Stopping Assumptions

When thinking of Texas many people automatically think of this:

(Image Source)

This misconception became evident when Mark and I attended Bible College in the midwest, especially when we got to know Mark, a friend from Great Britain, whose dream of traveling to Texas was to go to El Paso. But there is so much more to Texas. Texas is BIG! :) Many regions have their own geographical identity.

THIS is East Texas!

Ok, so it looks a little like desert in front, but that's a work in progress... keep reading! :)

I know many of you have probably been to Texas, or heard me talk of it. Allow me to state once agian - it is beautiful here! :) I'm just a little proud. Anyway, the pictures are of a piece of property that my parents own way out in the boonies of East Texas. (Seriously!) It is absolutely beautiful up there. We were out on Monday, Dad had a road built and an area leveled out. Hopefully there will be a cabin up there someday. For now, maybe just a picnic or so. The view is outstanding!

...and so was the climb!

boy, that's a jungle on either side!


Black-Eyed Susans along the road.

The puppies evidently thought they might be good to eat. :)

These little guys were so cute - and friendly! They enjoyed visiting with us.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the little East Texas tour! I enjoyed being out there with the rest of my family (Mark had to work.) It was a wonderful day. We had some rain and it wasn't hot while we were there. Good thing too... that hill is steep!

Til later!

Sunday Blessing

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clear before my Father
I am His child and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved I'll risk loving, too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I'll dare to see another's point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through

Your kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor
And may Your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O' may I share with honor
And may You feed a hungry world through me

I Then Shall Live
lyrics by Gloria Gaither

I know this isn't an "old" hymn, but it is a song that has meant a lot to me. I guess it is sort of my creed. I hope you enjoy the lyrics. (The picture is from my rose bush. My second bloom this season! It is now on my kitchen window sill for me to enjoy.) :) I hope everyone's week is off to a good start!

Blessings!


This is a very enjoyable version of the song. So beautifully done by the Gaither Vocal Band and Signature Sound.

Apron Strings

Ready for something else black, white and red?? Why it's an apron, of course! :) It will soon be mailed off to a friend that got married today. (Congrats to Janae and Cameron!!! Married this afternoon in Indiana.) I finished this up on Thursday and Angie agreed to be my model. :)

I found the fabric when I was looking for material for my curtains.


Of course, it just had to be an apron! :)
To make the apron, I just cut around one of my favorite cherry aprons, made the ties and used bias tape all around it.

We had fun with our photo shoot. Mom even brought out another prop - I'm glad we don't have to use it to do laundry anymore!



A couple more pictures, just for fun!
(Swatting at mosquitoes!)


Isn't she beautiful!!

Fun with Knitting

Several months ago I asked for your opinion on what project I should do next. Well, I recently finished the project that nobody voted for! :) I saw a few of these at Homestead last year and thought they looked like such a great idea. So I was thrilled to find this pattern. I finished it very quickly! It is a very easy pattern to follow and moves right along! :) So here is the finished product:

(Please pardon the self portraiture. It isn't a very flattering photo!) :)

I also have another project that I just finished and am very excited about! However, it is a secret... shhh! I am hoping to see the intended recipient soon and then I will reveal it! :)

Til later!



Oh, for those one or two on Ravelry, here is a link to the Coif in my projects.

Our Fourth!

Today in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time. (It wouldn't hurt each of us to read over it every now and then. Click on the link for the text of the Declaration.) In a letter to George Washington enclosed with the Declaration, John Hancock wrote:

That our affairs may take a more favorable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and the American colonies, and to declare them free and independent states; as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you , and to request you will have it proclaimed at the head of the army in the way you shall think most proper.

(From the book 1776, by David McCullough, page 135-6.)

So in the spirit of the season, I am posting my patriotic pictures! :) My parents, Mark and I, and Angie all went up together to spend the Fourth with Mark's family. We had a great time - ate lots of great food, played games, and watched fireworks. Here are the pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

4th Weekend Fun

My mother-in-law has quite a knack for decorating. She decorates for (almost) every season. She had some cute things set out for the Fourth, and she said that I could share them with you here.

Mom's Patriotic Decor

I hope everyone is having a great week! I hope to post some knitting pictures tomorrow, so stay tuned! :)

Blessings!