Where Have I Been?

Hello friends! I apologize for my abrupt disappearance. I'm at a season in my life where it was (and is) very necessary for me to disconnect and pay special attention to God, my family, and my home. Some things are shifting in my life in the most amazing way. I know that God is at work right this moment and I need to be fully present. I'm not sure that this will do much for explaining my absence but it's the best i can do! I truly appreciate all of your e-mails and comments and am so thankful to have such caring friends! I'm not really sure when I might jump back into blogging but I know that when the time comes you will all welcome me with open arms! I'll still be stopping in and visiting as life permits! I sincerely hope that you are all well and will have a joyous holiday season!

Love,

Sarah

Marriage Builder Monday

Morning everyone! I hope you are all well!

I'll be postponing Marriage Builder Monday for this week. Mr. Linky will still be available below for those of you who participate! Keep building those marriages!

Sarah

Marriage Builder Monday~Step 5

Good Monday morning everyone! We're on step 5 of our marriage building tools already! Things are going well here! How are you doing?

Today we'll focus on contact in many forms. Gail shows us some great examples!

If you'd like t read more about why I began MBM you can visit here. You can also catch up on previous steps 1, 2, 3, and 4!

Bronchitis has decided to visit our home so I have a feeling this will be a perfect week for hubby and I to work on sharing contact as we're moving at a slower pace!

Here's Step 5:

5. The Contact Tool

by Gail Rodgers

Make daily contact! It is entirely possible to live with someone and not make any or very little contact. Contact is an excellent building tool and you can use it in a variety of ways. Each day try to connect in one way, either emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. Think about it and try to be deliberate. Some construction tools look overwhelming yet when you know how to use them they are extremely valuable in the building project.

Emotionally - Share a thought that goes beyond picking up milk or confirming the time of an appointment. Use "I feel…" comments. Offer support emotionally. "You've had a lot of pressure lately. Why don't you sleep in a bit Saturday?""I know we are in a financial crunch right now, but we'll do what we have to do and together we'll get through it." Encourage in any way you can. Remember that communication is only 7% words we speak and the rest is our tone and body language. Tone and body language are the emotional language we speak.

Mentally - Connect by sharing a newspaper article you read, a news commentator you listened to or from a book you are reading. Ask him his opinions and listen to them. Share a story from your day or ask a question about something that interests him.

Physically - Give lots of non-sexual touching such as a quick hug, a hand on the arm, a pat on the hand or the back. Touching says "I care" and touch is one of our basic human needs. If all touching has become a signal for sex, touch on the way out the door, touch casually, touch in passing.

Do make time for the sexual contact as well. Plan for it. Dwell on the good things about your husband. Have a relaxing bath, get out a candle and surprise him with a sense of pleasure at being together.

Spiritually - Many couples never share on this level even if they share the same faith. Spiritual sharing gives a third dimension to a relationship. Share a thought or a reading that inspired you. Take time to pray for him. Let him know you are praying for him. Pray together if possible.

Endeavor to connect regularly on all levels.

Wow...sharpening these tools could really change a marriage. This step is a big one and I realize it won't be easy. I have great faith however, that it is doable! If you'd like to participate in MBM just add your name to Mr. Linky below with a link to your MBM post! Can't wait to hear how you'll be building your marriage this week!

A Very Special Birthday Tea!

Welcome everyone! Gather together Jan is on her way! Hurry! I'll dim the lights...that's right hide behind the hutch...here she comes...
Happy Birthday Jan!

We have a very special tea prepared just for you today!

We'll begin with a special poem:

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,

Or tallying the years,

Contemplate your blessings,

As your birthday nears.
Consider special people Who love you,

and who care,

And others who’ve enriched your life Just by being there.
Think about the memories passing years can never mar,

Experiences great and small that have made you who you are.
Another year is a happy gift,

So cut your cake,

and say,

"Instead of counting birthdays,I count blessings every day!"
By Joanna Fuchs

Now please come in and have a seat!

For you a perfect cup of rose petal tea from Tea Rose Lane

Do you like it? You'd like to make your own? It's so very easy!

Add 1 Cup of Black Tea Leaves to 1/4 Cup of dried Rose Petals. Combine and store in an airtight tea caddy. Add 1 generously heaped teaspoon of the Rose Petal Tea Mix per 1 cup of freshly boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

With our rose petal tea I thought we might enjoy Rose Petal Tea Jelly and Rose Petal Drop Scones. They're just delicious! wherever did I find idea for these beauties? Why from the lovely Ellen Easton!

ROSE PETAL TEA JELLY

8 oz. ROSE PETAL TEA

*8 oz. BOILING WATER

4 oz. SUPERFINE SUGAR

1 TBS. ORANGE JUICE, strained

1 oz. (1 envelope) GELATIN

Make a pot of very strong rose petal tea. In another pot add water, sugar and orange juice. Heat until sugar is dissolved. In a cup, add a little boiling water to the gelatin. When dissolved, ad to water, pour in strained tea. heat slightly, pour through strainer into jars, seal and refrigerate. Serves 24.

ROSE PETAL DROP SCONES

The Wildflower Inn on Cape Cod

2 1/4 Cups UNBLEACHED, ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

2 tsp. SUGAR

2 tsp. BAKING POWDER

1/2 tsp. BAKING SODA

3/4 tsp. SALT

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 Cup (1/2 stick) UNSALTED BUTTER

1/3 Cup Coarsely ground PISTACHIOS NUTS (shelled, unsalted)

1 Cup HEAVY CREAM

1 TBS. ROSE WATER

2 TBS. ROSE PETALS, cleaned and finely shredded. NO PESTICIDES.

ICING
1 Cup CONFECTIONERS SUGAR

1 TBS. ROSE WATER

1 TBS. RED CURRENT JELLY

Pre - heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Cut in the butter and mix until coarse crumbs form. Stir in the pistachios.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream and the rose water. Stir in the shredded rose petals. Add the rose mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Drop dough by the teaspoonful onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Prepare the icing. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, rose water and the red current jelly. Whisk until smooth. Add another teaspoon of rose water if the mixture is too thick. Drizzle over the warm scones. Serves 24.

Are you having fun dear Jan? Mingle friends! Help yourselves to seconds! The cake should be arriving any moment!

Oh! Here's the cake! I found this stunner over at Betty Crocker! I hope you enjoy!

Happy birthday my dear friend! I've so enjoyed your company today and hope you are having the most splendid birthday! Enough chatting now! You've many other parties to attend! Have a wonderful day!

Cock-a-doodle-doo...A Quick Project

I felt drawn to crafting over the rainy, cold weekend and wanted a quick, easy project. From that desire a new recipe box was dreamt up.

I had picked this old wooden tea pot up a few weeks go for around fifty cents thinking it had potential! It looks like it may have been handmade.

I pulled out a few paints...

And gave it a very quick; far from perfect coat. I like the roughness and the imperfections.

Next I dug through my stash of rub-on transfers and came up with these beautiful french roosters.

A little bit of peeling, sticking, and rubbing and voila! My new recipe box( or a great hiding place for chocolate! lol)!

Have a favorite type of quick craft? I'd love to hear about it!

Marriage Builder Monday~Step 4

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Marriage Builder Monday! Today we'll be focusing on Step 4! Steps one, two, and three have been producing amazing growth in my relationship! What's happening with yours?






4. The Sharing Tool

by Gail Rodgers


Share as much of life as possible! Share your time, share your thoughts, share your interests, and share his interests. This is a tool that must be deliberately engaged or life will push it aside. Time spent together doing things affords a connection opportunity. History together is built one event at a time. Make sure you are inputting positive events that build a positive archive. Plan dates… a movie night, dinner out, or even a coffee are good ideas to keep sharing alive!


If life has crowed the sharing out of your relationship, be deliberate in building it back in. Start small, share a certain TV program and sit beside him. Share a cup of coffee or a glass of lemonade for a couple of minutes in the middle of a task he is doing. Even cleaning the garage or basement together can connect you. Reminisce briefly now and then. "This old bike brings back memories of those good times we had biking that summer before we moved". Share your time. Go with him to look at a car or take a trip to Home Depot. Begin to share your thoughts.



From me: This one sounds like fun! It also sounds like something hubby and I really need to work on Monday through Friday! It seems like we're both exhausted at the end of the day and simply go our own ways in the evenings not really sharing anything. Does this happen in your home as well?



If you'd like to jump in and share about how you're building your marriage or what you've done in the past add your name to Mr. Linky below! I'd love to have you!

An Award and What Everyone Should Know About Their Husband...

 

I've been awarded a real treat from one of my very favorite blogging friends, Katy Lin!  Isn't this just the sweetest thing?

Thank you Katy Lin! I'm truly blessed to have such a lovely friend!

This award has a questionnaire attached so here goes!

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood?

We're all scattered about at this point but try to touch base every now and then.  Even though we don't connect often it's just like old times when we do come together! This question brings to mind a great poem:

"Some people come into our lives and leave
quickly again, and some stay for a while and
leave footprints on our heart, but no matter how
long they stay, we are never ever the same."

2. What do you value most about your friends?

I truly value their unconditional love and acceptance. 

3. Are your friends your sounding boards?

Yes! Absolutely! And I theirs.  What a blessing to have friends to sort life out with!

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends?

Everything's better with a friend by your side!  Let's see... junking, , chatting over tea, decorating, crafting...

That wasn't too painful! lol  The rules say I can choose just four friends to pass this award on to.  Such a difficult decision with so many amazing friends to choose from!  But, I'm a habitual rule follower so...

1. Trish at

My Little Drummer Boys

2.Donna at

An Enchanted Cottage

3.Jessica at

Turkeycookies

4.Sherry at

Lamp Unto My Feet

Stop by and say hello to these wonderful women!

Now...Katy Lin has an awesome giveaway happening in honor of her and her husband's first anniversary and well...it's awesome! lol   She's *maybe * offering bonus entries for the completion of this fun quiz And isn't this the cutest t-shirt?

(You'll have to pretend my face is pasted on there!  I gave up!  lol)

What Everyone Should Know About Their Husband...

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Jeopardy or a cheesy 80's movie.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?  Ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like? I don't think one exists!

4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? Michelob

5. Where did he go to high school? Go Mounties!!!!

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11 or 12 depending on the shoe

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Books and jokes

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Toasted Cheese

9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Hot Dogs  My family affectionately refers to him as Oscar Mayer!

10. What is his favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

11. What would he never wear? Earmuffs?

12. What is his favorite sports team? Go Steelers!!!

13. Who will he vote for? We'll have to wait and see!

14. Who is his best friend? Me! Of course!

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Steal all of the blankets

16. How many states has he lived in? Just 1

17.What is his heritage? German

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Chocolate cake extra fudge icing or Boston Cream Pie

19. Did he play sports in high school? Basketball

20. What could he spend hours doing? Reading or playing Guitar Hero

21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? Nope.

So, how'd I do honey? Pretty well I hope! 

I'd love to hear your answers as well!  Let me know if you decide to take the quiz!  And swing by The Great Adventure and say hello!

My Husband Rocks Friday!

Dishes.

He washed them! He completely rocks! I can't think of a more romantic gesture !

Head over to Katy Lin's to read about more rockin' husbands or to share why your husband rocks!

Come To Jesus

I can't believe today is really the first day of October! The older I get the faster the time flies! I hope you're all having a great week thus far!

Today is Come to Jesus Wednesday hosted by the charming Jan at Jan and Tom's Place.  Jan offers this opportunity each Wednesday to share a prayer, story, song or testimony in the hopes that our hearts will affect others hearts. Stop by Jan's to read more about Come To Jesus Wednesdays!

 

G.F.I.

by

Susanne Scheppmann

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)

I pulled in the driveway grateful to be home after a five-day conference. I pressed the remote and the garage door rolled open. Bloodied water trickled toward me as I stepped from my car. I knew immediately what had happened - the freezer had gone out. All the meat had thawed and the bloody, watery juices had drained out of the freezer into a maroon stream that slowly ran toward the driveway. Yuck.

Mark, my husband, was out of town. I stood in my garage disgusted and slightly freaked out. Of course, I called my husband for help. I didn’t care if it was late and there was a three-hour time difference between us.

He patiently said, “Check the G.F.I.”

“The what?”

“The ground fault interrupter. It’s in the electrical outlet where the freezer is plugged in.”

Sure enough, the G.F.I. had tripped and in response the freezer shut down. Nothing was technically wrong with the freezer, except now it had hundreds of dollars of rotting food sitting inside it. Because of a tripped G.F.I., my evening turned from one of anticipated relaxation to hours of vexing cleanup.

Isn’t our faith sometimes like that, too? We are believing and trusting the Lord, when all of a sudden something unexpected happens – our own G.F.I (God Faith Interrupter) gets tripped. In response, our faith shuts down and we melt like a gallon of vanilla ice cream in a hot garage.

It’s certainly difficult to understand the twists and turns in our journey of faith. When a God Faith Interrupter occurs, we grope in the darkness for something to reassure us that regardless of our circumstance, the Lord is loving, merciful, and He will guide us. God Faith Interrupters might shake our faith. They can be scary. They certainly will be unexpected and uncomfortable, but the Lord holds the charge of power to uphold our faith even when it shuts down temporarily. We must turn to Him.

Express to the Lord your fear of a “God Faith Interrupter” tripping you up. Then thank Him that He will be with you, showing you mercy and loving-kindness, no matter what happens in the days ahead. Then resolve to stay plugged into Him, no matter what.

Dear Lord, I prefer those times when my life goes smoothly. However, I ask for an extra measure of faith when my life takes an unexpected twist. Teach me to trust Your sovereignty in my life, and to rely on Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

If you enjoyed this devotional be sure to visit Susanne's blog Draw Near with Susanne Scheppmann!

In addition:  Here's something to think about from Ragamuffin Soul:

http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5909

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

This recipe is a MUST bake! I was browsing allrecipes.com the other day when I stumbled upon this recipe for Downeast Main Pumpkin Bread by Laurie Bennett. This bread recipe is going into my permanent recipe box...it is absolutely fabulous! I doubled the recipe and ended up with a large loaf, 2 miniature loaves, a bundt pan, and 28 mini muffins! Plenty to share and freeze!

Here's what Laurie has to say about her recipe," Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread improves with age, so plan to make it a day ahead if possible."

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans. (This is the only part of the recipe I changed. Instead of flour I used a cinnamon sugar mix to prevent sticking. It added a lovely crunch to the outside of the bread!)

In a large bowl, mix together 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, 4 eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2/3 cup water, and 3 cups white sugar until well blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp. ground ginger.

Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just until blended.

Pour mixture into prepared pans. Bake for about 50 minutes in preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Allow to cool ( if you can...we couldn't!) and enjoy! The bread is absolutely delicious by itself or with a simple cream cheese frosting. Here's the simple recipe we used:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

What's your favorite fall recipe?

Marriage Builder Monday~Step 3

Good morning everyone! I hope you're all ready for a great week of marriage building!

This morning we will begin to focus on Step 3. If you've missed Step 1 or Step 2 be sure to jump back and check them out! If you're interested in why I began MBM please click here! Feel free to join in at any time by adding your name to Mr. Linky below!

3. The Blessing Tool

by Gail Rodgers
Give a blessing today! In the book The Blessing, Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent describe the deliberate practice of expressing honor and devotion to other people. Many marriage partners have come to this special relationship without ever having received honor or devotion. Sometimes they come with trust issues because these things were not a part of their heritage.
Begin today to put words of honor and devotion into your partner's heart. Speak truth from your heart. Let him know what you appreciate about him. Affirm his positive traits. "You give such attention to detail." or "Your boss knows he can depend on you." If you have to stretch a long way to find something, start where you can. It may be something like, "I appreciate how you provide for our family. Thank you." Or "Maggie really needed you to see that test she did so well in. Thanks for taking time to listen to her."
For some, this tool will be easy to use. For others it will feel awkward and hard to put to use. If you draw a blank in finding words of affirmation begin to watch carefully for the little things you can affirm.

From me: This may be my favorite tool yet! We all like to be acknowledged and praised yet often take little time to do this for others. Just imagine how far we can build our husbands up by affirming them! I'm really looking forward to this challenge! Don't forget as we move through the week to also choose yourself and your husband as a team and to respond rather than react! We can do this ladies!

I'm interested to know what kind of results you are having? Is this challenge making a difference in your marriage?

I'll look forward to hearing from you all!

My Husband Rocks

My husband rocks because he always supports me. No matter the situation, he is behind me every step of the way. I couldn't ask for a better partner for life!

I love you sweetheart!

(Hubby and I in scarecrow form!)

Katy Lin at The Great Adventure hosts MHR every Friday. Here's what she has to say,"First of all, I would like to thank everyone who participates in MHR Fridays! We started writing MHR posts on June 13th of this year, and as of last week we had a total of 91 women who participate on a regular basis! That just blows my mind!!! Praise the Lord that 91 of us are choosing to encourage and build up our husbands in public rather than complain about them and tear them down! I think that is wonderful! What a great reason to celebrate with a giveaway!"

MHR Friday is a great tool for marriages. When you start the day off by encouraging your husband everything changes! Try it!

Do you catch the part of Katy Lin's statement that said," GIVEAWAY!"?

In honor of Katy Lin and Austin's first wedding anniversary they are hosting Austin and Katy's Anniversary Giveaway! Get on over there and check it out! It's pretty exciting!

Come To Jesus

Good morning everyone! I hope your days are all off to a wonderful start!

Today the devotional I would like to share touches my heart on a very personal level.  It is my prayer that it will reach others of you who need it as much as I do!

Infertility

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

Infertility is a very common problem with couples wanting to have children. It was also a very common problem among great women of the Bible like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth. In biblical days, it was seen as a lack of favor from God. Thankfully, that is not the case today. But the frustration of those unable to have children is very much the same.

If you are struggling with this problem:

1. Study the great women of faith in God's Word and see what God reveals to you.
2. Ask God to create life where there is barrenness.
3. Seek God's guidance on waiting on Him, seeking fertility treatment, or adopting a child in need of parents.
4. Most of all, trust God to know what is best for your life - even if it is not what you want. For this is real faith.

 

From me: Great challenges indeed. Follow number four no matter what...it will see you through the darkest of days!

My dear friend Jan hosts Come to Jesus each Wednesday at Jan and Tom's Place.  Here's what she has to say, "If you would like to join us on Wednesdays by posting a prayer, a song, a story, a testimony or anything else that would show Jesus in action in your life to the world, please leave a comment on this post...Our prayer is that what we do here will change hearts so that people know Jesus in a personal way."

Stop by and say hello, join in if you like! Have a wonderful day!

 

~I covet your prayers today as I will be having some testing done this afternoon~

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Fall...

The air is crisp, the leaves beginning to change to warm reds, oranges, and yellows. Apples are ripe for the picking and pumpkin stands line the country roads.

Monday marked the beginning of my favorite half of the year. While Spring and Summer offer many wonderful qualities, there's something special about Fall and Winter. They embody my favorite things in life...family gathered close together; snuggling with good books (and hubby's!); smells of cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie; twinkling lights, rosy cheeks, comfort foods; fluffing our nest; beds piled high with the softest, warmest dressings and a wonderfully overwhelming amount of memories and nostalgia. These last few months of the year can't be beat!

I waited, with great anticipation of Monday, to begin decorating for fall. I was itching to begin in August! lol These are the beginnings of the transformation of our home for the holidays...I'm sure there will be much more to share soon!

This next photo shows one of my favorite, "Simplify the Season," tricks! I always put a few of my Christmas lighted garlands up along with my fall decorations. They add a lot of fullness to skimpy fall foliage, a bit of twinkle and are rarely visible behind my other garlands! They also mean I have one less thing to do during the Christmas season!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of the changes taking place inside our home! I've so enjoyed seeing what you are all up to! Check back soon for more fall decor and the fall additions taking form outside!

ETA: Be sure to stop by and visit Melissa at The Inspired Room! She keeping a wonderful list of the many other women who are feeling a lot like fall! The inspiration is endless!

When in Doubt Wear Red!

Every year around this time I treat myself to an accessory or two in a fall inspired hue. This year...adorable heels and the perfect shade of red polish! Which of falls wonderful, warm, vibrant color draws you in?

"When in doubt wear red."

~Bill Blass

Marriage Builder Monday~Step 2

Good morning everyone! Happy 1st day of fall!

Today I'll be focusing on step 2 of the Tools for Building a Great Marriage by Gail Rodgers.
If you happened to miss step 1 you can revisit it here, if you'd like to read about why I began MBM please visit this post and if you'd like to join in add your name to Mr. Linky below!

Step 2 will incorporate our new mantra, "I choose us!"


2. The Response Tool
by Gail Rodgers

Don't react, respond! Your reactions actually tell more about you than your actions do! Take time to think before you just react! Evaluate why you react in certain ways and plan ahead of time what you are going to do next time it happens. Know what your buttons are…do you react negatively if he is late getting home and didn't call? What situations do you find yourself reacting in? Choose to be conscious of the "I choose us" frame of mind and think about your reactions. Many couples get on a merry-go-round of reactions and find themselves in a hostile environment neither of them wants. Choose to respond instead!


I feel as though I've been issued a challenge for the week! I'm excited to see what a big difference this small change will make in our lives! How will you build your marriage this week?

A Bloggy Award!

I received the sweetest award from my dear friend Jan today! Would you just have a look at this sweet little banner!

The rules simply state that I am to pass this charmer on to 5 friends. I'm going to add on a bit...as Fall is a time of thanksgiving in our home I want to share a reason that I feel thankful for Jan! It would be great if we each added a kind word about the award giver!

Even though Jan and I have never met she has become a close friend and has left a footprint on my heart. I am ever so thankful for her thoughtfulness and bright personality! I am blessed to have found her!

On to my 5 recipients...just 5? Oh my this is always so tough!

1. Katy Lin at The Great Adventure (the sweetest blogger ever!)

2.Tracey at Notes From A Cottage Industry ( wait until you see her dress form!!!)

3.Rebecca at Renaissance (I wish this gal was my neighbor, what a wonderful friend she must be!)

4.Katharyn at While the Tea is Steeping ( cute, cute, cute blog name isn't it?!)

5.Stephanie at Angelic Accents (Be sure to see her cranberry and doily napkins...beautiful!)

There you have it! I'm thankful to have each of you as a friend...old, new, and those yet to come!

Come to Jesus

My favorite song changes on a weekly, sometimes daily basis! I'm all over the place when it comes to the soundtrack of my life. Yesterday my life was written around cheesy 80's power ballads! (Please tell me I'm not the only one who loves Mr. Big's To Be With You?!?) Today Phil Wickham's Divine Romance is topping my list. This song touches me at the very core...what an incredible love he has for each of us. I'm so thankful for His love, so today, "For You I sing I dance Rejoice in this divine romance Lift my heart and my hands To show my love, to show my love..."

What is the soundtrack to your life? Does it change daily?


Jan at Jan and Tom's Place hosts Come to Jesus each Wednesday and encourages everyone to join in! Stop by and say hello!

Marriage Builder Monday

Good morning everyone! I'd like to start today's post with a big thank you for all of the beautiful birthday wishes I've received from you my dear bloggy friends! Each and every one of them touched my heart! Thank you!

I recently stumbled upon a great article on building a marriage and thought that I would share it here! It has 5 steps to building you marriage so for the next 5 weeks I'll be focusing on these activities. Perhaps you'd like to join me? If you'd like to read about why I began MBM you can visit this post!

Tools for Building a Great Marriage

by Gail Rodgers

Sharon and her husband built the garage and decided to live there until the house was constructed. Five years later they were still in the garage. The house plans still took a prominent place on the wall… but life was busy. They hadn't planned to let construction slip it had just happened as the busyness of day to day took front and center stage. They were fairly comfortable for the moment but building had stopped.
Building a marriage is much like building a home. You put deliberate plans in place and then you actively pursue the construction. Day to day busyness must be guarded against and the building must be conscious. When building stops, status quo settles in. Having a deliberate eye on construction can keep building fun and productive.
The marriage relationship is the highest of all human relationships. It can be a complete sharing of heart and soul, mind and body or, it can be simply a living arrangement of co-existence. Most marriages are somewhere in between. Any marriage can benefit from implementing some new or re-sharpened tools to move deliberately in building into a growing relationship.

1. The Team Tool
Remember you are a team. When two team members forget they are on the same team and begin to compete with each other, no one wins. Marriage is not about winning, it is about pulling together in the same direction. Stop for a moment and look honestly at yourself. Do you need to win every argument or be right about some insignificant disagreement?
Maybe he is the one with that need to be right. Remember you are on the same team. In things that don't matter, drop it. In things that do, plan for a time out and set a date to re-visit the issue. Verbalize the fact that you are a team. Bring in a third party if you repeatedly stalemate on one issue. Think in terms of "I choose us".

I absolutely love that statement..."I choose us." How very powerful that mantra could be! I will spend my week as a team player. How will you build your marriage this week?

Marriage Builder Monday~Being Present

Good morning everyone! I'm looking forward to another week of strengthening our marriages! If you'd like to read more about why I began Marriage Builder Monday you can go here and here. I'd love to have you join me at any time. Just add your name and a link to your post to Mr. Linky below!

This week my challenge will be in being present in my marriage. There are so many distractions available to us on any given day; the internet and all that it encompasses, tv, chores, books to read, etc. It’s easy to get wrapped up in everything but our marriage. I will be scaling back my internet usage this week in an attempt to be more available, I’ll also be working towards having my daily chores and what not completed before my hubby comes home so that I might enjoy his company. It will be a challenging goal but I have faith that it will be met with great success! I believe that these goals will bless not just my husband but also me and our home! What will be your challenge this week?

Is It Fall Yet?

I'm anxiously awaiting the fall seasons arrival! I am truly enjoying summer but fall is my absolute favorite. There's something invigorating about the crisp air and I must say the harvest colored leaves and fall decorating make me absolutely giddy! I thought I'd share with you a few of the transitions that are beginning to take place around our home in preparation for fall. I'm trying not to rush things so just a few changes have been made.

We've repainted our screen doors in a beautiful cranberry color called Fleur de lis.

Before:

After:

A new wreath was made of rhododendron leaves and apples from the yard, mounted on an old window frame...

The farmer bunny sits in his wagon awaiting pumpkins and gourds...

The wisteria are drying, they turn such a pretty shade of cream when dried...

The church pew received a fresh coat of paint and it's fall cozies, a few pillows and a throw... and boxes were stacked ready to be cleared of their summer contents and filled with fall's bounty!

These are just a few of the changes happening around here, there will be many more in the months to come! What's new around your home? Are you anticipating the change of seasons?

As They Say...

...better late than never! Today is Come to Jesus Wednesday at Jan and Tom's Place. They host this event each week, allowing us to share a favorite verse, song, or devotional. Stop by to say hello! Today I would like to share Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace.

I'm going to sit back and reflect on God's amazing grace right now. It has seen me through yet another day! I hope you felt His grace in your lives today and I'll look forward to visiting with each of you tomorrow~Stay tuned for some fall decorating ideas! Have a wonderful evening!
~Sarah

Marriage Builder Monday

I hope you all had a lovely week and had great success with your marriage building activities last week! This week I will be meditating on the following idea from Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping: Timeless Wisdom and Practical Advice

~Understand that a true and lasting marriage is not a one-time commitment. It is a choice you make every day. It's the same challenge...you cannot make a real commitment to anything unless you accept that it is a choice you make again and again, day after day, ongoing.

I have a feeling that keeping this in my thoughts will change my perspective many times over!

I'll be looking forward to visiting each of you and learning about how you will build your marriage this week! You can read about why I began Marriage Builder Monday here and here. I would love for you to participate...just add your name to the Mr. Linky below!

Have a wonderful start to what could be an amazing week!
Sarah

Tea for Two

I've been closely following Jan's tour of B&B's over the last week or so, they've all been so beautiful! They also reminded me that I never shared with you the tea that my dearest friend and I shared over her birthday! We had such a wonderful day sharing afternoon tea at a local B&B and have decided to make this a birthday tradition! It couldn't have been a better afternoon! My birthday is quickly approaching so we'll be scouting out another establishment that serves afternoon tea!

"Located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Southwestern, Pennsylvania, this twenty-two room Georgian mansion has been lovingly and magnificently restored to its original grandeur. Beautiful oak paneling, ornate fireplaces, gold leaf chandeliers and an expansive marble foyer recreate the standard of living known to Mr. D.B. Zimmerman, a local coal and cattle baron, for whom the house was built in 1915. "

~photo's and mansion description courtesy of http://www.theinnatgeorgianplace.com/mansion.htm

It was a perfect summer day so we were seated on the enclosed veranda. There was a soft breeze and soothing music. The table settings were simple...elegant. The tea selection was enormous and the menu thoughtfully planned. I forgot my camera but here is a menu similar to what we were served!

Assorted tea sandwiches

Smoked chicken Salad with Lingonberry
Tomato Basil vinaigrette
Cucumber and bleu cheese
Grilled mushroom toast
Fruit & nut bread with flavored cream cheese
Herbed egg salad

Buttermilk scone, strawberry jam

Dessert

Lemon pound cake

Everything was delicious...and abundant! I think we waddled for the rest of the day! If you'd like to learn more about the mansion click here!

Do you have any special birthday traditions or one you'd like to start?

A New Vignette

Last week I had a few hours to myself to play around the house. I was able to create a new vignette for our master bathroom and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I went,"shopping," around the house and found everything I needed...

I tacked a pretty piece of tea stained vintage fabric behind an old window frame and then hot glued (I love my glue gun!) silver napkin rings to the bottom of the frame. They allow me a spot to hang hand towels or my favorite necklace.

I added a painted shelf below the frame and accessorized it with linens, ivy, an old black and white photo, a candle holder, and a twine ball. I hung a simple grapevine wreath wrapped with rusty metal stars from the window frame.

I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. I change the groupings in our home frequently as I take so much pleasure from playing with them! I think that a good vignette tells a story about your life. I'd love to see all of your stories! Do you have a favorite vignette you'd like to share?