A Pair of Bartletts

Taking the day off...

I'm not really sick...just spending some time with my family in Huntsville. I will be posting some pictures in the next day or so. Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday...Beautiful Beaufort

The beauty of Beaufort, NC....a few sightseeing pictures from our Christmas travels to see Mom and Dad Bartlett:

The historic homes were absolutely beautiful!

This is Blackbeard's house (the REAL Pirate!)....the house's name is called "Hammock House"

This lighthouse is out on Harker's Island

(where they STILL speak "Ye Old English")

Labels: Wordless Wednesday

Memory Monday to be continued

Well, it's been a very long week, to say the least. I will have to admit that I got NOWHERE with my memory verses from Memory Monday.  Here are some of the reasons why:

If you remember a while back, I wrote a post about the mother of 0ne of my employees, who was struggling with a mysterious illness and had been hospitalized on December 13th.  I regret to tell you that she lost her battle with this illness (I forgot to bring home my written piece of paper with the name...it's a VERY long name).  Mrs. Jackie went home to be with the Lord a few days ago...the funeral was today.  Please continue to pray for strength for her seven children and all of the grandchildren.  The grandchildren are really having a hard time, since most of them haven't been able to see their "MawMaw" since before she was hospitalized over a month ago...and now she's gone.  Thankfully, Mrs. Jackie was a believer and has gone home to be with the Lord and has now been reunited with her husband, who passed away several years ago. 

Also, Rob's Dad has been hospitalized and is struggling with some very serious heart issues, along with other illnesses that are making the battle even harder.  Please make him a matter of prayer this week.  I have not shared the whole story yet (and I will), but Rob was only reunited with his Dad recently after not seeing him in 36 years.  His Dad is a believer and we are so thankful that he has eternal salvation.  Now, the only issue is that Rob and his Dad desperately want to have more time together.  Unfortunately, we live 14 hours apart from Rob's Dad and step-Mom.  So, please pray tha both Rob and his dad will be able to spend many more times together.  We are SO blessed to have been able to spend almost all of Christmas week with them...they are memories that are emblazed in our minds...we will cherish them always.  I have handwritten out some of their story and hope to be able to share more later.  Right now, however, I'm just focused on Rob and his Dad and their times together. 

With all of that said, I'll try and get back on track with my memorization for next week.  I LOVE the accountability of the Memory Monday group....please excuse me for this week!

Labels: Memory Monday

Closed For Worship

Labels: Thoughts

Frugal Friday--Good stewards of our pantries

In the spirit of helping me to try and be frugal, my husband LOVES to have "baked spaghetti" several nights after we have had "regular spaghetti". The "Baked spaghetti has just mellowed out and combined together to get "married"as Emeril says. They we top it with gooey cheese and put it on the oven.

With all of that said, I found this recipe on a blog that I visit quite frequently...it's called Warm Pie Happy Home (Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie).  The great thing about this recipe is that you can probably round up everything that you need around the kitchen pantry and freezer.  We're constantly talking about trying to be good stewards of our resources, so this is a great way to do this. I cannot WAIT to try this recipe for Robert....it's a great new spin on my baked spaghetti.  I hope that you'll try it too...let me know how you like it!  Go clean out your pantry...and get out that old iron skillet!

Labels: Frugal Friday's, Recipes

Talk About Tuesday-- Matthew's Corner

While Rob and I were in North Carolina for Christmas, we got the opportunity to spend a lot of time with our twelve year old nephew, Matthew. As it turns out, Matthew has taken up a new hobby of writing poetry. As we were talking with Matthew about his writing, he asked if I would "publish" him, since I have an active blog. Well....how in the world could I say no to that sweet face and that brilliant poetry? So, Matthew turned over all of his precious writings for me to post to my blog...and I am quite honored to do so. Matthew is a very smart young man and it is my pleasure to pass on some of his writings to you for your reading pleasure! With that said, I give you the first installment of "Matthew's Corner"!!

Matthew, On Cheer

The amazing feeling of a great accomplishment that you have made can put another brick on the foundation of something you can call an ego.

But this is not a good thing, although accomplishing something is a good thing, an ego can cause several problems in your life, especially in the life of your cheer.

Cheer is a wonderful thing, it is also what keeps us happy, and even healthy. Being very cheerful can really help you accomplish things, and it will even help get rid of an ego.

So, in all you do, be cheerful in what you do, live, say and feel, so that you, even you, can stay happy, healthy and ego-free.

by Matthew R.
"Matthew, On Cheer" copyright A Pair of Bartletts, 2009 All Rights Reserved, Cannot be reproduced without approval of A Pair of Bartletts

For more great "Talk About Tuesday" posts, visit Lara Gallagher's The Lazy Organizer.

Labels: Saturday's Cafe Chat, Talk About Tuesday, Thoughts

Memory Monday Psalm 37 (v 12-14)

Well, it's Monday again! The weekend is gone, but fortunately for me, even though it's Monday, I'M OFF TODAY! YIPPY!! Since Rob works for a municipality and has a holiday today, I decided to take a vacation day from work. But, nevertheless, it's still Memory Monday!

So, to catch you up, here is where I am so far in my endeavor to memorize Psalm 37.  This past week I finished with verses 9-11 but I have typed out what I have memorized up to today:

PSALM 37:1-11 (NIV)

1 Do not fret because of those who do evil or be envious of those who do wrong 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like the green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn away from wrath. Do not fret--it only leads to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off , but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. 10 A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you will look for them but they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. 

SO...now I'm up to this week's verses, which will be verses 12-14:

12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. 14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

I hope everyone has a great week...happy memorizing!

Labels: Memory Monday

Cafe Chat--Testing our Beliefs

I wish that I could have gotten to this earlier today, but I have been gone most of today with my Mom. It was a great "girls day out"....Thanks Mom!!

Well, today's question on the Cafe Chat is:

"When it comes to an issue or truth that you belive in, maybe even feel like God revealed that truth to you; how do you respond to another Christian that might have the opposite view from you? Do you feel like the way that you respond lines up with how God would want you to respond?"

Before I read the second part of the question, my mind immediately had the thought that "I would hope that both my view and the view of the 'other Christian' in question would line up with Scripture, since I believe that the Scripture is our litmus test for anything that comes our way in life. The Bible has an answer to every question that could be posed. It is God's inspired and infallible Word. So, as for the second part of the question, I would say "yes", since I would want my original answer to someone to be the answer that lines up with the Holy word of God.

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Colossians 4:6

Labels: Saturday's Cafe Chat

Have Some Pie at Cherry Hill Cottage

There is a beautiful place that I like to visit on a weekly basis....it's called Cherry Hill Cottage. There, you will find Tina, always decorating, always making your mouth water with what's coming out of her kitchen and always giving you some incredible decorating tips along the way.

Well, this week, I got a glimpse of my late Grandmother, "Nanny". Nanny loved coconut pie, especially a really good homemade one. Well, Tina's homemade Coconut Pie looks very close to Nanny's coconut cream pie. I can't wait to make it for something special! Go take a look-see over at Tina's place. I'm sure if you are like me, you'll always leave with something great!  Just click any of the links on this post and you'll be instantly transported to the cutest cottage that you ever will see!  Thanks Tina!!

Labels: Decorating, Recipes, The Wifes Favorite Stops

Frugal Friday--Muffins Anyone?

Well, today is my first post as a result of the encouragement by Joanne at The Simple Wife to celebrate the incredible job of being an American Frugal Housewife.  I have really been thinking on this topic all week and the ways that I can begin to take inventory of my home, my cupboards, my shelves, my bookcases, and virtually every nook and cranny that I can take inventory of in order to shake out what is not needed (Simplifying--one of my goals for 2009)and to make the best use of what should remain behind.  

There is also plenty of excess that can be trimmed away quite easily in the kitchen alone.  I am determined to bake muffins for the week (breakfast or snacks), ensure that there is a great lunch in the fridge for Rob when he comes home during the day for lunch (since I still work outside of the home) and have our evening meals planned in a way that we will not have mounds of leftovers that end up being wasted.   But, back to the muffins!

Instead of my usual stand-by's, this week I am definitely going to go for something new and whip up a batch of Joanne's Morning Glory Muffins.  Then maybe next week, I'll try her Pumpkin Muffins.  I have a recipe for some really great Refrigerator Raisin Bran Muffins (see below) that you must try.  They are great since they can be made in a large batch and can be kept in the fridge (to be made as needed).  You just scoop them out and pop them in the oven...you can make 2 at a time or 10 at a time~however many you like (since the batter is kept in a storage container in the fridge for up to 7 days).  You choose the volume, which is helpful when trying to prevent so much waste.  

REFRIGERATOR RAISIN BRAN MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
1 quart buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
6 cups raisin bran cereal
1/2 cup raisins
5 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, oil and sugar. Stir in cereal and raisins. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture. Stir just until all ingredients are moistened. If desired, store batter, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To bake, gently stir batter; fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. (All of the batter does not need to be baked at once.)
FOOTNOTE
**An important tip though~try and wait until the day after you make the batter to cook your first batch.  The batter has buttermilk in it, which I find needs to rest for a day and "get married" with all of the other ingredients.  This also makes the muffins more moist.  Let me know how you like them! If Cooking for Two: Bake muffins and freeze to enjoy months later.

Labels: Frugal Friday's, I'm An American Frugal Housewife

Current Events Wrap Up Meme--Indiana Investment Advisor Fakes Death in Alabama /Florida Plane Crash

It was just this week that our little corner of the South made national headlines when Indiana investment advisor, Marcus Schrenker, sent out a distress call from his plane stating that the windshield had exploded and that he was covered in blood. What he failed to mention on that dramatic distress call was that he had parachuted out of the plane and was on the way to his "escape route" in an effort to avoid indictments relating to financial planning schemes gone bad. Authorities have successfully captured Mr. Schrenker who is now listed in fair condition as of Wednesday mornining. For, you see, if it weren't enough that he attempted to fake his own death and become a fugitive from justice, Mr. Schrenker decided to slash his wrists prior to his capture. The authorities were actually able to get him into custody and into a hospital before he took his own life.

As I read stories like these and see them broadcast nationwide into almost every home, I have to admit that I'm just a mixture of different emotions. I'm dumbfounded, I'm bewildered, I'm fascinated....and probably several more. It's just hard for me to understand how someone's mind can work in such a way that this elaborate scheme (although in his case, not well planned) can be contrived by one human being. Living in the light of the Lord and knowing that I have eternal salvation and will spend all of eternity with Christ, I just can't comprehend what it would feel like to be that far away from the Lord. Granted, there have been times in my life when I was not walking closely with the Lord and didn't make the best of decisions. But being a born again child of God, it makes me sad to see that there are so many people, like Mr. Schrenker, who become so desperate to escape their circumstances that they would crash a plane, leave in an escape vehicle and then slash their wrists. I pray that Mr. Schrenker will come in contact with someone along this path in his life that will share the gospel of Jesus Christ with him and that he will repent, turn from his sins and be saved.  As I have had to remind myself many times over, no matter what another person does, Christ still went to the Cross for them as well.  I pray that those like Mr. Schrenker would come to know a saving relationship with the Father.  Please keep Mr. Schrenker's family in your prayers as they try and sort out the details of what has just turned their entire lives upside down.

Labels: Current Events Wrap Up Meme

Feel the Blog Love

I will have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised today to have received a "blog award" from a fellow sister-in-the-blogosphere!  Thank you to The Surrendered Scribe for being so thoughtful and kind to recognize my blog.  In the spirit of "spreading the love", I'll have to pass this blog award on to some very neat blog-o-sisters. 


First, to Joanne Heim at The Simple Wife--thank you for the insightful and spiritually uplifting posts and especially all of the motivation for scripture memorization and the economization and simplification of households! 


And secondly, to Trish at A Joyful Heart--what a special lady.  Trish has some very encouraging posts and is extremely insightful as well.  Trish and I struggle with some of the same health issues, so I feel like I can relate to some of the things that she goes through.  Thanks Trish for your determination!


And also to Monica at The Homespun Heart--Monica is (to me) like a Christian version of Mary Poppins....I can't help but feel better after reading one of her posts.  Her always bright and cheery Christian attitude through her blog posts  is one of the main motivations behind my new endeavor of blogging.  I read her blog for over a year while trying to decide the who, what, when where and how of what I wanted to blog about.  Thanks for your great posts!


Thanks to all three of you ladies for what you contribute to the women around you, and especially the women on the blogosphere!!  Well, here are the rules as they were passed on to me... 

1. Just put the logo on your website (I will send you the HTML code in an email).
2. Add the link of the blogger who shared the award with you.
3. Pass this award on to the bloggers whose blogs you love.
4. Leave a message for the blogger who passed on this award to you.

Love the blogs ladies...keep up the fabulous and encouraging posts!

Labels: Blog Awards

Frugal Friday's Are Coming!

I am really excited about a new feature for "ye ol' bloggy" on Fridays. I have decided to participate in "Frugal Friday's" with a dear bloggy sister,  Joanne Heim at The Simple Wife (and many others who are taking the plunge).  Joanne recently posted about being a Frugal American housewife (see here for the post).  Apparently, Joanne struck a chord with quite a few of us.  As it turns out, there were many of us who were having some of the same sentiments that Joanne so eloquently posted about.  So, there you have it...Frugal Friday's has been born.  Since (considering the state of the nation's economy) I find that it is a very relevant topic for everyone, I'm really looking forward to participating in this!  See you back on Friday for my first post! 

**If you want to see some of Joanne's posts (which are REALLY great), click the button above in this post.

Labels: Frugal Friday's, I'm An American Frugal Housewife

The Fruit of the Spirit...in the Blogosphere

Galatians 5:22-23 (New King James Version)
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

My wonderful sister in the blogosphere, Trish, has a really neat blogroll called the "Fruit of the Spirit" (you can find it here).  She has linked with other blogs of other "sisters" who exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit within their blogs and postings.  There are some really neat ladies out there who have a lot of really great posts to share.  I am so thankful to be getting to know Trish through the insight of her postings and the ever busy blogosphere.  I hope that others reading this will also take the time to visit Trish at A Joyful Heart.  She's a great lady with some great things to share with us....what a very special sister in the Lord! 

Labels: The Fruit of the Spirit Blogroll

Memory Monday Psalm 37 (v 12-13)

Yes, I know that it's late Sunday night, but it's almost Monday, so I'm making my post now so that I can be more efficient in the morning!  Well, last week I ended up with verses 9-11 in Psalm 37 which state this:

9 For evil men will be cut off but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the Land.  10  A little while and the wicked will be cut off. Though you You will look for them they will not be found.  11  But the The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Well, this week, I press forward in Psalm 37. I will be working  on Verses 12-13 in the passage:

"12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; 13 But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming."

Happy memorizing to everyone this week!  I hope that all of the Memory Monday Sisters have a very blessed week in the scriptures!

Labels: Memory Monday

Cafe Chat....A Personal Struggle

Well, today's Cafe Chat question is (what we would say in the South) "a doozie". Today's question is this:

What is one thing that you feel you cannot share with another person about yourself? (You think if they knew this one thing or struggle that they may not accept you).

WOW! Where to begin? It's so easy to sweep things under "the rug of our hearts" so that everything is neat and tidy for those who are a part of our lives. But, we all know that "this thing" is still there, even though we think that we have "cleaned up the evidence" for the outside world.

I would have to call myself the "chief of sinners" when it comes to doing something that the Lord very specifically tells us not to do.  I would have to say that my struggle would be with harboring "unforgiveness".  This is something that I have to battle with on almost daily basis.  I have had to come to realize two things regarding the subject of forgiveness in my life:   1) It doesn't come easy for me and 2) I cannot do it in my own strength

When I find myself struggling with the issue of forgiveness, the Lord gently reminds me of David's forgiveness for Saul in I Samuel 24:10-12:

10 Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 11 Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. 12 Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.

In addition to the picture of forgiveness by David, the picture is also painted by none other than Jesus himself in Luke 23:34:

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”[a]
And they divided His garments and cast lots.

I could honestly sit and write on this for the rest of the day. However, for time's sake, I will tell you this. It has been over many a night in the prayer closet of my heart that I begged God to show me how to forgive. And, even though it sounds like an oversimplification of the solution, it is this. God just very plainly reminds me each time that the person I am trying to find forgiveness for is His child. Whether or not that person has come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ or not, He gently reminds me that He came to the Cross for many more than just little me. That person that I'm trying to forgive has access to the same God that I have access to. Yes, that person must realize their sin, repent of it and turn from it, just like I did. And, they must make Jesus the Lord of their lives. But the key to this whole struggle for me is that regardless of that person's relationship with the Lord, I am to forgive them, no matter what. If they indeed do not know the Lord, then it should also be an open door for me to tell that person about the Lord and His saving grace.

I have come to the point now that I don't beat myself up over this issue anymore but instead, I try and deal with it head on. I am thankful to the Lord for everything that He has taught me in the past few years regarding the forgiveness of one of His creations. I pray that those reading this post will also find the power of forgiveness in their lives. It is truly a freeing thing for me, as I hope that it will be for others.

Labels: Saturday's Cafe Chat

Wordless Wednesday--The Princess

My precious niece "THE Princess" doing her best "Sophia Loren"

Labels: Wordless Wednesday

Talk About Tuesday-- A Prayer For Me Today

I draw countless truths and treasures from one of my favorite books, "The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions". I keep it within fingers reach on the bedside table.  The Lord always uses these most meaningful and heartfelt Puritan prayers to remind me that I need to scrape away all of the fluffy pomp and circumstance and get back to the basics....just like the Puritans who penned these beautiful prayers to the Lord. This is my prayer for today, taken from this work:

CHRIST IS ALL

O LOVER TO THE UTTERMOST,
May I read the meltings of thy heart to me
in the manger of thy birth,
in the garden of thy agony,
in the cross of thy suffering,
in the tomb of thy resurrection,
in the heaven of thy intercession.
Bold in this thought I defy my adversary,
tread down his temptations,
resist his schemings,
renounce the world,
am valiant for truth.
Deepen in me a sense of my holy relationship to thee,
as spiritual bridegroom,
as Jehovah's fellow,
as sinners' friend,
I think of thy glory and my vileness,
thy majesty and my meanness,
thy beauty and my deformity,
thy purity and my filth,
thy righteousness and my iniquity,
Thou hast loved me everlastingly, unchangeably,
may I love thee as I am loved;
Thou hast given thyself for me,
may I give myself to thee;
Thou hast died for me,
may I live to thee,
in every moment of my time,
in every movement of my mind,
in every pulse of my heart.
May I never dally with the world and its allurements,
but walk by thy side,
listen to thy voice,
be clothed with thy graces,
and adorned with thy righteousness

For more "Talk About Tuesday" posts, visit Lara Gallagher's The Lazy Organizer.

Labels: Talk About Tuesday

Memory Monday Psalm 37 (v 9-11)

Well, I'm not finished to the point that I would like to be, but here is what I have from last week. I'm still in Psalm 37 and determined to stay there. Verse 8 says:

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath--do not fret, it only leads to evil."

I don't like that I have been so cusy that I have not been able to spend the time that I would desire to spend on memorization, but I'm praying that due to my desire to "simplify" in this new year, I will gain the time that I feel that I'm missing right now. I will pick up with verses 9-11 this week...and I'M DETERMINED!! Those verses tell us:

9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. 10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

I don't know about you, but I want to "inherit the land and enjoy great peace". God's promises are good and HE is good and HE is peaceful--ALL THE TIME.

Labels: Memory Monday

The Humor In Marriage (A Marriage Monday Article)

When I read what the topic would be this month for Marriage Monday, I had to stop and chuckle to myself. The reason why is because I instantly thought to myself, "I am married to the funniest human being that I know but I have no way to even begin to describe that to others...especially before they begin to think that we are both crazy!" How would I ever do justice to my very sweet, but extremely funny husband in the paragraphs of the blog post topic? Well, I haven't met any challenge that I didn't face head on, so here it goes...

My marriage to some may appear well seasoned, as in "many years spent together". Rob and I are comfortable together. We both get on each other's nerves sometimes, but no more than any other married couple. We love each other dearly. Our hearts are knit tightly together. We fit together....we wear well, like a great pair of Isotoners. But, in all actuality, we have only been together since 2005, married in 2006 and are now in our 4th year together. But, to only be in our 4th year, we have experienced some extremely trying times for those who have only just begun a marriage together. These times were not exactly "humorous" times, but it has been humor that has had a vital part of taking the "sting" out of our circumstances.

You see, very early in our first year of marriage, Rob had a relapse with his arthritis, to the point that he was in constant pain. In 1979 he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, with which he suffered extensively for a very long time. He later went into a remission of sorts and was even able to go on to play football and then later join the Army. After being in the Army several years and then coming out, he experienced a relapse with the arthritis, which has really never left him since. In 2006, though, it seemed to come at him with a vengeance. It was then three months after our first anniversary that we were told that it was inevitable that Rob would have to undergo a total right hip replacement...and fast. His hip had been virtually destroyed by the arthritis to the point that he was in imminent danger of breakage if it was not done. As hard of a pill as this was to swallow at first, we knew that we had to face it head on. Being that we both like to joke with each other and laugh and cut up, I honestly had no idea how we were going to be able to find any humor or any laughs in what was about to come our way. There were so many nights of sheer torturous pain that Rob went through prior to surgery that I believe laughing was the furthest thing from my mind. It was only after surgery (and a very successful one at that) I was able to finally see the true (pain free) sheepishly sweet smile of my constantly mischievous husband again. His humor is what brings light to our marriage. Yes, there are times that I would like to ring his neck (not literally....it's just a southern phrase). But, I can assure you, before I have even been able to complete the thought of a good old fashioned "neck ringin'", Rob has usually done something so hysterically funny that I can't help but laugh at him. Our laughter makes us forget those tough times, hard days and the world in general. The Lord has truly blessed us with each other....when we have nothing else, we have God and we have each other. I think I can speak for Rob when I say that we don't have any regrets about the difficult circumstances that we have had to overcome in such a short time. What we do have, though, is a marriage filled with the Lord, mixed with lots of laughter and enough love to last many lifetimes over. God has been so gracious to us in the knitting together of our hearts. The threads that He so carefully chose to knit our hearts so tightly together with (Ephesians 5:31) are not only strong in their bond but are laced with humor, love and laughter (Psalm 126). They are also threads that can never be severed by anything but death (Ruth 1:16-17).

I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for my funny, goofy, sweet smiling husband. I can't make it a day on this earth without those special laughs that we share. Thank you Lord. I couldn't have searched the ends of the earth and found anyone better. As I have said many times before, aside from my Bible, Rob is my greatest earthly treasure.

***The Wife's Disclaimer: All Marriage Monday articles (or any posts regarding The Husband) posted by The Wife have been previewed and preapproved for posting by The Husband.

Labels: Marriage Monday Articles

All Tuned In

Well folks, along with the new look comes some new tunes. I really hope that you enjoy the tunes that I have added to my playlist. These are some songs that are not "just songs" to me. I deeply love the lyrics to these songs...each one has a very special meaning to me. I hope that they will also to you. I have reduced the size of the playlist so that I could put it on the sidebar instead of all the way at the bottom. You can hit the "pop out" button, if you would like to see everything at one time. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love music. No one is ever able to pick out one particular style that I like because I like them all (except rap...sorry...it's not music to me or my ears).

Well...enjoy the new tunes as you browse "ye ol' bloggy".

In With The New

Well...with 2009 comes lots of changes, one of which, is my new blog layout! As you can see I've taken down the Christmas decorations and put up some new decorations to start the year out! Since there are no holidays on the horizon for a while, I think this little layout is here to stay for a bit. And, since Rob said this is one of his favorite layouts of all time, then it's CERTAINLY going to be here for a while!

Cafe Chat....Happy New Year!!

If I haven't told you already, Happy New Year! I am just stunned that 2009 is already here and in full swing. It seems like the older that I get, the faster the time goes, as I'm sure it does for all of you as well.

I think that Kim at "To Know Him" has posed a great question for the Cafe Chat today. Today's question is "What is the most important truth/lesson you feel God taught you in 2008? How will that truth change your life in 2009?" Well, for me, I believe that in 2009, God has plainly said "child, Simplify". I can quickly complain to myself that Rob and I are out of room, yet when I look around, there are SO many things that are just "things" that could EASILY bless someone else who is less fortunate. I am so blessed to have a roof over my head, a fridge that needs to be cleaned out (because it has too much in it), ice cold air condition (we do live in the DEEP south), clothes, shoes, the sweet scent of my new "Berry Jam" Yankee candle burning nearby while I type this.....the list could go on forever....you get the point. In Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, the Lord tells us:

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 (New King James Version)

4 I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. 5 I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. 7 I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments[a] of all kinds.

9 So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. 11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.

The first few passages sound like us....just too much "stuff". This is exactly what I want to change. I'm not saying that I want to get rid of everything in my house to the point that we don't have anything to sit on, but there are many things here that we can both stand to live without. I just started reading a great book by a wonderful blog-o-sister, Joanne Heim, titled "Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More". Joanne's book has really been the icing on the cake for me as I've been thinking about this need for "simplification" in 2009. Thank you Joanne for all of your wonderful insights and encouragement!

I pray that you will all have a wonderful new year and that you may also be able to find some room for some "simplification" in 2009!

Labels: Saturday's Cafe Chat