A Little Spooky!

Today is October 28, 2009 and something strange happened today... my broom stood up all by itself!

Well, it didn't get into this position by itself, I stood it up...

 and it stayed there!

...for about an hour!

Really!

Isn't that weird?

Well, I looked it up on line and it has something to do with the autumnal equinox...I think. The site said that it happens twice a year, but it's supposed to happen in September...

...hm...

{About an hour later, the broom fell... I tried to get it to stand up again, but I just couldn't get it to stay upright. I guess the sun and the earth were out of sinc...}

If you know the scientific reason for this, let me know!

A Place in Time...

I'm linking with Susan's Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps on the Porch.

Be sure to stop by for a visit, it's so much fun to see her tables and those of other participants!

 It's beginning to feel like autumn...subtle changes here and there. It's such a lovely time of the year...a perfect time to be cozy with friends and loved ones.

A time to share special memories...

{...this pin was made with buttons from my grandmother's collection, clock faces and a skeleton key from my grandfather's collection}

...or a delicious meal...

...or a good book.

China - Lenox

Chargers - Hobby Lobby

Stemware - Lenox

Flatware - Ebay

Linens - World Market

Vintage jewelry, buttons, clocks - maternal grandparents

Thanks so much for visiting...

Enjoy your Thursday!

Rich colors of the season...

I'm joining The Little Red House for Mosaic Monday and Smiling Sally's Blue Monday. These are such great places to see everyone's creativity...I just love visiting. Be sure to stop by for loads of inspiration!

I just love the rich colors of the season. The weather is crisp and cool, the leaves are changing, the season is moving from summer to autumn...there's a bountiful harvest.
Autumn, I welcome you!

Enjoy your Monday.

$100, $20, or a $1

There's an old joke about a $100, $20, and $1 dollar bill.

One day they were tallking and the $100 bill says, "I just love being a $100. I've traveled to so many places, seen such great sites." Overhearing him talking, the $20 bill says, "Well, I can't compete with that, but I've been to some really nice restaurants and have seen a few sites." The $1bill says, "Well, I've only seen the inside of a church, over and over and over again!"

Kinda funny...but I'm afraid that it's true!

Today was the final in a sermon series on Courageous Generosity. The message was entitled Double your Bet on Generosity. It wasn't on doubling your gifts, but "...in the end, what is the best bet for your one and only life?" The two choices mentioned were: Are you going to use up your life getting and keeping money and stuff OR are you going to use up your life honoring God and being generous with people? Jesus' advice was to double your bet on God and generosity. Today we looked at Matthew  6:19-24 {one of my favorite places in the Bible about money}: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

We also read through: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, Proverbs 23:4-5 and Matthew 25: 31-40. These are all great places to find scripture that makes this same point.

If you'd like hear or watch this inspirational message in its entirely, please click here. Gloria Dei is a Missouri Synod Lutheran church located in Nassau Bay {near Houston} Texas.

I'm linking with Spiritual Sundays with Charlotte and Ginger. Be sure to visit for other inspirational messages.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Pathway to...

Have you ever been on a new trail...following paths that seem to go on and on forever?

Isn't it fun? A little adventuresome?

Absolutely!

The weather here in SE Texas was GORGEOUS today!  There was a slight breeze, the temperatures were in the high 60's, and the sky was crystal clear! It was the perfect time to get a bit of exercise in the great outdoors and see new sights!

...little surprises here and there...

...the honeysuckle smelled so sweet...

Do you see this little really big insect getting his meal? Not sure what he is...I'm just glad that he didn't mind me taking his picture!

The sun was beginning to set...the temperatures were dropping and our walk was coming to an end.

It was a glorious day!

I'm linking with  A Southern Dreamer for Outdoor Wednesday. Be sure to stop by to see other amazing outdoor shots!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Autumn is here!

The weather here in SE Texas was crisp and cool this weekend...autumn has definitly arrived. Because it felt so great outside, I wanted to put a few things together so that I could enjoy fall inside too! Here are few shots:

Autumn...crisp, cool...I'm so glad you're here!

God is Faithful...

I'm linking to Spiritual Sundays with Charlotte and Ginger who have graciously hosted this wonderful event. Be sure to stop by and visit the other links for more inspiration.

If you've been following my Spiritual Sundays, you know that I've been bringing our church's message to my blog. It is my hope that it will reach those who want/need to hear the good news.

Today's message was the next in a series, Courageous Generosity, and was entitled, Generosity in Hard Times. It was based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 and John 6: 1-13, the feeding of the five thousand. In all actuality, there was probably more than 5000 - some scholars say the numbers could have reached up to 20,000. {The bible mentions 5,000 men and then later references to the women and children as well.} Jesus normally spoke to small crowds, but this time it was to teach a lesson about faith. His disciples were concerned about feeding such a large crowd but through the innocent faith of a young boy, food was offered - small fish and bread.

After the meal was finished, Jesus asked for the leftovers to be picked up...12 baskets were colleted. I don't think the number 12 was by chance. I think it was to teach the 12 disciples a lesson. God already had a plan, God was going to provide. It's a wonderful read...Notice that two disciples thought the task was impossible and illogical but the small child didn't.

Remember God is faithful. If you're facing a situation that you think is impossible, remember Luke 18:27: The things which are impossible with men are posssible with God. 

If you're facing a problem and you think the solution is illogical, then just remember Isaiah 55:9: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 

If you'd like to hear the message in its entirety, you can click here and follow the link to the sermons. And remember...never doubt what God can do. He is in the miracle business!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Courageous Generosity...

This post is late, should have been posted on Sunday, but I'm still linking with Spiritual Sundays. I wanted to send out an invitation to anyone who'd like to hear a wonderful message about trusting God. This is something that I struggle with...apparently I think I know what's best instead of trusting that God is in charge and has a plan for me. The message was also speaking of Stewardship and tithing. The verse that had very special meaning to me is from Malachi 3:8-10. "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. Bring the whole tithe. Test me in this. See if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven."

If you'd like to hear this message {in a series}, please log on to: http://www.gdlc.org/. There is a link to the sermons. There are also other links that you might find interesting.

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday.

A little paint...

I'm participating in two parties with this post... Susan's Metamorphosis Monday and Diane's Second Time Around. Please be sure to stop by both for inspiration.

I found these two items at the same place while thrifting. The mirror is old, the silver is coming off, and that's exactly why I gave it a second look. The front has a little damage, but with its age, I didn't mind. I also picked up the little box~shelf. I assume it was used in a bathroom or kitchen because of the three dowels attached on the inside.

 

Both the mirror and shelf were in need of cleaning and painting. The cleaning was easy...but because I wasn't sure where they were going in my home, they sat untouched for a while.

Then I wondered if they would fit inside a small niche that is in my dining room. If so, this would be their new home...{fingers crossed}

Yes! They fit perfectly! Now I knew what was next...black paint!

So, they went from tired and run down to ...

Cute, cute, cute!

They almost look like a set, instead of two different pieces.

The knob was replaced with a ceramic one from Hobby Lobby ~ on sale, Yippee!

I LOVE anything "time" related...so when I saw this little "clock face" knob I knew it would be perfect for the little shelf!

I wanted the inside of this little box to house a surprise...hm... I thought about all the inspiring blogs I've seen where scrapbook paper is used in cabinets and it was really pretty! So, that's what I used! It was very easy and makes such a neat little statement!

 I like the fact that this little gem is so versatile. With the door open or closed, it's a keeper!

Thanks for dropping by for a visit.

Special things...

Please join Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. It's a fun place to visit for special treasures!

I have just learned how to make mosaics on Picasa and I'm hooked! It's so much fun so I thought I'd use it for my special treasures.

This mosiac houses some of my very special treasures. The Bible is from my paternal grandparents. They brought it with them from Germany and as you can tell, it's been loved. The autograph book is from my maternal grandparents side of the family, also brought with them from Germany. The angel is from my sister~in~law and the seashells and fan are from my travels to various beaches.

Enjoy your Friday!

Oh, Autumn...

'Tis the season!

I've so enjoyed seeing everyone's autumn shots ~ whether they are pictures of nature, home decor, or tablescapes ~ I've been inspired! Today I've decided to share a table with an autumn theme. Please visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for other amazing tables.

I've gathered a few of my favorite things and set a table for two. It's this time of year that I think cozy thoughts, thoughts of sitting close and sharing the day's adventures... or a good book.

The chargers were a recent purchase from Tuesday Morning. They were originally a silver color but were scratched quite a bit. They were in need of repainting, so I chose a satin brown. I've always admired wooden chargers, but not their price, so I improvised.

The dishes were purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond ~ Westerly Basket.

The napkins were purchased at World Market.

The napkin rings and flatware were eBay purchases.

The candle holders and candle rings were thrift store treasures...the pumpkin centerpieces were purchased at Garden Ridge several years ago.

As the sun sets and  the cooler weather is soon to arrive, Autumn, I welcome you!

 

 

Enjoy your Thursday!