Bunny Kisses at Easter

Cute bunnies, yellow chicks, Easter baskets with pastel colored straw, chocolates and sweet candies, with the promise of warm spring weather. I love this time of year…a time of rebirth, new growth, and perfect temperatures. Spring leaps forth with all is beauty…God’s masterpiece. And the Easter holiday is upon us. We will celebrate this Easter with our daughter Holly and hubby Richard. They will be home for Easter weekend. Yay! I can’t wait to see them and give them BIG hugs and bunny kisses! We will spend time with their pets….Jackie will take Richard turkey hunting early Saturday morning, we will eat good homemade food, and we will spend Sunday morning in church praising the fact that Jesus Lives! Halleluiah! 

What is Easter really and truly all about?

Easter Sunday is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a Christian I believe; because it is written in the Scriptures; that Jesus came back to life and was raised from the dead three days after His death on the cross. Through His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in Him, eternal life in heaven. Jesus knew the purpose for His life on earth. He endured the cross with that purpose in mind.

With Easter just days away, I find myself thinking about the death and resurrection of Jesus; the real reason and celebration of Easter. The purpose of His life was to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. The Bible tells us that Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be forgiven and found righteous in God’s sight. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus was so certain of His purpose that He predicted when and how He would die. Matthew 26:2   He knew from the beginning that this was His purpose and it was fulfilled. The complete account of this gift to us can be found in all four Gospels of the Bible; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Rejoice in this celebration that you can be set free of your sins, be forgiven and rest in the fact and promise that He is alive today and waiting for you in eternity. If you have not seen the movie The Passion of the Christ…take to time to watch it…it will touch you in a way that is unexplainable. Please review the movie here. 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28: 5-7

He took the pain and suffering and He took it just for me.

Because I know He holds the future, life is worth the living!

Blessings of a Happy Easter To All

              

I spoke with Him this morning

Forgiveness I did ask,

Miracles and wonders

For a world tired and lost.

other photos source~Google & Two Crazy Crafters

Today and Yesterday

As I celebrate this as my 150th post, the washer is spinning, the dryer is tumbling...the beds are made and the smell of breakfast still lingers in the air. Martha is cooking a rack of lamb and steaming asparagus. I pulsed whole wheat bread crumbs, from left over bread, in the processor to coat a roast with later today. The windows are closed after a sprinkling of cool rain last night causing the air to be crisp, cool, and clean.

Pollen is gathered in ripples unlike the dusting of yesterday. 

Yesterday was Palm Sunday; a day of joyful singing at church. The message was in the music presented by our worship choir. The title:

I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES.

Here are a few lines and other sub titles from the musical…

"Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?

And who told the ocean you can only come this far?

And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?

Whose words alone can catch a falling star?"

  I adore these words and Nicole c. Mullen sings it the best…
well besides our choir…you can listen and watch Nicole here…
it will give you chill bumpies… 

"The same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken

They conquered death to bring me victory."

Broken into Beautiful~

"You change worthless into precious

Guilty to forgiven,

Hungry into satisfied,

Empty into full,

All the lies are shattered,

And we believe we matter

When you change broken into beautiful."

~Gwen Smith, you can listen to her song here 

A Sinner Saved by Grace

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone."

He’s Alive, Halleluiah!

I couldn’t help but sing along with them from where I sat in the pew with Jackie.

It was beautiful and uplifting.

All the laundry is finished and put away…The sun is not shining today but it is still a great day, one worth living. I’m hoping to see my English peas blooming soon and the broccoli to start “heading” out. The onions and potatoes are growing wild. It is such a joy to be able to watch something grow by your hands. I also planted my mixed flower seeds over the weekend, got to bring some bees to the garden.

Going now to prepare and put the roast in the oven. I wonder what Martha is cooking up now? *whispering "I like to watch Paula better…don’t tell Martha" Shhh…

We will have some company this Easter weekend………Oh yes!

Keeping it real and uncomplicated…

               

When I grow up...

~When I grow up~

I will own my own antique and junk store…I will call it Junkitty.

I will be able to cook like Paula Deen, but with less butter.

I will have a 1966 ice blue Ford Mustang for weekend cruising.

I will have published photography in Country Living magazine.

I will have lots of Grandchildren who adore their Grammie.

I will look almost like Barbie, not that she is perfect or anything.

I will have told lots of people about Jesus.

I will own a 2nd home at on the beach…a private beach.

I will teach art and photography classes to children.

I will to furnish my home with repurposed shabby furniture.

I will own an old farm house sitting on 20 acres in the country.

I will have chickens and cats.

 

I will be able to sing like Alison Kraus and Colbie Caillet.

I will have a blog that everyone loves to visit.

I will be a great writer.

I will have cats that do not chase my chickens.

Until such time that I decide to grow up and accomplish all these dreams of mine;

I will be happy and content with my life the way it is now :)

...and when I leave this world I will leave a cherished legacy of a full and good life.

What will you do/be when you grow up?


            Women are angels and
when someone
breaks our wings,
we simply continue to fly....
on a broomstick....we are flexible!!
I see you smiling!

Some of the above photos are compliments of google search and photobucket.

At the Ocean

Cool breezes remind you that all is well as the sun’s warmth runs through you and gives a sense of pleasure. You try to absorb all that you can see, smell, and even taste. A sweet tranquility is laid out for that small window of opportunity for you to grab and relax with it. You are at peace with the world and everything in it.

Life is good

Good friends

Good food

Good times

Good laughs

Good sites

Good fun

Good golly
________________________________

Laughing until we almost pee in our pants

Eating at a place with a funny name, where you can take a

marker and write on anything in the place…

table, benches, walls, blinds, lights…anywhere…really!

Up late, up early

Gulf shrimp, oysters, and crab claws at their finest

Walks on the beach until your shins ache with goodness

Snapping photo after photo after photo…

Watching Project Runway…Oh yeah

Eating a midnight snack of Bread Pudding with a whiskey sauce glaze

Feeding the sea gulls and hoping they do not poop on your head

People watching *smiling*

Shopping in the open air malls

A GPS we named Surely…Surely she would get us there

Eating caramel candy apples coated with pecans

Someone didn't paint their toes...tisk tisk  

The Bestie and her daughter

 

*YummY*

Margaritaville, Panama City Beach Florida

Lens.Us.Together. photo.  Theme~Green (Seafoam Green)

There is beauty that makes you stand in awe…you are mesmerized at the sheer miracle of it all...the combination of warm sunshine, white sands, sea foam green waters, and nature’s creatures. It makes the soul shine, it takes your breath away, and it leaves you feeling calm and complete…the ocean is a place everyone should see at least once in their life.

Places of interest:

Acme Oyster House inside the Village at Baytowne Wharf in the Sandestin Resort

Margaritaville for burgers with shrimp, crab and mushroom dip

Fudpuckers the place with the funny name

Henderson Beach beautiful southern beach
Silver Sands Outlet Malls for shopping

Destin Commons for more shopping
***********

Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers. We had a wonderful time and I hope you did too with what ever you have been up to lately.

I missed reading your posts and will catch up as soon as I can…

 

                      

I am not afraid of tomorrow for I have seen

yesterday and I love today.

The Best Laid Plans

 It’s a kind of dreary Monday morning but I am excited! The plans have been laid, the room’s booked, my packing list is made, and the suitcase is ready to be packed. I'm throwing in the sunscreen, flip-flops, shorts and T-shirts, a good book, and my beach chair.  The bestie~Becky, her daughter Katie, and I are headed to Destin, Florida.  **Holly~I'm sure gonna miss not having you with us :(

 For those of you not familiar with Destin…here’s a little tease for you:

The white sands of the Gulf of Mexcio

 This photo by Jacob @ Florida Fotos…take a look at his beautiful work.

It may be a little cool for the water but I don’t care…we are going to just enjoy ourselves with some walking on the beach, reading in the sand, feeding the sea gulls, shooting some pix, shopping, and just relaxing. Of course we will sink our toes into the sand…sink our teeth in some fresh Gulf shrimp, and soak up some much needed vitamin D. Ahhhhh I can feel it now! We are hoping we do not blind anyone with our lily white legs, nevertheless our toes will be painted and cute.

I’ll be back soon with some sun~sea~and~surf photos

of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico via Destin. :)

**************************

My little garden is doing great. We have sweet English peas which will hopefully be blooming soon. I can’t wait!! My onion patch is growing and so is the broccoli.

The red potatoes have not surfaced yet but they are on the way.

Here are my little indoor greenhouse sprouts growing up:

Aren't they cute!?

 I have okra, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Next I will sprout some pepper seeds: jalapeno, bell, and banana! I will plant some flower seeds as soon as this cooler weather leaves us for another year.  Jackie and I built a compost box…now that was a trick….more on that subject later. But all this will have to wait a couple of days until I get home. Jackie will enjoy some spring turkey hunting while we are away…he doesn’t like the beach anyway; he would rather be in the woods.

Call a friend and make some plans…it is well worth the effort.

Friends are what make us "us".

Until I return~ Here’s wishing everyone a happy week of fun and cheerfulness.

                 Living more with less.********

Destin images found on Google search.

Hidden Things To Do

My to do list:
~A photograph for Lens.Us.Together group. Theme this week: Hidden
~Sew…got some new fabric, from the thrift store of course…to make aprons and potholders.
~Hem my cupcake PJ’s which I cut off into capis, will add a row of cute ribbon on each leg.
~Laundry
~Catch up on blog reading.
~Upload the pictures I took this morning.
~Mail a birthday card.
~Mail a thank you card.

My I am doing list:
~Planning a two nighter trip with the bestie…YaY! So excited!
~Listening to the roll of thunder outside today. Rain is coming.
~Trying to put together this post with some insight and meaning.
~Laundry
~Editing the photos I just uploaded.
~Watching my seeds sprouting up in my little indoor greenhouse…so cool!
~Watching it rain…its here. Enjoying the solace.
~Thinking…

A word for you today

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:11 KJV

This is also my photo for this weeks Lens.Us.Together. theme~Hidden

To Hid — I have laid it up in my mind like a choice treasure, to be ready upon all occasions to counsel and caution me. This does not mean to keep it to myself…we are to share God’s word and what is in our heart.

To Store Up — hide, treasure, be hidden, conceal, lay up, keep in check, bury, being deeply seated in our hearts, to know, understand, and trust.

If God’s word is carved in our hearts, we will be more able to resist the attack of Satan. We must dwell in His word and instructions; memorizing scripture, concealing it in both heart and mind, so that we will have daily victory over sin in our lives and over Satan.

God’s truths, which have been left on record for us, are to be more than memorized. They are to be studied, internalized and personalized to the extent that they become a part of us as individuals. When this happens, a transformation occurs that changes the way we look at the world and the way we react to it. God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, teaching us the way and the truth.  In God’s word we can learn to depend upon Him and make His word a treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safely except in our hearts.  Hearts are fed on the bread of life, and with our lips we feed many.

The Bible is the very breath of God. *I love this phrase…It really speaks to me.*  It is alive and will change you and your life because of its vital connection to God. Read your Bible and experience the breath of God. ~Rev. Richard Gravitt

If we stay in God's word, no one can take us out of God. No devil, no circumstance, no person...is stronger than God's word. We will stumble but He will catch us; we will be deceived but He will reveal to us the truth. His word will keep us humble and close to Him as we develop a special relationship while spending time with Jesus himself every time we visit His word.

Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. ~John 17:17

He is the Word.

              

My word for 2010-Experience

I’ve experienced the hidden word in my heart.

Living more with less

Everyone Needs to Know

These are things I have learned along my journey...some learned by mistake,

some by chance and some you just have to do no matter what.

Bonus for staying with me - Recipe at the end.

~Life happens…and I am so glad it does.

~Never let your bra strap fall over the dasher in the middle of your washing machine. It is unbelievable how far the elastic strap can stretch. What remains is a curly strap from then on.

~Birds and squirrels do not like dried red beans…even though they are considered a seed.

~Never drop a high temp hot glue gun in your lap while wearing shorts. When the glue is removed…so is the skin underneath. Results = another flaw.

~Spray paint and a humid day do NOT mix.

~Toddlers do not like brussel sprouts. They turn their faces wrong-side-out and make them gag.

~Never put tea on to brew and leave the room to go read blogs.

~Waiting three months to balance your checkbook is not a great idea.

~Letting your daughter date will result in marriage and a son-n-law :)

~Tips for eating at family reunions and church covered-dish fellowships:
Just because it looks good…its not. Just because it doesn’t look good…it might be. If you want to take your dish back home for supper make a casserole. Cheese covered casseroles are mystery dishes. No one knows what lies underneath all that gooey good cheese so they will not put it on their plate. They just do not know what they are missing. Results = you don’t have to cook supper. Recipe to follow.

~Everyone cannot cook…they try…bless their hearts.

~Never laugh with your mouth  full of grits. The results are not pretty.

~Do NOT let your friends visit you after a C-section birth…they WILL make you laugh at some point before leaving you in pain with a smile on your face.

~You can not flush a piece of fried chicken down the toilet.

~Never let your 16 year old drive away with an almost empty tank of gas and no money. They never look at the gas gauge. Results = A panicked phone call home after pushing the car out of the road. *This happened to me, not my daughter*

~Cats like dill pickles.

~Talking on the phone with your daughter will cause an hour to pass quickly.

~My son-n-law's cell phone and the bottom of the ocean are well acquainted...I wonder if shrimp like to talk on the phone?

~Jesus loves you, yes He really does. :)

Thanks for hanging with me.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

…the yummy mystery dish

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
1 bag frozen broccoli florets, however I believe fresh would be better
1 can cream mushroom soup
1 cup mayo
2 T. finely chopped onion
2 eggs, beaten
Pinch of curry
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Mix together soup, mayo, eggs, curry and onion.
Toss chicken and broccoli together and add a little of the soup mixture, stirring well. Pour into a sprayed casserole dish and top with the remainder of the soup mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 375* 20-30-minutes.

This mystery casserole covered in gooey good cheese is delish…if only the people who are afraid of casserole mysteries would just try it! Well…all’s well that ends well...I didn’t have to cook supper! YaY!

Don’t you just love this spring time weather we are having?

My little English peas are looking good in the garden!!

            

My word for 2010-Experience

I’ve experienced life and all its mysteries

Spring is here at last...

at least some good signs of it anyway.

Pushing Buttons

With this week's theme for the Lens.Us.Together. group being "Flawed"… it set me to thinking about the many things that are flawed; especially my own. I pondered what I could photograph that would reflect a good idea of something flawed. There are broken pieces of china, chipped paint, cracked things, busted things, worn out things and just simple imperfections. I love Leslye's, at Spread Your Wings, photo of her flawed Bible along with her quote:

"A bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." 

I love this...I would call this Worn Strong. Reminds me of my own Bible.

Just about everywhere you look you can find something that is flawed. We have such a high expectation of what is perfect in our eyes that we seem to always find blemishes and defects in everything we look at. We are supposed to be the perfect size, have the perfect outside appearance, the perfect hair, the perfect teeth, and the perfect everything.  But I have found that we all have our own personal flaws; some of which are well hidden and some of which are very visible. I have learned that I should accept my flaws and little imperfections and celebrate them. I will celebrate the fact that I can walk with no pain, see clearly with the aid of glasses, and accept the fact that I am who I am. 

My body is scared from a crushed ankle, broken leg, a broken heart,

bad dreams, having a baby *I call those love marks*,

too much sun years ago, loving to eat and letting things slide

*I think they are all sliding south*.

In the perfect world I would have little buttons I could push to "fix" my

less than ideal self. Here are a few I would have close by ready to push:

• Skinny
• Longer neck
• Taller
• Soft Skin
• No Wrinkles
• Smarter
• No Grey
• No Scars
• No Blemishes
• Sun~kissed
• Pink Glow
• Flawless Skin
• No Make-up Needed
• Nice Thoughts
• Good Manners
• The Right Words
• Outgoing
• Fuller Lips
• Totally Perfect

These buttons are only available in the perfect world, whatever that is. I think it’s found in TV land and on the covers of magazines. We are absolutely too hard on ourselves, trying to meet those higher standards set forth by unrealistic people. So I’m going to stop beating myself up, and take my buttons, toss them in the ocean and deal with myself the best I can with what I have. I have to accept the fact that God gave me the look He wanted me to have. I’m perfect in His eyes… yet I know I disappoint Him in other areas of my life and I am daily working on those things.

I am a constant work in progress.

Lord, give me the strength to change those things I can. The patience to accept those things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.

I hope the little fishies in the sea will enjoy my buttons

when they figure out how to push them :)

                   My word for 2010-Experience

I’ve experienced my flaws