In His Word Wednesday: Colossian 1:9-12; Part 2

We often drop to our knees with a petition to God. A lot of the times it's just to roll our burdens upon God. There is much more to prayer than a passionate plea for God to intervene. Paul often spoke intriguing prayers. We find one of them in Colossians 1:9-12:

(9)For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be  filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 
(10)that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
(11)strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy; 
(12)giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

In this prayer, Paul covers 7 areas of our lives that needs a daily touch of God. Over the next several weeks, I will discuss each area on my Wednesday "In His Word" post.

The second area of our lives that needs God's daily touch is found in verse 10. Paul prayed "that we may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him." Jesus lived a blameless life, exactly what we should pursue. Our daily prayer should include guidance in our walk.

Click here for Part 1 of this lesson.

Junior~Oh How You've Grown

I just wanted to update everyone on how Junior is doing. For those of you who don't know who Junior is, he is a kitten that my son rescued out of the mouths of some dogs this past summer. Here is the beginning of his story, if you want to understand his beginnings with our family.

This picture above shows Junior when we first got him. He was sick with runny eyes and nose. Emaciated but with a pot belly indicating lots of worms. His gums and corners of his eyes were white indicating anemia. This was partly due to the worms, but he was also severely infested with fleas. You can see the tell-tell signs of his lack of nutrition and unhealthy conditions by the faded color and coarse texture of his coat too.

This photo was taken about a month later. We treated him for fleas, worms, a head cold, and gave him his first vaccines. You can see that he feels much better by the brightness in his eyes and the healthier looking coat.

Despite his health, Junior has always been the most loving and tolerant kitten I've ever seen. This picture was taken about 6 weeks ago. My son is always carrying him around or playing with him. As you can see, Junior tolerates a lot.

Junior is always into mischief. As you can see above, he's attaching my other cat, Jazzy. He also stalks and jumps on my wienie dogs when they are out for a potty break.

Well, Junior has reached a milestone...he got neutered last week. He is a happy, healthy, cat that has made a wonderful addition to our family. Here are a few more pictures that I took today...

You can see how he's grown into a beautiful cat.

I love how his markings have really deepened and become defined.

Of course, he's still up to mischief and always playing.

New Treasury: On The Wings of Angels

I love creating treasuries! Here's my newest.

'On The Wings of Angels' by KingMtnTreasures

Angel Rainy Misty D... RiverOfRomansk $29.55	Angels Among Us - 8... LifeLiteCreati... $25.00	Personalized Handst... LaBellaSoulDes... $44.00	Double Sided Angel ... touchsoul $1.99
ANGELS JOURNEY sign... leearte $239.00	Hand Made Christmas... annscards $12.00	Christmas Angel wi... twistedangels $12.00	Angel Beveled Stain... FleetingStilln... $29.99
Vintage Angel Earri... TewaJewelry $15.00	Blue Angel Wing Ear... GypsyLane $18.00	Angel Art Note Card... KathyFornal $6.00	ID Badge reel, retr... maxinescreatio... $17.95
Stained Glass Angel... StainedGlassby... $18.00	Angel Stone Cuff, K... vivart70 $105.00	Angels Above - doub... grigio $20.00	Long-haired brown d... watercolorquee... $12.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Great Finds at a Yard Sale

As we were returning from visiting Octoberfest in Wears Valley, we hit a few yard sales. This particular yard sale was in the yard of an antique store. I was reluctant to stop because usually it will be the antique store trying to sell their expensive items. But my hubby insisted we stop and I'm thankful he did.

I first spotted this little wicker stool and had to check it out. It had been painted black and the paint is coming off, so it has that primitive look I like so much. It stands about 8 inches off the ground and I thought that it would make a great item to display some of my prims on. When I first seen the tag, I was shocked. I was expecting a high dollar amount, but it said $4. I couldn't pay for it fast enough.

Here's my cute little stool.

I've not decided what I want displayed on it or where I want it. What do you think? Here in front of my old barn wood cabinet, next to the birdhouse, with this old tea kettle?

Or next to this barn wood cabinet and ladder with an old coffee pot?

Or next to this curio cabinet with my Angel-winged Begonia sitting on top of it?

I also bought this cute little vintage grease pot in the shape of a teapot. I have quite a collection of these vintage aluminum items. I have a few old coffee pots and teapots that I plant flowers in. This will look cute hanging with a little ivy sprouting down the side.

I know it's dirty and a little dented, but that is what gives it its character, and I only gave 25 cents for it. You can't buy a flower pot that cheap any where else.

Favorite 5 Friday: Gifts For A Daughter

One of my favorite pastimes is browsing Etsy. It's not only a wonderful way to find a fabulous gift or to get inspiration, but also to mingle with like-minded individuals.
Tell me what you think about these items or share some of your favorites...
Find something you want, just click on the name. Please take time to visit these shops to see all their awesome items.

For the next few weeks, in preparation for the holiday season, each Favorite 5 Friday will be featuring wonderful gift ideas from the handmade community. Although I don't have a daughter, I think these would make great gifts.

There were so many cute little hair clips to choose from but I thought this one was adorable.
Felt Hair Clip


A cute little tote for her carry crayons or dolls also makes a great gift. With many to choose from there is sure to be one to suit your little girls personality.
Tote


A great doll there can be a heirloom. I remember when Cabbage Patch dolls came out, my grandmother started making her own to sell. I still have mine.
Doll


A cute and fun beanie will fit right into her stocking.
Beanie


Anything personalized makes great gifts. This necklace is cute and has a sweet message.
Silver Charm Necklace

In His Word Wednesday: Colossian 1:9-12

We often drop to our knees with a petition to God. A lot of the times it's just to roll our burdens upon God. There is much more to prayer than a passionate plea for God to intervene. Paul often spoke intriguing prayers. We find one of them in Colossians 1:9-12:


(9)For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be  filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 
(10)that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
(11)strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy; (12)giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.


In this prayer, Paul covers 7 areas of our lives that needs a daily touch of God. Over the next several weeks, I will discuss each area on my Wednesday "In His Word" post.


The first one we see in verse 9. Paul prayed that we may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Ask God to fill you with the spiritual understanding you need as you walk in His will and study His Word.

Product Review: Dachshund Tote

I'm always purchasing different items, so I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on my purchases. And what better place to share my opinion than my blog...

I am always looking through what others in my circle have added to their favorites. When one in my circle "favorited" a cute blanket with Dachshunds on it, I had to check it out. While visiting Flecken's Flea Market, I came across this adorable Dachshund tote. I also discovered that it was on sale at 50% off. You gotta love a great deal on something you want anyway. My husband asked, "why didn't you just make it yourself?' Well, I have never seen this adorable fabric in these colors before. The colors are just fun with cute little wiener dogs and pokadot. Plus I get to help a fellow Etsian.

I was so excited when I opened the box. This bag was cuter than I had expected.

Check out this adorable bag. Even though the listing stated the measurements, it was larger than I expected. The fabric is good strong material and sewing is excellent.

The package also included a thank you card that also told the story of Flecken. Flecken is one of her Dachshunds who is a long-haired piebald. They are avid supporters of the SPCA of Central Florida. With every purchase from Flecken's Flea Market, at least 50% is donated to the above shelter.

I teach women's discipleship class at my church and I am going to use this bag to carry my teaching supplies church. I am very please with my product and my purchase experience. How can you not love great product, great price, and helping animals in need? Check out Flecken's Flea Market.

Favorite 5 Friday: Gifts for Mom

One of my favorite pastimes is browsing Etsy. It's not only a wonderful way to find a fabulous gift or to get inspiration, but also to mingle with like-minded individuals.
Tell me what you think about these items or share some of your favorites...
Find something you want, just click on the name. Please take time to visit these shops to see all their awesome items.

For the next few weeks, in preparation for the holiday season, each Favorite 5 Friday will be featuring wonderful gift ideas from the handmade community. This week is a feature of gifts for moms.

A personalized piece of jewelry is always a great idea. I like this necklace because it's simple but meaningful.
Personalized Necklace


For the mom who likes to cook, these vintage bowls would be a great addition to any kitchen.
Vintage Bowls


Finding a great pair of earrings to match one of her favorite outfits would be perfect.
Brown & Turquoise Vintage Earrings


These market totes are great. The things your mom could carry in it are limitless. I chose this on because it's collapsible for easy storage, has a zipper top, and pink. This one can be personalized.
Paw Print Market Tote


An easy to grow plant in an adorable planter is a great gift and plants make a room happy.
Bird Planter

Thoughtful Thursday: Spotted Love

Thursday's is a time to reflect on what you see, so give me your thoughts or caption the picture.

I love this picture of my son and my horse...

In His Word Wednesday: Psalm 27:11

Most every week I come across the verse I want to share with you days before, but today I am without verse. Not having to work today due to the rain, my son, Zach, sits down at the table and grabs my Bible. He said he wanted to find the verse for today.

Psalm 27:11
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When you are a child of God, you don't need to be afraid of the dark when the Lord gives you His light. You don't need to fear the power of enemies when you walk in the power of God's Spirit.

I'm so thankful that Zach knows where his strength comes from.

Product Review: Lip Balm

I'm always purchasing different items, so I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on my purchases. And what better place to share my opinion than my blog...

I can not stand having dry or cracked lips. So I'm always purchasing lip balm. My most recent lip balm purchase came from Bubble Tub. This store offers handmade soaps and toiletries. I chose this shop because of all the choices having 54 flavors of lip balm and they offer discount with multiple purchase. The listing I chose was Choose 3 and receive 16% OFF.

My purchase only took 8 days to arrive, which is great since it had to go through customs from Canada.

Inside my padded mailer, my balms were in a sheer bag and I also received several cards.

I received a business card, thank you tag, pink tag, and a seed card. My order consisted of three lip balms. I chose Crazy for Coconut (makes me think I'm on the beach), Banana Blast (reminds me of my favorite banana taffy), and Iced Pineapple and Tangerine (another tropical reminder). 

I love that the tubes are sealed in plastic. It's very nice to know that your lip balm has not touched another persons lips before yours.  I immediately opened all three to check out the scents and see if my lips say "aaahhh!" Not only do these balms have great scents, but they are super silky smooth on your lips.

The ingredients are printed on the back and as I was reading them, I noticed one specific ingredient "almond oil." I'm thinking "Oh No!" I scramble to look at the other two, and yes they all have almond oil. My youngest son, Aaron, is severely allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

I discovered Aaron's allergy when he was around 18 months old. I was eating one of my favorite breakfast treats, peanut butter toast and chocolate milk. I tore a corner of toast off and gave it to him, within seconds, his lips began to swell, blotchy redness appeared on his face, and he started to sounding hoarse, obvious Anaphylaxis reaction. He then went through testing which confirmed my fear of the allergy. We also discovered that he is not only allergic to peanuts, but tree nuts too. Now, we have to keep an EpiPen with us where ever we go. You wouldn't believe all the items that contain nuts or exposure to nuts. I discovered a few years after we found out about his allergy, that a mother-to-be should not eat a lot of nuts during pregnancy. I had never heard that before. My craving while pregnant with him was peanut M&M's, and I ate them quite often.

Now back to my review...sorry for the detour. I quickly went to my computer to pull up the listing to see what I had missed. I read through the listing again and didn't see any info on including almond oil. I contacted the seller. I wasn't looking for a refund because I had opened and tested all balms, but I wanted the seller to know that the ingredient "almond oil", really needed to be included in the description and in bold. I could easily forget of having this balm on and kiss my precious child causing a reaction. She stated that the ingredients were listed at the bottom of the item in the "materials" list. Sure enough, it was. Dumb me...but I did learn a valuable lesson...READ EVERYTHING!!! I still think the ingredient should be listed in bold in the items description because it can be dangerous to some. A positive note is that the seller offered to replace the balms with ones made without the oil. She stated that she will make the balms without the oil upon request. I politely declined because I felt she didn't understand the importance and danger of nut allergies, and her product materials and working space may be contaminated with almond oil residue. I'm not willing to take that chance. 

I think this product is a great product, being smooth, deliciously scented, and a great price. I would recommend it to those who do not face the challenge with nut allergies. Although, I do feel the seller played down the importance of her using almond oil, the mistake was mine in overlooking the "materials" at the bottom of the page. I will count this purchase a my loss.

Favorite 5 Friday: Gifts for Him

One of my favorite pastimes is browsing Etsy. It's not only a wonderful way to find a fabulous gift or to get inspiration, but also to mingle with like-minded individuals.
Tell me what you think about these items or share some of your favorites...
Find something you want, just click on the name. Please take time to visit these shops to see all their awesome items.

For the next few weeks, in preparation for the holiday season, each Favorite 5 Friday will be featuring wonderful gift ideas from the handmade community. This week is a feature of gifts for the man in your life.

This something I have put on my list to get my hubby this year...a new wallet. This one is beautiful leather and can be ordered in different shades of brown.
Leather Wallet


I know a tie is not always a good gift, but for my dad, who is a preacher, a tie is a wonderful gift. I can just see this beautiful bright pink tie against a black or grey shirt with his salt-n-pepper hair...very handsome.
Pink Tie


A nice watch always makes a great gift. I am drawn to this nice leather watch.
Leather Watch


I don't have any men in my life that likes to wear jewelry but I thought this necklace is a wonderful idea. It can be personalized with the names of a father and his children.
Personalized Necklace


For that silly guy in your life, a humorous t-shirt always works.
Humorous T-Shirt