One Baby's Impact on the World

My Christmas Gift to you and your house this sacred time of the year.

The true meaning of Christmas--Charlie Brown, Snoopy & Linus

A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill

So beautiful, truly this BABY has changed everything in my life.

Son of God

Another beautiful song of the season.

The Anchor Holds, Ray Boltz

This song is my testimony this morning. I hope you enjoy listening and watching the video.

Chris Tomlin - Born That We May Have Life

Another beautiful song.

Joseph's Song -Michael Card

Not only is the song beautiful, but the graphic are beautiful as well. I hope you enjoy.

Sometimes It Takes A Storm by Jessica King - Video with Lyrics

This is NOT my Christmas song for today, but just needed to share anyway.



Thank you, Kim Vogel Sawyer, for sharing the name of the song you sang for your church service yesterday. I cannot tell you what a blessing this song has been to me this morning. I know many of you are also in a storm today, just listen to the words of this song and realize "somewhere past the clouds, waits a new day to begin."

Point Of Grace - One King

Beautiful song for this Sunday Morning. Wishing everyone a God Filled Day.

God Is With Us - Casting Crowns

This beautiful Christmas Season is one I want to fully enjoy this year. Truly, "God Is With Us", I feel His presence.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Selah

As we begin this Christmas Season, I pray that we all remember WHO it really is about. I hope you enjoy this beautiful song, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by Selah.

GIVE THANKS

This is my song of Thanks this Thanksgiving morning.

His strength is perfect (Illustrated)

Today, I'm thankful that I don't have to make it through life on my own. I know someone who's strength is perfect even though I'm so weak. Thank you heavely father.

The Story of Jonah told by a precious little girl

The story of Jonah
http://vimeo.com/16404771

Go to this web-site to hear the story of Jonah told by a VERY talented young girl. I'm certain you will enjoy every minute of it. Thank you God for your precious little children.

VETERANS DAY 2010

God Bless America - Celine Dion (With Lyrics & History)

Today I'm thankful for our FREEDOM!! Thank you to my father and father-in-law, Uncle Curly and others who were WWII veterans; my brother, Don and brothers-in-law, Bill, Eugene, and Rod, all in the Navy during the cold war; and my sons, Mike and Kevin, Kevin was in Saudi during the 1st Gulf War. You are all much LOVED and appreciated.

"Broken and Spilled Out"

Today I'm thankful for YouTube and Groovygranny. Groovygranny shared this slideshow for "Broken and Spilled Out" that really touched me this morning. The song was one of my favorites to sing before I started having throat problems, but still holds the same meaning for me. I pray that I might be "Broken and Spilled Out" and used up for my Savior.

Alice Dancing Under the Gallows - Official Trailer

Author, Cindy Woodsmall, had this on her Facebook page today. It's twelve minutes long, but you won't be sorry for finding the time to listen. You'll see passion and strength for life moving through hope, optimism, and forgiveness.




Official Trailer for new documentary short about the oldest Holocaust survivor in the world Alice Herz-Sommer. If you want to see the finished film early next year please email: dancingunderthegallows@gmail.com Directed by Oscar winning director Malcolm Clarke Produced by Nick Reed, Malcolm Cla

"God, make a fresh start in me,. . . ."

From Ps. 51 (MSG) "God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! ... Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise."

One of my favorite authors, Kim Vogel Sawyer, posted this scripture on her FaceBook page this morning. This is my prayer today. Thank you Kim.

Home for the Holidays...Quilt Designer Blog Hop Line Up

Home for the Holidays



Quilt Designer Blog Hop Line Up


Nov 2nd * Brenda Gervais from
www.withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com


Nov 5th * Debbie Field from
www.granolagirldesigns.blogspot.com


Nov 9th * Cheri Saffiote-Payne from
www.quiltsbycheri.blogspot.com


Nov 12th * Kathy Schmitz from
www.kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com


Nov 16th * Renee Plains from
www.libertystar.typepad.com


Nov 19th * Tracy from
www.plumcutedesigns.typepad.com


Nov 23rd * Lisa Bongean from
www.lisabongean.wordpress.com


Nov 26th * Lynda Hall from
www.primitivepiecesbylynda.blogspot.com


Nov 30th * Jan Patek from
www.janpatek.blogspot.com


Dec 3rd * Tara Darr from
www.sewuniquecreationsblog.com


Dec 7th * Debbie Busby from
www.woodenspooldesigns.blogspot.com


Dec 10th * Stacy West from
www.buttermilkbasin.blogspot.com

Look What is Coming Your Way VERY Soon.......

Be certain to check out this blog hop!!! Sounds exciting!!

http://primitivepiecesbylynda.blogspot.com/2010/10/oh-my-golly-look-whats-coming-your-way.html

YUM!!! PEAR HONEY

A few days ago, our kind neighbor, Carol, gave us a jar of Pear Honey. It was delicious! Of course, we wanted the recipe since we often get pears from one of Papi's brothers in the fall. Sad to say, they didn't have an abundance of pears this year, but should have next year. Something to look forward to.

Well, I found some other recipes for Pear Honey, but none exactly like this one so thought I would pass it along. Sorry there is no tutorial or picture but I'm sure you can handle this simple recipe without help.

PEAR HONEY
4 c. peeled, crushed pears
3 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1 lemon ground

Combine all ingredients and cook in a heavy pan stirring about every 15 minutes or until spreading consistency. Pour into hot sterilized jars; seal.

Makes 2 1/2 pints

(Will be honey colored if cooked no longer than necessary for right consistency)

Thank you Carol for sharing.

Some Favorite Music for Sunday

Yesterday I watched a show featuring "Gaither Homecoming Classics Vol 1-4". Wow, did that ever bring back some OLD memories. As a young teen I often heard the original Gaither Trio consisting of, older brother, Danny Gaither, Bill Gaither, and, younger sister, Mary Ann Gaither. They were just a local trio from Alexandria, IN, and I lived not very far from there in Lebanon. Those were the days of "singings" in high school auditoriums. They were so "cool" to me, not only because of their beautiful music, but because they were two older brothers singing with their younger sister. Three kids in the family just like mine, only we didn't sing professionally.

Back to yesterday, Bill referred to George Beverly Shea and the now famous "How Great Thou Art". If you've never heard Bev Shea sing this great hymn, here is your chance. BEAUTIFUL!!



Another classic was done by Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty, another Indiana gal. Bill and Gloria finished writing this one especially for Larnelle and Sandi. Enjoy "I've Just Seen Jesus".



This last song is another favorite, "The King Is Coming" by the Gaither Vocal Band. Notice near the end, George Younce joins Bill singing the bass part. I apologize for the poor video quality but the audio is fine. Listen and enjoy.

HEAVENLY SUNLIGHT

The past several days have been so beutiful here in central Indiana. Most days the sky has been clear with sunshine all day. This morning my mind turned to a beautiful old hymn "Heavenly Sunlight", which was written by a Methodist preacher, Henry Zelley in 1899. This hymn wasn't lost in history but was made public by Charles E. Fuller, a radio broadcaster who changed sunlight to sunshine and played it each Sunday morning on, Old Fashioned Revival Hour.

Walking in sunlight all of my journey,
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, I’ll never forsake thee—
Promise divine that never can fail.

Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight! Heavenly sunlight!
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine!

Shadows around me, shadows above me
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness,
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises, gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

As I was searching for this song on Youtube, I found several very different arrangements, but have included two sites that I thought were interesting. I hope you enjoy both of them.

Aprons

I received this as an email today and thought you all would enjoy it as much as I did.



(Notice that a "Medium" is a size 14 - 16)


Remember making an apron in Home Ec? Remember Home Ec? If we have to explain "Home Ec" you may delete this. I just don't have the energy anymore. Read below.

The History of 'APRONS'


I don't think our kids know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few and because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons required less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.


It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion
was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,
bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.


Today's generation would probably go crazy now trying to figure out how
many germs were on that apron.

We don't think we ever caught anything from an apron - but love...

"JESUS PAID IT ALL"

Yesterday, we were privileged to hear the Middle and High School choirs at Thomas Road Baptist Church sing "Jesus Paid It All" on the Sunday morning Thomas Road Live telecast. This hymn was written in the mid-1800's and yet it's relevent today.

1 Peter 1:18-19 (King James Version)

18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

I found this YouTube version of the hymn and it was so moving I would love to share it with you.

Oh, No!! Our Little Friends Are Gone

From mid-spring until early fall, Papi and I enjoy our little flying friends. The busy humming birds keep us entertained while we're in the kitchen and our family room. There are feeders close to the windows in both rooms. Usually, during the summer when we come into the kitchen, early morning for coffee, there our little friends are already feeding and flitting about the deck. They always bring a smile to our faces as we watch their antics.

Last week it was time for the "hummers" to make their long journey south for the winter. Bye, little friends, we hope to see you again next spring when the weather is warm enough for you. Sure wish we could have traveled along...a warm winter really sounds good rather than the cold we usually have in Indiana. We will have the feeders out and hope to see you again next spring.

As The Deer PSALM 42:1 MV

For many reasons and non-reasons I've not blogged for a month. My "favorite, youngest daughter-in-law" reminded me of this omission during the past week. It's time to get started again and I thought what better time than on Sunday morning.

Music has always been VERY important in my life and I have not paid enough attention to this joy recently. It's easy to get sidetracked and not do those favorite things. This morning I want to share a special contempory piece with you. I love the old hymns but I also love many newer pieces. Please go to this YouTube version of As the Deer and enjoy the visual as well as the music.

200th Post Scrap GiveAway by Melissa of Lilac Lane

This one is for that person who loves to sew. Be sure to enter on Melissa's blog by clicking on the photo in the sidebar.

Resurrection Mural by Ron DiCianni

This is a breathtaking mural of Jesus' Resurrection. The following website explains the significance of each piece of the mural.
http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

You will find additional information at the following site www.resurrectionmural.com/

Copy and paste the links in your web browser.

Artist note:
It seems that over the centuries every artist longed to paint a definitive scene that would stand the test of time. For Michelangelo, it was the “Creation of Adam” which he did for the Sistine Chapel. For Rembrandt, it was the scene of “The Prodigal Son.”
For me, it is “The Resurrection”, as this one act of history separates Christianity from every other religion, philosophy and dogma. It authenticates The Nativity, The Crucifixion of Christ, and legitimizes every word Jesus said concerning Himself and His relationship to God. Many may ignore the Resurrection at their peril, but none can deny it as it is historically proven beyond doubt. My hope is that as this mural is installed, many will be confronted with the scene of “The Resurrection” and make the decision that He is worthy of being called their Lord and Savior.

Teacup Stitches Giveaway

You will want to enter the give away for this adorable bottle please click on the sidebar photo to go to the blog.

Prairie Flower Farm Give Away

Linda Stubbs of Prairie Flower Farms, is having a lovely CHRISTmas Party Giveaway. You will want to be sure to check it out. Linda has a wonderful blog about family, faith, farming, gardening, cooking, and life in general. Her blog is one of my most favorite!!

Click on the sidebar picture to go to her blog.

GIANTS in Our Yard

A few days ago Grammy took pictures of these giants.









We have no idea what type of fungus they might be. Any ideas? It would be wonderful if they were eatable. If you have any information it would be very much appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Baking with GraceAnne and Grammy

.

New Glasses

Keaton has his first glasses. Isn't he just too adorable!! No one could figure out why he always squinted when talking to them. Guess he couldn't see clearly.

Oh, did you notice the missing tooth?

A giveaway. For a whole Flower Sugar fat quarter bundle!

You will want to check out this give away by marie-madeline studio http://mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com/mariemadeline_studio/2010/07/a-giveaway-for-a-whole-flower-sugar-fat-quarter-bundle.html. It's GREAT!! Click on sidebar image to go to the blog.

Just for You Give Away

Lisa at Just for You Designs has a surprise give away. Be sure to check it out by clicking on the image on my sidebar. Who doesn't love a SURPRISE!!

Irish Muses: Irish Give Away

Micki has a wonderful Irish Give Away you will want to check out. You'll find her at Irish Muses just click on the sidebar photo to go to the post. Be certain to enter before July 17th.

4th of July with Family and Mexican Corn Bread Salad Recipe

Our family enjoyed a beautiful HOT 4th of July. Some of us started the day with the Community Worship in the park hosted by Freedom Church. Pastor Ryan Vinson gave a very meaningful message proceeded by the worship team music.

At 2:00 was the Parade and we had three grandchildren in the parade along with a son and daughter-in-law (walking with the scouts). It was too hot from grammy but the rest of the crew weathered the heat.

Following the parade we enjoyed a wonderful cookout at Kevin and Amy's house (our #2 son and daughter-in-law). All our family except 2 grandchildren, Papi's brother and his wife, Amy's parents, along with two other couples and their children, ate our fill of grilled chicken in several flavors and sooooo many sides and desserts. Oh, and I must mention the crab dip, thank you Lisa, it was delicious, the strawberry cheese ball was great too, but that crab dip was to die for!! No Newman Family Cookout is complete these days without Mexican Cornbread Salad. I'm posting the recipe below, you need to try it.

We closed the day enjoying the Lebanon Fireworks, they were beautiful and included several unusual one. What a fun day.

Mexican Cornbread Salad

1 (16-oz.) pkg. dry conrbread mix
1 (4-oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 (15-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 (15-oz.) can black (or pinto) beans, drained
1 bell pepper,chopped (yellow, or green)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 (8-oz.) bottle Ranch dressing
8 (oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
1 (3-oz.) jar bacon bits

Prepare conbread mix according to package directions, adding green chilies. Bake as directed. Set aside to cool. Crumble half of cooled cornbread in bottom of large bowl. Evenly layer with half of each listed ingredient, i.e., 1/2 can corn, 1/2 tomatoes, etc. Repeat layers in same order using remaining ingredients, beginning with crumbled cornbread. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve chilled. Makes a large salad.

Wind Turbines in NW Indiana

Recently, on a search for the grave of Papi's great-great-great grandfather, we saw these giants stretching into the sky. This first image is of the beginning process of installation. These truly are Wind Farms as the turbines are in the middle of fields planted in the farmer's crops of corn, beans, or whatever else they might be growing.

There were hundreds of these creatures as far as the eye could see and for many miles along I-65. I first thought they were beautiful, but after seeing so many I began to not enjoy them so much.

I understand they are producing well, however, on our trip north very few were turning and they weren't going very fast. On the return trip more seemed to be in motion. I guess if they were on your farm you would get use to them...it might be like the hog farmer...that hog smell, smells like money to them.

Our genealogy trip was not successful, at least we didn't find the grave, but we do know he and his third wife were not buried in Jasper County, IN. We believe they are in Logan County, IL according to information we found in the Rensselaer Public Library.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the trip with two of Papi's brothers and their wives. We found a nice cafe in Rensselaer for lunch and a great restaurant in Mulberry for dinner. I call that success.

Adorable Country Classics Giveaway

Be certain to enter the giveaway at http://adorablecountryclassics.blogspot.com/ by July 4th.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

A Special Prayer for Father

God, bless all the fathers in the world.

Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children.

Help them to be a father like You are.

Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.

Amen

Happy Father's Day to the special fathers in our immediate family - MEL, TOM, MIKE, KEVIN and JEFF. We will be remembering the two fathers that have gone on before us to their heavenly home, LOUIS and RALPH.

Very BERRY Delicious Day

On Sunday, Papi picked some raspberries from our yard and since Grammy didn't have any bananas for her cereal Monday morning, she had FRESH raspberries on her cereal. Oh, they were soooo good and really sweet.

Well, those two retirees decided they needed a mid-morning snack. So freshly made by neighbor Carol strawberry preserves were in order. Soooooo good.

Late Sunday evening, like shortly before 10:00pm, favorite youngest daughter-in-law and favorite #2 son brought us this wonderful, FRESH from their tree, hot from the oven mulberry pie. Now isn't it just beautiful!! Well, we want to tell you, it was even better tasting, if that's possible. We didn't have pie Sunday, it was too late for us old folks and we had already eaten brownies, icecream, walnuts and chocolate syrup, but believe me, we had warm mulberry pie with whipped cream Monday evening to round out our Very Berry Delicious day. YUM, YUM, YUM

Thank you everyone who contributed (Papi, Carol, Amy and Kevin).

Have a God Filled Day

JESUS Light of the world Joy of our hearts

First, I apologize for the fuzzy image, however, that was the best I could do. I think it was the surface that caused the blur. Anyway, this is my journal for the "Early Bird Christmas Crafting" challenge I have joined. I believe this will be a great tool for EARLY Christmas gift planning, at least I sure hope so. The small notebook has four sections and is only 4x6 so can easily be carried in my bag when shopping. I purchased it at the Dollar Tree for only $1. The card was a leftover from a previous year $0. I even used the inside of the card for the back of the journal because of the scripture, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" II Corinthians 9:15 NIV. This is to constantly remind me of that first Christmas Gift.

You will also note, my blog has changed to traditional Christmas colors. I tried to change the background too, but so far, the computer has won in that battle.

You might like to join "Early Bird Christmas Crafting", if so, just click on the sidebar button and you will be there. I've found some great gift ideas.

Have a God Filled Day

Shirley

It's a PARTY

There is a PARTY GOING ON!!!! OVER AT PRAIRIE FLOWER FARM! Be sure to check it out. Linda is one of my favorite bloggers, you'll find her blog both inspiritrational and informative. Be certain to follow her blog...you won't be sorry. http://prairieflowerfarm.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-have-very-sweet-friend-named-melissa.html

Graduation and Open House - #1 Granddaughter

We are so proud of you, Brittany, and look forward to the future for you.

CONTEST at Melissas Lilac Lane

Be certain to check out this contest by http://melissaslilaclane.blogspot.com/ . It's all about "Trimmed with Love". Love her blog!!

PAY IT FORWARD 2010

Have you heard of "Pay It Forward"? It is a great way to get a little gift, but give more "forward". . . this is new to me, but sounds GREAT. I signed up at CountryScrapQuilts, and now I get to invite you to join in on the fun!

Here's the fine print: 1. The first 3 people to visit my blog and leave a comment saying they want to participate will receive a handmade gift from me, within the next year. . . (Probably much sooner than that, but you are suppose to give everyone a year, because sometimes life gets in the way!)

2. You MUST have a blog of your own to participate in the PIF.

3. You must post about the PIF on your blog & offer the PIF challenge on your blog. By accepting the Pay It Forward Challenge, YOU agree to host a Pay It Forward to the first 3 people who sign up on your blog. . .you will then carry on the PIF by sending them a homemade gift within a year's time, and so it goes :) I hope you will sign up, it really is so much fun to Pay It Forward!!! :o)

Let's have lots of fun.

Shirley

Happy Birthday Little May Day Princess

She was very intent on getting every little piece of paper removed from ALL presents...she did not want any help from her two God Fathers either...well maybe as a last resort.

Modeling apron made by grammy. There is a chef hat along with oven mitts, also. What a cutie!!

Princess friend, AJ eating their cupcakes. They stayed very neat which was surprising with the CHOCOLATE.


OK, let's get this "Cruisin' with Barbie" put together so we can PLAY!!

TASTE of PINECRAFT by Sherry Gore

"Taste of Pinecraft....Glimpses of Sarasota, Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens" is spiral-bound, 446 pages including nearly 700 Amish & Mennonite recipes and stories & tidbits from Pinecraft, Forida, the Plain People's Paradise.

This sounds like such a special book, not only recipes but the stories and tidbits sound great. I'm looking forward to getting a book of my own. Sherry Gore is one special lady.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Taste-of-Pinecraft/339834082806