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I thought we could all use one of these. Looks like a "doggy smile" to me. Have a happy day......

Times Are So Different Now......

I heard today, that 80% of Americans are Christians. Therefore, unlike some would like us believe, we most definitely must still be a Christian nation. Praise the Lord! As Easter traditions hold, this coming Sunday, houses of worship will all be packed with family and freinds, coming from far and wide to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sweet smells of dotted swiss fabric, from little girl dresses and new patent leather shoes will fill the Sunday School classrooms......well maybe not, that was when I was a child. But you know, times are so different now. In days gone by, Holy week for Christians, was featured favorably in newspapers, magazines and even portrayed in movies shown each evening on our televisions. We all looked forward to seeing movies like The Robe, Ben Hur, Barrabbas and The Bible. They were all shown on network television, but today we can see these only on Christian programing cable channels. Not to worry, God is very much still in control and His will prevails. I hope this Holy week more than 80% of Americans are celebrating Easter and thousands of unbelievers will find themselves at the foot of the cross, where their lives will be changed forever......Be blessed this week...

Counting Sheep

I suppose my life was structured a bit more then, but I remember the time when no sooner my head lay on the pillow, I would be fast and sound asleep. I remember also that the alarm clock seemed to go off moments later, seeming as though I had just gone to bed. Of course, those were the days of my youth, when it seemed as though there were not enough hours in the day. Not so these days, for it seems sleeping patterns change as one grows older, and that may well be from relaxing of schedules and a less demanding lifestyle. Most days I have little in the way of scheduling, and my life has much more free time. When chores are finished, I can use my time for relaxation or entertainment. Sleep deprivation seems an important issue to many of my friends, and has been the topic of discussion lately. To some, sleep may be only three or four hours a night. Some still working outside the home, will take medication to help them sleep on occasion. Myself, I read until I fall asleep, and if the house is cool, I have no problem sleeping soundly the night through. I don't have the answers, but I suppose we've all tried things for those dreaded nights when we can't sleep...even counting sheep.

"A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by,

One after one; the sound of rain, and bees.

Murmuring, the fall of rivers, winds and seas,

Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky;

I have thought of all by turns, and yet do lie sleepless!" ~author unknown

Sending positive thoughts your way....to wrap you in warmth and love today.

Hope it is a good day for you.....Dee Dee

Newness Of Life.....

Church was a blessing to me today, beginning with an amazing Bible study from the book of Luke, a study of the days leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. This is a holy week for Christians and Sunday, April 12, Easter, is a time for hope, renewal of spirit, rekindling of faith and rejoicing in the triumph of the Lord. This evening I am preparing my Easter cards, and enjoying a bit of seasonal lighting. I love that we celebrate in the spring of the year when newness of life is seen all over in nature. Easter is a time to rejoice, as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Be blessed this week......

Palm Sunday

Jesus beheld the city and wept over it....~Tissot

This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made!

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ. ~Blaise Pascal..Patches of Godlight-Karon

One Lone Camellia Bloom

I was out in the garden this morning looking things over to see how all had managed after the hard rain a few nights before. The new plants we set out last week seem to have taken hold and are growing quite nicely. Perfect timing, always a good thing that it rains right after planting. The Camellia bush, a few weeks back, had finished blooming and now has beautiful new green leaves all over. While admiring it's beauty, I noticed a bit of color and to my surprise, found it had one lone Camellia bloom. As you can see, I clipped that pretty thing and brought it inside.

Awakened By The Rain

The rain awakened me early this morning, even before daybreak. I lied there listening as it splashed against the windows, realizing the wind was not only blowing, but the rain was coming down in great sudden brief rushes. Large palm trees are right outside my windows and I could hear the fronds swishing back and forth making loud sweeping brushing sounds. I love a rain storm and not satisfied hearing it muted, I opened a window ever so slightly and placed my hand out into the night. I became completely aware and in awe of how even more powerful and amazing the storm had become when using most of my senses. Marveling at the power of "mother nature," I could hear the wind blowing and the rain splashing in the pool, on the deck and against the windows. Cupping my hand, I began catching the rain, feeling the wetness, knowing how it was cleansing all in it's path. With the storm came the fragrance that is always present when rain meets the earth, it was ever so sweet and agreeable to my soul. Oddly enough, the disturbance in the night had given me a feeling of well being....the Creator of the universe does a mighty and great work. I went back to sleep with no effort at all........

Spring Comes To Our Valley

American Robin ......first signs of spring...Squirrel ....we chased in the valley....

White Clover

Red Clover

Valley of White Clover.....

When I was younger, I noticed that the older folks in my family took comfort in reminiscing. I never minded this, as a matter of fact I quite enjoyed it. Curious as a child, I remember asking lots of questions, always wanting to know more. Most likely, this is why the books I read are about people, usually from small towns. I want to know their stories, and I sometimes feel as though I've been eavesdropping, as I read of their childhood experiences, their hopes and dreams, of marriage and family, and on through to happy old age. I read books that always have happy endings. I've learned a lot about human nature when I read, finding we are all basically the same. We have good times, extremely happy times and almost always sad times. So, getting back to reminiscing, I nearly always do that when the season changes. It's been true these past few days as I'm seeing signs of spring. Nothing about spring in Florida is even vaguely comparative to that time of year in my childhood, growing up in the mountains. Spring in the mountains of North Carolina was welcomed by each family member, especially the children, for it meant the end of staying inside. It meant the weather was warm enough to play and run in the "valley." The land in front of our home that we called the valley, would turn a beautiful green and be covered with red and white clover. Spring meant Robins hopping around listening for worms and squirrels chasing up and down tall oak trees that were sprouting new leaves. I can recall so clearly how fresh and new everything seemed then. Ah yes....I'm remembering it all......

A Suggested Good Read.......

I'm a familiar face in the Family Christian Store, going in often for books and cards. This week, while looking for a good read, I found "Same Kind Of Different As Me." At the check-out, the ladies mentioned that the book must really be good, saying, " everyone's talking about it." As you can see, the cover is a bit unusual and that is what caught my attention. While well into reading this, I can see why this amazing true story is on the New York Times bestseller list.

Reading from the back cover, I found it to be quite intriguing.....A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery. An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel. A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream. A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.

It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana....and an East Texas honky-tonk...and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda....an upscale New York gallery....a downtown dumpster...a Texas ranch.

The most inspirational and emotionally gripping story of faith, fortitude, and friendship I have ever read. A powerful example of the healing, restorative power of forgiveness and the transformational, life change power of unconditional love.~Mark Clayman, Exe. Producer for Academy Award-nom. The Pursuit of Happyness.

Denver Moore and Ron Hall's story is one that moved me to tears. The friendship that forms between these two men at a time when both were in great need is an inspiration to all of us to be more compassionate to everyone we come in contact with. This is truly a wonderful book!~Mrs. Barbara Bush