a daybook for june . . .

Today seems as good as any to sit for moment and ponder these questions for the month of June!

Outside my window... it's clear, sunny, and surprisingly cool for a June morning.  Neither high heat nor humidity have been very evident so far this month.  Not like they were in May!  In fact, one morning it was so cool, I turned the heat on to knock off the chill.  How often does that happen in Alabama in June?!?

I am thinking... about what a busy month this is going to be.  I looked at our (Todd's and my) collective calendar last night and couldn't find a blank day!  VBS and church block parties and women's prayer meetings and Camp MACOBA events and Ellie's baby dedication and several weddings and showers.  Somewhere in all of that, Todd and I will celebrate sixteen years of wedded bliss.  Well, we'll acknowledge it, anyway.  Celebrating may have to wait for July.  Or quite possibly fall.  

I am thankful... for those sweet sixteen years. 

From the learning rooms... I'm going to take the easy route and claim VBS here.  Since I'll be teaching grades 3-5, I'm having to do a lot of lesson prep!  Not just that, but tomorrow and Saturday I'll have to get my room in order, too.  Because we're such a young church start and funding is tight, we're doing last year's The Big Apple program, which is going to be fun!  The music is great -- Jeff Slaughter always does a marvelous job with VBS music -- and the props and decorating ideas are such fun.  I am thinking I'll put up bulletin board paper on all four walls and use a projector to draw city scenes on them.  For Monday's lesson, I've got a couple of guys enlisted to 'dramatize' the Scripture reading.  That always goes over well!  It'll be a fabulous week!

In the kitchen... not a whole lot happening there.  Or nothing new and exciting, anyway.

I am wearing... my pink, plaid, fuzzy, cozy bathrobe.  Which is exactly the same thing I was wearing the last time I wrote this out.  LOL! 

I am creating... a wide spectrum of things.  A doll quilt in blues for June's swap, a pillow hanging, a baby quilt for a July baby (which probably won't be ready until August -- the quilt, not the baby), a challenge piece for the guild, a customized scavenger hunt for our ladies to play with at a local shopping establishment, VBS this-and-that, a four-week Bible study for July . . . whew! 

I am going... to a VBS prayer meeting this morning and Todd and I are meeting some dear friends for dinner this evening.  Tomorrow, if I have all my work done, I may meet Kim and Sawyer at Jocelyn's and get in a little pool time!

I am wondering... what color bulletin board paper I'm going to get for the walls of my room.  I was thinking black on one side ... and then draw the buildings onto it with white chalk.  And then maybe blue and green (sky and grass) on one side ... and then something that includes water and the Statute of Liberty, since the Bible study takes place in "Battery Park", and the view is Ellis Island.

I am reading... the current Sunday School lesson out of LifeLessons.  This week's lesson is on commitment, which is rather timely, considering all that's going on for so many.  I'm also just finishing up a Kindle freebie ... Until Forever, which has been good, and I'm also reading Renee Swope's A Confident Heart.  I've got a stack of magazines that are waiting on me, too. 

I am hoping... for a productive day!

I am looking forward to... going to dinner at Rosie's tonight.  The couple we're meeting are the pastor and his wife of Lighthouse, our home/sending church.  We've known them nearly all our married life and it will be fun to catch up and just enjoy an evening together!

I am hearing... birds, birds, and more birds!  A hawk flew in earlier and sent everything scurrying, but things have settled back to normal.  I thought I heard a deer blow (it's a very distinctive sound), but when I turned around to look, I couldn't see anything, which doesn't mean anything but that I couldn't see through all the tree and bush camouflage!


[**Edited to update:  Evidently it was a deer ... Todd came upon one on the road below our site, and it ran up toward the RV, blowing at him as it went.  I was pretty sure that's what I heard!**]

Around the house... it's pretty quiet.  Todd's walking and it's just only me.  :)

I am pondering... the July Bible study content.  Pondering and praying over it.  I don't want it to be too heavy, but I also don't want it to be just fluff and void of relevant content.  I don't want us to be doing Bible study just for the sake of it, but because it's pertinent.  Ponder and prayer, ponder and prayer.

One of my favorite things... my Yellow Box flip flops!  I know it sounds silly in the scheme of things, but it has been two years since I could wear them (on both feet, anyway) and they are so comfortable and fun and they scream SUMMER!! [And, just as a side note, I have still not read my current issue of Tea Time Magazine (which I noted as my favorite thing last month).  Wow, what's wrong with that picture?!]

A few plans for the rest of the week... what's left of it!  I think I pretty much covered that in my above paragraphs.  I've got a couple of things still to check off my to-do list for the week.  I'd like to knock them out today so I'm freed up to splash and play a little tomorrow.  Saturday I'll be decorating and Saturday evening Todd and I are handing out VBS fliers.  Sunday will be Sunday School and worship, and then that afternoon we kick off our VBS with a huge party at the ballpark ... with a water slide!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... 

Todd and I took a little ride down to the pond last Sunday.  It was such a lovely (albeit breezy) day!  Because of the clouds directly over the tree line you wouldn't know how pretty a day it was if you couldn't see the blue sky in the pond's reflection. 

And I was delighted to find some Trumpet Vine blooming while we were down there ... it's the first time I've seen it on the camp property since we moved here!  It was another of those sweet little things that I thought I'd miss out on when we left Hunter Road.  God is so good!

I'm all linked up to the June Edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook, and also Katherine's Corner and her Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.  These are both definitely worth  checking out, lots of interesting folks and blogs, for sure!  Thanks for indulging me this happy Thursday!

:)

may's daybook . . .

As I went to type in my title, I typed, "april's daybook", which is an apt commentary on how far behind I've gotten!

Outside my window... it's rather grey this morning.  Not surprising since the chance of rain is over ninety percent.

I am thinking... about my folks visit this coming week and what all we're going to do!  I can't wait; it's been over a year since I've seen my mom and dad and I'm really looking forward to their visit.  Plus this will be their introduction to Miss Eleanor!

I am thankful... for my sweet, sweet husband.  He's such a marvelous provider and friend. 

From the learning rooms... stitches.  I want to broaden my horizon on embroidery stitches!

In the kitchen... I've been working very diligently on South Beach recipes.  We've just moved into Phase 2 and that opens up some new (and very welcomed) possibilities.  I made a SB meatloaf recipe last night, and I'm going to make some soup for tomorrow.

I am wearing... my pink, plaid, fuzzy, cozy bathrobe.  And happy about it, too!  :) 

I am creating... not near enough lately.  I finished up a doll swap quilt and am not trying to decide what I want to do for May.  I spend several hours in my quilt room yesterday putting fabrics and tools back where they belong.  I have a tough time creating when my space is not in order.

I am going... all over the place today.  I'm headed to my weekly bookkeeping job, then to weigh in at my doctor's office (I hope he's pleased...I'm down 16.1 pounds as of this morning...whoohoo!), then to spend the day with Miss Ellie and Jocelyn, and I'm topping it off with some Neesey and Sawyer time.  Whew!

I am wondering... what I'm wondering about.  LOL!  Seriously, I sat here for about ten minutes trying to figure it out.  Guess that answers the question huh?!

I am reading... the Bible study and accompanying Bible text to James:  Mercy Triumphs.  I'm in Week 5 and it's a *terrific* study.  It is from the book of James that my blog name comes from.  I'm also reading a kindle freebie, but I can't remember the title -- it's by Dee Henderson, and I've always enjoyed her work.  I'm also reading anonymous, by Alicia Britt Chole.  I won it in a giveaway on Women's Ministry.net. 

I am hoping... nothing interferes with my parent's trip and that the doctor is pleased with my progress today!

I am looking forward to... taking my mom to tea at Emma's with all the girls!

I am hearing... birds, squirrels and believe it or not, the air conditioner has already kicked on this morning!

Around the house... it's quiet (except for the A/C).  Todd's already headed out for work.  It's just only me.  :)

I am pondering... when James (the Lord's half brother and the author of the book of James) figured out that Jesus was really the Messiah.  My Bible study partner and I have been talking about that.  We know, based on Scripture, that he did NOT believe during Jesus' ministry on earth ... but when that changed is not apparent.  And I wonder not just when, but what happened that opened his eyes to the truth?!

One of my favorite things... Tea Time Magazine!  I've got the new issue sitting here and I've not opened it up yet. Crazy, right?!  I'll remedy that very soon.

A few plans for the rest of the week... some housekeeping, some ministry work, getting ready for company, and finishing up a quilt!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Like I could just share one... and just think, in another five months or so, there will be three pics!  Ha!  :)

I'm all linked up to the May Edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook, and also Katherine's Corner and her Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.  These are both definitely worth  checking out, lots of interesting folks and blogs, for sure!  Have a happy May Thursday!

:)

march's daybook . . .

Well, if I can't hit it on the first of the month, it may as well be the fifteenth, right?  The Ides of March . . . :)

Outside my window... the sun is starting to assert its presence.  The change to Daylight Savings Time always sets me back a bit, with the sun rising later.  It doesn't stop the birds, though -- they were singing and calling well before the sun made its appearance!

I am thinking... about all the things I need to get done in the next few days . . . getting our tax return information gathered, some administrative work for the ministry, finishing up Sawyer's quilt, meal planning and grocery shopping for next week.  I don't want to forget anything!

I am thankful... I've said it before and I'll say it again (both now and in the future):  my family!  I love my sweet family and am so thankful I've been blessed with my husband, our children, their spouses, and our grandbabies!!  Not to mention my parents and sisters (and their families) and cousins and aunts and uncles.  Family is so important to me and I'm thankful for mine.

From the learning rooms... This month it's recipes. I've got a couple of new ones I want to give a try.  That counts as learning, right?!

In the kitchen... oh ... see the above!  One recipe that sounded particularly good was out of the current issue of Celebration for Chicken con Pollo.  :)

I am wearing... a jean skirt and my Deeper Still: The Event tee-shirt.  

I am creating... Sawyer's Dinosaur quilt is being quilted ... and then I need to get my feathered star block (UFO for this month) pieced together.

I am going... nowhere for most of today.  This evening Todd and I are headed out to dinner with a couple from church.  We will try to have dinner with a different couple every week, to help us get to know the different families in our church.  We'd like to have a big Sunday afternoon picnic/potluck for the whole church family soon, so they can see where we live and get to know us better, too!

I am wondering... what's waiting at the post office.  When Todd made the trip to pick up mail yesterday, there were two parcel slips, indicating we had packages that wouldn't fit in our box, but since the post office was already closed, we had to W.A.I.T.  We know one is our monthly shipment of K-cup coffee, but don't know about the other . . . hmmmmmmm.

I am reading... the Bible study and accompanying Bible text to A Woman's Heart:  God's Dwelling Place (still -- for another six weeks, at least).  I'm also reading a kindle freebie, Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride.  It's pretty cute!  I'm also pouring over all my women's ministry books.  See what I'm 'pondering'. 

I am [still] hoping... we're somehow able to trade out RV for the new one.  I'm also hoping my dad's back pain clears up completely.  It was so bad the doctor nixed their travel plans to Alabama.  Boo!!  I hope they're able to make the trip later in April, sometime.

I am looking forward to... spending my day with Ellie tomorrow, and Sawyer's mustache birthday party on Saturday!!

I am hearing... birds, birds and more birds!

Around the house... it's quiet.  Todd's out taking his walk and nothing is turned on.  I rather like it.

I am pondering... women's ministry.  There is currently no women's ministry program at CBC and I need to come up with a plan and implement it.  A lot of prayer will be forthwith on the subject.

One of my favorite things... pulling out my spring/Easter decorations!  It means *Spring* is here!

A few plans for the rest of the week... I think I pretty much covered that in what I was looking forward to!  Ministry stuff, finishing a quilt, going to dinner, watching Ellie, grocery shopping, Sawyer's birthday party . . . just a few things to keep my busy!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Four years ago today James and Kim were married.  This is one of my favorite photos taken from that day because it expresses, without a shadow of a doubt, just how happy my son was to have married his sweet bride.  I had such fun browsing through their wedding pics this morning.  And what makes me happiest is knowing that my darling son, who's become such a wonderful, godly man, husband, and father, is still that silly-crazy in love with his sweet bride!  Happy anniversary, Kim and James!!

I'm all linked up to the Spring Edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook.  Definitely you should check it out if you get the chance ... I've made some wonderful friends through that connection! And don't Beware the Ides of March . . . be WONDERFUL in the Ides of March! 

:)

february's daybook . . .

I can't quite believe I let December, January, and more than half of February get away without posting a daybook entry.  This is one of my favorite writing exercises. :)

Outside my window... it's gray and cloudy, but relatively warm for February.  Rain is promised for this afternoon and through the night.  In anticipation of the rain and bluster, the birds are hitting the feeders pretty heavily . . . cardinals, tufted titmouse, goldfinches (which are more like olive-colored finches in the winter), several varieties of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.  They're so sweet!

I am thinking... about the retreat with my Stitcher's Group next week!  I'll leave early on Wednesday morning and be back Sunday afternoon.  Five days and four nights of stitching, stitching and stitching.  I'm thinking about what projects (and what extras) I'll take with me!

I am thankful... for my darling grandbabies.  They are the best, best, bestest!  (Right after husbands and children, right?!)

From the learning rooms... I'm learning some new embroidery stitches *and* I'm playing around with FMQ.  I like learning new things!

In the kitchen... today there's not a whole lot going on.  I'll probably make some Firehouse Crackers for Todd (so he's got them to munch on while I'm gone next week).  I heated up some Ravioli Soup for lunch.  Yummy!

I am wearing... a jean skirt and tee-shirt.  And my snuggy.  It's chilly in here today!

I am creating... mostly I'm working on projects I'd started years (and years!) before, and need to get wrapped up and put on my "finit" list.  There are a couple of new projects in the works, too.  Some, like my scripture tree and the rainbow swirl are very much in the 'thinking out' stage.  Some are in process like my 25th Anniversary quilt!

I am going... nowhere today ... except perhaps around the camp.  We've got campers in and I've been around once already, grabbing pics.  One group is very large -- 75 campers -- and is here for a "He-Man" weekend.  When Todd and I went around yesterday, the boys were all up on the upper field playing ball and frisbee in shorts.  And quite a number of them were not wearing shirts!  And NO!  It was NOT that warm!  The other group is a Boy Scout group working on their wilderness badge.  There are about 20 of them, scattered all over the camp. 

I am wondering... how those boys (who're spending the day constructing shelters in the woods) are going to fare tonight when then weather comes pouring in.

I am reading... the Bible study and accompanying Bible text to A Woman's Heart:  God's Dwelling Place.  It's a Beth Moore study we're doing at Cornerstone.  I just finished a quick novel on my Kindle.  I don't know what I'm going to pick up next.  I also just received a new book in the mail -- I won it in a FB contest -- Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space, which is filled with lots of awesome ideas.

I am hoping... we're somehow able to trade out RV for the new one.  Yeah ... it was that great.  :)

I am looking forward to... church tomorrow ... spending the day with Joc and Ellie on Tuesday ... and heading to the retreat on Wednesday, of course!

I am hearing... all the boys out there enjoying the splendor of nature!

Around the house... music is playing and the quilting bunkroom is calling my name.

I am pondering... next week -- the 23rd -- will be the one year anniversary of Everett's stillbirth.  I know this is heavy on Joc's mind, too.

One of my favorite things... pretty, fresh cut flowers.  My bouquet from my darling man are sitting on the counter in front of me, still looking so pink and pretty!

A few plans for the rest of the week... well, there's not much left of the rest of the week, is there?  This afternoon I plan on playing with some quilt blocks and this evening I want to write some notes and do some hand quilting!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is the block I'm currently quilting and will be working on tonight.  I cannot wait until this is a finished project I can curl up in!

As always, I'll be linking up to The Simple Woman's Daybook.  Happy Saturday!

:)

november's daybook . . .

I'm going to say something different this month: October should be longer. Maybe another two weeks? There's way too much pumpkin loveliness for a mere thirty-one day month! I know, I know ... pumpkins translate into November too, but let's face it, November is really more for pilgrims, turkeys, and cornucopias. :)

Outside my window... what a lovely, lovely morning. The birds are twittering and rustling around in the leaves. I hear crickets trying to keep warm by rubbing their legs. The sun is peaking up over the hill and it's promising to be a another glorious autumn day.

I am thinking... about our Thanksgiving for this year. We'll have my sister and her family here -- staying here at the camp. So it'll be a pretty huge crew! And we're having dinner under the pavilion on picnic tables, surrounded by God's glorious creation! Should be memorable!

I am thankful... for my darling husband, my children, and family and friends who continue to be so loving, caring, encouraging and supportive. Essentially I just put in the same thing I had last month. Because thankfully it hasn't changed; God is so good!

From the learning rooms... I'm still taking the EQ7 Tutorials. I learned a lot about adding quilt borders last week. I also got a new book on faux applique and have been studying that process. I think I'm ready to put that into application!

In the kitchen... I'm back in the saddle. Sometimes. I'm making dinner most nights, for which Todd is grateful! He's still getting breakfast. Today I'm making potato chowder for Jocelyn and I, and I need to get an apple pie into the oven.

I am wearing... yet another cast. My third this month. For another seven weeks, at least.

I am creating... Christmas stitcheries (from the Christmas stitch along over at Sew Happy Me). And I'm kind of sorta helping Joc with a button craft. Mostly I'm just lending my opinion and telling her how great it looks. Because it does!

I am going... no where this week, until Sunday when we're heading to Neeley's Chapel Baptist Church. Todd and I may tool around in Easy in the campground, too. If the weather holds . . .

I am wondering... when Jesus will return. Please, Lord don't tarry.

I am reading... re-reading Jaye Martin & Terri Stovall's Women Leading Women: The Biblical Model for the Church. It's wonderful. Jaye has been blogging excerpts from the book on her blog, Jaye Martin & Leaders. I'm also reading Beverly Lewis's The Mercy, from The Rose Trilogy. It's been an awesome, awesome series; but I love Amish fiction! And I've been studying out of Romans. Heavy stuff, that. :)

I am hoping... to catch up on laundry today! Gracious it piles up if I don't stay on TOP of it!

I am looking forward to... Lots of things ... baby Ellie's birth, Jocelyn getting here today, Kim and Sawyer's visit after lunch . . . Oh yeah -- and I put my deposit down for our Stitcher's Retreat! It's not until February, but it's so much fun, I'll just enjoy *looking forward to it* for the next four months!

I am hearing... all the critters that I listed under "outside my window". Morning's sweet nature song!

Around the house... it's quiet. It's just only me, for now. :)

I am pondering... these things in my heart. Which means I'm not ready to share them.

One of my favorite things... apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar and whipped cream. A steaming cup of tea in a delicate China teacup. Quiet evenings at home with my darling husband. Feeling Ellie rabbit kick, fast and furiously, through her mommy's tummy. Sawyer's sweet little kisses. Oh, whoops -- only one thing?! Well darn.

A few plans for the rest of the week... not too many, really. Joc is coming by to spend the day today. We've got no one in the camp this coming weekend. After that we've got groups up here every weekend through to Christmas! This is a first -- until this year the camp's closed in November for the season. I'm so excited that's not the case this year! Oh, and Todd is taking off for a little bit on Saturday to come home and watch the Alabama vs. LSU game that evening. Roll Tide!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

E is for Eleanor "Ellie" Pearl! This is the button craft that my beautiful Joc started here on Sunday. I think she pinned it on Pinterest -- it's based on a project she saw listed on Etsy. Hopefully she'll be able to finish it today, and I'll have more "process" pictures and a finish pic tomorrow. How sweet that will be on Ellie's nursery wall. I cannot wait for January!

As always, I'll be linking up to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

:)

october's daybook . . .

I know I say this every month (well, most every month -- somehow I completely missed September), but I cannot believe how quickly this year is passing! Here it is already October, and I just realized I completely missed doing a September daybook. Ah well; time may be passing quickly, but these days, I'm moving more slowly within it, so perhaps I'll catch up?!? (If that's not convoluted logic, I don't know what is!)

Outside my window... it is a gorgeous, fall afternoon. I've got all three of the bedroom windows open and I'm enjoy the sweet, fragrant breeze and the birdsong!

I am thinking... what a wonderful and gracious husband I have. He took my camera down to our guild's quilt show to take pictures for me. Isn't that sweet? It really hurts my heart to not go, but this morning was not a good one, so it wasn't worth the risk. But he knew how important it was to me, so he went by himself.

I am thankful... for my darling husband, my children, and friends and family who've all been so loving, caring, and supportive. Especially now as the long, slow, and tedious healing process begins.

From the learning rooms... I've been taking the EQ7 Tutorials and I'm learning so many fantastic things about the software and its application. I've also been going back and brushing up on some of the more basic embroidery stitches, to use in some felt wool projects I'm working on.

In the kitchen... I have no idea. I haven't been down there since Thursday! Haha!! :)

I am wearing... a cast. Haven't you heard?! It's all the rage these days . . .

I am creating... Christmas projects. Shhhhh.

I am going... no where until 10/10, which is when my next doctor's appointment is. Ah, and when I'll randomly choose a winner for my fall giveaway!! But to check that out, you need to go HERE.

I am wondering... if my headache will go away, what will we do for supper tonight, how Todd's making out at the quilt show, why didn't they let him in at the discounted rate, if I'm going to be able to easily make it up/down the steps today . . . my wonderings are rambling. :)

I am reading... Living by the Book, by Howard G. and William D. Hendricks. Great, great read on the art and science of reading the Bible. I'm also reading Sisters of the Quilt: The Complete Trilogy, by Cindy Woodsmall, and have a series by Beverly Lewis ready and waiting in the wings of my Kindle. And I'm also flitting around in the new Pumpkin Cookbook by Gooseberry Patch. I never wont for things to read! I'm also reading through a 30-Day Husband Challenge in conjunction with a a 31-Days of Praying For Your Husband. Very powerful and thought-provoking stuff.

I am hoping... steps are not going to be the issue I've built them up to being in my mind and that my headache goes away soon.

I am looking forward to... Jocelyn coming over tomorrow to continue our movie day!

I am hearing... not a whole lot -- a plane just went by overhead . . . perhaps a crop-dusting plane. The birds are still making bird noises, especially a blue jay and one of the woodpeckers!

Around the house... it's quiet. It's just only me. :)

I am pondering... how much easier adjustments have been this time around, as opposed to last time. Of course, I had time to prepare and knew what was coming, and that's probably the difference. But I do feel much better and brighter, even though the pain is a little more intense this time 'round. Taking a shower last night was far easier than I thought it was going to be, for instance. And I think we've come up with a plan for managing the meds that makes life easier, too. I'm *so* glad we decided to stay at the RV, rather than trying to make a move back to an empty house. It would have been so depressing to me. I love being up here in the woods!

One of my favorite things... hope. I have a hope that's grounded in faith. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... let's see, Joc is coming to spend the day tomorrow, and perhaps on Thursday? My friend Reda is bringing a meal tomorrow evening and coming early for a bit of a visit. As far as the rest of the week, I'm not sure what it holds. Some stitching, some movie-watching, and some visiting. As for the rest, we'll just have to take it as it comes and see what I can do with it!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... My Grandpa Wadleigh's birthday was October 1, and so I can't help but think of him as we start this month off. This photo was taken perhaps in October of 1992; we had gotten together to celebrate his birthday. He was quite a character and I loved him dearly.

What fun memories!

Lots of great entries going up for The Simple Woman's Daybook . . . head on over there and be sure to check some of them out!

:)

already august . . .

Another month has passed and here it is August! Why is it when I'm finally wise enough (i.e., old enough) to appreciate the value of time, it passes by so very quickly?!

Today I'm linking up to the August edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook. If you have a moment, you ought to stop by and check out some of the other contributors.

FOR TODAY . . .

Outside my window... The dawn's early light is just starting to break through. About a dozen squirrels have found their way down this morning and are, for the time being, quietly eating. I hear the call of the blue jays off in the distance -- they'll be in for breakfast soon. A cardinal or two flits in and out of my view, punctuating the soft light with their brights spots of red. Two chipmunks are up and about this morning, filling their little cheeks to near bursting, before darting off, back to their homes. I hear other birds, making their good morning calls, but everything else is still and quiet. Peaceful and serene ... oops, until the blue jay scout made his way into the picture!

I am thinking... About the potential today holds. I've need to get busy and work up my "to do" list for today. We've got VBS up at the camp today -- the last one -- and things need to be made ready for that. I'm thinking about my lesson for tonight.

I am thankful... That no matter the storm, I've got the rock solid LORD of the all creation to cling to. And even better than that? If I forget to cling, He's holding onto me.

From the learning rooms... I used to think this one didn't really apply to me, because I'm an empty-nester and my days of classroom teaching (so to speak) are long gone. But I got to thinking about it and realized I'm certainly not too old to learn new things, albeit not necessarily in a single learning room. I learned this weekend why the "clapboard" is used in filming scenes on video and why it's so important that the clapboard itself be both seen *and* heard. It's used later on to help them synch up the audio to the video. My son, who's a student at Full Sail University, shared this with me the other night.

In the kitchen... The Keurig is the only that's doing anything at the moment. Breakfast will soon be laid out. Something with English muffins so I can pull out the fig freezer jam I made over the weekend!

I am wearing... Still in my nightgown and slippers. And my fleece blanket.

I am creating... I'm working on my Christmas Star table topper, trying to get it quilted. I have a couple of small projects I want to work on this week, if there's time. I need to *create* a means to sort, store and easily get to my fabric stash, so I'm more inclined to use it instead of buying more!

I am going... To Emma's Tea Room for lunch today with a darling young woman from church. And then tonight Todd and I will head to Community Groups at my daughter's home.

I am wondering... I've been wondering a lot about this second, upcoming surgery, and whether or not it will do the trick. I know that it won't make me "good as new" which I've resigned myself to, but I can't help but wonder if it will take care of the constant, nagging pain I have with every step.

I am reading... As usual, a couple of things on my Kindle. I'm reading 40 Days without Food, by Russ Masterson, which is true account of one man's 40 day fast. I'm early into it, but so far it's very honest and interesting. I'm also reading a historical fiction, The Outsider: A Novel, by Ann H. Gabhart. It's a story about the Shaker community set during the Revolutionary War time frame. Both were Kindle freebies.

I am hoping... When I looked at this line today, immediately what came to mind were the inspired words found in Romans 3:3-5, and that's what I want to share here. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

I am looking forward to... Lunch today, of course, and our groups meeting tonight. But really, I'm looking forward to a day when I don't have to 'go' anywhere. Tomorrow maybe?!

I am hearing... I'm singing a chorus in my head (which is punctuated by the blue jay's cries). Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God forever! Take my life and let it be, all for YOU and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours!

Around the house... Things are feeling a little cluttered. It happens quickly when you live in an RV. If I don't stay on top of things, all of a sudden I feel like things are on top of me!

I am pondering... The difference between pondering and wondering. I guess if you're wondering about something, there's a question or speculation. And pondering is contemplating something finite? I'm not the only person who's pondered this, evidently, because I googled it and the question had already been asked!

One of my favorite things... The love of my darling husband, who's on his way home to me right now!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Later on this week I'm supposed to have lunch and some stitching time with a dear friend. I've got about an hour's worth of transcription to do, along with a few other ministry-related tasks. I really do want to get some sewing done, and I want to finish up getting the supplies for an upcoming CRAFT DAY with Jocelyn and Kim! Then on Saturday I've got a Stitch-In day with my Stitcher's group. Whoohoo! I'll be working on the blocks for our Civil War exchange.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Goodness gracious no, No, NO, that's not mine! It's my precious daughter's -- an new grandbaby on the way!!

I'm counting it *all* joy!

:)

july, how did you get here so quickly?

So another month passes and here it is July! I'm again linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it's dark. Just the occasional flicker from a lightning bug. :)

I am thinking... sugar free chocolate pudding makes a tasty treat.

I am thankful... for family. I had lovely conversations today with my mom, sister, son and daughter. I exchanged e-mail with my dad and another sister. And texts with some of the above and my daughter-in-law, too. My sweet little grandson. And my darling husband, who's so wonderful. Yup, family.

In the kitchen... the dishes from dinner are clean and drying.

I am wearing... my typical "tour the camp" outfit -- a tee shirt and a blue jean skirt.

I am creating... a full stomach with that chocolate pudding I mentioned above! I'm also working on a BOM quilt.

I am going... to wrap things up and head to the bedroom soon. Along with a book.

I am wondering... how it is that we're already in July and why is it that the older I get, the faster time passes?

I am reading... a couple of things, per usual. The Long Winter (number six in the Little House series) and then on the Kindle I'm reading A Tailor-Made Bride, a sweet little inspirational story and David Platt's Radical. I've also got the summer issue of Celebrate! and the latest Tea Time issue to enjoy!

I am hoping... to grab a shower before I go to bed. It depends on if the water has re-heated since I washed dishes (RV only has a 10-gallon water heater tank)!

I am looking forward to... our Stitcher's stitch-in tomorrow! My sewing machine, materials and supplies are already loaded up and ready to go!

I am hearing... my darling man playing NCAA football on the xbox.

Around the house... it's cooling off and quiet.

I am pondering... God's perfect grace.

One of my favorite things... taking a ride through the camp on the golf cart with my man. We go to the creek and check the traps. Then we head to the pond and feed bread to the little fishes under the dock. Then we drive around and just enjoy the sights, sounds and smells.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Stitch-in tomorrow, along with some grocery shopping. Church services Sunday morning, a cook-out fellowship Sunday afternoon, followed by worship again that evening. Family and fun on the fourth. Visiting with dear friends on Thursday and again on Friday!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The brand-spanking-new dock! It's finished and it's marvelous. A wonderful place to sit and soak in the beauty of God's creation.

:)

welcome june!

I'm linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook today, for the month of JUNE! Can you believe it's already June?!? The older I get, the faster the time flies, which makes me older faster! Yikes!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds are about, *flittering* (or in the case of the squirrels and chipmunks, scrambling and romping) from tree to tree! The deer aren't quite at ease with the new tree arrangement, so they've been real tentative when they come up. Todd knocked a good portion of the tangled tree mess out, but not all of it. We're supposed to have someone from the National Weather Service in Huntsville come out and survey our damage.

I am thinking . . . about Psalm 126 and the promise it contains for joy (thanks to Beth Moore and the Stepping Up Bible study I'm doing!)

I am thankful for . . . so many exquisite things, not the least of which are my faith in my Savior, my husband's love, and my precious family.

From the kitchen . . . the Keurig is gearing up for my second and final cup of coffee of the morning.

I am creating . . . a doll quilt for my niece, for her birthday.

I am going . . . to make a visit to the creek and then the pond today. I love to feed the fish!

I am reading . . . several things; the Bible, my current Tea Time magazine, and on my Kindle, I'm going back and forth between David Platt's Radical, and on the lighter (fiction) side, Jennifer Allee's The Pastor's Wife. Plus lots of lovely blogs!

I am hoping . . . that some decisions outside of my control will be made soon.

I am hearing . . . birds and cicadas. Lots and LOTS of cicadas. The swell of the cicada hum can be rather overwhelming at times!

Around the house . . . make that, "Around the RV" . . . quiet and calm; Todd's running errands and the TV isn't on. The A/C is already working and dishes are drying on the counter. Bed is made and everything's tidy.

One of my favorite things . . . Italian ice. I don't know why I thought of that, but there you have it. Oh I know -- perhaps because it's supposed to be, with the heat index, over 100 degrees here today!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . friends here for fishing and a picnic; a pool afternoon with family; a little ministry work; grocery shopping; and blogging here, blogging there, blogging everywhere!

Here is a picture I am sharing . . .

Sawyer sure enjoyed his overnight visit here with me over the weekend. He especially enjoys taking a ride around the camp on the golf cart! And he loves his Paw-paw, too. I love 'em both.

:)