From the Pages of My Journal....

These are a few pictures from a "visual" journal I just started keeping entitled, 

"A Few of My Favorite Things". 

In this journal I keep quotes, verses, songs

 and pictures that give special meaning to my life and inspire me.  

I bought a sketchbook (unlined) from B & N for about $13.  

Then I either write in or paste type-written words 

and pictures usually ripped out of magazines.  

I don't cut and paste but just rip the pictures/papers out. 

I like the look the "ripped" edges give.

It can also be used to keep recipes, daily happenings, etc.  

I got the idea from Ann at "Holy Experience".  

Click here if you would like to read her tutorial 

on making your very own visual journal. 

Giving a sketchbook along with a quick tutorial makes a nice gift idea.  

The first page(s) can be dedicated to the recipient with some lovely words and pictures.

Bible Reading Plans...

I thought I'd share this website with you.  

Revive Our Hearts

(click on the above title to visit the website)

It lists several different Bible reading plans including:

 30 days with Jesus

 

30 days for new christians

 

30 days in the Psalms

 

Through the Bible in 90 days (now there's a challenge)

 

Through the Bible in one year plans  

Hope you find one thats suited to your needs.  

May the Word of Christ continue to richly bless us as we seek Him.

Blessings,

Metamorphosis Monday...

Once again I am joining the lovely Susan at Between Naps on the Porch as she hosts yet another Metamorphosis Monday.  Here we share the transformations that rooms, furniture, etc., have taken from start to finish.  So please join Susan and stop by Between Naps on the Porch to visit all the other wonderful ladies who have participated in Metamorphosis Monday.

Today I would like to share with you my living room.  Below is a "before" picture of our fireplace and the wall where it is located:

As you can see, the walls in our living room are all dark paneling.  Since we rent this home and do not own it, I am not allowed to remove or paint over the paneling.  So I'll have to make the best with what I've got.  I do love wood, though.  And I like the simple details on the mantle.  

Simple yet nice, I think.

So I decided to add just a few splashes of color for now.  Here's what I've added.....

candles in lovely tones to enhance the wood, yet on iron-type scrolls

to offset the wood and bring out some of the black on the wall panels.

Here's a different type of candle sitting on a more "formal" holder.

I love candles, by the way.

Some old but nicely bound classics.

A mantle clock, of course.

A print with complimentary colors.

A hanging mirror

Here is the finished mantle  with a lace/fringe fabric...

Now for the side walls, here's what I did...

I placed on oval-frame painting to the left of the mantle.  It

looks crooked because the painting inside is crooked : p  I do like 

the detail on the frame though...

I found these two lovely tables at a yard sale several years back.

I placed one on either side of the fireplace.

The table on the left is underneath the oval frame and it has a lamp,

a decorator plate and a cute wooden jewelry box in the shape

of a treble clef.

Oops, I bit dusty... the table does have a faded spot on it : (

On the right wall, there is my dear mother-in-law's hand embroidered birds.

The table holds a lamp and my beloved

grandmother's "Cinderella" as she liked to call her.

Phew!  Now for it all put together....

Here the mantle doesn't have the lace/fringe fabric.

What do you think, keep the lace/fringe fabric or lose it?

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with me.

Natural Deodorant Recipe...

I found this natural deodorant recipe at another blog several weeks ago, but I can't seem to remember which one : (   This is a great and simple deodorant recipe, though, and it really works!

You'll need:

> 5-6 tablespoons of coconut oil*

> 1/4 cup of baking soda (aluminum-free, of course)

> 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (aluminum-free)

> you may add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

* the coconut oil needs to be melted in order to mix it with the rest of the ingredients.

Mix all ingredients really well until very smooth.  You may store in a close-lid container or reuse a previous deodorant container (clean out well before putting in new recipe deodorant)

Let me know if you've tried it and how it worked for you!

Show and Tell Friday...

I am joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for "Show and Tell Friday".  Please do stop by her beautiful blog and see what others are showing and telling about this Friday.

Today I would like to share a few lovely things I found this past fall at a large yard sale.  I got there an hour before it was over and, believe it or not, I was able to purchase all of these things for under $10!!!  

This piece is from the Amish Heritage collection.  You have an Amish boy and girl playing in the snow.  I love the quilt behind them.  This picture is kind of blurry and doesn't do the details of this piece any justice, but I love it.

This is Miss Sue.  She is made of wood and stood on our front porch until I brought her in for the winter.  I also picked up the teapot door cushion.

I found this cute little table.  I like the way it looks chipped and worn.

This set of baskets are great for carrying lasagnas and baked goods.  

I love their bright colors and design.

Thanks for stopping by...

One Word...

comes by putting 

Jesus first,

others second, 

Yourself last.

Metamorphosis Monday...

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for ...

I would like to share with you how some paint can make a big difference.  I worked on our front porch this summer.  Believe you me, it was a lot of work.  The railings took four coats of white paint to cover the original orange paint!  

BEFORE:

The entire porch including the floor was painted orange as you see in the picture below.

This is what the porch looks like after I painted it.  

AFTER

I added some sheer curtains, which I love.  They make me feel as if I'm sitting on some plantation somewhere, especially when there's a breeze.

I changed the brown wicker furniture for some simple white wooden rocking chairs.

It's amazing to see what a great difference some paint color and 

some minor changes can make.

Hope you liked the metamorphosis of our front porch.

Thanks for stopping by!

But I...

"Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!

For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth 

of the deceitful have opened against me;

They have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

They have also surrounded me with words of hatred,

and fought against me without a cause.

In return for my love they are my accusers.

But I give myself to prayer."

~ Psalm 109:1-4

May we, like David, always resolve to prayer when we are surrounded by troubles, sadness, sickness, and all else that ails the human soul.

Tremble....

"Heaven is My throne,

And earth is My footstool.

Where is the house that you will build Me?

And where is the place of My rest?

For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,"

Says the LORD.

"But on this one I will look:

On him who is poor in spirit

and of a contrite heart,

And who trembles at My word."

~ Isaiah 66:1-2

Words of Encouragement for 2010...

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3: 13, 14

"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." ~ Deut. 31:8

"O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand."

~ Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 37:23, 24

"You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.   Whom have I in heaven but You?  And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.  My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." ~ Psalm 73:22-25

"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come , nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~Romans 8:38-39

Let us be encouraged in 2010 

because He cares for His children!

May His Word be our standard and

His Spirit be our guide as we

Draw closer to His side.

A Year in Pictures.... 2009

I thought I'd represent 2009 with photos that mark certain events in our year.

Our new residence in 2009....

New discoveries found on the property in 2009....

Much reading and education in 2009...

Fun with Friends in 2009...

God's promises affirmed in 2009...

Much painting and decorating in 2009...

Our trip to Plymouth Plantation, MA in 2009...

Much tea drinking and meditation in 2009...

Our youngest...

Our trip to the beach in 2009...

Here's our youngest taking it all in...

Enjoying a geography moment in 2009...

One  of our many trips to the lake in 2009...

Signs of Fall in 2009...

Our annual apple picking trip in 2009...

Lunch with Grandpa in 2009...

Much learned from God's Word in 2009...

God's beauty seen in 2009...

Our first gingerbread house...

A Blessed Christmas in 2009...

One of our Guests in 2009...

"Scooter"

Much snow in 2009...

"Be anxious for nothing,

but  in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving, let your requests

be made known to God; 

and the peace of God, 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds 

through Christ Jesus our Lord."  

~ Philppians 4:6-7

Desiring a Blessed 2010 to All!

Vivianna

Whatever....

Whatever things are true,

Whatever things are noble,

Whatever things are just,

Whatever things are pure,

Whatever things are lovely,

Whatever things are of good report,

Whatever has virtue,

Whatever is praiseworthy....

Meditate on these things.

~ Philippians 4:8

I spotted this downy woodpecker on one of the trees in our driveway on Christmas Eve while out for a walk.

Sing to Jesus....

*

Sing

to Jesus

come, see

look 

on this mystery

the Lord of the universe 

nailed to a tree.  Christ our God 

spilling 

His holy blood, bowing in anguish His 

sacred head.  Sing to Jesus, Lord of our 

shame, Lord of our sinful hearts, He is our

great 

Redeemer. Sing to Jesus, honor His name, sing

of His faithfulness, pouring His life out unto death.

Come you weary and He will give you rest.  Come you who 

mourn, 

lay on His breast; Christ who died risen in paradise; 

Giver of mercy, Giver of life.  Sing to Jesus, His is the throne.  

Now and forever, He is the King of Heaven.  Sing to Jesus....

Now 

and 

forever 

~ words by Fernando Ortega

Christ Is All...

First, I would like to thank all of you who have remained faithful while I have been completely detached from this blog for the last couple of months.  I am grateful and thankful for your support.  Your blogs have encouraged and inspired me to draw closer to the Lord and to enjoy life in all its splendor. 

~ Vivianna

"CHRIST IS ALL and in all."  ~ Colossians 3:11

CHRIST IS ALL -- in the eternal counsel of God, in the redemption on the cross, as King on the throne in heaven and on earth.  In the salvation of sinners, in the building up of Christ's Body, in the care for individuals -- Christ in all.  Every hour and every day this knowledge provides comfort and strength to the child of God.

I feel too weak, too unworthy, too untrustworthy.  But if I will only accept the Lord Jesus in childlike faith, I have a guide who will supply all my need.  Believe the word of my Savior in Matthew 28:20:  "And be sure of this:  I am with you alway," and I will experience His presence each day.

However cold and dull my feelings may be, however sinful I am, meet the Lord Jesus in secret and He will reveal Himself to me.  Tell Him how miserable I really am, and then trust Him to help and sustain me.

~~~

Each day as we spend time in His presence, let this thought be with us:  CHRIST IS ALL. Make it our goal:  CHRIST IS ALL -- to teach us to pray, to strengthen our faith, to give us the assurance of His love, to give us direct access to the Father, to make us strong for the schedule of the day.

CHRIST IS ALL!

The Best of Andrew Murray on Prayer

A Great Book Study...

Elizabeth Prentiss

1818-1878

Mrs. White over at The Legacy of Home will be starting a major, three-month online study using Elizabeth Prentiss' book, "Stepping Heavenward".   

This is not a book discussion, but a life-transforming program. The date has been set for November 16th.   

More details and a study guide will be available for free once you sign up for the study.   Would anyone care to join me?

Please note, the deadline for signing up is Monday, November 9th.

To sign up, click on the link below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PrentissStudy/

Simplicity....

A woman of simplicity.... is one who lives a God-paced life.  She waits for God's leading and has time to be still to know her Lord.  She has a deep abiding rest in her spirit.  She is a woman of profound simplicity because she has only one focus, being simply and purely devoted to Christ!

~ this definition was taken from the book, Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald

I love this definition.  It is the desire of my heart to become more and more, moment by moment a woman of simplicity.

Listen to this lovely song, "One Pure and Holy Passion"

In Need of Prayer...

Dear Ones,  I am taking this opportunity to ask for prayer on behalf of my father, Juan.  I spoke with him yesterday and just found out he will be undergoing surgery this Monday morning because most of his arteries are "blocked".

My dad is 68 years old and has been smoking for the past 53 years.  He was diagnosed with emphysema about ten years ago.  He is very private about his health issues and does not easily share them.  He is not a believer but has been exposed to gospel truth for many decades.  I will be having lunch with him tomorrow, Lord willing.  Please pray for the salvation of his soul; may God's will be done.

Thank you sincerely,

Bodily Exercise Profits a Little....

Today was my first day back to the gym in months.  I took a "total body circuit class" which was very challenging.  The instructor's name was Anthony, and he was a pleasant fellow.  

The class was set up in stations.  We did each station for 45 seconds and then rotated to the next station.  For example there were stations for squats, lunges, abdominals, shoulders, arms, pushups, weights, cardio, etc.  Set by each station was a folder with pictures showing how to do each exercise.  

I noticed that on several of the folders there were Scriptures written from the gospel of John, Proverbs and Isaiah.  At the end of the class I asked Anthony about the Scriptures, and he told me he was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and wanted to share His Word in any way he could. 

What a blessing and surprise this was for me to have a christian instructor and be able to read Scripture while working out : D

The Lord is good.

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."  ~ 1 Timothy 4:8

  

Be Encouraged Christian...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

All the afflictions, and
all the temptations, and
all the oppressions, and
all the oppositions, and
all the persecutions--
which befall a godly man,
shall work for his good.

Every cross, and
every loss, and
every disease--
which befall the holy man,
shall work for his good.

Every device,
every snare,
every deceit,
every stratagem,
and every enterprise of Satan against
the holy man, shall work for his good.

They shall all help to make him . . .
more humble,
more holy,
more heavenly,
more spiritual,
more faithful,
more fruitful,
more watchful.

Every prosperity and every adversity;
every storm and every calm;
every bitter and every sweet;
every cross and every comfort--
shall work for the holy man's good.

When God gives a mercy--
that shall work for his good.
When God takes away a mercy--
that shall work for his good.

Yes, even all the falls and all the sins of
the saints shall work for their good. Oh . . .
the care,
the fear,
the watchfulness,
the tenderness,
the zeal--
which God raises in the souls of His saints by their
very falls! Oh the hatred, the indignation, and the
detestation--which God raises in the hearts of His
children against sin--by their very falling into sin!

Oh what love to Christ,
what thankfulness for Christ,
what admiration of Christ,
what cleaving to Christ,
what exalting of Christ,
what drawings from Christ's grace--
are saints led to, by their very falls!

It is the glory of God's holiness, that . . .
He can turn spiritual diseases--into holy remedies!
He can turn soul poisons--into heavenly cordials!
He can prevent sin by sin, and cure falling by falling!

O Christian! What, though,  friends and relations frown upon you,
what, though, enemies are plotting and conspiring against you,
what, though, needs, like armed men, are breaking in upon you,
what, though, men rage, and devils roar against you,
what,  though, sickness is devastating your family,
what, though, death stands every day at your elbow--
yet there is no reason for you to fear nor faint, because
all these things shall work for your good! Yes, there is
wonderful cause of  joy and rejoicing in all the afflictions
and tribulations which come upon you--considering that
they shall all work for your good.

O Christians! I am afraid, I am afraid--that we do not
run so often as we should--to the breasts of this promise,
nor draw that sweetness and comfort from it, that it would
yield, and that our several cases may require.
"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".

I have been the longer upon this verse, because the condition
of God's people calls for the strongest cordials, and the
choicest and the sweetest comforts.

(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)
I hope this post was a blessing to you.  If so, then please take a trip to New Zealand to visit Miss Sandra at Watercolour Dreams  for more!  Her blog is a place where God is exalted; the Scriptures are the standard and the Christian is encouraged and refreshed.  

Seasons At Home Magazine...

Joyous Notions is giving away a copy of their September issue magazine, Seasons at Home.  This beautiful magazine is a full color printed publication that had its beginnings in August of 2007.  It is not just for women, but a magazine for the whole family, representing daily life.  Each issue contains articles and pictures on baking, cooking, things for little ladies, sewing, themed teas, projects for fathers/sons, homeschooling, articles of encouragement and more.  Everything is centered around the season of the year.   

So make sure you stop by their lovely blogs and participate in their giveaway.