Bats and Bananas

Bats in the belfry! 

       

Well, there are days I probably do have bats in the belfry, but not today.

I did, however, have a little red bat hanging from my carport ceiling.

 

It has inspired the little note I wrote below.

Snuggled up close, it hangs silently above, like a little red ball.

Patiently it waits for darkness to fall, and then it will take flight.

It will fly this way and that, seeking to gobble up every mosquito and gnat.  

Once its belly is full, it will land again, patiently waiting.

I just went outside and it has flown away gobbling up its meal for the day.

 

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CURIOSITY...

After finding the bat in the carport this afternoon, I was curious if bats were mentioned in the Bible.  So, I did some research and lo' and behold they are.  

 

Check it out; in the book of Isaiah chapter two, Isaiah warns his listeners to "run for cover" because of the coming judgment of the day of the LORD.  This is a time of universal judgment that will result in the overthrow of all human government.  He is urging his readers to trust God, since human government will collapse into the dust.  Verse 20 talks about how men will throw their idols to the moles and the bats.

Isaiah 2:20 In that day a man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to moles and to the bats;

 

So there you have it.  Bats are in the Bible. 

 

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AWW... BANANAS

As I'm snacking on a banana now, the thought; bats in the belfry?... bananas?...

   I guess my mind is on that tangent this evening... who knows?

I hope my dreams aren't crazy. :)

Whatever the case may be, I do know eating this banana has made me want to make a banana pudding soon.  

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Okay... enough crazy talk... it's been a couple of crazy weeks. 

I guess it's run over into my blog this evening.

The weekend begins tomorrow, so here's wishing you a wonderful weekend!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

It Is Well...

Do you ever get a song stuck in your mind?  

Well, I've got one.  On the way to church this evening I pulled out my Kutless CD and popped in a Steve Ivey CD to mellow out some.   After hard rocking to the glory of God, I have to wind down once in awhile.

Anyway... on the way home the song "It Is Well" was on and it has been going through my mind ever sense.  It's a good song to get stuck in my head.   Especially after the song that got stuck in my head at work the other day.  It was the one by Charlie Pride, in reference to what one can do with their job.  You know the one I'm talking about.  :)  That one got stuck in my head,  due to one of the guys mentioning it, at work.  

So I am very thankful that "It Is well with my soul" and the song is stuck in my head. Much better than the other!

I couldn't find a video with Steve Ivey's version but did find this beautiful piano version.

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CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY TAB.... LOTS OF NEW ONES!

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IN CLOSING...

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  Psalm 42:2

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Mother Nature in reverse negative

It rocked and rolled again, early this evening, with thunderstorms, high winds and possible tornadoes.   Just as the storm started moving past I went outside and took this pic. 

I'm facing west and the storm is still dark behind me in the East. 
I thought this would be a cool pic -  It's like a negative in reverse.



Storms are rolling in again, so I'm signing off.  

Have a great Wednesday!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

An Awesome Celebration

Last night I was blessed beyond words by the Easter drama that was held at First Baptist Branch, AR.   The people involved sang their hearts out and played their parts to the glory of God.  I took lots of pics but only about 20 turned out.  I will be sharing a few with you this evening.   If I could describe the drama in one word it would be Awesome.

It started out with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness.

Here, John the Baptist just baptized Jesus and God the Father shining down spoke "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased".

 

Then Jesus teaches in the temple.

He performs many miracles.

Here, a blind man gets healed.

The chief centurion's son is sick and dying.  

Here, he goes to Jesus and is told because of his faith, his son will live and he does.

The play continues on with Jesus arriving and the people waving palm leaves and singing His praises.

Here, two centurions are discussing if Jesus is truly the Messiah.  One believes He is; the other is not so sure.




 

Then the winds change and the very people, who were praising Jesus name, have turned against Him.

They condemn Him to die.

They nail Him to a cross, raise it and set it in the ground, jarring His body that is already beaten beyond recognition and pierced.   All this and He suffered without complaint and asked God the Father to forgive us for what we do.  Think about it, every time we sin, now, in the past and in the future, Jesus Christ felt that on the cross, but He still asked for our forgiveness.

With a loud voice He cried out "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit!" and gave up the ghost.  (Luke 23:46)

(note:  one of the cool things that happened while the drama went on... a storm blew in and thunder clapped right at the moment of the cross being stood up, for this scene.  I like to think God was helping out with the production.)

Here, Jesus is taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb that is sealed off.






Then guards are put in place to watch over the tomb.

Sounds like the end to a story doesn't it?  Guess what... the story is just beginning!

 Jesus said He would rise again in three days.

Well, on the third day, an angel of God shows up, the entire guard falls  out, and the angel opens up the tomb.


 

Here's the awesome part,
Jesus lives!!

Now that's something to celebrate!!

The drama continued on with Mary finding the tomb empty and running back to tell the disciples and then speaking to Jesus without knowing who He was until He said "Mary".  She knew then it was Jesus because she knew His voice. 

The disciples also saw Him after His resurrection and that centurion who wasn't sure if He was the Messiah or not... well he did believe in the end.

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ANOTHER PROJECT DONE

I crocheted this ring yesterday afternoon and then finished it up with the cross and heart this evening.

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RAIN, RAIN, RAIN

Today was another stormy day.  We evacuated to the tornado rally points at work today because there was one heading our way but we were blessed that it missed us.

We are under a river flood warning until Wednesday afternoon.  There is more rain coming in tomorrow too, so it could get pretty interesting.   

 

This is what it looked like in my neighborhood this afternoon.

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IN CLOSING

Have a terrific Tuesday!  

If you are in the rainy, boggy areas, stay safe and dry.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Relax, Reflect and Enjoy the Day

Today was a day of reflection.  It was overcast and a little rainy.  I friend of mine loves rainy days and talked about how it is nice to just take it easy all day.

I agree.


The overcast inspired me to take some pictures today.  It was lightly sprinkling when I took these pictures.


The trees are greening up nicely.

My hostas are growing like crazy

 The rain brings the birds out too.  They were singing all afternoon.  

I got a picture of this pair of Blue Jays while they played and sang.

 

This Robin was singing too.

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PROJECT ACCOMPLISHED

This is the doily I made today, to take to work for my desk.

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This evening my family and I went to an Easter Cantata at First Baptist, here in town and it was a blessing to see and visit with a few of my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

The drama was from the view of Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene and was very good, though I didn't get any pictures of it, as my camera's battery was low.  

I will make sure to charge my camera up and take pictures of the Easter program I will be seeing tomorrow night.

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IN CLOSING

Luke 23:32-34 And there were also two others, criminals, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  And they divided his garments and cast lots.

Luke 23:44-46 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the middle.  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

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God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Jumped the Wall

Well, I jumped the wall this week.

Mentally and in reality.

Mentally, I scaled the wall, wiggled through the barbed wire barrier and made it to freedom.

In reality I moved to the other side of a cubicle wall.  That in itself seems a little like freedom.  At least it's closer to the door.

But enough about work...

My husband, David, surprised me and two ladies I work with yesterday afternoon with a delicious snack.

Almond Butter White Chocolate Chip Cookies.  

Delicious doesn't quite cut it, it's more like Yummylicious!

I have posted the recipe on the recipe tab.
Check it out!


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CURRENT FINISHED PROJECT

 

I crocheted a dishcloth last night.  

The colors made me think of Easter and Spring when I bought the yarn.

I started a doily this evening in the same yarn and will be adding black as a contract.  If it turns okay I will take it to work to use under a potted plant I have on my desk.

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GOALS THIS WEEKEND

1. To work on my family tree
2. To work on "Changing Winds" quilt 
3. To see a Easter Cantata Saturday night
4. Church on Sunday and a different Easter Cantata Sunday evening

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IN CLOSING

Blingcheese.com

Luke 22:39-44  And he came out, and went as he was accustomed, to the mount of olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said to them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Strong Drink and Chocolate

STRONG DRINK AND CHOCOLATE

Today one of the ladies at work jokingly stated that my alter-personality, "Sasha", came to work today.   I didn't think I was misbehaving that badly but I did assure her I would ply "Sasha" with strong drink and chocolate tonight.

 

So, I'm on my third tall glass of Pepsi on the rocks, and the chocolate fudge brownie is already gone!

~hiccup~

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TALK ABOUT TALENT!

The Logan County PieceMaker's Quilt guild meeting was tonight.   There is awesome talent in the guild.  Check out the show-n-tell we had tonight.

 

First this small quilt was presented.  It went into our love quilt collection.  

I like the Americana colors!

 Then there was this cute media bag.  Check out the organization on this bag! :)


 

 Check out this floral wall hanging.  How cool!

When this one was shown, I exclaimed SUWEET!!

It looks like a lot of tiny kaleidoscope pictures.




 
There was also a quilt shown that the guild has helped make in commemoration of three generations of Smith Doctors.    One is still with us and I bet he will be blessed when this is presented.  So I can't show it until after the presentation.

 We also showed off the 2011 Butterfly Quilt that will be given away at the Butterfly Festival this year.

Look at those beautiful colors!

Check out the quilting!  It was done by Lovelace Quilting.

 


 Then during the meeting thunder started rolling and one of the ladies got up and went out to look. 

We have been under storm and tornado watches today.   

Well, she came back in and said it was looking golden outside, so I ran out and took a pic of the golden clouds.     

This is a pic of one of the cool things God allows us to see.

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 IN CLOSING

The golden colored clouds tonight inspired my posting the following verse. 

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

 

Testing... yes I have felt that of late.   I must remember, that I will not be put through more than I can handle and when the test is done, I will come forth as gold.

Have a great Wednesday!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Shining Lights

Microsoft clip art

 
I see the bad moon arising, I see trouble on the way....  

That song started going through my head this evening as the pic below shows the red moon.

 


Though my little digital cam, didn't get a good pic of the red moon, here it is.

 Later it looked like this.            

 

There is an old wives tales that states "Full moon rising clear means good weather".

Well... checked the weather channel and no rain predicted for tomorrow but rain is predicted for the rest of the week...hmmm  Guess time will tell.

I put it all in God's hands as He is the one in control of the weather.

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JUST A SIDE NOTE

I finally baked the brownies today and yes they were very good... key word being "were".  

There are a few left but they don't last long at my house.

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POLL RESULTS

Here are the Poll Results for the Best Shop Hop Quilts
Total votes = 24

 Congratulations to Sager Creek with 25% of all votes!!

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IN CLOSING

Since I posted pics of the moon tonight I thought I'd close with thoughts along those lines. 

The moon is our light during the dark hours of the day.  Magnificently created by God.

Often times we go through life and there are dark times.  This happens for everyone.  So the scripture I share tonight talks about shining lights.  Not the kind of light that comes from the moon or from a flashlight, but a  light that comes from within us.

 Let your light so shine before men, that they may  see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

How will you let your light shine this week? 

Maybe there is someone you know, going through a dark time.  They need encouragement or help.  You may be the light they need.   Are you ready to shine?

Have a great week!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia 

Treasures found

Well.. today was a day of  "treasure hunting" and discovering new areas. 

Didn't find much with the Big To Do on HWY22, but we ( my husband, daughter and I) took some other highways too and traveled north, west and back east again. 

Even wound up in Oklahoma at one point.   Go down a road you've never been down before and the next thing you know, you've crossed the state line.  Then, instead of stopping and turning around, you find another way back.  That is a treasure in itself for me.  Discovering new places, whether it be a new town, or a new way to get somewhere.


Some other treasures I found today...

 I found this cute fellow and thought he would do well in my flower bed.

 This cute little critter is cast iron and will hold my front door open

on those sunny Spring days.

 and I received this pleasant surprise in the mail.  

I plan to make a miniature quilt with it.

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One day left for the poll on the Best Shop Hop Quilt.  

I will post the results tomorrow.

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Here's wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

A Pleasant Surprise

Microsoft clip art

This week has been a week of a heavy heart. 

The company I'm working for, has had a major reconstruction from the top to the bottom. 

Today we had to lay off 30 people.  

It was hard having to pull the time cards, hearing them being told and then facing them when they picked up their checks.  I had to tell one person, and that was hard enough; but my supervisor had the awful task of telling all the others and it was not easy for her.    

This is not the first time I have seen it happen.  It has happened a few times in the past 22 years, but it doesn't make it any easier.

BUT...on a happier note,

This morning I received a package from Pennsylvania.   Michelle, my mug rug swap partner, mailed it to me.  What a pleasant surprise and welcome break from the heaviness I have felt this week. 

 Have you ever had a Krimpet before?  They are yummy.  :)

 This mug rug and wall pocket below, fits right in at my house.

 Isn't this wall pocket cute?  Now, I need to find some dried flowers to put in it.


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THIS WEEKEND

This weekend is the "Big To Do on HWY 22".   In other words.... garage sales on HWY 22 from Barling, AR to Conway, AR or something close to that.  :)

I may just have to go treasure hunting tomorrow!    

I also plan to finish a little quilt top I started last night, as self diagnosed therapy, to help with the stress I've been feeling.   It is made of many 1" strips sewn together.  I plan to cut them again and sew them back together, creating a random pattern.   This design came to me during my therapy last night.  I plan to call it  "Changing Winds".  

OH! and brownies!  I meant to bake brownies earlier in the week.  SO that is a must for this weekend!

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IN CLOSING...

God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.  1 Corinthians 6:14

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

P.S.  if you haven't voted yet on the Best Shop Hop Quilt, please do so.  Only 2 more days left!  You can see the quilts by clicking on the quilt tab above.