tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25709311325247579722024-02-02T09:14:38.543-06:00Sweet Tea and SimplicityMrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-71449698004877051432015-05-07T11:21:00.001-05:002015-05-07T11:22:39.898-05:00National Day of Prayer<p> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial9TKtyJR5zQuetuzD_QuMJMrzTKWApV_jGRWvARUuvfMkuTRhgl6Pz1o-zkT_LcY3cmmntbp3jwuP1rZsPUPtNG_LBADF6QvL5G45eZc0jqSr8sE4WamZ8qLSW7FYpTSG53wnWaWmIs/s1600-h/bedtime%252520prayers%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bedtime prayers" border="0" alt="bedtime prayers" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xwBjLBkMAfTix3xDs5NW-BvEK91oLYqGKUa9lYmaAY8ZelzENn_xNLW0QWvqQ-wcU5e1RXMqLq7tymVoQHBCUbcdPLobIZmxhUCt5rDb1dxECvNHhkjpb-XaftaJO7M6C_gQMJc3CNU/?imgmax=800" width="358" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Hey friends!  As you may already know, or just to serve as a reminder, today is National Day of Prayer.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">And if you don’t already, what a great time to start a routine to pray together as a family.  It’s never too late to make this a part of your day and you’re sure to be blessed by it!</font></p> <p><font size="3">For our family, it’s how we end the day with our children, even though they are now mostly grown.  Developing this habit has become a memorable and special part of life for us.  Usually we include a devotion or something that the Lord has pointed out that day.  It’s an informal time for us, and more times than not our gathering begins with swapping some laughs, all piled in our bedroom.  My daughter’s poodle Navi is so accustomed to the routine that she oftentimes arrives in our room before we do where we find her at the foot of our bed wagging her tail. She is so funny about this!  But one of the dearest memories that I will always store in my heart is my youngest daughter’s after prayer routine of going around the room giving us all goodnight hugs, and yes, even Navi gets a hug and has developed a remarkable ability to stand up on her back legs and literally return the hug.</font></p> <p><font size="3">And speaking of hugs, since I just used that word three times in one sentence :), hugs to you and I hope that you are enjoying spring!  The air is so sweet in our neck of the woods right now that I can hardly stay indoors! <br /></font> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1DY8sI3EI6qc9jFa6BHJvgqifA8YD1s-JRJfDk0TzsrQYgzm77d1CorZ0Zkq36WLHtSUNppB_YbW6QJi_0KXEcahL_sNT4SDXPvC1uZWWCcFEIMtl8AxgtqXOGCtim49MLQaJDkF6s8/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKf5-RhIML8hyphenhyphenk42A6hZgtHVUBBhrRanmP5PbpsmKJiNs6hjADVajCpJQuVWTkPqrxGnscn6r00Uffzc8EdrIvHd177mrxNP9h0IiPlVzAbszHlnR2jzqiDBxpyTa9IYXTKYaZ1UE55dE/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-86234993259356495982015-04-03T18:51:00.001-05:002015-04-03T19:50:27.360-05:00That Faithful Day<p><font size="3"> <br />They were all there.  Mary, the mother of our Savior, and Mary Magdalene.  The disciple John.  Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.  The centurion and the two criminals.  The religions leaders, the soldiers, and the crowd.  Each with different stories and outcomes, yet we share something in common with them – Jesus was bearing the weight of all our sins.  So in a sense, we were there, too.  </font><font size="3">Jesus’ precious blood was paying the price for our sin debt.  Yes, “<em>God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us</em>.”  That’s how much He loves us.  On that bittersweet day, the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for us by</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3">His willingness to suffer unimaginable physical agony for us </font></li> <li><font size="3">His willingness to bear the weight of all sin of all time so that its power over our lives could be destroyed </font></li> <li><font size="3">His willingness to be separated from the Father for the first time since eternity past because God cannot look upon sin</font></li> </ul> <p><font size="3">The One who is blameless, took the penalty of sin in our place.  What a huge price we were purchased with!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Easter and spring are a pair where many of us live.  The once calloused, bare branches are fringed with tender new leaves and blossoms, tinting the landscape into a joyous sight making us all the more mindful of the new life the Lord offers us.  Scripture tells us that if we are in Christ we are new creatures; old things are passed away and “<em>all things are become new</em>”  (2 Corinthians 5:17).</font></p> <p><font size="3">“<em>Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”</em>  Romans 6:4</font></p> <p><font size="3">The empty tomb on that first Easter shows us that all who are willing to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will also be resurrected to new life.  </font><font size="3">Jesus’ victory can be our victory.  It’s ours for the asking.   </font></p> <p><font size="3">Happy Easter, my friend.  It’s my prayer that you have a beautiful weekend celebrating His great love and the hope that we have in Him.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaBUsXDe6fRcfxota8TKxkMoNDpB4h0HMxOj5BmIxY-3DaXd1G1uINu4qF0_J-vp9R4yXxsoHPuAwhg3aZ2hrAwjABsnnu36orHeq1nR5V-hX6IpHSk5v0zBDj2m8nDyamdA0b66duGs/s1600-h/Easter%252520Greetings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Easter Greetings" border="0" alt="Easter Greetings" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYFs0Zyi_cwTq7i90vksw5f8PDOcGBHc5s6DINqKOjOyFrDm2Z1PF6kzz1Z7zN4hiLR9maEWLZ2Ag4p1dfHvTYicNEKWbS-dDiE_7oF-uhqOps090aDOKR34dAWVcELzBAwzc5eMJ2So/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="416" /></a></p> <p>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLcL9nzPx13KzFiMIR2BqIls3ZsNJqiyQyeF5vpobQ_4y71gu1MoOF1hHbYNOet6k2ZWalfzyOERYpTPdyyC1FQ2SMxSHyvzY7jvQx1s4IWbZpk7cvTQ6TgzoINMK3DW9rXfVMcnV65E/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2VuISK-L1F8ukM-Sp41PLK5MGw6tLewcra1QSwNPcgAptSzMvFmFOZLYSmU-zpobE83ViGdIqbSZ3NROrMnkDSWp7t8-IJySATKhpW3mMskCrGCJleLHtRi7xk6NjMyBlBsetTYD8tg/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-2811656654817189602015-02-16T15:07:00.001-06:002015-02-16T15:09:31.604-06:00Cubed Beef and Gravy<p> <br /><font size="3">Hi there blog friends!  Just finished a yummy lunch and wanted to share some with you.  And the easiest way to do that is by giving you the recipe! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe2pOADv85U59CvbQ8X4DXCZTfnDoJNQxgDJayDV62pB6cdlNjmH__AUo96X0POWFBS_xeGmoXm1mrK2JkT6xJaojvYobPqTwExWiYcvdAwNqsbQ5iskjs6p2XoILcCf0ueB3ccdr-6k/s1600-h/1424116947726%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj80PNUHX2NG4KRP-wlqguGLIwGCHJSWur1NlPKinjVRcODIq_s3zuXa70nM2xHgPhXHK7xgAkFE7Jtd3RqgsyaKL8Y7jzcOeUBHHW9j-l7R-zB-S67CguUJ76HBfso34SJlxLg1_-j3s/s1600-h/1424116947726%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1424116947726" border="0" alt="1424116947726" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtLTzHhKBIq12eygMAIbxoJIvZFRfjJp1OmQq_fu6Ip1YAbJ0jU8kGUOXWhH-YYobWK0BQiJjZnkqhJDENEhztk4nDTrHN8SPfV489u9KPXHNNKp9WvKESx5skZvlSOVxrb00lwvilTI/?imgmax=800" width="355" height="480" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Classic Cubed Beef and Gravy</font></p> <p><font size="3">2 lb. cubed beef <br />all purpose flour <br />vegetable or canola oil <br />2 cups water <br />2 garlic cloves, minced <br />2 – 3 onions, sliced <br /></font><font size="3">1 chopped bell pepper <br />8-ounce can tomato sauce <br />1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce <br />1 teaspoon lemon juice <br />1 teaspoon sugar <br />salt and pepper to taste <br /> <br />Dredge beef in flour.  Heat oil in skillet (enough to cover bottom).  Brown beef in oil over medium high heat.  Stir in water, tomato sauce, and remaining ingredients to beef in skillet, adding a generous amount of salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to a barely simmer.  Cover and cook two hours, stirring occasionally.  Taste and re-season if necessary.  If gravy gets too thick, add a little extra water before cooking is complete. </font> </p> <p><font size="3">This is a hearty, satisfying dish which pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">As you can see, my little somebody else wanted some, too!  But poor baby <font size="3">had to settle for a dog biscuit since garlic and onions aren’t healthy for our K9 friends. (For more on food safety for dogs, click </font><a href="http://sweetteaandsimplicity.blogspot.com/2013/07/food-safety-for-dogs.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">here</font></a><font size="3">.)</font> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCdDf1pdFf1hlg2zvLjBMNVQsW0c0obT2c7Y0BR0FeiFXYSZoCMf75TVcfhmZK-c1Nb8KK239tBvwvKtwqI9M93zqjhNV-JyEyy4EuelrOzGBCuahLGHI_hobhk_8TL8mnCzqanRhSvU/s1600-h/chinese%252520crested%252520powder%252520puff%252520dog%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chinese crested powder puff dog" border="0" alt="chinese crested powder puff dog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9AzWKbBa9TKH4emn6qT6kUYeZpac7p9P24pL110cinyPCMbXUAdm9INYhi8-CGKdfiJvDMdef08WN6KMYalDOQ1Y40z4uZmoZjhyphenhyphen61j5q60RgQ8nacpk-DXPpAtiiQVDNA-SjTq6kjA/?imgmax=800" width="354" height="460" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Blessings, dear friends!  Hope you are having a wonderful day! <br /> <br /></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv1cEnOst8cPz-jTJV_62VUCk6hGBknJ8eDVzIvRzseGq303bALCGQn5YafopT0e4L4ybLY1perFYxZSr3O5HPJ7St95xzxtbJl9Ty7FS2zpxW020t4lZARj-8MEspqp9Mdxi2f8AGeo/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RDLfjQEvycNah7v9ks5_M5zgEvZYnIHz1lc0PSD2lbyFtOTH7fJ0TD3sme-YrwJvMp7SmdKF_HhjCqhEEo0cplq1nqKxD8fOy8c78HqCsizd_h1ey5zZzXPaDeXmqQnO1ht8vSN2CsE/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-8112478535826636242014-12-22T17:12:00.001-06:002014-12-22T20:59:11.311-06:00Merry Christmas, to You!<p> <br /><font size="3">We’re down to the wire now!  Are you excited?  Overwhelmed?  I’m a bit of both, to tell you the truth.  I am attempting to squish my natural Mary personality, and trying to follow Martha’s example instead!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I’m really into decorating for Christmas this year!  I can’t stop!</font></p> <p><font size="3">For this go round, we have a full sized tree and another small one in our foyer, a full sized one in our “music room” and the largest in our family room.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxPo92KZmpfXKyvkAW74tH98cy7o087qcuOuiFHrMBE7oSSNuD-qbQFZInWV94C9HbMRcEKC1vq0rZwFObNgJnqdvzlA5qaQu34pi-uF5CnBAOJyJAeeaaQIOMpFV62iU5LVMNtbpBLg/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Foyer%25255B49%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Foyer" border="0" alt="Christmas Foyer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqQ-qXFXinhzVr4_fVjqj-97Kw3iwWAT6KJFYxNijqmd7o91EikKdKR-RNUvJLe2tFGr0mciy9jYrneQW6z2SMM69qL0kwspS4IiNY0Iz8YOUWytf5U_6132jucpmBRw8y2AZ94AQa50/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="486" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Do you wonder why there aren’t any gifts under our trees?  Because I haven’t wrapped any yet!  More on that later…</font></p> <p><font size="3"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ms8JgcxsEbXOrFKCaNNINZ7Wb7zYbCZz8IlowT7KDF_yP0wkC-oI1TLOhxTPXAJcqBrAkl60ZImajUysOVsb5BMcTutBAHYzPLAUVYTtlFmdwtK2ZbHFn7VvWYqezaYAhnT9VOyMBzY/s1600-h/stairway%252520and%252520Christmas%252520tree%25255B329%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stairway and Christmas tree" border="0" alt="stairway and Christmas tree" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70kT7xP0IYHPzxkLSEvaq3DPQ8MoTKwZ2p3JxLRepGxZqP43lsXGND3H4JvXU3LdW4cUP5r0ZEsgcCkH6OjjJL3gJoh_OfzRm18cgXNCm9wcd_FKxs8XJITGVlnAJ_NPBWRy6GtxzBr4/?imgmax=800" width="328" height="437" /></a></font> <br /><font size="3">This is the mantle in our family room, which came from a home built in the 1800’s.  I often wonder what were Christmases like for those who gathered around it in olden times.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7axO85sEWq02ZnELrF3_MdkI2DCc3bRnu8QBK6L2BYPsugGlr1rkRK4QLSlrtSj0LVMxrpk6puAprhTkBqKKO03gIPKMBd-RsZcmkAAb0D5SSHLiqG10UAE1cWbC4qqf3JEioocGmds/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Mantle%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Mantle" border="0" alt="Christmas Mantle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31wFCBQJdDX00wSa5tEjQV1q9hc5fWo7j73Z7op7VU73eHYJFFUEuG6FIZ0KB8seVwARyQgEhlKBgA5r4CXMN2tzm56QoziVCmCnlwHpVOnx7Bg7LYLeWeICFxFRpzx0jX1qc3F4MxnY/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="488" /></font></a><font size="3"> <br />Mostly, I keep the decorating classic, but there are a few whimsical touches.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWDsAoGIFcU8Nuh4_EL7fYz2j4phElOiR92nSUNtW-znMmeeE_hCIOozNH01rLfZUFPmky82bzjYIRdszm5M_mS6_9I59QG-EITB4lh-eSaQtOJ-FiuBqzjfgKlvzayBh-C3xYYAs4ak/s1600-h/Christmas%252520ornaments%252520and%252520candle%252520on%252520mirror%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas ornaments and candle on mirror" border="0" alt="Christmas ornaments and candle on mirror" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-XCfWM68ppOWMLkWMP2QpGSCgu2O7Vhs9nh6QFdnp56NFWKj_PxtQIYr2H7a_i2qgicRhv5ymUxRf7jGR6tikQSgnn1LVoYO23yVO2F6kqpupS1WU_H4Gw3kYX8aB0mHljGGDDnPGO8/?imgmax=800" width="326" height="487" /></font></a> <br /><font size="3">I placed several odds and ends on a mirrored tray that used to sit on my mom’s dresser - a glass container of brightly colored Christmas bulbs, a lighted Christmas village house, a Yankee Candle, and a snowman snow globe, warms the foyer powder room in an unexpected way.    <br /> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPE1716ikpql4BaFaqM4SBnIuTG7ocb83YNJoZra7YnO7-A9MRkVbBtc7yLfw5k19I01W-Jb1Qa0PbZDT_cgidssBqtLdSygWu63IGDeoJB0_cyqMFLy3hrAxDtJkcyoOefbW-iEJVG0/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Teddy%252520Bear%252520in%252520Stocking%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Teddy Bear in Stocking" border="0" alt="Christmas Teddy Bear in Stocking" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubHjXYXQNNGXa8qymOPwicxvOXypghoXM_rAMYn_VVfTuMbPy4dfLoVUd-7dDGPATAnN1mJ4wpB_wRitMYLaXtrwaazw2mIfGeNjWqknRSl-UbwNWA0UulR0U3d1cq17pj8VFjCZLaCA/?imgmax=800" width="343" height="515" /></font></a> <br /><font size="3">A mohair teddy bear makes us girls happy.  He’s all nestled inside a Christmas stocking hanging on French doors which open up to our Christmas memory tree.  It’s full of keepsakes that we hold dear from many past Christmases. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MWnWrk4OPhAEcZo_m10ZMfVtHSTZgtGDoZE6iv-7q4iw2XjhXqgLYRobqIEuBCuKqEbTFexiopdMhzY2QiH3u7zHCnBvsGmizuJVXJ8CI_vxeF9nDIbvoj6Ft7IHyeKLcMgh7aPRnb0/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Memory%252520Tree%25255B32%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Memory Tree" border="0" alt="Christmas Memory Tree" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Uq-Undlo3vs7CJgz8E9JQPXn2qV73i8_2e8uNJ-e8aAC9yihlE05mzX9VTdmZ3hLmC-ueoc6tNM1EkUOh4QMa6mG0KmxVpy96PSS3d2A-OfGx0CAA61rD_8l8Hrn5h3UlJ2qM3WJ62A/?imgmax=800" width="333" height="454" /></font></a> <br /><font size="3">One year when my youngest was outgrowing toys, but at that in-between age, we gave her a large collection of Christmas village items, which graces our kitchen this year.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw9Ld8WHXiapRMXIf3vPYd_jOJp8-oV-0-f_lgBaLcnPRRzaXfU2eXY664v1U1I0Dd5zF0hyphenhyphenvgXT2Xa62l6KlquI-rK0-98wotCGb59866ND7-En8jYuvD4c0Bw13xDCo6gQ5b5hyy5w/s1600-h/DSC_8034%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_8034" border="0" alt="DSC_8034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8m0NG9GldItr74RILuDiuxdVjENq75Tv7-fA0xgIguAjfEWjNwHMlGyQzbX4DKIGFwxT2lP1Rsu95qhNwcu-WwCYMkBStv9r34OTWhQPbg156WEAtYHiC-8DcIkFEtCxujdFnOCTe6o/?imgmax=800" width="326" height="487" /></font></a><font size="3">  <br />She delights in setting it up each December, and it all gets more special to us with each passing Christmas.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Thus far, the moments spent relaxing with the family, or curling up with a cozy Christmas book and a stack of Christmas cookies have been the most special. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxuXabwauPKHmmIOEgsaz3JncoGSN0dujY79eyEVfIq4ZkBls72fgsgUwVw5eWBkvJRHd72D4z3XTnGOaWHlv630rOMv4qgNgbULiTR2zzbiF7yEcxRgtSEDIrPmcOB18uoBlW369LUA/s1600-h/Book%252520and%252520Christmas%252520Decorations%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Book and Christmas Decorations" border="0" alt="Book and Christmas Decorations" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ikA6Q7dTaayQNWQfO9kcAXp3PejL5QoD3PqgoI_chr5c_wLVTARlNGpBdDjVxfTj-dvIvAebgY-j65Ui_f3H4cuApvrGe9Jkpd_bvs4EZBRDRKDN4c9FMpVrWNuh1iw_ml43yrSLtmE/?imgmax=800" width="330" height="445" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Now about those unwrapped presents - we’ve ordered a good many gifts online for each other, so a pile of shipped packages have arrived.  Trouble is, none of us can sort through or open them without potentially ruining surprises because we don’t know which belongs to who…  We didn’t think of that, but obviously should have!  :) On the bright side, the laughs about our predicament will add to our memories!  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjdRn3InoZ8K720AJnfUAkor9Jf7BcRLZsUTcsa1IpewwYtQybxPtRMOx3E0rPtqaFF-CHhN1-x71VAy5AJxzyZf5jgP4FmvyuiCAsEfygTIlUIJeFHJW6_WVMRoAAPtYXtdVsKox4Ow/s1600-h/The%252520True%252520Meaning%252520of%252520CHRISTmas.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The True Meaning of CHRISTmas" border="0" alt="The True Meaning of CHRISTmas" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE4UvJtYWEd4gLek7HFupfl-2dDmKDGTnRAs975s-N-vrpqst2DvJwgaDZwMpILjs5T4vQO_mYb6YF4RYlACM9TdSokS19QMcyLzwhH8Sf8-0Fa79yi8bYfUnq-0YXUq1JszEF4H3TLs/?imgmax=800" width="321" height="480" /></font></a> <br /><font size="3">And on the brightest side, not the packages or decorations, not the traditions or lights, not even the fond memories could compare to what we are celebrating – who He is and what He did. </font></p> <p><font size="3"> <em>“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Well, dear reader, “although it’s been said many times, many ways,”  </font></p> <p><font size="3">MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!</font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIPeQFu2c7PBLc6U6zvl6tzRX4NDiSZPBry_Msdv3qbDrclfhmhzNFQYKgHniYSUk5-M70oElFCYEu7WCPc1tc1hVa745jj3kfds10Ur5EXOfldfBkykgaUURtjaKS2KXwzRkdXySQwg/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSY-6AXs_UWjkjbcIktwL_qI-W6uKUZFG0-Gx1GJAJzDFp_y6h4HXD5Dm5DFLK2-Wvn1ZDxKt7icUvB7omZpoXfoSrh1yR6WUtRMe2VgBqF85DIbSVS7etQnwVjoEniee8N0Ywz8A5ZM/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-53747320502775841412014-12-07T20:48:00.000-06:002014-12-07T23:41:00.999-06:00Listen to Old Time Radio <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj3IRgygpQb56msD7C3IzPFMxqOIDSwBgmc9ZeTkuWV_SCMbmK36MgT7CxmfB1ff1_WjcfYSS8XZcRo6eyu7al7btFsY3ntusea3ePdQI8Jj9ynwyEiMkiUfFAvAXXl5gLgxuaXAgGjY/s1600/DSC_7830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj3IRgygpQb56msD7C3IzPFMxqOIDSwBgmc9ZeTkuWV_SCMbmK36MgT7CxmfB1ff1_WjcfYSS8XZcRo6eyu7al7btFsY3ntusea3ePdQI8Jj9ynwyEiMkiUfFAvAXXl5gLgxuaXAgGjY/s1600/DSC_7830.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Taint funny, McGee," my mom used to say, with her pretty dimpled smile after one of us kids would make a wise crack. The other day I asked her if she knew where that phrase came from. "It's just what I always heard mother say," she told me. But I had the answer for her, only because I recently stumbled upon the old radio program that it originated from. So I learned a fun little tidbit about my grandmother too - she listened to Fibber McGee and Molly, way back when, which was so fitting, since she and my grandfather were nearly a comic act themselves because they had rather ridiculous personalities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you aren't familiar with the show, it's an entertaining little comedy about a husband and wife team, their antics, and a parade of visitors. The couple was married in real life, and their show was on the air for numerous years during the Golden Age of Radio. The comical cast of characters brings the listener lots of giggles and cheer, and the nostalgic sounds are delightful! The commercials are as much fun as the show to me! Each episode has a music break, which even puts big grins on my teen and twenties kids' faces! They're kinda fond of cheese, and it has a plentiful supply! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Below are a few episodes to get you started if you are interested in giving it a try. Some episodes are available on CD which makes for a good gift idea, too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So grab you cup of something warm and cozy, and wander back in time for a little while with</span><br />
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<h3>
<i>FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY: </i></h3>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://archive.org/embed/FibberMcGeeandMolly1940&playlist=1" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="424"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can find more<a href="https://archive.org/search.php?query=fibber%20mcgee%20and%20molly%20AND%20collection%3Aradioprograms" target="_blank"> HERE. </a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOAl68k_uJhTi8sdXW8T4vGSY-hLD9mPbZ7amGaMfamDzc6mURqrh6yZOmfvYPT6KJ5i8JHpG0CD8dKpyCI3kLg0tiRA6h2yhCqfbDx4GL-2aC8DDDJxCPl7VmWS8P9-DI09M-JTgoOU/s1600/Signature3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOAl68k_uJhTi8sdXW8T4vGSY-hLD9mPbZ7amGaMfamDzc6mURqrh6yZOmfvYPT6KJ5i8JHpG0CD8dKpyCI3kLg0tiRA6h2yhCqfbDx4GL-2aC8DDDJxCPl7VmWS8P9-DI09M-JTgoOU/s1600/Signature3.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-61231533568975454342014-11-22T19:11:00.001-06:002014-11-22T19:20:03.909-06:00We Can Be Thankful…<p><font size="3"> <br />He loves us.  <br />   </font><font size="3">He is sovereign.   <br />       </font><font size="3">He is trustworthy.   <br />            He is righteous.  <br />               He is with us at all times.  <br />                  He hears and answers our prayers.  <br />                     He forgives us.  <br />                        </font><font size="3">He loves us unconditionally.  <br />                           He gives us grace and mercy.  <br />                              He is our help and our shield.   <br />                                 He has an eternal home waiting for us.  <br />                                    He shares our joys and victories.  <br />                                       He comforts us in our sorrows…</font></p> <p><font size="3">For those of us who are believers, there is much to be thankful for--wherever we are in life! <br /></font><font size="3"><em><font size="3"><em><font size="5">“</font></em></font>BLESSED is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.”  </em>Ps. 128:1</font></p> <p><font size="3">I hope that each of you have a <font size="4">Happy Thanksgiving</font> and that your day is filled with rejoicing!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><em><font size="5">“O</font> GIVE thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” </em></font><font size="3">Psalm 136:1</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBej8KN3hlqveZYChkhAkhbeG02GNtxVHZU0jv2Y7-RpcDBDLYA8fyWI0sL10u6E1qhWfleIDQauUBGku_zQlkFiKmtgSrwmAzjrwvPxvbUmyutEor2DdwoV82esbawTsnss6TP43Y5yc/s1600-h/tasha%252520tudor%252520praying%252520pilgrims%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tasha tudor praying pilgrims" border="0" alt="tasha tudor praying pilgrims" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWXT3ViHNCF1e8qi4wh8g456A2FcLY0LCP6ifxBCW3WZFEPMh6ZkB-H4i7k8SVeN2FmtbQtFxnwQcfaXkVhaIGCPAGhonzE16uI4GFNRFe-s4JYChK41EmRzrjPPu4grSI7AyGwK8G2I/?imgmax=800" width="333" height="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNFnmeiSClfGVo4bMF9w50J9SbspMO4TOPSbhAVW3I9MCw__tFJWf5Ojb3-v2hh7j3fNZm2W1EcXY97Od4PK2yFeSqYZTuj3B9-KV-YBbr-Xc6JbGcXlzR5BoRBLoKtrJ2iEP-0geJTE/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-gRz-LgLfi3vp0ItNtj6GKSI6hsma8ijX5Ahfi2iZGO_tKJTsi6S_kDjIAoIsaPWEkeMRtzhHzA0eBta_xEMc07EvIXJHpPpjWwaSlo-a-7PLftsf2uNN3OSxtIPtbVq69RDgBDluCk/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-48700303471607848932014-11-14T10:48:00.001-06:002014-11-14T10:48:02.955-06:00Hey Ya’ll!<p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I should be ashamed, and I am!  It has been way too long since I’ve posted.  I have missed interacting with all of you!  So a little catching up…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Christmas day will be our 10th anniversary in our homemade house.  So this year we’ve been sprucing up.  At this time, nine years ago, we were laboring heartily on our woodsy haven of oak and pine, trying to get the building, painting, and staining complete.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoOq3YYgXX2Y_eQhJKYMRJ4Sbg7HHzFiCXe6LhtfePU3hyCw_I85oK-xtXXxPP2ZiGmZ4_2-9ps482zon9kbf81xFE7Me19oZxpEahvSCQHF-0qbkQsPlKw8XavdRqi8TfTaTAqNziZo/s1600-h/our-pine-haven3.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="our pine haven" border="0" alt="our pine haven" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUYr4kt-nxINInu_R2TYjUeMjTKbDpogawAfhy8F-FCkm3KHr13m8kM_DThNgJFhdYLh13te-Ryp1LivOsYEXaMSOBL72L1d7DoUz65W1OgKfi6ysZFT4XJDhUVtx3vCQ-fxcIFlRuMc/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We had an unexpected opportunity to visit our first little house that we lived in more than 20 years ago.  When my oldest was a little fellow, I painted a Peanuts mural stretching from one side of the room to the other in his room.  To my surprise, it is still there!  Were we ever excited to get to see it again, and show it to my 16 year old, whom had only heard about it.  <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-179caNH1KKTGtrNthaQylNZ4i9yJ_Z_dgOAFENNtfvd3zwsQ35ikXCFqvA3oNqfyn8_1KSV56bmQYTmx01ifjQ-dBKSbAD58AyK6qP3uUYhKV6IiyJLoug6HRUCCDjLqtInz7ubc3jg/s1600-h/Peanuts-characters-wall-mural-collag%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peanuts characters wall mural collage" border="0" alt="Peanuts characters wall mural collage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tX4PCkWlv-W1xUqkKUCIIsErrlFeB4LHBpCVhz_jSYqy5AHrx45r1fDvHazHwLJG533vYXX7crwAiFLNfCCKEwBplk23B1vlDzD1x97ZLJWELeoHuye6YAXXqKDYkT7zvpyAHatu3D0/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I didn’t like the paneling in that room, so this was one way to distract attention from it.  I painted the whole gang, being that I am such a fan and all.  This collage is a snippet of the scene. I still wonder what made me brave such a task!  But I had fun doing it.  The paint has aged, but I was tickled that the owners left it there.  When we pulled up in the driveway to see the house, it was like stepping back in time.  Our neighbors on each side of us were outside – both families!  We had an awesome visit with both, reminiscing of days past.  Now I just have to believe the Good Lord had a hand in that evening!  Have you ever gotten to go visit a house you used to live in?  There is something so special about doing that!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We’ve been refinishing our floors and in the process, we learned a few things.  Lesson number one - an industrial buffer will sling a fellow around like a ragdoll.  Ladies, don’t try it!  Men folks, be prepared.  And make sure your health insurance is in good order!  And have a video camera rolling!  Lesson number two - I don’t like a glossy finish.  Now it may just be me, but it looked more like a gym floor than a home.  So more sanding…more work…more waiting 3 day before resuming traffic on the floor.  What an ordeal this has been.  And we still have more to go.  Although just a little.  But we haven’t figured out the logistics - since it is our stairway and hall to our bedrooms - we kinda need to have access to those floors…  This pic was with the gloss finish…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe4K6FLUy-KPK1gt-5dBW9h11DMYiq7d8HM1aLnod2sHre8t75cihYnO8r7z1xG8qAgZNpf67_DlIW4Fyg9Xt9PSLJZHZhqgdxt33BRlSMcmy1IeNhg50dNb9KGq44YISl5f0uHs1C7w/s1600-h/glossy-finish-on-hardwood-floors5.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwwDlDxy2aQgf-ahhrl6fgdERrRDvYOPEVUAYn79qHQvvK71nI6lR280Nb7ZgGDexmN73-Xnzc-vx_oxXKHNPO0PDb73pho5hzVE5Q1fyeZiOoA_srm63wE5qPvyT8_Px1i4-cx4_vf0/s1600-h/glossy-finish-on-hardwood-floors6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="glossy finish on hardwood floors" border="0" alt="glossy finish on hardwood floors" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nGX1iOOU8YFTsWnAvdZWqHrd0SzHPVH7Q14Q3qE04gRzIkP3x-Uab1ERX4068LOT-6gv1VFyN-qGwdKf9epRB8PKrCc_D1LQJFAXaSlk-sectKxFQ729f0w_Z-HrulInBWV2dVPoODk/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Well, me being so clever and all, I had a notion to paint the walls too, since most all of the downstairs furniture was out of the house.  It sounded reasonable in my head, but that was before we decided to change to semi-gloss.  In actuality, there wasn’t a single thing reasonable about my plan.  And in the midst of it all – (sorry instagram friends for the repetition), our hot water heater broke, and washing machine, and we flooded our laundry room.  This week, it was our dryers turn to break. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We have also done some traveling, which turned out to be more of a fiasco than fun, albeit memorable.  Here’s a snapshot of a moment while on our crazy trek.  What do you think – sunrise or sunset?</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigzfcDXCs6pad-mvyEjQoQQB7EKm19O91s2kbRAYCNbV456UJyhXIWE5r9zbdlm7Z8z4k70_YkYRsP6zEt4bO89cELXDHqEgIgzV8S5nIt84I3eRAs9eEngJ5-ZsHU9ubGYeLdb_I-XE/s1600-h/traveling-sunset5.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFuCQlBKnjoElU3CdwkzDlaGw8km0rmiq3wrYfgIStr1WhJiK7j9OqF1M2GmlZpARrO3w58HUn1RZb4qZMUFQahXFh3hRb87An0j2cSMVeAeCPED8XHCLY_LIcqmZNUIromB1WhMgF2k/s1600-h/traveling-sunset6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="traveling sunset" border="0" alt="traveling sunset" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9Yi54gIlCKqimgYIulQ0DYA83lPEH8MNLIu8Sqocoyo9xCnc3yjvufR136_j9cf88qJ4Rf3CEP7m4kftD-Crt1EUgNSP2MehgpCtXLQlMmEAphmp7m07arDkKPpyNzYOWcjTTpH-Q4w/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The hotel concierge of every single hotel that we stayed in will tell you that this, most assuredly, is NOT a sunrise.  Being that every day and every hotel with the exception of one, saw my husband dragging up to the front desk each morning, requesting an extra hour before we checked out.  This family of five adult sized peoples, squished in one room, sharing one facility when accustomed to four, all of which are morning showerers (is that even a word?), not to mention late risers, don’t make for great organization nor punctuality.  I kept thinking that my in-laws somehow knew of our lateness, even though they weren’t with us, and were shaking their heads with disapproval since they are usually on the road by 4:00 a.m. when they travel.  But shhhh….don’t tell them. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Well, we were glad to return home, and our menagerie was glad for us to return.  We had quite a greeting from all of them.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHxN-vAVoTDBe7kIdQFhCnwFf5VzlkRjWfgp79QbmhlhsR5HY0nrEe2camEky-PmBdDJxbkGfLYtBg37dfkhnopesOeEzev-7qVqrcAwhMNtdJSc7zC3IIHDoGp_2yff5H8jr8JkbArE/s1600-h/cat-waving9.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0Lc0BK-nATja-lctg0gV9njthgKJ2x1l7xjQpiHRb2tRlS71dcc_1F2m4FjxjEy31_BgaS7gdHmVW0UoMERG4WWVprJDIGhFC_Uiz7Z-0fRdMfwk-ia_tzBR_W7XFn35bQ4VeO_eEE0/s1600-h/cat-waving10.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cat waving" border="0" alt="cat waving" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJp6pmsVASWixmRdpAYtVEFKLsqfYl0XTwwvH8JQ7IZ5zbANx_ODuoseb6vBO-pzDthA3iGcZTkXPDXN_ubcgWH0fOKvGo4Uvg8BfMbtBu1I6LcEiu3KTOFlNd6RN6dPvXX7qJFxc_Ws/?imgmax=800" width="308" height="480" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">       I think they missed their beds,</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuiU005Vno5rEU9y1autxrrgblcgNhOxI6AzcHXgpYoiVN8NuqguDUSrw8VSn54iq5Unt9qWGQ8UDf2RsIKAKudGpk0aXBjIv4ORfVxiMWsvf_CSLyUToLM4t0PCiQMcqLP1600L_IDY/s1600-h/Chinese-Crested-Powderpuff5.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DANCAI2utyU9gLtHiy7Vrz6ibxIf8dx_VHiX1lqZqvNUchaPXq52ebSc1T9Fd-fSbLqZ5ZwHkyYGVTvuqi5cWtGFdujhY2G6tsJMvP3avtjPb40tmjFBwZjPTpzyNPRI2OOY4EpAbNo/s1600-h/Chinese-Crested-Powderpuff39.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Chinese Crested Powderpuff" border="0" alt="Chinese Crested Powderpuff" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0ciJKSqKpmVFaEWxmf1DkxdrLwJfQ22ExU54U2O2mETNSeu_6CgM67EWMTKxk9ZGM1iLDXFeXkyCJ-hYN1WNOLvPcHD_BNNULF-r0mGjHex8pGBusWnHMVOqXNqyPh4KfrztOyWQNqI/?imgmax=800" width="335" height="447" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">and our beds…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS_hQhuB9mZEI-sS4NYwZKj8KJOGdqP7D8AK_KNuB90UNUuvnt_bxMX5We1jAFXDLfSXkBJujXbLnaCwqsCNCA1rsOKSE9TTmlws6Yut-aDBi1_68C8YHKo8vS_sWM0a_lYWgxkgywQc/s1600-h/Poodle-cuteness4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH6j5l1jYkQYm82dDJLLGPMI_PZ8CgQcodLDHQe7ohaBVQD5zXz-ZxLyEvvqQEMK9Zlwu5lBb9xBgwCQ7OuNP80ySfKy-INBKzA5j1D4KIY9IKIXvW6bMb0CqeKDHbyom951FQUzMo84/s1600-h/Poodle-cuteness32.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Poodle cuteness" border="0" alt="Poodle cuteness" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pdBZWXYJckLEXZmxONCU8JHWp5egJaUopFgc72mcYS3wCySrzpPqdOelzIG5E2jsNZepUZy3TnSrR-EvwJrJ8Tn_m41qKTBYHyB4780e2nfoVo4psU0vXuQpfGc39tuoYvnpFiRVoNY/?imgmax=800" width="335" height="457" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And I was glad to see my waking view that I love so in the fall. </font> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshz_YzEAjkQhh8628Y-RMJQeTyrtcGfYzsm-bmDqE2JXFxYbVEDNSxdq_Ggjxf1Jl1MU6TSISSfLJqYu9AinT2ZrkHMdWIXpoGqKJsN8P3FALBxBuJqhnVldkkMW8co57WwqKHwMFXCI/s1600-h/fall-window22.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fall window" border="0" alt="fall window" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyDEfPXXn_ZQWGmRh6NNAVaSvxS7V1ZWKOFagCYKGB7xdnRYATMHt1P11zIg6phn0vCv6xtDRS1ZEmrJvp2zVT8WofISibVJdJ3gIl9UeTnc5aKphSAMUoyszK4l56w4yfN797xrXrrA/?imgmax=800" width="344" height="459" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">So that is a little peek into the window of our lives.  What have you been up to?</font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7uXBFyvgEsawE0xOuT2SRfYtrh9E-p0pnPCZDEycJxnSjJZXpptRZWVa2QUT5ed8YfmiXInbyyAVWpmlMHb5xreBD7ImYGnTtfXKZrnba7mqzKwQ0ndJZG3lfMBr9MtwMHbUKMAnghw/s1600-h/Signature7.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqsH8cdbRi4LeMWOzZV6h-_zSOEBzEVvJyPF0V0LOyT6johgywoIN5pzPq-RlP7FYVC92BzPF4SlDvk6Aa-svlGEiJ3ArtC9OVkCnNqfkzoeU-2bKIIrB1sFHD85sVWvU4bQ_ZIflcdQ/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-71221745656689389222014-08-05T09:46:00.001-05:002014-08-05T09:46:28.218-05:00When You Are in Need of Contentment<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKWZclt26VeK9FTJGQ5dd54z6FPhoAbnh4rNPLir1c8km6dFTbko0uWd0Nb_LSwg8GXQx3Pj3T3GhKj_3FbAqbqg5sxTOZ4XmpSKgZ_rHsbYHXlIa8fjisOcsF_9pl3wZfLRwifzFXQw/s1600-h/when-you-need-contentment4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="when you need contentment" border="0" alt="when you need contentment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuowXeN1DFFu1Rrb31kVXBi655i5KAF8WEEBVV5dBfVj395SFiEPawYenJIoMgOjM3gnQ1EGstaK37m-F0DT2Onsh78oIYB9WGHLVS9Wzy6O52yhM3_u6zy6Y9m-m_l3n1ykzGNd7kBcY/?imgmax=800" width="338" height="480" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">My daughter seems to have been born with a smile.  Her happy-go-lucky spirit keeps those faint dimples on the side of her fair face forevermore present.  Not all of us were born with such a disposition.  Nonetheless, we can navigate our way to contentment.   </font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">Discontentment, if it is the right kind, can lead to Godly ambition and goal setting.  </font><font size="3">What I am addressing here is the negative type of discontentment that can be a destructive force in our lives.  </font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It  can hinder our decision making process.  <br />It can distort our perception of God, and people, and life.    <br />It can cause us to destroy our relationships.   <br />It can create financial difficulties. <br />It can lead us down paths of destruction.       </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>The culprit of discontentment usually boils down to this:  We experience it when the basis of our inner joy is our outer circumstances.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I’m no expert on being content.  It’s a journey.  But here are some things that God shows me along the way: </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">1.  <strong>Make sure that your eternal future is secure</strong> if you haven’t yet done so.  There is nothing more important in life!  If you need help, please click on the key in the sidebar.  There can be no true peace until you have that settled. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">2.<strong>  Take control of discontentment by taking responsibility for feeling it.</strong> </font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">3.<strong>  Understand that contentment is cultivated.</strong>  The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11 “for I have <strong>learned</strong>, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” </font><font size="3">  </font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">4.  <strong>Don’t focus on your troubles;</strong> <strong>focus on Jesus and trust Him. </strong>(</font><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%282+Cor.+10%3A5%29&version=KJV" target="_blank"><font face="Segoe Print">2 Cor. 10:5</font></a><font face="Segoe Print">)  Rather than zooming in on the present struggle, realize that He knows what He is doing.  As a child of God, your future is bright.  He plans for good to come from your difficulties, including building your spiritual growth and character. </font></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">5.  <strong>Leave tomorrow in God’s capable hands</strong>.  Future planning is practical; future fretting is pointless.   </font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">6. <strong>Follow and obey Him</strong>.  There’s nothing like disobedience to rob us of our peace.  </font><font size="3">Your job is to go where He leads, and do what He asks.  He'll take care of the rest.</font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">7.<strong>  Walk closely with the Lord and lean on Him.</strong> There is an indescribable peace that comes from oneness with Him.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">8.<strong>  With thanksgiving, ask God to help you to be content.</strong> (</font><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:6&version=KJV" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Phil. 4:6</font></a><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">) He will, but it won’t magically happen. We have to do our part which may include simply choosing contentment each day, rather than choosing dissatisfaction with our plight.</font> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print"> 9.  <strong>Don’t play the blame game.</strong>  “It’s because of ol’ So and So,” or  “If only I had such and such,” etc.  <strong>  </strong></font></font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">10.<strong>  Refocus your mind from what you don’t have to what you do have.</strong>  “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Prov. 15:16</font><font size="3">  </font></font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3">11.  <strong>Purge any attitudes of entitlement or comparisons</strong>: “But I deserve better than what I have,” or “Why am I without when they have?”  Those kind of thought patterns multiply and can become destructive. </font><font size="3">        </font><font size="3"> </font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">12. <strong>Don’t give up; give in.  Be submissive to His will, which is where you will find great peace.  </strong>The Apostle Paul’s infirmity was not removed even though he asked repeatedly.  But, what God did do was give Paul the grace to endure it.   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I leave you with this – a hymn written by blind Fanny Crosby when she was only eight:</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFHZI-A1OJwhoNtlIiPGOKD5LQdDn4z9tFtbh-ut8vGfCbzkhjgxJtmYKHUN6TPAMhRaYqWsQ-8MhH_m7R03WkbkNe4MB_HZFvtwzTGNjLLrBI_81pJ1DZVvRulnOgr3G4eDG2PKnzsQ/s1600-h/Fanny-Crosby4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fanny Crosby" border="0" alt="Fanny Crosby" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOip4Mkrvg2-shejqxGbClRA_p84U9_WvhhzRiDp7bo-m7UrnDFThrlf49Qb5uAZg4XSRyW8QFKXQPPe_1dTr1F1VmFZd1IMvbGkH0Llb43zMmNyIwnyJUdUimqCl76FqKbNe8JdhOgRs/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="480" /></a></p> <p>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEMsCmdSPnpyzZDiodCSgnkPQgj_0v5QGCcNExmC35QFYa_lQcvE4DEEaZgLFx9YW3MOPLlb8-xQUBHI_TnYW9QVRo9rai7EFnjkK68Tzc_hYWAHi3AEzXQl4p1xuJAJtn5MoLRM5BBo/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUp6I5NQwBP-0600e3Nh3Jnc9ijMkA6pOmogYYtc1O5KJS14-KC3XR6FxyT2CzHhbT8V-CbkuvT7QnL4lubsymXzCUER-_GkfIcsUMVncNDnGcVa2zY52VAHFTRr9YZLihloVrSZ4M2o/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-22762088336852510232014-07-03T08:53:00.001-05:002014-07-03T09:01:54.947-05:00A 4th of July Tale<p> </p> <h5><font size="4" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFf15uKPpF1xA1g-X9PAzrK3F6WfJuvQsHxkbv0T3aQRasEoDHT3vlwCfnoRy4w-QJ48pJkaIll4h48nlfVn3uXsDDzWWuIHdanlj7oHBWCn7CoaWL6A_fgMkSZoLqaXvkQXmnlCgvfzM/s1600-h/forth-of-july99.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="forth of july" border="0" alt="forth of july" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUazz1SkJ9uPlW-ATj-iLTQK1KXKeWHGDth1RoHiG9vKxnKgrb8xr6_2Lt6YuOde84yVmVnNr74QaWFLhNDi8QUdueCDL9wxAV28R37FCIVN0x0sZK5onftWEM7qTDrRj7vD3vpyYP5bs/?imgmax=800" width="336" height="518" /></a></font></h5> <h5><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font size="4">                          I hope that you have a very happy Fourth of July!</font>  </font></h5> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">What a day to celebrate!  If you been here before, you may know that I’m from the South and have an interest in history, so here’s a little southern historical tale for you.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Did you know that an entire southern town didn’t celebrate Independence Day, even in my lifetime?  If you lived in Vicksburg, Mississippi, oh, say, 38 or more years ago, you would still have to go to work on Independence Day, you would still walk down your driveway when you arrived home and find mail in your mailbox, and you likely wouldn’t anticipate a local fireworks display that evening.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">By now, this might seem like a tale for sure, but it’s not a fictional one.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">You see, this lack of enthusiasm wasn’t because Vicksburg had a problem with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  No, they just had harsh memories to deal with, and each 4th of July was a painful reminder.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As you probably already know, Vicksburg played an important role in the Civil War.  So much that President Abraham Lincoln believed that whoever held “the key” to the city would be victorious in controlling the Mississippi River, which was a vital waterway for both the North and the South .  As a result, the Union’s General Ulysses S. Grant was a man on a mission, beginning in the spring of 1862, when he set out to clear a trail to Vicksburg. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Long story short, it took more than a year for Grant and his troops to reach the doorsteps of their Vicksburg destination.  Familiar with victory and defeat, their campaign took another unwelcomed turn after two attempts to crash Confederate Army lines failed.  But the brave in blue arched around the scenic city that stood hedged within river and bluffs, settling in for a siege, as they starved the people of Vicksburg out.  Forty-seven long days later, their plan was successful. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Confederate Army General John Pemberton strategically surrendered Vicksburg to General Grant, on July 4, 1863.  The hope was that by surrendering on Independence Day, the Union would have mercy on them.  Apparently, that is just what happened.  The southern army was paroled rather than taken captive, and the Union shared their food with the starving folks of Vicksburg. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Like leaven in dough, accounts of great suffering were passed from one generation to the next.  So from that infamous day <font size="3">forward, Vicksburg did not celebrate Independence Day</font> until the Allies won WW II.  However, as the years passed, the celebrating fizzled out and didn’t revive again until our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976.  The folks of Vicksburg got their celebration on once again.  And now, if anyone unwittingly were to walk down their driveway to check their mail on the 4th of July, well, they would find their mailbox empty, which might serve as a reminder that they better hurry and fire-up the BBQ, because the fireworks extravaganza on the Mighty Mississippi begins at sundown.</font>    </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-bvKcgBHJdjArgckv6XV-6bBOJL5b9nXSSRJEJSo6Q54PrLJZ_nyskbridV4CD9lnOaNduxX72UIlnqEt-RG32X2Xo0Hz44a5rXH9b7CmQBhnncZWqkVjbmoM8EY8_Ffh1ItuEOiukM/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNwdzs1gNTa_niGHQZPHmyOCF-cUNCkW4xQOnzxhbLg2XHjIQLZdHm0Qx0-E7hcb5Z0-huHSUTC8HiXu7-zCTAddBc9LqKmmMlsRMfRWNlITlligbGSGNQ345OVoPv0j8vzKanHUeAsw/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></font></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-11509422272741073082014-07-01T13:24:00.001-05:002014-07-01T13:24:33.608-05:00Cheater’s Grilled Chicken, Pasta, and Veggies Dish<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TCKerbwYY3HrPhAKAiHzPTDA05K5tFDF-HP7elxQ_u3rdJVAUQanUH-iew_3PjdgOENUB3AmnJwrkK0srBeXxkeYa0MMLGivyXf3qMfKDjshgVNgfTWj0FzUGRKuU9cz3hyphenhyphenrv6pyExA/s1600-h/Chicken-and-Pasta-Dish9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Chicken and Pasta Dish" border="0" alt="Chicken and Pasta Dish" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzu7QPbrEOLGEvxFLdD827Q14SFFsyHi6v2dIYxQvK1sQpbSp2csWojoqlvL07UXk9Ft76RNXObpKKrI5eaPmnHLw-vt9p0Xr8RCfJHUQHa6T7eIgC6BVeGuPaRQJnKwOqZYSictmaBc/?imgmax=800" width="321" height="480" /></a></p> <p> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Laziness, on occasion, can generate invention. :) And this dish is definitely a way that you can be lazy about cooking, and yet have a yummy meal.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">You will need a box of <strong>Pasta Roni Angel Hair Pasta,</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujQw2LwuvI7EDtkKo4CAFsY_9BsAYTIGS9ejBTeStaw-XJ6sKjKYhhhE4rWH7A3GWQ-4h9rGYoQwvoPI7qQPg9AKAGODD7SeXZajXuG2S7lgWLeNTNFveXeGmnvFNuUuWFdHIFnANNs/s1600-h/pr_AngelHairPastaHerbs331.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pr_AngelHairPastaHerbs" border="0" alt="pr_AngelHairPastaHerbs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDJWxAB8WkzvVlpH8dV8bYKl4ykCVRhuuSfCuAOp0VJUO9sX31213wAxkx9tePlG0DdR-XNY4hhPali1kiEP6cXSylnzAUbi5pAoK1e40G4y8bNmzMiZG-fsjmlqmFODHf6_05-C77Os/?imgmax=800" width="97" height="143" /></a>  </font></p> <font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <p><strong>grilled chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A,</strong> a<strong> large</strong> <strong>onion</strong>, <strong>bell pepper</strong>, <strong>mushrooms</strong>, <strong>milk</strong> and <strong>butter.  Now your all set.</strong>  <br /><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Directions:</strong> <br /></font> <br />1. Cook <strong>pasta</strong> with <strong>milk</strong> and <strong>butter</strong>, according to package directions. (Careful not to cook too long because pasta continues to cook even off of the burner.) <br />2. Sauté chopped <strong>onion </strong>and<strong> bell pepper</strong>;<strong> salt</strong> and <strong>pepper</strong> to taste.  Remove from skillet and set aside. <br />3.  In the same skillet, sauté <font face="Segoe Print"><font size="3"><strong>mushrooms.</strong>  Add to onions and peppers.<strong>   <br /></strong> <br />Dish up pasta, and top with the <strong>grilled chicken nuggets</strong> and veggies.  Garnish with a little <strong>parsley</strong>, if desired, and then dig in ‘cause that’s all there is too it!  <br />  <br /></font></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">For those RARE days that I behave myself eating <strong>low carb</strong>, I just forgo the pasta and it still makes for a tasty and satisfying meal.  <strong>Zucchini,</strong> or barely sautéed <strong>sliced tomatoes</strong> make good additions, too.<strong>  </strong>A sprinkling of<strong> red</strong> <strong>pepper flakes</strong> add a nice kick.    <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">  <br /></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvT_h7lSe_xI6QYQxA_od_r5o5AqRMAMO53OJhjz0IwpApDnPi2ywl9NGZQ97WjoUSX5oHJ7bIO0nCz6_6hil8xmeBY0TTDNA6HLsAAW9QzbKmfAv1AGGq0jc-CrVo9jv9CfQ24v3EtU/s1600-h/Signature%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqQw7jeRpdsA2QOZBiRkh3nx9JWoX2x4ys_2B_3mEePMOYjhwk2AQvipfgxOS5LpFBMJgRvYLV84aRbHAUf-Q6zDr4SlDBOmKrRNKAbj3umfLOO1JgJWs4xCze0vz_NKSQrv3uSpWh_s/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> </font> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-29636686641543528562014-06-24T13:23:00.001-05:002014-06-24T13:23:29.114-05:00Do You Believe That, or Believe In?<font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <p> <br />Sometimes we might call ourselves Christians, but are we, in the true sense of the word? </p> <p>D<font size="3" face="Segoe Print">o we consider ourselves Christians because of the traditions that we were taught?  Or assume that we qualify because we assent intellectually to the facts?  Do we think that we are heaven bound because we go to church and live good, moral lives?  All are good, but let’s take a closer look:</font></p> </font> <p><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">There is a difference between believing that and believing in.</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Believing that:</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Jesus is a historical fact    <br />Jesus was a great man; a wise man   <br />Jesus had a following and was crucified <br />(Hardly anyone would dispute these truths.)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>Believing “that”, doesn’t give us eternal life in heaven.  However, believing “in” Jesus does.</strong>    </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><font face="Segoe Print">Believing in: <br /></font></strong></font><font size="3"> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Jesus the Son of God, and although our human minds may not fully understand, Jesus is God <br />Jesus’ death on the cross as complete payment of our sin debt, thereby removing the barrier between us and God <br />Jesus’ resurrection on the third day and trusting that through faith in Him, we have eternal life (faith meaning that we believe what He tells us in His Word and that He will do just what He says He will do.  He will keep His promises because God is NOT a liar.)</font> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br />Those that <strong><font size="4">believe in</font></strong> have made a deliberate decision to <strong><font size="4">trust the Lord</font></strong> and <strong><font size="4">follow His ways</font></strong>.   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Only those that believe in, are in the true sense of the word, Christians.  Will you choose to belong to Jesus and secure your future, today?</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmaTuucPaSnxBZ154GPllIbKh7aREEawrx-xiy0kdMihlqddHjkqKfbGQqnSv5e4PoTcFgx2uboXM-bCDWir5Z5NzqJGA6gg-FYWEXfvuqvLZGE6jglH1s8ZtSHHftAnCXxtOLUV00xo/s1600-h/Just-as-I-am4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Just as I am" border="0" alt="Just as I am" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINOCf-coHiQaHILhfqLqJl9S-ZCHLswgCpdNc8tFPSx88b0f-4WFdeKcNIuK7qHbEMZMIskz_zWNaj97trWbfEe5ReH4NJmR9iQp2gtIgF5WLNkiGR1-cRYnbYGCSGA7XIXzLUldc8rI/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="480" /></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Need help?  Follow this scripture roadmap to salvation: <br /></font></font><font size="3"> <br /><strong>”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”</strong> Romans 3:23</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Sin separates us from God.  But God made a way to Him by sending His Son Jesus, who took the punishment for our sins, because He loves us so.</font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God <em>is</em> eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”</strong> Romans 6:23</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”</strong> John 3:3</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The only way to have forgiveness is through God’s only begotten Son, Jesus.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”</strong> John 14:6</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">God proved Jesus is His Son and that He accepted His death on the cross as the way for us to have eternal life by raising Him from the dead on the third day.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  <br />For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”</strong>  Romans 10:9-10</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Jesus invites us, but He also warns us:</font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not on the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.</strong> John 3:36</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">So we see in the verse above how important this decision is.  Once we make the decision to believe in Him, we must also choose to allow Him to be Lord of of our lives.  It doesn’t mean that we will live perfect lives, but that we will sit in the backseat, so to speak, and let Him do the driving.      </font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“And <em>that</em> he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”</strong>  2 Corinthians 5:15</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">So what will you choose today?</font> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>“Behold, I stand at the door and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”</strong>   Revelation 3:20</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">By believing Jesus as our Savior, turning away from our sins, and making Him Lord of our lives, we can truly call ourselves Christians – true followers of Christ.  Will you pray a simple prayer and open the door of your heart to Jesus by asking Him to save you?   </font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">It’s as simple as <strong><font color="#595959" size="4">A B C</font></strong> – <strong><font size="4">A</font></strong>dmit you are a sinner <br />                                  <strong><font size="4">B</font></strong>elieve in Jesus as your Savior <br />                                  <strong><font size="4">C</font></strong>ommit your life to Him</font></font><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">    </font>  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxSYOWAKig_36srO_DkWTFbPuaFI7USisle578bCdLtdORspCSQxKSi3ECQvJlx6PQr5NjkjmGWZOx7R1HU2uj-hCO8eojH6mN2BSS9U8ALOaoO8KxKoN3hD1wm62ZylFgYGw2XCD30Y/s1600-h/Roadmap-to-Salvation9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Roadmap to Salvation" border="0" alt="Roadmap to Salvation" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhCwsR68FFLZvhewU7IhJLahy4PPJnlw1bTs27MuhtPzc0UxBCoXaFNELVKkDPjHmWKG4b85WssCjhej_2ZMIjJ_klgGpH-sOgnu8XDSmvdZFCArJ1-Xem3kuPs5nwFJdsBemuHiShkQ/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFOtqxolJZSivJaug1WwxdaCoAEFX3wUFnZbfIbfXpWqvRX-aBb6e1rr8pqbrXQ3Atnde2FDbhQOOMzuuqMegv8n-TSar3NFc3UcnHlm_szpgBdy6EkFdSPnLLlWjtfri1PPK5fOJgC4/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8CdtPJVz3-NKxN1lQuy6yYPJWZASRsyAmrX4MBR3TAmMPd3tW8fyudMNzV6zn-fGJa4Wn0Zi66uwhmad2rAPE0Q-qzt3xL-ZtLsTcIUmxwl1btMBEBauvb0Aq8esYs2R1hZFwmpfBw0/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Need more help to understand the saving power of Jesus? Click the key on the sidebar.</font> </font></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-24905947913621614192014-05-23T20:20:00.001-05:002014-05-24T07:04:23.767-05:00Long Lived The Queen<p> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I kind of have a thing for history.  I kind of have a thing for Victorian decorating.  I kind of have a thing for the Victorian Era.  Kind of would be better translated, I LOVE those times!  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">But this post isn’t about me, it’s about Queen Victoria.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUwvwOGnj8eqcGwS9mtA1NTtm0Usmo0IPl0NkoGiLLEhUcT0_MfIa_iHzxQudkdxE5pY-YOpANw9Efddi4ZEFO74KOj1L4zdiVZXGTfbys7-5y9Hqte1OtuYB9ItEummJMapNMj_4_mY/s1600-h/Queen%252520Victoria%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Queen Victoria" border="0" alt="Queen Victoria" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5KfW1_VcgDuqysiJY-i-yjngJNkm6MKrcctIcS6NI_5mbFVLfz-EJDA9FNNYTXoPp0oH1XIqJdRMaTuHPVI19gyLZGnhXwVfD_W0aCXL4qKlPSHAbcWlE9RrctQVMO9c_JARG82y_D0/?imgmax=800" width="599" height="480" /></a> <br />Now, even if history makes your eyes glaze over, and even if you think the ornate Victorian style is overdone, you still might enjoy this post. :)  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And besides, it’s in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday.     </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCq20UzeOqoaJ1iAnmq17VLNVhrqMl1I_tHay7_utvCR_wEmdeqrVIc9bnGEVO1Bov-DTbusCH7J3eqWqp8jZWz6MsL-pnnRrbG3A2cA4m75qUrG04eDsRYAnMx8qpN6JJwJZ-qzZ5aE/s1600-h/The%252520Duchess%252520of%252520Kent%252520and%252520Victoria%252520%252528soon%252520to%252520be%252520Queen%252520Victoria%252529%25255B42%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 12px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The Duchess of Kent and Victoria (soon to be Queen Victoria)" border="0" alt="The Duchess of Kent and Victoria (soon to be Queen Victoria)" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw5vdOWEjTiAv7O1MNnN14NAbZICjj_HUjkW4kR8g-HFrX1RSYBIHO9aMXE_wYiJhednSijNsW1zUFUe-qFbbthyCuVjQ0s59MBGCWx6sgQgZnc2YhrreK3IMIeDz4VzMC64ZFJX-CfY/?imgmax=800" width="198" height="252" /></a>She was born May 24, 1819, which, according to my calculator app :), that makes her 195 years old. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The English monarchy was in a sad state of affairs when the Duchess of Kent gave birth to Victoria.  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And without boring you with lengthy details, the reason why is simple: </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>It was under the rule of immoral leadership.</strong> <br /> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As proven time and time again in history, from ancient times to the present, God does not bless immorality.   <br /> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br />This royal baby that was born at 4:15 a.m., would in merely 18 years, begin to carry out a legacy reigning as queen for 63 years and 7 months, which puts her in place of having the longest female monarchy in all of history. </font> <font size="3" face="Segoe Print">At only 11 years old, Alexandrina Victoria resolved that her reign would be different from her predecessors, declaring “I will be good.”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgk468Ue3mQwdTbHvSVZY4b_iPXmA9-6c2PEBLVN0W7nYQt1jSIisRgcCAxXf4GR8vG81iFPaoDj2HfDdh6C-EoR-2x80X1PnOvuiUVwvnwUkHutKcux3wqCkEGwjT5yX4RXl3qu6qBE/s1600-h/Young%252520Queen%252520Victoria%25255B86%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 9px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Young Queen Victoria" border="0" alt="Young Queen Victoria" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHOj1n4YyHgZwF0cAcLboGaQhknYe1bzx-Lq_RknadZUnadIimh5VQWMPlOOQbgzIRr2NkrN5JxUdUQVuYJ6U8A8HP0s5oIirryIdHu1WKfXhGH3PE9uDj-lMx2Ph1_XSd9TGafpe9OE/?imgmax=800" width="269" height="396" /></a> </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br /> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">During her reign, she caused the people’s view of the monarchy to shift from contempt to admiration.   <br /> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Thriving under her honest rule, <font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Great Britain reached the height of its glory.</font></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br /> <br />It expanded in: <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Wealth <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Geographical dominion <br />Manufacturing achievements <br />Cultural achievements <br />Economic progress</font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br />Marriage rate and birth rates <br />Environmental and health standards <br /> <br />Mortality rates decreased.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>God blesses God honoring nations!</strong></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">In Revelations 3, God’s Word refers to this time period as “The Church of Philadelphia.”  The church of Philadelphia was the church of opportunity and took place in the 18th - 19th centuries.  <br /> <br /><font color="#ff0000">“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;  These things saith he that is holy…I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”</font>  Rev. 3: 7-8</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The popular Queen Victoria recognized the source of her success.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">A visiting African chief once asked her the secret to England’s greatness.   <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU_JHj9UUW9SrxqgD5ujbPZ6-Gej-oDQ9XNRO0o8mYxJ3G8jUW_VXNBn0R444UXt5cAwqFij07irDE6yjDMu7XREeQ-yXXbtX7_8T2LB3L_TqzgHX8UdKflrFbjYGBx1IOqfVpzyd7kQ/s1600-h/Queen%252520Victoria%252520presenting%252520Bible%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="NPG 4969; 'The Secret of England's Greatness' (Queen Victoria presenting a Bible in the Audience Chamber at Windsor)" border="0" alt="NPG 4969; 'The Secret of England's Greatness' (Queen Victoria presenting a Bible in the Audience Chamber at Windsor)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxdzSEGUvUwRXNrAo5BsHgE8zAZ1ba98vMJoXlLAfzawCW5AZcpFo3f2JrjI8etvj2GKEZX9SMkaCyo7_9Ngw5WyPGb8HczpujOhtkIC3edmqFvo85_VJ2PjTdBdSQZTE5QCH8MgsXkw/?imgmax=800" width="612" height="480" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Oh, she could have taken him to see the great wealth and gleaming jewels, the brilliant orators in Parliament…  But she didn’t.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">But what she did do is why I am her fan.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>She presented him with a Bible, explaining to him that God’s Word is the secret of England’s greatness.</strong>  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font color="#ff0000">“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience…”</font>  Rev. 3:10</font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Queen Victoria represented and characterized the mindset of the middleclass 19th century English.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>In general, they were a God honoring society, God’s Word was of the utmost importance to them, and they took a stand when the Bible was attacked.  They were virtuous, loved morality, and they understood the importance of setting a good example.  </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">It’s my prayer that we do the same.  </font></font></p> <p><sup></sup><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font color="#ff0000">“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”</font>  2 Chronicles 7:14</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Blessings, my friend.  I hope that you are enjoying these first bits of summer!    </font> <br /> <br /></font></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OifWxE3CulWxAwtvOKxPTd7MR5LfmOE9CabwVyW6q8iGvbynXeRKByqqKHuWWXvxinnA-djFRexz7mLqdW6g7iTy3enJxEi6p_c6xRifO5IdYS2JnwbRIWqdUwjFcP4mgwgcz5LnyCc/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KrxjPq3Jw1n7eGmuAd_T4bHxVArsrT82kMh8eC_BWaYvxZIaeOdVU64kpyRlLrn5_5RgcQXKD4lWzvv_sdPZFM2IwtnB5UY4Dc68-sMqW21z8VOA5o7kGhJ2gHEategrxXtZVNBrcJ8/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-4955212679890593292014-04-14T10:34:00.001-05:002014-04-14T10:37:37.220-05:00Spring Ramblings…and Explosions…<p> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Is it just me, or does it seem as if we all only recently took down our Christmas trees, and here it is already April! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LscL-s5Z7XreFeBQn9L-4aUlvSNq_5yRXrWzZw417Z1luQV6Evny7Y6PT0v8jSoqTqkgmnuauPPKypFf1KSv3GWHkbpHK9W1L9EUwoJR8F2tV_AIDI2akcxcu2Ny7AOxOHNsy624A7Q/s1600-h/April-201410.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="April 2014" border="0" alt="April 2014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyRkCK7QNZo7RCcLH-Y5ytYnVbi-2iNUckEtzd_zEEbqR0LlXyDNtJxhOHe1U7mxZZ_77RnZsI_hl0eRwvlVNX3I3SWzwvcfQMaE4KiKbTvXmZqrcvQUNRZmxL7HOSq5N32QKComnX7I/?imgmax=800" width="327" height="489" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Time is flying by, yet plenty is happening.  Warm days and cold, bright days and stormy…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">My dear Uncle from my mom’s side died unexpectedly.  It’s still kind of hard to believe.  He died on the exact day of my grandmother’s death (his mother) 16 years before, which was really something.  We will miss him, terribly so, but we can also rejoice because not only has he gone to be with the Lord, and his mom and dad, but also his much loved son that lived only 20 years.  You might recall mention of them in my post “<a href="http://sweetteaandsimplicity.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-cousin-had-pet-alligator.html" target="_blank">My Cousin had a Pet Alligator</a>.”  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">On a more cheery note, a dear friend gave birth to a sweet baby girl.  Several households of us sat up all night waiting with anticipation.  Grandmamma and Auntie kept us all informed with text and Instagram.  My oldest daughter was in another household a couple of hundred miles away, yet we all still got to share the excitement.  Oh how we breathed a sigh of relief when we got word that Mom and Baby were safe.  She is such a little doll and bringing much joy! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhidzUuHmQ93uO7ubI4blhhlweZm6rBipnwYk_H5Z3cTGi6Sx8XlnUsfwq2j4bwyDy0qeYYiLIFxN9-0ZstQMeycT55adLqjTMV8wT03bYXGXcF3fxmY1FyI_LXSvlopFTIKdv3IihKw/s1600-h/IMG_0487226.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0487" border="0" alt="IMG_0487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZj7DXBwv7fOt-ZApjV9gvTnRW8vNdfebvXGCseOqDMf90GvQYyvQbXl1UnemposupuoUYd7Quyh0k-fN7JyICrDdVjdZ1m4l3UlNG1fiHjRe6PpnDoJl9VauYD0sFnSDiBX674e-2qjg/?imgmax=800" width="580" height="435" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Another <a href="http://samsmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">dear friend</a> got a big surprise with the discovery of their fourth little one on the way.  I believe God loves to give His children surprises, just like we love to surprise our children with special gifts! </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This is a birthday season for us, so there has been lots of surprises and gifts in the works around our household.  I’ve also found some great little surprises at thrift stores recently.  This vintage Betty Crocker Cook Book was one such treasure that I couldn’t pass up.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_V1zx09kdBmQJLJgcnd3igKey67IP2RW5uBgLKCgUwRtarERGmnzE73wbYjKL-UqZk8NDVWddPOHZhjPn3h9K4vi80hOkEbxomriFQlPsKhZbGXQ-DA6g-FVhjEDbxjyASxTdqcWxQk/s1600-h/Vintage-Betty-Crocker-Cookbook4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0FlNj-OazQTPEWAgDWsoYUNM8zIpgdnwQcq90uL6-6dbNp7M5VtO-dv7tXUSYFG4fvCo_0PTA6B6cp1KlNyQXXiytpk4PFVUJ06KQI-Qg8g4kHInRSWsMU8jVRUsnHWr19No6AJlvg0/s1600-h/Vintage-Betty-Crocker-Cookbook24.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Vintage Betty Crocker Cookbook" border="0" alt="Vintage Betty Crocker Cookbook" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiblTxcsC9KuUW9JU_Ga9VeoGWhbfFP-Y-dNiYsj6kjkpkq4xQATPi7zwNITFiJNjMPtORCy-7QJb7E635ahbqRtq8DiUKOd2eiY7YUY4StTNT1XOuhW8RjcPhhB9OEDuRXfuTuv5t7M/?imgmax=800" width="328" height="490" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And also, for my youngest daughter’s hope chest, 36 cups and 36 saucers featuring delicate little roses in her favorite shade, violet, were a fun find.  All for only $20!  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2fNhkxjGIpUJ0RAa6b_HZ_n4VY8l7VcH67ZoT-_t37LxMJziFLB8J1nb6hUeYnUfYwxdyUKZtD3oP8ZV_QBMjy6jOub1tIi2rWK_LcL7DIHxkPGDtCkyur_cpzuC7xV5D15yv25m6J8/s1600-h/DSC_6513teapot9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_6513teapot" border="0" alt="DSC_6513teapot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeXieLuGGd1EX9q2ZXv2DZ44P6HqNzQcp19LVJ_Lh27KwosnOHYnguHJo0VJQx-j_iNVCOMP8wSnlfAzgjQhi6O9ZqEdGzZ8dvkRHFaJV5F0z5GOAtQjJ79phPB8J2cM6nt6Lvh0n5LA/?imgmax=800" width="339" height="480" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Children do grow up so fast.  Since she turned 16, she got to try her hand at driving…DRIVING…MY BABY!!!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JNqfRs66pFPC6sAiwFImVAxCUgHGZtAq-CVD1P1nrTWGWcNZLha8K8F_uKLBdOHXEyxxCFKwlFdYYcqoobLODb4gWczAjWDxA5Xbxvv_EJLvm2kGruHEG4lOCiZqe7GmHXttb-Nugxg/s1600-h/IMG_07404.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRx_cleAaDrgyhYkmw7oXzR2C2jR57-RLoQjkUaEpdBwcRgLPgmT5xmy_GqgCaEp-XXFzAaU0wmnFc9DblTnzYXimYi07FSXizufRwgL4vwaohyphenhyphen80FHzwsXFFUVOR9JNIP4t-sIPgdwg/s1600-h/IMG_074019.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0740" border="0" alt="IMG_0740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD4utXr7pOzR0-PMH4jePdANuuDbu1LnvGhVvp1iIoFpYoXJuUF30F5eWLEm5PPNBiOUT0IndDg6cgKyQszq8EFZqowK3zDe5R8_BMbZSj8m0Pi9nb76vZhI7uFMMDVE3GWfXB4Yzpak/?imgmax=800" width="368" height="490" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Have I mentioned that I’m not READY!? </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We all got a little surprise while we celebrated her birthday when the candles on her ice cream cake were lit.  <strike>We</strike> I didn’t pay attention to the packaging, so…    </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZXpPJNSRAvGZ0DsZg5t25R8WEj5Dts9ecMlF3kjP77BXC9YOr3uXL9LhmTFRxw9rWhWbfhMJMwucaST8YKyY6RY7NBT6A7xGzLCcyGw63HUwWuwYmDo6oQaLbCzqu5oqXqJGeuds7KA/s1600-h/IMG_20140317_1515255.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20140317_151525" border="0" alt="IMG_20140317_151525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95lal-gHv9qf27pxjcj-abshvSMzT-7qdOyJfA96xrsig0nsjnNyvBj7JdWc4zHAhskT_7rsWQ1Z9WIJZPyn4h7rF01VwPxWKuOKE_ecq1oWoqxXPdgg5lp5SZ0F1wRKakElpTeAYvGM/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="320" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It went like this:</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">“Uh Mom, why are my candles sparking.”  <br /> <br />“Oh, it’ll be fine.  Look at me,” I casually said as I snapped pics.  <br /> <br />More sparks…then lots more…as if she had sparklers on her cake… <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Wait, what?… <br /> <br />Blow…<font size="4">blow</font>….<font size="5">BLOW</font>… by several of us without success as another grabbed for candle packaging and read… <br /> <br />The packaging may as well have said FOOLED YOU!  But it didn’t exactly.  Only it was clearly labeled “trick candles,” which I failed to notice, AND, in addition it said “no more than 10 candles per cake…”  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">She had sixteen, being that it was her 16th birthday and all… WHOOPS! <br /> <br />Hubby grabs them ONE at a time and runs to the kitchen sink…with HOT fingers, I might add. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">You can imagine how quickly he was moving, but to the rest of us it seemed as if he were in slow motion while her cake flamed and sputtered.  O</font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">ne at a time wasn’t getting it, since the sink wasn’t right next to the cake.  But none of the rest of us had the courage to grab them so we just all stood and WATCHED…  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Leave it to me to nearly catch the house on fire on a very special birthday…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">But not all was lost…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUHRsGJVSUqG6qamNtAtvzciJNhrvYXcyyFrZ5AtCcvY5ZX8Rjx3OXiTNWN1pPtFLFL7LT09CYJLKxqrMBltVW84GS5uhn2-TFPx7b0PmwBM1tHfhVTWMIFbU8b44SOdNaOjexKj9sho/s1600-h/IMG_05364.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-GSt5DqEiBzTSgRdsU1ZPQx3cNJuKFhM4kWZfhomp9R3QCx2YEC5952A6o7oqA8fmurlLXdmhYFR7ybMeaK7y50NcEV4e-C9T88-GwzdMC95dFAuvLdzptHKc9pITkVLzbB7xLN7x9U/s1600-h/IMG_053620.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0536" border="0" alt="IMG_0536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZcmx6tWKrpxLhqrwo9hRa2XnK53fqY2rfbZLYv6pNleVcNdSiL6E3BqPzL9Wh3KUneFz-QyocqFMHAYgLpVvFHyGnv0YuCzssL7ZvvZLErqL9Q7VyDmZy6p7zG7DpkglFFf_G66_KHA/?imgmax=800" width="327" height="490" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And the icing on the cake - well not the fire hazard ice cream cake (good thing she had two cakes this year and believe me, no trick candles on the second one!) - was that with her birthday money and a significant amount of work saving up, she finally got to buy her much anticipated laptop.  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">My diligent girl is good at saving.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And she can cypher too!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy98BWrkVn7NXGV2wyLvW-3cpBMBj2Rl7Ed5wod6v3deZj4xf9MRLSIkpWfhZpEePncxgNDPpHJEDRKVxwsG1L8-5d4Zt-V7BX-D_jE8dGC9-LBlHT_HAxv7rjbA0pfidtd42vpdzw0M/s1600-h/IMG_20140123_1459414.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20140123_145941" border="0" alt="IMG_20140123_145941" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0AsKWxqbBNt5A90-VtxBrH4ReqiXZX9NuVLsybzwGLTm4rTj0A0EO2kBzX_O77t5icVMqunfFNtDTAppZe-rRJeOBNy9_WyhyXGGGAPOtZwkNJ_dIVXhbHCC6Ht3WSOv1rnuf9Gc26U/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And much to my delight she has already finished up her physics book for the school year.  At this rate, she will get to enjoy a good amount of time off for summer break.  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Although her pencils usually need sharpening, and last week her history textbook seemed to have dropped off the planet, I have not one doubt that she will still get the job done.  My little history buff, she is!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">She got a chance to attend a Civil War reenactment several weeks ago which she always loves.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvi9-lMCMJMDrdWPqg_RskM5nVMY6khstjcJlG6vKUXO7YrJ46ulfQ2nAbHF4sQXpeStzoE6pyAmNXGaS4Wn2wG-45YUnqMn3YarHajMFBSulUEgcf5auL2KSrq_Us6fNnbgsDca9MIc/s1600-h/American-Civil-War-Reenactment21.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="American Civil War Reenactment" border="0" alt="American Civil War Reenactment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXrG9M9d9N3jq1eT38HTj6YhD8dh1wooW199yhtzqDxuRtdIkEPK9Zl0XiYJIiwkyl7DKdPvut-LwHAQ8A0PZG5FnP_TOseiJDL82IIwpahWrHuie-TLqepYPop92qdQu5wEOxmEU7JI/?imgmax=800" width="615" height="425" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">And if you ask me, she was the bell of the ball at the reenactment ball, in spite of our last minute attempt to throw together an 1860’s costume with no plan whatsoever…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The cannons at the reenactment weren’t the only explosions happening. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCjj2uryv-u8gibLvO81O2rVh2Z8NT6Jiv8gNAT9Aie26wAMtJqF2l3Uy9fxLf7MQ6SfTudCXlbJMhscMv0soeL9Ozs2QFfY65qYwBulfNIQrE4kMYqDnVl_6qOv7S8o7aAXW1-I-Ka0/s1600-h/sunflare%252520in%252520window.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sunflare in window" border="0" alt="sunflare in window" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzBsWvXfDMHkzLEvbrO-qCWolW84ajlqH1VmSMdmuzU3gHMdKlyiZLIRIKNaZfFcarZDXsPWTL-XNLKRA8CTN9qlMXMwCPCubSnCQ93acdkZLIBOmligZJCqPzHGTlpoDLeIRUjY6Kic/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">No cannon balls came flying through the windows, and</font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> nope, not from the trick candles; <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQh91P1iMRjvXkgvEXYpfRwPlehSlfAHZ1sq8Ttbx7g_ZQq6T1NKcxr_To6E5HyMEIJ25rVSgiadwE8__WAl6NlXWrZ7HvlRc8igr7aWsi-49MrAIaQ-FobSnysJGhTo3toXKhojJCSM/?imgmax=800" /> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">just the furniture…  Who knew that my baby getting a laptop would somehow cause us to need to rearrange our entire house!  Does that ever happen to you?  I mean one tiny thing leads to another and another…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The desktop computer found a more discreet location in a different room with the arrival of her laptop, </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">which caused the TV to move to a better looking spot in the family room, </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">which caused a few chairs to be relocated, </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">which caused curtains and chairs to clash, </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">which caused… I could go on but I won’t.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Needless to say, after a while, hubby and son looked about like the reenactment guy that is playing dead in my picture above. :)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Well, it’s a wonder that Pinterest hasn’t exploded, with the pinning rampage that I have been on lately (you can find me <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/simplymrssmith/" target="_blank">here</a>)! </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/simplymrssmith/" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pin" border="0" alt="pin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6zcFkYvGIbNXlKzcqV5hEEwKgjYOdoGUhnf9C1z6Pxs-mnxUkfbHB0fYmlkkgVqE7N9TxGB5VnncOssmfVoJYCG2g02wp2_9s8BKoh174BuZSnuxLEzEIJzW0IBXhkG8eIrJSefTAlA/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="391" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">That just about sums up life in the Smith household this spring, I think.  What you been up to? </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpT5dDhjw8fM-4LpVGNdFurzJvE9-qJ_eX-0hd2Il_p5332T2u1CqI9dn3J5WLKNbL_VInxqXVFENY3uURa6aMOQeHQ93YjUXNhNwhQIzhsbpP0E_GsMBVmcBgP93SAz1TOtzGkdv96Y/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdYZaMnfPpyZIkf1WUGuHwvpwDYAW_jNBgXy4ZpLdgn6Rq4F_y64hxE2prLm0WOW71pLwXAGfLALiTO5hXjh_09GWsYtd5r3A55KiBjgUbxRFSxrZeJVNJUCGr2-CzR2y5kvLcVa78tA/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-65334068673007116162014-03-31T14:32:00.001-05:002014-03-31T14:37:58.628-05:00“I’ll Get It!”<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGuYl9ury8dLVyWg3bV6dTK2bowRYpKvK8pqdLrMNENyWbJ63Krlkra0I726hGUFCNs1QeZZ9o4PCJnMz-yiyFVaOkqs9d6twkLam9-5QUUVGUFefuXECmsu7ES3fapDpDJV-zMDCFWI/s1600-h/300px-Ringtone_symbol.svg%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="300px-Ringtone_symbol.svg" border="0" alt="300px-Ringtone_symbol.svg" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaSp6FqdqJZC88IeYN20EWJmOFo1SSZPdvtmwFUwpLt5lRPK2I0zuN7vUBkW3pYY6NdvUzJ0gwwE2tJ7k0Ud33qTjQIQjkB2Y_uYQ7ZG9kHGVGOdEzj34xhek6okcQgTc09o7fhV1tK0/?imgmax=800" width="300" height="227" /></a>Oh all the rings and dings in our lives these days... Sometimes I'm glad for them, and then sometimes, well, not so much. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Last night my daughter's tablet sent her its little "fairy ring," alerting her of something or the other. I watched as she responded to it quicker than her knee jumps when the doctor checks her reflexes. But, she was eating her supper.  A casual one, with us all gathered around the TV eating various pickins' from the kitchen, hers being her favorite frozen pizza.</font></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></b></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This brief observation of her automatic response got me thinking how all the alert sounds of our gadgets have trained us so well to respond swiftly. </font></b></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></b></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Would that describe how we respond to God when we "hear" His prompts in our hearts?</font></b></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">With further observation, I saw her extinguish her automatic response, because she was enjoying that pizza that was cooked to a crisp, just how she likes it.</font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMqIqGjj79ZfCiV3HlAQh5b7vM6izwJjTEjkJBLkvb75gaZUasd1kgqfoDDao3lH9RoiqKq2XbxZJ-CgmtZ2KFkp1lqOKt88Z032sBnCVCLeTk425fZktEJ1wZ_B6B4fnSngX7yRq6qk/s1600-h/run%252520to%252520phone%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSdj2iDTZ0Tup3IrKhRwVR3JZG3X1OnyJi3byZWVmA1kHOTI1BG_g8kLcewlK8Kb3RYyum1v3yNb0KwxjkHr0Ss_wA6ntkZrpj4RASGLWdueiL97so2tT_gmOP_dxTL1CdO3oO5FGPKE/s1600-h/run%252520to%252520phone%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 31px 0px 33px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="run to phone" border="0" alt="run to phone" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcfhoRS96WwIorqxPjzeTGTLnUDBZOVvAcX6VExxRd5KIZ2UfqkQVYAwQoRrMNDDDU4zW-Jxi9XJCOuJ1mAhlEjuwxYt1A1uCWerr3kv16USBegHy93X3B-6vSS4MtqtusSEcQ19OwJg/?imgmax=800" width="287" height="296" /></a></font></a><font size="3">Way back when, in my growing up years, if the phone rang, we answered it. Without question. In this day and age of answering machines, voice mail, caller ID, screening calls is definitely an option. If I am in the middle of something, I'm inclined to not so much as check to see who is calling.</font></font></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></b></p> <p><b><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It's now so easy to ignore and screen calls. Do we do the same to the Lord? </font></b></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Like those times when He sends a caution to our hearts to not do a certain thing, but yet our desire to move forward and do it anyway is so strong that we ignore the ring of God's call...</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The next time I get a "God ring," alerting me of something or the other, I hope that I respond as quickly as my daughter initially did to her device. And as we all know, screening His calls is definitely not the best plan! Answering every call. Without question. Now that's the way to go!</font></p> <p><font face="Segoe Print">                                                                  <font size="3">Hugs my friends!</font></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-HQ4_wqGkzZMJAttJcEKRR0HH2srmrRfWWNljFbU0mnszMDp_wmImfg3liEYvJHicdWwsgeuxy7rUCGMnyVQHtJDt9sTHGuKMksvfvnlbULygNAPZit47fxqM_5qX-L6d4J5J5MAdgA/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2mjczgEE1ump_iDDunRiUVJhpRWiHue-a4kqiJyNKnl7s5T54oMsqTN5yREtgFAZ0n8OeXQQ8QKELv9zXbf1NoVUK426O5Nh7-gbiRiMQSDaLMo0u2eTqWzVxfF9cLvS1Gi0bMBYOwg/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-86828913319564314082014-03-03T15:23:00.001-06:002014-03-03T15:23:31.571-06:00When We’re Lacking…<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFehGxnH9PWdffNnKvOx58H0C_CZHFkID7QLaJZRw2-EeBdtC6UdJnD81q7PM6YyqkDdrZA-FQzQ0_cNwIeWo6k1fv-xc53t0ZaKLVPPdtaJm_CJ1pQH8J-vUZfKKfD10zCdFOhYsVDs/s1600-h/Rose2%25255B9%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rose2" border="0" alt="Rose2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO9qYEjhkUW2StAPfY3NbfnGpfD1KwcR2KMM4PNp2F2FgO9KEggN7muEUeWOXyFRHpSP1kUXqQkprpow3MIEdFia8MGllKCqSxntGT5Vh0gAH8tZ10h0QtfR5YwDP02LMn9SPMocES-A/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="202" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">An elated caller’s voice praised God with all her heart as my little sweetie and I zipped down the interstate, heading to a ballet lesson.  The voice on the radio was exuberantly joyful.  What great thing had happened to make her on such a high?  No, she hadn’t come into an unexpected fortune, which you might would have guessed if you had heard her excitement - twenty dollars was what this was all about.  She had been jobless and was finally hired.  But it was a long way from home – one-hundred plus miles away from home.  She had enough gas money to get there, but had to tap into her faith in God to get home.  On her way back, as gas was looking low, she scrambled around in her car, and managed to come up with three dollars and some change.  That amount of gas dwindled quickly.  As she wondered what to do next, she chose to trust God.  With the next stop, she saw a car that said “MERCY” on the license plate.  Humbly, and a bit embarrassed, she knocked on their window, briefly explaining that she was trying to get home and if they could just perhaps give her five dollars, she might could make it.  “Will this help?” the driver asked as she was handed a twenty dollar bill.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As I listened to her account, and heard the sheer euphoria in her voice as she told her story, I marveled at her thrill over that amount of money.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I thought about one conversation of many that I had just had the day previously as someone I am close to fretted over the possibility of their finances dwindling.  Understandably so.  They are faced with some difficult decisions that may have a big impact on their financial future.  Investments, real-estate…were all part of the conversation.  A bounty really, when measured by this radio caller’s situation, was causing so much anxiety.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This voice on the radio knew something that perhaps many miss.  She knew that she could trust God.  She could trust Him with her present, which was getting to work, and she knew that she could trust Him with her future, which was getting back home.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> I’ve seen it so often in my lifetime:</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font size="4"><strong> Having little can actually create a spiritual richness that few experience.</strong></font> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Whether it is in finances, or health, or relationships…whatever I may be blessed with or lacking in, I hope that I remember this radio caller - her joy, her faith, her trust, her humility, her hope, her gratefulness for what the Lord blessed her with.  </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Segoe Print"><strong>And most of all, I hope that I remember that the greater blessing may be in the lacking…</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Hugs, my friends.  If you haven’t heard much from me lately, it is because I’m having some computer trouble and don’t much like to type on my tablet or borrow my kids computers… :) <br /> <br /></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v3ijKtPncshMOfnN2-MnHLCt6-eCNTSPN_osAU3fM0cLM0srwGxi2hEnVBL5G1pPHCwApr-5oc0BeQEGY8q3C5VkYM4ItbuNe2ZIKOeTuDn9u0FYbP_C4xbOeT6xU4bYWRWrHq8EHWI/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5-zz6dQtVZVBcs6exBZe-ZcjqKQUVkpzQeof1NbfaVGsQ00OQdjRR4NQmaH7Cbw331_rYuMBrx35QU_UucRA5AvacB9v_rft3ZUMY8Mv5cGxbo5iymH9qmYWR9lOVGZRQGdI5MSc1nY/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-70713665857515742592014-02-03T12:47:00.001-06:002014-02-04T21:18:31.888-06:00February’s Focus<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KpDbzGIqxvzsy3Wwbnf9Q9W-gA21F0Li4ohqDBvytAXAKiy0l0EBUzBvL9VVCr-zaFwQEk8wKyokHLmcUzR2PbDrXlUhTRlwMVNWazfSv3Wlvg_7Mkqvtf-oxDnliZR-83XtsOpu9B0/s1600-h/vintage-victorian-valentine%25255B220%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 74px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vintage-victorian-valentine" border="0" alt="vintage-victorian-valentine" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1gtZomFwnAxMbCjVmPt6p13AkCpkkz3PUCs2S9drFqGKKx8TSYlZZUy-YE0dsHYlMGOgIHiENbxH7TFhjh20TV4Iio_AxU3UEnr0AZlwRXTLgDSSxo_x1xndGAoxI7VU36EYwIdnefo/?imgmax=800" width="299" height="361" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Frigid, single digit temperatures have been in our seven day forecast here and there lately, and right in the same week it is not unusual to see sixty and seventy degree weather.  Southern Februarys are notorious for this.  I’m sure you folks can relate, southerners or not.    </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The inconsistency of Fickle February isn’t what we think about the most this month though; we’re more focused on love with Valentine’s Day on the horizon.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Both the erratic weather and Valentine’s Day have set my mind thinking about and evaluating the love that I have for the Lord.  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Is it warm?  Cold?  Lukewarm (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:16&version=KJV" target="_blank">see Rev. 3:16</a>)?  Inconsistent and all three? </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Consider Romans 8:28 - “And we know that all things work together for good <strong>to them that love God</strong>.”  Our minds tend to stop with the word “good” in this verse, and not notice that it applies only to those that love God.  Are we one of “them”? </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Jesus gives us three simple words that will help us evaluate how we’re doing with loving Him in John 14:15 when He says “If ye love me, </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><strong>keep my commandments.”</strong>  In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+14&version=KJV" target="_blank">John 14</a>, Jesus tell us three times that love is equivalent to obedience. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Jesus not only gives us those three words, but He instructs us to love God in three ways:  <font size="3" face="Segoe Print">with <strong>all our heart</strong> (our emotions), and with <strong>all our soul</strong> (the center of our personality), and with <strong>all our mind </strong>(our thoughts) ( <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+22%3A37&version=KJV" target="_blank">see Matt 22:37</a>).  A similar verse is in Deut. 6:5 – “<sup></sup>And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with <strong>all thy might</strong> (all that is in us).</font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=KJV" target="_blank">John 21</a>, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times.  How would you and I respond to our Savior’s question?</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj897VvWGtuviHQsX7W_EZuShQbthNxbWwVkBJmRyz5wd6PvrGYWBl6bsm4W-C7WGgBhwHp5l0XvBn6RKXVQ5YACewKV_ZdKTmilTbtu7yFDdFA_2ZPPoQ3XyCM409jIJsXBYiRD7M9Eck/s1600-h/Signature%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSAvWsJyRp33ddE4ImD1YnceBt2_eOFAXHwEwF6vdEkQ-OLBsSXWseEVbu64aj_LkhjmAodr9jvJw-n0w3p7opQbQJtLsv6KTfm6OJ51Jo4RWcAVcUkKrd3XjoKKQ7a5Rl0tZqt08tNs/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovTxa8fD9Td2UqA0Ndrv9wBSucUeCp1e90xeJkI5dtromBz4rMAO9iDxCe7w9fSzK_9lyeTj1fSCBva6FyUsGBfla1ENXEVfrhsLsPOUQUA4j0rfBANZ4OCNwYhBNvmtFNDYqBeD4YpE/s1600-h/hearts-line%252520page%252520divider%25255B215%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hearts-line page divider" border="0" alt="hearts-line page divider" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n6GoRfpZa7ERVxyfEUgXitRgF3L1Bf_e0bPDge5aDYYMH71LEpTbjghIjoRRHIuMSiblvadZ9VH7oPzIDGCd6-nRuonhUNzxXeI88w29pJqyKgbWqF8oQDg9zXhzW1TnyESAWNnbuIw/?imgmax=800" width="428" height="68" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-82712915720373441382014-01-27T12:15:00.001-06:002014-01-27T12:18:28.301-06:00A Family Fun App<p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Hey dear friends,</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Just in case you haven’t played it, I wanted to share with you an app that is so much fun!  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Everyone in our household, from 15 to 50 (plus a little more!) has gotten addicted to playing this fast-paced word search game called <font size="4">Scramble with Friends</font> by Zynga.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We play with each other on our various tablets and it has started numerous impromptu family game nights.</font>  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg-atS57_dE0H_pfuuJMevhOni8uqE6Bewcw3L2cK9zD7toOP6vA88sNMQx4k3FW6exo24H_Eoi1LH0oMSjOl-qoN6brq6gj8HvVSUDgWzZqtdU-ylcdGYy8h4Ef2RW1p0Nyi0iJbtXU/s1600-h/DSC_504011.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5040" border="0" alt="DSC_5040" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbW7F46NTCUYxPRr5TVkVKBA3DA5FEf7gwE-fLXuiIxF9575ze5iUosUAbtph1i5vYp-K-kJ58CYE_DG9aKVCkwzvI4HhcTqV34T02D850-jaI1qu4QfK6qaVuQNpShnmuOFuvgSL-4uA/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="484" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQDz-xmKI045ufGaxSfbICg0PW2l0yqlA4J0gjgMs1zzt950vqelmBK10BRplX4Ouf-WLHTtnKdOxdcLE8GHFvpwHeCj1KGOtN85uSbz-3_wnxiN0fsYkUe9gVJ5bOSBMw2h7dAp0mtQ/s1600-h/DSC_504124.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5041" border="0" alt="DSC_5041" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9swXfmOjO1Jn4Z0QJPMwf2HgNwvIBCgh0sJduw4rAEBrXlv6Fs0NlNbCLhQL5vZGgU-0MITW6KarE7yLeBQ0HeTaC5rvF6-OWYTbGfnO-kNuONZgaX8Fj1M2JHMnLtPQ5UokMFE-Rtr0/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="484" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ke878Y1UWG2GF20uXT9JAY7dLy2AczYzQLEI7FBB6Oyl6vHNlg5Y1F5I4Sibsa2YcONxmherbTzdpY3Sb30ZlWUuqv8k_zpiUqml83Z8RRDhTPt38eEM1ghV2zzMxYdH0TZ42Bsq0yA/s1600-h/DSC_504217.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5042" border="0" alt="DSC_5042" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbquU-l151c56P9uOoijcXUAtEcTzTn-4jtuo83MUgbmlZmrN1AhWsNalVnsGoHXH4kEcimxQLWBDhyphenhyphenRUoIJAafhunblw0ELZMZmN3dXbn4Wkhek7f4GaKQLs0FXAjTR1E77b_9pXC1I/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="484" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12kvlcfKrLefgM7nk_LKH22r1WopSWeaf0ssy-gXjRD4R9shTbFXyB4osRPnv7yJIdVuI6yYZnPoyxL4hAtpKbGJeS6lpo96awQ19W4djXCmRPYrM0eLXddWi1ZoB7QEviYhrN9L-LAc/s1600-h/DSC_504322.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_5043" border="0" alt="DSC_5043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0L3HAFv3OQVXGQ5P2v6wRKLHVedlrwPUZVSxAV_ROoHdHM8kSORAmDUq9mfHw39t3AvilofI9Pr-bTlZxW8eIRM5hA5YfoC1cV2kUo5MW5J13r3M8uSx9HgNc5Yqwpidjnxqn4qAKWI/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="484" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Each turn is 2 minutes long.  You make as many words as you can on a 4x4 grid by sliding your finger across the letters.  You can go any direction, as long as the letters connect.   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This game is so much fun and it’s <strong>FREE</strong>!  I got it from Amazon, but it is available other places too. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Have a great week, dear friends, and stay warm!  Looks like many of us are going to freeze!  But the good news is, spring will be here before we know it! </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9OEZ_eX76aMudNZs41qwlbjY6vYEm55ETPemliE0yR50_DO1hzC0tl_W2xmGHG4iBxNgDWQzVWZZa6aTcNFs45b2EhaHoVcS3zWMFuUtN4RMAHsBfzNC7dyO-Yp2iPotd5yWII4v4oc/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKc2TV1GvWT1caunC6Zzo0H3GP5qxQZnHI-2ro2-TjQQLki5GqeozX_4GoN4F5KuCztDp0m9O2TtXxzeIQVF7GHXsyn9Z5MUZb9BAKONMqx48m_DQMuOaeMNdT9OtppQ_mMK_xt5KifM/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-41950172793342400962014-01-22T11:02:00.001-06:002014-01-22T11:02:49.539-06:00Poodles in Wonderland<font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <p> <br />I’ve been wanting to tell you about a project, and just in case you thought that I might have dropped off of the planet, I thought today might be a good day to post! </p> </font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ7TYDZcr4Bofi9zNooL2ucHpklvGr8iYC2ptabEDVx-PXFeVAOHWxN6fZeVT88pTxWPnbFsMfV5BARsleChaTHyFoukislaYCnQWEEzsWSALvy-DD44fGXH2_X3JM4PXnKtaJpIKhZg/s1600-h/poodle-embroidery-project14.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNQsZqFg4yFy-ZiWmGvvNKnGXlq2YQsJXzageREUOQ9Eo1I0JvajlUCMKZrcTQVeCwf79QjDh9efNTL2-TBV2tKdljdLWb8yhTUD3WwhhFomQZSoiG7V3lOL7UTX59ooS8AD1m2Ioc1A/s1600-h/poodle-embroidery-project16.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="poodle embroidery project" border="0" alt="poodle embroidery project" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-k_BVDRlUOIUBECXAjFvYozinNRL5RhyphenhyphenVyo6sIoNPG1KoOuun01m0-1HKfLLdAWoL4FMWDnKHKwX8tTfADjEuANLXLqlfPEioPtwKmS6gyvMg5GXH6aVZy9Ln3b1gUYMkuC3o2kJYaU/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This embroidery project was inspired by my daughter’s darling little gray poodle that LOVES cookies better than any critter that I have ever seen! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd1l_v8HHuPexAufMORkZehbkIwGRkgAF5KmGAV4AKj88sdZailxBeP0ouRGUtc3mUvKU4zPSqD7SkzTbhI9fRZyj9Z97_WPMk-yWlVlKsWy1G76h7hirLA9c0mhjNHt3SInsUzGv8LI/s1600-h/DSC_113838.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1138" border="0" alt="DSC_1138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzKJiEr66JO5KIqdIIySCn9StvVq8J-q7JwszdHeB-YcaGkSNibcuiEM6x5Xz8Wi2TcE328jwgQWyYNTUs3phsqxvOPxGecf2_N4MzSXwqIN_6noR3hjG_9K95L5uq5yNyVH3fNmoUp0/?imgmax=800" width="355" height="531" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAz1l1EuS9mundz16kAl2kRBkKC6cMz9ktGRpHoaDR-N_BdYfXYLXnxGIgY_dHQI61pdwa3LKtvPi1sv5vQcRuJbhWovs3VUGz9mQu9m5gW1kZJB4oS2ZzycPzt8Jm2pVcDjQtpdoVww/s1600-h/IMG_20140121_1222464.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20140121_122246" border="0" alt="IMG_20140121_122246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbpeox_MlBYjxxj9uRSHH1-up9LPNQy21VvA4T591rTw9SAVEgIbw3qJcIMmeER9zPJy8N3joO-O55ZNfobfcS32QE2xvsp_hyphenhyphen8P-I15hfZFBqQKRI8dinXK3jzsitwtxZ2RNT31UN4E/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">So when I saw this vintage 1950’s Vogart pattern, I knew it was just the perfect project to make for my gal.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGTBlqxx94Gbx2ZDi3ZjBJ2ACv1YRd4oDca4kN-Zf7oDfz4GsTx823JT6sLkC4vDxpt4AFSaXcsyzifVCwvS42SAXAs4gXGrazAqEKZguw0J1iTztmrAcHCVHndio1RXOPhYlh-GfmnA/s1600-h/Vogart-Poodles-6259.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Vogart Poodles 625" border="0" alt="Vogart Poodles 625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mAnzbKKCvSQ19YFcdwyZKknsMChyphenhyphenqOgOIchNfhbtD96vLI8LokSp3iiqoKT5rlLRB5BFCtoBNc0WNvLqAgR1RM8NJ5PM6S0RrphruOcAHuNybj2-Bo6Gve3YAohZWDY4-JHTgZsyoVM/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It stitched up so easy and was a lot of fun.  The hardest part was choosing floss colors!  Stitching it went quickly and I was able to surprise her, giving it as a little Christmas gift.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AVbvrTOxpvviG3-opKSSYNPDoMrtX2vp8PkLex8cOTZVX6dNCjusrJpIdtyEMShmcdUugkk7pLv8weKuJTvNy2HFRm2m87hDvYinLFj_GqiUMq4BpVcuH5LiUN8HLhpQZV2apYKs0YA/s1600-h/embroidery-poodle4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="embroidery poodle" border="0" alt="embroidery poodle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJsKYr_ptiqX_s_Pz6l-PLUi3mVZ7yb-pHehBNX4Joea9ckohmTsl1vIjEIgJO57Xn_9k6mZjXbkc4Z_aqToHyQUUZGGXNW5j8k4M__shIiIlSNaBXZgwBTmxycsEqX0Dk3EZrzEflqo/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It was so hard to get myself to actually cut the vintage pattern that was still in mint condition, and even though I mustered up the courage, turns out that it wouldn’t iron on well due to its age.  So, I ended up tracing it.  NEXT time, I’ll know better, and not cut! :)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It framed nicely in an 8 x 10 frame, matted with a 5 x 7, although the fit was just a little tighter than I wanted. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Another Christmas gift for her was this 1930’s typewriter!  It wasn’t a surprise, since she spied it at a local antique store before I did, but it was a delightful, unexpected find just the same!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVClRvSJu6UbikZMV5ZolF6iz9b-z5K2cIhxyzWDY2seUvXmIMAyzyqX_dG0Ma3uX3iImD9h5GpjJUITwBTPLMFy5aFEaV04VwUHwZljz89Ao81zgB05fCcuiEFNOJ2dL_8ObDeMxEVE/s1600-h/30s-typewriter4.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="30's typewriter" border="0" alt="30's typewriter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu6eGKgw7vDcgKDdU5LwiDiMSxpnXxHUkyPLfM0NK_8W4GtBBMofsa4P6z1B73_8PImPN_3CkAWz_okmZzdhn3vf_8zjnqzWwALcHNXthlSyQWV9oLxiFHotimTGQhijeC3Lci7GZilI/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We discovered that ribbon is still available for it.  When we get some, she is going to type a few lines of <u>Alice in Wonderland</u> on vintage looking paper to display in the typewriter, because of another recent find.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR8T-e7mGBhwCQVQ8Oq2B_Rvvo_Oph_wvgYvHaa8BH6Yz-QoJg8hbRs1c1eVIgCtb07BTXXX8Bp5YQlzzonEjbcP4cEf_OMC42GgExY40pF5cRUFy6vQ9417J-0Sezz63ueIdRyADiqY/s1600-h/IMG_20140121_1225434.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20140121_122543" border="0" alt="IMG_20140121_122543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg5fKWZI8hl-eypBK6Au2OIysY8blDH-cwvDrPHYlD00r3NUg-3vKV2KDWyVCwRlsgLQGNKx33U6ZxivX17UWkJ-E1xWD2QXbcGnO503yij7s2-4O-2qTY9daBwetiOGFbfcFcOC98e4/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">At a rummage sale one day, I found these collectors plates.  She is such a fan of Carroll’s <u>Alice in Wonderland</u> that I couldn’t pass these up.  I was so happy that it was the full set, and their condition was perfect. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr8sD5b2WdYN_sNlNGmxhn_05rcFq_4X8Ou0nYqSSQdYKOOAkgnffL06s_i-24PYZwsRDQHPPClDVEDxpMSk7BPfEYmDjjv7YL7zOYXGYSoaDMAXHGGQeBlmHmY1wdkXYSWX0PNt9Tk4/s1600-h/IMG_20140121_1544494.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_20140121_154449" border="0" alt="IMG_20140121_154449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nzmIUpSqVcETDvULXLtNn_HcYCL41d7eq-c1gAYsRWemC1AG9SjP4Hgrh0J7kOiLolyxQo-UFDL0xUp5kMrpDreQhKxG5U-bUwMHRS6PHi4xq2Y7aXmI8XWO85Tqu4Wf9jLWQVaATJ4/?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">They’re a little busy, kind of wild and creepy really, but much to my surprise, they looked cute in her room - her sunny, bright room that matches her oh so sunny disposition!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It’s a crisp, sunny day here and we’re recovering from the flu.  It has taken forever, it seems, to get back on our feet, but I think the worst is behind us.  I hope you all are staying warm and well!  Have a wonderful day, my friends! </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxa7XtxlwRypRLx3wQoGetsw3SiYz-jPdHEnhDh9Iw6dLtOgxTyErQouENO7hhteE2CHYxISI3kgjhy6tiVipNR_gjqxxAtqPi7cyn4ZCg8DRnHomu4DaNgbjdeOzVAJSGzJSHeQyOBQ/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVEE6I4cYlfcRxTn0rFj8BVisA9Z9KYVJ1XKMJNbaCzhcNisFok8ASdEQHljDK4YX5IRCGSKZB3uW6cZjtb3ClS_cVnTh8YMw8UUKhYwFmPTOH566t8KBTUBgGC0SLEoKPHQfPDGHdWA/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-26771251466092857682014-01-06T10:56:00.001-06:002014-01-06T10:56:36.839-06:00The Little Tree<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_m2xc1ERmt4oErYwwHGdfZ9CjxPY76suS-avjBrihyphenhypheng82Cd3k2Fl3FhBajzJ3wwfFo_gGtllWH9zyKHI0BvDamMy8igZOuUY-yHYUxsfZAnBW1oVT8aXdck0e4_8u-XgSnu-Xdb9YUE/s1600-h/christmas_ornament10.png"> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj2TlmwhIpSsvOqCdB2e9j11StcdCVozdgZRiYlcu9ailnVFG9oEHRvZr3VXKRigYqL9UpdHXUNxcGT2vbQ-YDiNBfUS-EAfkoSrPNYptIGUCk8MZLwMww4tnysHiRDV1KF-IghBWuH8/s1600-h/christmas_ornament122.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 51px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas_ornament" border="0" alt="christmas_ornament" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpoX4X_ySTonIm6r6mLOxMAEx8cCyCNqmb1Fdw7QCy-oC5cKHanwPZ87t6RgGx75vFAOlVsLkcxAjKRbA3k3L_jPfz542EjCZwJXcsimn8Xc0JY5u6rMdz0YWGA7WZrKuDeRhAQoIvWk/?imgmax=800" width="128" height="128" /></a></a></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It began with a red Christmas ornament.  A lone little tree sat on the side of a road in Brandon, Mississippi for months, after perhaps falling off of a truck or maybe being dumped out, back sometime in the summer.  The tree died, and had been there long enough that those that passed by regularly didn’t notice it anymore, if they ever did.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Until one day, a shiny red ornament showed up on the crispy, dried branches of the little tree.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The following day, the tree had a new addition; a strand of silver garland glistened in the sunlight as it curved around the branches, making the little tree with a sparse scattering of small brown leaves hard to miss.  Over the days ahead, morning commuters were filled with curiosity and anticipation as to what might adorn the tree next as they journeyed out to their tasks of the day.     </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As darkness shrouded the night sky, bit by bit, evening by evening, town folks quietly added to the now endearing little tree, hoping to be as anonymous as those who had already taken part in embellishing it.  With smiles and laughter, families began to tell each other about the little tree. Who knew that one small action would grow and spread such merriment? </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Before long, the little tree was filled with a colorful array of Christmas ornaments, bright red bows, beaded garland, and a set of solar powered lights.  Packages wrapped in festively printed Christmas paper appeared, each one nestled under the little tree.  Beside the tree, a small American flag brought patriotism to the scene, which to me, in a nutshell, represented what was happening in the Brandon community.    </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This real life story makes me think of another little tree that is told about in one of my favorite childhood tales, as it probably does you. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWXdO53xZib2-JBkXnhmYM11itvV_G57nzBgP0TuS8PFCjY8BpCQtTg9UsLShi_gfoubLmswZGLL4IvldsiV1rQmMCbZJ9JI0cTj2bz_kKYurE6c03SE8XcTIEMng79ndcR8EW0vdnFA/s1600-h/deadtree9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="deadtree" border="0" alt="deadtree" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1UZtrOeXRq_Ohh5I0rPJF7BuGzsGmDSfQrQ0OZHWd990oWMyGJ7BhOLs8wLgRmf8Oo26ZiFPcjiIi0JoMJRxruaB2uxEKwb3TILbWBAkfLv4tm9cU3qZx9pcXkkfr189UMMz1hMF2bA/?imgmax=800" width="170" height="240" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">In light of the new year as I map out hopes and goals, the story of what happened with the little tree also makes me think about how if we each do our part, what a difference it will make.  With busy schedules, we sometimes neglect what is in our hearts to do.  But like the town’s people in Brandon, MS, if each of us do a little something, just think of all the lot of somethings that will happen, and what great things will be accomplished as a result! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcYdniR0tXiDqOwSoN8g8PQd6b9f_eFtRDRhAP2sh_zKMQQWyC7SN4sRmrYvMFX6odp3KO6H-L1z8cW-zzHpdWajyYbWI1IX5EJ410V7vWGkw5XPFtUMuad5-3qO4QC6VgsVEDPWGysc/s1600-h/A-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-image-1167.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-image" border="0" alt="A-Charlie-Brown-Christmas-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiCqWEO5TjVQgcYHqAGdUBy6o6JXJgt9c7w2uxTt-jpzWfzuUCqFObnWk7uV0MuSChz3aUn30C3K4SeGMezLMZqeq7Dp10EKt7BlOPtqJd7cK5lPpeatbasKkSs2uU40uoB3SJfE4JZk/?imgmax=800" width="460" height="345" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I hope that you, dear reader, had a Merry Christmas, and are off to a great start with the New Year.  Hugs to you, and thank you for the time that you have taken to read my posts and visit.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eEFIxPNx6wpHwN5YYo1uvORChGJimQ59fJJokcHrzqMM-I3erNJgnkb_4zGrIVC7RZbrd8HIcTRaOY5MOqsh5EP0ZEI1F1T4sbmEGY4xuTUxQ-T9a29za2_PDVWtAtoA25ifTBuaCX4/s1600-h/Happy-New-Year%25255B152%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Happy-New-Year" border="0" alt="Happy-New-Year" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TcpFLFY2RVY6AbSYassqDnsWsMU1LAegU5qkSJZlNLOK8vgRK6_mOHcPAf6qzupVr95j_Hpr9IhAldFSSDGGt2TtX7rBgZ5Haf4UPNKxUFnGDEr2pfnmfxG9hGpdjbCFNAD65m1W968/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="356" /></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJs32boQ6ZDeol3XDLgCxc3P6ZrF9H1-Y17p9klW4HfoysZCvePOsx-_IDy8r2-BuLM1ywbWhgXzSQgv4olnyU0R58DMQ7cqecgw1cG7l0NoJIveRs9dvO4nERiirk8LmDFlh5UkLIrc/s1600-h/Signature3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7AtZ_kJ_VTi1SAPH_rv_Igkaxs_eQiKLi9FqjNOM8TBhIFoE8ZObs3Vr7ErAVpkzl8LI82mfc5_P8obUPLmV5Erj2XoWY9kHeoGkndbJJDz2gSe09jiI_4XtMnj8ZBgGL93nNPK0MG0/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></font></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-4106862913115680872013-12-23T09:12:00.001-06:002013-12-23T09:16:54.403-06:00Christmas Traditions Trivia Series: Gift Giving<p> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Most of us have been on a quest the past several weeks (or more!) to find the perfect gift to give our family members and our friends. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTGDTW8tfsVTQcJ4_dUAjJBKdhPIswH6m-UtM7v8iuzAFXxAPlOaY52noz06PPB46407HygtyGbabsR5ex3rRVVU7RKE0AdPRHTjzCjDnFlqZsbPqnBgEnfh935-lyl1L_Dz9GNbySFA/s1600-h/image02540.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image025" border="0" alt="image025" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9idm3GWctlUlfsuRqP47FR0NDqk39Akqt6MHjVe4co3j5tzrndu2BqiBqBfCFnLKBKOyeMkkwaZhYAgcdXVu8Nfi5ivvaGZObECeBltm-iRzhmYsmSEcDr09d3hzb3N7q4valaiGAKTg/?imgmax=800" width="315" height="511" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">No doubt about it though, the perfect gift has already been given; </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font color="#ff0000" size="5">Jesus!</font>  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">God Himself gave us the first and best Christmas Present that there could ever be!!  Thus, the tradition of gift giving began. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsCh97cFakhMy2sAYzlvy7rKRH9yKdIswjTkv5GSlA_p0OZ44_IHM8Y8ZH5bDgNSOuzxWi6U5svDW_iRGxhiCBOGvqjISgyO5p3TH7ouMiIKsWziVHX48Xg8UWm4R4DDJIDaUZgu3pHU/s1600-h/vintage_nativity_scene_baby_jesus70.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vintage_nativity_scene_baby_jesus" border="0" alt="vintage_nativity_scene_baby_jesus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgciYBpA-NXRAMvq-ML0kgXD3X_NbX_GNAtXinOb3b_nboAJo4C5sGMuN6mO8XktST15qq5oQ-AewBFQlAduuge8FyduZDj0NJ_g2E6PnyNMujFq_ISqOO4bEuU32ZnZJSihh2Ai2vrw/?imgmax=800" width="319" height="415" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The image of the Wise Men giving gifts to Jesus is associated with Christmas, and we often see Nativity scenes with the shepherds and the Magi peering at Baby Jesus.  The chronology of the events of Jesus’ birth are understandably confusing.  When studied closely, however, evidence points to Jesus being about one or two years old when the Wise Men arrived. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The Bible does not tell us how many of these men followed the miraculous star in the East, which led them to where the Christ Child was, b<font size="3" face="Segoe Print">ut we do know that they brought Baby Jesus three gifts.</font> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_qcxptIrg3wh0tr_fuovSX67_I7h3JZOO4tE7rWJJsDzEqdJ4rwxtuP_3TsZvS2E_kjnc2SYUy3_abGSKV8Xy3trYs-czku88sfq_pWIA1qPeuiq3Q3BMc5STx8o10btJV7hxjCdkUw/s1600-h/The_visit_of_the_wise-men94.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The_visit_of_the_wise-men" border="0" alt="The_visit_of_the_wise-men" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02z5i5oX1uoNS9C4hKY7dVgqp5hwLZJGPAWe7CNxQrxmQ-Z_e7ORIxMHyF71boCIVDUv4Zx5lR6Ut4IbLCtNHObGTWCTCfi3ntDcpq8rEsFbJMptrCZEUyByOMoBrJnRTPEuxSNssXbU/?imgmax=800" width="332" height="399" /></a></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Segoe Print">“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”  Matt. 2:11</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Gold symbolizes  the deity and glory of our Savior.  Frankincense is a fragrance, representing the sinless and perfect life of Jesus.  Myrrh is a bitter herb, signifying the suffering Jesus would endure to pay our sin debt.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">These Magi were divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod.  In spite of how they might have lived before their journey to Jesus, once they experienced Him, their obedience was to God, not Herod.  Isn’t that the way it goes - an encounter with Jesus is always life changing, and route changing too!</font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLE8q5gU_gT6Ez8F8qbJL0YEKORHED_zh5Hvh4911NI4cTt5EdgyK05mDmdY2nMteMNPtOOjnhAGiYyEfXNYEDndoYzfn0KSbOjfTdvhd71thP3llWafhFDtK_gxQrIQeR9QceiS4kis/s1600-h/divider%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="divider" border="0" alt="divider" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG1jgyXlG6TykZmXkaytTADKtqBJf0GTmiLYgJyi9zi3sX1-GgpttRWjCw1HCxLmSUx-P8ugGAvhbn3m8TEgWuenhqAnWUfDcBRszhpLpswarxwIJao-VoXJB3DM4DMsZTBSmzK9EyRI/?imgmax=800" width="240" height="56" /></a>  <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The most common gifts given in times past of celebrating Jesus’ birth were sweet oranges, which were rare treats, or homemade food items, and handmade clothing & crafts.  Stockings that were actually worn were hung on hearths with anticipation of finding treats in them, dating back as early as the fourth century.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oq7FtR2yDJQvm1SxX-ysyxPCRif_CFAeSTnbYOnNWBX0gr9rFdjnkpuMHmxlB6uf8EGrIQ9gfvrcA4xZNkZyehFVYJ_2kqMij9RWHR8lVB5SP7ZO5r6JuPOkhrImVSrK-n1fWgSvUgA/s1600-h/Christmas-Stocking-Vintage-Image4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Stocking Vintage Image" border="0" alt="Christmas Stocking Vintage Image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uv8Fq3Iglr5T1VVKJ_OiuUXEt7dZMvBq51gbyuyXkg4hsyNoOlzs1kT97Vj4Z-8_pAfvFgnhnV3ltXvgbIkmY4e55Z6CoPjNEtSt5d4T6sGbbiVEDzISVhgWc4PAwvQTR5VuzXpWj08/?imgmax=800" width="367" height="480" /></a>  <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we can give back to God by giving to others.  While we hope that our loved ones’ faces light up with joy as they open their presents – presents that we put such thought and effort into - what’s more important is that we do all that we can to help them receive the Greatest Gift of all!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I hope that each of you have a very Merry CHRISTmas!  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">  <br /></font></p> <font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUErW5P24dFtaupGMhbiI5ewJmnj7UqgOuvPe0etiJEK_noOtmHuFXTafoqR5ATZ93Xubnu1_kb_BrDqLG4VVOoLiaJnC7GdMtAeu7JNhTCVtZgIvfFS63n0LfvBUsnsllKwmJj1Oex-4/s1600-h/Signature-red3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature red" border="0" alt="Signature red" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcIbYQ7K7yoa_l0ZpAJd4grESAsdFAGStMGKFVS-S-OS-f-Z93RCao_J9QyAhg3h3uWklt7ltfczoFErqoyQ1tVznXdEZRHNta-5wzLGC_N1UdviAiGbkPHHJ0Y5mzjBAiolRgc19ykI/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFoRa5YRJbS5ptfYGiaNo3LY-QfmxRZWv8WRGHU5ER-DyL1FqiUPbiNptCzpner6FiaRET8XTFbhh4_b6dJg6cMMLO3Z_hppImqAXnA-QVNhUwgclWapKAT8KQjVgfvRL0ag1shhJHdI/s1600-h/nelin1565.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="nelin15" border="0" alt="nelin15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FbeVtxM6s5l8EAC6Nauere38CJm8fNz6TiMF7GV8BAjLR4HtIhUTwZgp-m-xWNmuwptFO-9NGErhydKlF4S0AYb5b1x99BdxipdAgdXyhGDCFf9Z0-BbzJg2i7UCTOb8Yy5mhGAYQLo/?imgmax=800" width="300" height="59" /></a></font> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-82326605968395721142013-12-17T11:46:00.001-06:002013-12-17T11:50:44.945-06:00Christmas Traditions Trivia Series: Christmas Cards<p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <br />Continuing my Christmas Tradition series, today we will look at the history behind Christmas greeting cards.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcQHbLgtS7JJgRK7JJBih3OzeewUMEqiFlHAh-qACm9XRm0P1ayDCJD9FWhInThvdz1JQrrdUZfaEPIzw6Xj9xMXDkSwsXpgFN6P85yAm2PR8ggTy8DtsfthsC6owIOnn5wIKQJ3t5JU/s1600-h/Christmas-Vintage-Ice-Skating5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Vintage Ice Skating" border="0" alt="Christmas Vintage Ice Skating" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aM00tu3QvufggRoO9sMNHPDq8fR3K_yJcTcbQpBlbnqzgxwcfB6pY9kP44z-NTjUfl06xeGq1xEx7QoeWgNBZzrsW-9S_XllgI90nWfI2f69-Ve6VhYk5IxhOpF7Oz7CG9aKJm0hbd4/?imgmax=800" width="315" height="484" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Greeting cards were originally created by the Chinese celebrating the New Year.  In those ancient times, they were sent primarily by the ruling classes.  Later, ancient Egyptians also sent greeting cards.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">A postal service called the Penny Post began in London, England in 1680.  It was affordable enough that ordinary people could send mail within 10 miles of the city.  The Penny Post was highly successful and the idea caught on.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhgxdJtdf5CIDmsyp-lYYa1EmlBB-TUbgrWB8j0e5TNStZvSOCBUAy9KheA8I3Bm4w4p2FWxZNspUc34olGgaqf0RAm0g4i37CF2EVEhWF2lzA7TQd6DcbaZeZsqztv3kqd_PUaRUW4M/s1600-h/OldDesignShop_HorseCarriageChristmas%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OldDesignShop_HorseCarriageChristmasCard" border="0" alt="OldDesignShop_HorseCarriageChristmasCard" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkg-27Fycm8AOVEBtKarjDQWrDU55PCF4m5qA_0dLw9YuQty7_ru3ibw38aeBzul2qVts3C3gYoF8HWH6fYqHBYGc_vhT3DZ8V2lWYSQBqtC3IusSefGSLqWmb25v4gkP_Ol2NtHLV08/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="430" /></a>   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">In the US, Benjamin Franklin initiated the forerunner of the US Postal Service in 1792.  Before long, postal delivery became widespread, making it possible for people to send cards and letters worldwide. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVhGX2wNP1IUazEanlpS5UNWbtiJCIOymsxls7eqrf3t1FlJk4ClMs_5heYDSPrK_SzRIOQlGS_FRS3Fy1ucNJEhGaMFqUqx5cDpZLs-FBmeRPzHlXIWdLeVKvN4s_exIfX8AvKtBljI/s1600-h/1904-postal-angel5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1904 postal angel" border="0" alt="1904 postal angel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP22-Ppmzs-t0JDfMNLLC91VsMGZX6iERJ9GuaRdwNH_mMKEx4xmzG2fNXXS0YhNV_XbJ3bTOxSkd98tzm65xznIAMtSUXDRI-M67akZd_7YKDffsuUKKv98q_mNzvNQ5x-cnoTND2-s/?imgmax=800" width="564" height="362" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">With the postal services in place, the first commercially available Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD39QG7aVmRUlfJyAipkZPgRRiGcXIwDwCOtP642ArAHa_UWDRRcapnLyr-tIoWvi6rWcV0Oms8HceAOog8E2x_yvkhnKqft33sV7p66s0RYnCwMG2T81bQ64wHGuTW2P2iRTLDWc3hk/s1600-h/375px-Henry_Cole_Vanity_Fair_19_Augu%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="375px-Henry_Cole_Vanity_Fair_19_August_1871" border="0" alt="375px-Henry_Cole_Vanity_Fair_19_August_1871" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZq67hcG7XFMXaibZNnraslIuMQh14RttUIAtith-ynEqjz-hnto8VJ5Qt90dUZ-HfGN25dnx76iLptq6_3zTcRXaiV5pi5YGN0S5gTupoAMZjC9WZa6c0ZrazP2GJBmIiYQgdC6PaBr8/?imgmax=800" width="301" height="480" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Cole’s credentials included writing children's books, designing the world’s first stamp, inventing a prize winning teapot, and he was the founder of the Victoria and Albert museum in London.  If you’re not familiar with his name, you may recognize him by his nickname – “Old King Cole,” as he was affectionately called. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The designer of this first American Christmas card was John Callcot Horsley.  Below is what the card looked like, and it was met with a bit of controversy because of the young child sipping wine.   </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI__DjkRpCX7L7SbEVskazpkg8EReozuqYtfgy-VdUXWu-EFEUONi8gD1crtvUCBxbHEX5s5ipPAZnQH3j_Zid7kuhJUhjfozHsGgG_cfO2bSU6YjE4al8O-AuvGTw5M0X7kuPJMp-1I/s1600-h/99943-004-B3D19C4B2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="99943-004-B3D19C4B" border="0" alt="99943-004-B3D19C4B" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAtk_gtOq80nvGenUID-ONnfNIyawT4exWfnva7-GEn7mqxSJSzITJkbY29bs0SVLDA-jF1X7Awuym5o3DUFADAgkY5UAkfzBhyphenhyphenLG6XUlc_rYdntBbBrIhq-Dnv1VE9PBPEG9iApDLjk/?imgmax=800" width="554" height="357" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Printing methods improved, and Louis Prang from Germany became known as “the father of the American Christmas Card” as he began massively producing and selling Christmas greetings in the US in the mid 1870’s.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Christmas greetings became more common by this point, and provided ample opportunity for artists, writers, printers, and engravers.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The following cards are by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Greenaway" target="_blank">Kate Greenaway</a>, a famous children’s book illustrator.  She began her career designing Christmas, New Year, and Valentine cards.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq36O_fBKGKRAer6jVcSr2Zlv9xL2-nYq8UjtxIBG2IsEL7fqMpqjAVkp9mI2n045K5SrirD-4UNKpquV9L1w6HVcpZqO3R9mJ8gLZyboSS3ZohstHLbCcMjzfF98ZrfC2k_TwScHgzM/s1600-h/Kate-Greenaway11.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Where are you going, my pretty maid?" border="0" alt="Where are you going, my pretty maid?" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSca5-lTJ5GSzCqGanUK57QH494fUJQ0WXHViQ_ABtVeWJXr0apLutoN3P213hkeosVpdZapYpEGQl1M2lHszagMIFaeYjIa2bwOsh3pZE3ccUs_6EeQN2l0tAbqCRBqcAoWZNUuJ7H4/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="465" /></a> </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELGLrYfRzsRDukIXqe0d_XzzgoiXRzDt6TotrqVvQBZWtNnA6RR6o5IHvmLpctZ8jq2Piq1capVkvAK5xLNrXWSHrhWDbz8N5D-uH5V2v64A9hbC6THyANjbSdPF2BNzItHo4zYYoaII/s1600-h/Kate-Greenaway-Christmas-Greetings3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Prithee little maiden!" border="0" alt="Prithee little maiden!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg748Mck6haKW5LRN_Hm8cqvMaUU0szNufEKCqSDKohrx0bhIwaZZqOcQckXqpeZQHaZlvxlHkPgqAwqt-0Ldx91PqlqdjmmF132WkPuzADHN2sUGxW6DJd8d0dIkVZxklwwjhGkX00nPM/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="448" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCH1auRQ9ucnLzof1Tcb51nl0FdwMyvSf4Ewz8YWTYeBjut-ArpnnJJTcR00f_FE8Pfk6kW1t41wvet7oPehljeuShMnp139Y3VoncAn59lSI30H-0wIh5QuytM-tVvatYYANB_rgdj4/s1600-h/Kate-Greenaway137.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Home for the Holidays" border="0" alt="Home for the Holidays" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL8W8y4B5eRZyeThALs6JZWTFo8_5MeXlXTzwRInuL_UPPfkGEHc2RaATDlD-2t3FpyKh0XQeax3Yov91J8T1rZbXviEWjDBFNzAEo7H6u7RfKCw0X6lZ_s3l2UPw3Qg8qz_fwBg1BqU/?imgmax=800" width="649" height="514" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0zo670XKePnBJ5U0sNkcmzABeEL1WWtA1WPiWW8rW_a8n0vwJmoSqg444Y6ddWgXW6Fsvu8t6gItmQ5SwDNh_pHAzmptprS4kNqPzgQUWb5-LBLHwWOxdFKEMbKWqYStibBri_7Rl6w/s1600-h/KG6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A Happy Christmas. Victorian greetings card (1881)" border="0" alt="A Happy Christmas. Victorian greetings card (1881)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IazTaQ4Fj27Y6jb0tEcMHN9_kegKoFEmJlxptWXvBXP9JdUkGgMzGHkKF1uqjI2pjfhfUWNh7hYSy0LFnIjuxVZuKlVl_-vhsvdOStx3Dvh6WonmesphhbeeaCTLlliDphllWyzuFQ8/?imgmax=800" width="651" height="403" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Aren’t they sweet!  I love her artwork!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Well,</font> <font size="3" face="Segoe Print">thank you for joining me today as we take a look at the tradition of sending Christmas greetings.  Will you also join me in prayer this week for those that are in need of knowing Jesus as their Savior?  Let’s pray that they will be drawn to Him this Christmas Season, realize their need, and respond to His calling.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtClXes-WNR7M27ATgFFyeRWjWbweXX_ZCXQLshfWCfxBDTpa9NNbnfDxQKl1sbxSscq2-AtZmAUbr23s28o-xxCYSVELhHHF_aGFZ0_ZAEr5WwuOHXe85k_Ts-On240_wCOmIT4u_HZk/s1600-h/Signature-red3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature red" border="0" alt="Signature red" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxQB5fofYrU-_UYOLloSwNDycTuQJAAWPeBgm2lFivfxF8QDnYI5Pi5Pnx5rv31xEPaGyEDTfT3p33zLW8DC8DrUJ82CyCh0NLxq3IEfMTv8UXrBl512qlDb1SppUhEwpV9CebKn5ZVw/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt0FYq4Q9zF3O7Rwi3yTBAHyJ_XyJUPRnKfFDO4HV9M3Cj-qbZy7dYRnZsJanJbSaAMig0zUppDVDJm3MJN2jayA7NgXulbJbWPDfNhqeJ2_kxLgldReRSCP_eUAMZk-CESZVeHXFNmg/s1600-h/border_7958c3.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="border_7958c" border="0" alt="border_7958c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-QgtSIs_HyxvDQF4i5ZF4GIUsutB3kyEcGM_ZsYXjZMo5TgsNOQWD6c5JnZk-_tSKBAqHxTK5fgee9pMCOLAm4uQBYY5mUSIlueTJBVM0Gu0sazIxe8ra4H7vw_d1Y-5-14Q0dgxcmE/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="86" /></a></font></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-79524853796985279202013-12-10T08:36:00.001-06:002013-12-10T08:41:56.003-06:00Christmas Traditions Trivia Series: Christmas Lights<p> <br /><font size="4" face="Old English Text MT">“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM6edrfEmuuX9MkpQZZPAmr3fnCL-MofQf_ErpB24vU_ekqqGczB1YKAmFg6waZIekWFRZhD16am5AQ3GKaY0yXwEkjFsyJWFuhnrj_in-GLpXCvCtDRZmT0LB2AU7BJm25wK3R9uDiM/s1600-h/1940s-Christmas-Nativity5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1940's Christmas Nativity" border="0" alt="1940's Christmas Nativity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Re8-F7KfxZ_ooMX0VnxMqZ6rrzOTTkdvbJgmh8uUqv1tG8ApghObhRoFCg-idtVP5CnLe43KfttlfdC0LgdofOY_-NGbEWNPZg_Ym-FR39uJUySvG-tuh8edGIeE9ggoAQIkC9Qh-w/?imgmax=800" width="608" height="286" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I’m so glad that you joined me for the continuation of my Christmas traditions series.  Today, my post will explore the tradition of Christmas lights.  As I begin, I find myself wondering if perhaps the stable where Baby Jesus was born was softly illuminated by lamplight.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">We couldn’t know about then, but before electricity, once upon a time, as people assembled together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, churches were beautifully illuminated with candlelight and lamps.  I can just imagine the glowing scene on a crisp, wintery night.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapzsSuWUrth_ZBAfvhEEPVjBuxdm4ZfTfEdP64eyM4F8xo1ap7y4BaKjDf-3xgCFiTgVVuHiR_LMoZ95nzwH1F_DDPc6A_O3NxJQTcgskPaoptlvdlFDqaWFWUoHZZJVGqqYY4wjJqJY/s1600-h/bloggif_4cf0c857a9e7b3.gif"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="bloggif_4cf0c857a9e7b" alt="bloggif_4cf0c857a9e7b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYpiC1b2TP-Bomvd3wTxq-slwzQfMZQH5Knz_L7G9_oOsA5Yx3qivImfKAxsBw6a8nBUx2fgt3GLA9RSItZ_CMrD8r6zFAtu4ionahihgJpVJC86Mb96Vp6wSxXjJsrwtHyy59AOEyeI/?imgmax=800" width="314" height="480" /></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">   <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Also, the early Christmas trees were sometimes lit by candlelight.  Melted wax secured the candles to the evergreen branches until candleholders became fashionable in the late 19th century.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibf-JEQpDJMkxwdTdOM7Omn8GxBJh4H9WFAmSKYZiSRqy-T7vxpxrj8rB0kG1fnL_amZScdZXWAHiAiYI1xJm2_ioLZl6D5sacHzlJIs4Ck54ewUDxERi8onIsz25tEWu6_0Lo3Okh7A0/s1600-h/candles-gleaming3.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="candles gleaming" border="0" alt="candles gleaming" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY-Wps8wV7rqIE9Hm2m4iE_ot0VKsFQu7P_lIXNBzqeNIxFRb0zzazF0WCHNR5FZJbbY8J6Mvi49svrbAskeU2-jN5N8OGgZ2qEddJMWT5rq_OsMPvSSD89DSedKUZWuBkzNWnXyYH7U/?imgmax=800" width="264" height="480" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Germany is due the credit for beginning the tradition of lighting Christmas trees in this way.  Queen Victoria helped this idea grow in England and the United States as well, largely as a results of a woodcut picture of her candlelit Christmas tree. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0zy2ZEx0uZCUftg2vaFK71-I44GtWKhNjnN8ZO1rlzOO9I6MWU7uthBxiyTx6ARD_AeNWn_lWRuLOinao3Pm0i3272XiAAC2CafLZedx2p8QecFb47FBTMjWpjjb1D8S_rq1Jn1cIYI/s1600-h/christmas-tree-queen-victoria3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas tree queen victoria" border="0" alt="christmas tree queen victoria" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQVatMShr_qv2bUliR79HiDWnl2uIgLtThxzG55f8jqbJ0rFAz_AiqpMcLhsXOG34QeJdRMgr8MNtB2NDwkEztl4NtSLb03u8y8D586QFmam7Qo9TcZySQ1r-RwwC6sase9i6RjvVEDs/?imgmax=800" width="347" height="480" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">In the 1880’s, Sir Joseph Swan facilitated actors to be dressed in small lights as part of their costumes in an operetta, which inspired the term “fairy lights.”  And soon to follow, Thomas Edison’s work with electrical lighting became directly responsible for the invention of electric Christmas lights. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Edward Johnson, the vice president of the Edison Electric Light Company, had eighty red, white, and blue miniature light bulbs made for his Christmas tree in 1882, which is believed to be the very first electric lights to adorn a Christmas tree. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlNLPM9bSF5TeJF2zfir03wO-lPS0HaOftfDpP8qWUrFHk5hlSMbnUKVrYt3_mkHMn55Y4ORLhcmbR5sgE7D79ADrjIq2mY8XT14HIYzVPxvJGg3c2iAfuwaFwhhtG3wl81rsq73vht4/s1600-h/JohnsonEdward-FirstElectricTree3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="JohnsonEdward-FirstElectricTree" border="0" alt="JohnsonEdward-FirstElectricTree" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BHCkrn_CU5_x7Xp4w8EZvJuyUsJwU9maliXb7SUUki6bAXTy3A2g4kKB4wg7IZsz4s4x8w5nAG4PLW0p24ii5NAbl5hCYL43Pf0ne5pawC6W265qkQiO6HmYUCkiENLt11xJn0CRNd4/?imgmax=800" width="276" height="400" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The first electrically lit Christmas tree at the White House was switched on by President Grover Cleveland during his second term in 1895.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rGaCBjJL4WymvvCt_fslEtaC9VuEjZ7-Y28Vv3dkJJ3-yoywZ7rhkfEr8lZYW6sjgse7meT3261wr_1950mLyC7_FOT2Titrg7bRcFqxW7ZoTlACTWoTEfeVvgm5MEjC_wrNlS4Ngp0/s1600-h/christmastraditions4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmastraditions" border="0" alt="christmastraditions" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe3ZdfuYXwlGXPoyeH6y80KlePAFiW1x2PiY1CqJOSu3moZS_0VbHhxNy43AoMWhsMf2e4oiQx-MKuhBafSIlk8yqWl6C-MRx9CqDppHjJ0JeGB5f2I0kbKU5Cf2l97WrItu91weL4aQ/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="364" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The cost of lighting a Christmas tree in the early 1900’s would be about $300!  It would be another 30 years still until Christmas lights were affordable enough to be sold to the general public.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaLMCedQEm03fjbUq3YRWIa9bqOVPNg83ksi0v0n5uuDFzoKLELPVqtntDpo1wG5Kwd00YzLMmiivmuoAg1wnLcBTNWiusxswIFK5WFHOV17L07GrgGxSR-yTsAV-hMeuVMo9MShJN2E/s1600-h/14--GE_Brochure3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="14 -GE_Brochure" border="0" alt="14 -GE_Brochure" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuqOF0cgzZ2bFvSsCQm-ZGQV6cZQgbWtf9ZeFA2dvOEhKPVJoPaxoIQZhCXQEAN1nFtDNR80hxsluC2KKTzd7QKJxJsTIZlB_0LiNXSrH19xGroaplhT1DW7Lgd0KXJd08kEMytlrM2U/?imgmax=800" width="529" height="299" /></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Oh, the beauty of Christmas!  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">May the beautiful light of Jesus shine brightly in your heart, filling you with joy that is evermore infectious!</font>  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xB9PkYPAwQt4__UWTZGyWxChvQErfVbgifGLNDVLKcYrS16_fptggTxmLaDlxCq4p7cQtpT6ArmQnNLv4rezVTX_NhObYOsPNWfMl7XMdzkR74Ty8UmCIdiRGURYmsb9b15Hd0W8WE4/s1600-h/Signature4.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2s-zV2U63b37psE2VZP4-ZkAM-bkF0ltnJqPBTIq9v2iWqVAFv7y4E5zyWI-AiUNR4yIDyxH_Owrsy8AZkOudGzJKVKKz7lTCOGXmyyTS8Jac9txZZvptE83Gccnhh8h6EQhBmL8BiI/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR98ILZZHX9y0gnkuhpT6o-Jc5lM1IWnrSwxNPzk7FDsfpT3-LvObk10eW_y5UBs5dbMffl-VrfL9X2ob20W6RjHXty6XWyTqc1_jxNjB7B6G9idb_6rlM94_EH_gOlyzgGOZoS2k67U4/s1600-h/JollyHolidayDivider181.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 10px auto 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="JollyHolidayDivider" border="0" alt="JollyHolidayDivider" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgujNmZ6iJ6jtHWV66DDJRPXZlSZ9zWFmOb0CXxWoqx76iRZHhE_r-0mkj9sIoLIsVLKxbnkPCqrHx5BHYOX_LFH-whpiYmiaOyorfYIQau-PIc61A7wQPcBBeQtQsDima4-BZA3dRhS8/?imgmax=800" width="464" height="138" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-48247721143992639172013-12-07T16:52:00.001-06:002013-12-10T09:23:32.926-06:00Liebster Award Fun!<p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Many thanks to Chrissy at Mom Loves Freebie for nominating me for the Liebster Award!</font></p> <p><a href="http://momlovesfreebies.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-first-liebster-award-nomination.html"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="http://momlovesfreebies.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-first-liebster-award-nomination.html" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="momlovesfreebies" border="0" alt="momlovesfreebies" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuZbHyS-uRKz_vVS60F9k_1129cZSIzDHduhBrbcUks-_70WMsnAQ5OKOmOe-oUxiTh3xAow3kNOvX_s4lw4ZA4WeQRFiwFPoEvlKQrLyB_YGXAavasxD2R9Ti4MFakgnz57aP2lKHWY/?imgmax=800" width="160" height="127" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">What fun!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0TpBhKKQdDHSLgXTtakhylkDviFWj0LXnZTGzJORXfYSTqAPPuALYs2VCcDa8-wGfCg9lP4xrFWJRnn8iAKm2YQYz_Gdv51FQr1WeixVD1sLFadCxa4JzHqYhoec-tfuz_Kj_-dP0yo/s1600-h/Liebster-Award%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Liebster-Award" border="0" alt="Liebster-Award" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuVz0uZVEAoE-P0h27msibOZ5E4djLzJ5sL6CrJQ8Z1Cx3Zno0NXmjk_3ZEsUNkywF0eiW3jnYu1OXIgReRusa47T9kJpdh3gCEeVDgwhVZQbtY-05DJaRhpSf2EfhhBlYejurAF3pnc/?imgmax=800" width="180" height="161" /></a></p> <p><u><font color="#008040" size="3">The Rules:</font></u></p> <p><font size="3">1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you. <br />2. Share eleven interesting facts about yourself. <br />3. Answer the eleven questions provided by the blogger who nominated you. <br />4. Come up with eleven questions for your nominees. <br />5. Nominate eleven other bloggers!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWL5PEbb3rXA8ivw_dKuEl9xcYdOUXeq2zZA5WBXrKFGKU8TmC2_dba3-hObAjT15ekUgtlNP5bZSHNrUbGkR6s6wZam2WCM06eup-Wshr6wnCOU2QKHRMKn9V-Sy0tKe7cbAsZk6Tyg0/s1600-h/christmas_dividers20%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas_dividers20[1]" border="0" alt="christmas_dividers20[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNddObzCEkbD8K8BopRSt4khrDDTphsxOXc0bToGATyIXIU9iZjEcv-FMfeStknxq6gzsKiXBQcqeuLd-3CZ4KXUyWmN-z0H89UAaW9SldirCmGrQw0WK3wI4b4u68jAFOkld78oxz8M/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="67" /></a></p> <p><font color="#008040"><u><font size="3">My Eleven Interesting Facts:</font></u> <br /></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">(Ha! I use the term “interesting” rather loosely, but I think that is what I’m supposed to say here!)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">1.  My family stays amused at my delight over little things that aren’t often typically noticed.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">2.  I LOVE pine straw and leaves scattered across lawns far better than manicured landscapes.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">3.  Yesterday was our 28th wedding anniversary.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">4.  I love seniors.  They have so much wisdom to impart.   </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">5.  I’m quiet natured in groups, but I can talk the ears off of a Billy goat when I am comfortable in a one on one situation.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">6.  I don’t exactly have a good singing voice, so I try to keep it as quiet as possible in church, but I love to sing, so that’s difficult!  “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…” it says in Psalm 100.  I think that verse is written to folks like me – joyful “noise” rather than joyful music. :)  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">7.  If you have read my post labeled </font><a href="http://sweetteaandsimplicity.blogspot.com/2013/03/20-random-things-that-you-might-not.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">20 Random Things that You Might Not Know About Me</font></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">, I mentioned that I don’t like using the word “I” so much, so this list is a little challenging for me.  Let’s see, does that count as one?  Just in case not, here’s a short one – I’m excessively cold natured.  I would freeze to death where some of you live!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">8.  I have extremely fond memories of my early years growing up on Lake Conway in Orlando, Florida.  I spent many hours swinging on a homemade swing hanging from a giant tree that overlooked the lake, and had a neighborhood full of children to play with.  Here is a picture of some of those kids:</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mGBxy8yqD0imJj2CEeOoGf6CxmAGwQHv75TxgkxuXTv-w3Vwdg7MgUhBgb1AaCpN9miWgbHLNfSWJiHnPWHLeosk1Tfw4TuLYB0m5LI_AYfQkuKxqgBBQ90yKXt9E3CVl4vBonIpr2Y/s1600-h/December%252520Days%252520in%252520Florida%25255B103%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="December Days in Florida" border="0" alt="December Days in Florida" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhhSMFll0aa2end5CSFYCoQpDNbhrPnjRo_Nd3nrse6BBNeZTZjASZfdz4DUCkJlWoshT9p3fBPlanhDkfqoVCQJ69t3SN3fB82mF5X4t-O40asXrzUjeUcbkNiFSiL40_iy4T2IFPyA/?imgmax=800" width="511" height="373" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">That’s me in the front on your right.  Those were the days!  Such an easier, more innocent time in our nation.  <br /> <br />9.  I have a vivid memory, that goes way back, even to some toddler times.  But yet, I’m a bit scattered.  I find it challenging to keep up with my shoes, rings, and keys, especially.  ;)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">10.  Due to sentimentality, I keep almost everything.  The most treasured item that I have from my childhood, is “Mrs. Mouse,” a little Remco vinyl doll.  My little childhood friend Tracy, which is the one pictured above on the front left with short hair, gave me Mrs. Mouse, in her sweet, loving effort to keep me from crying for my mom when she was going out for the evening.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Mrs. Mouse became my treasured companion.  I kept her with me, all the time, that is, when I could get away with it.  She traveled wherever I traveled, and as quirky as it may seem, ‘til this day you will find her packed in my luggage if we take a trip.  Here, I’ll show you… </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb_1GQMfrgp-51WJpqA-sYTVIKAgerQgUH-4oZhOb1h8CV0Ny14EVDEOPKK6Nrt2Izf7vdPxvFx9vPrbZ0gN_vlP2uZ-Fa2tUf_0orcdkwBIT0aszGL7bkCFnUZk6UbpRGLZI0ruApvY/s1600-h/DSC_1980116.jpg"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX13JpKTQiMTdlrmOCPrtIppzingxlXMyt57bEtKI8SPUZUTaMeyFAI-p6KIMYLMRpMzzQTlFjik3pHmFhDZaEByf1z2O2OyDVNSdOT0yedNiKLw4fKLxtTwHP62p0GqunyIJOoNCnCI/s1600-h/DSC_1980139.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1980" border="0" alt="DSC_1980" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD3jPZtFJOo9RmxYQmZwmHraNEBFGdXTOtQBxIQWrYO1FjH2ESummXiDCPLa-GYcLeIMMoNLiWIkta0OapM1-S6BjZky27jY0pkNZYqD_8UBoji3TKoCS2IKQIpa_Hkr0Bo8zBhX_8p0/?imgmax=800" width="512" height="349" /></a></a></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Yes, I realize, she may look a little creepy to you.  But to me she’s beautiful!  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, ya’ know! :)        </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">11.  And that leads me to this one – I love old pictures.  This generation is more creative with photography, but somehow, old photographs are far more charming to me.  Are they to you?</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnc5iZ_Mbbc5-4NCjd4VelW1prLPSNyFaNsKYNU9T-ik59nCtWHzZXP02gJs27hmSO4vfqc8EZJf25W-C5_kWJhT9pZoqJo7DMFVHNpodj9xXfQWKrtnI8afjiGCrFs1EAKRquE1skhE/s1600-h/christmas_dividers20%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas_dividers20[1]" border="0" alt="christmas_dividers20[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorc7vrYu_TCZ4gOF-26mEtp7zJAkM_V5KzyVQhExzKnKSd6vF8T1RJoisuUq56LqBa4vSKMQI-VUVmYrJzrZhfUVO63_Cry2vzSUu25lIyphZZ-43YzdCPPieHewXKwG6rl8F-Xfz7O0/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="67" /></a><u><font color="#008040" size="3">My Eleven Questions from Chrissy:</font></u></p> <p><font size="3">1. What do you like most about blogging? <br /><font face="Segoe Print"> <br />Getting to visit with people that I normally wouldn’t get to meet.</font></font></p> <p><font size="3">2. If you could have any pet in the world what would you pick? <br /><font face="Segoe Print"> <br />I’ll cheat a little here, because I can’t pick just one.  I would love to have a pet monkey – that is, as long as it was clean and had clean habits. :)  Life wouldn’t be worth living to me without my little doggie friends, and I love horses.  But I wouldn’t mind having a pet elephant, either!  I just love animals!  So much that I can’t wait to see what the animal kingdom will be like when we get to Heaven!  Maybe we can even have tigers for pets!  Wouldn’t that be awesome!</font> <br /> <br />3. What are you really good at doing? Or a talent you have? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Uh oh, on this one!  I’m not good at anything! :)   I take that back…when I look at my kids I think I must be good at mothering, but it is probably more of a case that they are WONDERFUL kids!  Talent…humm…I probably could have been good at piano if I had had lessons growing up, and I love to decorate, if that accounts for anything.</font>  <br /> <br />4. What were your favorite subjects at school? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">School, goodness, that was a long time ago!  Language arts, because it was the easiest to me.  But now, history would absolutely be my favorite.  I just didn’t realize it then because memorizing facts and dates deterred me from discovering my passion for old times.</font> <br />  <br />5. What was your life like before kids? Or if you don't have any, what do you think it would be like with kids? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">You know, I always longed for the time that I would have children.  Motherhood was what God had planned for me.  Once I had my third child, I discovered a completeness that I had not yet known.  But to directly answer the question, childhood was in part, fun, adolescence was turbulent and scary, and then I married at 22 and became a mother at 24.</font>    <br /> <br />6. Do you like to read? If so, what type of things? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">I like to read.  Okay now, don’t shoot me, but I’ll add, sometimes.  I’m a little complicated on that subject.  I enjoy reading books that are beneficial spiritually.  As for fiction, I go through stages.  Sometimes all I want to do is read, yet at other times I cycle in not reading a lot of fiction, especially when my kids were little and life was plenty full of adventure! :) </font>    <br /> <br />7. What do you consider to be a bad habit of yours? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Eating cookies for breakfast.  Today it was chocolate chip.</font> <br /> <br />8. What is your favorite type of music? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Piano music!  I LOVE the piano!!  And nothing is better than Peanuts music by Vince Guaraldi, in my opinion!</font></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGLz1WkXQaxix0pg7mpVkccFc1UQOcAYpLNBFgmw0rJSXgXuD3tWMUsEMZ67DtHVgDA7z7wzpzPI-Jj0tT4AO2BD5z6SqxkRbgCtXCeegDOKESsqeu2Db1qxahq6ycdLzF2jNMjOAKsI/s1600-h/51RBCr51JL._SY300_144.jpg"><font size="3"></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigqC6vltPrlOpLmksX0TruXOnlLgBeDb0Nq5irUgMJ1UYLTyj358ZD3AccQHIlFoBTvCZKl2P0JBNfXvYPpIIo0qjheL8EIc0uwl4Dmj8ng2rUZmEDUBofpWKCtgajrUMhA75xMNFW6U/s1600-h/51RBCr51JL._SY300_145.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="51R BCr51JL._SY300_" border="0" alt="51R BCr51JL._SY300_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF93JjL1fsK18NSa8wPnWQSf3Q7lFsCAsB6iM8frlCBjEqVt60cnWUxM6gCUWtiwoVsa0GQWbiHWo8tnIN8YapIzSdN0SechY0uyvwTpkVPtj9ypcLE4jI2rBg2bW8xuUmwkV2ggNOO8/?imgmax=800" width="260" height="260" /></a></a></a> <br /><font size="3">9. If you could spend a day with any famous person, living or deceased, who would that be? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Well, no doubt about it, Jesus, but the wonderful thing is, we can spend every day with Him!  So, I’ll give a second answer.  Wow, that’s food for thought.  I’ve never explored that thought before…Okay, I’m thinking… and in the meantime, I’ll go to the next question… <br /></font> <br />10. Do you like to clean or hate it? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">Love it!  I hate it!  Hee hee!  It’s kind of one of those love/hate things! <br /></font> <br />11. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you make that dream come true? <br /> <br /><font face="Segoe Print">That’s easy – a mom.  As a child, I was obsessive about dance too, and wish I had pursued it.  I would love to have a little dance studio by my house where I could teach girls classical ballet and Irish dance.</font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Now back to #9.  I think I’ll go way back in time and say the apostle Peter.  You gotta love Peter!  I’m pretty sure he was fun, funny, and a mess!  Just imagine the stories that he could tell us!  But I would also love to sit down with Corrie ten Boom or Elisabeth Elliot, gleaning wisdom from their experience with God.  <br />  </font></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4xB_b1_8gMe9NjcDXO445vlWldI9JxE_PME3lpzjVge9wqEOJFIlW89eGQNNwMU8Hu5gDTx1XlJx6iZoIfZAzhbx7I_FIJ1M3knPldtKtcPKxlnUyOcsH_0YYM5Zibu9tw5TvpZ1rHg/s1600-h/christmas_dividers20%25255B1%25255D%25255B8%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas_dividers20[1]" border="0" alt="christmas_dividers20[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1B0i2YNICcfPCXMM5ce0ii8-5Vb1ud2agw-E0yyUSK7E-S28qnsGLZ3w5goC2ZO0ESQlSwB7fpbg8YtGPyXogDtgJcZZhqPa1MQ0qsidKoYWQf487NfBDBT5avBwEPeoSnorS2qItUY/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="67" /></a><font size="3"><font color="#008040"><u>Eleven Questions for My Nominees:</u></font> <br /> <br />1.  Do you live where it is common to have winter snow and do you like snow? <br />2.  Do you decorate your Christmas tree with a theme, or do you decorate it with an eclectic collection of sentimental decorations? <br />3.  What are some fun things that you plan to do this Christmas Season? <br />4.  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? <br />5.  What was a favorite childhood toy that you had?  How did you acquire it and do you still have it?   <br />6.  Do you like to watch old movies, and if you do, what are some that you especially like? <br />7.  If you could live in any time period, when would that be and why? <br />9.  Would you describe your decorating style as being  fun & cutesy, charming & rustic, elegant & ornate, or classic and sophisticated? <br />10.  Green acres is the place for me; how about you – if you had your druthers, would you prefer city or rural living? <br />11.  If you could open up a door and climb inside the world of a fiction book, what book would it be and why?  <br />  <br /></font><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkSrX5ZBVx1yOhf27vOgF7l0IXpXPTk5nyPoTfENNm5Zh6YM19AX79-DyvQzrtA8aBT_8h5L7FXJ88fprC3ll8UimYCrdRdt3y6gGULMRQ3kIsgSHhH0rFuVAS3N_w_CnqecP9_IpXL8/s1600-h/christmas_dividers20%25255B1%25255D%25255B11%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="christmas_dividers20[1]" border="0" alt="christmas_dividers20[1]" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMKREbPSOWsavfewZ_StpW79NoomAhKpDPrtMs8l18cNeVtbN4Ex6OEvTqGTbBAkwVJxA8yKO1SEpaq8asDZzHgbXK9kmPTa83XsdakyayqzquW2CBu9U108Gwlx6fQnHhLvX3dxHyMs/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="67" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#008040" size="3"><u>My Nominees:</u></font></p> <p><a href="http://samsmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Life on a Back Road</font></a> <br /><a href="http://acrossmytable.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Across My Kitchen Table</font></a> <br /><a href="http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Little Birdie Blessings</font></a> <br /><a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">The Enchanted Rose</font></a> <br /><a href="http://ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">A Sheltering Tree</font></a> <br /><a href="http://www.anartfulmom.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">An Artful Mom</font></a> <br /><a href="http://www.thewritersreverie.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">The Writers Reverie</font></a> <br /><a href="http://afternooncoffeeandeveningtea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea</font></a> <br /><a href="http://blessingsnsweettea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Blessings and Sweet Tea</font></a> <br /><a href="http://redo101.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Ms. Redo</font></a> <br /><a href="http://sunnyskiesandsweettea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Sunny Skies and Sweet Tea</font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Thanks for taking the time to visit today!</font>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJn8KqdFB7fnONAVFXaJTaPFCvtqc_QrPbEobxc85hepm-nuRu-GxcIj9QizeSwQTpZEfVEAXvYae4nhG9cbmfhQVEKK9lql7q_9nbwr9pz1ixVWPhz_CMt4u_yUW65yOJw7BbdX9Ugs/s1600-h/Signature%252520red%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature red" border="0" alt="Signature red" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-jDYhZF1DOprE68o7PyuGAMY2-MdUwF4zHhPXoTfwKfufQYvijighojO0tJ2uy1f3x7-QIuIo-s8U-Qo0HyuCnGp4bJQCpa7_hLPwX6BJONKJkKGzjtfdop_e08KKnOjplY45QqdDSs/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-83380118520170885192013-12-02T09:00:00.001-06:002013-12-03T11:24:16.629-06:00Christmas Traditions Trivia Series: Cookies<p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"></font></p> <font size="3" face="Segoe Print"> <p>Celebrating Jesus’ birthday. . . simply the best!  I love, love, love this time of year!!!</p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbm9QHoduRhH9GWvWMt0_proJIxnGyaMCiGRcaeL9dR7G6V-Lpvc9jM42rDBpVxnq-KF1FZSs6_yPNJiTBjZClGOnGXefWJQslqY6O3w2c6zZWcEmJw3ZMaaTLCdvUc2IKrMtwqdV3No/s1600-h/1950s-old-time-card9.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1950s old time card" border="0" alt="1950s old time card" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHSiApWuPcjHxeHDibMLHRrSAn6PxqFNXeFBBcc8G8iVoIriiDbjpvM8WyfwRLUgmhtrDurr8LOAAUl5e9Av-6S0HboGLdjWy8PpfuFaRxGopb0K6Cpb571sA5v9NUReWtT8zEHNwG4U/?imgmax=800" width="392" height="480" /></a></font> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">As we make preparations to do so, do you ever wonder where some of the traditions began?  </font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">This month, I will feature a few of those traditions in a series of posts.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Today, it’s <font size="4">Christmas Cookies!</font> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The English word cookie comes from the Dutch word “<em>kookje</em>,” which means “little cake.” </font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-E3hfpl93owpdXyHxGI2evIRHBKBcrM0B7AQtVUyc7cS7prM3aamh32H-QQzuXb_HHbwei_0Ex4XwboWv8gKEyMsn7zpbSZf-1g3oQ7HTYE223oAiKivvCsC0mew4sVskmA07y2dtPls/s1600-h/a-Dutch-Christmas18.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="a Dutch Christmas" border="0" alt="a Dutch Christmas" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEq2FbORZNsd3Lna9xeOGWlM8Scgie_bSIZkW610AZ6FwjbE4JCui72ERl1riMyZkeINpRkn3CD_ZYlkohAdWgW8DuTkbSS5d_9EnHek6XsxCYEDJHXWTK2Js25mxA9VMjiDETthMcM0/?imgmax=800" width="421" height="437" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">The history of cookies can be traced back to Medieval European biscuits.  Across Europe, by the 16th century, Christmas biscuits had become popular, with mothers intent to bake special sweets for their children.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">It was fun reading this excerpt from <u>The American Cookery</u> by Amelia Simmons, which was published in 1796,  where she writes: </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><em>“Another Christmas Cookey…Kneed all together well, roll three quarters of an inch thick, and cut or stamp into shape and slice you please, bake slowly fifteen or twenty minutes; tho’ hard and dry at first, if put in an earthen pot, and dry cellar, or damp room, they will be finer, softer and better when six months old.”</em>  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCDWde4W9NCRPCyL3aaGijinTEa2nMQNB2SxJtETSYTdRmuFCBP-7-DZY8hU_2q-DXymQ5K-sQqdFWNDbnIcAmhvQ6keNbUiqrZwaF5Rp-T4LGKWl9bWgK34fvYzTykwdQuMRLM9Eqpo/s1600-h/American-Cookery959.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="American Cookery" border="0" alt="American Cookery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpiGZ2xzJMwS9LihlM8RzkheykWkIz5a9zqEp3mMphc-qbdW2kZAIFqBY8tCZuRyJmnI9VGmUNpIn_xcrA57KAui4hWRwAPZE7-45TGFRtkSODGK1-U3Xf32_V2EIWqpZU4YcujF3piU/?imgmax=800" width="543" height="396" /></a></p> <p> <br /><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">“Cookey” - cute spelling but I don’t think I would want to eat six month old cookies! :)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Gingerbread cookies have been around for a long time, and weren’t associated in particular with Christmas until Queen Victoria. She is credited with making them a popular tradition of Christmas as they were a part of her Christmas Day menu, along with following other imported German folk traditions of her Prince Consort, Albert. </font></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk-I2J7AhhfaciUBwbTzCCWFZUruyGNvZwB8tlj9ijTUJzeEAKfw8lIUFZgQ_NL64jMABFrmWGzvrUNv_1LSa77IvcCOA8pbQp_JLZqr0-uXOFgTuAX199Hk8XLCCIOSSEzp9ZNHLVCk/s1600-h/Queen-Victoria-and-Prince-Albert.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 31px auto 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Queen Victoria and Prince Albert" border="0" alt="Queen Victoria and Prince Albert" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzBZ7B4H6bZHx0wR1ThIZ7JSiFxjVeeQ8rI4RdNriks1yO4kErALAB_KrPYiZ6aK99VmHWrlxNUWbdZsWDZ6n1oclY0JLHJDk-9KwNvwhxpX_SwAbtM8q15jhT8JvsDYYDLBRf38P3bI/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="480" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">  <br /></font></font><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">Nationalities sometimes have their own specialty Christmas cookies. One of my favorites are Papparkakor cookies which are Swedish. These spicy ginger and cinnamon flavored cookies that were traditionally cut out in flower & heart shapes, became a favorite in my family when I tried a delicious recipe that you can find </font><a href="http://acrossmytable.blogspot.com/2011/12/delights-of-december-1.html" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">here</font></a><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf9dfFOn1aaW7vpkqZjiGhtl_6kKU2m4WZhi5Qj67C6GEvt71FLh7tNaJ-TwDz4HJ7wB89piXFpW-6LcmL9jIevIDYu8LTdhIHrQQHbRTiM_NQjJIKuxVLheoYWPknRRjVH0-lFYdpPw/s1600-h/Christmas-baking91.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas baking" border="0" alt="Christmas baking" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyJWH1pIZHRWStG_fZaNTVW0yiqw6riklrDGsHji8Ags_8yXA2OiD4CyKIVhyy9S9gkVb9GdvIdgib8mAoQAbXC86pyr_DEHCe4Rllb0c4zaO3fha3wTGVBP8mh-ruoaIvbdMI18MpEE/?imgmax=800" width="373" height="619" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">A popular Mexican Christmas cookie is called <a href="http://www.familycookbookproject.com/recipe/405334/reposteria---the-powdery-yummy-cookies.html" target="_blank">Reposteria</a>, which is a sugary shortbread cookie coated in cinnamon. <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/dutch-pepernoten-195547" target="_blank">Pepernoten</a> are ball shaped cookies that were a baking tradition in Holland, and the popular Norwegian Christmas cookie <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/Krumkakes-Norwegian-Wafer-Cookies" target="_blank">Krumkake</a> is a thin wafer that is oftentimes filled with cream. (I haven’t tried these three types of cookies, but if you are interested, you can click on them to see recipes.) </font></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vB_hfTqHcnz8UyQ7rjap_3u_y-MU28qJ8rb9pNY3mRBTG4-lkQx0AhCOHxiOlH2zwm5wvYbAUxPJS9EiOrAWbM4KGRVI9TumMuMLpN0D5yGB828hbVhZtewBDB0Ne6bb6eVxR6lllhE/s1600-h/1812-or-1819-sketch%25255B3%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1812-or-1819-sketch" border="0" alt="1812-or-1819-sketch" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CQQDmxE0jM6q__poPixWv-II1kQ9dw_GseLgMaIOBCcN8t1yAQQ8sPPTYwUcRBPMqFS2qbrdOszmpOvXw-jyUPQ8IT30Xu3FbE9HQ_lHfo7K8JrefQ09wKjkTuWFtOHgsRhh_qXUwPM/?imgmax=800" width="610" height="380" /></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">I love to bake spritz cookies at Christmastime. I find it fun to use a cookie press and they are quite tasty! These delicate, buttery cookies are originally German biscuits that are called <em>Spritzgebäck.</em> </font></font><font size="3"><font face="Segoe Print">Germany is credited with introducing cookie cutters to the United States at the end of the 19th century, also. </font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Segoe Print">I hope that the kick-off to your Christmas season is overflowing with fun and festivities!  What are your favorite Christmas cookies to bake this time of year?</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HfwzUP2YcTBVji3VTmxfAFMHi9PgxQZe5iedSttqye6Z2kpjGhU2H4q_16lMilOgLHt2QMoX5G_5awcavDLJO3oynGDtapDCoDFZIM_ECEryLGg-nz06FznJvvloZKTfsjesqEsK67Q/s1600-h/Signature%252520red%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature red" border="0" alt="Signature red" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuQuilk9daT_oGLkin19pWvUQV9-2E0OqJClm7u5qA_ehg1-vCYaz8vqtLcko0iZuhgPpSqhYZS9Mz4CBA6Vgl8LkpSgur7e9imnVQmWB56UMK55_kq3iMq0v6gS_tJgeLtxId0VrNkM/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29BA2lIH27hBTZaal6_Zz9UPsnzzGP9UbhpmQT7eeKKwuGNOQSh3HRTPkhysKetRzmJ3kPhpeYwf8cp9HNhDz7cva0p5KIli0MU3QTCIZLqwoX3deAdJ56tlCJa_oLTcgCWu14v17OgI/s1600-h/bdrgingerbread%25255B88%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bdrgingerbread" border="0" alt="bdrgingerbread" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCafY8SJMKz9qnADdKc-_T75XziS9cWk7JGuFB2-oBFY36RVUVQCSG43lNeczsLJGQB972CSzDPb8TCI2PMIntxUVY8UJojBtjAmzdKfuIiefIXbbcYlgBKcrh-xp9iz-e6q9ZHy_PtI/?imgmax=800" width="362" height="108" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2570931132524757972.post-75508392427963598222013-11-27T13:45:00.001-06:002013-11-27T13:57:48.137-06:00Thanksgiving Greetings<p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Segoe Print"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhCsI1HYBCBnnwaWRd-v1t6zC5oqSGym8UmZOWUbqzs4DD6V971AZgtyd9LM6zE6JBGARt_0NBhlectiEAGfCSjBNgRyXoXreJacKdri6xnE1auCzh6tbfAptPdHYRgdNbekDTLza-04/s1600-h/Thanksgiving-blessings62.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Thanksgiving blessings" border="0" alt="Thanksgiving blessings" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_WTsQ9MbnTyGDj7jArLOeG0X-uxJmExZhVsyIF-Mo9FjDG37iqEuDblJtJu_eZvgxv6PS8oNziiH-RCdn1ccxfo0WcW25vKyvvJSumib-v63Jr9efnztelk6XPXrO-K22fd7a91px1k/?imgmax=800" width="532" height="711" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#c0504d" size="4" face="Segoe Print">All blessings past, now and to come,</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#c0504d" size="4" face="Segoe Print">We thank Thee, dear Lord,</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Segoe Print"><font color="#c0504d">For every one.</font> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Segoe Print">I hope that you have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!</font><font face="Old English Text MT"><font size="6"><font face="Nymphette"> <br /></font></font><font size="5">~~~~~</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><font face="Old English Text MT">“Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, <br /></font><font face="Old English Text MT">O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Old English Text MT">Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in <font size="6">thine hand</font> is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Old English Text MT">Now therefore, <font size="6">our God,</font> <font size="6">we thank thee</font>, and praise thy glorious name.”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Segoe Print"><font face="Old English Text MT"><font size="4">                                                                                                                     1 Chronicles 29:11-13</font></font></font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H1Kr85bsNl_9xyBPQkDNKP5DbeM6uNbBiKPm3qTvw8ByITJvDae0BO92AihOk33Nv6ncKhoVLWKe9F-nSReJOSzqCshqdeBUMaMRjIq_UU-ZRVlw3KZAlJ858ZOf9sOtCCmuOo8V5Lc/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoFJ5CMsIo9X-0oVxTNBldvCZJFtRxCTxW-PKOR-Kwwr07-NjLggH-EDvpuc9IqBSntKyiM7AQ0wjr2yzf93Ffpy543SF_ObOljAlCDnG5QYKKg4otfe3xusebgawmjGutBfQY4J3eMg/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="70" /></a></p> Mrs. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01320577263916527319noreply@blogger.com4