Wednesday Hodgepodge...

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? 
I would have to say getting my craft area organized and arranged like I want it.  But it  was a good labor!

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
Blessed, or Heavenly,   Retired (not old enough but I no longer work)

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
When I first moved to Arkansas back in 1979, I worked a couple weeks at Levis.  I hated it and I love to sew.  But it reminded me of a sweat shop...I guess I was just spoiled to an office job.  My job was sewing on belt loops.  And of course being new kid on the block, I had most of the larger sizes, more belt loops.  You were paid and advanced by how many you sewed, needless to say I was very excited when I received a call for a job in an office, even though it was at the Chicken Plant.

4. How do you measure contentment?
My life right now!  I measure it by level of happiness, amount of friends. I love my life, there is always a few things that would be nice to change but I would say I am totally content.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?
Love pickles, I was wanting a good dill spear the other day.  I love wrapping them in light bread and eating them like a sandwich.  My sister in law used to make Sweet and Sour Pickles, they were to die for!  Love me some bread and butter pickles also! Yeah pickles are good!

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?
Living here in Willard MO we are close enough to Springfield that if you need something from the store it is just a quick trip, or if you want to be in the country it is just a drive up the road.  So it is kind of the best of both worlds.

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?
There are a few beautiful parks in Springfield with loads of flowers.  I would love to go take some pictures before they are completely gone.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Getting excited, we are headed to Arkansas, end of next week.  My grandson will be turning 12, and I will also be attending 2 baby showers for my daughter and new grandson.  Thought it was pretty awesome they planned to have them during the time we are there.  And of course will get to spend time with Eden Jade and Cain during our visit.  Nothing like making memories with your grandkids!

until next time...nel

Just had to share...

A wonderful gentleman at our church had a video he wanted us to watch.  The name of it is: 'How Great Is Our God' by Louie Giglio.  It is part of the Passion Talk Series.  

It was awesome!  Unbelievable!  I was just amazed.  There are several youtube videos featuring him, below is an excerpt from the video we watched.  It is worth your time if you have not seen it!  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!



until next time...nel

Clinging to Jesus...

As all of you know I love to take pictures of anything and everything.  I took the one on the right the other day and knew that I had taken one a year or two ago.  What a difference between the two, granted it was not in perfect condition back then, but it looked clean and livable and inviting.  After years of being in the weather the paint is almost gone and the decorative trim is missing.  This summer the rose bush has taken up residence with it’s thorns and briers. 

I couldn't help but look at these two pictures and wonder about our Christian walk.  When we first accept Jesus into our lives and we began our walk with him, we are not perfect, but we feel alive.  We feed on His Word and try to surround ourselves with Christian friends.  That is one reason it is so important to find a Bible Believing Church. 

‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’     Hebrews 10:25

We need to continue to be fed spiritually.  We need to hide His Word in our heart and grow closer to Him as we grow spiritually.

‘But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen’     2 Peter 3:18

Life is not promised to be easy without trials and problems.  But we have a promise; if we will continue to praise Him through our hard times He will be there with us.

‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’     Matthew 11:28-30

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’     Psalm 46:1

What promises these are!  He will take our problems, whether it be health, financial, any problem especially sin that keeps creeping into our lives and He will be there for us.  He will help us spiritually and physically.  It is so important for Jesus to be first in our lives.  When He is, the world will not crowd him out, nor thorns choke Him out.

‘And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.’     Mark 4:18-19

So how does your Christian walk look?  Does Jesus have first place in your life or are you like that second picture, getting overrun by things of this world?  Something to think about huh?

until next time...nel

Hodgepodging Right Along...

Grab the questions and don't forget to link up over by Joyce.  Don't miss out on all the fun!
1. What's your worst food memory?  How about one of your best?
Really having a hard time thinking of one.  I was very disappointed when I tried a Sonic Chicago Style Hot Dog - sorry folks not like I remembered.  There was no comparison to the taste.  Best one that comes to me quickly was a couple years ago we were in Branson and decide to try Old Chicago Pizza.  We ordered the Deep Pan Chicago Style - I have to tell you I was in heaven.  That was the best pizza I had tried since I left Chicago back in 79.  Very similar - yeah a very good food memory!

2. Do you appreciate people telling it like it is, or would you rather a speaker temper his/her words and maybe beat around the bush a little?  How about when you're the one communicating...which type are you? 
I like straight forward talk as long as it is not vulgar or disgusting.  And I am usually pretty straight forward.  It is what it is people!

3. What's your favorite place to hang out?
These days I would have to say my craft room!

4. When do you most feel like you're a slave to time?
All I have is time... do not really feel that way.

5. What was the last concert you attended?  Who'd you go with? Was it any good?
I went with my hubby and we seen Bill Gaither Trio.  Great concert!

6. Reality TV...harmful or harmless?  What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV?
I really think some of them could be harmful. Some of them have awful language.  I am not into TV a lot.  I have to say I enjoy American Pickers and I like to watch Duck Dynasty.

7. What's something you think is overrated?
There is quite a few things that are overrated!  A lot of the movies, and shows are definitely overrated.  Material things in general tend to be overrated.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We have a special couple that attends our church that sure could use your prayers.  They are both in the hospital.  She has been dealing with pain and different things for about 5 months now.  They have not been able to determine what is causing this.  It may be Post Polio Syndrome, and of course they do not know a lot about that.  She had polio as a child.  Last Thursday her husband thought he was having a heart attack and Shirley called us.  We got there before they left with him in the ambulance.  He was also coughing up blood.  He has acid reflux, takes medicine for it.  When they got him to the hospital they ended up having to give him 2 pints of blood.  Not sure all the results on him - they let him go home Monday.  Meantime her son got her admitted to try to find out what is going on.  This morning, Tuesday - he was brought back to the hospital, he was slurring his words, leaning to one side, hand and face drawn a little and dragging foot a little - he had a light stroke.  So now they are checking him out again.  Please remember this sweet couple in your prayers they are having a tough time of it!  Thank you!

until next time...nel

Chatting Farmhouse Style...

It is that fun time around the porch, grab you a glass of sweet tea and join in the fun, you know you want too!

1. My oldest daughter has returned to college for her second year. Could I get you to give her some good wishes here? PleaseS?
   Hope you have a wonderful experience!  Have a lot of fun but study hard, it will be over before you know it!
   
2. Summer is about to move on, what will you miss the most? And the least?
   We travel a little more during the summer, love the beautiful flowers.  I would say the bugs, ticks and chiggers, nope will not miss them in the least.
   
3. Are you currently working on any craft, sewing, DIY home, or any other creative project?
   I have always got something going, or two or three somethings.  I have been finishing a baby quilt - hopefully my daughter will not read this and I have been crocheting.
   
4. If you could have any treatment at a spa for free, what would it be? 
   Nothing elaborate, probably a pedicure and manicure.
   
5. What's your favorite kind of pasta?
   Lasagna is to die for or home made ravioli, but I love a good pasta salad too.  See I am not hard to please at all.

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge #137

It's Hodgepodge time you know you want to join in the fun, what are you waiting on?

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
I can't think of anything right off.  I haven't tried anything knew lately.  Hmmm that kinda sounds boring.  My life is not boring tho- I love my life!

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
The Mockingbird song, my mom used to sing that to me when I was going to sleep, when I was real little.  Good memories...




3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate? 
I think at times it is good to have events for single gender.  Sometimes the girls just need to be together bonding and the same with the guys.

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
I love Cavendar's seasoning.  I use that in a lot of different dishes.

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 
I am so out of things.   I bought a case for my zeepad and it has the chevron pattern.  My granddaughter informed me how cool I was.  lolol

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
Vegetables in general... I disliked about everything except green beans and corn, now I love all kinds and will try anything at least once.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
People acting like they are better than others.  We all put our clothes on the same way people!  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
My daughter was in the ER again last Thursday with contractions.  They got them stopped Thank you Jesus!  But she is still hurting some.  Please remember to say a special prayer for her.  She is only 31 weeks.  She is not due until October 17th.  The doctor did say everything looked perfect, that he was right on schedule for size and everything.  My daughter thinks they may have a football player cause he is definitely kicking more that Eden Jade did.  I am sure that is why she is hurting more.  They said his kicking may be throwing her into contractions at times.  Anyway the little man needs to chill and relax for awhile longer.  :)

until next time...nel

Chats on the Porch...

Nothing like sitting around the farmhouse porch talking and visiting.  I have great memories of a farmhouse we lived in when I was very young.  Good times...  We would love for you to join us, it is a lot of fun.
1.  Do you have any type of air cleaner in your home? 
We have one in our office where we spend a lot of our time.  It really helps with the cigarette smoke and for that I am very thankful.  We usually throw it in and take it to Arkansas with us when we go down.  It helps since the house there has been closed up for extended periods of time.

2.   What do you do with the spare change you accumulate in your car, purse, pockets, etc? 
We have a plastic cup that we put it in, then when that gets full I count it and put it in the bigger bottles.  This is our mad money...lolol

3.   What's one chore you wish you never had to do again? 
I would say cleaning the bathrooms.  I hate cleaning the bathroom!

4.   Are you outgoing, quite, shy, reserved, or life of the party? 
No one ever believes that I used to be extremely shy, now I never meet a stranger.  I wouldn't say I am the life of the party, but I am not a wall flower either like I used to be.  

5.  Have you understood your parents more as you've gotten older?
It is amazing how smart they have gotten the older I get.  lolol. Just wish they were still here to tell them.

That's it for this week folks!

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge Already....

Sometimes it is hard to believe it is time for Hodgepodge again.  Time is swiftly passing by.  I mean really folks the year is over half gone.  Christmas will be here before we know it.  Join in the Hodgepodge and enjoy life! 1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?
My life is actually pretty simple already. I have some organizing of files on my external drive I need to do.  That would definitely make life easier.

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini?  What's your peach pleasure?
Definitely peach cobbler!  My mom used to can peaches and they were the best for cobbler...sure do miss them!

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.
I think I disagree.  I am not scared by a lot of things, I think it would be hard to find something every day.  I am not afraid to try new things.

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.
Dusting my family pictures, nothing like family!

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Monica CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?
I have seen the sun set at the Grand Canyon, not sure if it was at Hopi Point or not that was many years ago.  I love to take pics of sunsets I have so many from all over.  Here are a couple:

Panama City Beach 

Arkansas - Lusk Farms

6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?
I use a few apps on my zeepad.  I think the one I use the most is the Bible.

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far. 
Where on earth has this year gone?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Getting excited and anxious about our new grand baby.  Talked to Jan yesterday and she is very uncomfortable and hurting a little - her back.  She talked to the doctor and they told her to get home and put her feet up and do nothing until the hurting quit.  And if got worse to come in.  She is not due until October 17th.  Eden was about 7 weeks early and spent her first 6 weeks in NICU, we are praying and believing there will be no complications with this little man!  

until next time...nel

Chatting On The Farmhouse Porch...

Grab you something to drink and join us on the Porch just to chat for a little while.  Make sure you link back up so we can read your answers too.  Great way to meet new friends...nothing like a front porch!

1. Have you ever baked bread from scratch?
   You bet!  Nothing like the smell of fresh home made bread.  On holidays everyone always requests my yeast rolls.
2. If we decided to have lunch on the porch, and you so kindly volunteered to fix it (thank you). What would you serve?
   An assortment of finger foods.
3. Show us, or tell us about your key chain ( the thing you have on your car or house keys).
   I am kinda boring when it comes to my key chains.  I have an assortment of the cards from different stores and the library and the ring.  I was always told not to have heavy keys especially hanging from your car key, it is not good for your ignition.
4. Have you ever tried a challenging or dangerous sport? No. I don't mean rush hour traffic, but I understand the confusion. :)
   Nope I am not much into sports.  Turning the pages on a book or counting stitches on my crochet project is about as sporty as I get.
5. Have you ever written poetry? If not, have you ever had anyone write a poem for you? If you aren't happy with this question, we'll even accept a "Roses are red..." poem.
   Yes I have tried my hand an poetry at different times in my life.  I have had one rambling in my head lately.  I need to put it to paper before it rambles right on out.  You can read the one I wrote about my dad here. And the one I wrote about my friend Patsy here. The one about Patsy was published in a book, but at the time I was not able to purchase a copy and now it is out of print.  I love all kinds of poetry.

until next time...nel