Saturday, August 31, 2013

Coming Soon!



Look what I saw yesterday.

I know... it's just a fallen leaf.

But there it was...in the midst of all the greenery,
there it was...in all of it's golden glory.

Sure, there are other leaves that have blown off the trees and since died,
scattered throughout the yard...
...when you live among the trees, this is what you get.

But this one stood out among all of the other usual earth tones
 as I was out walking in the yard.

It was like it was put there by a Divine Hand...just for me...
... to remind me that changes were a comin'.

And they are.
Don't let the 90 degree temperatures fool you.
It's in the air...I feel it.

And I'm ready.


He changes times and seasons;  

he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise 

and knowledge to the discerning.

~Daniel 2:21


I hope your week is a blessed one! :)

Debby

sharing at:

http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2013/08/welcome_30.html
http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2013/08/from-farm-blog-hop-with-great.html
http://seespeakhearmama.com/2013/08/31/god-and-the-midlife-mama/
http://www.whatjoyismine.net/2013/09/mondays-musings-76-our-family-work-ethic.html
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/09/sharing-his-beauty-linky.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-65.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/09/amaze-me-monday-22.html
http://www.janiscox.com/sunday-stillness-psalm-1391-4/
http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/2013/08/weekend-brew-lord-watches.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/09/180th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/09/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-link.html
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/09/salt-of-earth.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/09/wow-us-wednesdays-134.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-china-wreath-and-simple-sweet.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/09/grace-at-home-no-72.html
Posted by at 26 comments:
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Friday, August 30, 2013

Why are you so blue, Mr. Jay?

A few weeks ago I found these feathers up at the cabin.
Apparently, it's moulting season and some unfortunate blue jay had lost his lovely feathers.

They were way too pretty to just throw away...
...so after I took a few photos, I stuck them in my little "not just for Christmas" tree.
I keep it up all year and decorate it according to the season.


 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, 
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 
~ Matthew 6:26


Blue

Flying up and away toward
a cedar’s green flame: a jay.
Nothing comes close to its color
in the autumn fields. Even the juniper berries
look more like bruise than blue.
It is a brash statement against
camouflage. Look at me! Look at me!
the blue jay says. And we do.
All this busyness of bushes and trees,
browned grasses in the field, and
there: the jay. Blue.
Oh, look at it: blue!

by Matthew J. Spireng


Blessings,

Debby





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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Keeping on Track



Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

There's something about a lonely railroad track that mesmerizes me. I don't really know why. When I was out looking around for one to get a picture of, I was hoping to find one with a curve either to the left or the right...it would make a more interesting photo, perhaps. But it also got me to thinking about how life is. What's around the bend? Where do we go from here? What does my future hold? We could ask these kinds of questions 'til the cows come home, couldn't we? What would the ability to know all of those answers do for us—help us or hurt us? There have always been times in my life when I have been curious to know what's up ahead. (I'm pretty sure most of us do that.) Part of me wants to know. The other part—the sane, sensible part of me—knows better. 

Knowing what lies ahead takes away any reason we would have to trust in a loving God. And that's why He created us. Whether the path is laid out straight in front of me or there are curves ahead and I can't see what's around the bend, I'm so glad I trust in the One who will get me back on track when life sometimes gets me derailed. Trusting in my Father keeps me looking towards a future where there is hope—not dwelling on past failures and the fear of the unknown.

The Train of Life
~Marv Harding, author~

Some folks ride the train of life looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by and marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was and hang their head and cry.

But I don’t concern myself with that, I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds and not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine, as securely as I can be,
I want to be out on the front, to see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds as I move from place to place.

I want to see what’s coming up, not looking at the past,
Life’s too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy while you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find your life has jumped the track.

It’s all right to remember that’s part of history,
But up front’s where it’s happening, there’s so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living is not where we have been,
It’s looking ever forward to another year and ten.

It’s searching all the byways, never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life, you gotta drive the train.

http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/08/sharing-his-beauty-linky.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-64.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/179th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/08/amaze-me-monday-21.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-133.html
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-wednesday-link-up-101/
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/perfect-scents.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/08/grace-at-home-no-71.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/europe-and-simple-sweet-fridays-78.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/friendship-friday-time.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/time-to-declutter-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-sweet-home-134.html
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Begonias in the Rain


“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; 
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; 
let the earth cause them both to sprout; 
I the Lord have created it.  

Isaiah 45:8 
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Friday, August 23, 2013

Repurposed "Country Girl" Apron


Hey ya'll...I'm back with another apron I made from repurposed textiles!

Here's a little riddle for you:

What do you get when you combine a jeans skirt from Goodwill...
...a red bandana from the Dollar General...gotta love Dollar General...
...and some remnants of John Deere fabric?

You get a really cute apron that screams that familiar song...
"HE THINKS MY TRACTOR APRON'S SEXY..." :)


Back in the spring, before I started this blog, I made several aprons
for door prizes for our apron-themed Mother/Daughter Banquet at my church.
This was one of  them so since I wasn't blogging at the time,
I don't have a step-by-step tutorial for you.
I will explain the best way I can but I just know that all of you talented seamstresses
 out there can figure it out!




I started out by cutting the skirt (it was a short one) in half.
I used the back of the skirt since I liked it that the pockets were already there.
I am saving the front of the skirt for another one...it has a zippered fly and I think that will be cute.
I have some darling farm print pillow cases (from Goodwill of course) to add to it.

Oh well...another apron for another post :)

Next, I cut a bib, neck loop and ruffle from the John Deere fabric.
I also cut a triangle from the red hankie to add to mimic the look of a "neckerchief".


Cut double thickness of fabric for bib and stitch the triangle onto what will be the front.
 For the neck loop, you will need a piece about 5" by 18-20"...fold in half lengthwise and stitch, turn and press flat. Next, with right sides together, sew bib together including neck strap in the seam, leaving the bottom open...like you're making a pillow. Turn, and press flat. Finish the raw edge with zigzag stitch or seam binding and then sew it to the waistband of the skirt.





I cut a very long piece of fabric for the ruffle and machine stitched one edge for the hem.
If you have a ruffler attachment for your machine, now would be a great time to use it!
If not, pleat or gather it by hand. I found some red seam binding in my sewing basket that worked perfectly to trim the skirt where it had been cut to hide raw edges.
I then finished off the ruffled edge with a zigzag stitch and sewed the ruffle to the skirt.



Finally, I used the rest of the bandana as a belt and threaded it through the belt loops.
I added extra lengths of what remained for the ties.

And there you have it!

Now...
...run like a Deere down to the Goodwill for some linens or clothing to repurpose!  



Blessings!


Sharing at:

http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/08/grace-at-home-no-71.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/friendship-friday-time.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/time-to-declutter-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-sweet-home-134.html
http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/08/fridays-five-features-no-6.html
Posted by at 19 comments:
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Monday, August 19, 2013

Hail to the Queen


I just love Queen Anne's Lace...don't you?

I was looking on a few different websites and found out some facts that I didn't know...
... (duh...really?) ...about this frilly little flower.

Most people consider it a weed but if you know me, you know I never met a weed I didn't like :)

Did you know it is really a wild carrot? Here are some other things interesting things I found out:

**********

The American legend says that Anne of Denmark (1574-1619), queen consort of King James I, was an expert lace-maker. English legend tells us that Queen Anne challenged the ladies of the court to a contest to see who could produce a pattern of lace as lovely as the flower of this plant. The central flower of the carrot's umbel is reddish-purple. 

No one could rival the queen's handiwork. She however, pricked her finger with a needle and a single drop of blood fell into the lace, that is said to be the dark purple floret in the center of the flower. According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary the name Queen Anne's lace did not appear in print until 1895, two hundred seventy-six years after Anne's death.
**********

Queen Anne's Lace
    by Mary Leslie Newton    


Queen Anne, Queen Anne, has washed her lace
(She chose a summer's day)
And hung it in a grassy place
To whiten, if it may.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne, has left it there,
And slept the dewy night;
Then waked, to find the sunshine fair,
And all the meadows white.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne, is dead and gone
(She died a summer's day),
But left her lace to whiten in
Each weed-entangled way!

**********

I hope you have enjoyed this little tidbit of information as much as I have.

Have a fabulous week!
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Friday, August 16, 2013

Jewels of the Field



I thought I was seeing things when I noticed something glimmering in the morning sun.
It was still pretty early and there was a heavy dew...
...but it hadn't rained.


These lovelies grow alongside the road in Fancy Gap, near our cabin.

I could hardly believe my eyes.
 I had seen these cute little blooms in the past...


... but they were never adorned with jewels like they were on this morning.

So...I got out my trusty All About North Carolina Wildflowers book...
...even though I was actually in Virginia.


As I flipped through my little book, I found them...right there...on page 183!
And guess what they were called? Are you ready for this?


How cool is that??

I learned a few facts about them too.
Not only are the leaves and stems covered with a silvery, powdery substance that repels water...
...thus the water droplets forming, but when a "mash" is made from them, it can be applied to the skin  and used as a remedy for poison ivy itch!

Who knew!?


Doesn't our Heavenly Father give us the best gifts?

I hope your week is filled with little jewels!


Sharing at:

http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-farm-blog-hop_16.html
http://sundayview.blogspot.com/2013/08/down-in-river-to-pray-inspired-sunday.html
http://www.deidrariggs.com/2013/08/17/sunday-64/
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/08/amaze-me-monday-20.html
http://www.whatjoyismine.net/2013/08/mondays-musings-74-its-new-school-year.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-63.html
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/08/sharing-his-beauty_19.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/178th-inspire-me-tuesday-winner-of.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-132.html
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/take-powder.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/carly-in-europe-and-simple-sweet.html
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-wednesday-link-up-100/
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-sweet-home-133.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/zucchini-boat-recipe-show-and-tell.html











Posted by at 46 comments:
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God's Kids

 
Aren't you glad?

Click on the video below to hear Third Day's
"Children of God"


Be blessed!
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Monday, August 12, 2013

Making Lettuce Last

Wanna know a secret?

If you have been to a Pampered Chef party recently, you may have learned this...
...or maybe you already do this and I'm the slow one :) 
It's really not a secret at all but I have found that many people have not heard of it.
This keeps lettuce fresh longer than any other way I have ever known!


I like romaine so this is what I buy.
I assume this works with any kind of lettuce


First, tear or break...don't cut the core ends from lettuce.


Then separate the leaves and rinse in cold water. Let drain in a colander.


You will need a large stainless steel bowl. If it has a lid, awesome!
If not, aluminum foil works great.

Line the bowl with a few layers of paper towels.


After lettuce has drained, carefully pat the leaves dry with more paper towels.


Place the leaves in the bowl and add another couple of layers of paper towels on top.


Cover bowl with lid or foil and store on regular shelf in the fridge....not the vegetable compartment.




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Saturday, August 10, 2013

Sunrise at Carolina Beach


Could we with ink the ocean fill, 
And were the skies of parchment made, 
Were every stalk on earth a quill, 
And every man a scribe by trade, 
To write the love of God above, 
Would drain the ocean dry. 
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, 
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
 How measureless and strong! 
It shall forevermore endure 
The saints' and angels' song.

(from the hymn 'The Love of God" ~ Frederick Lehman)


I pray you experience the love of God this week!

sharing at:

http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2013/08/welcome-once-again.html
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/08/pink-saturday-august-10.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/backyard-topiaries-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://sundayview.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspired-sunday-and-another-pink.html
http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-farm-blog-hop_9.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/08/amaze-me-monday-19.html
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/mosaic-monday-under-bridge-at-natirar.html
http://www.deidrariggs.com/2013/08/10/sunday-63/
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/08/sharing-his-beauty_11.html
http://www.whatjoyismine.net/2013/08/mondays-musings-73-garden.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-62.html?
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/inspire-me-monday-week-84.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/177th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/08/tweak-it-tuesday-51.html
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/08/a-return-to-loveliness-35.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-131.html
http://judithwholeheartedhome.com/70-years-of-marriage-and-minitry-wholehearted-wednesdays-linkup-53/
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/08/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop.html
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/hello-dolly.html
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-wednesday-link-up-99/
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunflowers-swinging-in-breeze-and.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/08/hello-friends-to-grace-at-home-party-is.html
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In My Father's Hands

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. "

1 Peter 5:6-7


I just love this picture of Olivia Grace, my sweet little grand-daughter. It was actually taken over four years ago when she was just a few days old. Isn't she precious? Among many, many family photos—grandchildren in particular—this is definitely one of my favorites. As you may have guessed, this is her daddy's hand that she is cupped in.  Her daddy is my youngest son, Adam. His hand is so big...so strong and her little body is tiny and fragile. She is trusting that her daddy's hand will hold her safely, even though at three days old she really hasn't learned about trust yet. Or has she? Look at her sweet face. She looks so content...as though she doesn't have a care in the world. What's that we've heard about child-like faith?

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said,"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kigdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4

He wants us to be able to trust Him fully and to rest in His peace and safety. He wants us to know that He is there to catch us when we feel like we are falling...that He will be there to pick us up if and when we do. And we will. Sometimes remembering to do that is so hard, isn't it? I know it is for me. Whether it seems like the circumstances we are facing will never change or maybe we just temporarily lose sight of God and forget about His promises. It happens to most of us at one time or another.


Whenever I see this picture of sweet Olivia resting in the palm of her daddy's hand, it reminds me to be confident and thankful that my God is there for me. What a comfort and great joy it is to know that I am resting in my Father's big, strong hands! Are you resting today?

Those who know your name trust in you,for you, O LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  
Psalm 9:10

Oh, by the way, the little boy in the picture is my Adam...Olivia's daddy. He's grown up a bit :)

Blessings!
Sharing this at:

http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2013/08/welcome-once-again.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/08/backyard-topiaries-show-and-tell-friday.html
http://sundayview.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspired-sunday-and-another-pink.html
http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/2013/08/from-farm-blog-hop_9.html
http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/08/amaze-me-monday-19.html
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2013/08/sharing-his-beauty_11.html
http://www.whatjoyismine.net/2013/08/mondays-musings-73-garden.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/inspire-me-monday-week-84.html
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-62.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/177th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/08/tweak-it-tuesday-51.html
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/08/a-return-to-loveliness-35.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-131.html
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/08/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop.html
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/hello-dolly.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunflowers-swinging-in-breeze-and.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2013/08/hello-friends-to-grace-at-home-party-is.html










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Sunday, August 4, 2013

My Cup Runneth Over

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Psalm 23:5

Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
~Richard Blanchard

I pray your cup is filled with abundant blessings this week!

http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-61.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/08/inspire-me-monday-week-83.html
http://www.whatjoyismine.net/2013/08/mondays-musings-72-back-to-school-ebooks.html
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/08/176th-inspire-me-tuesday-300-birthday.html
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/08/tweak-it-tuesday-50.html
http://sundayview.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspired-sunday-blog-party.html
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/08/a-return-to-loveliness-34.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/08/wow-us-wednesdays-130.html
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/08/wednesdays-adorned-from-aboves-link.html
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/08/home-and-garden-thursday-41.html
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2013/08/garden-plates-and-simple-sweet-fridays.html
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-wednesday-link-up-99/
Posted by at 48 comments:
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Saturday, August 3, 2013

"Wrought Iron" Wall Art

 

Isn't this a lovely piece of wrought iron wall art?
I think so too.

What would you say if I told you it wasn't made of iron at all?
What would you say if I told you it was actually rubber?



Yep, I said rubber...a rubber door mat from a discount store!

They come in several different designs, depending where you shop.
I think this one set me back about $7.00.

I actually saw the idea on Pinterest (of course)...
 ... they had painted theirs a lovely shade of turquoise and let the paint crackle.

It was so pretty but it did not fit into the decor of my room...

...maybe someday I'll do another one...it was gorgeous!


I have other decor items in an oil-rubbed bronze finish and that was what I was going for.
It was oh-so-simple since the mat was already black.
All I needed was some copper craft paint and a sponge.

I just lightly dabbed the raised areas of the design and wiped off the excess.


What was left was a coppery sheen around the detail of the design, really setting it off.


Now, how do I hang this puppy up so it doesn't droop? (remember, it's a soft-ish rubber)
I decided the best way was to use several very small tacks...I think I used about 10-12.

I placed them within the design, throughout the area of the mat. Remember, they were tiny.



Can you see them? I didn't think so :)

Then I added these plates and plate racks. I got them at Goodwill :)
Notice the fleur de lis theme?

I love how it looks together.

I do have to admit that the smell of the rubber was a little strong for a while.
I'm pretty sure if you decide to paint the entire thing, this won't be an issue.
Remember, I only added a light sheen to mine.
Just so you know, it doesn't stink anymore :)


Maybe one day, in a different room (or different house) I will have the opportunity to make that pretty turquoise one...
...or maybe a white chippy one...you could even hang several in a grouping.

The possibilities are endless!

Have a fantastic week!






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