Thanksgiving Weekend

As wonderful as our Thanksgiving celebration was, these last two days have been even better. Why? Because we have had no schedule - - no set places to be. And how have we used it? Relaxing and decluttering. How do we all manage to collect so much stuff? Bill has been decluttering the yard. He is gaining ground on eradicating piles of leaves. There are still a few on the trees but the trees are close to bare. His relaxation has been lots of football. - - - seems like there were two games yesterday and two today . . . . can you guess that the sport holds no interest for me? All I see are persons abusing their bodies by running into others. Then I feel the arthritis they will suffer later in life due to their injuries.

My relaxation has come from reading - - - as much as I have wanted. I am about to finish the New Testament within the ninety day challenge given by one of our pastors - - about 3 months ago! I had fallen behind but this weekend gave me time to catch up. It has been good to stay immersed in this project and to be reminded continually of God's love for us but also how our lives are to reflect that in our behavior toward others.

My projects have included rearranging and clearing a spare room. It now holds a project table that was on sale at Ace Hardware this past week. The table is a 6 ft hard white plastic that can be folded in half when not in use. It even has a handle to make transporting easier. It is just like the one my son-in-law let me borrow a couple of weeks ago. They knew how much I liked it and found the sale for me. Ace is great for rain checks - - - at least the one in our town is. They call you when your item comes in and save it in a room not on the sales floor. The first project it held for me this weekend was sorting through a couple of boxes. It is so much easier to do stuff like that sitting down in a chair rather than on the floor.

All of us worked a few minutes this afternoon in our garage. Now there is more room and either Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity have some contributions coming their way. So do the trash pick-up people!

Another project that gets done in bits and pieces is typing out my recipes for a notebook. Also, I am putting menu choices in an Excel file. There are columns for types of foods - - like meats, salads, etc. Hopefully when we are wondering, "What's for supper tonight?", this will give us some different ideas.

Speaking of food, do you ever visit recipe websites? On www.pacefoods.com they have a recipe for Sweet & Spicy Barbecued Brisket. We had it for lunch today. It was quite tasty - - reminded me more of a Swiss Steak. Perhaps that is because we only use mild salsa. It a recipe I would repeat again. We will probably use the leftovers in quesadillas or maybe even some soup.

Now it is time to get the little bit of ironing done for the week. I have a movie to watch while doing that. I'll talk to you next weekend unless I find a spare minute this week.

The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him. Exodus 15:2a NKJ
God is my strength, God is my song, and, yes! God is my salvation. this is the kind of God I have and I'm telling the world! Exodus 15:2a MSG

On Top of the Mountain

We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving celebration yesterday "on top of the mountain at our younger daughter's & husband's home. She has much better pictures of the view than I have posted here. This is the view from their front porch. I think the camera was on close-up because that house is not really that close. Getting to their home normally takes just under an hour from our home but as I mentioned on November 13, the rock slide has turned that trip into 2 hours. As the saying goes, "you can't hardly get there from here." We took two different routes. On the trip there, we went north to Sweetwater and then south. The trip took us through the Cherokee National Forest, passing through places like Coker Creek, Tellico Plains, Turtletown and Ducktown. The curves you see on the roads on the map are deceptively mild compared to the actual journey. If you are prone to carsickness and riding in the front seat usually cures that; you still need to consider taking a Dramamine before traveling that route. However, it is a GORGEOUS drive. If you were having a leisurely day, I would definitely recommend it. Returning home took us through Georgia and then back up to Cleveland - - through Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Chatsworth. The difference was only 8 miles. The time was about the same but the roads home were much straighter and a lot of divided four lanes. I am glad our kids are only having to travel this trip twice a week since they are staying in town with his parents.

If you have looked at our daughter's post, you already saw these decorations. My husband and I had taken a picture of ourselves in front of this tree last year so I wanted to repeat it. We weren't the only ones in attendance. Josh's parents, sister and husband, our older daughter, an uncle and his wife, maternal grandmother, and paternal grandfather were all there for a DELICIOUS dinner of fried turkey, ham, and all the traditional side dishes. Since our parents have all died, we are blessed to get to join Josh's family for holidays. I've said it before. We not only gained a wonderful son but another extended family who have become friends.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 KJV
I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1-2 MSG

Holy Hair?

This weekend as we were talking to Mamaw, she asked my husband if he had been good enough this year to get any presents. He answered, "Of course."

She said, "Do I have to talk to Santa to be sure?"

Bill: "You can tell by looking at me that I have been good."

Mamaw: "What do you mean that I can tell by looking at you?"

Bill: "Look at my head. See how much hair is missing? My halo is rubbing it all off. When I was younger, it must have been a smaller halo because there was more hair. Every year I am missing more hair so I figure my halo is getting bigger. That means I am better this year than I was the years before- - right?"

What do you say to that? We just laughed.

The only other comments I will give you tonight are the instructions for Peachy Pork Picante - - another of our favorites. I don't think I have given you the recipe before because I searched all my previous blogs last week. This is so easy. Take one part Peach Preserves and 3 parts Salsa. For us, we use 1/2 cup preserves and a cup and a half of the salsa. Add (uncooked) cubed pork. Some people like to first coat the pork with taco seasoning but we like it without. Cover ingredients and cook on top of the stove 30 - 60 minutes. Serve over rice. We love this recipe but not everyone does so just try it as a side dish the first time.

The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

Birthday Week

Yesterday was our "baby girl's" 26th birthday. Her party at her in-laws' home was held after Sunday morning worship services. We were invited to be part of their celebration. Lunch was a delicious potato bar. YUM! Today was also her first wedding anniversary so we took the top layer of the wedding cake that had been in our freezer this past year. We had triple wrapped it in Saran Wrap and then double wrapped it in aluminum foil. It held up quite well and was still delicious. It was a delicious and fun time!

Another fun birthday party this week was for a coworker and her husband. They were both born the same day and both turned fifty. What are the odds that not only would they share the same day but also the same year? Their daughter came into town to take them out to supper. Then she blindfolded them and brought them to a "secret" location where their friends and son were waiting to SURPRISE them. It was a great night for them. This couple is very active working with the youth in our church - - taking them on hikes, overnight camping, as well as many other fellowship activities.

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age. Psalm 92:14a

New Gift

This past Tuesday night we had our "Be Thankful for Library Workers" dinner at Oliver's. It was just as delicious and fun as we knew it would be. Twenty-eight were in attendance. The workers are treated to dinner to show how much their contribution to the ministry means to us. After they had been appreciated, they turned around and gave me an appreciation gift for being their leader. With their gift, I purchased this.

It came in this box which I thought was a very clever design. I think I told you I have been reading the New Testament in The Message. I have really enjoyed it. Our pastor uses the New King James Version so now I have the best of both worlds. If you feel like your quiet time is getting a bit routine or even stale, try reading your Scripture in another translation - - - or read it out loud - - - or write it. Then you would be like the kings of Israel in Deuteronomy 17:18 who were required by God to copy the word of the law (Scriptures) on a scroll when they first took the throne. It does give you a fresh perspective.

But back to our library workers. We are blessed and honored to work for our Lord in such a rewarding ministry. But it never feels like work. We enjoy each others company so much, it is more like getting together for fun each week. And while we're having "fun", we accomplish a LOT. We check-out an average of 2,000 books each month to persons from about sixty different congregations within a one hundred mile radius. Over the years the work hasn't changed much but our lives have - - - - from family members celebrating graduations, marriages, children, and grandchildren and of course, some deaths. It is wonderful when the persons you work with become your friends. Giving them one delicious dinner a year is a very small token for 52 weeks worth of work. However, the dinner is just icing on the cake because what we do is actually just a small token of appreciation to our Lord who has already done so much for us!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58

Birthday Supper

A week from today, my baby will be 26 years old. Now that she's married, she gets two birthday dinners - - one from us and one from her in-laws. They celebrated with our family last night as well as some of my daughter's friends from high school and a couple of new friends we made this past year. Supper was nacho salad, Mexicali pie, and Rotel/Velveeta Dip. I cooked ground beef in Taco Seasoning and also cooked some chicken in the oven in it. I can't begin to tell you how delicious it was. We had the absolute best time with some of our most favorite people.

After supper, we watched the movie, Up. It was really good - - but my children had told me it was and that I would enjoy a cartoon. If you haven't watched it, it is worth your time.

My daughter and her husband had to travel 2 hours to get home because of the rock slide on the Ocoee. Did you know this is the road that is beside the rapids where the 1996 Summer Olympics were held? Here is the article about the slide from the station who actually shot that coverage. It will be at least 3 weeks before the road is open again. In addition to clearing the road, the stability of the mountain has to be considered, too.

Children are an heritage of the Lord. Psalm 127:3a

Mexicali Pie
(I may have given you this recipe before but I am not sure and don't have time to do a search.)
16 oz ground beef (3/4 pound is actually enough.)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green and/or red bell peppers
Brown the above ingredients.
Turn off heat and mix in the following.
1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup chunky salsa
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded cheese. You can use reduced fat - - whichever blend you like.
1/8 tsp black pepper
Put this in a baking dish and top with:
1 cup (3 ounces) crushed corn chips
Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. If you are not using stoneware, make sure to first spray your casserole dish. This DELICIOUS.

Ankle Deep

We are getting ankle deep in leaves around here. These were on the back deck because my husband went up on the roof to use the leaf blower. Rain is forecast for almost 24 hours and as Bill said, "Dry leaves are easier to remove than wet ones." Plus, wet leaves are not good for the shingles.

Praise God that once again he came off the roof on the ladder rather than falling.

The stairs before he started clearing the deck. And this pile of leaves is just from one small section of the roof!

Even the side deck could not escape.

But aren't the results well worth it? Can you tell I love autumn? Fall and food - two favorites.

All this work was done after our trip to Chattanooga today. I had a routine doctor's visit. Then we went out to lunch at Jason's Deli. It was followed by a quick trip to JC Penney. We love that store. Not only do they have great sales but they still carry some classic styles in quality fabrics. And they also carry trendier stuff - - which I occasionally try on and then laugh at myself in the mirror! You would have to if you had seen the blouse I tried on. The fabric was a bit more transparent when worn then it first appeared on the hanger.

Here's some fun for you. Go to The Muncks Quiver. They began a giveaway today. They are one of the sweetest families you ever want to meet. We are blessed to have them in our church family. Laura is one of the most patient moms I have ever met. She and her husband, Arthur, are always smiling. Their children are some of the most polite individuals on this earth. Their entire family has wonderful servant hearts.

And let me tell you about another friend who has the same attributes as the Muncks. Her name is Janith. She was one of our church library volunteers until last January when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Today the family found out she is losing her battle with cancer and will probably be standing face to face with Jesus in heaven within the week. Please pray for her family as they are losing someone who has brought them extreme joy and love over the years. Our hearts are heavy, too, because her absence will leave a void in our lives. Praise God for HIS eternal home that HE is providing for those of us who accept HIM as our Savior and Lord.

In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

Still Autumn

This picture does not do the view from my computer justice. On Friday, I sat at the computer with our new door open and saw beautiful sunshine coming through the few leaves left on the trees. Actually the trees have dropped over half their leaves. The ones falling now are brittle, brown, and dry rather than the colorful, supple leaves of a few weeks ago. The weather this past week has been perfect - - - colder nights (40s) and warm, sunny days (high 60s).

There is not too much new in our lives - - - - - other than deciding is it time to buy a new car or will the older one go six more months? We will get a verdict from our daughter's father-in-law who is a mechanic. It is great not having a car payment but it will also be great to have a car that does not need repair for a while. However, we would like to make it a few months past Christmas before giving the bank our money to keep!

Lunch today was quick. It was easy Chicken Soup. You need 3 cans (16 ounces) of Swanson's Chicken Broth, 3 cups water, 3 chicken bouillon cubes, 1 cup of uncooked rice (like Uncle Ben's that takes 30 minutes to cook), 2 large carrots - sliced, 1 bag each of frozen corn & frozen beans, 1 can rinsed & drained kidney beans, and some cooked chicken. (Always keep some cooked, cubed chicken in the freezer.) Bring liquids to a boil. Rice and carrots should already be in the pot, too. Cook about 10 minutes. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Some might find this bland and if so, add your own enhancements from chopped onion to black pepper. However, this is a great meal for anyone with an upset stomach (except for the kidney beans) or a person suffering with sinus ailments. This is one meal I could eat often because I LOVE chicken, grean beans, rice, and corn! I didn't find the recipe anywhere - - - - just put stuff in a pot I liked until I got the right proportions.

HE . . . opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels' food . . . Psalm 78: 23b, 24, 25a

New Church Building

Our congregation is building a new worship center on the north side of town. Today we had an open house. You can see more information about it on our church's webpage. The above picture is just the left hand side of the building. We are scheduled to move in near the end of next summer.

This is the hallway in the youth (teenage) section. Below is outside that hallway looking into the Commons Area. The large open doorway leads into the sanctuary. The smaller door to the left is our church library. We have an excellent location.

I am still standing on the second floor in the previous picture. This wall of windows is to the left or on the backside of the commons area. There will be seating in front of those windows so persons will have a great view.

Inside the sanctuary looking out that large sanctuary door two pictures above. Some of our seating will be stadium style.

This is the library director's office. I am inside the library taking the picture. The empty space you see on the right of the picture is the entrance to the sanctuary. (Sanctuary is behind office. Hallway you see has people entering sanctuary going left.) There will be a wall there when it is completed. There will be cabinets and a counter to the right.

I am beside the office looking into the room that will house our bookstacks. The will encircle the walls and have two free-standing double stacks in the middle. Do you see the support beam that looks like a slide? Those support the sanctuary stadium seating. Our ceiling will follow that slope.

I knew you would want a close-up of the beam with the blown insulation on it.

And because I can - - - I included another autumn tree near our house. The yellow was such a brilliant contrast to the others.

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord. Psalm 122:1