KEEP THINKING SPRING IS COMING...........

This winter has seemed to go on forever...........I think its because of all the "snow" we have encountered around our area..........The beautiful white snow falling down down was so nice
but then it seemed to grow and grow.....
A few weeks ago we had a nice day that the sun began to shine...the snow began to melt and
even at 35 to 40 degrees everyone thought Spring had come...........

So I began Spring Cleaning.......pulling out some Spring decorations...........placing away some winter items in boxes.........ONLY to pull out the warm sweaters and warm blankets again.........

My sister even reminded me I keep talking about Spring! Finally........I stopped and listened to myself............Was I not being content? Maybe I had even been complaining......? I love the change of seasons...but even I need to learn to WAIT ....on things.........

God sends His timing in things...sometimes it may be in an illness we have and the wait for
us to get better........sometimes its watching someone you love grow into a new level in their life..
sometimes it may be our weight and wanting so bad to loose 20 lbs in 2 weeks..........

So I concluded..........I could HOPE............I could anticipate..........I could PRAY........but I could wait and see..........
Oh how fun it is to see the budding of a tree......just a tiny little bud.........then the first flower...
then the bloom!!!.........The first Robin..........*I used to call my mom and we would be so excited over seeing the first Robin of Spring!.................

Anticipation of a bride and groom.........of a new baby coming........the start of of school.......the end of school and graduation.........

All........to come.........As I sit at my kitchen table I cant help but be thankful for all that has been
and all to come.............
Yes I will continue to look forward to Spring; but be thankful for the snow that feeds the grasses to turn so green in the months ahead..........I look forward to the seasons ahead
and celebrations and bringing with it joy and encumbrance ahead................

There are times in our lives when we cant see the "Springtime" coming; we are clouded with
the heaviness of the cold dark days.........but God can always give us His sunshine and Springtime to come...........

OTHERS..........WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTH OR WEAKNESS?

A few weeks ago our Pastor taught on your strengths and weaknesses.........It was a great teaching .....and has had me pondering on this for awhile.......I have read books on knowing what
your"gifts" or talents may be and even trying to recognizing these in your children as they were young and growing..........but time changes you and your strengths may change...........

I remember as a young wife and mother I wished I could "sew" better. I took 4 years of sewing in high school and tried to make my newly married husband a shirt when we where first married .Oh my........it was something as he took that shirt and held it up to him and said " Honey I love it!" ( the arms were two different lengths!)....I continued years later and even after trying to mark and cut out patterns the best I do now is a straight stitch and hand sewing buttons and maybe a rip in a worn out teddy bear!.........WHY? Because that was not my strength! There were others things I wished I could do such as solo singing; play the piano; crafts of all sorts;
volleyball; baseball.....and the list could go on and on.......

I could do some of these things somewhat but not any of these things well................

As the years passed by I continued in our lives; helping my husband in our business; keeping our home; raising our children; and cooking and baking and doing my best with what we were given..........

I didnt go looking for my "gift" but I would do things such as "write notes" to others.....To me
it was a simple thing......( I would keep a pack of pretty note cards in my purse) and whenever I could I would write an encouraging note to someone. ......Another thing I would do is bake.....I would bake cookies or pies mostly.and give to someone to encourage their day...........At times
when I could I would be there to clean a home ; make a dinner; do laundry; iron someones clothes ( if they were ill with a serious condition)...........I would plant flowers in boxes and decorate her yard for a friend with a stroke; .........I would set up pumpkins; hay-bails and Fall
items for another lady who had cancer..........I would go to a home of a little boy who had fallen in a pool and needed therapy and help do the therapy with 3 other ladies..........

As I write this I want to be careful not to "Look what I have done.." ( thats not what I want to do ).......BUT.........what ."gifts" each person has that they can give.

.I enjoy "encouraging"........WHY? Maybe for some need I had in the past myself......I love to make others feel that they CAN and are SPECIAL to God............
I remember two to three years.ago ......I would bake chocolate chip cookies ; then my daughters and I would place about 4 in a baggie and then place these in "brown lunch sacks" and wrote a happy face on the bag and (who they came from in the corner so they didnt think it was a crazy one ha ha).........Then my daughters and her friends would go all over our church on Wednesday nights before it started and hand out these bags to all the "college girls"...........( I never knew their names or who they were unless they came and told me).......WHY did I do this? Because I was going through a rough time and I needed not to think just of myself and my burden but think of others........The cookies helped me ; as well as ( I hope) made the girls smile..............
Maybe your strength is baking; cleaning; sewing; sending out fun packages for others to receive; organizing; financial things; painting; gardening; writing notes; computer work; musical or singing; encouraging; paperwork; detail work; how to fix something.............

God has given it to you to use.......

On the other side...........if you have a weakness in an area I had to learn not to be too proud to ask for help in that area...........I have read; educated myself on the computer; and went to some lady in that area that might be able to help me to know something better............

This helped me in seeing strengths and weaknesses......I know I will continue to learn more
and more as the years go by...........

IRONING................A SIMPLE TASK

As I was working on my stack of ironing today I was listening to an old song called "Young at Heart" . This little old song was one we sang to my mom in her last hours here on earth...it makes me think of her in a happy way......
I can remember her ironing dads shirts and when I was young I ironed many a handkerchief.
She would say I am going to "iron these shirts up really nice and slick" and she would take
her iron and push it down hard and work her hands to steam and press every little corner ; back and forth...until it was beautifully done.....and hung on a hanger with the button at the top very carefully buttoned in place.......* (you see she lived when there were no steam irons)

When I was a little girl she said she would starch and even sprinkle water upon each garment
and little dresses of mine and my sisters and then hang them all up pretty and starched all in a row!
I iron my husbands shirts and pants and my skirts and some tops and when I have time I
press my pillowcases and topsheets. I have found this nice lavender spray at the dollar store
I use to place on anything of mine to smell extra nice.......Oh to lie your head on a freshly ironed pillowcase.............

I know in this day and age "ironing" has become a thing of the past for many. Its time consuming and a dry cleaner can sometimes bring out a crisper shirt if need be ....but for me
its a task I still enjoy. I feel I save some money and bring the best out in the garments I am using.....I pick a day to do my ironing and do most of it on that day.

There are jobs in my home that are not always the "nicest" jobs to do such as cleaning the toilet; cleaning out the fridge; pantry; ironing; laundry; dust and crumb that collect behind the fridge and stove; wiping off the bugs and nests on front porches; dusting the fans that turn above
........these jobs are needful and when done they make it so much more enjoyable to use or wear.


If I start feeling "complainy" about such jobs as Ironing or other simple tasks I remember the
days when I was "ill" and could not even get up to do anything and I had to ask others to help.

Ironing.........a simple task. What have You have me to do today?

I LOVE MONDAYS...."WHAT WERE WE TAUGHT?"

This past weekend my husband did so many sweet things for me ( and it wasnt even valentines)....Saturday morning he showed up with my favorite treat from Starbucks and some
McDonalds for us to enjoy..........we spent the day together at home relaxing ...later ..he surprised me with a new Spring outfit in bright corals and ruffles...I told him I was certainly spoiled...
"He remarked that he enjoyed me enjoying things he bought me"...........later he got up dinner
out to enjoy at home.....What a blessing I enjoyed!

Church was a great blessing also as our pastor taught on how God is Holy and God is Love!
Such simple words but such strong truths...........

God loves me everyday.........He has proved it over and over to me...but you know what I forget? I forget about the sunshine. I forget about the warm home. I forget about how good it is to have a husband or a family.....But........He doesnt forget. He continues to love me unconditionally.

God is Holy.....He is mercy. He is kindness. He is respect. He is faithful. He is strength. He can meet all my expectations and needs..........but you what: I forget....I focus or allow other things
into my mind and heart to cloud my days....I try and take over what I feel instead of leaning on His arms............

Sometimes when I am out doing some shopping........( I will stop and notice) other people....and how they treat each other....(were only human)......mothers with little ones trying their patients and crying and mothers saying unkind words due to maybe both of them needing a simple nap ( I have been there).......wives belittling their husbands in their choice of what to put in their carts ( at our house the girls and I always smiled at Dads groceries he may stop and buy and moms)....Dad was always more fun with snacks and goodies.....the lady who is arguing with the clerk about how long her line is and tossing things aside on the counter in disgust...........

Im from the "old school" my mom used to say to me...........Well I am afraid she trained a daughter the same.........The word Respect comes to mind........

Respect your property. Clean up and do the best you can with what is given.
Respect your family. Husbands (love; honor ; admire; be discreet what you share); children (have patience ; train; love; relax and have fun); Others (Respect; show dignity; kindness)

I was so excited to get the "new things" from my hubby this weekend but ...that doesnt happen all the time.......and when the "normal days " come with hard work; lean times; daily tasks...
I am so thankful that I was taught the same old things.......

Love, respect; admire; praise...........you will reap what you sow.

SPRING CLEANING THE PANTRY AND ONE POT RIBS AND KRUAT MEAL......

Yesterday I spent some time "Spring Cleaning" my kitchen pantry........I ridded out things
we dont use and then took some items that I rarely use " and put them on a shelf in the basement.....It felt so good and looks so roomy and Fresh!

Basically, I put items together that belong together such as all baking items; all canned goods; box goods ; breads and spices and such on side shelves....I placed these items in specific bins so I could pull out the bin to use..........* my daughter in law is so great at organizing and places labels on all her bins..

This really helps you to get things on hand and in some what order when using them daily.
I realize things can get out of order everyday and thats life but it is nice to have things "clean and fresh" for the next season.....
I plan on going to Target or the Dollar Store and getting a few more bins for potatoes and onions......

Meanwhile .....I tried a "new recipe" on my husband I found....My husband enjoys a change
in recipes so I thought I would try this one......He loved it ( as he told me many times and had seconds later on )..........Its easy and a One Pot Meal and the whole house smelled great when
he came home......Its from Paula Deen and she seems to make everything good.

PAULA DEENS ONE POT RIBS AND KRAUT MEAL

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 rack pork baby back ribs, cut into individual ribs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 medium, white new potatoes, quartered
• 1 pound bag sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup apple juice ( my choice) (optional, may substitute water or stock)
• Parsley sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Set Dutch oven over medium-high and heat the vegetable oil.

You can also cook this dish in the oven at 325 to 350 degrees F for the same time.

Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Lay ribs in the oven, meat side down and sear them in a single layer. Transfer them to a platter. Add the onions and saute until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the ribs. Add potatoes. Add ribs back in and cover with sauerkraut. Poor apple juice over top. Cover the Dutch oven and lower the heat. Simmer the pot on the stove for 2 to 3 hours until the ribs are very tender.

If the dish gets too dry at any point stir in a little chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

Serve garnished with parsley sprigs.

ADDING TOUCHES OF SPRING.....SPRINGTIME CLEANING

So many have had a cold cold winter....The ice; mounds of snow; and extreme temperatures have made me want to stay near my warm throws and snuggle inside........But the last two days
here have been a sneak peak of Springtime in my area..........You can see it all over....the birds are
singing; the snow is slowly melting; and the warm breezes and sunshine warm your cheeks.

You can see it in people too. They are happier. They are out walking the partly snow covered sidewalks. And the Spring cleaning bug ....enters...................

I take time to rid out; clean out; and refresh rooms.....I take one room at a time and "deep clean".......Yesterday I cleaned our bedroom. The walls; the ceiling; under the beds; the ceiling fan all got a good dust and sweeping.....( we gather alot of dust )....Then it was ridding out of
"un-needed items"......Items to the trash; some moved to boxes in the basement; until it was
almost empty......

I only added a few "spring items"....Above my desk a small bouquet of lavender flowers sits on my shelf to say "Hello Spring"........
I plan on adding "spring green" to my bedding as the weather gets warmer but for now the
warm duvets will stay..............( I love "lime green touches)
I have a basket near my bed in which I put books I am reading; new folders of items I am working on (Bible Studies); personal health items I am learning about; etc......(this helps my mind to stay organized.

I ridded out the closet and made sure my husbands and my things were in order. We have a
fairly small closet and this again helps me to know what I have or what I may need . Things that
you may get into way down the road....get put in the thift box or in a basement box if I think I
really may get into it. All the drawers have been gone through and things are folded away....

It seems when my children were small this was a constant thing to do ; but it does get easier
when it becomes just you and him....( I like that)
I went on to my living room area........Sweep; dust; and rid out of things.....I added some pretty
"Spring Greens and whites" to tables......Just a container with flowers flowing; and a small basket of spring violets next to it..........Not too much but a few items here and there says Spring!

On to the bath........wipe down; scrub down all around the toilet to the back and front; the floor; the mirror........then two bright green hand towels hung; a pretty soap in a box ( my sister gave me from TJ Maxx) and a matching hand soap pump ...all in Spring Greens.......

Then a "Lilac Spray" ( from Bath and Body) dispersed in each room............and the warm breezes flowing through.........Springtime!!

And the cost??? Nothing! Just some "elbow grease" and ridding out............

I think winter will show itself for a least another month or two here but just a few days of
Spring cleaning seems to being a "fresh beginning" to my world...............

SIMPLE WAYS TO "LOVE " OTHERS..

It always makes me feel better to "encourage someones life".............There are several ways
we can do this inexpensively or whatever way we wish...........The "gift" is just that ...a gift not
given to expect "anything" in return..............

At our "ladies mission circle" each month we make up bags full of things for "college students"; shut ins; and an "others basket" to be given to some lady who may be going through a difficult time........All the ladies bring items such as candy; homemade cookies; candles; lotions; and other
simple items and these are placed in a basket filled with pretty tissue and then wrapped in cellophane and a big bow.....
A "others gift" may come in a simple brown paper bag folded down...filled with some cookies
(homemade or not); or maybe group of flowers from your yard or the grocery; maybe a basket
filled with different items such as a roast; cookies; books; odds and ends and left on someones
doorstep; a note or letter tucked in someones purse; maybe a gift card or $ a few dollars given to say I love you...................Its a gift of encouragement............
Simple ways to "love others"........is just taking the time to do it.........It seems there is always someone out there that could use "His Love"...........sent .....
I have a day in which I pray for "others" needs that I hear about. This helps me ( otherwise I would probably get busy and forget) to choose one and do a little something for them.....

I have recently found a store in which I enjoy getting nice cards for an inexpensive price.
I am then able to purchase holiday cards early......and get these signed and stamped and sent out.....*It seems to work for now because its part of a plan..........

In todays world we have the computer and a simple "like" or note can encourage others....
I have been the recipient of many of these things and pray I can do the same....