ARE YOU A PRINCESS??

I love spending time with my granddaughter...........Its something given special by God......
I remind her of how God loves her; Grandpas and Grandma love her; her daddy and mommy
love her; Aunt Ruthie; Uncle Josh; Aunt Jenny; great-grandma's ; her Preacher loves her;
and on and on...............
Precious time "being a princess" in my eyes and in Gods eyes............Do you know you are a "Queen" in Gods eyes and He loves you!!!..................Oh we may think no one really loves us and with Valentines Day coming up.......you may be like "Charlie Brown" and your mailbox
will be empty BUT..............God loves you and sends His love to you in a very special way by sending His Son to dye on a cross for you and me and taking away our sins; and taking us to heaven someday to walk on streets of gold"..............** Read more on my sidebar**down towards the bottom


Precious love ........."We loved our granddaughter" even before she was born...........We prayed
for her and her parents gave her a name with honor...........Just as God has....
He knew every part of her as with me even before she was born..............

Precious are are days.......full of joy..........full of goodness........Psalm 139:1 "O Lord, thou hast
searched me, and known me. 2: "Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, though understandest my thought afar off.
Psalm 139: 14: "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.


God loves the little children....and He loves His children....I believe He teaches us sometimes
through the eyes of children to believe; trust and know you are loved.........

WHAT IS LOVE TO YOU?

WHAT IS LOVE TO YOU????

I Corinthians 13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

This next month ....I am thinking about love....What does love mean to you?

Could love mean someone doing the dishes for you just because they love you?....Could it be someone who drives many miles in a cold little truck to provide for you?.....Could it be someone who opens your car door; carries in your groceries and makes sure your all safe and sound?...

Could it be someone who sacrifices something they want so you could have would you need?..

Could it be someone praying for you faithfully?............Could it be someone that is precious to you?

Love isnt all about me........In fact, when you talk of me me me all the time love begins to sound loud and noisy.......

So then, could love be...........sitting besides someones hospital bed and just being there is saying "I love you"; could it be the prayers and tears of a mother; could it be "placing that scribbled coloring picture so proudly upon the front of the refrigerator............

I plan on enjoying doing "little things" of love all throughout the month of February.....

Here are some simple little ideas to show someone you care..........

. Send them a Valentine

. Send an E-card

. Bake some Valentine cookies and give them away **(USE MOM'S EVERYTHING DOUGH ) **MY SIDEBAR * these are easy and so good

. Do someones chores for Free

. Smile

. Pray for them

. When you feel like you may want to "tell someone what you really think"...Keep Quiet and let it go.......

. Make a special meal for Valentines Day or before....a special breakfast or dinner made

. Cut out Valentines and put them up all over the house

Whatever you choose this month .....say it with Love..........
** Today I received a beautiful Valentine in the mail from my mother in law , Sandy.
Thank you " I love you too"!

SIMPLE VALENTINE IDEAS......

With Valentines Day around the corner I thought I would post some cute ideas to use.....
My granddaughter and I made Valentine cupcakes this week ( remember the little kit I found?)
We laughed and enjoyed our "cupcakes with a cold glass of milk"...........
I thought this was a cute idea for a Valentine buffet..........I enjoy all the "pink" and you could easily make these inexpensively if you use construction paper; a computer print out; a simple
recipe for the woo-pie pies and make your simple filling....
Once again this was chocolate week at our house( I know its not on my healthy eating plan but this is Valentines week.....) so my granddaughter and I donned our aprons and made some "Amish Brownies".....I had all the ingredients on hand and we used a cookie cutter to cut them out....."These too were tested and some given away" ....with a cold glass of milk........
A few years ago I saw this ladies decorating site and thought her ideas for Valentines were very
simple and pretty......A simple jar ( few cents at a second hand store and some chocolate kisses; and a ribbon)...Simple

I also have used this idea of using "Valentine Peeps" ( CVS and Walgreens) and placing them in a little baggie with a ribbon.........Simple but the thought was there

I am blessed to have my true Valentine ( my husband) with me ....(that may sound so simple
but many a lady has lost their husband through death or other)...........I am thankful for the
many years of "I do" and the journey we have gone on together..........Are we perfect? I know I am not nor him but we "walk together" in a devotion and un-selfish love.......

Sometimes we are alone during these "love holidays" or hurting ; for those I say...........God
is looking for you right where you are.............Look up and accept His love toward you.....He can fill any need......Happy Valentines.....

HOW DO I LOVE THEE...LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

HOW DO I LOVE THEE LET ME COUNT THE WAYS.............

Valentines day is coming in a few weeks............I can remember as a young teenage girl meeting a nice; funny; smart; and good looking teenage young man. I remember he asked me to go on a bike ride with him . The day was beautiful and sunny ( even if it wasnt my mind thought it was :)......and along the ride this young man stopped and picked me a few daises.......Of course,
I loved it and put it in my scrapbook. I remember later days finding a daisy and saying to myself
He loves me ; He loves me not; He loves me ; He loves me not...............


This man many years later became my husband. After 30 years..........am I saying?? He loves me He loves me not? NO..............Now after many years of work and toil together I can say
"How do I love thee Let me count the ways...........

So many tire of the "daileys" of life and get weary with LIFE and FORGET....to STOP and count the ways..............
Have you forgotten to "Count the ways"............Love; a smile; a place to lie your head; a job; food; a touch; children; a laugh; a memory; friendship; shared tears; prayer; kindness; a card ; a gift; a place to wash or dry your clothes; good times; joy; sorrow; pain; faithfulness; longsuffering...........
Do you spend your days finding fault after fault and waiting for him to "become" what you want instead of accepting him as he is....
Loving unconditionally; forgiving and just having fun...............

Make a list and begin to count them one by one.............

This Valentines Day............here are some ideas to love the man God knew you would love and you and you alone would fully understand

. Pray for Him that God would encourage him and give him strength

. Give him a shoulder rub

. Bring him his favorite drink and snack

. Say I love you several times a day..........Always kiss him goodbye....

. Clean up; put on something pretty and smell feminine

. Watch the History Channel with him

. Hold hands outside in public and inside

. Make his favorite food or order it to go....* I know my husband has sweetly bought us little sandwiches home and we had a picnic late at night watching the History shows....another time we picked up "wings" and goodies and enjoyed them watching a football game together wearing our matching jerseys!....*Even when your eating healthy you can make it interesting and fun!! Research and find great recipes....

. Give him a Valentine ( not too wordy ha) or write him a sweet letter letting him know
how proud you are of him and how much you really appreciate him

. Warm up his car for a surprise

. Take his coat; or a small throw and toss it in the dryer and have it ready for the cold when he leaves

. Write a quick love note on the mirror

. Write him a note and tuck it in his drawer; suitcase; lunch box

. Text him; email him and let him know he is the greatest guy; most handsome; how much you admire him.......

................................There are so many fun sweet ideas.........I know I am counting the ways........ and thankful for the same sweet young man I meant over 30 years ago...........
Just a note** My parents were married over 65 years and my in laws over 50 years.....
I can bet they were "counting the ways" many times............

LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH....

"LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH............

I so love to get together with other ladies and laugh; learn; work together; shop; and even rest in good fellowship..........

But..........I dont know about others but for myself I must watch "my words"...........

WORDS are such a gift given for us to use.........They can encourage; lift up; teach; provide
wisdom; sympathize; comfort; bring joy; bring laughter; enrich; motivate; build up; and love..........

WORDS can also tear down; hurt; discourage; bring on stress; make us double think about decisions; be nosy; tear others down; give too much information that later you may wish you didnt share; gossip; demeaning; provide unwise decisions; bring sadness and make you feel
unloved........

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight , O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

I have had this underlined and circled many times in my Bible. Why? Because I constantly need it...........Words give me strength; and His Word gives me strength..........

What are a few ways that can cause me to bring discouraging WORDS?

. Allowing our physical bodies to get run down and then not watching our Spirit.

. Hearing something on the radio; TV; or news that streams into your heart.

. Receiving a phone call of discouraging words...........

. Thinking only about yourself and what you need.......What about my needs?

. Controlling and thinking you have power by ripping others down

What a a few ways that can bring about WORDS that bring strength and joy!

. Keeping in His Word....Just a few moments a day can bring about some WORD that can
lift you and remind you of His love

. When you "feel" hurt; pain; discouragement tell it to Jesus. If you need to talk with a friend
make sure "they" can handle what you are to say and choose those who have wisdom.
Try and not tell too many your hurt and pain because before you know they have "shared" way to much with way too many and it may backfire and hurt you more....

. Say I am sorry if you have said the wrong thing.

. Let go of controlling others lives. This may free you from too much worry.

. If someone you know is hurting think how we can lift their spirit with our Words...

. Listen and read things that uplift; bring joy into your life.

. If you have burdens that are overwhelming tell it to Jesus and ask for His strength and wisdom. You may find answers and help from your Bible; your church; a good friend; a book; a CD...
.
* I remember a lady that spoke about Burdens........She said God can send His help through many different avenues. Dont think if I was only with so and so . If only they could have helped
me. If only I had a different life; husband; children. ............God knows where you are and can
send His help to you.....

WORDS> are very important. I am in constant learning..........I make mistakes all the time but at least now in my life (a quiet reminder comes my way) and says Listen. Go...say your sorry you were quick with your words and then remember what I said this morning to you early in my Word? "Oh yes. Your right. Your way...........
Thank you for that sweet reminder. I love you God.........

SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS......

SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS..................

I really enjoy celebrations.........I have been so blessed to learn from so many sources along
the years....my sister has hosted family gatherings; a wedding; and showers...my sister in law
has shown me many ways to host huge gatherings and treat overnight guest.........my daughter in law has given me great "baskets" upon being a guest in her home and having everything I could want to make me feel loved.........my other sisters seem to have a knack for bringing colors and pretty things together "for to go" parties......I have worked in the past at summer camps for teens helping prepare for over 300 to eat and many a Valentine or other banquet where "special" was prepared beyond measure.............

My mind is full of ideas but I take a "twist" on it all and try to do it on a budget.........

I love when a table or buffet or shower "makes you feel welcome" and special........* I am also
blessed to go to a church which has taught this for many years.......*
Celebrations can be simple.......I use what I have most of the time.
Here are some things I have collected....

. 3 -Tier Silver stand ( I found clear plates at the second hand store) -used for cookies or small sandwiches
. Cloth or pretty paper napkins (these make it special and usually only cost $2 or under)-
can be spread out in line or placed in a pretty basket
. Napkin rings- these can be found on clearance many times or make your own using a little wire and a flower or other item
. Baskets- second hand store...Large flat or tray like -group plates or napkins or centerpiece
. Serving plates- find the colors you want only .50 -$2 second hand stores
. White paper plates- for more simple celebrations Summertime
. White plates- can be put on a charger to look extra special
. Plastic pitchers in bright colors - Summertime drinks such as lemonade
. Serving bowls- My sister has several large ones that fit big salads (Kohls has nice sales on these)
. Candle holders- the small glass votive s..I have used these over and over on my table . I have sometimes used the matching color candles or used white tea lights. All in all it gives the table
a glow.........
. Nice quiet music in the background

.....You dont have to have any or all of these....A pretty table with a sign made by your children saying Welcome Home to their daddy says it all!

Other celebration items that you can purchase inexpensively are :

Balloons; Paper lanterns; Tissue flowers ( my daughter in law makes these and they are gorgeous!
These can be bought at the dollar store including the tissue * I almost always buy white tissue in packs for my gifts

Glass vases; silk flowers; little chocolates to place in tiny jars; netting to hold candy; pretty tea bags inside a pocket of a card; little glittery pieces that sprinkle on the tablecloth; a small mirror in the middle of the table to reflect your centerpiece or candles.....

...................................

Hosting a celebration

. Have a plan on how you want it to go.........( of course if this is just a family celebration this would be different and you can go with the flow).......but if you are hosting the family gathering for instance....Get a simple notebook .....and make a list of your meal; groceries; special dishes you may need...cakes or desserts etc......
This may sound silly to some but it rest my mind ...and helps me to have it there in the book and done!

. If hosting a shower or buffet ....make a plan. Again the items needed; who will bring what;
who will help with different areas ( let people help ...it makes them feel needed) On the other hand dont make others feel that Have to help you clean up etc....Have that prepared ahead of time of who you may ask.....
Let the special guest for the event feel special and make it about them! Have fun!
..................................

Ideas from others

. My friend ; host our ladies circle each month at her home. She always has her table decorated with a nice cloth; potluck dishes; coffee and tea to enjoy. She has a large wooden shelf above her kitchen table that is decorated with each months theme ( ex Valentines Day)....She also has
long tables set up ; decorated with pretty paper plates and a favor each month for us to enjoy. She doesnt have to do this but it always makes me feel loved when I have been there! * I know she is frugal and works on finding these items all year long at thrift stores and flea markets etc.....

. My sister in law....hosted a family holiday and I spent the weekend at her "Lodge Home".
She had everything planned for the holiday along with special "gifts" given throughout the day through games. She had food all set out buffet style in her kitchen warm and ready to go.
They had coffee and dessert and all sorts of creamers on hand( i loved that) Our room had fresh towels; soap and was beautifully furnished....I felt very loved.

. My sister ....has had many family celebrations...She serves buffet style as well. She has hosted gatherings inside her home during the winter as well as outside around her deck and pool area.... with candles; music; and many appetizers and food dishes...She has had showers; a wedding and my moms Hawaiian 90th birthday.....Each one was special and well decorated with pretty silver and glass dishes; special cakes; and Hawaiian themes and food to enjoy with pretty leis to wear and a special one flown in from Hawaii for my mom. She would take the time and make these events feel special for all....
Even the rooms we stayed in many times had fresh flowers; pretty soap to use and maybe a nice magazine to look through...I remember coming down for Breakfast where :Orange Juice was filled in a beautiful tall antique glass pitcher ; a homemade coffee cake was on a cake stand; sausage and eggs filled pretty bowls; and the smell of coffee filled the air......

. My daughter in law....made beautiful baskets for each of us when we visited their home out West.... I loved that they were filled with so many nice things! We had fresh beautiful rooms ( I told her they looked like a B and B) to sleep in. She also made sure we had drinks; coffee creamers; foods and other necessities that we needed while there. We felt very loved when we left their home.

. Banquets at our church. There is usually white tablecloths; candles; white plates ; centerpieces; nice soft Christian music; and a speaker or very well done play. Those that attend usually dress up and it is a nice formal evening done first class.

Potlucks.......These tend to be less formal and dont require much except disposable plates; cups and plasticware....But you can make it special by purchasing a pretty wipe down Tablecloth in nice colors for the season....*These can be found at a dollar store...I prefer to find the ones with a flannel backing as they last longer.....
If a holiday such a Valentines maybe add some paper hearts around the table or make heart shaped cookies to bring along........

................
Whatever you choose.........to celebrate make it simple and enjoyable for you and others!

DECORATING YOUR "NEST" LIKE A BED AND BREAKFAST ON A BUDGET

DECORATING YOUR HOME SIMPLY AND INEXPENSIVELY...

I enjoy watching the birds in the Springtime ; as they begin gathering little twigs; sticks and other material to begin a "nest" for their little "home sweet home".....I guess you could say I
am like a bird in that I enjoy bringing bits and pieces of beauty to my home......

I enjoy comfortable and homey furnishings... in fact, I love shopping for unusual items at a good price to bring a room to life...I can look at a photo of a pretty room and see the colors that stand out to me...I enjoy barn reds; creams; apple and limegreens; and robin egg blues......
I enjoy simple ; cleaned off spaces.....and rooms that make you "feel" like you can just bring
your tired worn body to kick off your shoes and relax..........

The first step to inexpensive decorating is getting rid of unwanted clutter...Out goes too many
books; papers ; magazines....( They have pretty cardboard holders for these if you need to have a place for them at Walmart for only a few dollars)........get rid of too many toys or place some in
storage and replace now and then. ...Too much furniture; nick nacks (especially if they never get dusted). Work on rooms one room at a time and try and make a place for everything and everything in its place....
I will start with the most important and that is your bedroom. Your room for you and your
husband should be clean; clutter free; warm and inviting and smelling nice...........

I have found some of the most beautiful quilts; duvets; comforters; pillows at second hand stores.
I look for good brands that seem to last long such as Pottery Barn; Ralph Lauren; or even a pretty pattern.....

This past Fall I found a pretty cream chenille bedspread; gray duvet; cream light blanket;
and my sister had some beautiful throw pillows in creams that I placed with a cream and black
pillow.......We also have flannel sheets in cute red and white print for the cold winters in our area.
I try and spray our sheets or blankets with a nice smelling spray to keep things fresh...
Right now I am looking for a lime green quilt to pair with my cream and add some fresh reds and
yellows for Springtime.....I can usually find a nice quilt for around $5.......

I do on occasion look for good sheets that are high count and soft. I would love to find a buttercream yellow for Spring....I may look at places like JC Pennys on sale or TJ Maxx on their clearance items...

I have a nice wing chair and a small table beside it. My husband sits there alot and so I put a favorite book; his favorite snacks and cold beverage on this for him to enjoy....
I have two nice end tables in black ( they dont match in style ) and I love that! I can keep my
favorite books nearby on my stand and some of my favorite pretties. I keep a picture of
my husband and I when we were a young cute couple on his side and books on the bottom of his
table.....

I also have a place where my husband can put his cell phone; his change from his pockets; and other needed items on top of our dresser. ( these can be found at any Walmart in mens dept under accessories)..........

I have a small little cream desk in one corner with a shelf over the top. Some of my favorite things sit atop this shelf...Not too many just a few.... This is where I do any needed work such as bills; filing; cards; or daily to do list.......

I try and keep our closet in order. ( my room is not huge and this helps in everyday use)...
I keep organizing boxes atop filled with various things. We both share a closet and I keep in season clothes in the closet only...........(other goes in a box in basement until season change)
However you choose to "fluff" your nest.......make a simple plan on how you want it to look and feel and work with what you have........Sometimes it may be as simple as moving furniture around; freshening the paint; making some curtains ( my friend was so good at this); finding what you need at a thrift store ( such as chairs) and purchasing some pillows at Walmart.....

Make your bedroom your haven of rest..........