Embroidery and My Love For My Children

Inspired by others at Kelli's Show and Tell Friday I am sharing a piece of embroidery I did many years ago and also a piece of my life. This is the only piece I have done and long to do another one. Just haven't found the right piece or the time. I enjoyed doing the different stitches like the ones that make the curls in "Mama's" hair.

I loved spending time with my children when they were young. I have wonderful memories of playing games, getting snuggles, baking cookies, reading books, playing hide and seek and having them share their hearts at bedtime.

Breath of Heaven

Feeling some heavenly breezes blowing. Below a good scripture from my TGIF email today.


When the Lord Tarries
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, July 28 2009

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

Lunch at the Blue Onion Cafe

Rick and I had lunch today at the Blue Onion Cafe. We have had a nice and relaxing day so far enjoying the garden outside the cafe. The birds were singing and the leaves on the trees were gently blowing. The ingredients for our lunch were picked right out of the cafe garden.

Oh, guess what? The cafe is right in the corner of my kitchen and the garden in the back yard!

I tried a new recipe for cucumber boats and they were very good served along with flat bread given to me by a friend from work. Here is the recipe from "Recipes for Life" by Rhonda Malkmus.

Cucumber Delight

6 cucumbers 4 green onions
4 cups of carrots 4 cups of celery
1 cup of fresh peas 1/4 cup fresh dill weed
1 tsp Celtic Sea salt 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Leaf lettuce

Peel cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise and hollow out the centers. Chop the cucumber hearts, thinly slice the onions, shred the carrots, mince the dill weed, and dice the celery and place in bowl with peas. Mix in olive oil and salt and stir. Stuff the cucumbers and place on a bed of lettuce.

Now I am always modifying and using what I have on hand. Plus I only fixed 2 cucumbers so everything was only 1/3 of the quantity. My peas were frozen and thawed, I had no celery but I am not a fan of it anyway. I had dried dill weed. I also was out of olive oil but had olive oil spray.

It was quite good. We did use a small bit of ranch dressing and bacon french dressing on a few bites and on the remaining lettuce.

The cucumbers were from our garden and the lettuce was too, black seeded simpson leaf lettuce and romaine leaf lettuce. Coming fresh from our own garden made it all the better.

Friday Show & Tell

I enjoyed reading Dose of Joy on Kelli's Show and Tell Friday. She showed her beautiful violin and left a selection for us to hear. Music is one of my favorite things. I am so glad God blessed us with it. Many, many times He has woke me up with a song for encouragement. Rick and I sang a song together in church before we had a date. Of course, that was more than 36 years ago next month.

Well, I had thought of sharing something musical and maybe I will share a little each week. Today I am sharing my organ that sits in the living room. My dream is to have a music room someday.

The story behind this is it belonged to my brother-in-laws' mother. When he and his wife came to NC for a visit, I came in after a day at work to greet them. I hadn't even noticed that on one side of my living room was something covered up with a sheet. He surprised me with the organ bringing it all the way from Ohio in the back of his vehicle. It just barely fit. I was so pleased that he thought of me to give it to me. He also brought several pieces of music, some very old sheet music. Here are some samples:



When I was young, we had a small organ at home that Mom and Dad purchased new. I am not proficient by a long shot, but I learned basic chords and loved to play. Does anyone remember when they used to have merchants set up in a building at a county fair? Always there was a music store that had a booth of organs like this one and someone would be playing. It was really popular to have one in your home.
This is the box of 100 sheets of music that came with our organ at home. I learned to play from these. Each selection taught something new.



Thanks for sharing a piece of my life this week.

Good, Good News!

Rick's CT scan today showed the "mass" getting smaller, 1/3 the size it was previously. They called it "round pneumonia". They said sometimes infection balls up and is harder for the antibiotic to get to it. Anyway, NO BIOPSY! He was prepped for it but once they saw the picture that was it. Thank you God for answered prayer.

Withdrawl Stages and Recovery from Mind Control

I found this article a great help. I have shared it here, condensing some of it and adding my own notes in italics. It states several stages I have been through and the stages I see others going through. It's kind of amazing to live it, led by the Spirit of God, and then see someone write about it. May it be a help to others.

Stage One: After conversion the mind and will may be completely taken over by the logic presented by a "group". However, the gut feeling, emotions, or conscience often indicates that something is not quite right. The Spirit of God will be faithful to keep telling you something is not right.

Stage Two: This doubt causes a feeling of guilt which the person attempts to stuff and deny. The guilt drives him or her to deeper resolve to "do right" or submit and to ignore any information that conflicts with the groups' message. However, the conscience the Spirit of God continues to exert itself causing the person to question things. Most people don't know what to question. They may question the "standards" or even the existence of God or the truth of the scripture. They rarely have enough wisdom to question the history or the doctrine of the group.

Stage Three: The person will give lip service to the group but in reality often behaves or does things that are against the rules. This causes even more guilt and more resolve to "get right."

Stage Four: If the person is observant and alert, he or she may notice some discrepancies between what the scripture says and what is done within the group. Or he may hear of a scandal or problem that bothers him. This may worry some people but many others just think, "Oh well, the people aren't perfect but the organization or church is perfect." Or "Oh well, what can I do?" or "Oh well, God will take care of it."
A person can be so passive willing to sit back and not do anything.

Stage Five: The person may hear of the history of the group and begin to wonder why he was lied to regarding the founder of the group. An inquisitive person may begin an investigation. At this point, the person usually becomes very quiet and fearful about letting others know of his questions. By this time he has found out that it is socially unacceptable to voice any doubts.

Stage Six: The denial stage in which the person decides to ignore all the warning signs. They are actually afraid of or angry at anyone who has information that exposes the deceit of the group. Some people NEVER get past this stage. They are hostile towards any information that spotlights the deceit and errors of the group.

Stage Seven: The "Don't know what to think" stage. MANY people get stuck here. They will try to figure things out on their own. They are suspicious of everyone. They don't trust their friends or family and they don't trust themselves. They don't trust traditional Christianity. They don't trust the information that exposes the group. They may not trust the scripture and might try to find reasons to believe the Bible wasn't translated correctly. This stage is very critical. The stress of it can cause illness, anxiety, nightmares, emotional problems, marital problems, divorce, etc. Usually the longer a person or his family has been in the group, the more painful it is.

At this stage, some people try to reason with the leaders. They will either arrange for visits or write long letters. Some hope that they can change the system or get some to agree with them. They are AMAZED at the total inability of leaders to hear what they are saying. However, some will agree with their arguments, pat them on the head and try to smooth their ruffled feelings.

Stage Eight: The state in which a decision is made to leave the group. The person may go in several directions. They may become angry with God or become an agnostic, atheist, hook into another cult, leave their spiritual part of their life hang in mid-air for awhile. Some get stuck in a yo-yo syndrome leaving the group and going back. Or (AND I LIKE THIS) may do some intense praying, in depth study and reaching out to normal Christain information. This stage is extremely crucial. If a married couple doesn't agree or reach this stage together it can destroy their marriage.

Almost total rejection from the group and professing family occurs if the person announces his new allegiance to Christ instead of to the group system.

Stage Nine: The state in which the old personality disintegrates and a new one is formed. The person will get rid of "old things". Some people experience a lot of anxiety in adjusting to a new identity because their whole self concept was so closely tied to the group. New interests, charitable activities and hobbies are found. Bible study and Bible classes become the new excitement.

Stage Ten: The person is in constant amazement at the difference between the old life and the new life. The person is able to pity those who are still in the old group and will eventually be able to laugh about his old experiences. The person will often want to reach out to others who he has know while in the group. He feels a strong need to talk about the experience in order to understand the strong emotions and confusion he felt while inside the group. Talking to other ex-professing people seems to be the best therapy for those going through this process. Writing down what one has heard, experience and believes also helps clarify one's thoughts.

Bernideens Tea Time Give Away

http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-summertime-tea-party-give-away.html#comment-form

Go here, leave a comment to be included in a drawing for a giveaway.

Mini Day Trip and songs

Rick and I took a mini day trip. I started out with a Bible study and a bike ride at the greenway. Then I came back and we took a trip together to get away for awhile.

Here are some phone pictures from one of my favorite stores "The Last Straw". Some of my pictures are a little blurry. I think employees of stores are disappointed when I come in because I go to look and not buy.

The first picture was a blessing when I walked in the door. It is a quote by Abraham Lincoln. "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."



Here's a couple of nice "have a cup of tea and relax" seats that would be nice to have in a home.




Here's a couple of nice sections in the store. Although you need a close up the left picture has a lot of birds and birds nests. The one on the right were old doors attached to shelves. I like older worn looking things. Although I have a lot of worn things in my home that need fixing, it's not quite the same. :>)



Although this is a bit blurry I loved this saying: "I wasn't born in the mountains, but I got here as soon as I could."

But even though I enjoy letting my eyes roam over beautiful things I know the real joy is in heaven. I have been listening a lot to a CD of Lori's by Chris Rice (no relation even though I have a newphew Chris.) The first song is Deep Enough to Dream. He's singing about dreaming about heaven deep enough to reach out and touch the face of the One who made me, Do I ever have to wake up?

"Deep Enough to Dream".

Lazy summer afternoon
Screened in porch and nothin' to do
I just kicked off my tennis shoes
Slouchin' in a plastic chair
Rakin' my fingers through my hair
I close my eyes and I leave them there
And I yawn, and sigh, and slowly fade away

Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors
I have never seen
Deep enough to join a billion people
For a wedding feast
Deep enough to reach out and touch
The face of the One who made me
And oh, the love I feel, and oh the peace
Do I ever have to wake up?

Awakened by a familiar sound
A clumsy fly is buzzin' around
He bumps the screen and he tumbles down
He gathers about his wits and pride
And tries again for the hundredth time
'Cause freedom calls from the other side
And I smile and nod, and slowly drift away

Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors
I have never seen
Deep enough to join a billion people
For a wedding feast
Deep enough to reach out and touch
The face of the One who made me
And oh, the love I feel, and oh the peace
Do I ever have to wake up?

'Cause peace is pouring over my soul
See the lambs and the lions playin'
I join in and I drink the music
Holiness is the air I'm breathin'
My faithful heroes break the bread
And answer all of my questions
Not to mention what the streets are made of
My heart's held hostage by this love

And these brilliant colors I have never seen
I join a billion people for a wedding feast
And I reach out and touch the face of the One who made me
And oh, the love I feel, and oh the peace
Do I ever have to wake up?

Do I ever have to wake up?
Do I ever have to wake up?
Do I really have to wake up now?

Aprons and Baby Clothes for Show and Tell Friday

Go see Kelli today at Show and Tell Friday. She got me started on aprons after seeing her show and tell blog today. I came home from work and dug out my plastic box under my bed and found 2 of my aprons and then went to my closet to find some more. While looking I found a couple of outfits that were homemade by my mother and sister when my children were small. After washing them and having an appointment to go to this evening I am finally getting to share my items.
This was one of my first 4-H sewing projects over 40 years ago. It is a draw string apron and I remember working to get the pocket on straight. See how the plaids match where I sewed the pocket? I may as well tell here that my first simple dress I made in 4-H got a purple rosette and I won a pair of Wiss scissors and they are still my sewing scissors now. OK sorry for bragging. Back to the aprons.

This apron was hand sewn by a blind lady who was the pastors wife at the country church I attended when I was young.




This is an apron that was made several years ago and is the one I pull out to use when I am cooking a big meal and need to protect my clothes. I really didn't want my picture but I thought you could see the apron better. :>)
















There are several old aprons here given to me by a friend at work. She helped clean a house out and didn't want to throw them away.




This little skirt was made by my younger sister when my girls were little. She probably doesn't know that I have kept it. I have always wanted some of those life size toddler dolls to dress in these clothes and set in my living room. Isn't the little duck cute?







This is an outfit my mother made for my first son. The jacket and bibbed pants go together and are made of double knit. I included a close up of the lining that says "I love you." That lining is also the facing on the bibs.



Have a great weekend. I am going to go enjoy some more posts. Keep my husband in your prayers.

Love to hear from God in the Morning & Rick Update

I love hearing from God in the morning. Early and in the quiet. He is soooo faithful to draw me to Him. He woke me early and caused me to hunger and thirst after Him. I am nothing without Him. In Him I live and move and have my being.


Phil 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything but pray and be thankful, talk to God and the peace of God which is so great shall guard and bless your hearts and minds in an overwhelming way.

Update on Rick: He had his xray and was at the specialist on Tuesday. The xray still shows something there but cannot be compared to the CT scan. An appointment will be scheduled in 2 weeks for another CT scan and comparison done with the previous one. If the "mass" is smaller there will be no biopsy but if it is the same a biopsy will be done right then. He is no longer coughing up blood but still a little achy on his right side and a bit tired. Keep him in your prayers. Lori, Rick and I were on a bike ride in the mountains on the 4th. Beautiful ride. My blog title picture is one from the ride. Ten miles of flat road by the New River. We went 5 and turned around. That made 10 total. Soon I want to go to the end and back.

Fri Day Off From Work

I am enjoying my day off today. Rick has worked on my prayer/quiet time bench today. He is putting new boards on it and he pressure washed it. I have washed my rugs and mopped my kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Aren't you all proud of me? It was long over due. Here is a picture of my bench with the new wood. The old wood was well weathered and cracked. Doesn't it look pretty? I had a Calla Lilly planted in my front flower bed but it wasn't doing well and I found out it didn't need very much water so I replanted it today in a pot and set it out by my bench. I hope it recovers. It was such a pretty lavender. Here are some pictures of our garden: tomatoes, peppers, a new 2nd row of green beans, lettuce, stevia plants and squash. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for sharing on Friday with Kelli.









Saturday, July 4 add on: We have been eating lighter and healthier. But today I have picked 2 green peppers from the garden and I am fixing an omelet. I also found some fresh side in the freezer that my brother from Ohio gave me. For those of you not familiar with it: It is like bacon, sliced, only no additives or preservatives, just the pork. I have it in the skillet now and must get back to it. Also, chopped potatoes in another skillet. Have a good 4th.