Come by and see Wonderful Events and Celebrations tomorrow at the Bridal Expo! Here's the details:
Bridal Expo
Gainesville Civic Center
from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Fashion Show at 3:30 p.m.
$3 Admission
Mary Stanford will be joining us at our booth tomorrow creating beautiful bouquets and table arrangements. It will be so much fun!
Hope to see you there!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Help the People of Haiti this Week!
J and J Foods is joining forces with Helping Hands Foreign Missions to get needed supplies to Haiti!
Beginning Saturday, January 30th and going through Thursday, February 4th, a list will be posted at each of the stores with the items the Helping Hands Team has requested. The needed items will be offered at a reduced price during this time period for this designated purpose. Bins will be placed at the front of each store for convenience of drop off.
My husband would never tell you this, but I will. Each of the three stores has made a significant donation to this effort, as well as the employees of each of the stores. I am so impressed with our management and employees. The company is not making any kind of profit at all on any of the items. The staff has spent significant time this week researching to find the lowest prices on the needed items so that possibly more can be sent. This is why it is good to be a locally owned independent business where needs of a local charitable organization can be met quickly and effectively.
If you are looking for an easy way to give, this may be your chance. Helping Hands Foreign Missions is an extremely reputable organization (see previous posts about them). They now have two teams on site ministering to the great needs of the people of Haiti. If you want to follow along with the teams and their ministry in Haiti, visit
http://helpinghandshaiti.blogspot.com/. You will be amazed at what they're doing.
Beginning Saturday, January 30th and going through Thursday, February 4th, a list will be posted at each of the stores with the items the Helping Hands Team has requested. The needed items will be offered at a reduced price during this time period for this designated purpose. Bins will be placed at the front of each store for convenience of drop off.
My husband would never tell you this, but I will. Each of the three stores has made a significant donation to this effort, as well as the employees of each of the stores. I am so impressed with our management and employees. The company is not making any kind of profit at all on any of the items. The staff has spent significant time this week researching to find the lowest prices on the needed items so that possibly more can be sent. This is why it is good to be a locally owned independent business where needs of a local charitable organization can be met quickly and effectively.
If you are looking for an easy way to give, this may be your chance. Helping Hands Foreign Missions is an extremely reputable organization (see previous posts about them). They now have two teams on site ministering to the great needs of the people of Haiti. If you want to follow along with the teams and their ministry in Haiti, visit
http://helpinghandshaiti.blogspot.com/. You will be amazed at what they're doing.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Facebook Friends
Well, those of you who know me well know that I have resisted the whole Facebook phenomenon for several years. First of all, whenever I would even utter the word Facebook, my children would immediately turn to me with panic in their eyes and scream "pleeeease, Mom, do not go on Facebook. That is just wrong. But if you feel you must, we will not, will. not. be your friend." Excuse me? What do you mean you won't be my friend? Obviously, the whole unique Facebook language was foreign to me "Friend" "Write on your wall," "Become a Fan," "News Feed." Whatever.
Okay: Hit pause and rewind to yesterday morning.
I was having a breakfast meeting with E and my best girl, N (inside joke).
Subject Matter? Technology Education for the Elder Generation 101.
E was so gracious to spend her entire morning trying her best to educate two 50 something women about social media on the big ole world wide web. Suffice it to say, she had her work cut out for her. But she was as patient as Job, and didn't once say out loud "you are two of the dumbest things I've ever been in the presence of." Not once. Not out loud. To which we say, thank you, honey. We appreciate that. She answered our 451 questions about Facebook, blogs, websites, google, domains, blah, blah, blah.
Now, my best girl, N was a little more advanced in this department than I and actually already has a Facebook account which, by the way, her son set up for her. Which now officially answers the question of why we gave birth to children. So, E decided right then and there that I would have a Facebook page or account . . . I don't know, whatever you have. I now have one.
So please congratulation me on being inducted into the Facebook country club. And I'm good with it. I'll even tell you this: I was just a little more than excited when I acquired 15 new friends in my Facebook life in the course of one short afternoon. I even wrote E a text and told her. To which she replied, "great mom. I think I have 700 friends." How does one girl have 700 friends? Which could lead me into another whole dissertation on friendships and acquaintances but I'll save that for another day (you Wising Up girls know what I'm talking about) So, just let me think that I am the most popular girl on the block however false and faux the popularity. Since these same people are my friends in real life too. This is really too much for me.
Oh!! I just checked my Facebook page and guess what? Three more somebodies want to be my friend AND they left a comment on my "wall." WooHoo! This is so exciting! I may actually like this and wonder why I resisted for so long.
Side note: My girl decided being my Facebook friend wasn't so bad after all. We even had a Facebook chat this afternoon. (figured that out all by myself, thank you).
Facebook. Me? Who would have thought it? Now, just in case there is any question . . I officially draw the line at Twitter. I will not be twitting, or tweating, or chirping, or whatever they do.
Okay: Hit pause and rewind to yesterday morning.
I was having a breakfast meeting with E and my best girl, N (inside joke).
Subject Matter? Technology Education for the Elder Generation 101.
E was so gracious to spend her entire morning trying her best to educate two 50 something women about social media on the big ole world wide web. Suffice it to say, she had her work cut out for her. But she was as patient as Job, and didn't once say out loud "you are two of the dumbest things I've ever been in the presence of." Not once. Not out loud. To which we say, thank you, honey. We appreciate that. She answered our 451 questions about Facebook, blogs, websites, google, domains, blah, blah, blah.
Now, my best girl, N was a little more advanced in this department than I and actually already has a Facebook account which, by the way, her son set up for her. Which now officially answers the question of why we gave birth to children. So, E decided right then and there that I would have a Facebook page or account . . . I don't know, whatever you have. I now have one.
So please congratulation me on being inducted into the Facebook country club. And I'm good with it. I'll even tell you this: I was just a little more than excited when I acquired 15 new friends in my Facebook life in the course of one short afternoon. I even wrote E a text and told her. To which she replied, "great mom. I think I have 700 friends." How does one girl have 700 friends? Which could lead me into another whole dissertation on friendships and acquaintances but I'll save that for another day (you Wising Up girls know what I'm talking about) So, just let me think that I am the most popular girl on the block however false and faux the popularity. Since these same people are my friends in real life too. This is really too much for me.
Oh!! I just checked my Facebook page and guess what? Three more somebodies want to be my friend AND they left a comment on my "wall." WooHoo! This is so exciting! I may actually like this and wonder why I resisted for so long.
Side note: My girl decided being my Facebook friend wasn't so bad after all. We even had a Facebook chat this afternoon. (figured that out all by myself, thank you).
Facebook. Me? Who would have thought it? Now, just in case there is any question . . I officially draw the line at Twitter. I will not be twitting, or tweating, or chirping, or whatever they do.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Shoes and Chocolate
Well, I'm sitting her at 11:30 p.m. all by myself as my husband is working late. So what is a girl to do when her mind is left to wander on its own? I have lofty goals for tonight. The new InStyle and Southern Living are laying over there on the dresser just waiting for me to devour them but before I dive into that project, I thought I might just share two of my favorite things. Hmmm . . . shoes and chocolate.
Shoes: These adorable little things caught my eye at a Decorator Show House of all places. Yes, there they were sitting as props for the massive master closet of this home ( this closet was the entire second floor of the three car garage - does that tell you how big it was?) Anyway, I saw these beauties and instantly could not live without them (not really, I could have lived without them if they had been more than $50, which they weren't, so that's when I decided I couldn't live without them.) The girlfriends and I drove 25 miles out of our way to track these babies down at an adorable little shop up in the mountains. Now, you know you have you some good girlfriends when they'll drive that far out of their way just to help you chase your shoe indulgence. Anyway, they aren't the most comfortable slipper on the shelf but let's just say that's not the point. So what is the point? They are way cute and I feel kinda young and perky in them. And I've decided that's not a bad thing after all.
I have tried 5 times now to rotate this durn picture so you could look at it like a normal person and it simply will not work. I hope you don't get a crick in your neck. Sorry.
Chocolate: If I could put a picture beside the word YUM in the dictionary, this would be it. We all know for a fact that chocolate will cure any ailment so consider this just what the doctor ordered. I whipped this up for the Monday Night Girls tonight. It's our first night back together for Bible study since before Christmas. And since we are getting us some wisdom with Beth Moore, I thought I would make her famous Texas sheet cake. Glory day, I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next three days but I won't. I could . . . but I won't. Instead, I'm wrapping it all up and sending it up to the crew who are working through the night. They deserve it.
Interested in the recipe? Here you go.
Beth's Texas Sheet Cake
Grease a sheet cake pan.
Sift: 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 cups sugar
Bring to a boil:2 sticks butter
1 cup water
4 tbsp. cocoa
Pour over dry mixture and mix in: 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla
Bake at 400 degrees, 20-25 minutes.
Icing: Heat 1 stick butter 4 tbsp. cocoa 6 tbsp. milk Add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 box of powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency (Beth prefers close to 1 box) and 1 cup pecans.
Spread on cake while it's hot.
Shoes: These adorable little things caught my eye at a Decorator Show House of all places. Yes, there they were sitting as props for the massive master closet of this home ( this closet was the entire second floor of the three car garage - does that tell you how big it was?) Anyway, I saw these beauties and instantly could not live without them (not really, I could have lived without them if they had been more than $50, which they weren't, so that's when I decided I couldn't live without them.) The girlfriends and I drove 25 miles out of our way to track these babies down at an adorable little shop up in the mountains. Now, you know you have you some good girlfriends when they'll drive that far out of their way just to help you chase your shoe indulgence. Anyway, they aren't the most comfortable slipper on the shelf but let's just say that's not the point. So what is the point? They are way cute and I feel kinda young and perky in them. And I've decided that's not a bad thing after all.
I have tried 5 times now to rotate this durn picture so you could look at it like a normal person and it simply will not work. I hope you don't get a crick in your neck. Sorry.Chocolate: If I could put a picture beside the word YUM in the dictionary, this would be it. We all know for a fact that chocolate will cure any ailment so consider this just what the doctor ordered. I whipped this up for the Monday Night Girls tonight. It's our first night back together for Bible study since before Christmas. And since we are getting us some wisdom with Beth Moore, I thought I would make her famous Texas sheet cake. Glory day, I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next three days but I won't. I could . . . but I won't. Instead, I'm wrapping it all up and sending it up to the crew who are working through the night. They deserve it.
Interested in the recipe? Here you go.
Beth's Texas Sheet Cake
Grease a sheet cake pan.
Sift: 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 cups sugar
Bring to a boil:2 sticks butter
1 cup water
4 tbsp. cocoa
Pour over dry mixture and mix in: 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla
Bake at 400 degrees, 20-25 minutes.
Icing: Heat 1 stick butter 4 tbsp. cocoa 6 tbsp. milk Add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 box of powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency (Beth prefers close to 1 box) and 1 cup pecans.
Spread on cake while it's hot.
Helping Hands Ministry Update - You Can Help!
I posted a few days ago about our local Helping Hands Ministry Team who are serving in Haiti. Just to give you an update, the first team (including Drs. Richard and Brenda) has arrived. Again, please allow me to share the email I received this afternoon. Also, you may want to bookmark their blog so you can follow their work there.
My husband and his staff are in the process of organizing the collection of the requested items at our three store locations. J and J Foods will be selling the items on the Helping Hands Ministry "want list" at store cost or below. The list in this email is specifically for the team leaving tomorrow so it is very possible the needs will change once things are evaluated on site. Our staff will be in close contact so that this list remains current. The most current list will be posted in the stores and collection bins will be placed at the front of each of the stores. This will most likely be in place in the next couple of days. I'll let you know.
Hello everyone,
As many of you know we sent our first team to Haiti on Friday. They have arrived safely in Port au Prince and say it is horrible. We have another team leaving on Monday morning and 3 more teams coming in the following weeks. If you would like to follow our work in Haiti you can visit our Blog at http://helpinghandshaiti.blogspot.com/.
The team has brought satellite internet and they will be updating the blog often. Please be in prayer for the teams going down. There is a large need for shelter and antibiotics. If you can donate a tent or medical supplies please let us know. Each team member will be carrying 100 pounds of supplies with them and we need those supplies.
Latest needs list: (this list is needs for the team leaving tomorrow)
Tents – For Haitian Families
Diapers newborn and up
Baby wipes
D batteries
cough/cold medicine
Powdered milk
Children and adult vitamins
Queen sized air mattress and pump(elect)
Sheets and pillow case covers
My husband and his staff are in the process of organizing the collection of the requested items at our three store locations. J and J Foods will be selling the items on the Helping Hands Ministry "want list" at store cost or below. The list in this email is specifically for the team leaving tomorrow so it is very possible the needs will change once things are evaluated on site. Our staff will be in close contact so that this list remains current. The most current list will be posted in the stores and collection bins will be placed at the front of each of the stores. This will most likely be in place in the next couple of days. I'll let you know.
Hello everyone,
As many of you know we sent our first team to Haiti on Friday. They have arrived safely in Port au Prince and say it is horrible. We have another team leaving on Monday morning and 3 more teams coming in the following weeks. If you would like to follow our work in Haiti you can visit our Blog at http://helpinghandshaiti.blogspot.com/.
The team has brought satellite internet and they will be updating the blog often. Please be in prayer for the teams going down. There is a large need for shelter and antibiotics. If you can donate a tent or medical supplies please let us know. Each team member will be carrying 100 pounds of supplies with them and we need those supplies.
Latest needs list: (this list is needs for the team leaving tomorrow)
Tents – For Haitian Families
Diapers newborn and up
Baby wipes
D batteries
cough/cold medicine
Powdered milk
Children and adult vitamins
Queen sized air mattress and pump(elect)
Sheets and pillow case covers
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bill and Joel Show - Friday, January 22, 2010
Edited to Add: We didn't leave the subject of birthdays this morning during the segment so I didn't have time to talk about Super Bowl plans or this dip recipe, but I'm going to go ahead and post it. I think you'll be glad I did.
Many thanks (again) to Bill, Joel and Anna at WDUN for allowing me to share the air waves on Friday morning. If you caught the segment and even if you didn't, you won't want to miss this White Rotel Dip recipe. It is that good. A perfect "Super Bowl watching" food. I'll let you in on a little secret, D and I ate just this for dinner one night while watching a Georgia game. Because that's what empty nesters get to do. There are advantages.
Enjoy!
White Rotel Dip
3 packages of sausage (mild or spicy, 1 maple flavored gives it a good flavor)
4 packages of cream cheese
2 cans of Rotel tomatoes
Brown sausage and drain. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and heat until cheese is melted. Being careful to stir often.
Serve with Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Many thanks (again) to Bill, Joel and Anna at WDUN for allowing me to share the air waves on Friday morning. If you caught the segment and even if you didn't, you won't want to miss this White Rotel Dip recipe. It is that good. A perfect "Super Bowl watching" food. I'll let you in on a little secret, D and I ate just this for dinner one night while watching a Georgia game. Because that's what empty nesters get to do. There are advantages.
Enjoy!
White Rotel Dip
3 packages of sausage (mild or spicy, 1 maple flavored gives it a good flavor)
4 packages of cream cheese
2 cans of Rotel tomatoes
Brown sausage and drain. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and heat until cheese is melted. Being careful to stir often.
Serve with Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Momma Said, Part 2
Well, if you read yesterday's post you know that by 10:00 a.m. last Thursday I had already been completely embarrassed to no official end. I really wanted to just go home and not see any member of the human race (except for my husband) for the rest of the day. That would have suited me just fine but nooo . . . that wouldn't happen.
Mother and I came back into town to go the local cable TV company to take care of some details about our changing over to another provider (another very long story). Anyway, as I was walking up the steps to the front door of this company, I looked over to my left and there, laying in the pine straw . . .was a young lady. Yes, that's what I said . . . a young lady was laying in the pine straw, covered in the tv components that had formally been in her hands, outside this building completely unconscious. Another woman behind me saw her at the same time and we both rushed over to her. Lifting the electronics off of her, we realized quickly she was in trouble. I ran to the car and got a blanket to cover her up while the other lady called 911. She was able to answer a few of the questions the paramedics were relaying but never opened her eyes. Finally, her voice though a whisper, she said, "I'm 22 weeks pregnant." Oh boy, that changes everything. Have mercy. She asked us, in just short gasps, to please go get her phone out of her car and call her husband. We were instructed by the paramedics on the phone who were now in route to keep her talking; do not let her drift into unconsciousness again were our instructions. So, good glory, what do I say? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? I asked. "No" she said. Is this your first baby? "yes, I'm so scared. What is wrong?" is all she could whisper. I thought my heart would break for her. Finally, we heard the sirens in the distance. Thank you, Lord. Those young medical men were so gentle with her as they spoke, listened and soon lifted her onto the gurney to take her to the hospital.
I only know her first name. But Ashley, wherever you are, I hope that you and that sweet baby of yours are okay.
And that's not the end of my day. I'll be back with the rest of the story.
Mother and I came back into town to go the local cable TV company to take care of some details about our changing over to another provider (another very long story). Anyway, as I was walking up the steps to the front door of this company, I looked over to my left and there, laying in the pine straw . . .was a young lady. Yes, that's what I said . . . a young lady was laying in the pine straw, covered in the tv components that had formally been in her hands, outside this building completely unconscious. Another woman behind me saw her at the same time and we both rushed over to her. Lifting the electronics off of her, we realized quickly she was in trouble. I ran to the car and got a blanket to cover her up while the other lady called 911. She was able to answer a few of the questions the paramedics were relaying but never opened her eyes. Finally, her voice though a whisper, she said, "I'm 22 weeks pregnant." Oh boy, that changes everything. Have mercy. She asked us, in just short gasps, to please go get her phone out of her car and call her husband. We were instructed by the paramedics on the phone who were now in route to keep her talking; do not let her drift into unconsciousness again were our instructions. So, good glory, what do I say? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? I asked. "No" she said. Is this your first baby? "yes, I'm so scared. What is wrong?" is all she could whisper. I thought my heart would break for her. Finally, we heard the sirens in the distance. Thank you, Lord. Those young medical men were so gentle with her as they spoke, listened and soon lifted her onto the gurney to take her to the hospital.
I only know her first name. But Ashley, wherever you are, I hope that you and that sweet baby of yours are okay.
And that's not the end of my day. I'll be back with the rest of the story.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Momma Said There Would Be Days Like This, Momma Said
Well, if I were a woman of few words, I could tell you all that's happened to me in the last few days quickly but since I'm not . . . I won't. First of all, last Wednesday night 28, that's right 28 ladies appeared in our room at the church to become wiser women. We are getting us some wisdom - because wisdom is supreme! "Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom." Proverbs 4:7. What part of that do we not understand?
As we were wrapping up, I shared with the ladies that we need to seek wisdom everyday and be "prayed up" because we just don't know what our days will hold. That we need to be prepared for what God has in store for us. Well, let me just tell you what happened within the next 24 hours of my imparting that word. (I should have known).
Disclaimer #1: When telling E my tale of two tales, she immediately said to me, "Mom, why does this stuff always happen to you." Exactly.
Disclaimer #2: This first happening is not intended to be offensive. I'm only relaying exactly what happened. These are just the facts, ma'am.
Okay here we go. . . Thursday morning Mother and I got an early start as she had a routine doctors appointment first thing. After that, she said these exact words, "honey, I have a gift certificate to the Nordstroms and it expires May 1st so if you don't mind, could we go there this morning so I can use it." Well, of course, because I wouldn't want it to expire before we got there. So, I dropped her off at Nordstrom's door, as I was going to go to the Lifeway store to leisurely stroll the book aisles while she shopped. Once I dropped her off though, I realized I needed a little something from the nearby Atlanta Bread Company, so I ran in there for just a minute.
I cringe as I type these words because it all happened so fast and I couldn't stop it.
I was waiting in line directly in front of the pastry cases, cashier and man ordering to my left. I knew what I wanted so I was just standing there, absent-mindedly poofing the top of my hair with my right hand, head down (it's a bad habit), eyes closed for just a second, I tell you, just a second. As I brought my hand down from my hair (eyes still closed), what I didn't know was that said man at the counter had moved in front of me and (oh my great goodness), I hit him in the rear with my hand.
And before I could sputter out, "excuse me" or "I'm sorry," he whirled around in lightening speed, looked me straight in the eyes and said these words I don't think I'll ever forget in the loudest voice possible: "Did . . you . . . just . . . spank . . . me?" Uh, no, well yes. Oh. my. gosh. Lord, please take me to heaven right now. please oh, please. As I stood there dumbfounded, he proceeded to tell the cashier, the two ladies behind me and his friend who had strolled up to see what all the commotion was all about: "This lady just spanked me, it's not even 10 o'clock and I've been spanked. It is my lucky day!"
Oh, I just better go now. I'll have to tell you the other story tomorrow.
As we were wrapping up, I shared with the ladies that we need to seek wisdom everyday and be "prayed up" because we just don't know what our days will hold. That we need to be prepared for what God has in store for us. Well, let me just tell you what happened within the next 24 hours of my imparting that word. (I should have known).
Disclaimer #1: When telling E my tale of two tales, she immediately said to me, "Mom, why does this stuff always happen to you." Exactly.
Disclaimer #2: This first happening is not intended to be offensive. I'm only relaying exactly what happened. These are just the facts, ma'am.
Okay here we go. . . Thursday morning Mother and I got an early start as she had a routine doctors appointment first thing. After that, she said these exact words, "honey, I have a gift certificate to the Nordstroms and it expires May 1st so if you don't mind, could we go there this morning so I can use it." Well, of course, because I wouldn't want it to expire before we got there. So, I dropped her off at Nordstrom's door, as I was going to go to the Lifeway store to leisurely stroll the book aisles while she shopped. Once I dropped her off though, I realized I needed a little something from the nearby Atlanta Bread Company, so I ran in there for just a minute.
I cringe as I type these words because it all happened so fast and I couldn't stop it.
I was waiting in line directly in front of the pastry cases, cashier and man ordering to my left. I knew what I wanted so I was just standing there, absent-mindedly poofing the top of my hair with my right hand, head down (it's a bad habit), eyes closed for just a second, I tell you, just a second. As I brought my hand down from my hair (eyes still closed), what I didn't know was that said man at the counter had moved in front of me and (oh my great goodness), I hit him in the rear with my hand.
And before I could sputter out, "excuse me" or "I'm sorry," he whirled around in lightening speed, looked me straight in the eyes and said these words I don't think I'll ever forget in the loudest voice possible: "Did . . you . . . just . . . spank . . . me?" Uh, no, well yes. Oh. my. gosh. Lord, please take me to heaven right now. please oh, please. As I stood there dumbfounded, he proceeded to tell the cashier, the two ladies behind me and his friend who had strolled up to see what all the commotion was all about: "This lady just spanked me, it's not even 10 o'clock and I've been spanked. It is my lucky day!"
Oh, I just better go now. I'll have to tell you the other story tomorrow.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Heavy Heart
My heart is broken for the people of Haiti. I've gotten where I can hardly watch it on the news but I don't want to turn away because that in itself seems almost disrespectful. The devastation is unimaginable. Ever since this happened, I have been praying about what to do, how to help, where to send money. There are so very many worthy organizations that do such a great job - Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse Ministry, Compassion International and of course, the Red Cross. But today I got an email from our very own Gainesville based, Helping Hands Missions founders Drs. Richard and Brenda Kowalske. Both are medical doctors from Gainesville who, up until about seven years ago had private practices here in our town. Then they felt the Lord calling them. Big time calling them - into full time mission work. They began their work in Bolivia and have recently began work in Uganda. However, they travel all over the world as medical missionaries. D and I have had the opportunity on several occasions to sit down privately and discuss their mission work with them. Their energy and enthusiasm for what God has called them to do is incredible. I wish I could tell you the impact they have had on the people in these countries. It would take hours. It is amazing. If you're interested, their website is: http://www.helpinghandsmissions.org/.
Richard and Brenda are leaving for Haiti with their team on Monday, January 25th. They are currently looking for medical professionals from our area to join them, medical supplies, and oh have mercy, search and rescue personnel. Can you imagine? Please allow me to share a portion of the email we received today:
"Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover team expenses, medical and other supplies. Besides medical supplies, we will be taking in search and rescue equipment such as pry bars, rope, etc. We will be working in the capital, in about a 5-mile radius. One of our target sites and our contact is at an orphanage just outside the capital. Our requests are for:
Emergency financial support
Medical personnel – doctors, nurse, EMTs, etc. If they are able to come for just a few days, we could probably arrange this also.
Search and rescue personnelMedical supplies: first aid, bandages, gauze, surgical tape, anti-bacterial, Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. (no clothes, shoes, toys, etc.)
Remember we are going into areas where conditions are unknown; most likely we will deal with dead bodies, and many illnesses. So bottom line, there is risk involved. We will be following all safety protocols, however, there are many unknowns.
Although we will be doing humanitarian work, we will be sharing about the love and hope of Christ."
May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord show them His kindness and have mercy on them. May the Lord watch over them and give them peace. (Num. 6:24-26)
Richard and Brenda are leaving for Haiti with their team on Monday, January 25th. They are currently looking for medical professionals from our area to join them, medical supplies, and oh have mercy, search and rescue personnel. Can you imagine? Please allow me to share a portion of the email we received today:
"Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover team expenses, medical and other supplies. Besides medical supplies, we will be taking in search and rescue equipment such as pry bars, rope, etc. We will be working in the capital, in about a 5-mile radius. One of our target sites and our contact is at an orphanage just outside the capital. Our requests are for:
Emergency financial support
Medical personnel – doctors, nurse, EMTs, etc. If they are able to come for just a few days, we could probably arrange this also.
Search and rescue personnelMedical supplies: first aid, bandages, gauze, surgical tape, anti-bacterial, Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. (no clothes, shoes, toys, etc.)
Remember we are going into areas where conditions are unknown; most likely we will deal with dead bodies, and many illnesses. So bottom line, there is risk involved. We will be following all safety protocols, however, there are many unknowns.
Although we will be doing humanitarian work, we will be sharing about the love and hope of Christ."
May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord show them His kindness and have mercy on them. May the Lord watch over them and give them peace. (Num. 6:24-26)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Our Husbands
While catching up on some blog reading last night, I came across this most beautiful prayer for our husbands. This is a prayer of Scripture this woman is committing to praying everyday of 2010 for her husband. She is doing the same for her children with a similar prayer. I am most inspired. I just couldn't resist sharing it with you. To say I pray for my husband - yes. To say I pray a Scripture prayer like this - no. I plan to copy this into my prayer journal. I want to give credit where credit is due so please feel free to visit her website for more amazing insights.
http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/
While you are lifting up your man, I'd like to ask you to please remember the husband of one of my best buddies. He is leaving for Honduras in the very near future to serve as part of a medical team in an orphanage there. Please pray for his protection and provision.
"Lord, create in my husband a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. Help him to abide in You and You in him. Turn his heart toward his children and the hearts of his children to him. Thank you for Him Lord. For allowing me to rest in Your provision of him as my husband. May he desire to be like You; merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. As he believes in You, may he be established. Continue to empower him to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with his God. I give thanks for him lord, and pray that You would give him a spirit of wisdom and of revelation, that he may always know what is the hope to which he has been called, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward your believers. Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily to follow You. May Christ dwell richly in his heart through faith. May he, being rooted and grounded in love, have strength with all the saints to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. May Your grace be sufficient for him and Your power made perfect in his weakness. May he walk not in the counsel of the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners, but rather delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Answer him when he calls, O God, be gracious and hear his prayers. Let him take refuge in You and give thanks to You with his whole heart. May he recount all of Your wonderful deeds, be glad and exult in You...sing praise to Your Name. May he fear You Lord, and thus find wisdom. Let him walk in the way of insight. May he love the Lord his God with all of his heart and all his soul and all his might. May You bless him and keep him and make Your face shine upon him, and be gracious to him, O Lord my God."
(Scripture references: Psalm 51:10, John 15:4, Malachi 4:5-6, Psalm 86:15, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 1:17-19, Luke 9:23, Ephesians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 1:1, Psalm 4:1, Psalm 7:1, Psalm 9:1-2, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:6, Deuteronomy 6:5, Numbers 6:24)
http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/
While you are lifting up your man, I'd like to ask you to please remember the husband of one of my best buddies. He is leaving for Honduras in the very near future to serve as part of a medical team in an orphanage there. Please pray for his protection and provision.
"Lord, create in my husband a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. Help him to abide in You and You in him. Turn his heart toward his children and the hearts of his children to him. Thank you for Him Lord. For allowing me to rest in Your provision of him as my husband. May he desire to be like You; merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. As he believes in You, may he be established. Continue to empower him to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with his God. I give thanks for him lord, and pray that You would give him a spirit of wisdom and of revelation, that he may always know what is the hope to which he has been called, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward your believers. Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily to follow You. May Christ dwell richly in his heart through faith. May he, being rooted and grounded in love, have strength with all the saints to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. May Your grace be sufficient for him and Your power made perfect in his weakness. May he walk not in the counsel of the wicked nor stand in the way of sinners, but rather delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Answer him when he calls, O God, be gracious and hear his prayers. Let him take refuge in You and give thanks to You with his whole heart. May he recount all of Your wonderful deeds, be glad and exult in You...sing praise to Your Name. May he fear You Lord, and thus find wisdom. Let him walk in the way of insight. May he love the Lord his God with all of his heart and all his soul and all his might. May You bless him and keep him and make Your face shine upon him, and be gracious to him, O Lord my God."
(Scripture references: Psalm 51:10, John 15:4, Malachi 4:5-6, Psalm 86:15, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 1:17-19, Luke 9:23, Ephesians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 1:1, Psalm 4:1, Psalm 7:1, Psalm 9:1-2, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:6, Deuteronomy 6:5, Numbers 6:24)
It's a Decorating Remix!
Well, dear friends, it's Tuesday night and I'm sitting here with my feet up on the ottoman after a l. o. n. g. day at the Mart. It was productive and many wonderful, beautiful things were ordered for the gift shop. And my good friend, who as you remember is totally jittery at the thoughts of the costume jewelry mega-super-store, stepped right up to the challenge today and went in and gave her valued opinion on what she thought I should buy. You know, I actually do understand her point because this place is way over the top. But at any rate, I was thrilled because she usually sits outside and waits patiently for me to sift through the 1.1 million necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings they have in this store. Yes, all in all, it was a success. And, by the way, we also went into the extra-cute clothing store we love to frequent and came out with the same thing - both bought the same exact vest. Because it was cute. And because it cost us precisely $19.75. No one will ever accuse us of not being expert bargain shoppers, I tell you.
And After.
Now, I guess you wish I would get to the point of this post. There really isn't much of one other than to show you what two ugly wing back chairs, a bolt of beautiful fabric and a great upholster will get you. Thought you might enjoy a little before and after pics of my new dining room chairs. Our dining room suite is an antique set inherited from D's parents. But you know me, I thought this room could use an extra punch. Because that's what I do - punch stuff up. And besides, I think I have a chair addiction. I seem to be drawn and attracted to every ugly chair that has been abandoned or lost it's way. I think that if it comes to live with me, it will have a better life and not be doomed forever to a lonely existence in a consignment shop or (gasp) someones basement. I vow right now that I can and will make it's life a brighter place to be. Okay, see what I mean. I'm kinda scaring myself.
Before the transformation. (I feel like I'm auditioning for Design Star on HGTV).
And After.Friday, January 8, 2010
Back to the Future
Warning -I thought I would do a purely meaningless what-not-to-wear post today so if you are looking for an ounce of substance, please stop now and proceed elsewhere.
While doing some shopping at the TJ Maxx's before Christmas, I was stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of the following items. To put it simply - I was appalled. To think that these items were in one of my favorite stores at the brink of the second decade of the 2000s - it just didn't seem possible. Stacy and Clinton - where are you???
Okay, you can thank me later for sharing the Hollywood Secret.
So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Fashion 101 for 2010. Enjoy your day!
While doing some shopping at the TJ Maxx's before Christmas, I was stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of the following items. To put it simply - I was appalled. To think that these items were in one of my favorite stores at the brink of the second decade of the 2000s - it just didn't seem possible. Stacy and Clinton - where are you???
Let's begin with these cute little things - worthy of a little fashion discussion. Am I wrong, or did all of us just wear these in the 80s? And what makes the powers that be think we would want to wear them again? Unless . . . some girls might not be quite as mature as I am and didn't have the pleasure of wearing these cute little stirrup pants the first time around. Doesn't even the name give you pause? Only a twinkle in their mama's 80s eyes would wear these today. Please ladies, don't make the same mistake we did.
Yes, indeedy, just as the Bee Gees were beginning to hum "Staying Alive, " I was wearing these exact Gloria Vanderbilt jeans the first day of my junior year in high school - I am not kidding you. I had these and Calvin Kleins. I'll never forget it - I wore them with a white eyelet top and white sandals (I know, I know, I have reformed since then). I didn't have my driver's license yet, so my best friend came and picked me up in her big white 4 door Dodge. We were so cool . . . but only because I had on my GV jeans. Anyway, while I'm glad GV is still in business, my mind just can't wrap around the fact that these apparently are right back in style. And at TJ Maxx, mind you.
Here's one for ya. Hmm . . wonder why these are on the sale rack?? Just in case there is any confusion, these are leopard print leggings. There are just some places animal print should not be found . . . like as bottoms, skin hugging, rear attaching, bottoms. Wrong, just wrong. Sidenote: I actually saw Fran Drescher wearing these on a rerun of "The Nanny" the other night. So, there you go.
Okay, you can thank me later for sharing the Hollywood Secret.And this is just for good measure - I just couldn't resist taking a picture of this work of art. What you don't see is that the bottoms have stars on them. Stars - on your bottom. The 4th of July will never be the same. Gives a whole new meaning to "broad stripes and bright stars," doesn't it?
So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Fashion 101 for 2010. Enjoy your day!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Back in the fall, I had the honor of hosting a fabulous group of women in my home for breakfast. These women amaze me. Each one of them, along with a valiant group of others, serves tirelessly to save babies. They are truly Jesus’ hands and feet at our local crisis pregnancy center, The Gainesville Care Center. They serve day in and day out with girls and guys who are facing life-changing decisions with one goal in mind - to save and change lives. They counsel, they inform, they listen and most of all, they share the love of Christ with every girl in crisis who walks through their door. These ladies are my heroes!
This organization receives no tax dollars. They rely solely on donations from individuals, businesses, corporations and churches. And they don’t charge a single penny for their services – services that include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options education. God provides month after month for this organization to continue to do His work. Outside the walls of this organization, the Executive Director speaks directly to the health education classes in our local school systems to educate high schools students about abstinence, choices and consequences of those choices.
According to the most recent data available, in 2005 there were 1.2 million legal abortions performed in the United States. That is about 3,288 abortions per day in our country. While these statistics can be overwhelming to some, they aren’t to these ladies. They take time for each girl, meet them where they are and speak truth to them.
This organization receives no tax dollars. They rely solely on donations from individuals, businesses, corporations and churches. And they don’t charge a single penny for their services – services that include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options education. God provides month after month for this organization to continue to do His work. Outside the walls of this organization, the Executive Director speaks directly to the health education classes in our local school systems to educate high schools students about abstinence, choices and consequences of those choices.
According to the most recent data available, in 2005 there were 1.2 million legal abortions performed in the United States. That is about 3,288 abortions per day in our country. While these statistics can be overwhelming to some, they aren’t to these ladies. They take time for each girl, meet them where they are and speak truth to them.
So my ever so small way of showing the love to these ladies was to treat them for breakfast. Hence the Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme. So I glammed up the table with Tiffany blue napkins, black tablecloth, black and white dishes, faux diamonds and pearls, silver, crystal, and white roses as well as created a buffet of breakfast goodies. Each of them had a little favor box tied with a Tiffany blue ribbon at their place setting. While I would have loved to have given each of them the wonderful bauble from Tiffany’s they deserved, they had to settle for chocolate kisses. But their rewards will be much greater someday than exquisite jewelry. Much greater.
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.
Psalm 139:13-15
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What I love about January 2010!
My First Post of 2010! Are we going to say – Twenty-Ten or Two Thousand- Ten?? I’m just wondering. Well, you know I love new beginnings, so a new year is over the moon big time for me! So many good things are beginning and happening this month I can hardly stand the excitement. Let me just hit the highlights:
1. Beth Moore’s Wising Up study will be held at our church beginning Wednesday, the 13th. I’ve made this journey through Proverbs with this study twice now, and let me just say, it was worth every minute. You could spend a whole year in Proverbs absorbing all of the wisdom, but you know, that is true for about every one of God’s inspired books in the Bible. A dear friend and I are co-facilitating this study and we are really looking forward to meeting the ladies God will send our way. This study does not include homework as do many of Beth’s studies – just a solid 1 ½ hours of her teaching via video. Whew – it is good stuff. We will be adding some additional reading options for those who may have the time and interest to dig a little deeper.
2. The Monday night girls will be in for a real treat on the 11th when one of my bestest girlfriends comes over to lead us through the study of the personalities. This study is entitled “Wired That Way,” co-authored by Marita and Florence Littauer. She took me through this last summer and in my humble opinion, if everyone knew this information about themselves and others, it would solve A LOT of problems. A lot of problems. A lot, I tell you. It has changed my life – understanding how God designed me, my husband, children and others is truly a revelation. I highly recommend it.
3. After the personality study on the 11th, the Monday night girls will also begin a new study this month. I’m just not sure exactly what that is going to be yet. However, I am highly anticipating that it will be exactly what we need.
4. January is a huge birthday month in our family – three in our little circle have birthdays. So lots of celebrating gets done this month. Special warning to all of them - I have the birthday hat and sunglasses and I’m not afraid to use them.
5. I serve on the Gainesville Care Center Board and we are headed up to the farm this month for our annual board retreat. I plan on doing a post specifically about the Care Center in the next couple of weeks but suffice it to say, this is a most worthy organization.
6. Then about two weeks later, I am going back up to the farm for my quarterly prayer day. Hopefully, D can join me late that day and we can make a little weekend getaway out of it as well. Thank the good Lord we have that farm or I guess we wouldn’t be able to retreat at all.
7. We will be going to the Mart in Atlanta twice over the course of the next week. This is one of two major markets – the other in July. During these marts all (and by all I mean thousands) permanent and temporary showrooms are open. It is so overwhelming the amount of stuff to choose from there. We have a lot to buy to stock two shops and replenish merchandise from sales that were surprising strong during the fall and Christmas season. I’ve told y’all this before but this is a most fun and exhausting of days. The best part of this day is that I get to hang out with one of my best girlfriends all day because if it weren’t for her, I just might consider staying home.
8. On January 21st, our local Chamber of Commerce is hosting what they have deemed “The Buy Local Expo.” This will be held at the Georgia Mountain Center from 1 – 7 p.m. This expo highlights our local businesses hoping to encourage citizens to buy locally because of the economic impact it has on our community. And why don’t we take that one step further, and say, if at all possible, let’s buy from businesses that are owned by folks in the community. So to say that our family-owned grocery business is behind this 100% is probably an understatement. We believe strongly in this concept and will be participating in a major way. D and our good friend, Butch Miller have cut radio spots for this event and have mercy, they are funny. Be listening!
9. On the 31st, Wonderful Events and Celebrations will be participating in the Bridal Expo at the Gainesville Civic Center. We love events like this. It’s just hard not to get caught up in the excitement with a new bride. We love meeting them as well as other vendors. E and I can hardly wait!
10. Oh, big news on the blog front. I have been blogging for about 3 ½ months and I do know that there are several of you out there reading. And for that, I am thankful. So many blogs I read have a theme – food, decorating, children, ministry, etc. Nope, not me. I think if there were a pageant for bloggers, I would win “Miss Most Random.” (Oh side note: Lest you think I have not held “a title” before, I was “Miss FBLA” for the state of Illinois when I was a senior in high school. Thank you very much. However, much to my dismay, there was no tiara given with this title which could explain why I wear one occasionally, just because.) Okay, that just proved the randomness point, didn’t it? Anyway, be looking for some new beginnings on the blog. I’ll be posting them soon. I know you’re just giddy with excitement now. I am.
Let’s remember every day of this year is a gift from God – let’s unwrap it and enjoy it!
Happy 2010!
1. Beth Moore’s Wising Up study will be held at our church beginning Wednesday, the 13th. I’ve made this journey through Proverbs with this study twice now, and let me just say, it was worth every minute. You could spend a whole year in Proverbs absorbing all of the wisdom, but you know, that is true for about every one of God’s inspired books in the Bible. A dear friend and I are co-facilitating this study and we are really looking forward to meeting the ladies God will send our way. This study does not include homework as do many of Beth’s studies – just a solid 1 ½ hours of her teaching via video. Whew – it is good stuff. We will be adding some additional reading options for those who may have the time and interest to dig a little deeper.
2. The Monday night girls will be in for a real treat on the 11th when one of my bestest girlfriends comes over to lead us through the study of the personalities. This study is entitled “Wired That Way,” co-authored by Marita and Florence Littauer. She took me through this last summer and in my humble opinion, if everyone knew this information about themselves and others, it would solve A LOT of problems. A lot of problems. A lot, I tell you. It has changed my life – understanding how God designed me, my husband, children and others is truly a revelation. I highly recommend it.
3. After the personality study on the 11th, the Monday night girls will also begin a new study this month. I’m just not sure exactly what that is going to be yet. However, I am highly anticipating that it will be exactly what we need.
4. January is a huge birthday month in our family – three in our little circle have birthdays. So lots of celebrating gets done this month. Special warning to all of them - I have the birthday hat and sunglasses and I’m not afraid to use them.
5. I serve on the Gainesville Care Center Board and we are headed up to the farm this month for our annual board retreat. I plan on doing a post specifically about the Care Center in the next couple of weeks but suffice it to say, this is a most worthy organization.
6. Then about two weeks later, I am going back up to the farm for my quarterly prayer day. Hopefully, D can join me late that day and we can make a little weekend getaway out of it as well. Thank the good Lord we have that farm or I guess we wouldn’t be able to retreat at all.
7. We will be going to the Mart in Atlanta twice over the course of the next week. This is one of two major markets – the other in July. During these marts all (and by all I mean thousands) permanent and temporary showrooms are open. It is so overwhelming the amount of stuff to choose from there. We have a lot to buy to stock two shops and replenish merchandise from sales that were surprising strong during the fall and Christmas season. I’ve told y’all this before but this is a most fun and exhausting of days. The best part of this day is that I get to hang out with one of my best girlfriends all day because if it weren’t for her, I just might consider staying home.
8. On January 21st, our local Chamber of Commerce is hosting what they have deemed “The Buy Local Expo.” This will be held at the Georgia Mountain Center from 1 – 7 p.m. This expo highlights our local businesses hoping to encourage citizens to buy locally because of the economic impact it has on our community. And why don’t we take that one step further, and say, if at all possible, let’s buy from businesses that are owned by folks in the community. So to say that our family-owned grocery business is behind this 100% is probably an understatement. We believe strongly in this concept and will be participating in a major way. D and our good friend, Butch Miller have cut radio spots for this event and have mercy, they are funny. Be listening!
9. On the 31st, Wonderful Events and Celebrations will be participating in the Bridal Expo at the Gainesville Civic Center. We love events like this. It’s just hard not to get caught up in the excitement with a new bride. We love meeting them as well as other vendors. E and I can hardly wait!
10. Oh, big news on the blog front. I have been blogging for about 3 ½ months and I do know that there are several of you out there reading. And for that, I am thankful. So many blogs I read have a theme – food, decorating, children, ministry, etc. Nope, not me. I think if there were a pageant for bloggers, I would win “Miss Most Random.” (Oh side note: Lest you think I have not held “a title” before, I was “Miss FBLA” for the state of Illinois when I was a senior in high school. Thank you very much. However, much to my dismay, there was no tiara given with this title which could explain why I wear one occasionally, just because.) Okay, that just proved the randomness point, didn’t it? Anyway, be looking for some new beginnings on the blog. I’ll be posting them soon. I know you’re just giddy with excitement now. I am.
Let’s remember every day of this year is a gift from God – let’s unwrap it and enjoy it!
Happy 2010!
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