Hymns

Today, I was over at the blog "Undeserving Grace" and Tara had a post about Hymns.  Now in the church that I attend, they don't sing hymns, but more contemporary christian songs.  While I enjoy some of the songs, it is just not the same as hymns.  I know, I am old fashioned and love the words to the hymns.  I really think, that it is because sometimes I don't feel that the song is smooth. Would I want to go back to the way music was sung when I was small?  NO! There are some very deep songs being sung and you can tell that they come from the heart.  I love that there is freedom to express yourself in song.


Two of the songs that I love to still sing is "Amazing Grace", "I'll Fly Away", and "In the Garden".  There is just something about these somgs that give hope.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me…
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be…
as long as life endures.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

When it comes to just basking in the presence of the Lord, I love the praise songs that are out.  When I was able, I would go to my office, close the door and turn the volume down.  It was so great to lay on my loveseat, the lights out and just let the music flow over me and let the tears flow.  Did you know there is healing in our tears?

When the world feels like it is closing in on you, just close yourself off and let the Lord speak to your heart through music.  You will be surprised how refreshed you will feel.

Ten Good Things on a Monday

http://buoyreading.blogspot.com/search/label/good%20things

My list of 10 good things:

  1.  a snicker bar

  2.  my new iLuv, dual alarm clock radio

      for the iphone or ipod.  In my case

      the ipod.

  3.  the cool weather. I know, it is just

      now getting warm, but it is nice to 

      a overcast day.

  4.  shell macaroni, cream of chicken and

      can of chicken breast.  You mix all

      this together, add some milk to your

      liking and yummy. *I always add

      hot sauce and it is great.

  5.  Diet Dr. Pepper.  I just got to the

      point that I can drink them again.

      I was on medicine that would give 

      a metallic taste for sodas.

  6.  school.  My house has been so quiet

      today with no teens.

  7.  cell phones.  I have not been able to

      talk with my sister, Tammy, due to

      her phone not working. But today

      it is working again.

  8.  Payton.  He gets to take Gabrielle to

      McDonald's and I don't have to get  

      out.

  9.  Good grades on reportcards.

 10.  Christian music that makes you want

      to get up and dance. 

Questions:

1.  Crunchy or soft tacos?
     My preference would always be crunchy tacos, but I will eat the soft ones.

2.  Do you scrapbook?
     I have tried at times and would love to have the time to start again.  I would love to 
     take my daughters pictures from the time that they were born until now and start a 
     scrapbook for them.  I have seen so many things that I would love to do for them.  I

     guess that I just don't know where or how to really start.


3.  Do you take any daily medications?
     Yes, my girls call them my happy pills.  Actually, they are only cymbalta, feldene, 
     premarin and then my vitamins.  It is so funny though.  When the girls start getting
     on my nerves, so to speak.  The first thing, they say is,"Mother, have you taken your 

     pills today.  I probably wouldn't have to take them, if they would only behave!!!!


4.  What is your favorite sound?
      I have a small water fountain in my bathroom, that my Tommy bought me.  I just 
      love the sound of water softly moving.  It is so refreshing and clean.

5.  Where were you born?
     I was born in the city of Dallas, Texas.  All of my mother's family live there.  
     Especially, my Aunt Arvina (my mother's only sister).  So even though I don't live
     in Texas at the moment, I always make a point to stop by Dallas and see my most

     favorite Aunt.




Every Sunday, Java, from:  http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/  will post five questions for us to answer.  The reason behind this, is so that we can get to know each other better.  So please, skip over and join in.  We want to know more about you.  Have a blessed week to each of you.

Pray For Me Monday

Will God really answer your prayers?  As for me and my house, we believe in prayer. How many times have you prayed for the patience to deal with a teenager? Trust me, if it were not for the Lord answering that prayer, my teens might not live to adulthood.  The past few years, my last 2 girls have reached the teen years and it has been a tough time.  


Where our first two girls never seemed to question or buck up against our authority, these two have.  I realize that we live in a different world today.  But where is the respect that children had for adults gone?  Never have I witnessed the enemy trying so hard to grab our youth. The teachers at school have their hands full.  Parents, have to deal with the music of today, the TV shows that don't hold anything back from our youth. 

As a parent, I ask, my friends on my blog to join with me to pray not only for my girls, but for the teens of today. They have alot coming at them.  Things that I would not have dreamed.  Can you join with me as I pray that the Lord will place a hedge around our children.  That when the enemy comes and tries to steal them away to the world's thinking, that they will turn and run toward the Lord. Only through God's love and protection, will our children be safe. 


I know that my girls need all the prayer that can be sent to the Lord on their behalf.  Don't think that for a moment that your children are immune to the enemy's
tricks. But greater is He that is with me than he that is against me. Our children are the most precious gift that we have been given.


Please stop over at the Troop Petrie's site at http://homegrownfamilies.blogspot.com/ and place your prayer request.  When women join together in prayer, you can be assured that things will begin to happen.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

This week’s statements:

1) I can’t help it, but every time I see that my cell phone is vibrating and is ringing a certain ring I smile. The reason being, that I know that my Shelby (granddaughter) is calling me.  Her ring tone is the Cupcake Song.

2) Every time I smell cotton candy I am immediately transported back to my childhood.  When I was growing up, my parents owned ICEE OF WEST TEXAS, and every Fall, when the fair would come to town, they would take the trailer and set it up.  Then for the duration of the fair, they would sell the drinks.  It was always a comfort to know that they were close if I needed them.



3) When I was little I wanted to be a Librarian.  For as long as I can remember, I have loved books.  I can still remember having three baskets on my bike.  One on the handle bars and then the double ones that fit over the rear tire.  Oh, the books that I could bring home.  I never got to be a Librarian, but I do believe that I could start a Library from my house.  A house without books is dull indeed.




















4) If I had to eat only one meal for the rest of my life it would be tacos. I am sure that there are a million other foods, but tacos are easy and can be fixed so many ways.  Bean tacos, chicken tacos, turkey tacos, beef tacos and the list can go on and on.

I realize that I missed the correct day, but I still wanted to become a part of this blog hop.  Hilary from http://wwwfeelingbeachie.blogspot.com/, comes up with a list of four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs.  Then we can email her our answers a http://wwwfeelingbeachie.blogspot.com/.

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

New Blog design

I have had so much fun over at LEELOU BLOGS.  She has so many neat templates that are free.  Of all the sites that I have visited to check out free templates, this one is the easiest one by far.  


If you are interested in changing your blog design, check her out.  You will find a link at the top of my blog that will take you directly to her.  So grab a cup of coffee, tea or even a soda and enjoy browsing.  You will not be disappointed.


Have a great weekend.

Teaser Tuesdays

Julie from Reading without Restraint has a weekly meme where you:


* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share 2 sentences from the page
* Share the author and the title of the book so that
  others can add it to their TBR list if they want


My teaser:
  "You can't come with me," she said. "I'm not part of this family anymore."


This is from "The Daughter's Walk" by Jane Kirkpatrick




                      

I have just started reading this book to do a review on it.  It is based on a true story, and what I have read, has only made me want to put everything on hold so I can read.  The book will be released the first part of April in the bookstores.

10 Good Things On A Monday: 10 things I Love to Do

10 Things I Love To Do:

  1.  Spend time with my children.
  2.  Love serving the Lord.
  3.  Keeping a clean house.
  4.  Having a date with my husband every Tuesday on 
      his day off.
  5.  Going to the bookstore with my Mandy.
  6.  Eating at the Alamo Cafe in San Antonio, TX..
  7.  Blog hops because it helps in finding new friends
      online. 
  8.  Barry Mannilow.
  9.  Quiet time, just reading a book.
 10.  Last but not least, spending time with my 
     grandchildren.


Nina from Brush up on your Reading is the host of; 
         10 Good Things on a Monday! http://buoyreading.blogspot.com/search/label/good%20things

Meet Me on Monday

Questions:

1.  What jewelry do you wear 24/7?  
      I always wear my wedding band, and a necklace with two charms that my Mandy 
      and my Bridgett gave me when they were teenagers.  One says Mother and the 

      Best. Both are parts of a heart.  I would rather wear this than any other necklace I 
      have.

2.  Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
     When I cook the spaghetti, I always break it in half, just like my Mother would.

3.  How many siblings do you have? 
     I have a wonderful brother, Stephen, and two lovely younger sisters, Tammy and 

myself

     Karen.  Both my brother and youngest sister are pastors and then myself and 
     Tammy.  Who are awesome housewives that stay at home and keep watch over
     our grandchildren.

My brother, Stephen

Karen & Hubby, Johnny

my sister, Tammy & Hubby, Steve

4.  Were you named after anyone?
      Wouldn't it be wonderful to say yes, but like Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables, I
      really don't think so.  I am just plan Sherree Diane Shaw Chmitlin.  But unlike Anne.
      I really do like my name.

    

5.  Coke or Pepsi?
     I suppose if I had to choose between the two and Diet Dr. Pepper was not an option, 
     then it would have to be coke.

This is a weekly blog, by Java fromhttp://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday

Got To Dance Happiness audition

Waiting...

I know that this is Sunday, and I really thought about waiting until next Friday to go on board, but after reading a few of the other entries.  I decided that I also could begin today.


Lisa-Jo from http://thegypsymama.com, puts out a new topic every Friday.  The object is to set your timer for 5 minutes (and ONLY 5 minutes) and begin to write about that topic.  No RULES, and no EDITING.


The topic for this week is Waiting.  So here goes...


It seems that my life is always waiting for something.  Today, I am waiting for Payton to get back from Louisiana.  Alexis to get back from the beach tomorrow.  Gabrielle to get back from eating with her friends, so she can bring more laundry downstairs.  My mother-in-law is waiting on the Lord to take her home.  She is 91 and she is so tired of living.  I really don't  understand, but then when I get that age, perhaps I will.


Then the big wait is for the end of May to come.  Two things will be happening then.  I will be going to Texas to get my granddaughters and then bring back to Alabama for the summer.  Then the other is for Bridgett and Anthony to move from Texas  back here, so that Gabrielle can live with them.  We adopted her when she was a little baby and now she wants to live with her birth parents.  They are just now getting back together and going to get married.  I am happy for her.  It will be a good thing.


Then End.

Five Question Friday

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

    I have never had to

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

    I did until a few months ago.  I had my Alexis try it on and she looked so 
    pretty in, but she said that it was not her style and so i got rid of it.

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed,  etc.?
    When I am stressed I would normally go to the fabric store and look through  
    the pattern books and write down patterns that I would like to have.  But 
    now I go to the bookstore and write down books that I want to but one day.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?
    When all of my four girls were little, I let them sleep with me.  I know that 
    most people say no.  I do understand the reason why, but knowing, I would
    still do it all over again.  I so cherish those moments of snuggling and
    sharing.  I love when I go get my granddaughters, for I still get to share the 
    bed with the 10 year old (a twin bed at that) and I so look forward to it.

5. Do you watch late night TV?
    Yes, for that is the only time that I can watch when there is no noise and
    everyone is asleep.  I love to watch TV after I have recorded it.

This post was from Mama M Five question Friday.

18 More Bags

On Wednesday, I finished cleaning out my kitchen and then on Friday, I got a spurt of energy.  So I thought, more bags need to be filled.  I had a book that I really wanted to finish, but I knew that if I sat down, I was a goner.  So I pulled myself together and pulled out my invisible whip and got to work on my office space.  Now, before we begin, let me explain that my office has been reduced by more that 75%.

When it all began, it started out as the girls classroom.  Then it evolved into my office space.  We live in a rather large house.  With three bedrooms upstairs.  So when we moved in, in 1993, my husband decided that our bedroom would be upstairs.  So the master bedroom was just an extra room at the time.  When we decided to home school the girls, we turned it into the classroom.  When they wanted to return to public school, I got to turn it into my office/library.  Which was wonderful.  This little lady was so excited, I had never had a room this large all to my self.  I was ecstatic.  Then I lost it.

just a corner of the library/office in the master bedroom

This past November, we had to move MIL into the main house, so there went my space.  The piano went out of the foyer and into the living room.  My office went into the foyer.  So you can see, how I would have more bags that I could come up with.  I also had alot of my craft items to decide to keep or get rid of(please don't let my Shelby hear this).

So now I still have only seventeen bags to get rid of to reach my goal of 40 bags in 40 days.  But between you and me, I think that I will have more than 40.  I still have not even reached my closet or the outside shed.  Anyone want to offer their help?

*pictures of new office coming as soon as I can get my computer to act right!

A Crafty Killing

MURDER IS RIGHT UP HER ALLEY...


The last thing Katie Bonner wanted was to become the manager of Artisans Alley. But when her business partner, Ezra Hilton, is found lying at the bottom of a staircase, bludgeoned to death, she has no other choice.  A collection of booths for artisan and craft sellers in a renovated apple warehouse, Artisans Alley is the main attraction in the quaint Victoria Square shopping area.  But business under Ezra had been faltering--enough to provoke someone to murder?


Katie has had more than her share of death--her late husband (and Ezra's former partner), Chad, died in a car accident six months ago.  But as she digs deeper into Ezra's murder, her husband's death starts to look suspicious.  While the cops are proceeding by the book, Katie is investigating by the booths--for the answer to the killer's identity lies in the hidden secrets of Artisans Alley itself.


This is the first book in a new series, A Victoria Square Mystery, by the author, Lorraine Bartlett.  From the first chapter, I was totally captivated.  Just when you think that you know who could have committed the crime, the author brings a new twist to the story.  I have loved all of her books that she has written under the name Lorna Barrett. I would highly recommend this author to all my friends and would give it a rating of 5 stars.

Mama's Workshop - You Have An Hour To Kill...

You Have An Hour To Kill On The Telephone... Who Do You Call And Why?

If I ever find myself with an hour, with nothing to do, my automatic response is to call My Mandy.  You see, she is my oldest daughter and she just happens to be my very best friend.  I know in the past, it was not the norm for mother's and daughter's to be best friends.  But I believe as the times have changed that saying has also.

My Mandy lives alittle over 800 miles from me and if I don't get to talk with her every day, I feel like someone that has caffeine withdrawals.  Except that mine are, Mandy withdrawals.

 We talk about everything.  From how we slept the night before, what we are going to do that day, and everything in between.  Now My Mandy works at a very stressful job, so I love being able to be her sounding board.  I feel honored that she can call me and just let it all out and then go back to work.  That way, I can be praying for her the rest of the day, that whatever has bothered her that morning can get resolved.  My Mandy is a very hard worker and great with people.  She is very good at telling when something is not quite right.

Now sometimes she will call and she has gone by the bookstore, and she needs to see if I have a book.  If not, then she will read the back of the book to me.  And, then we decide that of course, we need that one.  Sometimes, it is the other way around.  I am out and I have found some books and I want to share the back of the book with her.

That is not all though.  My Mandy got me hooked on succulents and now when I travel to see her, I find the most interesting places to stop for restroom breaks.  Places like, Lowe's and Home Depot.  Then I have to call her at work.

 Me:  "Mandy, do you have this certain type of succulent?"

To which, she replies: "Mother, where are you?  You are suppose to be on your way to see me, not shopping!"

Me:  "I am on my way, but I had to stop for a restroom break!"

Last time, I think I ended up getting around 25 new plants on my way.  It really helps to have alot of space for plants and of course books.

I really don't think that there is anything that I could not share.  We are both known to take pictures of plants when we are out shopping and send it to each other.  So the cell phone has been a blessing to us.

It is great to have someone that I can share my day with, even if they are miles away.  Tears, laughter, just to hear her voice can make me feel better.  And when she sings me her funny songs, I can't be happier that she is my very own Mandy.

This post was inspired from Mama Kat's Weekly Writer's Workshop.

What Blessings Are You Unwrapping Today?

Tara from Undeserving Grace hosts a Blog Hop on Thursday's for those of us, who would like to share our expressions of gratitude or blessings.

   1.  My Mandy that can make me smile, even if it is only through the phone.  She lives over 800 miles
        away.
  
   2.  Byron, my only grandson, who has a heart that is so tender.  The girl that receives his love when he
        grows up, will be blessed.
  
   3.  My husband, that is so hard working and doesn't mind going out to work for his family.
  
   4.  Alexis, my 17 year old that took the time to call and let me know that she and her friends had made  
        it to Florida and laughed with me, when I told her NOT to do anything that I WOULDN'T do!
      
   5.  My Mac desktop.  It was in the shop being checked out.
  
   6.  Steve, the guy that I only let work on my Mac.  He does a great job and never seems to tire of my
        many questions.
  
   7.  Small tomatoes.  I love to pop these in my mouth like candy.
  
   8.  Cell phones.  This way, my girls and grandchildren are just a touch away.
  
   9.  People that you don't even know taking the time to smile and spend a moment talking about
        how your grandson is doing a great job bowling.

 10.  Mr. Knuckles(my westie) who always meets me at the door.  He is always following me around

        just hoping that I will sit down, so that he can jump up in my chair.  I just love him.

Blog Hop

What a treasure I found while browsing through some of my favorite blogs.

This is a delightful blog with lots of enchanting posts.

WALTZ ON BY WEDNESDAY, is hosted by Home Sweet Farm, every Wednesday.  Be sure to stop over for the blog hop and gather a basket full of new friends.

 

I just found this and didn't want to wait until Wednesday.  So here is my choice, Waiting On Wednesday, is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, R
Ruth. They’re driving to Florida for Ruth’s 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She’s heard he’s alone, too...and, well, she’s curious. Maybe even hopeful. Bethanne herself needs time to reflect, to ponder a decision she has to make. Her ex-husband, Grant — her children’s father — wants to reconcile now that his second marriage has failed. Bethanne’s considering it.... Meanwhile, Annie’s out to prove to her onetime boyfriend that she can live a brilliant life without him! So there they are, three women driving across America. They have their maps and their directions — but even the best-planned journey can take you to a turn in the road. Or lead you to an unexpected encounter — like the day Bethanne meets a man named Max who really is a hero on a Harley. That’s when Bethanne’s decision becomes a lot harder. Because Grant wants her back, but now there’s Max.... From Seattle’s Blossom Street to the other end of the country, this is a trip that could change three women’s lives. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

That Time Again

Over at http://www.bibliophilicbookblog/, you will find a great give away.  Please go and check it out.  Please be sure to say that you heard it from, Sherree at babybuttsandlittletoessucculents.  Thank you.

That Time Again....

I am going to start March, and hopefully my more frequent return to the blogging world (work permitting) by having another epic giveaway!

The usual in honor of bookmark day will run until April 5th. Anyone can enter (who is over the age of 13) Please follow when you enter if you don't already...but it is NOT a requirement, I would just love you to return.

So what can you win...let's see....AN EREADER or GC of your choice from the bookstore of your choice....ereader type can not be more than $200 and GC is the same. All you have to do it fill out the form, follow(hopefully) and sit back and wait for the results...there will be extra entries given on Bookmark Day on the 15th of March!

Five Question Friday

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?   Yes, my natural hair color is a light brown.

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?  I try to plan ahead as much as possible.  I go and get my precious granddaughters from Texas for the summer.  They always look forward to the pool, but they also enjoy doing crafts, baking, horses and going places.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?  I think that it would have to be tacos.

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?  Not really,  I know that people get busy and they don't mean to forget.  Besides, I just love to give.

5. How did you meet your best friend? My best friend is Roxanna.  We met in Algebra in high school.  I think we both flunked, because we kept talking. We did take it again and passed, but we were in seperate classes.  Now, she lives in Texas and I in Alabama.  We normally talk about once a year, but I still consider her my very best friend.  She is just an awesome person.