My Week - #11

 

DATE:  September 5, 2025

WEATHER:  Calm now but we had a big storm come through yesterday afternoon - severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings. No problems but for a few minutes it was intense. Today we have another storm coming later this afternoon - hopefully not as intense. 

READING:  The Secret Keepers of the Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

BIBLE STUDY:  Still plugging away with my Gospel of John study. 

LISTENING TO:  The New Testament NIV version narrated by David Suchet. Just began Revelation.

SO THANKFUL:  Safety from the storm yesterday. I'm so thankful that God holds me in the palm of His hand.

PRAYING FOR:  My daughter-in-law and her mom who are on a road trip to Colorado for some mother/daughter bonding time. I'm praying for safety and no health issues. Also praying for my son who now has charge of the care and feeding of several cats.  Praying for my health issues, for our country, for Israel. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  I have a new great granddaughter - Elizabeth Grace - born on the 3rd of September. Not many details known yet and I'll have a photo here eventually. This makes 5 for my granddaughter - 1 boy and 4 girls!

I had a great lunch with my friend Barbara on Wednesday. We went to Cracker Barrel to see what all the fuss was about. No change at this location and it was as crowded as ever. We always have a great time when we're together.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Some protein shakes I just discovered. The vanilla one takes like melted vanilla ice cream. 15 carbs but a great way to supplement protein.

QUOTE:

A FINAL THOUGHT:  A suspect many of us are going through a lot right now. Sometimes the things of life feel overwhelming. Sharing with a friend is helpful, especially one who will pray for and with you. I've been reminded lately that despite what people may say to me or the circumstances that surround me, that I am held by my Heavenly Father who loves me and sees the beginning to the end. I can worry and fret which does no good at all. Or I can remind myself that I'm held by the same hands that calmed the storm and carried the cross.

My Week #10

 

 

DATE:  August 15, 2025

WEATHER:  Temps are creeping up again and will be in the low 90s the next few days. We had a rainstorm one day this week and were on a flood watch for a couple days. I was fine where I am. Areas like Chattanooga were greatly affected.

READING:  Unleashing Peace by Jeremiah Johnston, Life Promises for Eternity by Randy Alcorn (reading as a devotional)

BIBLE STUDY  Come and See - a study on the Gospel of John by Daily Grace Co.

LISTENING TO:  The New Testament audio narrated by David Suchet

SO THANKFUL:  For God's provision and for family. For my cardiology appointment that went well.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

My lap blanket, slowly in progress. It will be a hodge podge of colors, using up some of my stash. Right now I'm working on a white section. Next coming up is a soft gray. Unfortunately, the yarn looks more brown in the photo.

A THOUGHT:

I hope everyone is looking forward to a great weekend. Stay cool and safe. Have fun.

My Week #10

DATE:  August 8, 2025

WEATHER:  Cooler temps - in the 70s. Delightful! Occasional rain as well. The temps will begin climbing again but hopefully not back into the 90s.

READING:  Not much progress. Still in Pour Out Your Heart by Jeremy Linneman and Life Promises for Eternity (as a devotional) by Randy Alcorn.

BIBLE STUDY:  Gospel of John study through Daily Grace Co. It's a 10 week study so I'll be in it awhile. I'm enjoying it.

LISTENING TO:  The New Testament in NIV read by David Suchet

SO THANKFUL:  For cooler weather, for family and friends. All the blessings God has given me.

PRAYING FOR:  A friend's health, unsaved family, our country

HIGHLIGHTS: My granddaughter was in a weightlifting competition this past weekend and won gold - first place in her division. Very proud of her! She works hard.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Family Day at Dollywood a few years ago. . .

And their goofy side:

 A THOUGHT:

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

My Week #9

 

DATE:   August 1, 2025

WEATHER:  A very hot week but we have a break coming. We have had some occasional thunderstorms and rain which are welcomed. (the rain anyway). I had a conversation with a friend in Florida yesterday who has been having over 100 degrees temps with no break in sight. So, I'll stop complaining.

READING:  Pour Out Your Heart: Discovering Joy, Strength, and Intimacy with God Through Prayer by Jeremy Linneman. I'm really enjoying this book. Life Promises for Eternity by Randy Alcorn (as a devotional)

BIBLE STUDY:  The Gospel of John using a study from Daily Grace Co.

LISTENING TO:  "To Be Where You Are" by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough

SO THANKFUL:  A comfortable home and all that God provides.

PRAYING FOR:  A friend with cardiac issues, family members who need Jesus, our country, the wildfires in the Grand Canyon, my health

HIGHLIGHTS:  My brother, Dave is celebrating a birthday today.

He's a tad taller and me!

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

A solo trip to Disney World years ago.

Beautiful Cinderella Castle

A THOUGHT:

Not easy to do!

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Have you ever given a problem over to the Lord, only to snatch it back after a few days (or hours, or minutes) thinking you can solve it yourself? Have you been impatient with God and wondered - "Did He even hear me? Why is it taking so long?" Sometimes God is "right on it" and the answer comes quickly. Other times, it's a lesson in trusting Who He is and that He has the answer coming in His time. The answer may be 'yes'. It may be 'no'. Or it may be 'wait.' It's all about trust.

I've been trying to catch up with things around the house after a couple weeks of doing very little, but I promise, I'm getting around to visiting you all. Meanwhile, having a great weekend.

My Week #8

 

DATE:  July 25, 2025

WEATHER:  HOT!!  Probably no hotter than other places but it's sure making me wish for fall. It's humid as well so my ankles and feet look like sausages at the end of the day. We have gotten rain occasionally and some thunderstorms. It doesn't really cool things off much, but it is refreshing. 

READING:  Poor Your Heart Out: Discovering Joy, Strength, and Intimacy with God Through Prayer.  by Jeremy Linneman. I've not made much progress as I've been sick and had no concentration to speak of. So far, though, it looks promising.

BIBLE STUDY:  I mentioned a few posts ago that I had purchased a study from Daily Grace Co called Come and See - study of the book of John. I bought the digital version but I'm just not liking the format. So, I ordered it again in book form since it was still on sale. I'm excited to begin it (again!) as soon as it arrives.

LISTENING TO:  To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough. This was book #14 and intended to be the last of the Mitford series. I wanted to refresh my memory for when book 15 My Beloved comes out. 

SO THANKFUL:  To be feeling better. I still am not totally sure what it was. Flu? Covid? A lot of congestion, coughing, a bit of wheezing and eventually some GI symptoms which I won't go into.

It also seemed to bring on a fibromyalgia flare. My energy level is up a bit, but I still am resting frequently. Still not feeling tip top but I'm just so glad that it's over.

PRAYING FOR:  Salvation for some family members, my health, a friend's health issue, our country. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  The highlight of the last two weeks has been a trip to the grocery store and Walmart early this week. I felt like I was back in 2020 under quarantine. It was nice to see people again.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

My daughter with her cutie pie grandson

QUOTE:

A FINAL THOUGHT:

Courtesy of the Homespun Wife

I hope you all have a great weekend coming up! I'll try to get back into the swing of things and come visit you.

My Week - #7

 

DATE:  July 11, 2025

WEATHER:  Hot but with some slightly cooler days. We've had rain showers off and on which helps a bit. Another week predicted to be in the low 90s coming up.

READING:  A Grateful American by Gary Sinise. There might be a book review coming from this. 

The New Testament - still in the 4 gospels.  

LISTENING TO:  A New Song written by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough. 

SO THANKFUL:  A malfunction with my stove that could have injured me. The episode knocked out the power in my apartment, but maintenance was right on it and power was restored. The next day, the stove was fixed and all is well. A lesson learned to leave things like this to the professionals!

PRAYING FOR:  Those who survived and those who lost loved ones in the Texas and New Mexico flooding. As a child, living in New Mexico, my family used to camp each summer in the Ruidoso area of New Mexico. Praying for the first responders and search and rescue teams who have the awful job of searching.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Progress with my "lap blanket of many colors". I'm using up yarn I have and when they are gone, I'll begin buying more colors one skein at a time. The colors will be separated by a strip of white. No counting rows ,no specific pattern - just straight crochet. It's very relaxing.

SCRIPTURE:

A FINAL THOUGHT: 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

My Week #6 - Happy Fourth of July

 

DATE: July 4, 2025

WEATHER:  HOT! We're in the 90s once again and there is zero interest in me for watching any kind of fireworks display. My weather app announced a cold front coming through a few days ago accompanied by rain. The rain did indeed come, but I had to remind myself that this "cold front" was only going to bring the temps down to the high 80s. It was sort of a "minor cooling front."

READING:  What Happens Next" by Max Lucado. Currently reading chronologically through the New Testament using The Bible Recap. This week: Matthew 1-3, Mark 1, Like 1-3, John 1.

LISTENING TO:  "Out to Canaan". by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough

SO THANKFUL:  Once again, air conditioning! A day out with my first born. My church and a pastor who preaches the uncompromising Word of God. 

PRAYING FOR:  Our country, Israel, deception creeping into our churches, family and friend needs, My health.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:  A wonderful after-church BBQ last Sunday. Those from our 9:00 and 10:30 services got together for some wonderful BBQ and fellowship.  Then yesterday, my first born picked me up and we spent the afternoon together. I had never been to the new (now not-so-new) Buc-ees in Pigeon Forge. For those of you not familiar with this amazing place, it is sort of a "if 7-11-and-Walmart-got-married) kind of place. Here you can find something to eat, go shopping for just about anything on your list, find a rest room, gas up, wash your vehicle, or just wander around and stretch your legs. There is a lot of people-dodging because it's always crowded. But it's fun and a break from either a long car trip or boredom. And there is the obligatory photo op.

Now I'm officially a tourist!

We later had a delightful lunch at the Pottery House Cafe and Grille. Such good food and a very nice atmosphere and their chicken gumbo with cheese grits was out of this world! Jim and I aren't able to get together very othen - just the two of us wo this was a special blessing!

CRAFTY STUFF:  I'm working on my crocheted lap blanket. No photos yet. It's going to be a mish-mash of colors, using up yarn I have. When I've used up the yarn I have, then I'll begin buying a skein at a time, and when I run out of one color, buy another one. I find single crochet such a relaxing endeavor and it fills in the time.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Many, many Christmases ago.

My first two youngins'

The handsome guy with the red tie was my lunch date yesterday!

A SCRIPTURE:

courtesy of Pinterest

Here is the late and great Keith Green..

A FINAL THOUGHT:  

A Happy July 4th to you all! May we be thankful for the liberty that we have in this country. Pray for our leaders, our military and those in authority - national and local. And

GOD BLESS THE 

U. S. A.

My Week #5

 

DATE:  June 27, 2025

WEATHER:  It's been so hot! Highs have been in the mid 90s. We just had a shower a few minutes ago and now it's sticky and humid. I've had to go out in this heat a few times this week but I'm so grateful to get back to the air conditioning! It's supposed to be cooler this weekend.

READING:  My Bible. Also, just began What Happens Next by Max Lucado. It's a good explanation of the End Times and what to look for as our age draws to a close. Come, Lord Jesus!

LISTENING TO:  Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough

WATCHING:  I've been watching a You Tube channel called "Donnie Laws" the past few days. Donnie was born and has lived in the Appalachian region all his life. He posts videos of wildlife, as well as the history, customs and lifestyles of those who settled the Appalachian area from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and West Virginia. He specializes in the Smoky Mountain region and the National Park, specifically Cades Cove. He's as down home as they come, and loves to talk about the Lord.

SO THANKFUL:  For an air-conditioned home and it's comforts. I often wonder how those before us survived without air conditioning. They were a hardier breed for sure. 

NEWS AROUND THE PLACE:  My seascape painting came in and is now on the wall. It is just as pretty as pictured online.

I also wanted to report that my mini rose bush is doing fine. It has two blooms, and this morning, I noticed two more buds. I brag because I'm often the death angel to plants, but this one seems to be thriving.

LOOKING AHEAD:  Tomorrow after the 10:30 service, my church is holding its annual All-American BBQ. It's an indoor affair (thank goodness) and always a greatly anticipated event. We have some awesome menfolk who love to barbeque, so we'll be feasting on chicken, ribs and all the fixings. Always a wonderful time when those from both morning services get to fellowship.

Other than that, next week is quiet. No appointments and nowhere I absolutely need to go. I love those kinds of weeks.

PRAYING FOR:  Various family needs, and those of friends. Israel and our nation. Those in need. My health. My prayer list seems to get bigger by the day.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

A Disney memory of years ago.

Mom and I seated in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at 

Walt Disney World. We were waiting to be called for our reservation

for the Garden View Tea Room. An elegant Mother's Day Tea for us! Such a lovely memory!

A FINAL THOUGHT:

Courtesy of Pinterest

Jesus has promised His peace - and there is no other peace like it. Peace in the good times and peace in the scary, troublesome times. In the midst of turmoil, His peace is there. When you don't know where to turn, His peace is there. I am so thankful for His peace.

Have a great weekend, my dear readers. I'm sorry I've not visited anyone this week. I'll be doing that very soon.

My Week #4

 

DATE:  June 21, 2025

WEATHER:  We've had rain off and, on this week, and now it's very warm. Weather experts tell us we are in for a heat wave - perhaps up to the high 80s. It's worse in other parts of the country though so I'll not complain.

READING:  I'm reading my Bible, the New Testament specifically. Otherwise, I'm in between books at the moment. The "cat" mystery book I mentioned last week was a no-go. A silly romance that didn't get past the 3rd. chapter. 

LISTENING TO:  Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough. It is comprised of excerpts from each of the Mitford novels, emphasizing special inspirational moments and prayers. 

THANKFUL:  I finally obtained my Real ID as well as renewed my driver's license. I had done my research so I arrived with all the correct paperwork and, since I had an appointment, it didn't take long. Appointments are really needed for this! The place was packed when I arrived!

LOOKING AHEAD:  I ordered a seascape painting for my living room wall, and it should arrive probably Monday. Amazon says "Sunday" but it's coming by USPS so not sure that is true. My living room has gone through a bit of a decor change with seashells and beachy type decor. The painting is the last thing to complete the project.

PRAYING FOR:  Family and friend needs, my health, God's protection over Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY DAY:

Such a dainty napper

INSPIRATION:

A FINAL THOUGHT:  In this world of turmoil, let us hold fast to our faith and the hand of Father God. We aren't promised tomorrow but we are promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. 

Have a blessed weekend, my friends. 

My Week #3

 

DATE:  June 14, 2025

WEATHER:  It's been lovely all week with lots of sun and a breeze. We've had the occasional shower and a couple of days were under an "elevated" warning of severe weather. But for me, it never showed up. It's getting hot now though, so summer is just about upon us.

READING:  Right now, I'm reading a quirky mystery called Kittyzen's Arrest by Addison Moore and Bellamy Bloom. It's the first of the series of  Country Cottage Mysterues and set in the area of Maine.

I've just started it so I don't have much of an opinion of it yet. The protagonist is a young lady who can read minds and who is always accompanied by her cat named Fish. I'll let you know how it goes.

WATCHING:  Lately I've been watching a YouTube channel called Donnie Laws. He has lived in the Smoky Mountains, around Cades Cove for his whole life and his videos are full of history, wildlife and stories of this area. I think Cades Cove, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's been fun to learn all about it.

SO THANKFUL:  Yesterday's post pretty well sums up my biggest expression of gratitude. My daughter and son and law are back in the states from a 3-month stay in France. They are settling in nicely in New England, an area neither of them has lived before. They certainly love adventure and exploring. I think of the winters up there, so different from the Florida they have been used to. But then, they did live in Colorado at one time so snow and ice aren't completely foreign to them.

LOOKING AHEAD:  I'm finally going to get my Real ID this coming week. I've put it off until close to when my driver's license needs renewal. The deadline for this ID has been postponed for a couple of years but it's finally here. Otherwise, it's a quiet week, at least of right now.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Mosey and Max - my grand dogs. 

They are excellent international travelers but I'm sure they glad to be back home.

A THOUGHT:

Courtesy of Pinterest

"I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

John 10:11

PRAYING FOR: 

As I write this, Israel and Iran are at war. 

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you."

Psalm 122:6