It is an awesome experience when you realize that the Holy Spirit is moving and directing your life. For the past couple of weeks, either in my daily devotions or in church, there has been a recurring theme brought to my attention and that is to place my complete trust in Christ. Now, that is easier said than done. We are afterall, creatures born into a world of sin and self reliance. How many of us can truly say that we live our lives like George Mueller, or the patriarchs of old? I dare say the majority of us cannot. I want to give everything to God, to trust Him implicitly.

Living Room Inspiration

My living room has wall to wall paneling (way too dark for my liking), beige sofa and loveseat, red and green accents and LOTS of books. I would love to brighten up our living room and have it look like one of these fantastic photos. I don't remember where I got them, but they are beautiful aren't they? Which one do you like best?

I love the beadboard, floral accent pillow and the vase overflowing with flowers!

I love everything about this wonderful space!!!

Wouldn't you love curling up in that white chair while reading your favorite book and enjoying the warmth from the stove?

I love white slipcovers and LOTS of pillows!

I love just about anything with a rose floral pattern in it.

This room is perfect in the fact that it just feels so homey. Love the style and warmth of this room.

Red. Floral. Red floral loveseat. How can you lose?

Ooooooh.....Aaaaaaaah.

Is Halloween a "Good" Thing?

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness." Isaiah 5:20.

"There are few who have any just conception of the deceptive power of spiritualism and the danger of coming under its influence. Many tamper with it merely to gratify their curiosity. They have no real faith in it and would be filled with horror at the thought of yielding themselves to the spirits' control. But they venture upon the forbidden ground, and the mighty destroyer exercises his power upon them against their will. Let them once be induced to submit their minds to his direction, and he holds them captive. It is impossible, in their own strength, to break away from the bewitching, alluring spell. Nothing but the power of God, granted in answer to the earnest prayer of faith, can deliver these ensnared souls." GC p. 558

What purpose does Halloween have for Christian men and women? Ask yourself, "Am I honoring God by observing a holiday designed around evil?"  Kids may look cute in their little costumes collecting their candy, but don't be deceived. Satan is an intelligent being, he knows that in order to gain a foothold in someone's life, he needs to disguise his actions as fun, entertaining, and harmless. If you are unsure, I challenge you to pray about it and ask God to show you if it is harmless or not.

Some Reasons Why I Love the Appalachian Mountains

This is one of my favorite cabins in Cades Cove.

The leaves are just beginning to turn.

Great swimmin' hole!

So beautiful!

Wish I could move this to our property.

The Dreaded Question

My husband walks into the room, his eyes meet mine. We gaze at each other for a moment, and then comes the dreaded question.........LONG DRAMATIC PAUSE......."Honey, what's for dinner?"  The earth stops spinning, everything as I know it comes to a chilling stop. My eyes turn away from his. I must think quickly, "What can I fix, what can I fix?" My mind is swirling as I rack my brain to think of what to make, but alas, nothing comes to mind......INSERT THE SOUND OF CHIRPING CRICKETS........Our eyes meet again. All I can manage to say is, "Uhhhh"?....(Clever, I know).

Ann

Beautiful Photography

Let me brag a little about my handsome nephew, Kyle Lemon. He is extremely talented and has a very artistic eye. I love seeing the world through the "eye" of his lense.  I asked him if I could share a small sampling of his photography with you. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do. God bless.

Ann

Please do not reproduce any of these images. Thank you.

One of God's Promises to Us

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all you heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

No one need have any doubt God's love and concern for us. There are so many promises in the Bible to reassure us of His love. Believe those promises.....you won't be disappointed.

Ann

Sometimes life throws you a curve and then suddenly your whole world is turned upside down. Today has been one of those kind of days. I am reminded that it is during your darkest hours, Christ is right by your side.
Many years ago, I experienced the darkest depths of despair I have ever known. In my despair, I cried out to God, "Lord, I will not let You go until You bless me." I have been a Christian all my life, but I didn't really "know" Christ. It was all I could do to muster enough faith and strength just to hold on to Him. I decided that I was going to leave my situation in His hands no matter the outcome, (and let me just say that even though I cannot reveal the situation here, it was a VERY grim one). Nothing I tried had seen success, the situation was not in my favor, all appeared ready for disaster. Christ was my only hope. I watched as if everything was happening in slow motion. My breath seemed to be unnaturally suspended, waiting for an outcome that would change lives. It was during this time, Christ stepped in and He worked a miracle! What an awesome feeling it is when you come to the realization that circumstances have been miraculously changed for you! Praise God He intervened at just the right time. He chose that precise moment to intervene to allow me to see that circumstances changed not because of anything I had done, but because of everything He had done.

Whatever the outcome of today's events, I know that God will work things out for His glory and for our benefit.

Ann

Country Cottages

 I love this home. I wonder who used to live here? I can almost picture a newly married woman planting flowers along the house to make it look bright and cheerful. I would love to be able to fix this home and landscape the yard. Can't you just imagine blue shutters at every window and a blue door to match?

 I love everything about this cute little cottage. My husband and I were married under a white arbor and we now have it at our home. My husband planted sweet smelling pink climbing roses on either side of it. It will be the entrance to the walk up to our front door.

 Another wonderful stone cottage.

 I love this home! It is absolutely beautiful!!

Sometimes there are homes that you just want to explore. I'd love to see every nook and cranny of this home.

Do you ever look at your husband and melt? I do. I am so blessed to have my Hero in my life. His hair sparkles like silver when the sunshine hits it. I love his salt and pepper hair, his arms wrapped around me, his insatiable curiosity when it comes to how things work, and his love for Christ. It is a fact that I have been blessed beyond all my hopes and dreams.......more about our life later.

Ann