Ah..... Autumn

Oh how I love autumn in Kansas City. The sun glistens on the dewy grass in the morning and the air is crisp, cool, and refreshing. It's a wonderful reprieve from the sweltering days of summer.

About this time I get a hankerin' to put out my fall decorations. Pumpkins, scarecrows, and apple scented soap dispensers. It's all so fun. This time of the year lifts my spirit so much I even enjoyed poop scooping this morning!  

Here's a little of what I enjoy. (minus the poo)

Just bought this wagon wheel at Michael's.

I love my apple scented soap dispensers,

 but the soap is scarce as hen's teeth.  

You have to buy new pumpkins to get more soap.  

I figured there's more than one way to skin a cat, 

which I'd never do cause I love cats, 

so I bought Bath and Body's Christmas soap last year 

to put in my pumpkins this year.

Talk about planning ahead.

Here's a kitty/pumpkin night-light made from a gourd.

You can't see it but he has whiskers.

Enjoy the new season ladies.  Refresh your soul with the word of God as you breath in His sweet sweet Spirit. I love you all and pray for you each day. Some of you are going through difficult times, while others are struggling with a change of season. Both instances are difficult I know.  I've lived through many seasons and been stuck in some for a what seemed like a lifetime. Please know that God is at work wherever you are.  He's planting, watering, and cultivating His fruit in you. Enjoy your season and savor the moment for one day this too shall pass.

Also, please allow me to apologize for not being able to visit your blogs each week as I used to.  I am very busy writing, taping, and teaching, but here's the deal. My goal is to visit a few blogs one week and visit others the next, kind of like a rotating schedule type thing.  If by chance, however, you post something that you feel would be of particular interest to me, let me know and I'll visit right away.  I don't want to miss a thing.

Before I forget I have to tell you something that keeps happening to me. Whenever I'm out and about I will often pass a lady that makes me think of one of you. If she looks like the picture on your icon, it's all I can do to keep myself from grabbing her arm and saying "Hi!  I'm Nancy.  Your blog buddy!"  I've never done this. Instead, I smile as I think of you and say a prayer on your behalf.  You truly enrich my life.

Blessings!

The Counselor

Home Study Notes (Click Here)

Birthday Boys

There is 1 in 365 chances of your husband's birthday being the same day as your dog's. Slim odds but that's what happened in our family. Jimmy hit the big 5-0 and Ecclesiastes turned one today! Here's a few pictures of my two peas in a pod.

Ecclesiastes also participated in a new 2008 Summer Olympic event.  

Encouragement

Home Study Notes (Click Here)

Something's New

I got something new.

Can you find it?

Look close...

Hint: It holds hot stuff that wakes me up in the morning.

Yepper!  

There she is...my new mug!

Isn't she a beaut?

Cheers!

(Little things make me happy)

More Last Minute Summer Fun

Before school starts my niece and her children came over for a day of fun in the sun.

Calvin, Ecclesiastes, and Olivia

Dani and Olivia

Dani, Jeanna, Olivia, and Calvin

Olivia and Calvin

(A snack before they leave)

Ecclesi and our son Drew relaxing after a busy day.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

Home Study Notes (Click Here)

Our Date at the Fair

Two hours before we left it was raining cats and dogs.   

Arrived in Sedalia at 3pm dry as a bone.

I always wanted long legs.

Garganchuan Chair $595.00

A small price to make a woman feel petite.

Beautiful Award Winning Roosters.

Mule Award Show.

The Missouri State animal is the mule 

and here's the winner!

The sun comes out.

We left before the 8:30pm piggy race 

because these little piggies were pooped!

We had a great date at the Fair.  

Many of you have State Fairs coming up.  

I hope you get to go and enjoy your last bit of summer!

Love you all!

Last Bit of Summer Fun

Jimmy has been wanting to attend a Fair for a very long  time.  Our son Drew has offered to watch our daughter Danielle and dog Ecclesiastes so we can enjoy the day alone together.  

The Missouri State Fair is held in Sedalia, which is only one hour away from Kansas City.  Why we've never attended this before I'm not sure but we look forward to seeing all the Fair has to offer.  I promise to bring back some pictures for you.

I love you dear ladies and look forward to a quieter fall as the dust from a busy summer settles and we begin interacting with one another on a more regular basis.  

Stay cool and see you soon!

Anatomy of Worry

Home Study (click here)

To download this study you will need Adobe Reader. If you do not have this program you can download it for free at the Adobe Reader site. Enjoy!

Update on Judy!

Oh dear ladies I can hardly see the computer screen due to tears in my eyes. Judy just called and told me her white blood cell count is holding its own and her doctors are going to allow her to stay on her current medications.  She was in tears as she told me again how touching it was to read your comments on this blog. I can't thank you enough for all your prayers and I ask that you not stop. She is not in remission, she is simply holding her own as she floats on the prayers of the saints.

Just think, one day we'll all be able to meet in a corner of heaven and thank one another for the love, support, and encouragement we've given to one another while on earth.  We'll meet bloggers and prayer warriors we've never seen before, yet we won't be strangers.  We'll simply be sisters in Christ meeting each other for the first time and what a great day that will be. I have a sneaky feeling we won't be alone either. Without a doubt Jesus will be in the middle of it all soaking up every ounce of our joy. He loves a good party!


Thank you dear ladies for all you've done. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Bloggy Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Olive Leaf Ministries' Bloggy Giveaway is sweetsue!  She is one blessed gal too because she's won several books recently.  I am so happy to contribute to her library by making her a proud owner of The Shack.

Congratulations "sweetsue"

Enjoy!