We Are Getting Ready for a Wedding!

Surely I have mentioned that my oldest granddaughter is getting married this summer.

And just so you will know, the dress saga is still ongoing.

But, that's not the reason for today's post.

This weekend, I traveled to Dallas for Chandler's first bridal shower in the home of one of her best friends and bridesmaid, Caroline.  Invited guests were mostly friends and family of the groom.

As I looked at my beautiful, intelligent and loving granddaughter, I couldn't help remembering what she was like only yesterday.

Now, she will be graduating from A&M and getting married a couple weeks later.

But, this weekend we were only thinking about having fun, meeting new people, and celebrating this precious couple.

Chandler with mom Christy and sisters Emily, Cassidy and Ava Grace

Christy, Chandler and Grandmothers, me and Sandra Harbison

 Is it not evident that this girl had a wonderful time?

 I got the impression, this was a special gift specifically for Brad.

 She loved my gift.

 Her Harbison Grandmother gave something she was very excited about.

 She had a ball and was so grateful for it all.

 All they need now is a place to put it all.

Isn't it strange how our mind works sometime?  You look at something and yet in your minds eye you actually see something else?

This happened for me when I looked at this picture....

 I actually saw this one.

Where have the years gone?

After the shower, I had an opportunity to give them a couple paintings I did for them.

 This was a very crude abstract interpretation of their engagement announcement picture, but they seemed to like it.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful gifts of the day was one given to them by my sister, Gingie.  It is a tray that was given to our mother as a wedding gift back in 1943.

  My sisters and I have treasured it all these years, and now it is time to pass it on.

I think Larla would definitely approve.

 So, congratulations to you Chandler, and I can't wait to celebrate you and Brad again next month.

Ode to a Country Preacher

When going through some mystery boxes in the attic recently, I discovered a treasure trove of memorabilia.

My dad, a country preacher, was a prolific letter writer and thankfully I saved some of the ones written to me as well as some special ones to my children.  Sometimes, these to the kids were written from the family dog, Pug.

Most are just ramblings and re-countings of what otherwise might have been a mundane life in rural Acadiana land.

However, for my dad, nothing was mundane and even if it had been, he could paint the most interesting word pictures that often made me wish to be part of its mundaneness right along with him.

On the envelope of one such letter, I had written,

"Ode to a Country Preacher."

I think you will understand why I wrote that many years ago from the following account written by my daddy and the grand kids Papa:

Thursday Evening

Nov, 1981

Dear Family,

There are a couple of weary folk here, tonight.  Two funerals this week has left us rather tired in some ways.

Funerals here are somewhat different than in more urban areas.  In our community (church), a funeral can last for at least a couple of days.  That, of course, includes the wake.  Now, the wake itself is a kind of celebration which family and friends seem to thoroughly enjoy.  The large amounts of food and coffee provided adds to the festive nature, and to the digestive problems of the more heavy eaters and drinkers.

The children are turned loose to plunder the church's resources at will.  Fortunate are the rooms with locked doors.  The telephone rings more or less continuously prior to midnight, resulting in endless trips to find "so and so" and summon him to the phone.

The pastors' office is a favorite place!  The ladies like to retreat there for privacy in smoking; curiosity prompts some to examine books (leaving them lying around), to go through any mail or papers left in view; and poke a finger down on the typewriter keyboard to see if it really works.

Anyway, everybody has a pretty good time, except the oldest family members, who have to "bear up" before everybody.  But, it all ends with a carefully planned 30 minute service, and the multitudes think it was a "lovely service" etc.  And I'm inclined to think it was too.  Tiring though they might be, I kind of like the type of funeral we have at Chicot, in the country.

Love you,

Papa

Dad with his girls on Easter Sunday 1954.  Mother always made us matching dresses in fabric of our choice.

Papa never forgot that God had called him to preach while sitting on a tree stump in the piney woods of north Louisiana.  He wasn't called to be just any preacher either.  He knew he was called to be a "country preacher."  And he never lost sight of that calling even though he had opportunities to do what some called "more worthwhile" things such as serve as chaplain at a large hospital in Baton Rouge back in the 1950's.  My dad loved country folk and ministered to them until the day he died.

Love you, Daddy!

Joining today the following links:

Tell His Story 

 

 Live Free Thursday

 Beloved Brews Thursdays

 

A Mixed Theme Hodgepodge

Come join us for this week's

Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce

1. Share a favorite song, book, or movie title containing the word green?

Song:  Four Brothers singing "Green Fields"

Book:  "Green Eggs and Ham"

Movie:  "Odd Life of Timothy Green" 

2. Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, 'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Would you agree? Are you a believer in luck?

I am not a believer in luck because I am a believer in the Almighty Sovereign God who was and is and is to come.  Who needs luck when the Creator of the universe knew me before I was conceived and has a perfect plan for my life?

3. Spring water, Hot Springs, handspring, spring fling, spring break, spring fever, offspring...which 'spring' word best applies to something in your day, week, or life right now?

It has to be spring break - not mine but our granddaughters.  For their spring break, they elected to spend the week in Las Vegas and we will be meeting them there.  Actually, their dad has a medical conference there that week, so it worked out well for all of us.  We are so excited to be spending a whole week with our family in such a fun place.

4. What's something you do to make yourself look or feel more confident?
 
 When I feel my appearance is as it should be, then I tend to think less about myself.  So, making sure my attire and makeup are done well and appropriate is the first step.  An image consultant once told me a lady should do everything she can to look her best, then before walking out the door, examine herself in a full-length mirror and if nothing is hiked or showing, then walk out the door with confidence and focus all your attention on others.

I also, think looking at people in their eyes when you are speaking with them, relays a sense of confidence.

5. It's National Celery Month...are you a fan? If so, what's a snack or dish you enjoy that calls for celery?
 

I am not a celery fan unless it is chopped finely and mixed with other ingredients.

6. What's one thing you wish you'd learned sooner?

To wait.  To be patient and allow God's timing to unfold rather than always trying to be in the drivers seat.

7. Would you like to own a second home? If so where would you want that home to be?

Yes I would, and I would love for it to be in the Colorado Mountains somewhere.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday, our son sent us the following link regarding a new review of his hospital.  We could not be more proud of him and the way he leads his staff to excel in "transformational" care.  What an honor to be the #1 hospital in the state of Indiana regarding patient and employee satisfaction, but now to be included with great organizations like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and John's Hopkins University is a true honor.  Unity Medical and Surgical Hospital is among the best 150 places to work in health care in the nation.

http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/150-great-places-to-work-in-healthcare-2015/unity-medical-and-surgical-hospital-15.html#sthash.imtZoUHd
Becker's Healthcare and Review is the leading source of cutting-edge business and legal information for healthcare industry leaders.

Bless Your Beautiful Hide

Hello Beautiful Strand Theater

Friday night Hubby and I went to the old downtown Strand Theater here in Shreveport, where there is not a bad seat in the house,

to see the touring production of the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."

This classic play opens with the song "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" sung by male lead, Adam.  Another of the classic scenes and songs is "Sobbin Women."  We so enjoyed this wonderful production and are so grateful to have access to performances in such an amazing venue in our city.

 

Hello Architina

 Last year I did a series of three posts on a Richard Neutra house that was built here in 1950.  It is the only Neutra house in the entire center of the country.

This past Saturday a tour group that originated in South Carolina, Architina Travels and Tours, included this treasure in their week-long Mississippi and Louisiana architectural tour.

There were folks from all over the country in this tour group and many had never been to the south.  I think they left with a good impression not only of this beautiful home but of our southern hospitality.

Hostess and home owner, Diann waves bye to the group at the entrance of her wonderful home.  It was such a pleasure to be part of showing off this treasure.

Hello Spring Blossoms

Your Aura of Specialness

Were you aware that you have a unique aura of specialness?

You do!

This is not a novel idea.  Back in the golden years of the old Hollywood when beauty was actually an art form, many of the actresses were known for their specific beauty.  Their aura was based on the combination of how each ones unique physical features were brought out and enhanced her unique personality.

If you are old enough to remember, then think about Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor, Loretta Young, 

Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and others from that era.

Each one was marketed based on her Image Identity.
We don't see much of that today in Hollywood, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still apply.

Think about the aura of specialness in your appearance that is based solely on expressing the uniqueness of who YOU are.  We each have very specific features and characteristics that, when added together, form our unique personalities and physical beings.  Yes, we too have an

IMAGE IDENTITY.

And, that is what real beauty is---expressing the person YOU are.  One must first learn to appreciate the unique creature God made you to be and then simply express that uniqueness in your appearance.

You will not only be beautiful on the outside but the inside as well, because one will feel beautiful and know she is a lady of true significance.

None of us may ever be a beauty like those Hollywood women that the world will remember long after we're gone, but we can be remembered as a lady who was admired because she was all God intended her to be.

God created you perfectly.  There is not one thing about your natural physical appearance that isn't absolutely perfect for the totally unique individual you are.

Feeling that one possesses physical "flaws" that need correcting is a universal problem; and you are certainly not alone if you feel that way.  We are so obsessed with correcting our assumed flaws that billion-dollar-a-year industries have been created around our feeling of being defective.

Well, let me just tell you right now.

There is nothing defective about you!  You are exactly who and what you need to be!

That's not to say you have no need of enhancement, but that is not the same as correction.  It is not that nature was unkind or unfair to you, but simply that you need to learn to see yourself perhaps in a different, more objective light.

If you gain nothing else from reading this blog post, I hope you take away this thought:

Your true beauty comes from within and your outward beauty comes by accentuating your uniqueness.

You were created perfect, you are not like anyone else, and you are special.

You are unique!

And, you are absolutely a star of the highest quality!

Now, go out and be God's Lady of Significance!

Linking with
Imparting Grace

Tell His Story 

 Live Free Thursday

Beloved Brews Thursday 

Marching Into Spring

I am again joining Joyce @ From This Side of the Pond
for

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?

Flowers beginning to bloom and birds singing.  The phrase that best describes where I live right now is almost there.  The birds are singing and the most hardy and determined plants are showing themselves above the soggy ground.  Trees are beginning to bud.  However, our mornings are still quite chilly and foggy and rain has been a daily visitor lately.  That's alright though because our water table will be grateful come summer.

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob...which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?

The flashlight I guess, because when I needed it the other night, it refused to shine.  I'm sure the batteries just need changing, but that involves a spring I guess.  I never actually owned a Slinky as a child but my kids sure did.

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.

From the Book of Ruth:

"Entreat me not to leave you,

Or to turn back from following after you;

For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

and your God, my God.

Where you die, I will die,

And there will I be buried."

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?

I can't think of anything that I want to share right now.

5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?

I am not a sugar freak unless you consider that contained in a piece of chocolate candy.  Yes, I have tried to make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of sugar I consume.  My body and joints appreciate this effort, by the way.

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?

Work?  I do what needs to be done when and as I want to at this point in my life.  Since I can't honestly say I want more or less work, in the spirit of cooperation, I will answer more work I enjoy doing.

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?

As I live less than 20 miles from the East Texas line, I have been to much of the state and have seen several of these attractions.  My favorite is the River Walk in San Antonio.  I guess the one on this list that I would probably most like to see is the State Capital in Austin.  I can always visit with my granddaughter there who is attending the University of Texas either before or after my tour.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It was time to add some lighter decor to the living room this week.

 I replaced the darker items on the mantel with white pottery pieces from my pitcher collection.

The off white sofa lends itself for adding color and design to the decor.  These pillows repeat the rug color and pull out the deeper reds in the flame stitch fabric in the chairs.  They also carry the eye from the foyer into the room.

 Speaking of the foyer, I added layered serving pieces which introduces the white pottery in the living room and the crystal items used on the bottom of the table and elsewhere.

 

The coffee table is fun and I found another place to use my sweet little mini vases.

I found this little tray last year and I think it is so cute and adds a sweet touch of whimsy.

So this is how I have added Spring to our little Garden Home.

What changes have you made to your home to usher in Spring?

The Beauty of Christ

John Piper is one of my favorite preachers.  I have read and incorporated many of his sermons into Sunday School lessons I have taught.

John Piper is the founder and teacher of desiringGod.org.  He was the founding pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis for 33 years and is an author of more of 50 books.   He recently spoke at the Speaker Panel in Atlanta.

I have been listening to these profound messages on Podcast.

One of his sermons was on "The Beauty of Christ" based on 2 Corinthians 4: 4-6, and he made an interesting statement.

"The greatest gift of God is the gift of the beauty of God Himself in Jesus Christ."

Piper had my attention!

Based on the title of my blog, you will know that I espouse to the belief that it is Christ within us that makes us truly beautiful - BEAUTY WITHOUT WITHIN!

So I was intrigued with this whole line of thought.

 What does that mean?

"The greatest gift of God is the gift of the beauty of God Himself in Jesus Christ."

Piper went on to add,

"The greatest gift of God is the gift of the beauty of God Himself in Jesus Christ, to satisfy my soul forever."

Forever?  How can this truth make a forever difference in my life?

1)  The root of my saving faith is SEEING the beauty of Christ.  I must see His satisfying beauty.

What is this beauty?

It is the "illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, the Messiah, Who is the image and likeness of God." (Amplified v.4)

The Gospel is the "Good News" and the Good News is the Glory of Christ.

It is the beauty of Christ because He is the image of the radiance of God.

2)  Before one is saved they are blind to the beauty because they are blind to God.  We aren't just rebellious and stubborn. 

We are blind!  No sight!  Can't see a thing kind of blind!

Verse 4 tells us that the "god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving" so that we can't see the Light.  We can't see the Gospel.  We can't see the Good News.  We can't see the beauty of Christ.

Satan has blinded us to the beauty of Christ because we have joined him in darkness.  Remember Adam & Eve?

Jesus explained it like this in John 3: 19-20:

"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."

Okay, so one day I decide that I'm tired of living in the darkness and I am just going to sing "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," "walk down the aisle," say a prayer and make it all better?

Hold on, there's more.

3)  We can't decide to see the beauty of Christ without God shining His revealing Light of the beauty of Christ into our heart.  It is a GIFT!

My conversion was a miracle of God's gift of spiritual sight.

Look at this in 2 Cor. 4:6:

"For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the ONE who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

Piper likened this to an art student being shown a painting that he absolutely hated.  There was nothing appealing about the colors, the composition, the style of the painting.  Nothing!  And yet, the professor insisted that the student love it.  How can the student love something he hates?  Is it enough for him to "decide" that he is going to love it?  Will he ever truly see the beauty of the painting just because he decides he will?

Of course, the answer is a resounding "NO!"

But, isn't that how we try to convert someone?  Make a decision?  The act of free will?  Make up your mind that you want to be saved?  Decide you will love God?

And yet, the scripture is so plain that only God can reveal the Light, the Gospel, the Good News, the beauty of Christ in ones heart.

He reveals Himself to those who did not make a mental decision to seek Him.  God does all the calling, choosing and literally dragging of people to Him.  That is a mystery and seeming paradox.

Nobody decides to save themselves by choosing God.  God alone is in control of salvation and to whom and when it comes.

 God is absolutely sovereign over His creation.

 Verse 7 completes this teaching like this:

"But we have this treasure (Jesus Christ) in earthen vessels (us), that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves."

Christianity is built on the truth that God has acted in the form of man, Jesus Christ.

And, He is the beauty for our everlasting enjoyment.

It is God's revealing Himself to us that we are able to even desire to see Christ's beauty as a reflection of God's image.

No man is capable of this.

That is why Christians sing and rejoice and herald, then sing, rejoice and herald again and again.

I will close with this statement by John Piper:

"The objects of the miracle become the agents of the miracle."

We don't know who God is revealing Himself to, so we must continue being the agents of the miracle of His gift to us.

 

I pray you know

The greatest gift of God is the gift of the beauty of God Himself in Jesus Christ, to satisfy your soul forever.

Linking with Imparting Grace
Tell His Story 

Marching Into the Hodgepodge

Welcome to my Hubby's favorite blog - 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

The reason I know it's his favorite is because he answered that in his interview last week.

That blog post can be seen HERE

Now, lets get to it!

1. 'In like a lion, out like a lamb'...does the first part of this saying describing March weather ring true where you live? 

In like a lion as we are due another round of winter precipitation tomorrow night.  It is most unusual for us to see "Winter Storm Advisory" on the Weather.com app on our phones.  But, we've seen it numerous times this year.  Hopefully, this will be the last one.

2. March 4th is National Grammar Day. What common grammatical error bothers you the most? 

 

Your instead of you're.  There are more, but since you made the word "error" singular and not plural, I will answer accordingly.

3. William Arthur Ward says- 'The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.' Which one are you?

I'm a realist.  It is what it is so get over it!  Deal with it!  Make it work! 

4. What's something you need to 'march forth and conquer' this month?

Getting a dress for two weddings.  My granddaughter's wedding is the most demanding though.  I've just got to get serious about finding that just-right one.  I think this whole topic is going to be blog post in near future.  Stay tuned.

5. An ongoing debate around here...do you dust first, then vacuum or vacuum first, then dust? Of the two routine household chores, which do you dislike the least? How's that for wording?

 

In my house we dust first then vacuum.  Of the two I dislike dusting the least.  I can always use that as an excuse for rearranging.  Vacuuming is usually Hubby's job as my back doesn't appreciate that excercise.

6. According to thrilllist.com, the ten most photographed sites in the U.S.A. are- Cinderella's Castle in Orlando, Southernmost House in Key West Florida, The Space Needle in Seattle, The Site of the Boston Massacre in Boston, The Bellagio Lake/fountains in Las Vegas, The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Coit Tower in San Fransisco, The Art Institute of Chicago, Niagara Falls, and snagging the number one spot-The Guggenheim Museum in New York City. 
How many on this list have you photographed? Which on the list would you most like to visit and photograph?

 

I have photographed the Lincoln Memorial, The Art Institute of Chicago, Niagara Falls

 and next month will take pictures of The Bellagio Lake/fountains in Las Vegas.  Stay tuned.

7. Fifty years ago Monday (March 2, 1965) The Sound of Music premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in NYC. Have you seen the film? Do you own a copy? On a scale of 1-10 how much do you love it (or not)? Ten=best movie ever. If you're a fan, what's your favorite scene or song from the movie? 

Yes, I have seen this film many times.  I don't own a copy and don't remember when I first saw it.  It would be a 9 for me.  My favorite scene would be the one of the children singing "Good Night" and going up to bed.  Favorite song?  There are so many but "Climb Every Mountain" would have to be my most favorite. I cry every time.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

This past Saturday I met my sisters for a bridal shower for my youngest nephew and his bride.

Ben is my youngest sister's youngest son.

 

Sisters and I met for lunch before the shower and had a chance to visit and catch up a bit.

 

 These are the sassy mothers-of-bride and groom.

Is that bride-to-be not the prettiest?  She is a doll for sure.

 I am so grateful for my precious sisters and for what they mean to me.

My Biggest Blog Fan in the Spotlight

Who is your biggest blog fan?

When I thought about this, I realized I don't really have many fans, so narrowing that down is not a huge issue for me.

Therefore, I thought it might be fun to interview my biggest fan and see what he - yes, it is Hubby - really thinks.

I posed a few questions and let him answer for himself without any pressure from me whatsoever.  Unless of course, you count hovering over his shoulder as pressure.

So, here goes:

1.  How often do you read your wife's blog and do you have a favorite post?

     1. I read each one. The Wednesday Blog is probably my favorite.

2.  What is your biggest pet peeve regarding your wife being a blogger?

      2. She is so much more articulate than me.

3.  If Libby found $100 what would she do with it?

      3. The first thing she would do is tell me and then when I inquire what she will do with it she
          would probably say, "I don't know" and then ......

4.  What is your favorite room in the house?

      4. The kitchen.  

5.  What has surprised you most about Libby being a blogger?

      5. The friends she has made.

6.  Does Libby discuss her blog with you, stories from other blogs or friendships with other bloggers?

     6. Yes.  I enjoy the contacts she has made and the stories from other bloggers.

7.  What do you enjoy most about you and Libby both being retired?

     7.  The freedom to just do what we want to most of the time.

8.  If you could change one room or area of your house without input/permission from Libby, what would you choose and why?

      8. Nothing.

9.  What topics do you enjoy most on your wife's blog?

      9. No particular topics but I enjoy her photography.

10.  What if anything would like to see your wife do differently regarding her blog?

      10. She has a wide variety of interests and I want to encourage her to continue.

11.  Have you ever helped with photography or setting up a vignette for Libby's blog?  If so, is this something you enjoy?  Would you like to participate more or less?

      11. Yes I have helped and will help from time to time if I can be encouraged.

12.  Are you ever worried that she will share too much personal information on the blog?

      12. She is a woman and information is "information".

13.  Do you think Libby's blogs are interesting and encouraging to her readers?
      13.Yes. Bloggers have a way with words and topics of interest that encourage and challenge
            fellow bloggers. 

Well, how about that?  I found it interesting to get his perspective on this thing that has blossomed into a consuming interest and hobby.

Thanks, sweetie.  Love you!