight and fell in love with this theme so I am borrowing it. Her original is found on her site, Harvest of Pearls.

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October." - Nathaniel Hawthorne