Random Journal Day: "Thanksgiving Precedes the Miracle"

 Today, I'm sharing from my journal writings and from my heart. I'll be linking over at "Be"neath The Surface: Breath of Faith: Random Journal Day Link Up"

as well as several other great blog hops (listed at the bottom of this post)

Thank you, Dawn, for providing this great link-up!

click on picture to go to her site.

On Wednesday, I shared a little bit about what is currently happening in my life. I've copied and pasted it here, just in case you didn't happen to read that post:

-------------------------------------------------

This week has been a bit of an intense week for me and the hubs. We have been waiting patiently for about 9 months or so to complete the sale of our house and move to a lake cottage nearby. We've come close a few times, but something always has fallen through at the last minute. We have been in constant prayer over whether this is the path God is calling us to or if He has another. I have asked the Lord for some kind of confirmation that, even though we have waited patiently, that He will complete this process soon. A few weeks ago, I read in Ann Voskamp's list for the April (specifically on the 26th) JoyDare that I am to write down 3 gifts from God that are moving! I honestly am not one to test God or read into things, but I have felt that God was speaking to me about our move. Well, He's making me trust right up to the day! Tomorrow is the 26th. I'm trusting God to come through for me!! Won't you also pray for Him to receive glory and our faith to become sight? Whatever happens, tomorrow, I will be praising God for 3 gifts that are moving!!

To read all of that day's post, go here

---------------------------------------------------------------

It seems like all week God has been working in my heart on this subject. I'm also sharing from yesterday's writing in my journal, since it is so fresh on my mind and in my heart.

---------------------------------------------------------------

 Thursday, April 26, 2012

Today is the day I have felt that God was is going to do something very special in my life - the gifts of 3 things moving. Yesterday, I think the devil was trying his hardest to oppress me. Ken finally talked to our realtor, who had no good news about the buyers who are still trying to sell their house first and she actually tryed to work us to consider dropping our price again on our house(so that they can drop their house price), even though we have already worked out an agreed offer. By the end of the day, both Ken and I were feeling down in the dumps, feeling like there is very little chance that this will work out. 
Been reading Ann Voskamp's book again and I'm reminded, when she writes,  

"Eucharisteo -thanksgiving- precedes the miracle. I humbly give God thanks for the gifts He gives. And in that place of humble thanks, God exalts and gives more gifts and more of Himself."  

All week, I've been reminded of my need to be meek and humble before God. Oh, this is not easy, to lower myself of my will and to fill myself with God alone! His love - I can trust, let go, surrender all - and give thanks for what is given - JOY! I will give thanks, no matter what is given, because God IS my joy! 

Oh, Jesus, in Your mercy and love for me, bring me to my knees in EVERY circumstance! Show me joy for YOUR gifts today - this is Your day to me!!

 --------------------------------------------------------

Even though the 26th has passed, with no new news to give, I will still trust and praise God! I've had this song in my head all week. We sang it in church and I just keep finding myself singing it over and over.

 

Linking over at these Blog Hops:

Winsome Wednesday (My Daily Walk in His Grace)

Grace Cafe' (Reflections of His Grace)

 Heartfelt Hallelujahs (Heartprints of God) 

Faith Filled Friday (Beholding Glory)

What I'm Wearing.

Hi, all! I'm kinda new to posting outfits I have and love.

This week has been a bit of an intense week for me and the hubs. We have been waiting patiently for about 9 months or so to complete the sale of our house and move to a lake cottage nearby. We've come close a few times, but something always has fallen through at the last minute. We have been in constant prayer over whether this is the path God is calling us to or if He has another. I have asked the Lord for some kind of confirmation that, even though we have waited patiently, that He will complete this process soon. A few weeks ago, I read in Ann Voskamp's list for the April (specifically on the 26th) JoyDare that I am to write down 3 gifts from God that are moving! I honestly am not one to test God or read into things, but I have felt that God was speaking to me about our move. Well, He's making me trust right up to the day! Tomorrow is the 26th. I'm trusting God to come through for me!! Won't you also pray for Him to receive glory and our faith to become sight? Whatever happens, tomorrow, I will be praising God for 3 gifts that are moving!!

Until then, I've been going through some of my outfits. Indiana weather has been so fickle, like so many parts of the U.S. (all that snow in the north east!!). I've had to pull out both winter and summer boxes from storage!

Here are a few I wore recently:

This is a great "out in the yard, gardening" outfit for me. Very casual and relaxed!

This was a windy spring day. We went for a walk and my hubs took a picture by these daffodils. Notice my little 4 lb. Chihuahua, Sophie, sitting to the right of me. She didn't like sitting for the picture!

 This is one of my spring outfits (thrift-ed)

This was a very bizarre day! It started out warm (71 degrees)

By noon it was 60 degrees, so I donned a light jacket.

*I just noticed, I own a LOT of Capri pants. I'm not naturally blessed with skinny thighs, which makes me want to hide them. Hopefully, I can work on that in my weight loss program! I would love to feel comfortable wearing shorts someday!

You can't see my shoes in the grass picture, so here is a close-up of my deck shoes. These are so comfortable! I've had them for years. (made by Route 66).

The most bizarre part of the last outfit was that it cooled down that day to 52 degrees by 3:00 p.m.

I ended up changing into jeans and a sweatshirt for the rest of the day.

That's Indiana weather for you!

I do like to dress up for church on Sunday. Thought I would share one of my more dressy outfits. Everything I am wearing here was thrifted, even the boots!

What are you wearing this season? Feel free to share some of your favorites by linking back to your blog in my comment box below or sending me an email (apop12341@hotmail.com), with photos, or just a description.

Still trying to lose a few (well, hopefully around 30 lbs) by the time the hubs and I go on our 2nd honeymoon. Looks like we officially will be going in September, now, most likely the week of Labor Day, which is ironically both of our b-days (his is Sept. 5 and mine is Sept. 9). We also will probably be going to S. Carolina, instead of California, like originally planned.

Linking up at these blog parties:
Real Momma, Real Style (Momma {Go Round})
What I Wore Wednesday (The Pleated Poppy)

Fashion Friday (Musings of a Housewife)

The Cup That Cheers

Can you sit a spell?

I’ll be quick to light the fire

And make a spot of tea.

Let me take your coat and hat.

The weather’s simply dreadful!

Come, step inside

And keep me company.

 Sharing, yet another sweet tea gift-book today, with a few of the quotes from within. 

I hope and pray that if, by chance, you are feeling blue or out of sorts, 

this little teacup table with some treats will cheer you right up!

Dear friend,

this is my prayer for you:

comfort for the hours you feel alone,

wisdom to guide you on your way,

strength to always carry your own

and joy to greet you day by day.

Friends to lighten heavy loads,

family to surround you with love,

grace, as you walk life's dusty roads,

and peace and grace from above.

Let’s have a party,

Beginning at three.

You choose the teacups,

I’ll pour the tea.

You pick the pastries,

Sweet as can be.

I’ll toast to friendship

Between you and me.

Today, I'm serving fresh strawberries, vanilla bean/cream cheese dip, along with plain vanilla wafers.

                                                                                            Source: google.com via Ann on Pinterest

I found this adorable little teacup and saucer at a local antique shop. There is nothing printed on the bottom of either piece. It looks more like a decorative teacup, than a cup to drink tea from.

I love the detail and curves.

The glory of friendship is not

The outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile,

Nor the joy of companionship; It is the spiritual

Inspiration that comes to one when you discover

That someone else believes in you and is willing

To trust you with a friendship.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Simply sitting barefoot on an old back porch,

     while having a round of tea, is one of the purest pleasures of life. 

Nothing nourishes a friendship like an hour of soft conversation.

In those magical moments, time stands still ~

 long enough for friends to listen with the heart, whisper kind words,

and revive one another's soul.

 
  Source: google.com via Ann on Pinterest

Blessings to you, as you go about your day today.

Linking on over at these "tea" hops!

 Tea Time Tuesday (Rose Chintz Cottage)

Tea Cup Tuesday(Artful Affirmations)

Friends Sharing Tea (Bernideen's Tea time)

Tea Cup Tuesday (Martha's Favorites

A Return to Lovliness (Delightsome Life)
Thursday Favorite Things (Katherine's Corner)

A Great Inheritance for the Meek

                                                                                                  Source: google.com via Ann on Pinterest

Bible Commentaries: meaning of this verse

Amplified: Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
NLT: God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. (New Living Translation - Tyndale House)
Philips: Happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth will belong to them! (New Testament in Modern English)

 Meek doesn't mean weak

The slogan "strong enough to be gentle" comes close to defining true meekness that is best seen in Christ. When we are meek, we will bear insults without lashing out in resentment or retaliation. We'll thank God in every circumstance, while using every circumstance, good or bad, as an occasion to submit to Him. Meekness would be weakness if it meant yielding to sin. But because it stems from goodness and godliness, it is a great strength. Even now the meek soul gets the best out of life. 

The world does not think so. It thinks that the meek must be worsted because they will not stand upon their rights, nor wield the sword in self-defense, nor meet men on their own terms. But, as ever, Christ's words stand the test of experience. 

When wrong is done to a meek person, he is led by the grace of God to mourn over it, leaves God to vindicate and avenge, and prays for the speedy coming of the day when all wrongs shall be righted, and tears wiped. The meek man joins his prayers with those of Christ, the supreme Sufferer, that the Father would forgive those who do more evil than they know. With a calm and gentle answer he turns away wrath.

 

 The Heritage of the Earth

The meek find more pleasure in simple joys than wrong-doers in all their wealth. Pure hearts find wells of peace and bliss in common sights and sounds. There is no twinge of conscience or bitter memory of wrong-doing to jar on the sweet consent of holy song ever arising in nature. 

Do not be greatly concerned when wrong is done you. Possess your soul in patience. Hide under the wing of God. Do not let anything rob you of your power of being glad with children, birds, flowers, humble and innocent joys.

Without a doubt, the time is coming when the world itself will be conquered by the meekness and gentleness of Christ and His saints. The gentle dawn will master the blustering night; the soft-treading spring will quell the storms of winter.

"O meek and gentle Savior, give me Your Spirit, that I may be calm and strong in the endurance of wrong, and overcome evil with good."

source: F B Meyer on THE PASSIVE SIDE OF THE BLESSED LIFE

------------------------------------------------------------

What a great explanation of the meek and how they will inherit the earth!! There is great reward in living a meek and mild life! May you find joy and peace in Christ Jesus!!

Sharing the many blessings God has bestowed upon me! Continuing in the Joy Dare!

3 hard Eucharisteos 

629. Suffering (living with physical pain on and off in my life)

630, Having difficulty losing weight.

631, Struggling at times with motivation/energy to do what I need to do around the house. 

3 gifts woven together

632. Basket from Charleston, SC made by a Gullah woman.

633. Poem I read today: Woven on a heavenly loom

Woven together on a heavenly loom
I was formed by God whilst in my mother's womb.
Then the days of my life in His book were penned
even before I was born my life was planned.

Each chapter was scribed by a God of grace
Paragraphs written before life took place.
Ev'ry moment before it came to pass
God wrote them from the first day ‘til the last.   

634. My wicker chair and ottoman! Love to relax in it!

3 gifts inherited

635. My father’s old roll-top desk.

636. My grandmother’s old quilts

637. A great inheritance of earth now(Matt. 5:5) and heaven, when Christ returns!

A gift stacked, stashed, stilled

638.  Stacked – Boxes (reminding me that we will be moving soon)

639. Stashed - special cards and keepsakes to remind me of my loved ones.

640. Stilled - my heart (to listen to God speaking to me in His Word and in prayer)

3 gifts found in Christ

641. Salvation (Luke 15:24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again – he was lost and is found!)

642. Peace

643. Hope

3 gifts close

644. My family

645. My friends

646. My Lord and Savior

Linking over at these blog hops:
Fresh Brewed Sunday(My Freshly Brewed Life)
Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience)

Hear It on Sunday/Use It on Monday (Graceful)
Sharing His Beauty (Beauty in His Grip)
On Your Heart Tuesdays (A Pause in the Path)

 Soli Deo Gloria  (Finding Heaven)

State of the Heart 

Random Journal Day: Worry

This is my first post, sharing from my journals, so please be patient with me, as I try to share some pretty personal stuff from my heart. (Linking up at "Beneath The Surface: Breath of Faith: Random Journal Day Link Up 4")



This entry was written a little over a year ago. I was very stressed at that time. My son, who had been into some pretty deep trouble , was graduating from high school in a few months. Believe it or not, this entry was a little on the lighter side. As you will eventually find out, my writings can often get quite dramatic and colorful. Hey, it's where I let it all hang out! But for today, I'm starting out with a short one.

-------------------------------------------------------------

 Tuesday, April 12, 2011

O.k., I'm going to throw out to God a flag that asks the question ~ Why is it so difficult to not worry about stuff in my life ~ about Tyler, about our future, about money, about political and natural events that are going to happen ~ it doesn't resolve anything or add a minute to my life. I don't enjoy worrying ~ plus EVERYONE tells me, "Don't worry. Just enjoy whatever you can in this life." Even the Bible says, "Don't worry." I feel like I'm fighting against a tide of giant waves, rolling in from the ocean. Even stuff, like worrying about Ken's health (like I did this past weekend.) I'm supposed to just not worry and believe it will get better? Maybe it will, but I always wonder, maybe there's a reason for my concern.

The beginning of this week has been rough for me spiritually. I've been fighting off negativity ~ issues w/my health (mammogram came back negative), with the possibility of not going on vacation out west, with listening to a friend complain about her miserable life, yet doing nothing to work at improving things. Then she turns around and tells me not to worry! One day I can write several things in my gratitude journal, and the next day, I'm drawing a blank.

------------------------------------------------------------

Deep down, I knew what the answer was to my 'God flag' question...sin and Satan at work. He knew exactly where my weakness was and was hitting me hard that week. I noticed that I must have been so frustrated that I didn't even write a prayer, seeking God's help at that time. I think my mind was so scattered that I couldn't even think straight enough to pray. 

I'm so thankful that even when when we don't know what to pray (or sometimes I think we choose to not pray), the Spirit intercedes for us!

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express"

Romans 8:26

And my worrying was all for naught! I had a second mammogram, which came back positive(they didn't find anything) and my son graduated and is doing much better today. My husband, Kens, health is o.k. There are days I still worry about him, both physically and mentally (not getting too stressed out in his life), but he is (sort of) trying to work at improving his habits. And I realize that I'm not doing much better, when I let worry stress me out, too! I guess we all could learn from each other!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

New Blog Name Contest and Giveaway.

 Well, I've been thinking about all the stuff I write about on my blog. Originally, I wanted this to be a place to encourage other women to live for the Lord and talk about how God has worked in my own life. I also have been keeping track of the many "gifts" God has blessed me with each week, through Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare. Recently, though, I find myself adding other side posts that have very little to do with any of those subjects. I have an array of interests, but have specifically been posting on my love of tea things, my interest in gardening and flowers, and also my fascination with Pinterest and Polyvore, by sharing the many creative ideas found there.

(Our soon-to-be lake cottage)

Even more recently, my husband and I are planning, God willing, on moving out of our large home and into a small, lakefront cottage very soon. We are at that age, where we are anticipating the days of becoming empty-nesters and retirees. We've dreamed of living on a lake for a few years, and have had a few fortunate events that helped us to make that dream a reality. The cottage is a bit outdated and has very little landscaping and literally no flowers! So I'll be working on new ideas and I know I'll be wanting to share the progress of the changes to our new cottage.

The thing is, it seems like I'm shifting gears a little bit, but I don't want to forget about my original desire to have a blog in the first place. That is why, I've decided that the best thing to do is to keep my original blog "Christ in the Clouds," where I'll continue to share my list of God's gifts and blessings, as well as encourage other women, and start a "home and garden, lake cottage, tea lover, empty-nester" blog. I know, I should probably start at least a couple more blogs, but I just don't have the time to keep that many going. I hope having 2 blogs won't be too much for me! I am currently posting about 3-5 times per week. That is plenty for me. By dividing them up, I hope to post about 2-3 posts in each blog a week, at the most. I don't want blogging to take over my life, like I've heard has happened to some bloggers.

Anyways, I'm having some trouble coming up with just the right name for my new blog-page. I was hoping that some of my bloggy-friends out there, might offer some suggestions. Like I said, this blog is going to be geared more towards the following:

•  sharing my love of tea
•  lake cottage living
•  cottage decorating
•  being creative with clothing ensemble combinations
•  gardening and landscaping ideas
• life as an empty-nester

Any ideas will be considered up till Thursday, May 3rd.

• I also know that it usually helps to have a gift/prize for the person who's blogname I decide to use.  My friend Malorie, makes some pretty cute homemade greeting cards and tags (3-D, embossed).
• The winner of the blog name contest will receive 6 homemade cards and envelopes made by Malorie. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love these cupcake and ice-cream shaped cards, with different cute sayings on the inside of each card.

So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, leave a suggestion or comment, as well as a link back to your blog-page or email address.  I will keep you all posted on my final decision and the winner that is chosen. I am excited to hear all the cute and creative ideas you all come up with!!

Linking up at these blog parties:

The Perfect Cup of Tea (Ladybugs Invited)

Hello, all my teatime friends! 

I knew today was supposed to be in memory of the Titanic, but I really don't have anything to commemorate the anniversary that has to do with tea. I did write a post on Sunday, dedicated to the Titanic and if you would like to read it you can go HERE.

 Today, though I'm posting about another one of the great
tea gift books I bought recently.
This time the book I am sharing with you is called

"The Perfect Cup of Tea"

"The taking of tea has evolved into an art form,
ranging from the simple to the sublime.
Sprinkled with traditional recipes, this book boasts
all the fascinating facts, brewing secrets, and wisdom
from the ancients on all things tea, from its earliest history
to its current trends."

(I'm pretty sure ladybugs have crashed this party, too!
If you didn't notice, there were a few on the cover of my book. Oh, well, I love ladybugs, don't you?)

I'd like to share some of the things I found written in this book.

Tea may be taken plain, with milk, with honey, with sugar, or with lemon – but don’t add lemon and milk at the same time. The lemon curdles the milk, which can ruin a nice cup of tea.

The Twinings  were a tea dynasty, a long-term family of tea merchants with five generations in the tea trade before their fist cafe' opened. In their cafe', they encouraged sampling tea by the cup, then opened a retail store next door to sell coffee and tea. They also sold tea in packets and in tea bags to palaces and grand hotels. Today, a Twining still heads the business.

A Scotsman named Thomas Lipton purchased his own tea plantations and warehouses, modernized tea production, eliminated the middle-man, and thus lowered prices. His many stores, plus his skill at advertising, made his last name the household name it is today. He rose from working in a small family grocery store to billionaire with slogans such as, "Direct from the tea garden to the teapot."

Royal Tea is a full tea with champagne or sherry served at the end.

Cream Teas are afternoon delights. Devonshire or clotted cream plays a prominent role. The cream is spread on fresh scones, which can the be topped with berries or preserves.

Elevenses  is a late morning snack of tea and pastry, much like a coffee break.

(I didn't think this was actually a real thing at first, since it was mentioned in the movie, "Lord of the Ring:Fellowship of the Ring"), which I recently watched again:

(Hahaha!! I love this part of the movie.)

Low Tea is called "afternoon tea" and is served at nice hotels, such as the Ritz and the Savoy, and is definitely a treat. The tea is always steeped correctly - tea bags are not used. It's called "low tea" because it's served on low tables beside armchairs. Afternoon tea is frequently served on a tray or cart, rather than at a table. While it can be expensive in hotels, you can do this same tea at home with little effort or expense.

High Tea, sometimes called "meat tea", is a meal served when the family is home from school and work. High tea is more of a dinner and can have meat dishes, along with tea and sweets.

Light Tea is a lighter version of afternoon tea.

Full Tea is a four-course menu with finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, desserts, and choice of tea. Sandwiches are what separate this from light tea.

How long to steep tea?

White tea: 30 seconds to 2 minutes

Green Tea: 1-3 minutes

Oolong tea: 2-3 minutes

Black tea: up to 5 minutes 
 

 Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.   -Chinese Proverb

Scones

5 cups all purpose flour

3 tablespoons baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups whole milk

3 eggs

optional: raisins, currants, chocolate chips, etc.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix flour and baking powder. Add softened butter until mixture is crumbly. Add milk and eggs. Mix into dough consistency. Add any optional ingredients. Scatter flour on work surface and roll dough to  1-1¼ inches thick. Use a round 2½-inch cookie cutter to cut out scones. Place them on a buttered baking sheet. For best results, let the uncooked scones chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with Devonshire cream and preserves.

Feeling Calmer Already?

Simply reading about tea can be relaxing and enjoyable! So take a moment out of your daily routine, enjoy a cup of tea, and have your own personal tea party whenever you can. 

Tea, an international symbol of friendship and hospitality!

 

Linking on over at these "tea" hops!

 Tea Time Tuesday (Rose Chintz Cottage)

Tea Cup Tuesday(Artful Affirmations)

  Friends Sharing Tea (Bernideen's Tea time)

Tea Cup Tuesday (Martha's Favorites