GOD KNOWS 
 
 

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…
God knows how hard you have tried.

  When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…
  God has counted your tears.

  If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…
  God is waiting with you.

  When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…
  God is by your side.

  When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…
  God has a solution.

  When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated…
  God has the answer.

  If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…
  God has whispered to you.

  When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…
  God has blessed you.

  When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…
  God has smiled upon you.

  When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…
  God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

  Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing…
  GOD KNOWS!!



It will be one week tomorrow since I last updated, and I really miss visiting you all so much! 
I hope you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and weekend!
I will be updating on all of the happenings with Ian very soon! 
I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here, 
and also to let you know that you have been in my heart & thoughts before any more time slips by! 

Our days have been so full, things are changing, and so much is happening so quickly!
Friday is going to be here way too soon, and we’ll be seeing Ian off to California again! 
We also have some news to share that may be happening with our family soon …
we’re still not quite sure about it yet, but by the end of the week we should know more!

We do know that Ian’s friend, Tim, will be coming home in January to stay,
but Ian has shared with us that he feels it just isn’t time for him, right now, to come home,
so he will be staying out in California longer than originally planned …
now, that was just a bit hard for mom here to adjust to,
{so, your prayers would be greatly appreciated!}  
On his first night here, he shared his heart with me, and feels the Lord still has work for him to do …
he wants to learn more in the field as well … and also, before he does come home,
it’s very important to him that we take a trip out west for a visit,
so we can meet everyone, and to see all that he has been doing! 
He wants to show us the sites, too!   He mentioned taking us to Big Sur! 
Now, I’ve not been much of a travelin’ lady, so we’re trying to decide which mode of transportation to take,
and we’re looking for the cheapest way!  {remember, flying would be very hard for me}.
If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, please do share! 
So, as I’ve said, things are changing, and happening quickly … it’s not been easy,
but I know that God has it all in control … I just need to ’let go and let God’ …
you know, get my paws off of things, and let Him work His perfect plan!! 

Well, I’ll share more with you soon! 
Right now, I need to get a little shut eye ~ {we just came from a 3 day craft show this weekend!!}
… and then I’ve got to get to those extra loads of laundry,
and to straighten those little messes now that he is home … but I don’t mind any of it one little bit!
I’m also going to make a big pot of chicken & noodles … per Ian’s request!! 
In the meantime, you all have a wonderful Monday,
and I’ll get around to as many of you as I can this week …
plus, I do need to make some changes here on my site …
as in raking leaves, and hanging some holly, or something!  Be blessed!!

Hugs,
                         ~ Deborah <><    

 

       Well, the day is finally here!  I’ve cleaned house, and stocked the fridge, and hubby and I are going to sit here together with a cup of tea, and read the scriptures before we head to the airport to pick up our precious cargo!  Thank you all so much for your prayers for safe travels for Ian!  There were absolutely no delays for him whatsoever, at any of the 3 airports he has been to today … even though we got word that they had closed LAX last night due to heavy fog, and it wouldn’t lift till mid morning.  Well, his departure was right on time … and he will arrive right on time!  God is so awesome!  We know he’ll be hungry, so hubby said he would treat us to dinner once we pick him up.  We’ll leave it up to him as to where he wants to go.  I’ll let you all know how things are going as time allows.  Tomorrow he may just want to hang around home here, and rest since he’s lost 3 hours on the trip.  We’ll be preparing food tomorrow, as well, to take to my brother and sister-in-laws again for Thanksgiving … so I’ll be able to check in with you to see what your plans are for Thursday!  You have a blessed evening, and a wonderful Wednesday, and thank you again for those prayers!  Talk to you soon!!

 Hugs,
     ~ Deborah <><

I hope you’ve all had a great Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!  I know it’s been a few days since I updated, but most of you know that I’ve been so busy with getting ready for Ian to come home this Tuesday, and along with that, we also did a craft fair this past Saturday, which was again blessed as those bubbles floated off of the table!  Yesterday, we had a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving meal with the family!  We had 21 people, and they were all quite generous in contributing a dish to a meal that was fit for a king and queen … along with their royal court, I might add!  It made it nice that the meal wasn’t put on just one person to prepare, and we had every dish you could think of … but, not having felt too well most of the past week, I didn’t eat very much … although, I had lots to choose from!  


  Here’s what was on that menu: 
*slow baked turkey 
*honey glazed ham
*fluffy buttery mashed potatoes
*tasty gravy (2 kinds — turkey and red-eye for the ham)*
*baked stuffing
*cranberry sauce 
*sweet potato casserole with a brown sugar buttery pecan topping 
*sweet potatoes baked with marshmallows on top
*fresh green beans
*mexican corn casserole 
*lettuce salad
*24 hour salad
*whole wheat rolls 
*regular and flavored coffees


 Now mind you … this did not include the abundant display over at the dessert table … 
it was decked out with these goodies:
*pumpkin pie
*apple pie
*homebaked cookies
*pumpkin roll
*cherry dump cake
*chocolate iced brownies
*chocolate iced peanut butter cheerio treats (similar to the Rice Krispie version — hubby loved those)
{ I didn’t eat any dessert ~ (now is that willpower or what?!) ~ oh, but we did bring part of a pumpkin pie home, which I’ll treat myself to later ~ only problem is, we have no whip cream! }


Now, of course, you realize I was just getting you ready for your big day, right?!!  Really, I hadn’t seen that much food since the last church pitch-in, and if I had even known how much food we were going to have, you all would have received an invitation!  We were so very blessed, and we have so much to be thankful for!  We had a wonderful day with Mom Betty, and Dad who seem to be doing much better.  We also found out that my niece, and her hubby, are expecting their first child!  My brother and sister-in-law are extremely happy to have their first grandbaby on the way!  We had a great day … but now Monday evening is here … and my day has been full of last minute things that I’ve needed to get done before Ian arrives tomorrow evening at 6:55PM!  At least I’ll have the better part of the day tomorrow to finish up … still not feeling 100%, but, I’m still so excited … can you tell! 

I would so appreciate it if you would pray for Ian’s flight.  He flys out tomorrow, early in the morning, from San Jose, then to LAX, then onto Dallas, Ft. Worth, and then finally home.  The layovers are about an hour and 20 minutes each … and today, they were saying there were flight delays at the 2 airports due to snow in the northeast slowing things down.  So your prayers are very much appreciated!   

Once he gets here, I’m not sure how often I’ll be checking in, but I’ll do it whenever I get the chance … and, of course I’ll be sharing pictures!  He may be working with his dad a couple of days this week, which will give me opportunity to let you know how things are going!  I will be praying for all of you this week, as I know you are busy with planning for your big day, and maybe possibly traveling.  I do want to get around to find out what your plans are before Thursday, though!  In the meantime, have a beautiful Monday evening and a terrific Tuesday … remember to rest in Him as you are busy preparing this week, and thank Him for all the blessings, large and small, in your lives … for we all have so very much to be thankful for! 

Hugs & Thanksgiving Blessings on your week!!
                                      ~ Deborah <><

It is amazing how fulfilling it is when worshiping God from the deepest depths of your heart, to the point where you just want to break out of your skin and soar over everything that ever hurt you.  To the point where you want to burst out of this unreal world, into the reality of a God who loves you and you love Him more than you can even fathom.  To the point where you just want to scream and cry out to Him and gasp and pant for more of him, to the point where all you want to do is cry when you think of everything He’s done for you.  To the point, where all you want to do is to sit down at his feet, and gaze into His beautiful eyes, letting every thought of the world slip away in knowing that the Most High God, Creator of the universe, loves you and is enthralled by you.  To the point where everything that matters is God and God alone.  Your King.  Your Lord.  Your Maker.  Your Lover.  Your Everything you ever needed or wanted!

It is in this place, in this moment when I am living life to my fullest.  There’s nothing that gives me the same feeling as worshiping God from the very depths of my being.  When I worship God in this deep level, I can literally feel those rivers of living water GUSHING out from my innermost being, and it’s a feeling that’s so undescribable that I will not even try.  But that is what keeps me going, that’s what makes me know life is worth it for the sake of worshiping God.

“I come to seek God because I need Him,” may be an adequate formula for prayer. “I come to adore His splendour, and fling myself and all that I have at His feet,” is the only possible formula for worship.  ~Evelyn Underhill

~ HEART OF WORSHIP ~

Matt Redman

When the music fades and all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart

I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
All about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the things I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
All about You, Jesus

King of endless worth, no one could express
How much You deserve
Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is Yours
Every single breath

A CUP OF CHAMOMILE TEA

“Who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation)
with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s (strong, overcoming, soaring!)”  
{Psalm 103: 4 — Amplified Version}

Have you ever had a day when you felt like you were being pulled like an elastic band and the elastic was breaking?  Have you ever had a day when you lost your identity? 
Who am I today? 
Am I just a mom or just a wife? 
Am I just the dishwasher?
Am I just the short order cook scrambling to get the orders of three different breakfasts?
Have you ever looked in the mirror to find your hair color changed to a dull gray,
and your clothes grew tighter than yesterday?
What happened to me?
I have feelings too!
Can’t I have five minutes to myself?
Can’t I even take just a few minutes to pray?

Whether we are single, married, a mother or not, we need time for ourselves each day.  We need time to gain back our strength and refresh our souls.  Our bodies and minds cannot function without nourishment and rest.  Our souls need to be fed and also need to rest.  Our souls like our bodies need to be quiet.  We need to quiet the chaos in order to hear the voice of God.

Inside our souls waits a quiet chapel.  We need to take the time to open the door and go in.  God waits in silence for us to enter.  He has set a place at His table for us to sit.  On the table a candle of hope is lit.  A cup of Chamomile tea is waiting for us to sip.  As we sip the tea, God talks to us.  Our worries are lifted from our shoulders.  Peace embraces our souls and renews our strength.  We are ready to be eagles and soar through the rest of the day.  ~Author Unknown

Are you weak?  Weary?  Confused?  Troubled?  Pressured?  How is your relationship with God?  Is it held in its place of priority?  I believe the greater the pressure, the greater your need for time alone with Him. 
     ~Kay Arthur

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.
     ~Brother Lawrence

A believer longs after God – to come into His presence – to feel His love – to feel near to Him in secret – to feel in the crowd that he is nearer than all the creatures. Ah! dear brethren, have you ever tasted this blessedness? There is greater rest and solace to be found in the presence of God for one hour, than in an eternity of the presence of man. 
     ~Robert Murray M’Cheyne


  So Here’s What’s Happening:  
Have you all had a great week so far?  I hope you’re all feeling well!  I’m a bit ‘under the weather’, struggling with a major sore throat, fever, and achy tiredness … so your prayers would really be appreciated!  I have lots to do, but I am thankful that I got the house cleaned Monday … loads of laundry done, kitchen curtains ironed and hung on Tuesday … and now I’m looking forward to my Wednesday … today I have some ’internal cleaning’ to get done … bathroom cabinet, the fridge, and the hall closet … (when all I really want to do is to drop into bed!)  I also have to get things packed for another craft show this coming Saturday … and on Sunday we are having the first of two Thanksgiving dinners this coming week with family, and I need to prepare food for that!  Not everyone is able to be here at once, so they’ve decided to have the two separate dinners!  Then Ian will be home next Tuesday … and more meal preparation for Thanksgiving Day with the rest of the family!  Okay … not done yet … the day after Thanksgiving we have our big Thanksgiving Extravaganza Antique/Craft/Flea Market for that Friday, Saturday and Sunday!  We are wanting to sell more than soap and coins this time … things that we’re no longer using, clothes that don’t fit, and some books!   But, even if we don’t get all of those exta items to the show this time, we will take it in December to another antique/craft show, or in January to a really big show they have once a year here called, ’The Greater Indianapolis Garage Sale’!  We’ll also have more booth space there as well!  Yes, we have lots to do, but just knowing Ian will be home soon makes all of the busyness seem less busy!    

Okay … one more thing!  I’m in need of suggestions on how to get rid of ladybugs, other than catching them and taking them outside!  That’s what we are doing now.  Lew’s tried to drown a few, but I’m feeling like that’s ladybug abuse!  They seem to be ‘swarming’ this year, and a few are finding those small cracks where they’re getting into the house!  Mooshie is chasing them, and they usually fly to the lights, so he’s come close to knocking my lamps over!  He is as wild as they are!  I must say though, having ladybugs in our home isn’t as bad as the yellow jackets we had a few years back!  They nested in our chimney, and began flying all through the house!  We boarded up the fireplace, then Lew got some suggestions as to how to deal with them … we did solve that problem, and so very thankful that none of us got stung!  We check the chimney every year now!  Well, I’ll share more later, but I’m off to get some sleep, before Wednesday starts calling my name in a few hours!  I pray you all have a blessed day, and I’ll do my best to get around to visit as soon as I can!  {And don’t forget that ”cup of Chamomile tea”!  I’m ‘drinking’ as much as I can get!}   

  Hugs,
              ~ Deborah <><

  And Finally ~ A Friendly Photo Reminder! 
Don’t forget to hop on over to iliveinmycamera and vote for your favorite warm cuddly ‘Blanket’ photo! 
And also check out the ‘Windmills’ over at BetsaflyGallery! 


 

UPDATE: URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:

I received a prayer request, by message, from Linda @ Mymanyblessings that so touched my heart.  I am asking for prayer for this precious little girl, Ivory, age 7, who was in a terrible go-cart accident.  Please go visit Chris at Mighty_Men_of_Valor and read the request, and let them know you are praying … all of your prayers are so very appreciated! 

** If there are two persons praying, there are three. If three meet to pray, there are four praying. There is always one more than you can see.  ~ S. D. Gordon

“You who seek God, let your heart revive”.
{Psalm 69:32 NASB}

Hope you’ve all had a wonderful week … I’ve been busy getting ready for another craft fair at a local school, that starts tomorrow.  Later this afternoon we need to get the ‘bubbles’, candles, tables, decorations, etc., packed in the van, and then head on over to unload and set up.  We have a 2 hour window tonight, then back again in the morning 2 hours before the show starts, to finish up.  The weather is supposed to be beautiful, and in the 50′s, so we hope that will bring the crowds out! 

We took a bit of a break and headed out for some holiday cheer at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show.  I wasn’t quite in the mood for the biggest season of the year, but it was quite cheery with the Christmas music playing and all the decorations.  I found a couple of cookbooks … yes, remember I’m a collector! :o) They had a booth there with a lot of great books that were about half, to a third of the price, so I got a bargain there!  I found a couple of devotional books, along with a CD of folk guitar Christmas music … very nice!  I also found a ‘rag rug’ for my kitchen. The colors are warm, which makes it seem even cozier for this time of year.  I had thought about getting two, but they were a bit pricey, and this one is working out just fine … you should see my cat, he absolutely loves it!  We have one that is made of denim blue jeans, but I think he prefers this one!  He’s a ‘quirky’ cat … besides the ‘rag rugs’, he has this thing for clothespins!  Seriously!  He loves to play with them!  We call him the ‘Keeper of the Clothespins’!  I need to keep a daily journal for him … might make a good book someday! 

We also have a new ‘neighbor’ that we discovered today … one of the 4–legged, barking sort!  I’m not quite sure how Moosh feels about this yet … at one point, he had his attention, so I took this picture from the bedroom window where he perches and watches him acting like a … well, a puppy!  They do let him run loose, and that’s a concern with the traffic … puppies don’t watch those things you know!  He’s really kind of cute … he looks like a ‘Butch’, don’t ya think?!  We ended our evening a bit late with a quick bite at Don Pablo’s … we had ‘Momma’s Skinny Enchilada’s’ … a lite meal for those who are weight conscious!  I’ll check back in soon, but in the meantime, you all have a wonderful weekend.  I have a few pictures below of ‘the ragged rug, clothespin cat’ … and his new buddy, ‘Butch’!  Be blessed!!

 Hugs,
           ~ Deborah <><


There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for Thine own sake, whose joy Thou Thyself art.  And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee, for Thee; this it is, and there is no other.  ~Augustine

The Raggedy Rug Cat!

“Can We keep it mom?!  Can we, huh, can we”?!

“Those raggedy rugs wear me out!”




I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try to hang laundry that day!
… I opted to use the dryer!  )

Mooshie’s new ‘buddy’ — ‘Butch’