Monday, April 29, 2013

2013's First Yard Sale

One of the things I love and look forward to in Spring is the start-up of yard sales.  No other means can you find great products for your home for cents.  Nor is there a better means for finding items to resale on ebay or etsy.  This past Friday was yard sale #1 of the new year.  I was totally excited!!!
My husband & I were driving toward home Friday morning and instead of turning down our road he turns left.  Gotta love a guy who knows my love for yard sales and takes me to one without me asking.  We found is fun bargains. I forgot to get a picture of the small kids, lawn chair that we got too. Oh well!!
I love doily's especially hand-stitched ones for .10

I thought this soap dish will go perfectly in my "Outhouse" bathroom.

I loved this little, old picture frame. It looks like it should be a mirror since it tilts.  I'm not sure, I thinking I might turn the glass part into a chalk board. What do you think??  I love some of the little chalk boards I've seen in blogland where people put a daily scripture verse on them and they sit in unique places, eg, bathroom counter, kitchen window, etc...  I'd like to do that with this :)

A 16 pc set for $5.00. There was 2 boxes and we bought both of them.  They are very pretty and something different from the normal dishes that have color.

Prior to the yard sale we had been over in the big town where my husband's work is located. He had training and I went along for the ride knowing that there was a "Home Goods" store over there.  I didn't even get 1/2 through the decor stuff when he texted his meeting was done. But here is a few things I scored on :)
The oil/chicken bottle I got to put my dish soap in so that way it looks pretty sitting on the counter :)  A bamboo flipper for the pancake griddle, and a lavender cake mix just because that fascinates me :) 

It's been a good, fun weekend!! Now it's Monday and my to-do list isn't shrinking with me on here so until next time, have a wonderful week!!






Thursday, April 25, 2013

Oh God! Heal Our Land!

When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.   Isaiah 1:15

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  
 Psalm 139:13-16

If you pay attention to current news you are well aware of the case concerning Kermit Gosnell.  (Kermit=fat, wart-covered frog, yep his momma named him well) If you want to read the latest news on him I included a link in his name. Beware, it's not for the timid of heart nor the weak of stomach.

When I read/hear about the practices of abortion clinics and the procedures they do to perform their murders and then the extra procedures they do to make sure that their kill was permanent.  I ALWAYS wonder what did these people allow into their lives to cause them to step out of the realm of humanity and into monster-hood.  Do these people even sleep at night?  How can they live with themselves?  There is an evilness here that I don't comprehend nor do I desire.

If you know anything of ancient history you know that abortion has been practiced at one time or another over the last 5,000 years.  The Egyptians thought nothing of controlling their population. The mighty Rome of that day seemed to thrill at every type of bloodshed, they didn't care how it was done - in a gladiator packed full of people or in a quiet room somewhere.  History should be a warning to us that if you provoke the wrath of God fury and judgment will follow.  
Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 22:31

If you read the above article you will learn that this nation is on a runway, the landing lane, and it won't be a smooth landing.  I don't know who the wicked people are that are paying off this judge.  But God does, and the very fact that this is happening in a one-time-Christian nation should have every Christian down on their knees, humbling themselves before God Almighty and asking forgiveness.  
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

I hear a lot from people who don't want God in their life because they know He doesn't fit their lifestyle. They want to live without guilt for all their wrong doing. They always say that America was never a Christian nation so therefore it's okay to do away with "In God We Trust", etc... 
This picture is high on my wish-list :)

All I can say is they've educated themselves on the "wisdom" of fools.  
“The propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregard the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."

Inaugural address 1789” 
― George Washington

If George Washington were alive today and the above picture repainted, there would be tears flowing from his eyes.  Coming home from school the other day the kids were listening to a "Your Story Hour" tape titled "George Washington".  My heart cried out as I listened to the true story account of that man's life "God give us another George Washington." Will my cry be answered?? Only if Christians will humble themselves before God and repent.  

The only peace I find in the atrocities that is being done abortion clinics across this nation and even around the world for that matter, life in Heaven has welcomed every single one of these precious little bundles.  Their earthly mother may have shut the door in their face but on the other side is the open arms of Jesus.  His arms are big, and I like to picture in my mind Him cradling all of them at one time. Imagine that one for a few minutes and it will make you smile.  

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
--Isaac Watts


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

"A Little Madness in the Spring"...

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. 
 ~Ruth Stout

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.  ~Doug Larson

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.  ~Proverb


Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.  ~Virgil A. Kraft

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.  ~Margaret Atwood

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.  ~Mark Twain

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring.  Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth?  ~Edward Giobbi

Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
~L.H. Bailey

The seasons are what a symphony ought to be:  four perfect movements in harmony with each other.  ~Arthur Rubenstein

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.    —Harriet Ann Jacobs

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.
—William Shakespeare


A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King,
But God be with the Clown —
Who ponders this tremendous scene —
This whole Experiment of Green —
As if it were his own! --Emily Dickinson
___________________________________________________

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill. 
--Robert Frost

Linking up with:










Saturday, April 20, 2013

"I've Got No Reason To Quit" & Neither Do You!!!



This song needs to be heard by every Christian and then it needs to become the theme of their heart/life. I don't know if Mike and Brenda wrote this song or not either way I am so glad they brought it with them to IHC (Inter-church Holiness Convention).

I'm not very old but already I've seen enough to know that if you are a Christian the enemy of your soul (Satan) is working over time to get you to quit. Sadly, the ways he gets you to quit aren't always obvious they are little areas in your life. It might be things you allow into your life knowing that God isn't pleased. But you console yourself thinking it's okay because everyone else is doing it.  Maybe someone(s) (another Christian) has hurt you and you allow bitterness to take up residence in your heart. Consoling yourself that it is okay because you are a "victim". It might even be that God has used you in many ways to accomplish great things for His kingdom and somewhere along the way it went to your head.  Or maybe it's all those little mistakes that you seem to be constantly making. Satan loves that one right there.  He slips down beside you and whispers in your ear - "you know you're a loser, why don't you just quit. Then you won't have to worry about what a hypocrite people think you are." "Just think of the freedom you will have!"

My heart aches for people I know that have quit.  Living for today is all they can think about.  Seemingly not worried that eternity is what counts.  Life is not over when we've breathed our last breathe here on earth and our body gets laid in the ground.  Our souls leave our earthly body and it goes to one of two places-Heaven or Hell.  We live in a society that has not concept of Hell, but friend it is a real place. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Luke 16:23.

Thankfully hell is a place we don't have to go to.  God is a loving God and He wants His creation to love Him in return because they want to, He gave to all humans a free-will.  And it is our free will that has to make the choice what our eternal destiny will be - Heaven or Hell. It's our free-will that says "I've got no reason to quit". That free-will also can say "oh what's the use, Satan is right. Freedom for today is so much easier."  Can I let you in on a little secret, true freedom will never be found in self, but rather falling in love with Jesus. 

Christian whatever it is that you might be struggling with here is some reminders:
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; theshall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

God is on your side Christian!! Go read the back of the book (Bible) and you will see that He has already fought the battle and we win!!!  

Set your GPS for eternity and make sure you are headed true North for Heaven. God has given us our road map and with it comes blinders so that we don't get side tracked by all the different exits we pass. But it's up to you to use them, God gives them to you but He won't put them on you.  Once you get going don't stop, don't even look back.  Because "you have no reason to quit".

Listen to the song and let it bless your heart like it does to mine every time I hear it.  One of the reasons I wanted to blog this song was so I would have convenient access to it :)  So far my kids aren't sick of it yet.

A little side note cause I want to share this for fun. I listened to the song as it was being played live via live-streaming over at www.ihconvention.com.  While listening to the Mayhle's sing my mind traveled back about 26 years ago when Mike & I were kids. We grew up a little but together until I was 8 and my family moved away. The church we all attended back in those days had a small Christian Academy that was attached to back of the church building. One of Mike and I's favorite past time when our school work was done was to go into the church and play church. I led the singing and then he would preach.  We always meant real business, we did everything with such vigor. We sang and shouted at the top of our lungs and he always got into it when preaching.  Today, it blesses my heart that God is using Mike and his family to minister for Him. I can't help but think there had been some strong foundation building taking place when we were kids.  Lord help us to stay true to the end. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Lemonade? Or Is It Mulch??

I'm a firm believer that when life throws lemons at you you make lemonade.  Believe me I know it's NOT always easy to practice.  But if you are ever want to experience a good, full-filling life you have to learn to make the best of every situation. 

You are probably thinking I've done fallen off the carrot truck and hit my silly noggin because what in the world does lemonade have to do with flower beds and mulch. :)  Pretty observant there :) :)  

One of the things that I LOVE is well taken care of flower beds which include fresh, black mulch.  Nothing gives a house curb appeal like well edged and mulched beds. Its been 2 years since we mulched these beds and because we've planted new things in them since then they've been sorely necked from lack of black, shredded wood (mulch).  For reasons I won't go into here we weren't sure if we would do it again this year. So they were continuing to be an eye sore. As you can see below.
Yesterday had turned out to be a wash out of a day for me.  The answer to our question that we got was NOT what I wanted to hear.  So it left me feeling hopeless, discouraged, and totally void of energy. This morning I woke up feeling much better but I still wasn't ready to take on the world. 

Today found me at one point taking a trip to the gas station to get fuel for the mower so we could finish our 1st cutting of the year :)  As I pulled into the Marathon I see huge piles of bagged mulch and a bright yellow sign reading 4 bags $9.99.  No offense to my sweetheart :P  But I was glad he was somewhere in Wisconsin delivering frozen yogurt because he hates bagged mulch.  As a previous landscaper for over 5 years you DON'T buy bagged mulch :) :P  You buy in bulk :P

Whoa be unto me but when I saw that huge pile and the yellow sign I knew I had found some lemonade. Everyday life is something you just have to break out of to get your mind off problems/situations.  Doing laundry, dishes, feeding kids, and keeping the house tidy was a norm I needed to get away from.  And sitting on FB or pinterest or blogland certainly wasn't going to produce lemonade.  You have to DO something!! Something that will make you and/or someone else smile :)

And so something I did.  After buying fuel and exchanging a propane tank I loaded 4 bags of mulch into my van and went home. It must have been longer then 2 years since we mulched cause my kids had no idea what I planned to do with the stuff.  No, those 4 bags didn't go very far but it was a start.  And it makes me SMILE!!  And I feel refreshed in my spirits as a tall glass of lemonade to a thirsty body.

Happy Wednesday y'all!!





Monday, April 15, 2013

A Day in PA!

Most of the time Saturday is the day when alarm clocks get shut off and sleeping in is allowed.  But not this past Saturday. Our day started bright and early at 5:30 A.M. We jumped into clothes, hurried with the hair combing, and gulped down breakfast.  Being that it was cold at 32* we bundled up into mud boots, hats, and coats, and with our fishing gear headed down the old rail-road tracks to the ole' fishing hole.  In spite of the chill in the air it was perfect. No rain, no wind. Just perfect conditions for the first day of trout.

Since the season didn't start until 8:00 A.M. we had plenty of time to find a spot and just sit and enjoy nature.  Since that area had gotten quite a bit of rain couple days before the streams were at a good level. Sitting there next to the rushing water, rippling its way over the rocks is fascinating to watch and hear.  

At 8:00 A.M. sharp we cast our lines into the current and excitement began as people all along the shore started pulling in the fish.  Some were using spinners, a few using grubs, and others night-crawlers. Even though my hubby hadn't been able to do this type of fishing in 10 years he said it was like riding a bike, you never forget.  

It's a bit weird to be called a "Tourist", I was born and raised here my entire life up until 9 years ago. What are they thinking calling me a "Tourist". Oh well, life goes on :(

The very 1st catch of the day.  Talk about exciting!  The day turned out to be a huge success - 31 fish were kept, several thrown back.  Looking forward to some future fish fries with all those yummy morsels.

Two catches into the day and this was my big landing @ 14" What a blast!

Hubby's exciting catch at 20"

First mess at the beginning of the day - took us around 2 hours to catch all of these. In case you are wondering how we can catch 31, there was several of us. :)

Here fishy fishy...

We are back from the mountainous beauty of PA to the flat prairie of OH and life continues on. The kids are enjoying Spring break all this week.  Glad for beautiful weather so I can boot them outside :) :)

Hope you've enjoyed a little taste of our fishing trip.  Until next time, have a great day!!









Thursday, April 11, 2013

Spring is Springing at last

This winter ended up being a flop. It never could make up it's mind whether to be cold or warm. The kids only had one or two snow days.  Really now, what kind of winter is that? :) Might-as-well chock that one up to a loss and move on to the next season. Spring came March 20th according to the calendar, I'm finally getting convinced of it :)


The beginning of this week the farmers started plowing and oh, the wonderful smell of fresh dirt that assailed the nostrils.  Not to mention the fresh manure being sprayed on as well.  What an awesome combination to this country girl.

78* had us outside and releasing some of our built-up cabin fever. The previous weekend Reuben edged the flower bed around the entire house, running out of time to do anything with the edging. So I took advantage of the perfect weather and got rid of the edging, pruned all the dead on the rose bushes, and got rid of a bunch of weeds. HOORAY!

This part of the bed and all around the front of the house are now ready for fresh mulch.  It sure feels good after a long, drawn out winter to get back outside and get my hands dirty.
My secret sister from church gave me these 3 Primrose for Resurrection Sunday and I got those planted this week.  Thank you "sister" who ever you may be :)  I haven't had Primrose since New York.  I was thrilled to get some again.
Our part of the world is once again turning green!! So glad I don't live out west where they just got 3 feet of snow dumped on them.

Vacation and a current decision hanging in the air has left me with "not much to blog about".  Maybe now with the outdoors once again being livable I will post more on here.
We are going to good ole' Pennsylvania to do some trout fishing this weekend.  As natives of that grand state we are itching to do what hundreds of Pennsylvanians do every year in April.  Stand shoulder to shoulder along the banks of bubbling creeks and cast our lines to the stocked trout. And hope we get lucky and find a Brooky while we are at it.  I plan to take the camera along and get some pictures.  

Until then have a great rest of the week and weekend to come!!






Monday, April 8, 2013

No Greater Joy

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
                                                                 --III John 1:4

Many days, motherhood can leave me with a splitting headache cause I've hit my head against the brick wall all day long.  Those moments, when all four kids are at the top of their lungs, throwing angry fits, and/or bullying each other, I question my sanity and ask myself for the millionth time how I got  into this fix.  My 15 years of education, a savings account, and used to be perfectly clean house seems to mock at me as I play Drill Sergeant, wipe runny noses, and change poopy diapers.  Every now and then something happens to help clear the smog so that my vision is clear and I can once again see God's plan.

Being a stay-at-home mom isn't something that I totally relish. Many people envision SAHMs as pj clad females who sit around in luxury all day watching TV, never lifting their manicured nail to do anything. Bahahahahaha  Quite often I get $$ these signs in my eyes and it makes raising kids a real challenge. Because at least a "real" job I would get paid for working 8 hours instead of ungrateful kidss who demand 13 hours. .

As I mentioned everything now and then I am allowed to see the puzzle being put together and sometimes I think I catch a glimpse of what it will be. Today held one of those moments.  My oldest boy asks if we could go into my bedroom and talk and my heart said respond to him NOW.  So we go in and close the door because there is no privacy with 3 other siblings.  Very nervously he asks me "how can I be a Christian". To save you the details, after I explained the simplicity of asking Jesus to forgive us our sins and to come live in our heart we knelt and prayed. Later he said his heart felt very light and the guilty burden was totally gone.  

This same boy told me some time ago that God told him he's to be a missionary to Peru when he grows up. It is things like this and being able to pray with him is what keeps me going. Lets me know that I am in the center of God's will - helping to develop the future church and God's kingdom. It may not pay $$ but it's rewards will be out of this world.



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