Here's a Tip for You

I was reading about how to do something with
glass vases tonight,
and this tip for cleaning them was given.
I have not tried it yet, but I'm going to.

They said dissolve 1-4 denture cleaning tablets
in the vase to get out all that yucky residue we can't reach.

I'm thinking that might also work on my
little spice jar finds to clean them up too.

If anyone tries this before i do, let us know how it worked.

Blessings on your day.
Barbara Jean

PS Found some great deals at garage sales today!!
Can't wait to show you pics.
Will get them loaded tomorrow,
and post on my treasures blog.

=0))

GARAGE SALE DAY!!!!!!!

yay!!!!!


See ya' later.

smiles, hugs and blessings,

Barbara Jean

It's outdoor Wednesday

at a southern day dreamer

Go on over and see all the other wonderful outdoor pictures,
and be sure to say thanks to Susan for hosting.

Back to Basics

My sweet fella and i took Monday off and went for a hike.
The trail was two miles one way, down hill,
to the base of a falls.
Beautiful, and although work to our
untrained legs, very fun.

We found intriguing bits of nature along the way,
Like this huge fungus growing on a downed log.

And This gnarled root in the ground.
What do you see or imagine?

Beautiful scenery

Nature Finds

I found a little piece of lichen.
"Here hon, hold this so i can take a picture of it".

His Nature Find.
He turned around and picked this up.
"Now this is a nature find."
Thus the big smile while he's holding his.
Kind of a 'my nature find is bigger than yours' smile.

And here is what we found at the end of the trail.

There are two beautiful waterfalls.

We ate our picnic lunch, strolled,
contemplated, and just enjoyed the
sound of the rushing water hitting the rocks.

There is just something about being out in nature
that puts life into perspective.
The whole world seems to disappear,
as we slow ourselves down.
We stand in awe of the majesty of all
our Creator has made,
and we realize how small we really are.

Oh Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

Blessings, and His peace as you calm yourselves before Him.

Barbara Jean

Giveaways

Well, here is some fun for you.
A whole bunch of giveaway's.
Go here to check it all out!!

Blessings on your whole week!!!


Oh surprise!!!!

I've joined in.
Go to my Treasures blog to see the prizes!!

Good Luck!!

barbara jean

Family Photo Fridays?

Anyone know who hosts this??

Thanks.

Blessings and have a super weekend.

Barbara Jean

Prayer Request Update

Angie, our daughter is worse now. Cold or flu. Not sure, just sick.
I will go tomorrow at 7 to help with kids till i open the store at noon. Will be a long day.
Please pray no one else gets sick.

Granddaughter Isabel did fine on her tests. Thanks for prayers.

Rowan, 4 month old, needs to wear brace for a month in hopes of fixing her hip problem.

Thanks for continued prayers.

Blessings to all,

Barbara Jean

Giveaway!!

Charlene at

my hearts ease

Is having a 100th post giveaway!!
She has beautiful hand-crafted items as the prize.

Go on over and check it out.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

More Prayers

This is a note from my daughter this morning.
The two mentioned are my granddaughters, 8 and 5 months, respectively.

more later. off and running.

Hey friends and family--
Would you please pray for us if you think of us today?

--Isabel has state testing today and tomorrow. It's her first ever, so pray
that she can relax and simply do her best--and even have fun.


--Rowan has her appointment with the orthopedist today about her hip.
(Sorry, I know not all of you have details on this...) Please pray that the
doctor would have wisdom as to whether we should proceed with treatment now
or wait and see.

--I woke up sick. :( Please pray that I would heal quickly, that I can
comfortably get through everything that needs to be done today, and that no
one else in the family would get sick.

Thank you so so so much. I don't usually send out group prayer request
emails, but I really feel like I need it today :)

~Angie

Prayer Please

My brother in China told me a few days ago, that the government has blocked Blogspot, and now they cannot get it.

I know that is not a life or death thing, but i also know it is a way of staying connected for some people there.

Please ask God for his will in this, whatever it is, and let this be yet another reminder not to take for granted the freedoms we have here.

Thank you, and blessings.

Barbara Jean

Good Morning

Blessings on your day,

Barbara Jean

Are You Excited?

Mother: " Are you excited about the race?"

Daughter: "Not really. I haven't' really thought much about it. Other things on my mind."

Mother: "Like What?"

Daughter: "Oh, like paying bills, buying groceries, company might be coming this afternoon."

Mother: "Oh. You've been training so hard I thought you would really be looking forward to it."

Daughter: "Well. I guess i just haven't had much time to think about it.
I guess I'm looking forward to it, as much s you can look forward to running 13 miles."

The conversation a while back with my daughter prior to the Eugene marathon went something like that.

It set me to pondering a bit again.

I've actually thought about this before. How we get so busy with the daily stuff we don't even have time to enjoy thinking about some fun event coming up.
We are so busy we can't just sit and talk about the fun plans for the weeks vacation, or the outing to the coast for the day. We are just hurrying around trying to accomplish this whole list of things we think needs to be done. And there is always a list.
These are usually all good things, but a lot of them. And what do we try to eliminate so we can have time to relax and enjoy just thinking? Or just relaxing?
Do we give up serving at Church? Helping friends? Playing with our grand kids? our art or craft?
Grocery shopping? Cleaning house? (I'll choose the last two!). =0)

We have gotten so busy, Scott and I, we have not even planned a vacation this year. And i think we both really need one.
You know, the kind where you are away from your phone. Away from the computer. (OK. Don't get me wrong here. I love being in Blog land, and talking to all of you, and I love keeping in touch with people on the phone and emails).
But. let's face it, sometimes it is good for us to take a break!!

My idea of a vacation was when Scott and I went to Eagle Crest Timeshare (usually a yearly event), and we borrowed DVD's from the church and listened to Christian speakers on marriage, leadership and a myriad of other subjects. We sat and read. We talked, went for walks. It was heavenly!! No things to go do, no structured time. We just ate when we wanted, went to town when we wanted. We just hung out.
Those are the best vacations for me.

So, I guess it's time to bug Scott about getting the reservations, then hurry around and figure out which things need to be done so we can go and relax for a few days. Then maybe we can take a deep breath and figure out how to just enjoy every day life a little bit better.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

200th Post Giveaway!!

200th Post...And a Giveaway!

Go on over to Life in my Studio where the 200th post gievaway sign up is.
Be sure to congratulate Debi, and tell her i sent you.
Drawing is Saturday night.

blessings,
barbara jean

New Blog

I found a new blog and it is wonderful.

It is Kathy's Korner

She does beautiful work, and shares what God is showing her.
I'm hoping some of the inspirational things she shares will rub off on me.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Tribute to Susie

Please see the post below the 'remember when' post for a tribute to Susie Mitchell,
our blogger friend, who went home to be with the Lord last week.

Blue Monday - Remember When??

It's Blue Monday.
Go on over to Smilin' Sally's to see more wonderful treasures,
and be sure to thank her for putting this on.



I didn't have any blue to post today, but then saw these old pics in the coffee table.
It was really interesting looking at theses, and surprising
the feelings and memories that came up.

Can you find me??
Guess the grade we were in??
(This is two different years).

Ever wonder about the people in these old pics?
What they are doing now?
What made some smile, and some not?

Were they too sad to smile?
And if they were too sad, what were they sad from?
Are they still sad now?
Are they smiling now?

If we see someone who seems sad do we take the time to let them know we care?
Do we carry a part of their burden and help lighten their load?
Or do we have too much burden of our own?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest."
Matt. 11:28

blessings
barbara simmons

Tribute to Susie Mitchell

Things I Believe

Sometimes I get into a mood...just write random things that before I know it has turned into a list of sorts. This time...a list of a few of the things I believe. Maybe I'll make a journal for these and a few other beliefs...or maybe I'll continue to hold them in my heart where they've always been.

Each day is a gift from God and should be treated that way.

Wake up in the morning praising Him for a beautiful day. Remember that good days seldom happen accidentally.

Don't forget to thank God for His unconditional love and His permissive will.

Be willing to take a stand for what you believe is right...regardless of the odds against you.

Life is short...Live it out loud!

When asked what you believe, prefer, think...do not reply...I don't know. If you truly don't know what you believe, prefer, think...it's high time you were finding out.

Find something to laugh about every day...a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

If you believe something to be absolutely true...just the way it should be...don't compromise.

Spend time in God's word every day. Don't do this for God...He wrote every verse. It will bless your heart to read the Bible.

Pray for your needs and praise God for supplying them. Remember, He's a God of miracles...pray for those too...thanking Him for granting your requests.

Remember to be a cheerful giver. Support your local church...missions...and those in need.

Learn your role, according to God as a man or woman that follows His will.

Spend time, as Mary (the sister of Martha) did, sitting at His feet and worshiping Him.

Be a soul winner...show others what the Bible says about being saved.

Pray before you make a decision...allow God to lead you in the lighted path.

You will never regret being kind to another.

Step forward in faith...if God brings you to it...He will surely bring you through it.

Be careful for nothing.

Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass; but, about learning to dance in the rain!

God's angels fight on our side.


'Til next time,
Susie

Posted Tuesday April 21, 2009

This was posted by our blogging friend, Susie Mitchell, who just last week, went home to be with the Lord.
She died suddenly of a heart attack, while hoeing in her garden. She lived her 60 years to the fullest.
Susie was an inspiration to us all, always full of ideas and encouragement.

So here's to you Susie, you will be missed.

And to all of us who are still here, let's make an extra effort to be kind and encouraging, and to show and share our love for each other and for Jesus the way she did.

Our prayers are lifted up for her family and friends.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Sad News

I have just read an email that we have lost a wonderful blogging friend.

Susie Mitchell had a heart attack while hoeing in her garden, and has gone to be with her Lord.

It is such a shock, and a reminder that we never know when our time here is done.

Susie was a kind and caring person, always willing to help, and share ideas ideas with others.

She will be greatly missed.

Please join us in praying for her family and friends through this difficult time.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Re-evaluating

"True! Sometimes we can even manage to fool ourselves, but not for long!"


This is the comment one of my blogland friends left in response to my last post, "fools rush in",
where i said "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can never fool God".

In hindsight i can see that post could have been read and interpreted several different ways, which is fine.
What i meant, at that moment, was how we can seem to be so happy on the outside, but inside maybe we are feeling lost or empty, or maybe life just does not make any sense at that moment.
I guess that is where i am at right now.

I keep my life so full and busy, that i lose sight of my priorities. I am in a frenzy of activity that sometimes, although fun, is meaningless. I lose sight of why we were even put here. I lose sight of the Lord in the midst of it all.
I am glad i am realizing this, and I'm choosing to slow down a bit and let God speak to my heart. He seems far away, and yet i know He is waiting, and has been hoping, I would come to see what is really happening. I would realize, that even though what i do is good, it is not the best. I am caught up in the fun, and work of life, and not Him. I have replaced my drive, my wholeheartedness for Him, with other activities. And that is the emtpy feeling i am having.
Nothing can replace Him in the depths of our souls.

Since i tend to have a very extreme personality, my prayer request is that i find balance.
That would mean not dropping all the other activities in my life, but to just slow down, and give myself time to ponder, to draw near. To go back to a place where i am truly enjoying the process of life, and not just trying to get things finished in a flurry of pressure and activity. That the anxiety i feel would be repaced with peace.


Thank you for letting me bare my soul to you and that i know you will be there with me in this, yet another step, in the journey of life.

Blessings on your Wednesday.

Barbara Jean
Ps 48:1 "Great is the Lord and worthy of our praise".

Fools Rush In

You can fool some of the people some of the time.


But you can't ever fool God.

Sunday Blessings

Zephaniah 3:17
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Lord, I need to be quieted with your Love.
Help me to remember you are with me.


Ps 121:1,2
"I lift up my eyes to the hills,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of Heaven and earth."

Lord, Help me remember that my help comes from you.

I pray His peace over all of us this day.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Tending His Garden?

I've been blog hopping and came across something interesting.

It was a very brief post about a man and his garden, including a few beautiful pictures of flowers and garden decor.

At the end was posted this, "Every time I pass by his garden he is tending it so faithfully".

That hit me instantly!
We are always referred to as the sheep of God's pasture, and told how He watches over us and takes care of us.
But what if we were the flowers in His garden?

That brings a very interesting picture to my mind.

We would all love to have gardens that are in full bloom all year, and beautiful, and that all would enjoy.
No weeds, no moles digging up flowers, no messes to clean up. Just beautiful whenever anyone would see it.
But that's not how gardens are. They take constant care, and even then they are sometimes a mess. Seeds are planted and must be nurtured. They need water. They need nourishment to help them grow. They need sun, and some need shade. They each have their own particular needs as individual plants. Some more attention, while others seem to just thrive wherever they are planted.

Some need to have dead blooms plucked off in order to keep thriving and blooming and be their best.
Others seem to need no care at all.
Some need to be planted in a new area in order to thrive and grow.
Some seem to die off in winter, only to come up and thrive again in the right season.

The Gardner knows just which plants need what, and He cares for them ever so tenderly.
He plants them where He knows they will grow best. He gives them nourishment when they need it, and waters them at just the right time. He protects them from the damaging winds.
He transplants them when they need more room to grow.
He surrounds them with beauty, and gives support to help them grow straight and strong.

He cares for His garden as only He can.

Are you a plant that is thriving right now?
Or are you one that is wilting, and feel like you are dying because of the elements around you.


The Gardener knows you. He is there to protect you from the storm. He will nourish you.
You will thrive again in the Spring.


"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11


Blessings and smiles
Barbara Jean