My friend, Judy

I met my friend, Judy, at the park this afternoon for an impromptu photo shoot. It was a gorgeous day and the park was full of people of all ages. Children playing while their mothers watched from a park bench, adults walking the track, a family cooking out, and some seniors sitting at a picnic table having a conversation. You couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Judy is so much fun and willing to do whatever. Even though the park was full of people, she played along with my silly requests as I posed her for shot after shot. We had a good time and some good laughs as well. I know we'll be doing this again.

So, without further ado...........Heeeeeeeerrrrreeeeees JUDY!

MY, how the time does fly...

I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I last posted. I have been so busy. But, busy is good. Idle hands are the devil's workshop, right?!



Over the past week, I've...........

*worked my part time job

*crocheted on a scarf for a friend

*lead AWANA at church and then choir practice after

*got my hair done.............again (we're super close to the original state of my hair......I think!)

*attended my Beth Moore Bible study on Esther

*visited with friends

*took photos for my March CONTEST! (That's right, it's coming in a few days!- Get ready!)

*attended my goddaughter's Sweet 16 Ball in Marianna and took pictures

*early church, Sunday school, choir and then worked the AWANA appreciation luncheon



So...........yeah.......I've been a little busy this past week. No excuse is a good excuse. I promise to try and do better.



As I listed above, I have a contest coming up. I am going to try and start doing one contest a month. I hope to have some good (and even some homemade) prizes that will entice you to participate. I must admit, my March contest will be mostly for those who live in Chipley or for those who visit regularly and know the area pretty well. But, like I said, I'll be doing a contest once a month, so if you don't get in on this one, you'll be ready for then next one.



I hope to be posting some pictures of the Sweet 16 Ball soon. I want to wait and let the girls (and their mothers) see their photos before I post them. But, I'll have them on here as soon as possible.



I also have another photo opportunity coming up next Sunday afternoon. I'm excited about that. And then I have another one lined up the following Saturday over in Marianna. So, be on the lookout for several photos in the near future.



OK, I'm signing off. Over and out!



Happy Sunday!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e559ff65d476804cbdf6

Faith

I know that many of you who read my blog know of the trials I have been encountering for the past four months. First of all, I never thought I would be directly affected by the state of our nation's economic crisis. Secondly, I certainly never thought I would have yet to find a full time job. I have searched diligently, and still..................nothing. But, amazingly to myself and others, I still have a peace within me. I know my current situation would throw many into a deep depression, and yet, here I am today, four months into a trying situation, still praising my Lord and Savior. I praise Him for who He is. I praise Him for what He's done for me throughout my life and throughout my situation. I praise Him for all the others who have been blessed by my faith in Him. What I am going through is very uncomfortable, but I know that He is using me to encourage others. I want my life to be a testimony to those who are going through the same thing. I want others to know, they too, can count on Him to sustain them, just as He sustains me. Sure, I would like for my situation to be different, but more than that, I still want to be in the middle of His will for my life, even if that means employed part time. We are learning to trust Him more through all of this. Maybe that's the lesson He has for us in it. He has provided "just" what we need as we need it for the past four months and I know we can trust Him to continue to take care of us.

So, today I searched my Bible looking for encouragement regarding faith. This is what I found...

Faith is defined in a practical way in Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The writer of Hebrews illustrates those who took God at His word and had faith in what He said.

What exactly is faith? It is confidence. It is believing. It is trusting. The importance of having faith to believe can hardly be overstated: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him", says Hebrews 11:6. 2 Chronicles 20:20 tells us to "........Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld....."

How can we, no matter what our circumstances, not show faith in a God that is so faithful? The evidence of His faithfulness surrounds me in my everyday life. It is obvious to me in even the smallest things from day to day. And I find such joy in sharing it with others.

I know that others are being blessed by Him through me (which in turn blesses me like you wouldn't believe!) and I am willing to go wherever He leads me to further His kingdom. If seeing my reactions to my trials blesses someone else and/or brings them to Him, it is all worth it and my uncomfortableness is not in vain. To God be the glory! Forever and ever, Amen!

And I leave you with this:

For great is His love for us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 117:2

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92ac1e43b57340fd30d8

Whew!

It's amazing how much one forgets....................

I am the mother of two boys, ages 20 and 16. I had my children when I was young. I was 20 when I had David and 24 when I had Michael. I was young and resilient. Or maybe it's just been so long, I don't remember how frazzled and tired I was?!

Either way, it's amazing how one forgets all that a baby brings to your home. In as much as there is cuteness, there is chaos. Likewise, as much joy...the same amount of jolted nerves. And as much happiness and giggles....also comes helplessness and wiggles, while you're trying to feed them, changed them and dress them. I am exhausted.

I have been keeping our friend's 10 month old girl for the past two days. She is adorable, funny and precious. She is also demanding, speedy (on her hands and knees) and tireless! I had forgotten how much doesn't get done when you have a baby in the house. At first it kind of bothered me to not be able to keep my normal routine, but then, I decided to just relax and roll with the flow. And another thing I had forgotten.......when you relax.....they relax. Oh, yeah. So, it really is just like riding a bike.

But, my point is, today.........I am SO thankful for the "Mother Stage" I am currently in. I am enjoying watching my boys do for themselves, be self sufficient, reaching their goals, being independent. No, they don't do everything perfectly. They don't keep their rooms clean or the towels picked up off the bathroom floor, but they do fix their own snacks when they are hungry and entertain themselves. And for that, today, I am thankful!

To all you new moms with little ones in your home, I salute you and I will pray for you!

And the WINNER is......

Cathy!!

Cathy and Leah BOTH had 12 out of 14 right! GREAT job! Cathy and Leah's names were put in a bowl and Michael drew Cathy's name, determining the winner.

Jeremy, you had 8 right out of 14. Nice goin'!

I sincerely hope you all had a good time with this. I will definitely be doing this one again soon.

Now, without further ado.......here are the contest pictures in their original state.

1. Feathers (from the goose on the bottom left corner of this shot.)

2. Lake

3. Metal Roof

4. Pampas Grass

5. Sweet Gum (ball) seed pod

6. Wooden Door Knob

7. Chicken Wire (door)

8. Spigot

9. Terra Cotta Pot

10. Car Dash Speaker

11. Deer Chest (FYI - I have never/would never take a picture of an animals....um....backside!)

12. Rusty (garbage can) Lid

13. Painted (tongue and groove) Wood

14. Frost

Congratulations to Cathy............AND to Leah! And definitely HONORABLE MENTION to Jeremy as well!!!

I pray each and every one of you have a blessed weekend!

Steamy Hot Goodness

It's freeeeezing! (in case you didn't get the memo!) I woke up this morning to 19 degrees outside. Brrr! Last night I threw not one, but two extra blankets on the bed. It was so nice and toasty, I sure didn't want to get up when that evil alarm clock went off. I do not like to be cold. Cold just, well, hurts.

I have numerous blankets in my living room. I have a couch with two blankets, a love seat with one blanket and a single recliner with one blanket. We are not "blanket poor" at my house. No Sir-E, Bob!! We, with the exception of Michael, my youngest, are all coffee drinkers at my house too. Nothin' says, "Ah!" like a fresh hot cup o' Joe! We have a cup in the morning (ok, sometimes two), a cup in the afternoon and then a cup of decaf or "half-caff" in the evening.


But on days like today, where it's nearly noon and the temperature has only reached 31 degrees with a wind chill of "OH, it's cold!", I need more hot fluids to warm my innards! (is that a word?) I like to switch up and drink different hot liquids. I love me some good, rich, frothy dark hot chocolate. And I like hot tea too, but I really have to be in the mood. I'm not a big hot tea drinker. But, last month when I went to Kentucky for my nephew's wedding, I found a new favorite hot beverage. It's caffeine free and it tastes delicious! It really hits the spot on days like today. If you like hot cider, you should give it a try. You won't be sorry, I promise!

Brain Challenge

OK, I'm going to take a stab at posting a game. The prize isn't much, but the fun will be in playing the game anyway, so I hope you'll play and have a good time. Me and my dear friend, Kim went "shooting" the other day, just taking random shots of whatever. I wanted to get creative with what I captured so I thought I'd make a game out of my pictures. Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I am posting 14 pictures and you have to try and guess what they are. You will have to post your answers as a comment in the correct order. So, you will need to number your answers and put your guess beside the number. I will take entries until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6th. If I have more than one person with all the correct answers, I will draw a winner, to be announced by Saturday morning. If no one guesses them all correctly, the person with the highest number of correct answers will be the winner. Be sure to leave your name when you comment so I will know how to contact the winner for delivery of the prize. Like I said, the prize isn't much, but I found the little trinket to be quite appropriate with Valentine's Day right around the corner. (And remember, you can always click on any picture to make it bigger. This might help you figure out what some of these are.)

Good luck and have fun!

Here we go:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Oh, and here's the prize, in case you were wondering....................

Maybe Wednesday?!

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged in so long. I have every intention, but then........life happens. I promise to post something on Wednesday. It's my next day off and it may be early or it may be late at night, but I will post "something", none the less. And I intend to have pictures with it.

I took some random shots the other day with one of my dearest friends. We had a good time, ridin' and talkin' and shootin'. I love days like that. I'm trying to turn these photos into a contest. I think it would be fun. But here's my dilemma........

#1 What can I give for a prize and would it be good enough for anyone to "want" it?!
#2 I don't know/think enough people look at my blog to even try to win a prize, so why bother
#3 Would anybody really play my silly little game
#4 How would I go about getting "the prize" to them?

So, I'm pondering.

I will do the game. It'll be fun for whoever does play it. The prize won't be much, but the real prize is in playing the game anyway. And I shouldn't take life, or this blogging/game/prize thing so seriously. Hey, if nobody plays, I guess I win the prize!!! hahaha!

Hope you'll come back Wednesday to play..........