It Is Finished

At 2:39 A.M. Wednesday, December 16, 2009 my dear dad passed away and went home to be with Jesus.  My mother, younger brother and his wife, my daughters, one son in love and I gathered around his bedside during the last hours of his life on this earth.  We sang Amazing Grace to him…his favorite hymn, and Mom read passages from the book of Psalms.  His departure was peaceful and without pain.  I was blessed with the opportunity to sit and hold his hand during his final hours…I left nothing unsaid.  I felt his last breath and heart beat.  We were heartbroken because he will no longer be with us in body and thankful that his long fight with cancer was over.

We now await the arrival of our loved ones who live in far away places.  They will begin to join us in our celebration of dad’s life and our farewell until we meet again late tonight and continue to arrive as late as Friday.  We  will have a grand reunion of loved ones here much like the one dear Dad will have in Heaven with loved ones who passed from this life before him.

He will be sorely missed.  Nothing or no one can ever replace him.  Praise God for the blessed hope we have through Jesus that we will see our beloved one again.

I love you, Dad.  May you rest in eternal peace.

Until next time…

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31

The Hodge-Podge Called Life

I’ve been missing more than present lately.  The longer I am away from blogging the harder it is to get started again.  It’s time for a little catch-up…a photo hodge-podge of unrelated events.

In November our ladies mission group put together food boxes to share with some area families to help make their Thanksgiving a little brighter.  Not very many of us were able to meet in the morning during the middle of the week to fill the boxes, but the fellowship was sweet and the blessing great.

Our pastor delivered the boxes…

Over the past month or two my creative moments have been limited.  On several evenings I made pin cushions while I watched movies. I have a similar one made by my bloggy friend Pat that has become my favorite pin cushion.  These all began by making a large yo-yo…

Last week it snowed under cover of the night…few snowmen were created, because shortly after the sun emerged every trace of the white stuff disappeared. Emma enjoyed herself…all alone.  Our Great Dane wasn’t impressed.  I guess he needs boots.    In all the years I’ve been in Mississippi I don’t recall a December snowfall.  This early snow must be the result of global warming…(Do you hear the sarcasm?)

My honey, son-in-love and grandson butchered chickens a couple weeks ago.  We still have too many roosters that need to be readied for the stew pot, but after killing fifteen it started raining and brought the task to an end.  That may have been God’s way of taking care of me, because after the chickens were dressed out they became mine to cook and can.  If all the surplus roosters had been slaughtered I might still be in the kitchen.

Last Sunday four generations were gathered at my parents’ home…

my daughters and their daughters…

I slipped in on this one…

Enter Mom…Grandmother, Great Grandmother…Honey.

And we must not forget Sadie…she’s such a sweet girl.

A little Christmas spirit…

but for the cross…

Snowflakes crocheted by a friend who passed away several years ago…each one different.

We three kings of Orient are,

Bearing gifts we traverse afar…

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King:

Peace on earth, and mercy mild:

God and sinners reconciled.”

Away in a manger no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.

Hot homemade potato soup on a cold winter’s night…

It’s time to get ready to go see Mom and Dad so I bid you farewell…

Until the next time…

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~ unknown ~

The Enigma of Time

Time is an enigma.  It never stands still.  It can both fly by quickly and seem to drag on forever simultaneously.  It waits for no man.  We are all given the same amount of time with each new day, yet depending on where you are it is not the same time for everyone.  None of us know how much time we will be given.  Once wasted, time cannot be regained. We can’t see it, but it’s always in motion…always ticking away.

I’ve pondered time much the past few days.  My dear dad is 82.  His life on earth is drawing to an end.  He’s been my dad for 57 years.  By some standards of measurement that seems like a long time…to my heart it’s not nearly long enough. I’m thankful for the time my dear dad gave his life to Jesus and all the times he and my mom took me to church so that I might know Him, too.  I’m thankful when my dear dad passes from this life I know I’ll see him again on the other side.

Over time my family has been very blessed.  We’ve lost no one…soon that will change.  This song says it all…

We’ve been so busy over the past few weeks blogging has been sidelined while the needful things of life are taken care of.  Our parents have taken top priority.  Of course.  Many things could have been shared had there been time to share.  My dear husband, our son-in-love, and grandson slaughtered chickens, I canned the white meat and dehydrated the dark meat.  It was a day-long process.  This evening I peeled and canned about 25 pounds of sweet potatoes.  That, too, required a chunk of time.  Tonight I’m probably too tired to post…but I’m waiting…waiting for time to pass as I listen for the pop as jar lids seal so I can call it a day and rest.  It is time.

Until next time…

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).

Mirlatons 3 for a $1.00

This week’s Winn Dixie advertisement flyer peeked my curiosity.  Mirlatons were three for a dollar.  In all my years I’d never heard of or seen a mirlaton, much less eaten one.  Today I stopped in WD to pick up a few things and asked the lady stocking fresh vegetables what the little green thing is.  She told me it is a squash commonly known as a Chayote squash.  They must be pretty popular, because there was only one left when I bagged mine.  My dear husband and I are fairly adventurous eaters, and I’m a squash fan.  Without a clue how to prepare them, I decided to give them a try.  Just as I was pushing my cart away from the puzzling little veggie a lady stepped up looking for them.    She looked disappointed so I offered her mine, but she needed twenty or so and declined.  The produce lady told her more would come in tomorrow, and she said she’d be back.  I asked the mirlaton fan how to cook them and she gave me a quick overview of what to do with a chayote squash. Soon I’ll cook them and see how we like them.

They truly are funny looking little things…check them out.  Are they new to you?

Until next time…

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.  ~ unknown ~

A Spoonful of Sugar…or 25 Pounds

From time to time I run across a blog chocked full of creative inspiration.  Tinker Verve is such a blog.  I’ve been following it for a while and have been consistently impressed by the wonderful creations Elaine makes.  Not long ago I told Elaine I’d love to look inside her mind.  It occurred to me her blog gives me that opportunity.  Check it out and see her truly unique creations.

Last month Elaine posted pictures of a shopping bag she made from a 25 pound sugar bag.  Her bag turned out crazy cute.  I couldn’t resist trying my hand at making one of my own.  Mine isn’t a delicious, hot pink, but I did find a 25 pound sugar bag with personality.  Since I had to buy the sugar, too, I’ve got plenty on hand now if anyone needs to borrow a cup.

Although I went about my project the hard way I’m pleased with the finished bag.  The next one I make I’ll measure and make my lining BEFORE sewing my sugar bag.  This time I sewed the bottom and added gussets and had to fit the lining by trial and error.  It would have been so easy peasy if I had dealt with the lining in the beginning.  We truly do learn by trial and error.

Here’s the finished bag…

It has a shoulder strap and two small hands centered, one on each side.

I added rickrack and pompom trim for the simple pleasure of making it “fun”.

There is a recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins printed on the back.  Yum!

The lining part of a pair of well worn American Eagle jeans and a piece of the accent fabric used along the top of the bag and the handles.  When I saw this picture I noticed a few threads left behind from a seam ripper moment.  They will be removed.

The next one I make will be with a green rabbit food bag…I’ll use it for produce. 

Remember check out Tinker Verve and look at Elaine’s beautiful creations.

Until next time…

We want to be spiritually grown, but we don’t like growing because growing hurts. ~ unknown ~

Editorial: The Inmates Are Running The White House Asylum – Galganov.com

Editorial: The Inmates Are Running The White House Asylum – Galganov.com.

Tea on Tuesday and New Play Pretties

Happy tea on Tuesday!  It’s a beautiful, crisp day in Mississippi.  I relish cool weather and am thankful for it.  It’s perfect weather for opening windows and letting the cool breeze flow through our house.  It’s perfect weather for hot tea.

Last week I broke the morning coffee habit I’ve been chained to for more years than I care to confess.  Instead of switching to hot tea after a couple cups of Java, I start with black tea to waken my senses and continue sipping tea throughout the day.  Coffee hadn’t been satisfying to me lately, because all my favorite brand CHOCK FULL OF NUTS has been discontinued locally.  Nothing compares.  I read tea’s caffeine is far easier on our bodies and with so many wonderful tasty options, I decided to test the theory.  It’s true.  I may have a cup of coffee again from time to time, but it won’t become a lifeline again.

Last week while browsing an on-line shop Abbi May’s I found a charming fabric line I couldn’t resist.  A couple days after my first visit I returned and  purchased a fat quarter pack of the Tea Party line by Susan Branch for RJR Fabrics.  (Service and quality of fabric are both excellent. Check her out.)  This morning I’m sharing my new play pretties with my tea party friends.  I’ve not decided what I will do with them…for sure, I’ll look at them for a while hoping for inspiration and admiring their charm.

Seven fq’s are adorned with tea balls, teacups, teapots or tea sayings.

The remaining 19 fq’s coordinate with the themed 7…

I started my morning off with yummy Irish Breakfast Tea by Twining’s.  This smooth, black tea has become one of my top 10 favorites.  A wonderful thing about it is how easily obtained it is…most grocery stores in our area stock Twining’s.  The mug is a Blackburn jelly jar…just right for an ample, eye-opening serving (microwaveable, too).

For more Tea on Tuesday check out Kimmie’s blog Art In Red Wagons.

Until next time…

The type of seed you sow determines the type of harvest you’ll reap.  ~ unknown ~

Operation Christmas Child

Before we know it Christmas will be here.  Our church is participating in Operation Christmas Child so preparations are being made now so children around the globe, who would otherwise have little or no Christmas gifts, will be remembered.  I filled two shoe boxes with wash cloths and bath soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, candy, bubble gum and several small toys…one box for a girl and one for a boy.  This is the first time I’ve taken part in Operation Christmas Child, but I’m so glad to have the opportunity.  If you would like to learn how you can help, click on the link above. There is still time, but you need to act quickly or this opportunity will pass you by.

It’s amazing how much you can pack into a shoe box, yet there were numerous suggested items that simply did not fit.

All closed up and ready to go…except for a card.

Until next time…

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  John 15:12

Mmmm mmm Good, Lentil Soup

Patty of Magpie’s Nest made lentil soup a few days back and peeked my interest.  Today I made her recipe. My dear husband and I both enjoyed it…he even at seconds.  I made a double batch, because the recipe sounded so good.  (Smiling as I type)  I’ve got supper squared away for tomorrow night already.

If this looks tastey to you, the recipe can be found by clicking on “recipe” above.  I promise you’ll enjoy it.  It’s perfect soup weather, and that’s pretty perfect soup.  My honey didn’t even ask where the meat was. 

Until next time…

Good thoughts are blessed guests, and should be heartily welcomed, well-fed, and much sought after. Like rose leaves, they give out a sweet smell, if laid up in the jar of memory.  ~ Charles H. Spurgeon ~

100 Post Giveaway ~ Moments

Liz is giving away a copy of Pretty Little Pincushions and a handmade needle case in celebration of her 100th blog post.  She is hoping you will drop by and help her celebrate and leave a little bloggy love.  Every sewer loves a pretty pincushion…and needs a needle case.  Why not check out Liz’s blog Moments and comment on her celebration post.

Until next time…

How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t!  To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot, and I won’t.       ~ Fanny Crosby ~