Happy People Give Happiness. (I Try!)

We are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it.  No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them.   -Julian of Norwich

Nursing home visits can be an awesome joy.   A huge joy for me, a joy for my friends there.  There is a treasure of wonderful sweethearts there.  Look at this face....Our precious friend.

If you ever want to see an attitude of excellence?  It's our friend here.  This precious fella hears out of one ear, doesn't talk well because of it and has the use of only one arm.  He is wheelchair bound.  I can't tell you what it did to my heart when I stepped into his room and spied him making his bed with that one arm one day several years ago.  ...And to think many complain about chores.

He shouts in the most precious voice imaginable...

Heeeyyyyy!  How ARE ya'll doin'!

We were overjoyed to hear him say this complete sentence, his speech is so improving and that is such a hopeful blessing.

I do not know why our precious friend is in the nursing home, what happened to him.  I do see evidence of a tracheotomy and a scar for some reason to his head. Our friend is a middle-aged man, not what we would consider elderly.  The first time we met our friend he pulled out a worn white card with his name handwritten on it and we've all been best buds ever since.

His family has seen to it that he has a photo album of his life in his room for visitors to see.  It appears his brother is a minister and comes to visit.

Here's a few chosen shots from a little photo shoot of sorts:






Do you see his bib for lunch?  He loves to make sure his pals there around him also have a bib on and helps them with his one working arm.  Yes, this is our precious friend.  Best buddy ever.  An angel.

Do you want to stand out?  Then step down.  Be a servant.  If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you.  But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.  -Matthew 23:11



A Few of My Favorite Things:

A Book



A Book Suggestion:  Try Giving Yourself Away by David Dunn
This is a most uplifting book.  Timeless.



Soft Cotton Tops



Soft Fall Tops?  White Stag cotton tops from Walmart.com are great and the price is right.


*  I'm wearing one in 'teal' (top photo).  They're great with skirts or whatever. I enjoy black so I can throw colored scarves on if desired.  I purchase size 'L'.   White Stag Womens Essential Crewneck Shirt.

*  I live in these turtlenecks as the weather chills.  My signature black turtlenecks.  Once again, the price is right. Size 'L'.  : White Stag Womens Turtleneck.




   I don't think we have to spend an arm and a leg to look nice do you?   I sometimes see snob appeal and I don't want to enter into that.  ...So I like to share my bargains...Once in a blue moon I'll see a gal roll their eyes or give me an insecure blank stare on a good deal I may share.  Well..... That tells me far more about that person than me.  ;)  ...chuckle.


A Great Pair of Sunglasses

Sunglasses?   Dollar Tree comes to the rescue and I love this style, and as always..Say it with me!   The price is right! 

  

I take care of my sunglasses if I like them no matter what the cost and they last for several years if in a case.

Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic.   -Rosalind Russell  (one of my favorite actresses)



 
One must have their favorite sunglasses to travel to the city.  Aha!  I see the run-away skeletons are still at their antics!  Yes, they are running through the huge lawn!   So hilarious if you ask me!  Oh my goodness!   This is the craziest, most bizarre yearly display ever!  It makes us literally crack up. : D 






If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.    -Anne Morrow Lindbergh






Prayer is the deliberate and persevering action of the soul.  It is true and enduring, and full of grace.  Prayer fastens the soul to God and makes it one with God's will.    -Julian of Norwich


I hope and pray everyone is having a nice week so far, a week of hope.   -Amelia in the Forest

Autumn Days, a Skeletal Escape and Total Randomness Fun

A Morning here at the Forest Cathedral. 

Do you see Howdy?   A shy ginger man.





Sometimes Jem and I like to go for an outing, a day-date of sorts.


 
The Museum District is a Good Place for an Outing.


Let's eat food first... 


A simple lunch.  The real genuine, delightful hole in the wall original restaurant, the area is an eclectic mix of old but posh, strange but charming, both cottages and large estates.  This little place is known for it's tamales.  The original owner, Mr. Walter Berryhill sold the tamales in this area from a little street car, the old street cart is there on display.  


 Love this old tile where our little outside table is.


  Jem reads a text from the girls...Marianna tells us we are acting like old retired people.  We stuff ourselves. I had the most delicious, chubbiest spinach and corn tamales ever..




So now what do you want to do?  Let's just drive around and see....



These guys must be escapees from the Rice University lab.  Is this display not great?  The skeletons are seeking refuge here.








The skeletons will have a nice view.


We pass the lovely fountains and onto the other side...


The hospital where Marianna was born in the distance.






Sam Houston Statue.  I remember this museum area from when I was a little girl...Deep thoughts and contemplations here since I recently lost my dad as many of you know.



...My dad and his friends climbed this statue one night in his college days, the task given was to take a plaster mold of a part of the horse.  The story goes that the police were amused and actually stood and watched.  Oh the stories I have..

Yes, those young men were full of "honesty and goodness"...their task was not detoured. eh hem.



...Fascinating area 




Well I guess it's time to go home to the Forest?  



I do hope you enjoyed the sampling of randomness and fun. : )





So do you like simple outings too?










Back home....And to all a good night...

Mo-Mo and Howdy.  Sister, brother peacefully sleeping while their naughty mi-mi and po-po are away..

*a smile*            ~Amelia

P.S.   Thank you for prayers for our little Giuseppe, he is truly a little miracle.



May the Lord of Peace Himself give you Peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you.     2 Thessalonions 3:16

A Really, Really Good Short and a Sick Little Dog. Do you Like Fake Church?

The Crumbling of the Church  (If a tacky ad starts, please skip after seconds, I'm so sorry.)

Good Morning, I was thinking of the above video.  I have posted the greatness before and thought I would post it again.  I'll let it speak for itself.  It really tells the tale in my opinion and is pretty much how I feel on things.  The reason why I bring this kind of thing up is because it's important to me. I can't stand fake religiosity whether it's liberal or conservative.  Both stink. 

I've seen some messed up actions and thinkin', and as a young biracial pastor once said at the old downtown Methodist;  I've seen some... jacked up stuff.

I remember it like it was yesterday...The adorable young preacher named Terrence asked:

"Who likes fake church?  Who likes jacked up church?  Raise your hand if you like fake church."  

He had everyone repeat after him as he said...."Say it with me... J-a-ck-ed. Up."  He then explained that in his day it means: Messed up.

Marianna and I were up in the balcony that Sunday and almost could not contain ourselves we were laughing so hard.  You know how it is?   Something can be so hilarious because it's so true!  

I hope those of us who claim Christ *are* the church at every angle.  : )  And if you do not claim Christ I hope we can still be friends and that I will exhibit Christ-likeness. : )

........................

I'm taking care of a sick little dog right now so please pray for me, pray for my husband and our little Guiseppe.

Guiseppe is our precious little elderly dog, almost completely blind, an angel, a little heartbeat at our feet.  He's especially close to Jem, the highlight of this little guy's day is laying next to Jem on the couch in the evenings, putting his head on Jem's lap.

As I type, he is resting on my lap, he's a sweet little angel.  

God, give us the wisdom to care for him at this time.

   
Photo by Robert Stock


Take care all, may we be that Christ.  Let us not grow weary.  It's tough out there I know.

Hope everyone is having a nice week so far.      ~Amelia



"Some people think they are all that and a bag of chips."
-Terrence

Show 'n Tell, Heartfelt Contemplations ...and a Most Special Song

Hello!



I hope everyone is doing well and lifting our great country up to God in prayer.  I'm sickened hearing the stories of innocent people who love and respect our country innocently attending a country concert and facing such a demonic attack.  I will touch more at the end of this entry. 


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A Bit of a Show 'n Tell

 
  As you know if you read here, designing and sewing is therapy; an art for me.  I also love the WWII era and anytime I can sew a vintage pattern it makes me happy especially if it turns out wearable!  : )

This is me above colored photo, wearing a top I have sewn from a genuine vintage pattern:  Jiffy 4438. I had found a size 14, 34 bust on ebay a while back and it works fine.  I normally would have needed a 16 but there is plenty of room on this pattern.  I have adjusted the neckline to a square neck, making my own facing.  I used navy cotton lawn cloth from amazon.  I made a matching A-line skirt and a little tie belt too.  And no, I didn't cut my hair but I do have it pulled back. : )  I tend to wear my hair back in one way or another, it just feels better that way and it's timeless and I like timeless.  Let the hair fall where it may otherwise!  *big smile*

The pattern is swell with a little tiny bit of a kimono sleeve, just a very slight kimono sleeve.  You can see the way the hem turns up a little?  It makes it a bit more flattering on the arm.  Plus I was able to squeeze the top into 1 yard since I'm on the shorter side!  Yabba dabba doo!  (Did you watch the Flintstones when you were a child?)   I remember when that program was an evening sticom! 




  Does anyone have a favorite color of lipstick?   My standby lipstick is Pacifica, color xox, not too dark and not too light, it's healthy and Pacifica doesn't test on animals.  Also it does not contain castor oil, castor oil tends to really dry my lips.  This color is a nice pink with no orange in it.  Another very economical makeup that does not test on animals is e.l.f, I like their waterproof mascara and it's around $3.  I use their foundation (sand shade in this pic) at times as well, it really covers.  You may find the e.l.f. brand at Walmart or online.  I order the Pacifica lipstick online from their site, or various online vendors. 

Where the above colored photo was taken:  Jem and I were at our one of our favorite Greek restaurants in downtown.  I love their spinach and goat cheese feta pita sandwich, plus the french fries are very much like the ones my mom used to make, delicious.  The proof is the remnants on the table!  Ha!

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-    There's a lot  going on in America right now.  I'm disappointed on players protesting during our anthem.  I disagree with it on a couple of accounts and I think it's wrong.  ...How our veterans must feel.  If it really is the main reason I am hearing....I would think many of these folks would do some research on Margaret Sanger and her evil agenda to exterminate certain races of people (there are many videos and transcripts of this woman). Her evil agenda is being carried out through her Planned Parenthood til this day. And trust me I am no proponent of any kind of prejudice at all, I despise it, and thus would stress to study up on Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood.  It seems the wrong thing is being protested.


-    And the commentators making cruel comments on people dying at the concert in Las Vegas because the attendees support President Trump and so that was okay that they died?   Shameful.  Shameful.  So those commentators call themselves compassionate and tolerant? 

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A Final Thought

There are things that grieve my spirit and maybe you will agree:  Just for some basics...People can smother their blogs with scriptures (nothing wrong with that if we walk the talk), churches can modernize to up the numbers.  On the modern emergent church?  God is God, and He never changes.  We mustn't forget God's truths.  Those who may understand God's truths, let's remember Love is not rude, it's polite, Love thinks of others and how they are made to feel.  Love is Kind.  Good manners is putting others first, to make guests comfortable and welcome even on our blogs and how we relate to others in reciprocation.  Love is speaking from a sweet and a kind heart.  If someone takes the time to encourage me, may I be the kind of person to encourage them too. It seems so fundamental doesn't it?

EDIT 10.5.  How do we have a kind and sweet heart?  I think it comes from spending time with God in a personal way and being keen to His Spirit.   I wonder sometimes how many are hurt by those who claim to be Christians who aren't spending time with God and are not keen to his Spirit?   It ought not be. I can say I know a very famous person and I may know who they are and much about them, but if I don't spend time with that famous person I do not know him.

I appreciate very much those who take the time to comment here from time to time.  It's a Gift.



Hoping you all will enjoy this most beautiful and heartwarming song by Louis Armstrong:







When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

Proverbs 31:26





May we lift our country and world up in prayer.

Have a sweet week dear ones, we have Joy and Peace to give, let's give a sincere, toothy smile from a sweet and kind heart.     ~Amelia

All black and white  photos by Robert Stock.