Hello there!
Most of the time I offer Biblical teaching and encouragement here in this space because that is the calling on my life from God. Today, however, I want to offer something different…something I hope you will enjoy.
I love to get glimpses into the lives of the writers from which I draw knowledge and wisdom. Seeing their families, hobbies, and homes makes them a bit more real, more personal. Today I am choosing to do an iPhone photo dump right here on the blog. It may not be your cup of tea, and if not, that is fine. You have my blessing to click out and go about your day. But, if you enjoy seeing pictures and getting a peek into my life, grab a cup of something hot and let’s visit. It has been a long time since I have done a photo dump here, so there is no telling what you will get, although it is a pretty good bet that there will be food involved. We are FOODIES at our house. Here we go:
We love deviled eggs. (See, I told you there would be food!) Recently I found a new deviled egg recipe that was the BOMB. I discovered Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs in the 50th anniversary edition of Southern Living. Greg and I ate these 10 halves in 2 days. Mmmm, mmmm good. They have a little bite to them because of the jalapeño, but you can give them as much or as little bite as you want by removing the seeds from the peppers before you stir up the filling. If you are a deviled egg peep, you MUST. TRY. THESE.
Last weekend, Greg’s cousin, Kathy, and her husband, Jerry, were in the mountains of North Georgia for a little vacay. They attended church with us, and then came to our home for lunch. It was a sweet time of fellowship that included Jerry and Kathy, Greg’s parents, and his sister, Angie. I snapped a quick picture of the three cousins together, Angie, Greg, and Kathy. Love this picture.
I love a good book, and I just finished one that YOU NEED TO READ. It is entitled Audacious by Beth Moore. Y’all, I have fallen in love with Jesus all over again. I never imagined I could love Him more than I already did, but this book…! Wow! His love for me, and for you, is AUDACIOUS. Because of that love, you and I can love AUDACIOUSLY. Moore uses tons and tons of Scripture, and lots of beautiful and hilarious word pictures to tell the story of AUDACIOUS love. My small group will be using this book as our spring Bible study. It is small and easy to read. Order your copy NOW.
I snapped a picture of one paragraph that really spoke to my heart. I have not always chosen my relationships wisely, especially in my 20s, so this excerpt spoke loudly to my heart.
Late in 2015 I decided to go old school and purchase a 2016 planner in which I could write and scribble. I had used the electronic calendar on my iPhone for years, but missed having a day planner. So, after much research and querying friends about planners, I settled in on a Passion Planner. What a great choice! I love it. Passion Planners offer loads of space for calendaring, pondering, planning, and just being creative (which I am not). Each week there is a quote and a challenge for personal consideration. Here is one that I took a picture of and shared on Instagram.
In January I scooted down to Atlanta to attend a ceremony where Bree was being inducted into Who’s Who Among American College Students. We are so stinkin’ proud of her. She is an engineering major and is rocking her studies. She is actively looking for an engineering internship this summer. She would like to obtain an internship outside of Georgia, and I would be good with that. Of course, I would have to go visit her!!
Greg and I love this young woman so much, and it is hard to believe that only 5 years ago we did not even know her. Jesus has given us a love for her that absolutely blows me away. We are so blessed by her presence in our lives.
I truly have the BEST in-laws in the world. Charles and Betty Adams are the real deal. They love me as if I was their natural-born daughter. I have known these wonderful people since I was in high school. Charles was my high school chemistry teacher, while Betty taught my sister in elementary school. They are retired educators who, at 83 years young, are probably more active than Greg and me. Jesus blessed me far more than I deserve when He allowed me to be part of their family. This picture was taken by our son, Charlie, when we were all in Destin, Florida at Thanksgiving. I think it is my all-time favorite of Charles and Betty.
Last year for Mother’s Day, Bree gave me a package that contained 52 envelopes…each decorated by her in beautiful colors. On the front of each envelope was written, “I love you because you…….” Inside each envelope was a small square of paper on which Bree had written reasons why she loves me. People, do you know what kind of time that took? I was absolutely flabbergasted. It was one of my all-time favorite gifts. I have opened one envelope each week, and what a joy it has been. I’m still stunned at the time and effort that Bree put into making this amazing gift. Here are a couple of the envelopes.
Ok, enough of my life in pictures. I hope you enjoyed them. I enjoyed going back and pulling them out. They remind me how blessed I truly am. I will see you back here on Monday, Lord willing.
