Friday, July 30, 2010

Good Work!

 

I am a stay at home Mom and have been for…well…
forever, it seems!
There truly is nothing I’d rather be doing
than tending to the needs of my
family and our home. {and making pretty things!} 

God has enabled me to stay at home, and blessed the
commitment we made before we got married to keep me
at home, taking care of everything here.

Of course, if He required it, I would do otherwise,
but to my delight, He has not.

Some may view my role as insignificant and obscure, but I am
only concerned about what God has to say about it!

The family is one of two institutions He created;
the other being the church.
So the way I see it, what I do is pretty important to Him!

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It is my desire that my heart and my days be filled
with what matters most to Him, so that  He can say of me
what he said about the woman who spilled out her expensive
perfume and anointed His head with it…

That I have done a good work for Him.

I honestly wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else's. 
I have been blessed beyond what I could have ever imagined! 
And there is nothing like knowing that I am
exactly
where He wants me to be!!

May your day be filled with little JOYS!
Love ya!
Becky

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Flyin’ High!

 

Maddy got to take her first flight last Thursday!

WOOHOO!!

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Her being excited about her boarding pass!

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I could not believe this when I saw it!  This guy is in the Orlando airport
right next to the security check.  I walked all around this box certain this was a guy faking being asleep.  He even has veins in his legs! But the sign under the box says it is a bronze sculpture!!  Can you believe it?  They got even the last little detail down;  EXCEPT BREATHING!  He is appropriately named
“The Traveler”.

We had a short but wonderful flight…much better than the 6 1/2 hour drive!

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Maddy on board!  We sweated getting a window seat, but were able to snag one!

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Taking it all in!

 

Friday we set off for the Econfina Creek and Springs!  There are several springs along the creek, and each one is beautiful and different!

Andy and Maddy were in the kayak and me and my sis were in the canoe.
We worked up a sweat, but the springs are 72 degrees year round so cooling
off was not a problem!

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Andy’s truck loaded up!  I LOVE old trucks, and he keeps his so nice!
The water is really this color closer to the springs!  The creek is a bit brackish but is still clear.  I’m not positive, but I think it is the mineral content of this water that makes the colors so pretty.  My skin is so soft after swimming in it.

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This is me with a mask and snorkle watching the water flow from one of the springs.  The little cloudy funnel is just sand and cracked shell being moved through the water by the spring.

The lower left photo is the larger spring that was coming out of several different rocky areas.  Very lovely and tropical!

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Andy up above on a wooden walkway snapping photos;  lovely cascading fern;
little fishies that nibble your ankles…some of the larger ones it is more than a nibble! And me and my fab sis!!  I guess I’m looking at Maddy!  She was snapping at the same time!

We had such a nice stay!  We also got in some thrifting, Hob-Lob, Michael’s, Chili’s, a great Asian Buffet, and some fun time with this little cutie and his Mom, my niece, Tammy.

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This is their second son and fourth child!  What a sweetie!!

It’s great to get away and especially to have time with my sis!
We are doing something we have never done this fall…we’re planning a sister
getaway, and I think our destination is Destin, FL!!!  YAY!!!   Can’t wait!

It’s also good to be home, and back with you, my sweet friends!
I will be visiting you over the next couple of days!  {smile}

Hope your week is off to a great start!


Spread some JOY, OK??

HUGS,
Becky

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

YESSSSSSS!

 

My  doctor appt. went great!  No serious problem suspected!!  WOOHOO!!
Thank You Lord!! And thanks to all of you who prayed for me!  What a blessing!

Soon me and Maddy will be getting on one of these…

Artwork 

Though she would love it to be one of these…{smile}

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To go HERE

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And do some of this…
{amongst other fun things!}

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With these very special people…

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The best sis in the whole wide world, and her awesome hubby!!

I feel so very blessed!!

You know…this is a good life!

We need to LIVE IT!  And give thanks in all things, and know how blessed we are! 

We may not feel too blessed sometimes, but oh we so are!!


This is Maddy’s first plane flight!!  She is so excited! What joy to experience it with her!

Love and hugs to you all!  I’ll be back here blogging next week!


I’m praising God for each of you! 

{BIG smile}

Becky


Sunday, July 18, 2010

Got Time?



I was so encouraged by my devotional
from Streams in the Desert today,
that I just have to share with you!!
I'm speaking as a mom now, but this truth applies
to so much in this thing called life!!

Lately I have been evaluating myself as a parent
whose primary goal is to raise God-centered children.


Believe me when I say there are a few areas I have
slacked off in that are critical to achieving this goal.


I have talked to the Lord, asked for forgiveness, and 
asked Him if it was too late.  Do I still have time?
Will what I do now still have the desired impact?


Well, dear friends, let me tell you He answered me
with a resounding
YES!

I can buy back some of that time!
You know...the time when I was slacking...
Wanna know how??? {I know you do!}



The Lord doesn't look at our days the same way we do!!

With Him, one of our days is the same as 1000 years!!!
So each of our days doing what is right equals
1000 years of doing right!!
Now that's the best investment deal I've ever heard of!!

He will multiply the impact of what
we do in Him regardless of when we begin again!!!
The only requirement is a repentant, whole heart
committed to carrying out His will!!
What a glorious HOPE!!!
What an amazing God!! 

It is NEVER to late to begin doing what is right!
The impact of making right choices and 
fulfilling our responsibilities before God 
will be multiplied beyond our ability to comprehend it!!

Hope that lights a fire under you like it has for me!!




Love ya bunches!
Spread some Son-shine today!!
Becky


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Doubt


Do you ever let a little doubt 
swim around in your head?

My faith is very strong and yet I still sometimes
feel that maybe God is overlooking a 
particular struggle or trial I am in the midst of.

Fortunately, in my heart I know better than that, but
the doubting doesn't feel good at all.



I am going to see my sister in a little over a
week, and really need to see a Dr. before I go.
My sweet hubby has a Dr. he loves, and wants
me to see him, but he didn't have an open
appointment until after I get back.

AND they said that people rarely cancel appts. with him.

In crept the doubt.

Who do I go to Lord?  Do I just wait til I get back?
Will I be ok while I am away, or end up in an
emergency room hours from home?
Please, Lord, I need some wisdom here.

He says He will give wisdom to His children when
they ask for it...so I always ask.

I called this morning to see if they had any 
cancellations.

NOPE.

I talked with sweet hubby and he said to call back
and make sure they make the appointments for all
of the offices; maybe I could get in with another office
if they don't.

THEY HANDLE ALL THE OFFICES.

Well, ok Lord.  I'll go wherever you want me to go,
or wait, just let me know which it is.

THE PHONE RINGS.

They had the rare thing occur.  A cancellation!!

I am seeing hubby's Dr. on Monday!!

~~~~~~~~~~

I love you Lord, and I thank and praise you
for loving me, and showing me so perfectly
that you are always looking out for me!

And I thank you, dear friends, for all of your love and prayers!

Big Toasty Warm Florida Hugs!!
Becky



Monday, July 12, 2010

Meadowbrook Farm~~A Must See!


Meadowbrook Farm is a picturesque, serene,
delightful place!  The great thing is that
 the owner, Teresa, is also a
BLOGGER!
WOOHOO!

So... her readers get to make regular trips to  
Meadowbrook and see all of the beauty 
captured through Teresa's lens.

And she definitely has an eye for beauty!

She granted me permission to share some photos
with you, but I had the HARDEST time just picking
a few!!!

If you love an old farmhouse turned new,
green pastures, country ponds, 
majestic mountains, and just enjoying simple
pleasures, you will want to visit regularly, too!

Teresa also takes the most amazing photos of babies!
OK...I'm done talking...
Just scroll and enjoy!

OH...one more thing...do you see a pattern developing here?

I am head-over-heels for vintage everything, love nature,
and living more simply.

Thanks...you can scroll now!!
{smile}



They affectionately call their home "The Junk House"
This is before their amazing renovation.


This is the beautiful after, complete with white picket fence!


Meadowbrook greenhouse



The  absolutely stunning view 



The bright and cheery dining area


Teresa also shares some great recipes!



Lovely pot of deadheaded blooms






Adorable!





Teresa and her hubby's favorite spot.  I can certainly see why!


Had to stick this one in here...I have a thing for pears!!


She has a bunch of gorgeous photos of Savannah!



And of Charleston!!


I saved these little wonders for the final photos...
Aren't these some of the most precious baby photos ever???





Hope you'll go visit (click on name) Meadowbrook Farm!!
You'll be delighted that you did!

Don't visit without saying HI to Teresa, now!!
Everyone greets everyone in the country!

Thank you Teresa! This was a fun post!!

Have a blessed day sweeties!
Becky

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Summer Joys


Well, sweet friends, it seems that somehow my
computer caught a nasty bug, and won't be
restored to health until later in the week!

Sooo...I am on my daughter's Mac and
sharing some things from Country
 Living that make my heart sing!  Simple joys that
anyone can make and add to their home.  They
have tutorials for them all!

ENJOY!

Glass Bottle Vase Grouping

Vintage Hankies Table Runner
This could be done with vintage doilies or
dresser scarfs, too!

Picture Frame Terrarium
I LOVE this and WILL make one...
eventually!

Painted Stripes Tablecloth
So easy peasy!

A lovely wreath made from fresh berries and vines
Sure would love to get my hands on some
fresh berries and do this one!


Hope your week is full of life's little joys!
Blessings,
Becky


Friday, July 9, 2010

Serenity




Do you run hastily day to day from one thing 
to another, maybe even in your ministry to others, 
and end your day exhausted, frustrated,
 and desperate for some peace and joy?

Over the past several years God has shown me
the importance stealing away from the hustle
and bustle, and setting aside special time to
bask in His Word, and to meditate on His truths.

Time in solitude with Him is to our spirits 
what dew is to the flower.  
Refreshing and nourishing!
{and makes our cheeks rosy}
{smile}

I believe it is in these times 
 that we deepen our spiritual roots,
receive God's peace, grow stronger, refocus,
are prepared to impact our world for Him,
and to joyfully meet each new day, 
regardless of life's circumstances.

May you take the time to
BE STILL
and drink in
the goodness
of GOD
 today!

Love you lots!
Becky


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Farmhouse Style!


I have always considered myself to have a rather
"eclectic" design style.  That is until I came upon
FARMHOUSE STYLE!

It encompasses everything I love...
slightly (or not so slightly) worn, weathered wonderfulness,
mixed with incredible textures, and vintage goods
that just ooze with character.

My first look at this design style was on a favorite blog
of mine Raised in Cotton.  Carol''s eye for
beauty just stuns me continually, and her home and photos
are like a warm, sweeping breeze on a sunny day.

Here is some of the beauty she surrounds herself with...


Her wintering 1800's Farmhouse

I have used this image as my desktop background, Carol!! 
I love these old jars and have gotten a few for myself!

Her amazing kitchen!

Vintage goodies everywhere!!
AND flowers too!





Love her farmhouse table!

~~sigh~~~

colored glass...be still my heart!


Carol's style is so comfy and serene.  Don't we all just need
a little more serenity in our lives?

She and her hubby are transforming their 1800's farmhouse,
and I am definitely loving it all!

I am not a chandelier type of gal, but Carol's use of chandys
in her home is soooo lovely...I might be convinced otherwise!

If you love this, you'll find more at her blog!
She truly is sweet and has inspired me in a BIG way!!

Thank you for letting me share your photos, Carol!!
YOU ROCK!!


The bloggy changes I have spoken of previously are still coming,
Lord willing!  Believe it or not I have yet another health issue
to deal with, but I still want to follow through and get
my online shop...


YES YOU READ CORRECTLY...
my online shop up and running.
{{I am sooo excited}}

Thank you to all of my prayer partners out there...
I know you will have this all covered for me!
~~smile~~


Have a blessed week, sweet friends!!
Becky



Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sunday Greetings!




May you have a joyful, praise filled Sunday and a wonderful
Fourth of July Celebration!

{{Feel free to use this graphic if you'd like to!}}
 
Love in Christ,
Becky

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Sporting Our Colors!



Don't we look grand?
{smile}

You have to love a nation that celebrates it's independence every
July 4th, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file
by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with
family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato
salad gets "iffy", and the flies die from happiness.  
You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism!
~~Erma Bombeck~~

Have a wonderful Independence Day celebration!!!

And don't forget to pray for those in harm's way on foreign soil.
They are "the brave" that make it so we can be "the free"!!


Joyfully,
Becky