February Update

I am so ready for spring just like everyone else, but I have tried to make the best of being indoors this month. Here is the month of February in review.

If you can't get outside, why not cheer yourself up with roses. I bought 2 bouquets after Valentine's Day for half off at Publix. It was a very good decision. 

I am so ready to get outside and get things growing, but Ole Man Winter has had other ideas. I did get out and get my roses pruned and put new straw in the beds.

I planted three camellia bushes last winter after last year's winter killed off some of the palm like plants. I love them and don't know why I hadn't already done this. They are blooming now and are providing that much needed color and hope for making it to spring.

I know I sound like the cold is just so unbearable here on the Gulf Coast. I think I might be just a tad bit spoiled. I am not one pining away for snow. Pretty in pictures, but not a bit interested in seeing it anymore in person.

The Burpee's seed catalog arrived. I absolutely adore browsing through it. 

Like I said, I can't wait for spring!!!

Now, onto other news.

My mama is doing much better after our high blood pressure scares last month. We have two doctor appointments next week, but I have to say she is doing so much better. Thankful for that.

I have had much more success this month with my cleaning schedule. I am falling into a bit more a routine and I must say it feels so good. I finally listened to all those that said, "clean that sink out before you go to bed." I must say it is really nice to wake up to that in the morning. I also discovered Bar Keeper's Friend. It has renewed my 30 year old sink. I am loving it.

The other routine I love is the bed made as soon as I get up. You know I did that for so many years, but the last 10 years, I worked at an early start school and it kicked my butt. You are just so less likely to lay anything down and start the clutter pile if the bed is made.

It has taken me a while to really settle into retirement. I am not sure I am completely there, but I am loving the being at home and taking care of the hubby and home. I actually like to iron. I know I am probably the only person left on the planet that does.

I have cooked so much more. I made the Pioneer Woman's Chicken Parmesan last night. It was delicious and I didn't take a picture. I added garlic salt, California style to it. I love that stuff.

I have made three desserts this month for our Wednesday night church small group, including this one from Cottage at the Crossroads. The only thing I did different was to make a regular homemade graham cracker crust.

I am enjoying myself as you can see.

I have been sewing quite a bit. I love to sew. I had to put that on hold for many years, but I am trying to get back into it.

I made the pink dress for a friend. I see every flaw, but it turned out pretty cute.

I made the little shirt for my great nephew. I had made a little skirt for his twin sister earlier. He loved it. I have plans for more sewing for them. They are five and the cutest little things you ever saw. 

Yesterday, I made this little romper for a friend. I need to put the buttons on today. 

In addition to the sewing, I have been counted cross-stitching. I may have picked the hardest pattern ever to start this back up. Oh my word, it is incredibly difficult to see with old eyes.

It will be a heron when finished that measures 20" X 24". I plan to make a pillow out of it, IF I ever finish it.

Still reading the Word with my chronological plan and soaking it up. I should be finished by mid-June. 

And now for the not so good stuff...

Yep, that is my car being towed. I had a dead battery, but it caused my key to stick in the ignition. 

AND, we have to build a new deck on the back. They have come to measure, and I am just trembling with fear about the price quote for that. It hasn't been done in 30 years, so it is time. I am hoping they will get started soon, so we can get out there as the weather warms up.

Well, that is February in a nutshell.

Blessed indeed.

Sandy

Finding Time for God

Now that I am retired, I have so much more time for reading God's Word. I love that and am soaking those moments up. Recharging my soul you might say.

However, yesterday as I was reading and spending that time in the Word, I couldn't help but think about those years that I was a working mom with zero spare time. My daughter is now working full time and will probably one day be one of those moms trying to make it in this world juggling job and family.

I know there are plenty of people out there who say-- just quit and be a full time mom. I am not here to debate that. We all have choices we have to make and unless "we walk a mile in someone's else's moccasins we shouldn't judge." 

(I am guessing that little nugget of wisdom is not PC today, but it is so true.)
What I am about to share is for any busy mom!

When life gets busy and crazy we need Jesus so much more. I remember one particular night that changed my view on making time for Him. It was a Friday night and the kids and hubby were gone to a football game. I sometimes would let them go and use that time to clean house and get caught up on the second job of housekeeping. I found that I would be less stressed on Saturday and Sunday. The TV was on more for company than anything else. A football player was talking about his faith and he made this statement.

Obedience is the highest form of faith. 

That statement really struck me. As he talked, I listened, but it was the statement that really made me think. 

I don't have to have time. 

I don't have to like it.

Etc., Etc., Etc.,

I just have to be obedient.

I began to ponder how I could add that devotional and quiet time to my already busy schedule.

This is how I handled it, and it really changed me in big ways.

During those years, 

I didn't have time to read through the Bible or become a Bible scholar. I was doing good to read one verse, SO THAT IS WHAT I DID.

I went to the bookstore and bought one of those small devotion books with one verse at the top and a small story. A book similar to this.

http://www.amazon.com/Hugs-Daily-Inspirations-Women-Devotions-ebook/dp/B009NHENUE/ref=sr_1_120?ie=UTF8&qid=1424788812&sr=8-120&keywords=devotional+books

I began to search for those small devotional books that I could read on the way out the door or at night before I went to bed. 

God met my obedience!!!

He began to take those simple little books and amaze me with how timely the verse or story would be to me that day or at least a day or two afterwards. That my friends... is how He works. He meets us where we are and uses our obedience to bless us.

He grew me even with a verse a day and small devotional books!!!!!!!!

For many years, that is all I could do. When summer came and I had more time or when I had those moments I dug deeper and spent more time. For those seasons of life, when you don't have time to breathe, I found that being obedient to just stopping even for a couple of minutes was met by God.

One more thought for those working moms out there, those seasons will come and go. Your children will no longer cause mounds of laundry and messy dishes galore. I loved to counted cross stitch from college on. I basically had to give it up when the kids were toddlers. Life just got too busy for it. I now have time and am busy stitching each night. 

I started this piece in the early 1990's and life happened. It was left in a box unfinished until last year when I finally had time to pull it out and complete it. 

I now have time to stitch most nights. Seasons come and go.

I hope this helps someone out there to pour more of Him into your life. Sometimes I have thoughts, but chicken out on sharing them. I think I am going to stop that. After all, it is my blog:) I can express my thoughts...right?

Blessings,

Sandy