SATURDAY SCRIPTURES & LENT

Pondering His leading me to His Cross. 

Approaching Golgatha...

Are my words & actions marked by humility? 

Are my actions during Lent honoring Christ for His sacrifices...

or boasting in my actions for self purposes?

Galatians 5 says "One can thus find in Christ strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits. And they are called true Christians who incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own life."
Let none of us boast...

Martin Luther understood and said:
Christ's Passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. — reading NIV.

John 8:31  "If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Blessings,

ChristmasIsComing Simple Woman’s Daybook

(Jumping in with Cindy)

My own version of the Simple Woman's Daybook for today:

Outside my window...
Cool day…highs in 48-50* range…clouds rolling in and rain is supposed to start tonight.

I’m thinking...
these cooler temperatures are awesome for me in my ‘eternal’ hot-flash state.  Everyone else is complaining it’s cold.

I am thankful for...
My husband handling the food lineup for Christmas week with his sister…they’re splitting the cooking/food responsibilities.

From the kitchen...
turkey cutlets wrapped in bacon, seared in balsamic vinegar; broccoli, cauliflower, carrots in cheese sauce, French rolls, tomato slices

I am reading...
Disciple 1, Week 15…Hope

I am creating...
table decorations for our Christmas dinner table … pics later

Around the house...
There are signs of Christmas: An un-decorated tree, a wreath on the door and a stocking on the garage door entrance and a blooming Christmas cactus.

On my MP3 player this week...
nothing

One of my favorite things...
Arizona Peach Tea … instant packets with Splenda included.  I don’t have to make a gallon at a time.

One of my least favorite things...
Mommies continuing to shop, ignoring or being impatient with their ‘obviously-tired, screaming’ children riding in shopping carts

A Simple Grace Note...
Look Ma, NO cavities…yeah!

My Simple Devotion:  Day 46 Daily Affirmations (grieving a recent loss of a friend lost much too soon)  Today’s word: BLISS  The dictionary notes BLISS as:   state of extreme happiness, ecstasy, or spiritual joy

It can be hard for to imagine your loved one in a state of such happiness. But, why not try it for today?   After all, it’s a comforting thought, isn’t it?   Of all the things you could consider as their experience after death, this is a nice one. 

If “bliss” is too strong, try “quiet contentment.” Rest assured, it’s not likely they are suffering the sorrows of grief you are.  Wouldn’t they have joy in knowing you’ve found some measure of comfort for yourself in thinking they are blissful?

So, just for today, try that thought on for size. If it “fits,” wear it – from this day forward; like a warm jacket on a windy day.

Quotation for the Day
"I can assure you those who have already passed have not only made it to the Other Side, but are in a state of bliss." ~ Sylvia Browne, Journal of Love & Healing

I read the above quote; but I needed something from God’s Word to give me a better confirmation.

Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.  Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (now THAT sounds like bliss)!

A Picture to Share:

Our prayer shawl ministry had a Christmas brunch this past Tuesday morning, so Zena and I had a chance to get a new picture

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

My own version of the Simple Woman's Daybook for today:

Outside my window...it's dark, 'cause I'm so late getting my post done today.

I am thinking...JUNE starts tomorrow...JUNE!  Where did May go so quickly, and why was she in such a hurry to scurry away from me?

I am thankful for...my sister getting a good report from some tests she had earlier this week due to pain in her legs.  Now, on to the test round of testing.

From the kitchen...there were leftovers served tonight since I was busy babysitting this afternoon...thank goodness I had some 'easy to thaw' entrees in the freezer and several side dishes already prepared.

I am creating...a crocheted newborn outfit for a friend who is expecting in July...a little girl, to be exact.  So eager to see and meet her.

I am reading...nothing...having a hard time getting my reading mojo going these days.

Around the house...are bags of yarn I need to consolidate into the containers I purchased to go under the guest bed.

On my MP3 player this week...GOD IS IN CONTROL...don't remember the singer.

One of my favorite things:  Peach tea...so refreshing during these hot May/soon-to-be-June days.

One of my least favorite things...is waking in the middle of the night to go potty, returning to bed and realizing my legs are hurting and now I can't go back to sleep, uuuuuuuggggghhhh!

A Simple Grace Note: a fan blowing the air conditioning into my direction 

My simple devotion:  

As much as David was a sinner, God was a forgiver, so David threw himself on God’s mercy. And that’s what God gave him—not begrudging forgiveness, but lavish cleansing. If you think you’re beyond forgiveness, or if you’re trying to earn your way back to God, take a lesson from David. Throw yourself on God’s grace. He will forgive. Psalm 51     (Women's Daily Devotional, NIV, Bible Gateway)

A Picture to Share:  Babysat my great niece and nephew today...did we have any fun??  You decide..

Blessings,

ONLY FIVE FRAGMENTS

Mrs. 4444 is hosting another Friday Fragments.  Why don’t YOU join here, too?! 

 

Here’s my five:

• souls were poured out last night in our prayer/accountability group…lots of tissues pulled out of the box during our anxiety cleansing…so thankful God walks ahead of us and gives us only what we can bear
 
• a little chickadee has decided my bay window is his path through my house.  I’m telling him there really is a window there (that little beak is going to split if he doesn’t quit pounding it against the glass)…he’s not understanding my words apparently…he MUST have a headache by now
 
• baked some cinnamon bread this morning and the smell is wonderfully comforting on this overcast, colder weather morning.  I want to know, “WHERE’S OUR SNOW?  We haven’t had any and I don’t want DINOSAUR-sized mosquitoes this Summer
 
• my collegeGirl is going to be celebrating her 21st birthday next week…

 

she’ll be celebrating with one of her good friends in her collegeTown on her actual birthday… 

Will we get to celebrate with her? 

Don’t know yet…stay tuned.

 

• hubs is attending a weekend-long woodworking seminar at a local arena with tons of vendors, demonstrations and project ideas.  I like going to those sometimes, but the thought of standing on a cement floor for multiple hours makes my knees hurt…

IN SUMMARY: 

My eyeballs hurt, so there may be some cucumber slices during my afternoon down time (if said chickadee lays off his ‘machine-gun attack’ on my window, that is). 

If I have to lounge quietly with the slices on my eyelids, it will help me stay away from the cinnamon bread, ha HA…sounds like a plan and I’m making NO guarantees it will work.   

Now to go wrap collegeGirl’s gifts before Hubs comes back home with all his new band saw projects and takes over the workbench.

FRIENDS CAN BE HEAVY…5-min friday

linking up with Five Minute Friday…

After receiving her prompt, write for five minutes … no editing.

Post whatever you have.

Today's prompt  -REST

My devotion today was written by Dietrick Bonhoeffer…
He was discussing the importance of ‘intercessory prayer’ and he related our going to Jesus in prayer…imagining ourselves carrying a friend we are having difficulty with, to lay at the foot of the cross.

Poor humans all needing healing…and then being re-born through Christ’s blood having covered us ALL…small and big sins.
His words make me envision being on my knees and having a heart-to-heart with our Lord to lay out my concerns seeking REST in His providence:

"Lord, I can’t deal with this person…they won’t listen…they hurt my feelings…they won’t turn to you when I want them to listen to You.”
 

“You know what it was when people didn’t listen…when they beat you and crucified you…when they betrayed you and then killed you…yet You forgave them, didn’t you as you asked God to forgive us in our ignorance?!”

My 5 minutes is up…and there’s ‘more confessing and praying needing to be done, so I’ll finish here and ponder the Lord’s answers for me. 
 

Thanks, Mr. B, I needed to be reminded.
Where is your REST today?

"...confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective."
James 5:15-16

I NEED…

Skoot is HOME! She arrived earlier than expected and was HAPPY WITH THERE HAVING BEEN NO traffic issues throughout her four-hour drive to Atlanta.
After hauling her bags to her room she approached me with her first I NEED…we were off to run errands …

she has a job tomorrow helping with a friend’s wedding set-up in the morning and serving and clean-up in the evening.

First Stop:  for a split-end trim and bangs cut

and straight to

looking for sweater tights…no luck…they had tights but no sweater tights.

Trekking down the Mall corridor, we also check out



 
 
















unfortunately, their ad didn’t quite work … we didn’t find what we wanted…
 
so, trekking continues as we decide to go into

where we find ‘fingerless gloves’ for $5.60..(I can’t make them for that much…),
a pair of ‘heart’ earrings ($3.30)
and houndstooth tights (for a different outfit, $7)

But…we are STILL looking for the ‘sweater tights’…now to
and they had a wonderful selection…one pair really fit the bill but too pricey ($22)…
where we found some great tights, but they weren’t textured…
Next storefront we thought would be a good bet….
 we HAD to check out the ‘smells’ while there, since Hubs was NO WHERE around, we could spray, test and stink to high heaven if we desired…

Skoots wanted me to smell Lady Gaga’s new fragrance that ‘morphs’ while you wear it


















FAME…The first ever black Eau de Parfum compounded by Lady Gaga… black like the soul of fame, but invisible once airborne. This luxurious holiday gift set includes:

• Ultimate Masterpiece Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz
• Black Shower Gel, 6.7 oz
• Temporary Tattoo
• Rollerball, 0.34 oz
• A $128 value only $84

A gift set that can be broken apart and spread throughout the friends…












Back on task the trek takes us to the ‘restroom’ next…’nuff said.

Of course, what would a visit be without *bucks…

specifically, an orange-cranberry scone and two Caramel Brulée Lattes –




rich caramel sauces, espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and shimmery caramel pieces.
 
 Rejuvenated, we relaunch our endeavor to purchase appropriate leg coverings….this time to


 
 
Finally find what we need…2 for $14…that’s better

…also found a black cowl to go with her black beret…score!…(I’ll be making her a couple of these in different variegated yarns for Christmas, but no time to make this one)
(I got a couple of plain beige and dark black tights for myself)

Before heading out the door to the car, a wedding gift was in order for the ‘newlyweds to be’…stopping at Belk’s always fares well for those type events…
and we were NOT disappointed…a Jim Shore ornament for their first Christmas tree is PERFECT!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








What a day of shopping, fast walking and catching up on the latest college news.
Phew…

I was exhausted, my credit card was too, and now home to make dinner.  Thank goodness I have leftovers in the fridge.

What did you do Friday afternoon and Friday evening?

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS

  click the widget to join us...

*Outside... brought rain, wind, and fog as the latest HIGH moved into position…we had been in the 60s and I was WONDERFULLY comfortable; now, I’m hot because we’ll be in the 80s throughout the weekend and next week  >:(

**More room in the closet...Two extra large bags of clothes are now gleaned from the closet and ready for the thrift store (after I take pics for record purposes/taxes)

***Who's visiting? BabyGirl has been home on spring break and has been chilling…we’ve had a day out shopping for new jeans due to her success in dropping a few pounds…so excited for her success (done in a healthy way)

****Here's to accomplishments:  success has been accomplished…I’m now the ‘knower’ of working gussets, decreases and increases, while knitting socks…now on my third pair in a week.  they are getting easier and easier

5* Foodie Fact:  asparagus chopped on top of a four-cheese frozen pizza gives it a ‘hit’ of flavor that is sooooo good…definitely will be doing that again

CONCLUDING SUMMARY:  NOT ONLY is it beautiful outside, it is also more beautiful inside my NOW more-spacious closet.  I've so enjoyed getting to spend time with my girl...talking, cooking (now, she LOVES asparagus, too!) and I'll be sad to see her heading back to college on Monday (so I envision I'll be knitting more on Monday)

WHAT FRAGMENTS OF YOUR WEEK DO YOU WANT TO SHARE?  ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Blessings,

John 8:31 "If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

FRIDAY FACES…what was on my face?

surprise blessing PLAYING ALONG WITH TWO MEMES TODAY...Joining Chantalle, for a pic for each day in FEBROOARY (see, you CAN say it correctly, when it's spelled phonetically!  ;)

this is a shot of my BabyGirl and her friends while they were playing card games at our house over the 'new year' weekend...representing 2012...

I miss having teens in my house on a regular basis...what wonderful energy and

 fun they bring!

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

SECONDLY, I'm hoping to start a meme to share in a different way:

 

FRIDAY FACES...

‘facing’ previous days

Blogging 3 emotions encountered earlier in the week
…in word or photos

FIRST: venting... 'sad’, ‘did not like', or an 'angry'

SECOND: ‘I don't care’, or ‘really?’…maybe a 'Why care?'

THIRD: 'smiley' moment, a fun fulfillment, or a surprise blessing'

1.  Why did the ‘court system’ tell me there was ‘parking in the rear of the courthouse on their automated answering system’…  but FAILED to mention ‘a card was needed’ to get into said parking??

2.  Yesterday was ‘Groundhog’s day’… I’ve never understood peoples’ intrigue with this idea…who, by the way, is supposedly only 40% accurate, hahaha.  Have you put any ‘belief’ in his predictions??

3.  A sweet friend agreed to ‘facilitate’ my Bible class for me this week, since I was sitting on my duff knitting my latest shawl and met a new friend who is learning to knit fulfilling my civic duty by serving at the county courthouse.  She eagerly stepped out of a comfort zone and handled everything for me in my absence…some classmates have already mentioned what a great job she did.  I’m so thankful for your willingness, Linda!

How have these 3 faces shown up in your week?…do tell.

THRIFTY THINGS FRIDAY & THRIFT SHARE MONDAY

              

JOINING DIANN AT 'THE THRIFTY GROOVE'...MY 'FIND' THIS WEEK WAS A 'LONGABERGER' POTTERY SERVER...JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

"Excited" is not a big enough word to use for my demeanor when I picked it up, turned it over and saw the 'Longaberger' marking.  I wanted to do one of those 'NFL dances in the endzone', 'high five the lady standing beside me', or sing 'WOOP, THERE IT IS'!


I've priced these on 'ebay' from $39 - 49.00

What has been your most-recent 'find' of the Christmas Season?

Blessings,

THRIFTY, SHOW & TELL, POTPOURRI...a little fruity

My thrifting eyes found these in a plastic bag on half-price day...

...and the the set was COMPLETE.  

Not bad for $.75...


yes, 75 cents!

Can you see them on a summer table as well as for Thanksgiving?

FIVE SENSES FRIDAY…”since it’s Friday”, hahah!

Five Senses Friday, usually at a lovely blog - Abby Try Again... find her blog HERE...

SEEING: A couple of weeks back we moved BabyGirl into her college apartment to begin her sophomore year….excitedly, she made wall art to decorate the shared living room…see the bird silhouettes…scrapbook sheets, free-hand tree limbs and black Sharpe's did the trick and slathered with Modge Podge

SMELLING:   left—over coffee continuing to cool in my coffee cup.

TASTING:    Newtons Fruit Thins (fig and honey)…2 gr/fiber, very yummy

FEELING:  a little anxious if my BabyGirl decides to drive to Mississippi this weekend to visit friends…tropical depression #13’s brewing its way toward Louisiana…expected to turn hard right and head that way Sunday/Monday…don’t like the idea of her being on potentially flooding roads.

HEARING:   the whir of my portable fan compete with the newscasters as they describe events and then Giada as she whips up fluffy meringues in her blender on Food Network.

Play along if you like…leave me your answers or link.

Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING, SMELLING, TASTING, FEELING AND HEARING TODAY?