Friday Foto Friends and Things that Make Me Smile

 I know it is still Thursday as I am writing this, but I couldn't think of anything in particular to write today without showing all my pictures so here you go...

Last Friday hubby and I decided to take a little ride to a small town northwest of here called Melrose. We went to lunch at one of their local eateries, The Blue Water Bay Restaurant. (internet photo).  The food was good but a little pricey for lunch, so we probably won't do that again.

After lunch we took a little ride around town, and happened upon the Melrose United Methodist Church, which turned out to be more interesting than lunch.  Here is a link to some history about this church.

I love finding these historic old churches in our area. This one is over 150 years old. There are many in this part of the state,  and most that I've seen are well taken care of and most are still being used.  

I was fascinated with the lovely stained glass windows, and didn't even notice the Red Shouldered Hawk that landed on top of the cross while I was taking these pictures.

But I looked up in time to get a couple more pictures of him before he flew away. It was nice of him to photo bomb my picture! It made it a lot more interesting!! Perhaps he was just letting me know that I was trespassing on his territory!

But now, you can see the stained glass windows a little better. I was standing there taking these pictures and wishing there was some way to get inside and see them.  And then, I heard voices in the distance, and as I walked around to the side of the church, I discovered some people outside  in the parking lot!

They saw me about the same time I saw them, and they very nicely asked me if I would like to go inside!  Of course I said "yes!"

My only frustration was that my camera battery was dying as I was trying to take these pictures, and I didn't want to leave and go back outside to get my phone camera because I didn't want to intrude on their graciousness for too long, so I managed to get a couple more pictures before it just quit altogether.

Aren't these windows just glorious?  The man told me they aren't really very old. They have been given in memory of different members several years ago.

This one is my favorite, Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

But I also love this one of the Resurrected Christ, showing His nailed pierced hands.

I love these old chairs, and that picture on the left of the young Jesus, I remember seeing that one as a child. This church was so special and so very well taken care of.  

The gentleman that we talked to said they would just be starting their in-person services back this past Sunday for the first time.  I am sure this building was happy to have them back to worship and praise God again, even if they do have to social distance and wear masks.  These churches were meant to be filled with the prayers and praises of His people!

Speaking of church, I wanted to add that I started attending our Ladies' Bible Study, and we are studying the book of Joshua, "Winning the Worry Battle" by Barb Roose.  So I am learning how not to worry. That kind of worries me...LOL.  It should be a great study and I love being with the ladies from our church. 

Today, being Thankful Thursday, I will say that I am thankful for God's blessing on us this past week. I am thankful for finding a new doctor here locally. Hubby and I were not totally thrilled with the doctor's office where we had been going...always a very long wait in the waiting room, very difficult to make connections on the phone without being put on hold for long periods of time...just a lot of annoying frustrations that made us decide we needed to try some other place. We were blessed to find another clinic even closer to home, where they very professionally handled our requests, got us right in to have a first time visit  (we each went at different times), did not have to wait in the waiting room more than 10 minutes and was in and out even after having an EKG and other tests within an hour. Today I got lab work done and will go back next week for the "real visit".  But am so thankful that we found this clinic and especially that they accept our insurance plan!!

I am also thankful that we got to talk to our grandson Noah on his 21st birthday this week. He lives in Maine, and we had originally planned to make a trip up there for his birthday this year, but with the Covid virus quarantine on people coming from Florida we could not go, and he could not travel here either or he would have to quarantine when he got back home...so that kind of squelched those plans. Hopefully next year we will be able to go. Here is his most recent photo I copied from his facebook page. He's a good looking 6'4" tall young man. Would appreciate your prayers for him as he tries to find his place in the world. He's in need of some good direction right now, and all we can do is pray and trust that God will lead him.

Here are some random photos from this past week that made me smile...this neighborhood cat was making herself quite at home on my garden bench in the "Secret Memorial Garden" this morning. She usually makes her rounds around the neighborhood every day, and often stops to watch the birds and or the fish in the pond. Not sure who she belongs to, if anyone, but she does no harm. She is one of several that we see throughout the day making their rounds.

Look closely to see the deer leaping through the woods to the left in this picture below. This was while we were on our walk the other evening. There were actually 3 of them, but this was the only one I could get a picture of as they were too quick. Just about missed him!

Reminds me of Isaiah 35:6

"Then the lame shall leap like a deer,

And the tongue of the dumb sing.

For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,

And streams in the desert."

One of our nice fall-like days I sat out on my garden bench (without the neighborhood cat!) and had  a cup of tea while I watched the birds and enjoyed a nice breeze beside Still Waters Pond.

I was obeying the verse on the cup:

"Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14

Actually I was sitting still, but that could also work...and certainly goes along with another of our favorite verses:

  "Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

I heard someone say they were having trouble finding cans of pumpkin for pies in the store. So I bought a couple of cans the other day when I saw them. But our store also had Mrs. Smith's pies on sale, and I bought one of their pumpkin pies because hubby and I were hungry for one and I really didn't want to go into all the trouble of making one from scratch right now. So I baked this pie, and it smelled so good, but I am "grateful" that I have the cans of pumpkin to make my pies for Thanksgiving or whenever I get the urge, because Mrs. Smith's pumpkin pie just doesn't quite measure up...but it sure smelled good while it baked! LOL.

The fall wildflowers are starting to really bloom everywhere.  Here's another of those strange bugs on this one.  It's a "Notch-tipped flower longhorn" beetle.

Seeing these pretty bright flowers always makes me smile.

And of course our sunsets always make me smile as well.

This night in particular, it appeared that there were some powerful angels flying over us, and with all that has been going on in the world and country, this gave me a sense of peace and comfort.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me, my Lord.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me

Now I lay me down to sleep.

Angels watching over me my Lord.

Pray the Lord my soul to keep,

Angels watching over me.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me, my Lord.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me

If I die before I wake.

Angels watching over me my Lord.

Pray the Lord my soul to keep,

Angels watching over me.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me, my Lord.

All night, all day,

Angels watching over me

How about you? What are some things that have made you smile this week? What are some things that have caused you to pause and "Be Still and know that I Am God." ?  Think about it! He's always with us, and He's always trying to get our attention through people and beautiful things around us.  I am so thankful for His daily presence.  

It's the Little Things that Bring a Smile

Oftentimes in the midst of winter we begin to look for the signs of spring...hoping that it won't be a long winter and that soon we will see the flowers blooming again and the trees budding and returning back to their lush green hue...but, alas! It is only the end of January...for those of you living up north, spring is still a ways off.  For us here in Florida...spring could still be a long way off as well...but probably not as long as for you.  Actually, today it was quite warm and sunny...but cooler temperatures will be back for the weekend...so I shouldn't put away my flannels just yet...

   For those of you who read my update on the Secret Garden the other day HERE, you saw that the freezing temperatures had pretty well killed off the lovely ferns of the Secret Garden.  So today I took advantage of the warmer weather to get outside and rake the dead leaves and debris and generally spruce up the area so that the new ferns will have room to grow...(I didn't take any picture of that)...it was hard work, but it felt good to be doing something productive.  After I finished raking I just took some time to walk around and enjoy the day...looking for those "little things that bring a smile."

Here's a few:

This bird bath is in a corner of the Secret Garden, right outside my bedroom window so I can often watch the birds bathing without them being disturbed by my presence.  It's a lovely little spot that brings a smile to my face every time I look out the window. 

Today something new was added to this spot...this delightful little lawn ornament made from vintage glass dishes.  There is a woman at the local flea market who makes these, and they make such nice gifts for friends....I gave a couple of them to dear friends for Christmas this year, and at the same time I purchased this little one, but never gave it away. I kept holding on to it thinking I would need it for a special gift for someone, and today I felt a little nudge from the Lord, Who seemed to be saying..."It's for you...for the Secret Garden...go get it and put it there and enjoy it, My daughter."  I don't know why I should feel guilty when God blesses me that way. Perhaps because it was originally intended to be a gift for someone else...but God wanted to bless me today...and I want to thank Him.

Thank You, Lord, for making me feel special. I am humbled and blessed.

Same thing with this camellia bush...when I bought it before Christmas I thought for sure it was meant to be given away as a gift...but when all the gifts were given, this one plant remained...and it just seemed to belong here...and so it is budding and blooming and making me smile...

Many more buds waiting to open!! 

Back inside the sun porch I couldn't help but notice these violets are blooming profusely!  They need to be repotted into larger pots...which is on my list to to as soon as I can get some potting soil...but in the meantime they just bloom away and bring joy to all...

Now, this might not make everyone smile, but we find it interesting...This pole in our front yard has long been the "scratching pole" for the neighborhood bears...apparently a place to mark their territory...and we noticed these new scratches this morning at the bottom of the pole. There was also a very large pile of bear scat nearby, but no picture for you. I know you are thankful....!

 So I checked our outdoor wildlife camera to see if we've had any recent visitors...and here is one of the 'big boys'...

I'm not sure if the scratching on the pole signifies the beginning of mating season or just what...but it seems to happen every year...so it must have some significance.

Now on a tamer note:

I spent some time just relaxing and reading this afternoon in the memorial garden.  The birds were flying to and fro from the bird feeders to the trees and back...and keeping a wary eye on me.  There were a lot of other birds besides these cardinals, like Tufted Titmouse, Chickadees and wrens and little sparrows or finches of some kind...but they were all too quick to get a picture.  Their singing was glorious, however.  Very enjoyable...made it difficult for me to concentrate on reading...but that's okay.

Psalm 57:7-11

7.  "My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast;

I will sing and give praise.

8.  Awake, my glory!

Awake, lute and harp!

I will awaken the dawn.

9.  I will praise You, O Lord,

among the peoples;

I will sing to You among the nations.

10.  For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,

and Your truth unto the clouds.

11.  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let Your glory be above all the earth."

Amen.

Why not sing along with me on this psalm of praise?

Friday Foto Friends: Brighten The Corner Where You Are

This past week I have been kind of "out of it" when it comes to reading and writing. First of all, let me thank each of you who have taken the time to write comments on my previous blog posts over the past week.  I didn't get around to replying to all of you, and I am sorry! I did read your kind and thoughtful words...and I treasure each of you in my heart.  Some weeks things just seem to get too busy to squeeze everything in that we'd like to do.

So now it is time to post pictures...and I'm scratching my head and wondering what to post...

I have been watching this plant that is growing beside the road for the past few weeks, wondering what kind of flower it was (and also what that green leaf-eater bug is)

It is the only plant like it anywhere along our road that I can see...growing all by itself, just one stem coming up from the ground.

As its buds began to break open, I noticed this lovely little skipper butterfly/moth enjoying its nectar...

And I also noticed the fragrance was sweet and delicate...from such a pretty little flower...

Don't you agree?  Do you know what this is?

I looked it up online and decided that it must be a type of common milkweed  (Click this link for more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepias_syriaca )

So now I am watching it every day to make sure it doesn't get destroyed alongside the road ...and I am hoping to get some of its seeds when they develop so I can plant them in my garden at home and hopefully attract some Monarch Butterflies!!  (But I still don't know what that green leaf-eating bug is. If you can identify it for me I would appreciate it!)


This isn't a Monarch, but a lovely Giant Swallowtail https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-cresphontes, who flew along beside us from bush to bush while we walked....

We also saw this beautiful little Gulf Fritillary Butterfly enjoying some wildflowers...

In other news this week...first let me apologize to my Facebook friends, as you have probably already seen all of these pictures...

I graduated from a flip phone to an i-phone.

 The i-phone is a reconditioned one, an Apple 5S model, which apparently is already obsolete, but it's still way smarter than me!  It has taken me a couple of days to finally figure out how to make a phone call. Of course, the problem here is that we live way out in the boonies where there is no signal...and we have to drive over five miles just to get enough signal to make a phone call.  But the main reason for needing a cell phone is because we do have to drive so far to get anywhere, (over 20 miles through the forest to the nearest Walmart!) and it is primarily a safety and security measure in case of emergency.  I just feel so dumb trying to figure this thing out...especially when I see young kids who have mastered them in no time at all!  But you know what they say about us "old folks" need to keep learning new skills to challenge our brains so we don't get senile... (it may be too late for me...LOL)


Now, on a final note...These next two pictures you may not understand...But in the first picture you see the corner of my kitchen where our coffee pot, tea pot, toaster oven, etc. are.  Above are the cabinets for our dishes and tea/coffee mugs.  The under cabinet fluorescent light that was under the cabinet by the coffee pot died this week, leaving that corner very dark and dreary.

 It took a couple of tries, but we finally found an LED light fixture to fit under that cabinet, which is much brighter than the former light we had there.  In the process, we also ended up with another smaller fluorescent light that fit under the other cabinet where you see the mixer...so now the whole corner is lit up!

Ever since we lit this little corner up so brightly I've been singing this song when I turn on the lights in the morning:

Brighten The Corner Where You Are

Click HERE for the history of how this song was written and how it became so popular  - I found this little history lesson very interesting!

"Brighten The Corner Where You Are"

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar,

To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain

Brighten the corner where you are!

Brighten the corner where you are!

Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;

Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,

Let not narrow self your way debar;

Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,

Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;

Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,

Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain

---

So, my final words to you today are this...you may think that you don't have much to offer...your life may be quiet and not too exciting, and you may feel like no one would be interested in anything you may have to say or write...but this little song above speaks to me...and I hope to you as well...wherever you are, whatever you do, just be yourself...and "Brighten the Corner Where You Are"!  Let the light of Jesus shine through you in all you say and do...offer a smile when others are frowning...a word of hope when others seem to have none...be cheerful when all seems dark and dreary...

"Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!"

Now, please skip over to Deb's place at "Breathing in Grace" and see how all our other Friday Foto Friends are brightening the corner where they are today!!

Have a blessed and beautiful day my friends!!

My Thrift Store Little Girl

Today while my hubby was picking up a prescription at the local "Grandma's Pharmacy" (I kid you not...that is the name of the drug store), I meandered down to the Thrift Store in the little shopping center to mosey around while waiting.  They had lots of this and that, old dishes, clothes, junk, knicknacks and paddiwacks...even had a dog wandering around in the store...(not for sale, at least I don't think he was...).  Most of the stuff was just junk, and somewhat overpriced junk at that.  Except for this lovely little item that caught my eye and I could not pass it up.  I mean, it was only $2.00!!!
Here she is...and I know you will agree that she was meant for me ...

Don't you just love this little girl, sitting in front of the mirror, trying on a pretty hat...and wearing her mommy's make up and jewelry?

And notice her teddy bear, sitting there patiently watching and waiting for her to finish playing dress-up and pick him back up to play...

He kind of reminds me of my hubby waiting for me to try on new clothes at the store...

(which rarely ever happens any more!)

Well, I just couldn't pass her by.  She takes me back to my own childhood...playing dress up...and I still love to put on old hats and pretend I'm from somewhere back in time...and since I don't have any little girls or granddaughters to enjoy playing dress-up with...I guess the little girl in me was reaching out to play with her....

It says on the bottom of this adorable little figurine that she is one the

"Dollstone Collection" pieces from "Yesterday's Child". And there is a quote from 

William Butler Yeats:

"To be born a woman is to know,

although they do not talk of it as school,

that we must labor to be beautiful."

However, I remember what Proverbs 31:29-30 says about "The Virtuous Woman"

"Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all."

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord,

she shall be praised."

Lord, I want to be that woman who fears the Lord...not for any praise, but because I know that is what has lasting value and purpose in life.  However, Lord, I thank You that You love me just as I am...especially when I come to You in "child-like faith".  For You told Your disciples in Matthew 18:3-5 the following:

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted

and become as little children, you will by no means

enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever receives one little child like this

in My name receives Me."

So maybe acting like a little girl again isn't such a bad thing after all!

Well, maybe my theology is a little skewed to cover my little indulgence today...but I think Jesus understands my heart.  Besides, the Bible also tells us that 

"A merry heart  does good, like medicine!" 

(Proverbs 17:22)

So, this sweet little girl has made my heart merry today...

and that's GOOD medicine!

I hope she has made YOU smile as well!

Good night dear friends!

Sweet Dreams!

Things that Make Me Smile

Last evening I was overcome by things that make me smile.  I was simply standing in my kitchen, and looked around and suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to smile and say "Thank You" to the Lord for all the good things He has done.

As I reflected back on the day and the week that has passed, joy filled my heart.  This little "Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly" caught my attention earlier in the day...actually there were many of them twirling around, sampling the nectar of any flower they could find...and danced their way merrily throughout the yard.  I tried to capture more pictures, but they would not be still long enough..so this one happy little lady will have to do.  Actually...there is more to this little butterfly than meets the eye. I was reminded early in the morning that this particular day was the birthday of a dear friend who had passed on to heaven almost two years ago...just before my own son also entered heaven's gates.  So I envisioned these butterflies as little messengers from heaven as they danced to and fro, letting me know that all is well...and that I need not be sad for them...


Thanksgiving and Christmas has come and gone, and it was a joyous time of blessing.

Our friends and families came together and we celebrated the fact that we could be together...and that we are healthy, strong, and doing well, all things considered.  God has been very gracious to us.


Our home Bible Fellowship ushered in the Advent season with the lighting of the Advent Wreath each week as we gathered to worship and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah...

and we had sweet fellowship around the table as well...

New friends and old...

During the past month we ate a lot of wonderful food... (and I'm feeling the effects of that now...)

 We spent time with my side of the family...

With my oldest brother and my sister...

And actually, not long before we had Thanksgiving with my next to the oldest brother and family as well...another blessing!

and also my husband's side of the family...

My cousin and wife visited all the way from Iowa...

 Much laughter and fun with brothers and sisters and cousins and friends and sons and nieces, nephews and families...

And then on Christmas Day with my husband's side of the family...again with friends, family, 

crazy brother in law, silly kids...





Happy times...joyous times...

My 92+ year old mother in law who could still be with us and enjoy this time with family...



















We remembered loved ones gone on before us:

This picture of our son Matthew is on my refrigerator, and it always makes me smile 
as I remember him this way

Matthew's preschool stocking  on our tree, with a little boy angel ornament in memory of him...

And we talked to loved ones far away who couldn't be with us on Christmas

Our grandson Noah and his mother Nicole, in Maine on Christmas Day

Others things that make me smile:

Our Nativity...and the Baby Jesus...

The Christmas Tree

Our Front Porch and the lovely wreath sent to us from our kids in Maine...

"For Unto Us a Child is Born" sign created by my son

Our little "Baby Elva" doll, all decked out for Christmas.... a gift several years ago from a special friend...she always makes me smile....

Last year's Poinsettia planted and blooming...

Christmas Cactus blooming...

Early Camellia blossoms...

My hubby on Christmas morning as he was sharing with me just before we started opening our gifts how thankful he was for all the beautiful things God had done 

Our fun loving wonderful sons on Christmas morning...always make me smile...

Surprises that made me have to close my eyes!

Yes, these are just a few of the things that make me smile.  As we draw to the close of another year...I am counting my blessings....oh, did I mention that I RETIRED this past fall?

And now I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for us in the New Year.  I am actually getting excited about the possibilities...looking forward to some fun activities with friends and family...hikes with my hubby...maybe even a trip out of state or two...who knows?  God knows...

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

   11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This little angel, a creation by one of my sons, opens her arms wide to share with us
God's message of:

PEACE

HOPE

AND LOVE

May your New Year be filled with blessings and joy and many things that make YOU smile!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!