Janie's Porch

A Sad Day for Our Team....

2012-02-17T18:32:00.000-06:00

Today is a hard day....difficult in a way that none of us ever wants to experience.....

Because one of our precious friends has passed from this world to the next.

Unexpected. Shocking. Surreal. Our broker pulled several of us agents who were attending a continuing education class at our local association office from class and broke the news to us that we had lost one of our "work family". We only had a few minutes to compose ourselves before going back into class and trying to spend the next 7 hours focused on Real Estate. When all we wanted to do was curl up and grieve the loss of one of the most cherished members of our team.

Jody was a cancer survivor, a fighter and one of the classiest ladies in the world! She had the most upbeat and positive outlook of anyone I have ever known. She was at the home of her daughter, resting and recovering from a biopsy; she laid down for a nap and slipped peacefully to her place in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Stovall Realtors' Facebook photo for October, Breast Cancer Awareness month - featuring our own "superstar" - Jody

Our tears are not for Jody, who is now in perfect health and communing with her Creator, but for our tremendous loss.

And the thought that has taken firm root in my mind is that we simply never know when we will be called Home. We never know when someone we love will leave this world. Let us never take a single moment for granted!

Jody, I will miss you, pretty lady! You have been an inspiration and encouragement to me and so many others. I know that every moment in your new digs will be "just ducky"!

Happy Hearts Day!!!

2012-02-14T15:59:00.000-06:00

Valentines Day - perhaps the most ambivalent holiday on the calendar! Love it? Hate it? Feeling a little lukewarm?

Eddie Dale and I "celebrated" a little early. We had plans for dinner with friends on Saturday....so, we sort of celebrated then. And, I had a closing yesterday, so we went out for dinner again last night and that was sort of a celebration.....

I think we're kinda pooped out on making a fuss over it this year. I do have to say, though, that my sweetie did come through with the traditional roses on Saturday afternoon. He made a quick run to the grocery store while I was working on the closet project and came home with these.....

Although they were already a bit weathered (the greenery was completely dried out and brittle), we salvaged the roses and put them in the living room to enjoy for a few days. I love the deep red in the afternoon sun.....

Good job, Eddie Dale!

Wishing you all much love, happiness and fulfillment on this Valentines Day!

Closet Clean-up - Check!!!

2012-02-11T16:35:00.000-06:00

Today was the day for the closet project! Yippee!!!

I emptied my closet this morning and actually remembered to take "BEFORE" photos......

Oh, my, this IS embarrassing. But, you have to see the BEFORE to appreciate the AFTER, right?

The floor was literally covered with "stuff" other than shoes.....is that really a dirty pillow down in the corner? Yep, it was! It found it's way to the dumpster, thank goodness!!!

The hangers were so tight I couldn't get them squeezed in there.....

Eddie got busy installing a new L-shaped shelf in the corner to increase storage space. It was a pretty tight fit in there....but, he only had one mini melt-down.....

The dogs were petrified at all the noise and activity. They huddled behind the bed on the other side of the room.

That piece of stained glass came out of the corner of the closet, too!

Meanwhile, I started working on the mountain of clothes that had to go back in the closet. Sorta looks like a hurricane blew through the room, doesn't it?!?!?

Is that my bra hanging on the door knob?!?!? Oh, well, all us girls do that.....

By the time I had gone through everything, this is the pile of unused hangers I ended up with....

Now, several hours later, I have everything put away and cleaned up. Feeling so much better!!!

Plenty of room for hanging necklaces and nighties now

Much better!!! Now that I can see the weights, let's see if I remember to use them!

The shelf is perfect for odd items that needed to be up off the floor. A few baskets will help to organize this a bit better, but for now - I'm loving it!

There is definitely some tweaking to be done. But, for now, I am reveling in the fact that I can actually slide the hangers on the rods....there's extra room to do that now! By the way, anybody need some plastic hangers???? I've got a few to spare!

Feeling pretty good about checking this project off the "TO DO" list. Hope you're having a productive weekend, too!

Picking Paint Colors....

2012-02-10T19:52:00.000-06:00

It's looking like tomorrow is going to be "the day" when Eddie Dale helps me get my closet in shape by adding some new shelving. The forecast is calling for a cold, wintery weekend - perfect for a project indoors. So, this evening - or early in the morning, depending on how I manage to get my rear in gear - I will be emptying one side of my closet. Completely emptying.....

My plan calls for going through every single item and weeding out before I put anything back in. Ambitious, I know! But, the organizing gurus tell us that if it hasn't been worn in the past year, it really must go. And, so, I am setting my sights on putting back less than I take out. We shall see how I do on that.....

Now, if I could just settle on the shade of "white" I want to paint the shelf we are going to build for the kitchen/dining area.....

There about a million choices when it comes to "white" and I am sure struggling with this decision. Look at all these paint chips I picked up the other day when trying to decide what shade to paint the corner hutch and soon-to-be-constructed shelf....

Okay, I know there are some "khaki" shades in there....not white, at all....but so very pretty (perhaps I can work that color in somewhere else in the house???)

I have narrowed it down to these choices.......

Looking at this photo, I can see that "cottage linen" is nearly the exact same shade this piece was already painted....

As you can see, the green on the walls in this room is a rather "cool" color, with a bit of a gray undertone. I love this peaceful shade, but want to avoid getting this room too gray and cool. I'm really leaning towards the clean, neutral white of "wedding bells" (top left corner). What do you think???

Hope to post some photos of the closet project, before/in progress/after, over the weekend....so stay tuned!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch....

2012-02-07T19:27:00.000-06:00

I've found a sister porch lover....Patrice at "Everyday Rurality". She is hosting a chat on her farmhouse porch today, so I'm stopping by for a visit.

Here are the questions we're chatting up this week.....

Stephanie asks, "What kind of competitions do you prefer to watch? Dancing, singing, or cooking?

I love to watch singing competitions - and by that, I mean shows like American Idol or The Voice. I find myself holding my breath and hoping people hit the notes! I feel so badly when they don't. Occasionally, I will watch Dancing with the Stars, but I'd much rather listen to people sing!

My Kid's Mom asks, "Do you work? Are you retired? Are you a stay at home mom?
I stayed at home for 12 years when my kids were little, but I have never worked harder in my life that when I was a stay-at-home mom. I have worked outside the home most of the time since my youngest started 4th grade. I am a Realtor and my hours are somewhat flexible - it works perfectly for me!

Empty Nester asks, "What's your favorite thing about winter?
Well, honestly, Winter is my least favorite season. But, I do still get excited when the snow falls; and I love wearing warm sweaters and boots....and I have a couple of fringed shawls that I am rocking this year!

Homeschool on the Croft asks, "What do you love most about where you live?"
I love that all of my family lives nearby, here in the same town - all three of my grown children, my two grandkids and both of my parents. Plus, I love that I live in the same neighborhood where I grew up - only 4 blocks from my childhood home. What I love specifically about the house we I live is the wonderful natural light we get here....lots of southern exposure!

Did you or your children(grandchildren too) ever have a dollhouse?

I had a wonderful doll house when I was a child. It was a pressed tin model with the decor and fixtures painted on. It had two levels and a lovely little "flagstone" rooftop patio out to one side; the style was very colonial. It looked just like this one that I found on Ebay....don't even ask how much they go for now......

My sister and I spent countless hours moving the little plastic furniture around inside; maybe this is where my love of rearranging furniture started! Ya think?!?!?

A big THANK YOU to Patrice inviting us all to this link-up chat on the porch! If you haven't checked out her blog yet, GO DO IT!!!

Miscellany Mondays....Random Thoughts on the Big Game

2012-02-06T10:29:00.001-06:00

I am linking up with Carissa at lowercase letters today for "miscellany Monday", because I do have some random thoughts on yesterday's Super Bowl.....

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I am not just not "in to" the NFL. After having been married to a football fanatic the first time around and feeling like a real "football widow" on Sundays for many years, professional football just doesn't get my juices flowing. So, I had to ask Eddie Dale who was even playing in the Super Bowl yesterday......

After a day spent cleaning and doing laundry while the Hubs was at work, I cleaned myself up and headed over to some friends' place for dinner. To be honest, although the game was going on their big screen, we gathered around the kitchen island on the other side of the room, catching occasional glimpses of the game. We actually sat down to eat delicious homemade chicken tortilla soup just as half time started, so I did catch some of that "spectacle"......

Honestly, I have never been a big Madonna fan. Last night's lip-synched performance didn't change that, at all. Her grand entrance, somewhat akin to Cleopatra, was amusing. But, I thought the performance, on the whole, fell a little flat.

I had no idea who the other performers on the stage were! One of my hosts thought he recognized some of them and it was the topic of much debate. Between bites, we all watched to see if there would be any wardrobe malfunctions....I guess I missed the now-scandalous "bird" gesture made by one of the performers while I was shoving food in my mouth....

I did stop and watch the guy who did all the bouncing around on the wire....I swear, he looked like a young Richard Simmons. Did he not?!?!? I kept thinking he was going to miss that wire as he bounced around and we would really have had something to talk about.

I did not pay the slightest bit of attention to the commercials. For many, the commercials are the only reason to tune into the big game. However, the high-dollar advertising was lost on me.....the only ad I actually noticed involved scores of bikini-clad women jumping around. Couldn't tell you who even sponsored the ad because I actually looked away and took another bite of soup....knowing my 50-year old body is never again going to don a bikini.....

As for the teams, well, I was under the impression for the entire game that the guys in the blue jerseys were the Giants. Imagine my surprise, at the end of the game, to learn that was not the case! Eddie Dale said the emblems on the helmets should have clued me in, but was I looking at the helmets???? No, obviously I was NOT. So, I spent the entire game thinking the teams were the reverse of who they really were!

The hype of the Super Bowl is just lost on me. It was a wonderful excuse to get together with friends for an enjoyable evening. For that, I am grateful! The company made the evening a success....the football game was just background.

And, that is enough rambling on football for this year. It is highly unlikely that it will enter my mind again for the next year......

If you're wondering what's on other people's minds this morning, travel over to lowercase letters and prowl around......Carissa has some absolutely stunning photos of her family at the park today! Here is the link....

<="" <="" a="" alt="Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters" img="" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/MMbutton3.png" hspace="none" vspace="none">

Carissa, my apologies....I simply cannot get your button to post properly today. Although it shows up in my draft, when I preview it, I can see that it is printing out the link.....Hope everyone can find their way to you!!!

In Anticipation of SPRING....

2012-02-05T16:07:00.000-06:00

Once Christmas is over and the decorations come down, I often find myself so "blah" about winter.....

Maybe it's a case of Spring Fever coming on.....but, I'm longing for warm sunny days and the smell of Spring in the air. So, I figured it was time to pop a little Spring into our home in anticipation of the season to come...

I found some silk tulips that had been packed away for years. When I took them out of their packing paper, they weren't in such bad shape that I was deterred from putting them out. I simply arranged them in a simple vase and plopped them down on the dresser. Instant pop of color and breath of Spring!

Speaking of this old dresser, we bought it several years ago at a second-hand shop. It was a real steal, let me tell you. I paid $65 for the dresser and mirror and that thing is solid wood. When we started moving it home, it took two of us to lift it and the mirror is nearly as heavy! It is stamped Henredon....so, it is a quality piece. I am forever in love with the way it looks in our bedroom, especially with the afternoon sun slanting through the window....

Our bargain dresser (Pay no mind to the fact that the lamp shade is crooked - it has never, ever been straight!)

It's amazing how sometimes the simplest little things, like the addition of some silk blooms, can cheer a room and the spirits.

Linking up with Debbidoos' Newbie Party today.....here is how to check it out.....

Thanking God today for the gift of Seasons - even those which are not my favorite. For in the dead of Winter, I know that Spring is coming!

Super Sunday!!!

2012-02-05T10:55:00.000-06:00

On the agenda around here for today.....

CLEANING!!!

Yep, here it is - Super Bowl Sunday. Everyone is busy preparing lots of yummy food for fantastic football-themed parties.....and I'm dragging out the vacuum and furniture polish and have the washer loaded!

Not that we don't like football around here! After all, we live in West Texas - home of the Friday Night Lights. We do love our football - but, mostly we enjoy the sport played at the high school and college level. We rarely sit down and watch the NFL; and I can't say with any certainty that I have a team that I would dub "my team".

So, the hustle, bustle and hype of today's game just doesn't get my adrenaline flowing. I have no idea which team to root for; I had to ask my husband which two teams were even playing! (And, I still don't know who to cheer for...)

However, the food associated with the festivities does peak my interest! Wow, there are some awesome recipes floating around out there to be discovered and I'm busy "pinning" them this morning, like some sort of mad chef-wannabe.....

The Husband has to work til 9:00 this evening. So, after I get this place in order, I've been invited over to a friend's for homemade tortilla soup and guacamole. My mouth is already watering! And, I'm sure the big game will be on the big screen when I get over there.

So, here's to the Super Bowl and the great nibbling and snacking opportunities that it brings!!!!

Go, Giants!!! Go, Patriots!!!

(Did I get the teams right?????)

What's Up With Following????

2012-02-03T22:25:00.000-06:00

My head is just whirling and twirling this evening with all sorts of Blog News!

I keep reading this and that about all the upcoming changes to our blogging world. Such as, the phasing out of Google Friend Connect (GFC) on platforms other than Blogger. And with the big push for everyone to move to Google+, and my total ~~failure~~ reluctance to do so, I can almost believe the rumors that at some point even Blogger will do away with Google Friend Connect for our blog followers.

Amanda, over at The Ivy Cottage Blog, has some good explanation and clarification going on in her post today. And she had a suggestion on a new follower widget that she has been taking for a test drive. It was rolled out for use by the rest of us today!

Here is where you can get this new tool for your blog ~

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

I have already installed Linky Followers over in my sidebar! Enrolling only took a minute, it is FREE and installation of the widget took less than that. It's super simple and easily allows people to keep up with your blog.

**Even if you don't have a blog, it allows you to keep up with your favorites easily, especially if you don't want new posts coming to your e-mail Inbox.**

So, please take a moment, and check it out over there, just below my pics of the Family! Give it a test drive by "FOLLOWING ME", even if you're already following through Google Friend Connect, and let's see if this works to replace GFC ~ just in case, they pull it out from under our feet over here on Blogger.

One Good Idea Leads to Another......

2012-02-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

Or, why you should stay out of Lowes on a dreary, windy winter afternoon.....

It feels like it's been ages since I had a "project" around the house! You know....painting something, crafting something, switching some things out to create a new look....that sort of thing.

I guess you can safely say the old homeplace has been in a bit of a rut lately.

So, while Eddie Dale was off today, we went out to Lowes and prowled around. Uh oh.....

Actually, I had two particular projects in mind.....

~ A heavy-duty-yet-visually-pleasing shelf in my kitchen area to display a bunch of cookbooks that are stuck in drawers here and there. Let me be blunt - I need that drawer space to ~~hide~~ store other stuff!

We found some unfinished wood brackets and lumber to "create" that.

~ More useable storage space in my rather small closet. I've been paring down and weeding out as much as possible, but it's still a messy, cramped space. We measured before we headed out and came up with the idea for some shelving that will fit above my hanging clothes and wrap around a corner.

Materials for this project - purchased!

I figure that on his next day off, we can probably knock both of those projects out in a few hours!

Here's the kicker, folks....the idea of adding a white shelf in the kitchen makes me want to repaint a couple of pieces of furniture/decor in there and tie it all together. (Not to mention the fact that I really ~~would like~~ need new curtains in there!) This thought led me to the paint aisle.....which ultimately led to picking up gobs of paint samples and pretty little idea brochures -

because I am suddenly inspired to paint some furniture - and not just in the kitchen....

You know, going to Lowes for ideas and inspiration....and picking up the latest edition of "Cottage Style" magazine at the checkout....can lead to all sorts of problems!

Now my head is swimming with ideas for new "projects"!!!

Let's just call it a case of Spring Fever and see where it leads.....

Chicken Taco Chili - Crockpot Dinner

2012-01-30T18:57:00.002-06:00

If you've been online lately, then you've probably noticed that "crockpot cooking" is all the rage!!!

And no wonder! I'm amazed at what you can do with a crockpot!

For instance, I've made "Chicken Taco Chili" a couple of times now. It is quickly becoming one of our favorite meals - healthy, nutritious, and oh-so-simple to dump in the crockpot and come home to a hot & ready meal.

Here's all you need......

1 onion, chopped

1 16-oz. can black beans (do not drain)

1 16-oz. can kidney beans (do not drain)

10 oz. package of frozen corn kernels (we love the super sweet variety!)

2 14.5-oz. cans diced tomatoes w/chilies

1 8-oz. can tomato sauce

1 packet taco seasoning (use the reduced salt variety for healthier results)

1 Tbsp. cumin

1 Tbsp. chili powder

24 oz. (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts (stock up when these are on sale!!!)

chili peppers, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in the crock pot. Stir to combine well. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to the crock pot and stir well, cooking for the last half hour. Top with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Now, here's how we dress it up at our house ~ crumble a few tortilla chips on top.......

Top with a dollop of low-fat sour cream.....

And who can resist a little grated cheese on top??? Obviously, I can't!!!

This super-simple recipe is sure to become one of your family's favorites! It makes a lot of food and the leftovers reheat easily and are even better after a day or two. So, when you're looking for some comfort food inspiration on these dreary winter days, give this one a try!

**And just a quick note here ~ I've even thrown my chicken breasts in on top, still frozen....and it still turned out perfectly!**

Bon appetit, y'all!

Application of The Word

2012-01-25T20:06:00.000-06:00

Faith. Trust.

Big words that point to God and His power.

Words I want desperately to live by....

Worry. Fear.

There are days when it just seems so hard to let go of these two words....

Words that point right back at me and my weakness.

Having begun my own business just over a year ago, the income still isn't steady. It fluctuates much with the seasons and the housing market. For the year prior to that, the first year after our relocation, I had zero income coming in. So, we are still struggling to pull up out of that hole.

At moments, concern over where the money will come from overwhelms me. Every time I sit down to update the checkbook and pay bills, I break into a clammy sweat. Each time I spend money on something that isn't a necessity, trepidation and guilt worm their way into my mind.

There are times when I feel compulsively drawn to The Word for reassurance.... and It never fails me.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." ~ Philippians 4:6

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory

in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

The book of Philippians has much to say about worrying over material matters. To sum it all up - DON'T DO IT!!!

God has provided for us this far. Our job is to be good stewards of what we have been given, work hard, and trust in Him. Additionally, we are told to give thanks and go to Him with needs. I don't see a thing in there about fretting leading to any gain....

Sounds so simple, but it is often very difficult to do. It is a lesson to be learned over and over. It requires deliberate action on my part.

Today, my determination to start living those first two words, faith and trust, has found new resolve. When the fear and worry start creeping in, I need to just recite these scriptures - to myself or even out loud - and remember their significance. After all, our determination must be fed so it does not wane. And what better to feed determination than The Word of God?

Life is chaotic enough without drowning in a sea of worry and fear when it is totally unnecessary and a waste of time and energy. Choose Trust and Faith with me today!

Getting It Done - One Shelf at a Time!

2012-01-24T08:39:00.000-06:00

Remember how I said I sometimes have ambivalent feelings about greeting the morning?

Well, part of the reason I was dragging my feet that particular morning, blogging instead of getting busy, was this......

Before....I couldn't even get to the mixing bowls!

One of the corner cupboards in my kitchen was in pretty sad shape. I knew, without doubt, that I needed to address it right away (after successfully putting it off all through the holiday baking season). I was simply dreading it.

Once I got in there, though, it actually wasn't so bad. I tossed quite a bit right into the trash can. There was some baking stuff in there that had probably made the move from the Panhandle a couple of years ago. Yuck! Out it went!

I had to just work with what I had to organize things, though. After getting it to this point, I was able to evaluate what I would need and create a shopping list for bins/containers. So, it can continue to improve from this point, but it already looks a lot better.....

Ahhhhh....much better!

I have been browsing around in Pinterest, and getting inspired to do more organizing in the kitchen. Of course, some of the photos I find are rather unrealistic as far as "pretty" storage ideas, given the fact our kitchen is limited on space and a man who cooks lives in this house. But, there is definitely Inspiration to do a better job at putting the cupboards in order!

Next item on my agenda - the cabinet under the sink. No, wait! I need to get the plastic ware whipped into shape....or the silverware drawer cleaned out...somehow wrangle Eddie's overflowing spice area into some semblance of order! The canned foods and dry goods in the "spinner" cabinet are also a priority. And don't even get me started on everything that needs to happen in the bathroom closet.....

Still a long ways to go, but doing one little project at a time is going to be the key for me to accomplish this task!

Have a wonderful day!

The Daily Routine....

2012-01-22T09:47:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have ambivalent feelings about getting up and around in the mornings???

I sure do! I admit, quickly and frequently, that I am not a "morning person". I love snuggling down under the covers and sleeping in. I generally need a good half-hour to get rolling and even think about heading for the shower. My routine requires a quick sip of iced Coke Zero to wet my whistle, followed by a generous cup of hot coffee laced with flavored creamer. Taking the dogs out to do their business and dawdling on the patio for a few minutes with my caffeine in hand....checking e-mail and Facebook to see if I've missed anything important while sleeping....wandering about the house in a stupor for a bit.....all part of my daily routine.

Most days, I have some sort of idea what the agenda will be. I almost always work in my DayPlanner right before going to bed so I will be sure to have a general outline in place for the next day. And I always feel the need to incorporate a lot of "dawdle time" to get going in the morning.

For instance, today I know I need to get some housekeeping done. Change out the bed linens, dust and vacuum, clean the bathroom. I've been up for a couple of hours, but still haven't gotten dressed or started. So, here is my big debate for the day.....

Do I go ahead and shower, put on makeup and decent clothes prior to cleaning???

Or, would it be better to just hang in my jammies and get everything around here done first???

I don't plan on leaving the house and being out in public, but should I maybe make myself more presentable - just in case???

Silly dilemma, isn't it? Even calling it a "dilemma" seems a bit strange, now that I look at the words. But, it's one that I have created in my mind. I prefer working around here in a state of tousled disarray, but a part of me feels like I should have myself more "pulled together" than that. Like, maybe I would be more productive if I did all that grooming before I set about my chores....

What do you do? I have an odd admiration for people who just get up and get themselves groomed in the mornings before they embark on the day's activities, even when it's just around the house. I wish I could be one of the those people....and some days, I actually am.....

But, this morning, the lazy jammie-clad girl inside is winning the battle!

Making Some Changes...

2012-01-21T17:26:00.002-06:00

Well, as you can see, I have playing with redesigning things here at Janie's Porch a bit. What do ya think???

What I really wanted to do this afternoon was rearrange furniture. I don't know....maybe I have a touch of Spring Fever. But, I had the strong urge to make some changes. Given all the furniture I have in a small house, shifting things around is pretty tricky. And, since Eddie is at work, I don't have anyone to help me!

So, I settled for making some changes here on the ol' blog. I think I will live with it for a few days to see if I need to do any more tweaking.....

Now, off to make a run to the grocery store so the pups can eat supper!

Give me some feedback, y'all!!!!

Settling on One Little Word.....

2012-01-20T17:35:00.001-06:00

Howdy, y'all!!! Hear that good ol' West Texas twang in my voice?!?!? If you can't, then you must be deaf! (No offense to those who are deaf....maybe that was not very PC of me.....)

Having a lovely day here! The weather is phenomenal - especially considering that it is mid-January. The high soared above 80 today, with lots of beautiful sunshine. I was outside in a 3/4-sleeve cardigan this morning at 10:00 and it felt terrific!

As the beautiful weather lifts my spirit, it also makes me antsy - eager to get out and get going on a project in the yard, or something like that. I feel like I really need to be "working" on something other than "work". (If that even makes any sense....)

So, I've done what I needed to get done for the job.....

And, now I'm allowing my mind to just contemplate.....this and that.....but, mostly I'm thinking on what I would like to accomplish this year. Yep, still working on those "Goals for 2012". I guess we're going to get halfway through the year before I get done with 'em.

And, one word keeps coming to mind.....

ACT

You know, "Act" as in -

Get up and move (hopefully, in a forward direction!);

Take action;

Make it happen;

"Just Do It!!!"

I can sit here and make plans and set goals all day long, every day.....but, if I don't take action, nothing is going to happen. It all hinges upon me getting off my rear and just doing it already! I can't "accomplish" (one of those other words I've been testing out the last couple of weeks), if I don't first "ACT".

So, I guess that is going to be my Word for 2012....for my spiritual walk, my relationships, my work, my health. All areas of my Life require me to simply ACT to get the ball rolling.

I wish I could find a pretty, glittery graphic to illustrate my word....put it over there in my sidebar as a reminder. Maybe I will at some point. But, for now, it is enough that I have identified the word and grasped the necessity to imprint it upon my mind.

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if the conscious decision to focus on a word for a year will help me to make changes for the better.

How 'bout you? Are you claiming a word for 2012? If so, I would love to hear about it.

You Are Invited....to a Family Affair!!!

2012-01-19T16:02:00.001-06:00

I promised pictures....and I deliver!!! Here are some photos from Bonnie's wedding.......

Trayden and Ansleigh walked in ahead of their Momma...

Bonnie makes her entrance - she fought hard not to cry


Bonnie and Matthew Powell

A new family is born.....

The only word for the look on Matt's face.....RELIEF!!!

The Bride and her attendants

Matt and his guys

Matt's sister made the beautiful cakes


I think she warned him what would happen if cake went on the face or the dress....

Eddie & I with the happy couple

So proud of this photo of my beautiful Family!!!

Bonnie planned and we put this wedding together in only a few short weeks. She had a vision of what she wanted - family-oriented, simple affair with black, white and silver. She and I did the flowers. Each of her attendants selected their own dresses. Ansleigh and Trayden looked adorable. Matt's niece was the Flower Girl and his nephews were ringbearers. Bonnie's friend, Stacy, did all the photos. Matt's sister, Ashley, made both cakes. It was truly a Family Affair!

I want to send out a SPECIAL THANKS to our Friends who went the extra mile and helped with setting up and cleaning up - Kim, Jacqueline, Barbara and John and Bethany! Ben and Sam, my sweet boys, helped their Sister on her special day with loving hearts - kudos to you, guys! And, Rudy, you did an awesome ceremony and kept Matt calm.

Matt and Bonnie, my heart is filled with love and best wishes for you as you begin this new chapter in your lives. May you always find strength and joy in Christ who guides you - and each other!

It Is Finished - and Best Wishes!!!

2012-01-16T13:27:00.000-06:00

Well, the wedding is over!!! Bonnie and Matt said their "I Do's" on Saturday evening and it couldn't have been more beautiful or more special.

I am waiting for copies of photos from the photographer. I didn't even take our camera because we were so flustered by the time we got out the door. But, in the back of my mind, I knew that the photographer was going to be snapping away - actually following Bonnie around all during the day as she prepared for the ceremony. So, there will be lots and lots of photos to share before it's all said and done.

Eddie and I prepared all the food for the reception following the ceremony at the church. He smoked briskets and we made baked beans and potato salad to serve with those. Let me tell you, the work is in the details!!! So many things to remember.....salt and pepper shakers, flatware, napkins, serving tongs, even toothpicks! I had list after list to help me remember everything.

Bonnie and I worked on her bridesmaids' bouquets together. Then I made all the boutonierres and Bonnie's bouquet. I spray-painted pinecones silver and bought bags of fake snow to make centerpieces. We had yards and yards of black tulle and a multitude of tiny white votive candles. And, somehow, we pulled it off!

It looked great! Clean up was fast. And Bonnie and Matt were pleased with how it all came together. Can't ask for more than that!!!

After laying around and sleeping and being lazy yesterday, I have been digging out of the mess left behind in our house from wedding preparations. It's slow going since I've had very little time to focus on cleaning and such the last couple of weeks. But, I'm getting there.....trying to get reorganized with each step. I have a feeling our trash dumpster will be full when the garbage truck comes tomorrow!

Stay tuned as I hope to have photos from the wedding up soon!

Looking forward to Life getting back to "normal".....

Finally - a New Roof!!!

2012-01-07T18:22:00.000-06:00

We have been so fortunate to have some beautiful, warmer days here in the last week!!! It almost makes one forget that this is January....

The warmer weather allowed the roofers to get over here and put our new roof on this week. Yea!!! We had an awful hail storm on Easter Sunday, damaging many roofs in town. Waiting lists grew very long, particularly for the most-favored contractors. And we waited many months for our contractor to get to our house!

Let me tell you - it was quite an experience for the three dogs residing in our home. The crew swarmed over the roof, beginning about 8:30, peeling off the old roof. The noise level was incredible and the dogs were quite alarmed. For 8 hours it continued....the noise and the barking!!! The biggest challenge was getting the pups outside to go potty. I finally resorted to putting them on a leash, one at a time, dragging them outside to do their business. Imagine their terror at seeing men up on the roof and air compressor hoses dangling off the back patio! They were simply beside themselves.....

But, it is finished and they did a Fine Job! The new color shingles look fabulous. Now, we are just itching to get started with painting. Off to Lowes I go to pick up color chips!!!

Enjoying the quiet and peace of mind now that we have that project behind us......

Organizing Thoughts for a New Year....

2012-01-05T14:10:00.000-06:00

2012... a new year! The year is fresh, new, like a blank sheet of beautiful paper, just awaiting my thoughts and dreams to be penned in ink....

What will I make of it????

It's a lot to ponder. And I have yet to devote enough time to organize my thoughts about my goals for the year, much less come up with a "word" for the year.....

(I wonder to myself.....does this make me a slacker in the blogosphere? Truth be told, I know it probably just makes me "normal".....and I do have a couple of words in mind at this point.)

But, I am working on it. Today, I have three items spread out on the desk before me - my DayPlanner, a spiral to record my goals (personal and business for the year), and a grocery list. For the last little bit, I have been bouncing back and forth, writing down things as I think of them. (Grocery list is winning at the moment!) My brain is a jumble of thoughts and ideas, but I'm working on sorting them out and compartmentalizing them. Writing things down helps me to see more clearly - I am truly a "list maker"!

As you move forward with the new year, how do you proceed? How do you translate lists and goals into accomplishments? How do you control your life without it controlling you???? (I figure that is the million-dollar question!)

Wishing you the best and blessings in 2012!!!

Finishing Up and Looking Forward

2011-12-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

Good morning, Friends!

I hope each of you had a blessed Christmas, spent with those you love! We had a grand time here at our house....lots of family time, lots of good food and some pretty serious naps!

Now that it is past, I am itching to get in there and start dismantling all the decorations, though. It's always this way. I love putting it all out, but when it's over, I'm ready to tear it all down and get the house back in order! The living room always seems to feel somehow larger once the tree is out. Even though I didn't put as much out this year, it is feeling a bit cluttered now that we are past the 25th.....

How about you? Are you ready to take it all down and start the new year off clean and fresh? It's much like that in our lives, too. Paring down, cleaning up, getting ready for the next chapter. It is somehow invigorating and exciting!

I am looking forward to 2012 and all the possibilities it holds!!! This week between Christmas and New Year's Day, I am working on my list of goals for the upcoming year. Goal setting is critical when you have your own business and I am still learning how to do it effectively. In addition to business goals, there are personal goals to be set. I'm avoiding making any "resolutions" - it seems they so often fall by the wayside by about mid-January. Instead, I want to set realistic, measurable and achievable goals - with a definite, yet flexible, plan to meet them. Sounds like an impossible project, doesn't it? But, without some sort of road map for the year, I am afraid I will veer off course and end up in Podunk, Nowhere!!! And, so I must focus my attention on sketching out the map for this year.

What goals are you setting for yourself this year? Feel free to share them in your comments. Perhaps, with a little encouragement from each other, we can make them a reality!

Day 30 - Wrapping It Up With FAMILY!!!

2011-12-23T20:04:00.000-06:00

The day before Christmas Eve, and here it is - Day 30 of my project. I have to admit, I'm a little sad to be wrapping up this month-long series of posts. Some days, it took Divine Intervention for me to get a post in! But, over this past month, I have discovered a distinct shift in my attitude....

When I decided to answer the gentle nudge to undertake such a blogging adventure, I really had in mind that I would get many of these posts written in advance. Seriously, I thought I would have several posts ready to hit "publish" on those days when I was running behind or feeling no inspiration to sit down and write. However, it simply did not work out that way!

Instead, I found myself writing about something that had come to my attention that day. I began "looking" for a blessing to write about each day. What a shift in attitude occurs when you begin to "seek" and "identify" the blessing! It's like looking through a new set of eyes each day.....the focus is more intense, the vision more clear. Little things that might have gone unnoticed before suddenly jump out at you. Inspiration hits in the most unexpected places!

Although much of my posting has been spontaneous, I have known all along that my post today would be about my Family. I've been saving this one, dear Friends, just for today.....

My Family....where would I be without them?!?!? You see photos of them in my side column; perhaps you read a bit about them here and there in posts. In many ways, my Family defines me; they make me who I am.

Got to admit it....we are "that family", we always manage to act a little crazy and have a good time!

Eddie Dale.....my husband, my very own Prince Charming. I wish I had met him many years earlier, but then again, we probably wouldn't have been right for each other at a younger age. He was, and is, just what I needed, when I needed it. He is the other half of my whole and the most fun, loving partner I could ever ask for.

Eddie Dale and his pardner, Jake

My parents.....such big influences in my life. Looking back, my childhood seemed so idyllic and happy, thanks to them and the memories they created. Although they divorced when I was 22, they were able to find a common ground for all family gatherings. We often come together with no discomfort.....it may not be traditional, but it's our "normal". Both are always there for me and I am so thankful for that.

Mom and Daddy, Easter, 2010

My children.....oh, my children. My heart is full for them. I think they are the greatest thing I have ever done, hands down!

Eddie Dale and the kids. You may wonder why Sam is holding his arms like this?

Because his big sister had just been doing this.....

Bonnie.....mother to my grandchildren, Trayden and Ansleigh! My daughter and my friend. She might have tried my patience and given me a measure of heartache through those tough teen years, but she is lovely young woman and I am so proud of her. And those grandkids....the best gift ever! I pray for her upcoming marriage in January; she deserves so much love and happiness.

Bonnie, Trayden and Ansleigh

Benjamin.....my oldest son. What a fine young man he has become! Gentle, sensitive, kind....he always seemed so mature for his years. When he was just barely a toddler, he had such a wise, grown-up voice. He never babbled as a baby; it seemed he just started out speaking in complete, intelligible sentences. Maybe because he was that "middle child", he seemed so reasonable and easy.

Benjamin Ross....."Ben" now that he is older.

Samuel.....my "baby". Oh, what a precious child he was. Diagnosed with a rare and debilitating form of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 4, we spent many days in doctor's offices and hospitals, and formed a very special bond. He has been in remission coming up on 15 years now and is such a talented artist and drummer. He has a special heart for God and plays with the praise band at his church.

Samuel Grant....."Sam" now, but I will always remember how we all called him "Baby Sam" for so long.

I so love my Family. I cannot lay my head on the pillow each night without giving thanks for them. I've been so blessed to have so much love in my life!!!

I thank those of you have hung with me through this last month. Although, the project may be concluding, the journey is just beginning. I plan to take some of the lessons I have learned forward. Just because I have finished the blogging assignment God laid on my heart, does not mean my days of thanksgiving and gratitude are over.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I know many of us will be focused on time with Family. When the holiday has passed, I will be back here on Janie's Porch. I hope you will continue to stop by and visit with me from time to time.

Wishing you much Joy, Peace and Love this Christmas!

Day 29 - The Christmas Spirit

2011-12-22T19:58:00.001-06:00

I awoke this morning with a cheerful heart!

If you know me, then you know I am not particularly a morning person. My husband has said that it's almost painful to watch me wake up....that he can literally see me struggling against opening my eyes and clinging desperately to sleep just a bit longer. I laughed when he told me that, but it's probably true.

But, this morning I woke up in a good mood. While I was getting ready, I found myself continually humming Christmas songs and smiling at myself in the mirror. It was almost scary!

Our Broker and his family hosted a wonderful brunch at his home for all of us this morning. We gathered in their beautiful home and prayed together, sang a Christmas carol around the long table and enjoyed the most fabulous food! As we hugged one another before leaving, my heart swelled with emotion. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of Christmas - the time spent with friends, pausing to be with one another, fully focused on the joy to be found in the friendship. Each of us was given a beautiful LED ornament to take home for our tree - it constantly changes color - just so cute!!!

My Christmas spirit did not diminish as I ran errands and battled the crowds at the grocery store. Even though people around me seemed rushed, frazzled, even cranky, I found the words "Merry Christmas" rolling off my lips frequently throughout the day. And I realized my simply saying it with a smile brought a smile to the face of the one I greeted.

Today, I am thankful that I feel so full of the spirit of the season. The stress is simply gone. There are still some things to be done around here, but the pressure (which I put on myself) is gone. I truly enjoyed the day and felt that I was blessed just to be in the moment!

I hope you are feeling what I am feeling! Blessed, content, so very fortunate and loved. This search for inner peace by focusing on gratitude and the Giver of all good gifts has helped me to stay on track and experience a day like today. I pray I remember the lessons I have been learning on this journey!

Day 28 - Rest for the Weary

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Nearly midnight....and here I sit, fingers poised above the keyboard.....cutting it so close tonight! But, at Day 28 of my 30 day project, I am not about to blow it now!!!

Today has been long, so long. I woke at 4:30 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I finally drifted off a few minutes before my alarm went off at 6:15.....not good, for me. I woke up in a fog and felt so tired. But, I had a full day planned at the office.

By the time I arrived home late this afternoon, I was weary....both in body and spirit. I sat down to take care of some bookkeeping and business, but I simply could not face it. Have you ever felt that way? Just bone tired, the numbers swimming in front of your eyes?

Since Eddie is pulling the late shift at the store, not home til after midnight, I went ahead and fed the dogs, took them outside to do their business, put on some comfy sweats.....and crawled up on the bed. With a warm blanket over us, daylight waning outside, the pups and I dozed off. And slept. Rested. My body probably thought it was down for the count!

We woke at 9:33 pm. After a snack and quick clean-up in the kitchen, I tackled the bookkeeping I needed to get done. I sat amazed as we still had money in the bank after taking care of everything. After paying bills, my spirit felt undefeated. God is so good to provide for us!

I am grateful that I was able to find refreshment in that nap this evening....that I was able to forge on after feeling so weighted down. But, in my heart, I know who truly gives rest to my heart and refreshes my soul....

"For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes." - Jeremiah 31:25

Even when our walk is going well, when we are feeling the Presence of the Almighty daily, it is easy to grow tired. Sometimes I think this is when the sneaky ol' enemy attacks the most.

Today was a reminder for me that days will come when I feel tired, when I feel defeat beckon me to give up. Sometimes, taking a break for an hour or two to simply rest allows me to come back feeling refreshed and renewed.

Sleep in peace, dear Friends....

Jane

Day 27 - Christmas Is All In the Heart

2011-12-20T16:22:00.000-06:00

In just a few short days, it will be Christmas! Whether we feel we are ready - or not - it will be here.

Today was Eddie's only day off this entire week before Christmas (you gotta love retail....), so we headed out early to finish up some shopping. It wasn't so bad - no, really! It wasn't too bad. But, it's pretty obvious that people are beginning to get stressed as the holiday bears down on us. And, for some odd reason, it seems that people's driving skills seem to diminish as they get more stressed......

But, we survived it - and in one piece, too! We are just about done with the whole shopping thing for this year. There are only a few more presents to be wrapped and I got a really good start on the baking/candy making yesterday. The cards are done; the groceries bought; the menu planned; everyone invited. All in all, we are in pretty good shape!

In fact, I was feeling "on top" of it enough to actually check out some new books at the library. Yes, I have a Kindle - and I love it. But, I spied a couple of Christmas themed books on a spinner when I was returning some books that were due today....I could not resist.

As we slide towards the weekend, I find myself breathing a bit easier. In fact, I am feeling excited and eager for the holiday to arrive. In years past, I have gotten so involved in the preparations that the actual holiday was almost anticlimactic. It seemed I would work and plan, and plan and work, until I couldn't enjoy the actual celebration of Christmas. This year, I have made a serious effort not to do that.

The trimmings are less this year - I do not have a tree in every single room and the herd of lighted deer and large trees wrapped in lights are conspicuously missing out in the front yard. I have not done one single Christmas craft. I have not staged and photographed every angle of my house to post here. (There is plenty of that already out there and I seriously doubt anyone will miss seeing a home tour post on Janie's Porch this year.)

Instead, this year, I have chosen to focus on what is in my heart for Christmas. If my heart is not right, then no celebration - or present - will be big enough to fill it and make it right.

Christmas truly is in the heart.

Every single day, I have been listening to this song by Steven Curtis Chapman.....it is such a beautiful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas. It's been my theme song for this holiday season....it's loaded on my phone and on my computer so that it's very accessible. Today, I am so thankful for the message in this song.......for the way it lifts my spirits, brings back memories of when I had two little blonde-headed boys up before dawn.....and for it's powerful ability to remind me to stay focused.

(I've been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman for many years. My kiddos just about wore out his cassette tapes when they were little! After all these years, and all he and his family have experienced, he still rings true on the Message. If you're not familiar with him, and his family's story, I urge you to check him out HERE.)

Preparing the heart for Christmas....

Jane

Day 26 - Light of the Season

2011-12-19T18:26:00.000-06:00

I just love all the lights of Christmas! Don't you?

The twinkle of the lights on the Christmas trees.....

The soft glow from candles burning....

The multi-colored outdoor lights and displays seen as we drive through town.....

Even the warmth of lamplight in a room on a gray afternoon or cold, dark evening.....

Yes, I love the lights at Christmas time! But, even more than the holiday lights, I love the symbolism which they hold.

"There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man." - John 1:9

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me

will not remain in darkness." - John 12.46

The lights of the season represent our belief in the birth of One who brought Light and Life to the world. Each time you admire the twinkle of the lights on the tree, or focus on the flame of the candle, remember the reason for the lights.

"Lord, thank you for being a beacon in the night, drawing me near to your light and love."

Only a few more days to go until Christmas! Try with me - not to get too caught up in the busy-ness to remember the real reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!!!

Jane

Day 25 - Change of Plans....

2011-12-18T22:21:00.000-06:00

I had a post all thought out in my head for this evening.....

But, as I sit here and listen to the thunder of a storm passing over, rain hitting the window and rooftop, I am so thankful for the rain.....

Plans change sometimes. Life throws a little curve ball and events change to make us realize what is important in the moment.

The rain is welcome! We have been caught in a terrible drought for some time now. It has been rough on our part of the country. Any moisture that falls from the sky is a relief. And, in the last three weeks, we have had wet stuff (in the form of both snow and rain) on a more consistent basis than we have had all year. It is truly an answer to prayer.

So, tonight I will table my planned post until tomorrow.

There is most likely a reason that it is getting bumped to the back burner.....perhaps, it needs more thought and work before it is ready to share.

Tonight I will focus on the blessing of the much needed rain and be thankful!

Day 24 - Friends

2011-12-17T16:14:00.000-06:00

Today, I am thankful for FRIENDS!

Whether it is the friend right across town, or the one who lives many miles away - each is meant to treasured! Whether it is the one who will honestly tell me "Yes", my rear looks big in those jeans....or the one I seldom see, but we can always pick up right where we left off......a true friend is one that will consistently be there when the dust settles.

Where would we be without friends? Those people who touch and enrich our lives in so many ways.

We don't get to "pick" our families, but we do get to "pick" our friends. Once picked, those relationships must be nurtured and tended. Yes, there is effort involved in being a "good" friend. But, the reward is so sweet!

I've heard it said that many will come into our lives, but few will remain. I've been blessed with some who would go to the ground for me....and I hope that some of them would say the same about me.

Filled with gratitude for the gift of friends....

Jane

Day 23 - An Afternoon Simply Being "Mimi"

2011-12-16T18:41:00.001-06:00

Day 23 - and I haven't lost my rhythm yet on the daily posting! Some days, I just don't know where I will find the time to sit down and prepare something, but (amazingly!!!) I have. Just being able to continue this project has been a blessing - and I can see where there has been some Divine Intervention along the way, allowing things to fall into place!

Today was a special blessing for me, as a grandmother. Ansleigh, my five-year old granddaughter, has been a bit under the weather. Since she still had fever this morning, she couldn't go to daycare. I had business at the office and some running to get done this morning, but I was able to help out this afternoon. After spending the morning at my mom's house, she came home with me about noon.

Thankfully, she had no fever and wasn't feeling that bad at all by the time she got over here. So, we were really able to just enjoy some girl time while she was here!

We had macaroni & cheese for lunch - eaten in front of the TV, watching a Christmas movie.

Then we piled up on the bed, with the little pups, for a nice nap under a warm, snuggly blanket.

After napping, another Christmas movie was in order while she ate a bowl of Cheerios - her appetite was much better today than yesterday.

Before we knew it, it was time for her mommy to pick her up! But, what a nice and relaxed afternoon we had together.

Oh, the blessings of being a grandmother! I am thankful for my grandbabies and time I get to spend with them!!! And I am thankful I was able to help Bonnie out today - 'cause that's what Moms are for!!!

Snuggle with the ones you love....

Day 22 - Preparing the Heart

2011-12-15T21:35:00.000-06:00

Preparing the heart for Christmas.....

Does the world really know how to adequately prepare for the true blessing of Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Messiah? Judging by commercials and advertisements, I think not. For many, this sacred holiday has become the height of commercialism. Rushing around, shopping and overspending, stressing over getting everything "just so" has become the norm - but, it isn't truly reflective of the spirit of the season.

How exactly does one prepare the heart for Christmas?

Emptying the heart of the ways of the world and seeking the blessing of the Divine, the Christ Child, the King of all kings.....prepares the heart for Christmas. For only by emptying the heart is there room for Him to enter in.

Not that baking cookies or giving gifts is a bad thing. That's not at all what I am saying. Surely, it is a way to show our love to people we care about. It's not wrong to decorate our homes, light our trees and candles, fill the air with the sounds and smells associated with this time of year. The error is in focusing too much on the "trappings" of the holiday and losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas. The secret is in finding balance.....

This year, I strive to let go of the expectations of the world; cease the struggle with perfection and seek the Perfect One. I am grateful that God has placed this on my heart and whispered in my ear - "Prepare your heart for me."

Take the time to be still and meditate on the wonder that Christ entered the world through the womb of a humble maiden. The story of the Nativity is powerful in its complex simplicity. It's a good place to start when searching for the true spirit of Christmas.

Today, I am linking with Ann Voskamp's "A Holy Experience" for "Walk with Him Wednesdays". If you are looking for insight on preparing your heart for CHRISTmas, I encourage you to visit and be inspired.

Be blessed, sweet Friends....

Jane

Day 21 - Welcome to Work!!!

2011-12-14T19:29:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for the wonderful place I get to "work"!

When I was interviewing for a sponsoring broker last December, even before I got my license, this particular Broker was so excited to share with me that a new building was in the works. However, when I came on board, we were crammed into a small space in a retail shopping center - wedged between a hamburger joint and Chinese take-out. Privacy was often lacking as we tried to work with clients in cramped cubicles, but the knowledge it was temporary helped all of us on the team get through that awkward time.

As the company has grown, so too have our quarters. In August, we finally moved into our brand, spanking new offices. Each agent was provided a desk and given the opportunity to decorate their private work space with their own flair.

Here is the space that I enjoy when I am working at the office.....

During this holiday season, I have dressed it up a bit with greenery, tiny white lights, simple gold beads and glittery gold and white poinsettias....all items left over from decorating at home.

Just the other day, I came into the office to find this beautiful, and very large, poinsettia that Eddie Dale

brought by and left on my desk....what a terrific surprise!

My office is on the east side of the building and gets the most wonderful morning light. Even on this cloudy, wet afternoon, you will often find me working by lamplight only. With the warm, butter-colored walls, it feels cozy, so much more like home.

I am thankful to have such a comfortable and efficient place to work! However, the biggest blessing about being with this agency is the support and comraderie I have found there. I knew from that initial interview - this where I needed and wanted to be! I practically begged the Broker to find a spot for me to work - even if it was in a closet!

I want to share the Mission Statement upon which our Broker established this company

- just 3-1/2 short years ago -

And this scripture which graces the wall of our large conference room - both in this new office

and at the previous location -

Perhaps this gives you a glimpse into the type of work environment with which I have been blessed.

I am thankful I found a career I love, that allows me to help people and rewards me on so many levels. And I am thankful God led me to an agency which is founded on Biblical principles and filled with fantastic agents who have blessed me with friendship, support and mentoring. I am incredibly blessed to be part of this team.

If you are ever in town, in the neighborhood, stop by and I will give you the Grand Tour of our fabulous new digs!

Wishing you all well this evening.....

Day 20 - The JUMBO Eraser

2011-12-13T17:59:00.000-06:00

Funny how sometimes things will just jump out at you when you least expect it, isn't it?

For instance, I spied this while shopping in the dollar store......

For some reason, it caught me eye - even though it was hanging about halfway down the aisle from the crayons for which I was searching. But, there it was and it spoke volumes to me!

Ever feel like you just need a big ol' eraser to clean up messes you make in your own life? Gosh, I think most of us do feel that way from time to time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just pull out an eraser and whisk away mistakes?!?!?

Well, God has the original JUMBO eraser! He can erase those mistakes, if we are just humble enough to admit them and ask Him. And the most amazing part is that when He uses His eraser, there's not a trace of the mistake in His eyes anymore.....totally clean paper, once again.

It's called FORGIVENESS.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:9

Now, there is a flip side to this. We are called upon to also use our own "eraser" and practice forgiveness towards others.

"For if you forgive others for their transgressions,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you." ~ Matthew 6:14

Our eraser will never compare to His, but using it will certainly bless our heart even more than the heart of the one whom we forgive. Forgiving keeps our heart from growing hard and bitter....it opens it up to receive our forgiveness from above.

Today, every day, I am thankful that I am forgiven!!! If that is not a tremendous blessing, I don't know what is.....

Keep your hearts open so they can be filled.....

Jane

Day 19 - Family Traditions

2011-12-12T20:53:00.000-06:00

As the days speed by, Christmas draws closer. Quickly, so quickly, time flies by. Are you ready for Christmas yet? I admit, unashamedly, that I am not! But, hey! We still have nearly two weeks to work on it, right?

This evening, I'm pausing to reflect on the seasonal traditions that our family has developed through the years....

Without fail, we have to set aside a couple of evenings to load up in the car and drive around town "looking at lights". Sometimes, it is just Eddie and me. Sometimes, now that we live closer, we have my mom or Bonnie and the kids loaded up with us. But, as the children were growing up, this was an integral part of our celebration of Christmas. As we wound through the most decorated neighborhoods, viewing the display of lights on the houses and lawns, there was much "oooooh"-ing and "awwww"-ing. And, if we were out on Christmas Eve, the search for Rudolph's red nose in the sky was on!

We are of the group of Christmas Eve package openers! After dinner together, and a drive to look at lights, we open all the gifts that are under the tree that evening. This was the tradition that I grew up with. After all, we had to make room under the tree for Santa to visit and leave his presents, so it was essential to distribute and open all packages in his way that evening!

Ansleigh opening presents on Christmas Eve, 2010

The food, oh, the food! There are yummy treats that we only seem to have during the holidays. Homemade fudge, sausage and cheese balls, spinach dip, hot apple cider and lots and lots of cookies.....there must always be something tasty to nibble on. It requires more time in the kitchen and that's probably why we only have some of these goodies once a year. But, having them so seldom is part of what makes them special - and identifies them with the holidays.

A Christmas DVD is always running in the background. Some of our favorites are "A Christmas Story", "The Polar Express", "Christmas with the Kranks", "Prancer" and "The Santa Claus". One of my newer favorites for the last couple of years has been "The Christmas Cottage". But, it seems we always have a Christmas movie playing when we gather - whether anyone is actually paying much attention or just catching bits and pieces as we wander through the living room.

Trayden opening his presents last year. Note - "A Christmas Story" on the TV!

And, of course, there is this tradition! One that I am sure is carried out in many homes around the world....

Family time is paramount in all of our traditions. The entire celebration centers around being together. I cherish the traditions. They bring a feeling of comfort and security; and help to build wonderful memories for our children to recall - often leading to their adopting some of these same traditions with their families in years to come.

I am thankful for our family traditions!

We are so blessed to be able to continue with them each year, adjusting and adapting as the need arises.

What traditions do you and your loved ones share at this special time of year? I invite you to leave a comment and tell us a little about them!

Warm hugs....

Jane

Day 18 - Shifting Thought Patterns.....

2011-12-11T19:54:00.000-06:00

Like many women, I have many roles in life - wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother. I am also a friend, a coworker, and my career is extremely service oriented.

It seems that I am constantly doing something for someone!

Every once in awhile, I get to thinking along these lines -

"I just do, do, do for everybody. All the time.

Nobody ever does anything for me!

Why am I always the one doing for others?!?!?!

I wish someone, just once, would think of doing something nice for me,

without me even asking!!!"

Imagine that in this monologue in my head, my inner voice grows louder and whinier with each statement. And as I begin to submerge into this line of thought, my actions grow resentful and hateful. Joy flees in the face of resentment and anger.

Any of this sound familiar? If you can honestly say, "No, absolutely not", then I applaud and admire your sweet and giving spirit. Because, I am just not there, yet. No, I still get off on this negative line of thinking when I feel stretched, or even sometimes used, by people and events around me.

When I get to feeling like this, the best way for me to get out of it is to work on my list of gifts, blessings for which I am thankful. Because, at the very top of the list, on page 1, I always see when I open my notebook, is the greatest gift of all.....and the one that gives life and meaning to every gift that follows....

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16

It is a powerful reminder that someone has done something for me!

God gave His Son; the Son gave His life - for me.

No matter that I let the emotions and actions of the world weigh me down, I am still a child of God by blood. And it would serve me well to remember this always.....and to give thanks unceasingly.

Today, and every day, I am thankful for this most precious gift!

Peace to you, sweet Friends....

Jane

Day 17 - An Evening Out

2011-12-10T23:00:00.000-06:00

It is late. And I have been so busy today that I haven't gotten to prepare a post yet. But, it's been such a full day and I really have a good excuse for being so late!

I ended up working for a few hours earlier in the day. Then, the afternoon involved helping my mom get a dear family friend settled into his new "assisted living" apartment. Finally, we came home late in the afternoon to prepare for an evening out with friends. This was an evening to which I have been looking forward for quite some time......

After meeting our friends and enjoying a nice dinner, we headed downtown to the historic Paramount Theater for a special showing of "White Christmas". I must say, it was simply magical!!! (As I had imagined and hoped that it would be.)

A full house enjoyed the show in the beautifully restored theater. People of all ages came together for the evening and sat mesmerized by the classic holiday film. From the opening credits, I had goosebumps from seeing one of my all-time favorite movies on the big screen. As the movie reached the final scene, the audience began to sing along with the song, "White Christmas".....it was simply so touching and nostalgic that I felt my heart swell.

Tonight, I am thankful for such a wonderful evening with Eddie and our sweet friends, Barbara and John. I am grateful that we were able to enjoy such a special outing together. And, I am thankful for the infusion of a little more Christmas spirit into our hearts!

Now, I'm off to dream of little twinkling Christmas lights and gently falling snow....

Rest well, dear Friends.

Jane

Day 16 - Enjoying Little Slices of Time

2011-12-09T16:55:00.000-06:00

Ever have one of those odd little pockets of time that fills up in an unexpectedly pleasant way? Maybe you had time set aside to work on something that you weren't particularly enthusiastic about, but ended up enjoying it anyway. Or perhaps you had a couple of hours that had no direction and you decided to do something on the spur of the moment and it brought you a measure of happiness.

I was blessed with one of those little episodes yesterday afternoon. I found my schedule slow for the afternoon, so I left the office and went by the grocery store to pick up a few things. I knew in advance of heading to the house that I was going to have to sweep and mop the kitchen because Jake tracked in a stinkin' bunch of mud right before I had to scoot out the door in the morning rush. I just put all three dogs in the kitchen, on tile, until I could get back to the house and clean it up. The knowledge of that chore waiting on me at the house hung over me like a dark cloud.....

However, once I arrived home, the dogs greeted me so enthusiastically that it was hard to remain mad about the mud. I shooed them out of the kitchen and it seemed I had the mess cleaned up in no time. So, I decided to throw a quick dinner in the crockpot and try out my new cookie sheet. For the next couple of hours, I hummed Christmas tunes and piddled in the kitchen. I made oatmeal cookies with Heath toffee pieces and pecans in them. I also prepared some jalapeno cream cheese dip so we would have something in the fridge to serve if anyone dropped by. (Okay, in case we get a bad case of "the nibbles" ourselves.....)

All in all, it was such a pleasant time. I don't spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen these days, but it felt really good to spend some time baking and cooking while the dogs looked on. And, it didn't feel like a chore. Instead, it reminded me how much I enjoy being a "homemaker". To me, being a "homemaker" means making this home feel comfortable and welcome to all who enter. Once in a while, it feels nice to focus on achieving that in some way other than just cleaning!

I am thankful for that little slice of time that brought me so much joy! Not only did I find peace and pleasure in doing something so simple, but we had an easy and delicious dinner and will no doubt enjoy the homemade snacks in the coming days. In fact, I am sitting here with a cup of hot coffee and a yummy oatmeal cookie as I write this post!

Enjoy and be grateful for those unexpected times when you find joy where you least expect it!

Jane

Day 15 - "Live in the Moment".....

2011-12-08T22:14:00.000-06:00

.....it's not just a cliche!

My goal for Christmas this year, and beyond, is simply ~

"Live in the moment."

I know, I know...that seems to be a popular catch-phrase right now. But, it is a wise directive and definitely a worthy mantra.

For me, the challenge is in focusing and reigning in my own agenda. Sometimes, that takes an extremely concentrated effort on my part. I'm apt to be thinking ahead, planning in my head; rampant thoughts battling for the number one spot in line. And I tend to be a champion worrier, often fretting over things that cannot be helped by fretting.

Consequently, I am making a conscious effort during the holidays this year to simplify ~ meaning less decorating, fussing and fretting and more experiencing, enjoying and expecting to be blessed by being present in the moment.

Today, I am thankful that God is impressing upon me the need to live in the here and now.

I am thankful He has placed a burden on my heart about this.

Each moment is a gift from Him ~

I don't want to miss a single one because I was looking the other way or otherwise absorbed.

Until tomorrow.....

Jane

Day 14 - A Man Who Cooks!!!

2011-12-07T18:06:00.000-06:00

I am such a lucky girl - I married a man who can - and does - cook!!! In fact, he actually ENJOYS it!

Eddie Dale loves to create yummy food and he is very, very good at it, too. The first time he cooked for me, he made chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy....traditional comfort food that tasted better than just about any I had ever eaten before. Before long, I learned that he can cook, fry or grill just about anything! The only thing he does not do is bake - except for the pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving.

My husband is fearless in the kitchen. He has created some wonderful recipes, combining and layering non-traditional layers of flavor to make the tastebuds rejoice. In particular, he makes a raspberry chipotle sauce that is truly divine on pork tenderloin. His vegetable lasagna is another one of my favorites; as is his old-fashioned chicken stew. I will eat anything he smokes or cooks out on the grill - meat, chicken or veggies. His smoked ham and brisket are legendary!

Our understanding is that he will do the cooking and I will do the cleaning afterwards. Cleaning is my forte anyway, so this arrangement works well for us.

I am thankful for this man who knows his way around the kitchen! I am grateful for his willingness to prepare meals for us and for his ability to do it with both skill and love.

Yes, I am very fortunate and blessed to have partnered up with this guy! As we approach our 8th anniversary later this month, I am thinking that I am going to keep him!!!

Now, gotta run! Not to make you envious, or anything like that, but Eddie is bringing steaks in off the grill for our dinner!

Jane

Day 13 - Living in a Modern World....

2011-12-06T18:55:00.000-06:00

With the chilly weather we've been experiencing here in our little part of the world, I've been thinking how wonderful it is to come into a nice, warm building after being out in the cold. Thank God we have central heating almost everywhere these days!!!

And that got me to thinking about all the wonderful, modern conveniences we have around us. To name a few.....

Automobiles - We can get around so quickly and efficiently now. Imagine if we were limited to where we could walk, or had to saddle a horse or hitch up a wagon to go to town.....

Indoor plumbing - Think about having to head to the outhouse when nature calls in the middle of the night. And how often do we take for granted having indoor water at the tap, both hot and cold?

Electricity - Powers everything. Remember how disabling, and downright paralyzing, it was the last time you lost electricity?

Cell phones - As a realtor, I truly depend on mine! But, beyond that, it helps me stay in touch with my family and friends; and serves as a camera on the go.

Computers - Admittedly, there are pro's and con's to being in the most technologically advanced world of computerized everything. But, overall, they improve our quality of life in many ways.

Supermarkets and grocery stores - With the urbanization of America, and much of the rest of the world, we have come to depend on someone else to catch, kill, harvest and even prepare our food. Most of us rarely bake a loaf of bread anymore. Putting food on the table takes much less time that it did even a hundred years ago!

I could go on and on about all the modern developments and inventions that make our lives so much easier. Our survival is so much different than previous generations. I, for one, am thankful to be alive at this time.

With all the modern conveniences, we have time to do so much more with our energy and our lives. It's no longer just a matter of working sun up til sun down to survive. What do we do that extra time???

A lot of it is spent working, I am sure. Jobs and careers take up much of that gained time. In order to feed all the machines, we must put money into them. But, after that....where does that time go?

Unfortunately, I admit that I probably waste a good deal of the extra time gained by living in our modern world. Generally, I spend too much time sitting in front of the TV or the computer. Perhaps, just maybe, I should focus on spending that time in a more fruitful or productive way. What if each of us mentally made the effort to carve out more time for reading, or writing in a journal, volunteering, creating, spending time with family, helping our neighbors.....?????

What we do with our time reflects our hearts and character. Time is a valuable gift, and as such, should not be squandered. Down time is necessary, yes......but wasted time?

Today, on this 13th day of my Gratitude project, I am thankful to be alive in this day and age! I am thankful for all the modern conveniences I enjoy from minute to minute, from coffeemakers to blow dryers to my Kindle. I am thankful to have limitless opportunities, courtesy of science and technology. And I am thankful for the gift of extra time!

I know that you, too, were blessed in some way today. Please feel free to share your blessing today. I know you've received many!!!

Wrapping up Day 13......

Jane

Day 12 - A Snow Day!!!

2011-12-05T08:49:00.000-06:00

I awoke early this morning.....5:30 am, to be exact. What woke me up so early? The tinkle of Pepper's tags as she wandered around the bedroom....she was trying to wake Jake up to play. Ugh....way too early for that! So, I called her back to her bed, told her to go back to sleep and got up to look out the window.

Snow came during the night. A good dusting covered the ground in white and illuminated the dark outside. I crawled back into bed and snuggled down deep in the warm covers, saying a silent prayer that the dogs would sleep a bit longer.

They did, thank goodness! And when we got up a couple of hours later, the snow was already starting to melt in spots. But, it is still very beautiful and since the temperature didn't get much below freezing for very long, it is just wet and mushy - not slick and dangerous. No school delays today.....

Our beautiful, and sculptural, mesquite tree out front

The mums are done for this year....

As I am enjoying another cup of coffee, I am so thankful that I don't have to get out early in the weather this morning. I am thankful that I have a job that allows me some measure of control over my schedule. I am fortunate to be able to work from home a lot of the time. This is a particular blessing when the weather is bad or I've been under the weather.

When I decided to take that leap of faith and get my real estate license, I knew the first year would be the proving ground. It is difficult to get established and the money only comes after a closing, so there's not a guaranteed paycheck every other Friday. But, I've been blessed to have steady enough business since my first closing to help out with household expenses and build us a little cushion. All in all, I feel like I've had a pretty good year considering I am a rookie.

Of course, in real estate, it's either feast or famine. Putting that money into a cushion fund is necessary because there are times when business is going to be slow - like during the holidays and shortly thereafter. Many seasoned veterans have warned me about this, but after the last couple of years Ed and I have had, they really needn't have been concerned. When there was no or little money coming in and we were living off of savings, I learned very quickly that you can't "blow the wad" if you come into some extra money! Also, it seems that when I've had some of my best months in sales, some major expense comes along - like having to replace the entire heating and cooling system in our house. But, God has blessed in a way that allows us to meet the needs and be able to keep going.

Today, I am thankful for being able to work in a job that I love and appreciate the little benefits like setting my own hours. Eddie doesn't have to go in to work until 2:00, so I get to spend some extra time here at home with him this morning. God is very good in providing for us and bringing us to this place in life.

Still counting blessings.....

Jane

Day 11 - A Bumbling Start to the Day....

2011-12-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

For some unknown reason, I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Not literally, of course. But, I just felt cranky and short-tempered from the moment my feet hit the floor. Realizing my mood was not very pleasant, I wisely crawled back into bed after getting the dogs out and fed. After all, I reasoned, perhaps the problem was that I just needed a little more sleep. And so I hibernated under the covers until Eddie left for work shortly before 9:00 o'clock.

However, my mood didn't seem to really be that improved when I attempted getting up again. I guess the knowledge that today was the day set aside for some housecleaning and laundry didn't help. I brewed a pot of coffee, drank two cups, spun my wheels for a bit on Facebook......

And procrastinated getting started.

I even went so far as to make a rather smart-mouth comment on Facebook that I was having a hard time finding "joy" in scrubbing the toilet.....

Finally, at nearly 10:30, I just realized I needed to just get started and get it done. After a couple of bumbling starts, I had laundry going, linens changed, floors vacuumed, furniture dusted and the house pretty picked up. And you know what???? I found my "joy" in that accomplishment!!!!

Maybe that's how Life is sometimes. We dread knowing we've got to do something and we're just not looking forward to it. We build it up in our minds, make it even more unpleasant than it actually is. Put it off. Whine or gripe about it; resent having to do it.

Any of this sound familiar to you?

Well, now that the day is done and I got some of the necessary stuff out of the way, I am much more relaxed and at peace. Eddie and I had a nice dinner (take-out from Chicken Express - an adventure all it's own....) and enjoyed a couple of our favorite TV programs together. While the temperature outside is dropping, the wet stuff is beginning to sound more like frozen stuff....

I am so thankful to be snuggled up here in our warm, cozy and clean home.

Lord, I am thankful that you had this lesson for me today.

Sometimes the joy is in the finished job.......and sometimes it is found in the doing of the job.

When there is a job before me, help me to approach it with an eagerness for discovering which.....

Stay warm and rest well......

Jane

Day 10 - The Project is the Blessing....

2011-12-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

What a day!!!

Yesterday, the temp hovered in the upper 30's and lower 40's all day, with a good rain coming last night. Oddly, it warmed during the night, creating foggy and drippy conditions. By 3:00 pm, it had cleared to a sunny and warm afternoon. By this time tomorrow, though, an arctic front should pass through, dropping the temperature considerably and possibly bringing a wintry mix our way.

Although it was raining this morning, I decided to venture out to do a little Christmas shopping. The stores and mall were crowded, but it wasn't terribly bad. I covered a lot of ground and I would estimate that I am over halfway through with the shopping for this year. As for tomorrow, I fully intend to get everything that I have purchased so far wrapped and under the tree!

Eddie is working this evening, so I am here, alone with the dogs. When I got home this afternoon, I put a pot of chili on and the boys came over and had dinner with me. Now, they are gone and I am settled in - my warm pj's on and a Christmas movie playing for the dogs in the living room. And I am so thankful to be home.....

It is time to slow my thoughts and my body down. It feels like I have just been "running" all day. I zoomed from store to store, then battled my way through the aisles of the H-E-B. I unloaded the car and took the dogs out for a potty break; this necessitated a thorough cleaning of all twelve paws before they reentered the house. And still they tracked in mud from the all the rain we had last night. So, I ended up vacuuming and mopping before I started dinner. Now, that everything is cleaned up and put away, I can finally relax....

I tell myself.....

Be still.....breathe deeply.....and focus on being thankful.

Enjoy the "down time" and don't think about what needs to be done next.

Just turn that off and let it go, for the day is done.

There is nothing else that MUST be accomplished tonight,

Except to rest and recharge.

(This is a gift I am learning to give myself. To just stop. Not easy for this Type A personality. But, it is something that can be learned....and so now I suppose I am a student in the School of Learning to Chill.)

I am grateful that God led me to embark on this journey of 30 days of Thankfulness. I'm even more thankful that I didn't ignore the gentle nudge to undertake the project. For it is compelling me to slow down each day and focus on a particular blessing - to name it, specifically. And I find myself looking around at the world with eyes wide open....searching for and seeking out the little gifts that are all around me every single day. And that, my friends, is called "a change in attitude".....something I desperately needed. The project, itself, has become a blessing.

So, Day 10 passes and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.....

Good night to you, sweet friends......

Jane

Day 9 - Keeping Family Close

2011-12-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

Some days, as I approach writing my daily blog of gratitude, there is just so much in my life for which I am thankful that it is difficult to narrow it down.....

Today is one of those days! WHAT to write about??? How to select just one topic on which to expound......

But, I'm going to narrow it down....not just sit here, with fingers poised above the keys, waiting for inspiration to hit.

Today, I am thankful to live so close to much of my family!!! Since we moved back to Abilene, less than two short years ago, our lives have changed in many ways. One of the best changes is that we get to see loved ones much more frequently!

Ben and Sam share an apartment here in town. They come over for dinner pretty regularly, as you would expect two young, single guys to do. Sam's schedule at work even allows us to get together for a late lunch now and then. When they need something, they know we are just a phone call away. And this is one momma who enjoys answering the phone every time caller ID shows any one of her kids!

Bonnie and her two children also live here in town. Occasionally she has to work on Saturdays for a while and Trayden and Ansleigh get to come over and spend some time with Mimi and Papa Ed. They will arrive early in the morning, before the sun is peeping over the horizon, and snuggle back into bed with me until Papa Ed cracks out the griddle and pretends he is the cook at IHOP.

Mom lives just over a mile from me. I've even ridden my bicycle over to house when the weather is fair. Now that she is retired, we can get out and do a bit of "junking" from time to time. And every outing includes stopping at Sonic for a cherry coke! She is faithful to run over and take the pups out for a potty break when I get detained at work. And she painted tirelessly when we moved into our place here. She's more than my mom - she is my friend.

Daddy lives a couple of miles away, but he shows up quite often on Saturday mornings with a box of donuts....for no reason, whatsoever. He loves to come over and have dinner with us and he and Ed get along famously. Since I live on his way to HEB, he stops by en route quite often. Sometimes he just drops off the newspaper or coupons he has collected for me and visits for a minute. But, I love getting to see him on a regular basis.

After living so far from family for several years, I truly have a deep appreciation for living near everyone now. I love that no one has to travel for holidays or special occasions. We can get together and then everyone gets to go home and sleep in their own bed. It's such a wonderful set-up that there are days when I can scarcely believe what a blessing it is to be near family. It is something I will never take for granted!

Getting together for a birthday dinner at Famous Dave's

Celebrating Sam's graduation from high school

Squeezing into the kitchen/dining area for dinner together - card table necessary!

Pumpkin carving on the back patio before Halloween

Thank you, God, for the blessing of Family. And thank you for allowing us to be close and part of each others' daily lives. Family makes life so much more sweet - even in tough times. It's a built-in support system for us and for that I am eternally grateful!

Blessings to you, sweet friends.....

Jane

Day 8 - Finding the Message in Film and Song.....

2011-12-01T17:00:00.001-06:00

Music and movies. I simply love Christmas movies and music!!!

It seems that usually sometime in October, I will dig out a holiday CD and pop it in for a quick fix. Then, I pull out the Christmas DVD's in our growing collection and use the excuse of "entertaining the pups" to start watching them well before Thanksgiving.

This year, I realized that there are some real gems to be found in the classics - if you are just listening. In particular, these messages have caught my ear and captured my heart.....

~~"The Polar Express"~~

I've loved this story since I discovered the book with my children many years ago! It's all about Believing. When the movie came out, it seemed to speak to adults more than to children. In reading reviews, it became apparent that the animation and artwork seemed a little "creepy" and "dark" to children. But, I loved it! And the music was beyond fabulous! I particularly love the the song "Believe", sung by Josh Groban during the final credits. In listening to the words, I am struck by one phrase -

"Destinations are where we begin again."

Wow, think about it for a moment. This is so true in life, isn't it? So much of the focus in life is on reaching a "destination", but what happens after that? Well, the next story begins. Even as we strive toward to the final destination, this is a reminder that it is only the beginning....

~~"Miracle on 34th Street"~~

This classic movie has been remade several times. I still love the original version with Natalie Wood, but have a special fondness for the mid-90's version and it's timeless feel. At one point in the movie, Kris Kringle is talking to a "non-believer" about her lack of belief in the spirit of Santa Claus -

"If you can't believe, have faith, in something unseen, you are doomed to a life filled with doubt."

This is true on so many levels, isn't it? Without faith and pure belief, doubt is always present. Faith and believing in things we can't see with our eyes is one of the cornerstones in our daily walk with God....

~~"It's a Wonderful Life"~~

The most classic of all Christmas films, without a doubt! So many messages on so many levels....

"No man is a failure who has friends."

If you take away nothing else from this tale, take this truth! The final scene in the movie, as the people from town gather around George Bailey and his family, is one of the most memorable. Filled with a renewed Joy for life and gratitude for the selfless acts of others, George has the realization that each one of us touches so many others simply by our existence. Each one of us has special value and purpose in this life, whether we realize it or not. But, what a blessing to see evidence of that purpose!

Although Hollywood often sends out negative or mixed signals, once in a while they get it right! These are just three examples of nuggets of wisdom found in holiday movies that encourage and inspire. And I am thankful for the message of each!!!

So, bring on the hot chocolate and candy canes! Settle on the sofa with your loved ones and pop in one of the Christmas classics. Sing along - out loud - to the sounds of your favorite Christmas tunes as you drive around town. Smile and savor the simple truth of the holiday message!

Listening to the words of the season....

Jane

Day 7 - The Opportunity to Blog!!!

2011-11-30T21:18:00.000-06:00

When I started blogging here at "Janie's Porch", just over two years ago, I didn't realize just how valuable and important the project would become in my life....

I have learned much, mostly through trial and error. I have studied other blogs and gleaned information and pointers on style and content. And, through a process over time, have become comfortable with where my blog is heading. I know what I like to look at and read, and I know what I want to talk about, so the direction of "Janie's Porch" has evolved. In fact, it continues to evolve and change as my life changes, reflecting the journey from my perspective.

When I first started blogging, I contacted the writer of a blog I greatly admire. She was so gracious to give me advice and feedback, helping me to develop my own style. She encouraged me to add photos to the blog to make it visually interesting and that is one part of blogging that I truly enjoy - capturing images to share my thoughts. To this day, I still read and admire her blog for its variety and balance and because it is just so aesthetically pleasing.

I went through a period of time when "readership" became terribly important to me. I "linked up" to as many posts as possible, visited other blogs and tried to attract "followers". Only thing was - it seemed that my content suffered, at least on a personal level. I would see an increase in the number of followers, but I rarely heard back from any of them; it was as if they followed me simply so I would follow them; it was merely a numbers game.

So, I shifted my focus back to sitting down in front of a blank computer screen and paying attention to the words to which I actually committed to sharing. What works for another blogger doesn't necessarily work for me, and vice versa. I can only write about what I know, feel and understand. I can't blog non-stop about crafts or projects that I don't have time to do; I'm not the world's greatest cook and don't have an endless supply of recipes to share; I'm not a decorating diva that fine tunes the furnishings in our home every other week; and I'm certainly not a spiritual adviser or devotional leader who toggles out sage writings!

I'm just Jane, plain and simple. And part of my experience with blogging has been discovering more about who I really am.

One of the unexpected perks of blogging has been in making new "friends" here. I love reading the comments left by visitors and there have been some who stop by often enough and leave messages that make me feel as if I know them. Although I have never met these friends in person, I treasure the interaction with them and the encouragement they offer when they leave remarks. I find I have much in common with people from around the world on certain topics!

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to host "Janie's Porch". I'm thankful for the technology that enables me to share posts and publish my thoughts and opinions on the modern marvel known as the worldwide web. And I'm thankful for the friends and readers I get to interact with as a result. I count this venture as a tremendous blessing!

Thankful for your visit today.....

Jane

Day 6 - Do You Hear What I Hear???

2011-11-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

This morning, I sat on the back porch and felt the sun, warm on my face. The dogs were scampering around the yard; the birds were chirping; the air was very still. And I heard....bells.

Church bells, to be exact. Keep in mind, the nearest church that has bells in the tower is at least two miles away from our house. I don't think I have ever heard the sounds of their music from here before. But, this morning, I could hear it very distinctly....carrying across the distance, sweet and pure.

It was a wonderful moment. I just sat very still, listening to the peal of the bells and counting the strikes of the clock. Nine o'clock....each ring as clear as the one before.

I simply soaked it all in....until the music faded away.

What a beautiful way to start the day. It was a gift, both for the hearing and the soul. And for that, I am truly thankful.

Enjoying the sounds of the season....

Jane

Day 5 - Grace

2011-11-28T19:36:00.000-06:00

This afternoon was a special opportunity to meet up with my daughter and her fiance downtown for some impromptu photo shooting. We met at 5:00, as the sun was already well over into the western sky and the shadows were very long. Initially, it was obvious they felt awkward posing for the camera, but they eventually relaxed and I think we got some pretty good shots.

As I strolled around the streets downtown, my eyes lifted upward and I saw my Blessing for today.....

This is the sign that sits atop the historic Grace Hotel here in Abilene. The neon lights had just come on. However, from my vantage point, the word Grace was unlit. Disappointing from a wannabe photographer's viewpoint, but I didn't take it as a divine sign! After all, the blessing was that my focus was lifted upwards and my thoughts turned to Grace.

Grace means free gift. In Greek, it is the word, charis, which is literally a free gift. The most common definition used in Christianity is "God's unmerited favor". As I browsed the internet for definitions of "grace", I found so much information, a virtual overload of information. It's overwhelming. And I don't think God intends for us to be overwhelmed by the scholarly definition of the word, but "grace" covers a lot!

I think God just wants us to understand the basic concept of Grace. For me, personally, it is -

humbling, to know that God bestows such a gift upon me....

sustaining, in times of crisis and trial....

enlightening, as to the character of God....and

always sufficient.

It is knowing that the ultimate gift was given in order for me to be able to look forward to a heavenly eternity.

And today, I am so deeply thankful for that grace. The depth of my gratitude knows no words, but God knows my heart.

Many Blessings to you, my Friends....

Jane

Day 4 - Getting Out of the House!

2011-11-27T18:29:00.000-06:00

I have been battling "the crud" for a couple of weeks now. I even broke down and went to a walk-in clinic earlier in the week to see if I could get some help with shaking this awful congestion before Thanksgiving.

However, I am my own worst enemy when it comes to taking care of myself. I always feel the need to Go, Go, Go - even when I should slow down and get some extra rest so my body can heal. It became very apparent to me yesterday that I had overdone it and I ended up in my jammies, curled up in bed and dozing, by 3:00 pm!

All that extra rest had me feeling much better this morning! The challenge was to avoid overdoing it today and ending up back in that same spot. So, I took the day a little easier....

I hadn't been in the car since Wednesday afternoon and was feeling a bit of "cabin fever" this afternoon. So, after showering and bundling up against the cold north wind, I decided to head out for a little bit. After stopping at Sonic for a coke and some tater tots (instant energy!), I went out to WalMart with a short shopping list. Lo and behold! The parking lot was half empty! Not what I was expecting, at all. I guess everyone had shopped themselves into exhaustion on Friday and Saturday and it was actually quite pleasant not to have to fight a crowd.

I picked up eggs and some other necessities - had everything on my list within a few minutes. So, I headed over to look for a new bedskirt. (Pepper chewed the front side of ours up something awful a few days ago. Sometimes, I don't know what gets into that pup!) While I was cruising bedding, I found a whole new comforter set in just the colors I was envisioning for our bedroom. And, get this, the entire set was only $48! Whoever said "If you can't get it at WalMart, you don't need it", wasn't kidding. I grabbed that bag up and was out of there in a snap.

Feeling pretty stoked, I decided to stop at Old Navy on the way home. There, I stumbled upon the clearance section and found two terrific sweaters - one in black, one in brown - both marked WAY down. Total for the two cardigans - $38, including tax.

After only an hour out of the house, I had scored some great bargains and was headed back home, still feeling pretty good. And very proud of myself for not "overdoing" it.

Now, I have the new linens on the bed. Loving it! Of course, those fantastic new 1,500-thread count, Egyptian cotton sheets in a lovely shade of terra cotta, which I bought three weeks ago (and that are "to die for" soft), don't really "match" the new bedding. But, that's okay. And the stripe in the fabric which looked brown at the store is really purple. But, that's okay, too. I'm still feeling the love.

As the day winds down, I've made a batch of oatmeal cookies, chocked full of tiny M&M's and chopped nuts, and am about to sit down and just chill with the dogs.

All in all, it's been a very good day. I felt good and I didn't try to do too much. I didn't get chapped about the little things - that don't really matter, by the way. I hummed Christmas songs the entire time I was out and about and didn't get too many strange looks for doing so.

So, today I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to get out and do a little shopping. I'm thankful that I didn't push myself too hard and I didn't even make a "to do" list. I'm thankful that I found some things we needed and didn't blow the budget. This day was nothing short of a blessing.

I hope you've had a blessed day today. Look for the gifts in the little things....

Jane

Day 3 - The Beauty in Nature

2011-11-26T10:35:00.000-06:00

This is the view of my neighbor's oak tree across the street. It is stunning - I wish the photograph did it justice! Here in this part of the world, we don't get a lot of "color" when the leaves fall in the Autumn. But, this tree turns a vibrant shade of red before retiring for the Winter. I can see it from my front porch, from any window on the front side of our house, and I have to pause each time it catches my eye and give thanks.

Today, I am thankful for the beauty found in Nature all around us. Even as leaves on this tree die, they present their best and give proof that there is a great Artist in control.

God is good ~ just look around and see!

Counting blessings, great and small.....

Jane

Day 2 - Decking the Halls

2011-11-25T20:48:00.000-06:00

Today was Black Friday. Many braved the frenzied crowds in the dark of night to head out for great shopping deals. But not this gal......

I decked the halls! Well, at least I got a good running start on getting the inside of the house all decorated for the holidays.

After about 9 hours of it, I have called it a night. The trees are up and trimmed in the living room - but all my bows are MIA.

Minus the tree topping bows and ribbons....they're still MIA....

The garland is lit on the piano top and the hutches - but the front porch is still dark.

Decked out a little differently this year, but I'm loving it!

The snow globe collection has a new home this year (and I must do something about that cord...)

As I worked, I alternately listened to Christmas music and popped DVD's in to keep the dogs entertained.

Check out the elves we've added this year....they make me smile.

And now I am just thankful to be done! (Or at least at a stopping place until tomorrow.....)

Even though I was busy, I had the time to focus on just how fortunate we are - especially at this time of year. We have this wonderful, cozy, little cottage that we get to call "HOME". It is vintage and suits us perfectly. It is warm and filled with love. To own our home outright gives us such a feeling of security. And today I am so thankful to God for this blessing! As usual, God led us just where we needed to be at this stage in our lives.

Wishing you all a good night's rest.....

Jane

Day 1 - A Day of Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:21:00.001-06:00

Today kicks off my month-long project of daily posts about the many Blessings in my life for which I am thankful.

It is Thanksgiving ~ a day set aside to be with family and give thanks for the abundance of gifts from God.

I won't stretch and call it a day of rest....no, not really a day of rest. For today, Eddie and I prepared a traditional Thanksgiving meal for our family. Turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, yummy yams, fruit salad, pumpkin pie.........well, you get the picture! It's a lot of work in the kitchen (not to mention the craziness of the supermarket just to get everything). But, this is a chore which gives me great joy to perform. And the delicious smells that have filled this house for the past couple of days are a blessing on their own!

On this day, I am thankful for this special time set aside to lift up prayers of Thanksgiving. A day to reflect and be with family. I'm thankful that we are able to prepare such a delicious meal and share it with those we love. My dad and my mother and Bob were able to sit down and enjoy dinner with us. Even though the kids were at their Dad's for the midday meal, they headed to our place for a fun supper of leftover turkey and dressing and their fill of desserts! Today, I'm thankful that they can go back and forth from one home to the other without feeling like they have to choose.

As I reflect on the day, I think how good God is! And I am reminded that each day should be a day of thanksgiving....each moment to be lived in a state of thankful praise.

This holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, seems to me to be the perfect time to focus on that state of thankfulness. And so I embark on this project of taking the time to post here on The Porch daily, focusing on the many blessings, large and small, in my life. Journey with me....

Warm hugs....

Jane

Knocking Back Stress (aka Resisting the Urge)

2011-11-17T22:02:00.000-06:00

I'm trying really hard not to feel like I'm running behind! In the last few days, I have learned that both my daughter, Bonnie, and my mother have put up their Christmas trees and started decking their halls!

Then I go online and browse through my favorite blogs and see a Winter~Wonderland~Holiday~Bonanza going on out there!

Oh, my....OH, MY!!! The temptation, the urge, the feeling of obligation to keep up is pounding at my door!

However, I am truly resisting the urge to start dragging out boxes and crates. It's an undertaking that simply takes more than one day to accomplish. I haven't had a day yet to devote......

And perhaps that is a good thing!

I have decided to view it this way ~

It is too early to decorate for Christmas and Life's pace has reminded me of this. Next week, after taking the time to stop for a day and give Thanks in an appropriate manner, I will have the rest of a long weekend to prepare our home for Christmas. This is the way it will be. This is the way it is working out. And I accept that.

So, until next Friday, I am putting self-imposed guilt and stress on hold, refusing them entry into my flow. While many will venture out in the dark hours of early morning that day, I will sleep in for just a bit. Then I will get up and have a nice cup of coffee with pumpkin spice creamer in it. I will dress in comfy sweats and put on Christmas music. Finally, I will take my time and decorate with holiday cheer until my heart is content.

Until then, I will just have to settle for reflecting on some of my images of Christmas (and the related decor) Past.......

And feel at peace with the way this will fall into place.

Blessings to you on this chilly evening ~

Jane

Under Foot....Defined!

2011-11-14T13:42:00.000-06:00

This is what I must contend with when I try to sit down at the desk in my home office.....

Bless his heart! Jake just doesn't realize that he does NOT fit under the desk! Every time he does this, he lays on the power strip and shuts me down. Eddie says "He just wants to be close you.....".

Side note ~ I recently got the settings on my camera all messed up and out of whack! Still working on getting it lined out so I will have it ready to grab-on-the-go when I start counting my "30 Days of Blessings" later this month. I actually have had to pull the owner's manual out to try to figure this out....it will be a tremendous blessing if I can just figure it out!

Loving my pups today!

Jane

Getting into the Spirit of Thanksgiving!

2011-11-09T14:16:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've been noticing a trend of Thankfulness going around on Facebook. I'm sure you have seen it - people post each day about something for which they are thankful. It's a beautiful thing to watch.....

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I've been thinking about starting a project similar to this. But, I think my blog is a better platform to post about things for which I am thankful.

As I consider this project, I realize that it is a huge commitment - to post each day about a Blessing in my life. One Blessing a day - with as much or as little detail as seems appropriate. Photos included - or not. But, if I would commit to doing this on a daily basis, it would mean making the effort and taking the time to truly note the Blessing.

I have been reading a wonderful book - "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.

It has inspired me to start keeping a journal of sorts, listing even the smallest "gifts" which I notice. Part of the act of Thanksgiving is acknowledging these gifts in writing. It puts our focus directly on the physical impact of the gift - whether it is the pleasurable slant of the sun on an Indian Summer afternoon, or the smell of a pot of stew simmering on the stove. By dialing in on simple gifts around us, we can learn to live in the moment, no matter what the circumstances.

And, so now I am contemplating making the commitment, during the busiest season of the year, to stop each day and create a post to share about my own Thanksgiving. Looking at the calender, it appears that by starting on Thursday, November 24th - Thanksgiving Day, in fact - I can wrap up this project right at day which represents the biggest Gift of all - Christmas.

I hope you will take time to drop by and share in the Blessings with me. Perhaps we will find that we have many of the same things that touch our lives and deserve our utmost gratitude.

Now that I have put it in writing and am sending it out there for all the world to see, I am excited to get started....eager to put my daily post on my list of priorities for an entire month! For you see, I have so much to be thankful for and I want to make it my practice to focus on all the good things. They say that it takes three weeks to develop a new habit. Well, 30 days should get me into a truly good routine!

See you soon!

Jane

Welcome, November...

2011-11-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

Good morning, November!!!

You have arrived sunny, windy and crisp. With carved pumpkins still sitting on the steps out front, and leaves drifting down to settle on the lawn. Like a breath of fresh air, you came during the night.

Now my thoughts turn towards nesting; cozying up on chilly evenings with a cup of steaming cider. Darkness falls before the dinner hour. The smell of fireplace smoke floats in the air.

You are my favorite, you know. My favorite time of the year. Before the Christmas frenzy starts, when the world pauses to take a look around and reflect on all the Blessings bestowed in the Harvest.

Stay for a while and let me take it all in. Soak up the weakening rays of the sun on late afternoons, scuff along in the leaves. Enjoy time with the Loved Ones.

Welcome, November......

Jane

TRICK or TREAT!!!

2011-10-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful evening with Family tonight!

Put together an impromptu dinner of simple "hamburger stew" late this afternoon. Opted for store bought jalapeno cheese bread, corn muffins and thumbprint cookies to keep the stress levels down since this was kinda "last minute". Grabbed a few extra pumpkins while I was at the store. Then Bonnie, Ben & Bethany, Sam, Mom and Daddy gathered at our house......and we had a terrific time!

Pumpkin carving commences on the back porch

We had wonderful, mild weather for being out of doors

In comparison to last year, it seemed we had quite a few kids come to the door for treats. We just about ran out of candy!!! I had to bring out my secret stash of snack-size Heath bars for the last few kids. (I guess that's probably a good thing....)

This is how our porch looked at the end of an evening of carving........

Kinda spooky, huh?

Hope you've had a fun time with your loved ones this evening!

A big BOO to you!!!

Jane

When To Start???

2011-10-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

I was sitting here this morning, looking at the calender.....Thanksgiving, followed closely by December, is just around the corner. I am trying to stay focused on the "holiday" right before us - Halloween. But, my thoughts are already racing towards the next decorating bonanza.....

Our tree - 2010

The dilemma for me always boils down to "when" to start the Christmas decorating! Unfortunately or otherwise, I generally start putting out Christmas decorations out and decking the tree prior to Thanksgiving. My twisted logic tells me that if I can have everything done prior to Thanksgiving, I will then be able to fully enjoy the four-day weekend without being in the throes of stringing lights and garland.

Somehow, the special Joy that is the spirit of Thanksgiving seems to get overlooked. Shouldn't we still have signs of Autumn and the abundant harvest adorning our home as we stop for the day with Family and simply give Thanks? Instead, it has turned into a pre-Christmas escapade, with all eyes focused on the debut of this year's tree and tiny lights. It's almost like we're doing Christmas twice....

And so I am contemplating how to proceed this year. When to start the Christmas frenzy......

When do you start turning your thoughts towards Christmas???

Jane

At the End of the Day.......

2011-10-20T18:09:00.000-05:00

Such a busy, hectic day!!! And I still have so much to do!!! If you see a crazy lady darting around with patches of her hair yanked out, it's probably me.

I just realized, in all my rushing around, I have not even eaten today! My tummy is reminding me of this by twisting itself into knots.

Yet, I sit here at my computer....thoughts swirling and crashing around in my head, competing for that coveted spot at the front of the line.

And....I breathe. Slowly. Deeply. In and out....trying to calm my rapidly beating heart and still my mind....

For just a moment. Of Peace.

God is blessing me, Friends. Truly, He is! My business is coming right along and the work of many weeks and months is coming together. It's just all coming together at the same time! And the pace is frenzied.

A cool head is essential in the Real Estate business. So many details to remember. Lots of loose ends to tie up neatly and behind the scenes. So easy for it to all unravel if the ball is dropped. I realize that people's Dreams depend upon the quality of my service to them.

And so I sit and try to compose myself....organize those wily, frantic thoughts into some semblance of order and priority. Perhaps this action - just stopping and committing these words to print - will help me to achieve the energy and calm I need to finish this day.

Lord, help me to be still and listen for your voice. Guide me and bless me with your sweet spirit of calm. Give me focus and multiply my efforts. But, above all, Thank You for all that You have already done to bring me to this point. Your grace sustains me. It is enough.

Hugs to you all.....

Jane