Hope it's OK to highlight a blog that I enjoy...

I visit a blog titled "Lists From a College Girl" and enjoy reading the posts written by a cool Christian girl, Beth, from Michigan. I don't even recall how I 'stumbled' on her blog but I imagine it was through the blogger.com search on the word "Christian".

Anyway, Beth's January 27 post included a few very nice photo mosaics and I wanted to share them with you! I love how Beth used the photos and a few comments to depict an event and 'story'. I've done a few of these mosaics myself, at the Flickr web site but Beth did such a great job with hers! (Beth created her mosaics at picnik.com) I LOVE the thicker black borders that she selected and the minimal use of just four photos. I've seen mosaics like this done with MANY photos and that's appealing also, but in this case, "less is more", as four photos were definitely all that were needed to tell the story! "The Long Road Home" is my favorite mosaic!

I'm impressed with Beth's photos and wanted to highlight them, feel free to pop over to this college girl's blog to view her photos! (Sure hope that's OK with you, Beth!)

You will most likely see some of Beth's ideas in use on my own blog! Thanks for the great examples, Beth!

Hi friends,

Cold symptoms are GONE and I'm finally feeling WELL again! I treated the symptoms this time as allergies and within a few days...VIOLA...I'm well! Praise God!

This week FLEW by, I can hardly believe it's already Friday....and the end of January! Tomorrow morning I'll attend my weekly Bible study then I will work tomorrow evening 5-11 pm. Sunday is church which is usually followed by some good times of fellowship lasting into the afternoon.

Funny how the weekends fly by even faster than the work week!

Blessings to you all!

Grrr..... I can't believe that I've got ANOTHER cold!!

I'm sitting here with a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. I don't know....maybe it's allergies?? I've been treated before for allergy symptoms and the Clariton that I took at the time sure did the trick! Perhaps I should treat these symptoms as such.

Oh wow....gotta share this with you all! Last night I came home from work....an hour earlier than scheduled since my employer was out of town and 'dad' was in charge of the household. We had everything under control and he sent me home! Yippee! So, I arrived home and decided to color my hair. This time I used a dark brown color and WHAT A MESS I had! I was sure my forehead and ears would be stained blackish purple for weeks! As I was cleaning up all the excess color, including drips on the floor and even the wall, I decided that perhaps I shouldn't keep this color on my hair for the full 25 minutes. After about 15 minutes I hopped in the shower and rinsed my hair and washed. I actually decided NOT to shave my legs since I had just done that a few days ago and, as all you girls will agree....why do it if you don't NEED to!!!

Now, here's the amazing part.....! I got out of the shower, wrapped my hair, dried my body and headed to my bedroom and put on a shirt. I returned to the bathroom and hung up the towel and attempted to wipe off the counters and tidy the area and as I went to turn on the water.....THERE WAS NONE! Neither was there water in my kitchen! WOW....was I happy that I decided to rinse my hair after only 15 minutes, instead of the normal 25 minutes! Can you imagine having dark brown color on your hair and finding out you don't have WATER!!!???

Of course, I DO NOT believe in coincidences.....I fully trust that God orchestrated my getting into the shower to be fully washed and rinsed by the time the water shut off! HE knows all things and my hair coloring experience was not out of His observation and care!! Pretty amazing testimony, huh???

It's now Sunday morning and I'm still without water. I heated some Newman's Own Lemonade and added a tea bag to it in an effort to replicate my ever essential cup of morning tea. Not much luck....for future reference! After calling the water company, I learned that there is, indeed, a water line break just around the corner from my home and they say, "your water should be back on in a few hours". I'm thinking......do I want to go to church and brush my teeth and wash my face in the bathroom there????? It's early...guess I can wait the few hours to make that decision. I sort of wish I had slept late this morning!

Have a wonderful day today!

I don't know....to me some of this agenda seems pretty far from God's agenda:

(taken from "Slice of Laodicea" blog and paraphrased from whitehouse.gov site)

"Within an hour of his swearing-in, the following was posted on the official White House website, as Obama’s immediate “civil rights” goals.


* Protect cross-dressing and transgenderism in workplace (including schools) through federal law: Pass “Employment non-discrimination Act” [EDNA] to prohibit “discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression”.

* Expand hate crime statutes, including the radical “Matthew Shepard Act” which would allow the federal government to prosecute and punish if the crime was perceived to be “motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived . . . gender, sexual orientation, gender identity” of the victim.

* “Reinvigorate” the federal Department of Justice to pursue prosecution current hate crime laws against citizens.

* Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]

* Push for full civil unions and federal recognition of homosexual couples, with benefits equal to actual marriage. (This appears to be leading up to full federal recognition of same-sex “marriage”.)

* Allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military - repeal “Don’t ask don’t tell.”

* Use the federal government to expand adoptions of children by homosexuals.

* Using the federal government to push for more sex-education and contraception in schools and throughout society (especially in light of the goal to repeal DOMA)."

Hi friends...

I'm blessed to have the day off work today and I just turned the TV on to catch the proceedings in Washington. This is a very influential day in the history of our country. I enjoy all the historical commentary as well as the interesting 'human interest' aspects of the proceedings. The coverage of this inauguration is a great venue for "people watching". I enjoy that too! Wow....it's incredible to see the 'age' that appears on the faces of many of the dignitaries of the past years.

As a Christian, though, it grieves my heart to watch our country head 'downhill'. I am saddened that God has been (is being) taken out of the foundational values and policies of our country. The leadership certainly does not personally acknowledge God nor seems to credit or trust in Him for his own life and salvation nor for the peace and prosperity of our country. Nonetheless, nothing occurs that has not first passed through the hands of our Lord. I continue to pray for our country, for our new leadership and especially for our service men and women who are serving our country.

I'm including a few words that I shared with a friend earlier today in an email. May we all "Seek first the kingdom of God".

“i just turned on the tv and am keeping my eye on the events in washington. incredible...the 'fuss' and hoopla that is occurring for this event. i find it curious that though the power of the Holy Spirit is WAY more than man's efforts could ever be......still man puts forth so much energy for the "things of man". if these same people would be surrendered to our Lord....imagine what the Holy Spirit would do in their lives and for His Kingdom! May God be glorified in our lives......in even the smallest way. THAT power (Holy Spirit power) will bring forth far more 'fruit' than even all this hoopla of today in DC. i just pray i can surrender daily to HIM.

Enjoy this Inauguration Day!

More snow again today!

I wish I had been able to capture today's beautiful snowfall for all to see! The flakes started falling this afternoon. They were HUGE and seemed to fall so slowly...it was just breathtaking!

As I drove home from work later this evening, though the roads were nasty and I was focusing on driving, I was still able to appreciate the beauty of the fresh snow on the trees and bushes that I passed. I noticed one bush that was especially pretty; it was a leafless shrub of twigs and sticks, and it was covered with little white lights remaining from the holiday season. Today, with the new snow on the lights...it looked just lovely! I wished I had been able to stop to snap a photo! I DID scour my favorite photo sites and found this stock photo that seemed to capture some of the serenity and peace that I thought was present in today's snowfall.

Hope each of you are able to appreciate and experience the beauty of God's creation, the peace of His Presence and HOPE that He gives for the future!

Another full day!

My day started when I left home....in a new layer of fresh, light snow...and headed to my church for the weekly worship service. The church I attend dedicated a new part-time Associate Pastor as he began his ministry at our church this week. He's been a youth pastor for the past 21 years and currently directs a regional organization that teaches and trains youth leaders.

For me, it was a real blessing to interact with this Spirit-filled man. This new pastor plays guitar and is a very gifted worship leader, leaning often to a more contemporary worship style. It was sure refreshing to be part of the worship team that is forming in our church. We began with an early rehearsal, where I accompanied a few songs on the piano, then Sunday School and then worship. The morning service was followed by a luncheon and fellowship at the church. This week, once again, I helped a gentleman of the church as I accompanied his trumpet solo with some background music of "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Another rehearsal or two and we will be ready to share the music at worship!

A few of the women of the church and I were having such a stimulating conversation and good fellowship after lunch that we decided to continue the session at the home of one of the women. It was nice to enjoy an extended time of 'girl talk' and Christian fellowship with two sisters in Christ. I decided at 8 pm that it was time to head home!

For the second time today, as I went outside to leave, I was greeted with new falling snow and a vehicle COVERED with white flakes! Fortunately, the snow was light and very easy to clean off my van. The roads were quite nasty, it was dark and I was in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to me; I was glad that the Lord guided me home safely!

I'm now munching on a few pretzels and mostly 'listening' to a PBS television show about inhabitants of the North and South poles. I'm thrilled that I don't have to work tomorrow until 1 pm! I LOVE having my morning free...I normally spend extended time in devotions; prayer, Bible study and reading.

I hope everyone had a great Sunday! Stay warm....where ever you may be! And for those who are fortunate to have Martin Luther King day OFF WORK....enjoy the day!

Hi blog friends!

Today I attended my weekly Bible study that is held in the food court of the Westfield Mall in Bridgeport, CT. I LOVE this study and look forward to it each week! Today our discussion and teaching was on (what I believe is the false doctrine of) "eternal security". I happen to believe that a Believer can chose to walk or drift away from Christ, no longer trusting Him as Savior and Lord of their life. I believe that one's salvation is only as 'secure' as one's FAITH is secure! Today we discussed the confused understanding that many have of God's Love and Salvation being the same thing; they are not the same thing. Anyway....the study and the fellowship were great today!

I then drove to Milford, the town where I lived when I first moved to CT. The Boston Post Road (Route 1) in Milford has absolutely ANYTHING that a person could need or want! Today my first "need" was a turn signal light bulb for my van so I headed to Pep Boys where I purchased the bulb and had it installed for a mere $5.00! Next stop was a late lunch of "Skillet Queso" and tortilla chips at Chili's. I solved a few crossword puzzles while I enjoyed my relaxing lunch! I then leisurely shopped for nearly 3 hours at a fairly new and HUGE Jo-Ann Fabric Store in Milford. The fabric selection at Jo-Ann Fabrics always seems endless! I browsed and shopped for fabric and other materials that I needed to begin some new craft projects. With all that shopping, I sure hope I stay motivated to dig into my crafting! I always have such BIG plans but too often end up with too little motivation!

All in all, I had a SUPER Saturday! This day of leisure was especially appreciated and enjoyed since this is my only work-free Saturday in January! I spent a few hours at the piano tonight, preparing for worship and piano accompaniment at church tomorrow. I'm now watching "Judge Judy" and catching up on blogging!

It is FREEZING here in CT; warmer than yesterday day, but still the high today was about 20 degrees! How's the weather where you are?

Hope you had a great day, no matter the weather!

Just thought I'd display this photo that I took this morning. I was getting in my car to go pick up "Peanut" at school and noticed the ice on autumn's leftover hydrangeas.

It seemed that there might be a 'spiritual lesson' in this photo, but I've yet to 'hear' it. I was thinking that the dried hydrangeas are symbolic of the 'fragility' of one's life and the crusted icy snow...well...not sure. Any thoughts?

The photo helps convey the weather that we are dealing with here in CT. Coming later this week.....FRIGID COLD! I guess the temps are MUCH worse for folks in many other parts of the country, but HATS, COATS, BOOTS, SCARVES....(put them ON then take them OFF, then put them all ON again).....UGH....that all gets old fast!

May we all be warmed by God's LOVE, no matter the weather!

Greetings from snowy Connecticut!

Yesterday afternoon and last night we got some snow and sometime during the night we received a covering of ice. Today was a beautiful sun-filled day! (Cold...but still SUNNY and bright) I snapped this photo as I returned home after church and grocery shopping. This is my downstairs neighbor's simple light display on a large shrub in the front of the house. It is very pretty with the snow-covered lights lit up at night.

About the time I needed to leave the house this morning to head to church, my landlord faithfully arrived and shoveled and scraped sidewalks and the driveway! YEAH! I was 'good to go' as soon as I scraped the ice and snow off my mini-van! I found the main roads clear and passable.

Church was good and I had a nice opportunity to visit with a few friends after church, even met a new girl from South Africa who has done nanny work in many different cities and countries! I also spent some time after the worship service assisting an older gentleman who is working on a trumpet solo (with my piano accompaniment) and was also able to provide piano accompaniment for a duet that the pastor and a woman of the congregation are practicing to share in the future. It is so rewarding to be able to assist anyone who wants to use their talents to glorify God! My piano playing is not "accomplished" by any means but comes from a very humble heart. I simply play to please the Lord and it seems that He honors that desire. People tell me often that the piano music sounds "so wonderful" and I have to laugh, cause I KNOW that it can only be a supernatural thing that God is doing in their ears! It reminds me in a very practical way that God is most concerned with our HEART condition and our attitudes that come from within, and not so much on the 'external' results! It's a wonderful thing to be able to provide this service for Him and I am thankful for the many piano lessons I was afforded as a young girl!

Next week is the start of a new (and very belated) contemporary Praise and Worship segment for the Sunday services at my church. I am SO looking forward to this opportunity to worship the Lord in a style that I find intimate and personal....direct from my heart to His!

We are anticipating COLD weather for the coming week. I'd rather be in Florida, visiting my parents and relaxing on the beach! Hope you all make each day count for eternity!

Well, friends.....I am happy to report that today, I FINALLY feel a bit better! I think that after I shower and wash my hair, I MIGHT even feel GOOD about facing the day!

Ever have a "bout" of feeling crappy? UGH.....it's no fun! It SURE feels good to wake up with a new lease on life, though!

I will work later today from 3 pm - 9 pm but I'm not attending my regular Saturday Bible study this morning....it's been since the last Saturday in November that I've been there! I DO love to attend this Bible study that is held in the food court of a local mall and it's a great opportunity to share Christ and make His presence known...but not today.

On the "to do list" for today is a shower and then perhaps even tackle Wal-Mart and some other shopping. (The last toilet paper roll is just about empty!) My daughter is visiting. It was a surprise to come home from work last night and see her car here! How fun is that? I DO wish I was feeling a bit better, but I think I am on the road to recovery and surely will feel OPTIMUM soon!

May God SHOWER His best upon you today!

I've been sick for weeks.....from a minor head cold to violent coughing, to sore throat, and now a stuffy nose along with watering eyes and runny nose. Go figure.....I haven't felt much like blogging.

SOMEDAY I will be feeling well and back in blogging form. 'Til then.....Happy New Year and may you all experience God's best this year!