I do believe spring is just around the corner and from the looks of some the azalea bushes, they agree! It was a beautiful day and after a stare-down with my computer monitor for several hours this am and 30+ photo scans later, I finally won and headed out of doors. My car had a sorely needed bath and I enjoyed the sunshine and warm breeze (wind) to the fullest.

I am helping to host a bridal shower next week for Roni (complicatedreamer) so I decided a shopping spree was in order to find some decor items for that. I went to a nearby town to see if they had more selection than local stores. It was fun to shop at Kroger again. You know you come from a small town when losing 2 grocery stores means you have lost 50% of the grocery shopping options (this actually happened a year point five ago). I loaded up on my favorite salsa (10 jars), which happened to be on sale at Kroger. It’s good I went through the self-check out ’cause the cashiers probably would’ve wondered what was up with this shopper. In all fairness to myself, some of the jars are for Charity.  

A very interesting package came in the mail today from “an admirer”. It was 2 jars of pepper jelly. Seems my PA sis actually (drum roll, please) was on xanga recently and she saw I was hunting some. She sent me 2 pints of the luscious stuff so that oughta hold me for a while!! It’s great on crackers and cream cheese!

We had an enjoyable evening at Wes & Ginnys last evening. Steve & Christy (twofus_1) were here for 24-hour visit and it was good to see them again!! We even had key lime pie per Christy’s request . Wes’ parents and sister Rachel (singingrachel) and her family were here too.  Hope all of y’all have a safe trip home, and as they say here, “don’t be a stranger now” which means “come again”.

A big congratulations to the parents of all the new babies this past week!! So exciting and we’re happy they arrived safely and healthily. May you have sufficient energy and rest in the coming weeks!

 

Oh yeah, salsa casera is where it’s at!

That old nasty squirrel is still getting into my office and he took care of 3 mint patties for me in one night. He obviously prefers the chocolate coating. And he doesn’t leave just the candy behind. Ugghhh! I put up a Wanted: Dead or Alive sign hoping that someone will offer to put out a rat trap and take care of it for me.

May you have a rest-filled Sunday with God!

an encouraging word — or so it should be. In our adult Sunday School class right now we are studying the gifts of the Spirit. Yesterday was on the gift of encouragement. Although we are not all given this gift, I think it is something we should all seek to practise. Acts of service and gifts are listed in this study as separate gifts but I think they can be used as a form of encouragement too. The latter two are definitely easier for me actively do than the words of affirmation/encouragement. I find it easier to do things for people than to verbalize how I feel about them.

Here are some recent things that have been a boost to me:

– words of affirmation by several friends
– a meal paid by someone unexpectedly
– a rose given to us single ladies at the Valentine’s party (see earlier post)
– hugs from friends

What are some ways that you’ve been encouraged or blessed recently by others? Do you have some suggestions of ways we can be an encouragement to others? What are some things that haven’t necessarily been done for you but would mean a lot to you?

Okay, you local folks. Don’t forget to put in a good word for bowling locally. http://www.bowlinginwayne.com/

 

So my car did start when I got back there. I even made it back home, changed my clothes and got the nursing home 5 minutes before time to start.

Here are a few pics from this afternoon, although neither of them are the reason I was out shooting.

  
The church where my car was stuck.

 
 A building I pass on my way to/from work every day. I thought it needed to be photographed.

Thank you, Ginny, for the kind offer. If my “ox” troubles me again I may have to call on you!!!!

Bet you can’t guess where I am or what I’m doing here on a Sunday afternoon!! I am at the office a block and a half away from my car, hoping it will start when I get back. I came to town this afternoon to shoot some pictures and forgot to turn my lights off. I’ve been having problems with the battery going dead when I leave them on too long but usually it starts again after a few minutes. I waited a bit and it didn’t start so I thought I’d check my mail at the post office and come to the office for a bit, since I was within several blocks of there anyway and I was hoping to get some walking in on such a beautiful sunny day. It is still windy and nippy out there but the sun does wonders at redeeming the weather.

Last night was a Valentine’s banquet for the youth and the married couples who come with us. We had chicken parmesan, fettucini alfredo, green beans, Caesar salad, six-cheese bread, tea, and a strawberry and chocolate dessert. Each of us single ladies was given a white, long-stemmed rose by Kenneth, which we thought was really special! (and sweet!) After supper we watched Facing the Giants, a movie produced in Albany, GA by a Baptist church. Very good film by the way.

Today at church a group of young ladies from a children’s home gave a song/testimony program and it was touching to see their enthusiasm for Christ, to hear where He has brought them from and where He is taking them. God was speaking to other hearts this morning and PTL for the committments that were made!!

Well, I suppose I should head back to my car and see if it’s ready to start. If not, I’ll have to bug some kind person (I’m sure my brother owes me one! ) to come jump me off and I’ll have to think about a new battery soon.

Have blessed day!!!