I looked out my back door window this morning while I was making my coffee and I started smiling. It seems that God was in His usual giving mood and allowed the sky over Hampton Roads to open up and let down the most beautiful snow. The wonderous snowflakes danced in the air for quite awhile before making their landings known. Now, there is a soft blanketing over everything becoming visible right before my eyes. Beautiful!
I poked my head out the back door and breathed in the cold crisp snowfilled air and was immediately in an ol' fashioned Christmas mood. Why does snow seem to bring out a little Currier and Ives in me this time of year? Probably because I am an idealist... Anyway, it is absolutely beautiful and I am getting into a baking mood.
I was getting ready to type--Life is so good--but, in reality it is --God is so good! Everything comes from Him for His Purpose and Glory....even snow!
Have a wonderful day.
Sharon
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Christmas
I truly miss the old Christmas traditions and hymns that I grew up with. There is just something about churches doing the Advent, decorating with candles, childrens Christmas plays and beautiful doctrinal hymns.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne.
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Busy body and soul....
To day has been unbelieviably busy for me. Both in the physical and in the mental....sometimes I wish I could just turn off my brain. I think I may get over stimulated by the computer. (I think that is possible...)
Anyway, I am finishing up schooling lessons for the week, cleaning house, doing laundry and packing for a ladies retreat this weekend. I honestly would not be going if it weren't for the fact that a friend of mine is leading it...otherwise I would be home this weekend probably putting in my concrete block compost bin. Oh, well...
I know that God has things for me to do...and He is with me, so I am just going to keep on keeping on until everything gets done. I hope I can get it done tonight, so tomorrow can be a peaceful day prior to traveling to Williamsburg for the retreat.
There is something (actually many things) on my mind. I love to read Christian Women's Blogs. I glean a great deal from them, but I am becoming more and more frustrated with them, too. (It is probably just today...I am a bit out of sorts!) Anyway, if my house is not all color coordinated, done with flowers everywhere and have spit shine floors....does this make me less of a Christian woman, wife and homemaker. I know I have let things slide, but I must confess....I am getting really bogged down in trying to be the perfect Christian wife and homemaker......I cannot have a home like the ones in all the pretty paintings and pictures. I try....Maybe, I should just not concentrate on the house and stay with what will never be taken away from me. Spending time with JESUS. This does brings me peace. I am such a Martha...and I need to be a Mary. I guess we all deal with this once in awhile. Hmmm......
Anyway, I am finishing up schooling lessons for the week, cleaning house, doing laundry and packing for a ladies retreat this weekend. I honestly would not be going if it weren't for the fact that a friend of mine is leading it...otherwise I would be home this weekend probably putting in my concrete block compost bin. Oh, well...
I know that God has things for me to do...and He is with me, so I am just going to keep on keeping on until everything gets done. I hope I can get it done tonight, so tomorrow can be a peaceful day prior to traveling to Williamsburg for the retreat.
There is something (actually many things) on my mind. I love to read Christian Women's Blogs. I glean a great deal from them, but I am becoming more and more frustrated with them, too. (It is probably just today...I am a bit out of sorts!) Anyway, if my house is not all color coordinated, done with flowers everywhere and have spit shine floors....does this make me less of a Christian woman, wife and homemaker. I know I have let things slide, but I must confess....I am getting really bogged down in trying to be the perfect Christian wife and homemaker......I cannot have a home like the ones in all the pretty paintings and pictures. I try....Maybe, I should just not concentrate on the house and stay with what will never be taken away from me. Spending time with JESUS. This does brings me peace. I am such a Martha...and I need to be a Mary. I guess we all deal with this once in awhile. Hmmm......
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Autumnal thoughts...
The days of autumn are definately upon the Beale Bungalow. The leaves are finally falling and the seasonal local festivals are in full swing. Pumpkins are being butchered by the thousands and placed on front porches all across my area. (I prefer to keep my pumpkins whole and then make them into soup...yum!) Anyway....autumn has finally arrived and I am loving it. After all, it is my favorite time of the year. I have been in such a slump that anything that stirs up excitement is gladly welcomed, so the seasonal changes are being much appreciated by this Lady of the House.
I am in the mood to finally get my composting structure built. I want to use the cement block type of composting bin. It will take about 50 blocks. It will probably cost about $80.00 to make, but it will last a lifetime and I will be able to move it--if I choose to do so. I already have some horse manure, living table scraps, and leaves....all I need to do is go and get the blocks, put them into place and presto....The Beale Backyard Barnyard will be on its way to a reality. I am hoping to do this sometime this week. My son and I can work together and learn about the benefits of composting and permaculture at the same time. :)
The house is also in much need of a good cleaning and decluttering. I am trying to find out a way to do this as painless as possible. I prefer to do these types of jobs in an empty house, but that is a rare phenomena here....so I need to come up with a plan of action. I am sure God will give me one. I pray that my motives will be right during this process, since I havc a tendency to become vain about my home. We will see.
Speaking of God....he has been speaking LOUDLY here lately. I have allowed satan so many footholds in my life that I am a mess and thank goodness God knows this. He is working and I am seeing victory in some areas of this appointed life I have been so richly blessed with. I need a good Bible study though. Just to sit and read the Bible doesn't do much for me.....I need a reachable goal and something to write on. That is how I learn and do things. He is still preaching, reaching and teaching me.....and this is a great comfort. Climbing back up is sure harder that falling down.
Well....that is all for now. God Bless!
I am in the mood to finally get my composting structure built. I want to use the cement block type of composting bin. It will take about 50 blocks. It will probably cost about $80.00 to make, but it will last a lifetime and I will be able to move it--if I choose to do so. I already have some horse manure, living table scraps, and leaves....all I need to do is go and get the blocks, put them into place and presto....The Beale Backyard Barnyard will be on its way to a reality. I am hoping to do this sometime this week. My son and I can work together and learn about the benefits of composting and permaculture at the same time. :)
The house is also in much need of a good cleaning and decluttering. I am trying to find out a way to do this as painless as possible. I prefer to do these types of jobs in an empty house, but that is a rare phenomena here....so I need to come up with a plan of action. I am sure God will give me one. I pray that my motives will be right during this process, since I havc a tendency to become vain about my home. We will see.
Speaking of God....he has been speaking LOUDLY here lately. I have allowed satan so many footholds in my life that I am a mess and thank goodness God knows this. He is working and I am seeing victory in some areas of this appointed life I have been so richly blessed with. I need a good Bible study though. Just to sit and read the Bible doesn't do much for me.....I need a reachable goal and something to write on. That is how I learn and do things. He is still preaching, reaching and teaching me.....and this is a great comfort. Climbing back up is sure harder that falling down.
Well....that is all for now. God Bless!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Grace and Mercy
Life has been difficult since my first entry. It seems that I am a dried branch that has fallen off the True Vine. It amazes me how fast and unwittingly this can and does happen. It usually takes a wound to my heart to get me back on track. This time was different...It took a wound to my Saviour's heart for me to see how withered and fruitless I have become. This took years to come about, but only and instant to see the pain I was causing Jesus.
Now, have I murdered, stolen, abused anyone...NO! But, I have abdicated the majority of my responsiblities as a wife and a mother. I do believe it has been all about me here lately. Therefore, my world has been quite small, lonely and totally out of sorts.
This has been reflected in my homekeeping (I used to be so fastidious), in our homeschooling lessons, in my church life, private thoughts, and even personal hygiene. Depression is a hard task master...robbing one of everything precious and valuable. Hmm...who does that sound like!
It seems this blog is going to be (for awhile at least) about my journey back to Jesus, thus my family and friends. Not a bad topic for one who has been in the dark for so long. I have sinned in so many little ways that the light went out and I was in spiritual darkness trying my best to smile though it. Yet, in a twinkling of and eye...God spoke and showed me his heart. What does that bumper sticker say? I am not perfect...just forgiven. Mercy and Grace have been graciously bestowed upon me. Grace...oh that sweet Grace of Jesus Christ! "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:" Romans 5:20.
So, today is a nice clean new day....I do believe I see the Son shining in my heart and the sun shining outside my window.....
Now, have I murdered, stolen, abused anyone...NO! But, I have abdicated the majority of my responsiblities as a wife and a mother. I do believe it has been all about me here lately. Therefore, my world has been quite small, lonely and totally out of sorts.
This has been reflected in my homekeeping (I used to be so fastidious), in our homeschooling lessons, in my church life, private thoughts, and even personal hygiene. Depression is a hard task master...robbing one of everything precious and valuable. Hmm...who does that sound like!
It seems this blog is going to be (for awhile at least) about my journey back to Jesus, thus my family and friends. Not a bad topic for one who has been in the dark for so long. I have sinned in so many little ways that the light went out and I was in spiritual darkness trying my best to smile though it. Yet, in a twinkling of and eye...God spoke and showed me his heart. What does that bumper sticker say? I am not perfect...just forgiven. Mercy and Grace have been graciously bestowed upon me. Grace...oh that sweet Grace of Jesus Christ! "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:" Romans 5:20.
So, today is a nice clean new day....I do believe I see the Son shining in my heart and the sun shining outside my window.....
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A new start...
Good day. I am new to blogspot, but I am not new at blogging. I just have not been blogging in a long time, yet I feel the need to start once again. A new blog and a new time in my life.
I am very much a domestic type of person. So, my blogging will consist of family, home and hearth. I love the LORD, thus I prayerfully hope that my writings will reflect Him and His amazing love steadfastness.
So, what is on my mind and heart today.....contentment. Right now I am so content that my cup runs over. God seems to be refreshing me through His Word and giving renewed energy and direction. This is a big thing in my life-at the moment. For a long time now I have been kind of wandering...perimenopause!....but it seems that God's plan for me to be a slug this summer is paying off. I am feeling rested, nonstressed and blessed.
Now, it is time to be about the LORD's business. For me, at this time of my life...that would be studying His Word; getting ready for the schooling lessons to begin; finishing some last minute summertime chores and praying for help and guidance through all of the above.
I am thinking of starting a small fall garden. This has been the first year that I have not had a summer garden in about 24 years. I, along with the land, needed a rest. Yet, a little garden for the fall seems to be on my heart here lately. Hmm...I think this is going to be my project to the next few days.
Since I have been a slug this whole summer.....I have been thinking up all these lovely projects that I would like to do. These will be for future posts. I can't wait! :)
Well, that is all for now. I just wanted to get started and so now "off I go!"
I am very much a domestic type of person. So, my blogging will consist of family, home and hearth. I love the LORD, thus I prayerfully hope that my writings will reflect Him and His amazing love steadfastness.
So, what is on my mind and heart today.....contentment. Right now I am so content that my cup runs over. God seems to be refreshing me through His Word and giving renewed energy and direction. This is a big thing in my life-at the moment. For a long time now I have been kind of wandering...perimenopause!....but it seems that God's plan for me to be a slug this summer is paying off. I am feeling rested, nonstressed and blessed.
Now, it is time to be about the LORD's business. For me, at this time of my life...that would be studying His Word; getting ready for the schooling lessons to begin; finishing some last minute summertime chores and praying for help and guidance through all of the above.
I am thinking of starting a small fall garden. This has been the first year that I have not had a summer garden in about 24 years. I, along with the land, needed a rest. Yet, a little garden for the fall seems to be on my heart here lately. Hmm...I think this is going to be my project to the next few days.
Since I have been a slug this whole summer.....I have been thinking up all these lovely projects that I would like to do. These will be for future posts. I can't wait! :)
Well, that is all for now. I just wanted to get started and so now "off I go!"
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