1. Go to the Facebook Page and “like” this page (if you haven’t already). Then…
2. Click here to go to the giveaway page.  It will take you to a form where you will leave your name and email address.

Yesterday being 9-11 brings many memories of the terror of 2001, but 9-11 is a very special day for me.  Not only is it my birthday, it is also my spiritual birthday.  I know I’ve shared that before, but I’m not over it, and pray I never will be!  I have to stop and thank the Lord for giving me physical life on that day, but best of all, He gave me spiritual life that day in my Sunday school class.  There’s no better birthday present than that!

I have so much to be thankful for; my family and friends who were so gracious to remember me with texts, Facebook greetings, cards, and calls is a blessing.  A husband who goes out of his way, spite his physical limitations right now, to make my day special is a blessing beyond compare. 

Yesterday morning I had gotten up and finished making cinnamon rolls that I’d let rise overnight, so yes, there were hot rolls for him to use for my breakfast.  However, he went to the sweet trouble of plating it on our “birthday plate,” dished up fruit, yogurt and granola, and poured a fresh cup of coffee into the our “birthday mug.”  Then he put a tablecloth on the patio table and served my breakfast out there.  What a lovely way to start the day!

One o’clock brought an appointment he’d made for me to have my nails done at the lovely Austin Springs Spa at the Carnegie Hotel downtown, Johnson City.  Suppertime found us seated outside at Carrabba’s where we shared an entree’ of the best fish I think I’ve ever eaten!  From beginning to end, it was a great day!  Though he couldn’t get out and drive, he found a way to be thoughtful on my birthday.  I am blessed!

What could you do for someone in your home today?

From the parsonage windows,

While I did do some cooking, the parsonage kitchen has had several “carry-in” dishes this past week. As I’ve reflected on the huge blessing these meals were to me, I thought it might be an encouragement to my readers to hear some of the loving gestures that have been such a help to us.   Let me give you a peek into the blessings that others have brought to our kitchen.

• At the beginning of this I thought we’d have no trouble with having meals at home.  My husband was the one having surgery – not me!  Why would we need a meal prepared for us?  Ha!  I found out the first day that finding the time to plan, prepare and serve a meal was nearly impossible.  The parson’s needs were so pressing.  The phone was busy with calls and texts.  There was getting him settled and resting.  Then the run to the pharmacy.  Days were also busy because I was adding the things he normally does – things around the house and outside in the yard as well, plus little ministry tasks that needed attention.  So, a meal coming in already prepared was a wonderful blessing to him, but also to me!
• When someone called and said, “I’m fixing ___________ for your meal.  Would that be okay?”  It took the pressure off of me to tell them what to prepare.  
• Someone called and said, “I am bringing you a lunch meal.”  That chicken salad was not only super delicious, it was a huge help in the middle of the day.  There was enough for several lunches!  Another blessing!
• One friend brought an extra chicken pot pie for another day!  I have it tucked in my freezer ready for this week.  How thoughtful!

• Muffins were great for a snack and breakfast.

• Someone brought a one layer square cake that was a blessing to have when we received company from out of town.  We got to be hospitable, due to their thoughtfulness. 

I have learned many things already in this trial, but this one is so practical.  Do something.  Don’t just think about it, wonder or ask “what you can do.”  Think of something and do it.   I’m praying I know better how to be a blessing when others are ill.  I know firsthand how much it means to be thought of, but also the tremendous need there is especially in regards to food – it’s kind of an important element of each day!  Providing a meal is even helping in the healing process…bodies are healed, and so are spirits!

How have others blessed you with food when you were ill?  How about sharing with us by leaving a comment here or on the Facebook page?

Hugs to each of you for the blessing you have been in the parsonage kitchen!

Here are a bunch of weekend refreshment ideas for you…

Spiritual Refreshment ~ This time next week (Sept. 14th) our church will be hosting our own Ladies’ Retreat!  We are excited to have Carol Trahan joining us for the weekend.  She will be teaching a session Friday night, then two more when we reconvene on Saturday morning.  What better way to refresh your heart spiritually, than with the teaching of God’s Word with messages that are directed towards women?

Our theme is,

Home Refreshment ~ 

Wouldn’t this pumpkin “sign” be cute at your doorstep?  They used old keys, but I think it would be just as cute to hot glue twigs on the pumpkin to spell out “fall.”  I love the colors of these little guys.  I’ll bet Hobby Lobby has them half off right now if you wanted to go with artificial ones!

Marriage Refreshment ~ When the nights are a little cooler (and I hear they’re supposed to drop this weekend!), grab your lap top or Smart Phone, a blanket, and some popcorn and make a date with your hubby out on the deck or backyard swing.  Pull up a favorite show on your computer and snuggle together and have your own “Drive-in” movie time!  My husband and I did this earlier in the week while he was recuperating.  He had to keep his head down on my lap, due to his eye, but that was even cozier!

Fun Refreshment ~ My Blessed life has some adorable printables you could use for tags on treat bags,or put in frames or on cards. 

Work Refreshment ~ It’s amazing what one little change can make!  This week I changed out the drawer dividers in our bathroom drawers.  The old ones had become too…used!  They were old and tired.  I found a great deal at Walgreens for only .89!  I got three rectangular baskets that fit perfectly in the drawers on either side of the sink.  Toothbrushes, contact lenses, combs, etc. fit perfectly inside and made the drawer look 100% better. I also put new drawer liner in there.  It looks fresh and clean now! Is there some little area in your house that just needs a little pick-me-up?  Why not tackle it this weekend? 

Food Refreshment ~ I’m making these for breakfast this weekend.  They look like a great intro into fall foods, don’t they?  Why not try a batch too?

Have a great weekend!  See you in church!

Be refreshed,