Sabbath Blessings

I woke up to a beautiful Sabbath morning. Birds singing. Trees and flowers in bloom. A promise of good things to come. Good food coming soon from our garden. I've got 35 Brandywine tomato plants started. Yellow squash, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, eggplant too. Onions, spinach, kale, peas planted in garden.
Life is peaceful here especially compared to the folks in Japan after the terrible earthquake and tsunami. I can't imagine what that would be like and hopefully I won't ever have to experience that.
Sometimes there's things in my life that stress me, get under my skin. But by the grace of God, I get through. He helps me have the right perspective and my mind where it should be. Until I start looking at the problem(s) again and take my eyes off Him where they should be- where they need to stay.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller

I read this quote on another blog and had to share it. I have always so admired Helen Keller. She is such an inspiration.

The Scoggins family had such a wonderful day last Sabbath at the lake fishing, resting, enjoying a warm day for a great change.

Snow storm 2011

Early Monday morning we got lots of snow. Throughout the day we accumulated over 8 inches. So beautiful. Lewis and Matt got to stay home. We went for a walk. That was pretty hard. Matt's friend picked him up and they went snowboarding, sledding at a farm down the road. Tuesday, they braved driving to work after it got light. I didn't. Stayed busy cleaning, organizing, cooking. Today is Wednesday and they made it to work again. Not me. Sorting through pictures on the computer. More cleaning, cooking. Now writing.
I haven't gone anywhere since Sabbath. I guess some people would get cabin fever. I choose not to. I have too many things I can do. I do believe I'll paint this afternoon. Thank you Lord for the snow, for this time off work without pay so I have time to do other things I wouldn't have time for. Thank you Lord for our home, our family, books, talents, food, hot water, a good warm wood stove.

White Christmas 2010

Christmas day, 2010. So beautiful and white. So perfect. All my sons, their wives and sons, my wonderful husband, great brunch with them. Then playing in the snow. About 5, Lewis' family came over and we had a good visit with some more good food.

Lewis and didn't go anywhere for 3 days. Icy roads and we really didn't need anything.
Tuesday, we all went back to work. On the way home, Lewis was T-boned at the intersection of Ooltewah-Ringgold and East Brainerd Rd. Thank God he or Matt wasn't hurt. The truck wasn't messed up too bad. The other guys was.

Praise God for His marvelous care!!!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful, long Thanksgiving weekend. As I was driving home from cleaning 2 houses on Wednesday, I was pulled over for speeding about a half a mile from home. I was so tired and thinking there goes the money I made today. I'm SOoo thankful to say the policeman let me go, telling me to slow down.
We had lunch on Thanksgiving Day at my niece's home. All of Lewis' brothers and sisters and his mother were there along with their families. Lots of good fun, food and fellowship. Sabbath, we had lunch at our home with all our sons, their wives and children, our nephew, Beau and our daughter-in-law, Bonnie's dad, sister, and brother.
Sunday, we went to the flea market, then to pick up some furniture to sell at the flea market later, back home to work around home - cutting wood, washing clothes, washing dishes. Then we sat down to rest and watch a good movie, "Karate Kid".
Today, it's back to the weekly routine for Lewis and Matthew. I got to stay home today and draw on a canvas to get it ready to paint.

Blessings

Such a beautiful, autumn day. Lovin' it. I cleaned 4 houses this week. I prayed for more work and God gave me more. Praise Him. Had fun buying groceries for a change. Went to 3 different stores, buying what was on sale, lots of buy one get one free. Now having to put it all away.

Got to get busy and cook some yummy food for the weekend. I've got several new recipes I want to try. Asian chicken salad wraps, Apricot-almond bars, Caramelized onion dip with fresh raw veges, Penne frittata with basil and ricotta and some kind of yummy muffins.

Going to play my guitar at Sabbath School tomorrow. Haven't done that in a while.

Matthew, my youngest son, started a full time job Tuesday. He has been working pretty regular but this is a 40 hr, get up at 5:30, punch the time clock kind of job.

Where did September go?

Wow, this month flew by. Last weekend I think was the highlight of the month. All my sons, their families, my sister Lorine and her husband and daughter all went camping with Lewis and me to our favorite camping place, Tellico River. Such a great time even with all the rain Saturday night and Sunday morning while packing. My grandsons had so much fun playing with rocks and sticks and in the water. Saturday night we sat around telling stories. We shared good food, good company and the beauty of God's creation.

Today, my mom is coming for a visit from South Georgia. Her first drive up here alone in a long time. It's been 2 and a half months since my Dad died. We are going to have a blessed visit. Tomorrow is Lewis' birthday and all my sons and their families will be together again for a wonderful, fun and food filled day of celebration of life.