Thinking Back or Moving Forward?

 

An old picture of our farmhouse front porch

Today I saw a post on Instagram about being nostalgic and it got me thinking about

how we long for the "old days." 

I look at that picture of the old front porch and it makes me remember the years we spent there,

raising boys, feeding horses, working on the land and barns and fields of rye grass, year after year.

We've all grieved a bit over those years, but then I thought about where we are now

and boy...I wouldn't miss any of this for anything.

The many years past that old farmhouse have brought us wisdom,

learning from mistakes, 7 grandchildren, 2 beautiful daughters,

job experience, life experience

and knowledge we could have only gained

through trials and hard times.

Our children have grown, we've grown and our lives are moving in good

directions.

Do we have regrets?

Of course.

But even those regrets have taught us how to live in the present and

the future.

I look at all of us now and I see my boys building their business, helping others,

raising families, loving their wives and children and being good providers.

I watch my daughter-in-loves being good mommies and cooking amazing meals,

serving others, loving their people so well and I'm so grateful we are here to watch

their lives flourish.

I see my marriage still going strong after

storms, moves, job loss, health issues and other hardships 

and I'm proud of us for loving each other through all of it. 

I learned a new skill last week, as my son taught me how to 

record my books and use the computer technology that I usually try to avoid.

This is a big, growing step for me and I'm excited to learn and grow.

I went back to work after 32 years of not working.

I learned new things that I can take into the future. 

Life is still moving forward and if I did nothing but look back all the time,

I would miss all of this.

Being nostalgic is fun, but living life and 

moving forward on the journey God has for you...

even better.

What about you?

Are you stuck in the memories of the past

or are you growing and learning and gathering nuggets for the future?

It's definitely something to think about.

Until Next Time...

Blessings!

A Little Glimpse at Apartment Life

 Happy Wednesday everyone 💚

Here's a glimpse at the one Fall decoration I have in the apartment and I bought it on a whim while out shopping for something else, but for $7.00 I think it was a steal. Three batteries later and we have a cute little candle to go with the rest of our (fake) candles😀

Candles are the one thing I've missed about living in a house vs. an apartment. The lease says they aren't allowed, so I don't burn candles anymore, which isn't horrible, but I do miss all the pretty scents as I pass by them in the stores.

Maybe I should invest in a candle warmer? I do have several wax burners, which might be the same concept, huh? Hmmm....something to consider.

Last night we had family dinner. I cooked a big pot of stew, rolls, salad and store-bought cookies for dessert (I had Walmart bake me a batch 😀). 

I'm amazed at the size of our kitchen here at the apartment. It is bigger than the one I had in our little lake cottage and much nicer. I can actually put the food and dishes out for a serving line and it works great for family dinner. 

The stew had been cooking all day in the crockpot, but I transferred it to this big pot to finish up on the stove, so I could use the counter space for plates and other items.

I brought out the old bun warmer that belonged to my mom. This was a staple on the dinner table when I was growing up. Did anyone have one of these? My mom used it for bread and tortillas and I had not seen it for years and then one day when I was visiting my mom, I saw it and told her I needed to have that as a piece of my childhood, so she gave it to me. (Thanks mom!) 

And I haven't shown many pictures of the apartment, but here's a glimpse of our living room. We are about to do some rearranging in order to make more floor space. When the entire family is here, it's way too cramped. Behind the couch we have a small area where we keep the kid's toy shelf, but we are going to move the couch back and make more room. I just have to get a good plan in my head and then energy to start moving things 😅

Today is my last day off before going back to work for a week. I've discovered that I like to have the last day of my week off to stay home, work on projects, read, do the last load of laundry, etc., rather than fill it up with busy things. If I keep the day pretty simple, then I feel more relaxed when I go back to work the next day. Likewise, after I've worked a week I like my first day off to be an easy, slow day to recoup from working all week. That's just a little observation I've made about what works for me. 

Well, that's all for today. 

I hope your week is going well and you're heading toward a relaxing weekend. Let's all pray for a cold front to hit Texas, ok? 😀 Or at least a cool breeze 😅

See you soon and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

A New Project, A Really Cool Library and Time with Family

 

It's early Sunday morning and I'm having my coffee, catching up on blog reading and looking forward to the day. 

It's been a busy few days, so let's catch up...

Friday my son Collin came over to teach me some new skills. 

It's a new project I'm working on, but I needed his help getting started. I'll give you a hint...it involves a microphone and computer technology, which will be a very slow going endeavor. He taught me as much as I needed to get started and I'll practice those things until I'm ready for the next step. 

I made the above lemon bread that morning and the house smelled so good. Collin wasn't feeling great, so I made him some hot tea, fixed him a plate of bread and we sat and talked for a while before getting started. Isn't it amazing how you just can't get enough time with your grown kids? I could sit and talk for hours with my boys and it just blesses me so much. 

That night, Collin and Ted had clients coming in front Houston to record in the studio, so David and I went to visit with Morgan and the little boys, Asa and Sunday, while Collin was at work. We brought pizza and then had a delicious pecan cheesecake that Morgan made (she's an amazing cook!). It was a sweet night and just like time with my boys...I love time with my DILs as well. Basically, our kids are our favorite people 😀

Saturday we picked up Emmy, Ella and Addie and went on a little adventure. Some friends of ours have opened up a cute, little farm stand on their property, so we paid them a visit and came away with blueberry jam, pumpkin bread and muffins. 

After the farm stand visit, we headed to the town library, which I've never been to, but what a surprise!

Deceptive from the outside, which just looked like a metal building, the library was huge on the inside. 

The two ladies working there were so friendly and welcoming and gave us the tour right away of all the different things to do there. But the minute they said "crafts," the girls started picking out materials to use to make things. 

Apparently this library runs off donations from the community and they have an entire section full of scrap items you can use for projects. They even have a sewing machine, hot glue guns, fabric, wreath materials, and a cricut machine. Right away Emmy started making a wreath to take home to her mom and Ella and Addie were busy making bracelets and snow globes. It was amazing! 

While they were finishing up their craft projects, I noticed a shelf of "local authors" and asked the director if she would like a copy of my books and I was so thrilled she said yes! I had recently put a bag full of books in the back of the car, just in case I ever wanted to hand one out and this was the perfect opportunity. The director was thrilled to get them and she made me sign all three books, which was fun. 

She took a picture of Emmy with her wreath for their FB page and off we went, having been to one of the friendliest libraries I've ever been to. 

Afterwards we stopped for burgers and then headed back to the apartment for some coffee and of course...more crafts. These girls never slow down!

David and I had our afternoon coffee and turned on The Voice, which got the girl's attention and the next thing I knew, we were all having a great time watching the show, while also having to explain everything that was happening. 😅 It was like watching a football game and having to explain every play and missing half of it because everyone is talking 😂 But it was fun and anytime I can spend enjoying something with them, is such a blessing.

Later we took them home, came back and settled in for the evening with some leftovers and the show we've been watching lately - The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair. If you're looking for a good mystery, this is a good one! You can find it on Prime. 

An episode and a half in, I couldn't stay awake any longer and we called it a night. It had been a good, long day.

And here we are...ready for another busy day of church, lunch and visiting with David's mom at the nursing home. 

I was thinking about all the people we have in our lives and how sometimes it can get overwhelming to keep up with everyone (near and far). But what a blessing it is to have so many people to love and care for and spend time with. I mean, this is what makes life sweet 💚

Well, it's time to sign off, get ready for church and have some of that delicious pumpkin bread for breakfast. 

I'll catch up with all of you tomorrow!

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

Boxes Full of Memories

 Hey Friends!

Yesterday was Day 1 of my week off, so I conquered some things on my never-ending to-do list (that's really what I call it), and one of those tasks was emptying about four moving boxes that I had not emptied yet. I knew what was in them, so I was leaving them in the closet until I had time to find a place for them. 

The day started with texts and phone calls and even a FaceTime call with my 3 big girls. Even if we start out just talking on the phone, we always end up on FaceTime so they can show me what project they're working on or how clean their room is that week. They are adorable and always busy with something. 

But...back to the boxes...

They were filled with pictures, albums, and these old wedding and baby books and it got me thinking how times have changed (aren't we always thinking about this?). 

Back in the day, we were so excited to choose a baby book or a wedding book and have all of our memories stored in one place. As I looked through our wedding book, I saw all the gifts we received, neatly written on the pages. There were names of people who knew my in-laws, but whom I had no idea who they were. That's how things were done back then. I saw lists of gifts we were given, some of which I still have, 36 years later! 

This is my mother's baby book, which she gave me years ago. It has her original birth certificate inside, along with her baptism certificate, as well. Remember when they would put the birth announcements in the city newspaper? I'm pretty sure that's in there too.

Here's my baby book with cards stuffed inside and names of visitors, gifts, how much I weighed, etc. 

Then, here is one of my son's baby books, filled with all the same things - gifts, statistics, names of visitors, first words, memories, and all the things I thought I'd never forget. 

Do people still do this? Or is everything kept on a phone? I have no idea. But out of those same boxes came a few scrapbooks, printed photos, old VHS tapes of our wedding and the kid's childhood highlights. We eventually got fancy and used the smaller tapes and I have a box full of those. At one time I thought I would get them converted to cd's and then those became obsolete, so there they all are, in a box, on the shelf. Maybe one day we will do something with them. I'll put it on the never-ending-to-do list.

Today is Day 2 of my week off and I'll be spending the morning with my son Collin. He is coming over to help me with some technical things I want to learn about recording. I've been thinking about recording one of my books, but of course, I need help getting started. Thankfully Collin is a technical genius and Morgan was happy to volunteer him for the job 😂 I told him he had to be patient with me and if not, I would have Morgan on speed dial to straighten him out 😂

I'm actually looking forward to learning something new and of course, spending time with my baby son (who is now 26). I can never get enough of my kids - big or small.

Well, I'm off to get ready for the day and make something yummy for breakfast.

I hope your October day is filled with crunchy leaves, yummy coffee, and something sweet to eat. Good blogs, a good book, sweet friends...whatever blesses you, I hope you encounter today.

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

What October Feels Like

 hello OCTOBER!!

You're finally here! 

With all your hope of cooler days and chilly nights, football games, hearing the school band in the distance, crunching on leaves in the yard, wearing long sleeves again and maybe even a sweater or two. 

You also bring my birthday and now, a little grandson's birthday to celebrate 🎂

You bring memories of homecoming parades, sitting on the curb in front of the church, watching the floats go by. 

October, you are the ushering in of the holiday trio - October, November, and December - and what a delight this time of year can be.

I've noticed over the past week that the shadows are changing in the middle of the day. Golden colors are starting to settle in, around 4:00 pm, and everything looks a bit cozier than the glaring days of summer. 

October, you make me want to sit outside. You make me want to gather with friends, shop for the holidays and make lists of good food to cook. You make me want breads and soups and something covered in gravy 😊

And most of all...

you make me want to grab a cup of coffee, all my people, and have meaningful conversations about life, business, the babies, dreams and prayers. 

That's what you feel like, October. You feel like home.

Thanks for coming around again 💛

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

Our Life is Building Our Legacy

 

Recently we had a death in the family - a beloved aunt who lived to be 90 years old and as we would say...had a long, full life. And it got me thinking about life and all the things we strive to do and be and make of our lives and in the end...well...we all come to the same conclusion.  

Then today, as I was catching up with all of my blogging friends, I read Shug's post about "The Dash" and it fit into my thoughts about life and what really matters.

So much of life is spent struggling to "be someone" or do something important. We strive to make a name for ourselves in whatever field we work in. We want to make money and live lives free from hardship. But none of that is going to matter when you're gone. 

What people are going to remember about you is who you were to them. Not to the world, but to them personally. How you impacted their life, is what they will think about, when they think about you. 

You could be famous or infamous, but how did you treat them? What did you teach them? How did they feel when they were in your presence? What good did you bring to them, personally? Even if they didn't know you personally, you will have had an impression on them, in one way or another. 

This beloved aunt I mentioned, was known for her amazing gift of hospitality. No matter the time of day or night you stopped by her house, she would throw together a meal that was worthy of 3 days worth of planning. She always had a smile and a story to share and she just made you feel welcomed, like you belonged right there on the porch swing, all along. You left her house feeling like you just stayed at the best bed and breakfast for miles around. And it was. 

When I think back to others in my life, who have already gone to be with Jesus, their occupation doesn't cross my mind, at all. It's their heart, their smile, their gifts of cooking or telling stories or generosity or wisdom that I remember. It's not what they did for a living, it's what they offered when you sat around the dinner table or beside them in church. It's what they offered when you needed advice or a hug or a soft place to land. Those are the things that stick with you. 

Likewise, there are those who have spent their lives with a sour look on their face, a negative word to say about everything and expectations that always put others on edge. They've spent their lives as takers, instead of givers, and it's how they will go down in history, as well. These are those who make you feel drained and filled with dread, at every encounter. We all know someone like this, whether a relative, a coworker or a friend, and let's be honest, they suck the life out of us.

Don't be them!

What's the point of this post? I guess just my thoughts about how much we strive and stress over jobs and bills and careers and accolades and money and big houses and fancy cars and the list goes on and on and you can accomplish all of that and yet, still not have anything good to offer. 

And how sad would that be?

Our goal in life should be to honor the Lord in all we do, but especially in how we love his people. Not in the hippy, dippy, "love everyone" kind of way, but in the real, genuine caring about someone's soul, kind of way. 

Have deep conversations. Take time for people. Invite them in. Tell stories that mean something and listen to their stories, as well. 

See the good in life and share that attitude. Make others feel good when you're around. Don't be a taker, but be the giver instead.

And on that note...I hope you have an amazing first day of October! 

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

The Winter List - The Perfect Gift for Yourself or a Friend

 

As some of you may remember, I published this book last spring, but I'm sharing it again, because this is the perfect time to start using it for the upcoming winter. 

The book shares the story of the year that I began to feel anxious as the darker, winter months approached. I needed something to focus on during those long days, so I came up with the winter list of things to work on around the house, to keep my mind off the darker days. It worked so well, that I practiced this every year after that until I no longer dreaded the winter months. 

I go into more detail in the book and I've included plenty of space for writing out your projects and fun ideas for staying busy during the cold months. 

If you or someone you know struggles with the long, dark days of winter, this book would make a great tool and now is the perfect time to start compiling the list. 

Right now Amazon has them for $5.99, so it would make the perfect gift, priced just right. 

To purchase, click HERE or find the book on the sidebar of the blog and it will take you directly to the book on Amazon. 

I hope you all have a great weekend! See you soon.

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

Bibles, Workbooks and Looking Back

 

Over the past week I've been working through this Bible study called Strengthened in the Secret Place. I've followed Courtney Joseph Fallick for many years and have enjoyed many of her studies and videos. You may remember her from years ago as the founder of Women Living Well Ministries or Good Morning Girls. I can remember watching her early videos where she sat in her kitchen and talked into the computer, before ever writing her first book. That was a long time ago!

For me, I have long known that I work much better with a guide while reading my Bible. Sometimes I enjoy reading through a devotional, with short stories and applicable scriptures. But my favorite tool is a good workbook, where I can read a lesson and then write out scriptures or apply the lessons in my own words. I guess you could say I'm one of those girls who loves a good workbook.

Through the years I've had several Bibles. In fact, I still have all of them on the bookshelf, from 1993, 2005, and 2017 (which is the one I still use currently). 

This is my current Bible. It is so heavy, but I can't imagine getting another one anytime soon. I have way too many notes written on these pages. 

I use these tabs to mark passages or topics that I want to turn to quickly and often. I keep a little box of these tabs with my Bible study items, such as highlighters and special pens that I use for writing notes in the margins. 

I also keep these sticky notes that are easy to write on and stick in the creases of the pages. I have little notes and stories all throughout this Bible and sometimes I will just flip through and read the notes to remind myself how the passage spoke to me on a certain day or during a certain circumstance. 

I have all of the kids and grandkids names written in the front, along with dates they were married, born, baptized, etc. This Bible has become an heirloom in a way. I have notes I've taken from times that Ted has preached, I have Collin's artwork from when he was little and would draw on the offering envelopes. I even have notes from my granddaughters that say "I love you Millie." I can't imagine ever carrying another Bible, but if this one ever gets worn out, I guess I will have to put it on the shelf and start fresh. 

Here's my Bible from 2005, which I used for 12 years before buying my current one. I enjoyed this one too because it had devotions written inside. For many years I would attend the Women of Faith conferences and followed their journeys. In fact, in my early years of blogging, someone gifted me free tickets to one of their conferences in San Antonio and I took my best friend Jessica and it was there that I first discovered a very funny man named Bob Goff. I think Amy Grant was there too, but it's been way too long and I can't remember. The year was 2012, so I've slept since then. 😅

This is my Bible from 1993, the year my first son was born. At this point, I was about 5 years into my Christian walk. I was very active in church back then. In fact, David and I taught 5th grade Sunday school, drove the church van to pick up kids who didn't have a ride, sang in the choir, sang in a Southern gospel quartet, David became a deacon and I started and led a women's prayer group, retreats and wrote and led a Bible study called Building Your House. We were busy!

When the kids came along, we had to let go of some of those ministry opportunities, but we had two little disciples we were in charge of, so we had our hands full. 

When the boys were little, it was a challenge to wake up before them to read and study God's word, but I managed to do it. Every now and then they would wake up and want to get out of bed early because I was up, but I would send them back to bed so I could keep my commitment to reading the Bible every day. I know the perfect answer would have been to pull them onto my lap and let them read the Bible with me, but that's not usually how real life works. That would have lasted about one minute before they were asking for a pop tart or cartoons. 😅 Our lives were not Instagram worthy back then. 😅 

Fast forward to our current day...I still carry my Bible to church. I still open the pages and take notes during a sermon. I can't imagine using the Bible on my phone because it just wouldn't have the same impact. 

As my husband always says...I'm a paper girl in a digital world and I will proudly accept that accusation. 

What about you? Are you a paper girl this day and age? Do you still carry your Bible to church? Do you use a workbook or devotional or can you just turn to a passage and start reading?

All of these really don't matter as long as you're reading the Word. 

Well, that's it for today. I'm off to get ready for the day, read my Bible, eat some breakfast and go to work. It's going to be a good day 😊 I hope your day is good too.

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

The Great British Bake-Off Birthday Party

Well, I'm a day or so late in posting this, but my beautiful daughter-in-love, Alex, had a birthday yesterday and Sunday we had the best party to celebrate her. 

If you know Alex, she's all things color, baking, and gathering with family, so what better way to celebrate her birthday than by putting on a mock British Bake-off contest? It was so much fun and so true to how she operates - she outdid herself with the cooking and decorating.

She fixed a delicious meal of gumbo, potato salad, rice and some of the most delicious breads - homemade of course. Then she asked everyone to bring a dessert and announced that the girls would be the judges, just like the television show.

How fun!

I managed to get pictures of all the yummy things, but can't name them, nevertheless they were all amazing!

 

After we all had our fill of gumbo, we displayed the desserts and the judges took their place at the table.

They were so excited!

Asa started with the tea cakes 😀

The girls would each take a bite and then score the dessert as they saw fit. 

They took their job very seriously. 

In the end, they tallied up the scores and Alex's brother won with the pumpkin dessert in the dutch oven (seen above). It was topped with some maple icing, which I'm sure had something to do with rating it the yummiest dessert on the table. 

Eli won a prize and was declared the winner of the First Annual British Bake-Off of the family. I hope this becomes a tradition because it sure was fun 😀

At the end of the night, we all went home with a plate of dessert and full tummies. 

🍰

Are you a fan of the British Bake-off show? I've only watched a few episodes, but I have a year to catch up and decide what I'm making for next year 😀 I hope I pick a winner! (I better start practicing.)

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

So Far, In September...

 Hello Friends 😊

While I'm still in the "everything seems frivolous" mindset, I did want to pop in today and just say hello. I realized while looking at my planner, that we are only 3 weeks into September and we've had a heck of a month so far.

To recap...

We've traveled to New Braunfels (4 1/2 hours) see family.

We've taken the girls to the Children's Museum.

Attended church with the kids one Sunday and lunch afterwards.

I had an all day date with Emmy for her 10th birthday.

I've worked 8 days so far.

Attended Emmy's 10th birthday party (then took one girl home with us afterwards).

Said goodbye to Charlie Kirk (he was only 31).

Said goodbye to David's Aunt Margie (she was 90 years old).

Had 2 house showings so far on the house we're trying to sell.

Had our a/c go out, but they came that night and fixed it (perks of living in an apartment).

Shopped for 2 birthday gifts and sent one birthday card.

Bought a new pair of jeans and returned them (didn't fit).

Bought a bigger purse and returned it (too big!). 

Decided to read only non-fiction for this month and bought 4 books off Thriftbooks.

Went to Barnes & Nobles to buy some magazines. We do this about twice a year. It's fun 😀

Had my nails done and then decided it wasn't really worth the money. 

Paid bills for the month.

Sat out by the pool one evening and each read our book.

Over the next 12 days I will...

Work 5 more days.

Attend a funeral.

Attend a birthday party.

Pay my MIL's bills.

Clean out the garage at our old house.

Go to church.

Sell a few things.

Continue reading my non-fiction books.

Unpack some boxes.

Do regular chores.

Get the budget ready for October.

See all my kids and babies at least a few times.

Among all the busyness (and sadness) this month, there have been plenty of blessings mixed in...

God opened the door for a great conversation with my boss one day.

God has provided enough commission on David's check to pay our extra house note (thank you, Lord!).

We got our a/c fixed on the same night it went out.

I got to see family I hadn't seen in over a year.

All of Emmy's friends showed up to her birthday party (this blessed me).

Our house showed multiple times with positive feedback.

We sold our truck (money in the bank!).

David sold an antique toy car and is selling another thing this weekend. (Every little bit helps)

David went to a diner in Louisiana this week and heard them playing Christian music. He told them about Ted's music and they found it on Spotify and started playing it over the speaker system while David was eating. They are adding it to their playlist. 👏

David and I celebrated our 37th year of the day we met (on the 17th). We met in a hurricane...true story.

Well, if you made it this far, I thank you!

Among all the chaos of the world, God is still working in the every-day-life of his people. The blessings are abundant, even if they are the most ordinary of things. Give thanks for the days that seem mundane or normal; when nothing crazy happens. The days when you can do some useful work, cook some food, sit on the couch and watch a good show, talk to a friend or family member and lay your head down for the night. That's a good day 💛

All my love, my friends...

Until Next Time...

Blessings! 

It's About Time

 

It's been a somber week, my friends. But it's also been a week of waking up a sleeping church and for that, I am truly thankful. 

And to be honest...it seems frivolous to come here and write about things that aren't as important, but then again...they are. Because life is about living and whether it's housework, spending time with family, celebrating a 10 year old's birthday, or enjoying some time at the bookstore, that's what freedom looks like and that is to be celebrated.

But, I'll tell you...life feels different now. I feel different. My eyes have been opened to the hatred that spews from people who hate in ways that are hard to comprehend. I will never comprehend that level of hatred and I'm glad. Evil is being exposed and brought to light. Teachers, nurses, doctors, customer service people, business owners and others are being exposed for the hate that is within them and I'm all for them being removed from their places of position. Especially those who have access to the minds of children or young adults. 

For years we've seen good kids go off to college, only to be indoctrinated and turn from the ways of their families. But this is a whole new level. These days the indoctrination is pure hatred for those who think differently; those who are trying to maintain conservative and Christian values. And it's time for the church to stand up and defend what we stand for. And finally - on the heels of Charlie Kirk having to give his life - we are rising up and speaking out and all I can say is  - it's about time. 

 

I do believe standing up can be done respectfully - Charlie taught us that - but it needs to be done. We can no longer sit back and be apathetic. We can't leave the Good News to other people. It has to come from all of us, because we all reach different people and it's our responsibility to do so. 

This will most likely be my last post about this (not making any promises), but for now I'll just leave it at this...stand up for your family. Stand up against evil. Protect your children and your grandchildren. Speak out against someone spewing hatred that celebrates a godly man being gunned down in public. At the very least - this is decent humanity. 

We don't all have to agree, but we absolutely must agree that life is valuable and it's not yours or mine to take. 

I hope this week finds you bold in all the right ways. Stand up for Jesus. After all...he was willing to die for you.

Until Next Time...

Blessings 💜