Happy new year!!!

Greetings, Holykisses and
Happy New Year!!!!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. --Feels like I've been away from blogland for months! I just want you to know that I haven't forgotten yall, and nothing has been wrong. Just needed some time with my family.

We had alot of fun and made many new memories through Christmas. My Mil and Fil were with us and I'm really counting my blessings tonight. To be honest; I kinda feel a little weepy. I just love the Lord and my friends and family so much!!!!!!

And here we are beginning a brand new year.
I've been finding myself doing alot of reflecting; praying and soul searching.
More than anything I just want to be in God's will... ya know?

One of my favorite things to do at thee end of the year is read some of my old journaling. To be able to look back and read about all the things God did last year.... gets me totally pumped for another new year. Then after doing so, I ran out and stocked up on new notebooks. :) To purchase a brand new, "pretty" notebook tickles me pink! It's probably the highlight of a new year for me. A place to record new possibilities. Record new beginnings. Record new adventures! And oh yes, let's not forget: a few do overs!!!!

Let's journey together this year!
Holykisses xoxo
Lea

Play Day?

In Rise and Shine everyone!
Temps are rising and we couldn't be happier about that, here at the Shed.
Mrs. Potter gets to go back to her outdoor hutch today. Bet she's ready. She's been complaining about having cabin fever.

Today is a playday. My friend Karen is coming to kidnap me and forcing me to go to Hobby Lobby and some thrift shops with her. I'll be ready and waiting outside the door. lol
My mind's been thinking "Valentines," so hopefully I can stock up on more pink cardstock and
something "new" to play with.
I better go get ready.
Have a wonderful day!
Holykisses
L

~Happy Thanksgiving~

The turkey AND ham are sharing the oven.
Pies are lined up on the antique cupboard.
Giblets are cooked and waiting patiently for breadcrumbs and broth.
Yams are swimming in brown sugar, pecans and real butter.
The 7 layer salad is chilling. While green bean casserole, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, and hot potato rolls are to do lists inside my head.

I forgot to turn the heater on last night. When I awoke, our new floors were pretty chilly! As I sat at the table with that first cup of coffee and a crocheted throw on the floor for my feet; all three of the dogs laid on it and kept my tootsies warm. :)

Myguy is still in sweet slumber, and when he wakes; I can already hear him exclaim, "I smell turkey!" ;) I'm afraid the fragrances around here are rather varied. Not merely because we are having turkey AND ham, but.... because last night as we walked to the chicken coop, to close the door behind the girls... something black and white was visiting. Another PEPE' LA PEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW was inside our coop. Myguy ran for his gun, and blasted it. OhmY...... I'm afraid it was a big one too.* It REALLY stinks outside! I think we shall have to draw straws to see WHO has to remove it from the coop today. I'll opt for doing ALL the dishes, if someone else will do skunk removal duty. ~~~~ Life on the farm! :) lol

Last night as I was finishing up, putting up the Christmas tree; we had a sweet surprise. Our Tony walked in the door! He was able to come home for the night and doesn't have to work today! The last time we talked he said he was pretty sure he'd not be here for Thanksgiving. Most of you know, he's working for my brother now and when you're doing construction in plants like Tysons, you often have to work holidays when the plants shut down. How thankful I am that he got to come home instead!! I'm grateful we'll have BOTH our sons home this Thanksgiving... and we have so much to be thankful for. At the same time; I know many people today who are going through difficult and hard times. Families who have recently lost loved ones. Families with sick children. People who have lost their job,... and so on. I want you to know that you remain in our prayers, and I hope that today, you can reflect on all your blessings... and see God's goodness. He's faithful and loves us!! Even when we go through hard times... He's still with us.

As I count my blessings today, ... I'm thankful for YOU!

I pray a special blessing for each and everyone of you today. You've enriched my life so very much.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I WILL Praise You In This Storm

Greetings and Holykisses,

Yesterday, storms went through our area and devastated many homes, and businesses. The lightning was horrible, and strong winds exceeded 70 miles per hour. 16,000 people were without power.

As soon as the storm ended we went outside and thankfully our place took the hit without any damage at all. It felt like our roof was going to blow off but everything was okay! My husband and I got in our truck and headed to town but as we drove past our neighbors house, we found that the lightning strike that was so close,.... actually hit their tree. It absolutely exploded this tree. Pieces of it were wayyyy behind the house, and one huge piece of the tree slammed through their roof, and landed in their son's bedroom. ThankGOD they were not home right when it happened, because if they had been, their son Matt would have probably been in his room playing his xbox ... which is right where the tree landed.

We went back to our house and got flashlites and closed our business, to go see if we could help. They'd all made it home by then . It was still raining, and water was still damaging the interior of their home.

This is a little piece of the tree. Strange how "beautiful" it is, yet how deadly it could have been.
This is Matt. His bedroom was destroyed. His belongings ... ruined. We believe with all our hearts God will RESTORE everything to even better than it was before. Please believe WITH us! These are our brothers and sisters in CHRIST, and we need to stand in FAITH with them.
This is our neighbor and brother, Joe: who's up on the ladder. This is his home. He knows HIS GOD can handle this. He knows His God protected them.
A police officer had Amy file a report of all the damages. I imagine she was thinking, "Where do I even start?" The roof was just the beginning but inside, there were so many things lost.
Mike, Trent, Tony, and neighbor Ron brought tarps and concrete blocks to temporarily patch the roof.
I could not believe how much damage one tree made. We've seen this sort of thing on tv before, but never in real life. Insulation was blown everywhere and water damage all over.

The guys got the roof patched in no time, which was top priority because rain was still forecasted and I think still is. Their insurance company is supposed to be out Monday. We are just going to believe that everything... is going to work out and be okay!

We serve OUR BIG GOD! AND WE WILL PRAISE HIM IN THIS STORM!

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I asked Brother Joe what bible verse he has on his heart. This is from him today....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Do You Believe In Easter?

Greetings and Holykisses Friends!

My friend Jackie sent this email today. Had to pass it on.

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio,Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient" With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.

Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

~When Shabby met Chic and Theatre of Dreams~

Greetings and Holy Kisses Yall,

Once upon a time, a long, long, time ago... I was selling some of my extra buttons I didn't need on Ebay. A woman named Jan bought a tin and asked me if I'd do her a favor. She had purchased these buttons for her dear friend Betty, and wanted to give them to her as a gift without Betty knowing it. So, I wrapped her buttons up in style, and sent them to Betty; but my return address of course was Arkansas so Betty was completely confused when she got her box of buttons in the mail.

Meanwhile, Jan and I kept emailing back and forth and a "friendship" sparked. What a blessing to have met "Janie" from California. To add extra sparkle to this "friendship," I started sending
Betty secret Pal notes. Little notes and joybuzzes in the mail from me to her. On thee other end of the spectrum, Jan and I kept emailing back and forth and had lots of giggles over Miss Betty who just could NOT figure out "who" in Arkansas could be sending her things? It was GREAT fun!!! But Betty.... didn't just leave that alone... she started writing me BACK! ;) HEHEHOAOAO Soooo another friendship sparked, and the three of us became friends. One sweet day, Janie shared with Betty who I was, and how we all met. And we've lived happily ever after,.... as friends ever since! It's been AWESOME. We've never met in person, but I know one fine day we will!

This past week, Janie sent me some pictures of her beeeeautiful house. I asked her if I could share them at the Shabby Olde Potting Shed and she happily gave me permission! WhoooHOooo! Yall, Janie, is Victorian, she's fancy, she's CHIC!!! -- I, on thee other hand, am shabby. Funny how well shabby and chic go together! WONDERFULLY! ;) Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us Janie girl!
It's beautiful!
This is where SHABBY met Chic! haaa
This is part of Jan's snowman collection. She favors "Cody Foster" snowmen and .... now has me absolutely hooked! I love them too! She told me to look at Bayberry Cove, so if you too just went, "WOW... I gotta find me one," .... google Bayberry Cove. I apologize for this because... heehee I know you're gonna want one too. LOL I think this could be a new addiction. I love them!
This is Janies bedroom. Isn't it beautiful? I got a kick out of the primitive santa... I'd forgotten that I made that for her a couple years? ago I think. Janie's been wanting a "featherweight" sewing machine really bad. So I sewed one for her. You can enlarge the photo to get a look at it. I made it out of muslin and painted it, and made the prim santa too. -- I love that flower spray above her bed! Janie- sweetie, that santa doesn't exactly "match" with your decor.. heehaoaoao.. I hope you just threw him on thee bed for a photo? LOL Very sweet of U!!!!!! Another reason Why I love your friendship so much... !
OHOH... here are a few more snowmen. Hey; there's thee ornie I sent her this year, in thee hand of the snowman in front. LOL I love the pointed hat on the snowman in the back row. And check out the red buttons. I forgot to mention .... ahem.. Janie needs to go to AA- Apothecary Anonymous. LOL She has More beeeautiful apothecary Jars in her home than you can imagine. She loves to tie tassels on the tops and she fills them with gobs and gobs of buttons by color.
God forgive me, I'm so jealous.
Her mantle. SEE WHY I'm jealous... I just can't stand it. LOL ahhhh... too cool. She also has lots of ROSE paintings... you know: CHRISTIE REPASY!!! Yes way Jose. I told you Shabby met Chic! I'm not sure if the one above her mantle is Christie's but she has several Repasy rose pictures, I know. Maybe' she will comment on this blog post to tell us if it is or not.
sigh* Pinch me, I must be dreaming. Oh, I didn't tell you that she has incredible collections of McCoy pottery, and also antique and vintage teacups, and chocolate pots... and .... Oh ... those will have to wait for another day... But look at the cute collections here... and that chandelier with all the Christmas balls hanging down... clever!!! (I'm turning green)
Oh yeah, and then there's that other thing... she has all these cloche jars. Ya know: bell jars?
Shanda, I think you'd like these... -- what do you think of the vintage bambi... or the gorgeous Christmas balls in the crock bowl? Are yall drooling like I am?
I love the marble tops, and the plates are incredible. What I really love is the little paper banner that her santa is holding... I might have to make one of those... It's on ribbon and I absolutely love it.

Now, are you ready for my REAL SURPRISE? Yesterday, my phone rings... it's Janie. Yes, Janie from California and she's close to hyperventilating on the phone. Guess where she'd just been? To artist Wendy Addison's shop, the THEATRE OF DREAMS!!! I am so serious!!!!!!!!!
I have seen Wendy in books, I've went to her blog.... my favorite book other than the bible is "Jo Packham's WHERE WOMEN CREATE," AND yeah; Wendy's Theatre of Dreams is in there too.
She has all these glittered BIG LETTERS... that spell things like DREAM, and .... ahhhhh you know how glitter just sparkles and makes everyone so happy? Wendy is so creative, and makes thee most incredible sparkly creations. And Jan was there. JAN WAS THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! FOR REAL!!!
She even got pictures of her and her hubby "The General Lee" with "thee Wendy Addison." I have pictures to prove it but thought I better not post those without Wendy's permission of course. But I am posting a couple pictures of Janie outside of the building! whooHooOoo

This is the shop. I love to make the picture larger and look in the windows. heehee See the cute skeleton key in that door? I LOVE SKELETON KEYS. My heart is pounding so hard lookin at those green windows and door.
Here is my cute friend Little Janie. Isn't she adorable? STANDING BY THE SIGN: Theatre of Dreams I'm turning greeeen again Janie. Happy for you though!!! So maybe it's not jealousy but plain ole envy. heehee I'm so happy you shared it with me though! With all of us!

Janie said she bought me something in the shop that Wendy made herself, and even autographed for me! whooHoOoo I can hardly wait to see what it is, and I promise, I'll take a picture and show it to yall as well! I'll try to not knock my sweet UPS man down- Janie when he brings my package!

Amazing how God brings people together huh? I can't wait til the day I one day meet Janie and Betty for real! That day will come... I've never been to California, but I will! God willing anyway! Janie promised me we'd call Wendy and go by the shop when I do! Can yall just imagine that? Ohhhh ..... I could go on that thought for a loooooooooooong time! ahhhhh
Thank you sweet Janie for sharing your beautiful home with us, and your fabulous trip to the Theatre of Dreams. I've been visiting Bayberry Cove and drooling a little over there too. Sweet stuff! Thanks for pointing us in the right direction Janie!

Hope everyone has a great Saturday! I am just finishing up my last little "love gifts." My present for my daughter in love... that's from me to her. And, shhhh don't tell... I don't think he'll read this coz he has a lot goin on right now but I'm making a little heart box for "Myguy" too.
I'm filling it with "HOT TAMALES" COZ he loves them, and he's "my" HOT TAMALE! LOL
(he'd probly *blush* if he read that. lol I'm going to write little love notes inside too... and you can just wonder about that! Some stuff we just can't blog ya know. heehaoaooaoao

Have a glorious day!
smoochy

You are cordially invited .... to our bible study TEAPARTY

Once upon a time, in a garden far, far away..... there was a teaparty- at the Shabby Olde Potting shed.
But not just "any" tea party.... but a BIBLE STUDY tea party..................................... Invitations were sent out... for the Princesses to attend.............and to "meet me in thee garden." I love the vintage picture of Jesus on the shed. You know what His word says, "Matthew 18: 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."What a deeeeeelightful, and FUN group of Princesses! Dressed to the HILT, and armed with their "swords." A prize was to be given for she who wore the most flowers. The competition was fierce, and "one" was determined to win the crown! heehoaoaoaooo
She wore her daisies proudly, and that vintage purse..... 2 di 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Urina Mariah attended.... as she too loves to par*ty.
These beautiful Princesses are sisters. Their sweet personalities are such that upon meeting them... you just love them, and you feel as though you've known them your whole life. they were dressed so beautiful and even "had" white gloves on... But you know how "country" Princesses are ....they usually take off their gloves, and some take off their shoes! winkwink
Meet Princess Callie, Prince Noah and Princess Karen. Are they not adorable? Baby Noah slept in thee castle awhile... and was such a good little boy. Callie was adorable -- I can't believe she just had a baby! I've known her since she was a young teenager, and have watched her grow into a BEEEEAUTIFUL, young woman and now a Mommy! What a gorgous Mother and daughter - and hopefully they made a memory they will not soon forget! heehee What a memorable three generation picture! whooHoOoo!
Princess Karen designed her own beeeautiful hat for the partY. Look closely because although she is standing in front of a row of sunflowers, the flowers behind her head, are actually coming out of her LAMPSHADE HAT! heehehaoaoaoaoaoooo IM still LOL over it. Not everyone has a paper purse either!
This is Princess Micki, my wonderful daughter in LOVE, holding baby Noah. *If there is a baby around, it will soon be in her arms.... (BE STILL MY HEART)! ---- She spent thee entire day before taking care of her own Mother who just had surgery, then came over this day to help me with this party. She has this FLAIR about her. She knows how to make everything look really COOL- she dipped the strawberries for me, and put all the deserts on stacked cake stands, and drizzled chocolate on a platter to lay the grapes on,.... she has the golden touch! Then, she wore my flowered apron and the crown I gave her on her 21st birthday. It suited her perfectly. :) Then, she doted on us ALL.
This.... is my precious neighbor and dear friend Princess Wacky Jackie. LOVE this picture! She is soooo endearing. I'm sure everyone would agree, that she is THEE friendliest Princess in our neck of the kingdom. She reminds me of a brunette Ellie May....- and I think she said, She gets that alot! heehee
Here: Princess Charlcie is showing the kleenex she won for a prize. --This lady never ceases to amaze me. I look uP to her, and I know...... " her children arise and call her blessed." She told us all about how she has been working out, AT THE GYM, and has lost over 20 pounds! WHOOOhOOooO!
GO PRINCESS CHARLCIE!!! We are all so excited for her!!!
The Lovely Princess Karen showing her oooohlala giant diamond ring that she won for a prize. - You simply would not believe this lady's sense of humor. She is hysterical, and it comes SO easy! She makes everyone feel SO at ease, and .... It is such an honor to have her for a friend. She has an incredible heart but I learned at this party she has alot of GRACE as well! TRUE STORY!

Princess "Tine" showing off her gawdeee rhinestone button prize. Everyone LOVES this lady! Truly, I think she oughta wear hats more often coz wreeeet wrewww don't you think?!!!!! I MEAN WOW! She looks like a movie star! When we shared in the Word, she shared a beautiful thought that I wrote down and intend to carry in my heart. She said, "GOD MADE YOU AS YOU ARE, SO HE CAN USE YOU AS HE CHOOSES." That was in one of her little devotionals, -- and she shared it with our group. I believe it was our God thing... that bit of wisdom to glean.....

Beautiful Princess Callie......... wears a crown very WELL! I changed this picture to black and white because the tiara really razzle dazzles! This Princess positively radiates and she so loves the Lord.
Princess Jackie read out of the Word for us, and shared the day she got baptised when she was young! It was awesome! -- And don't you think she looks so cute in this straw hat? She said her "honey" bought it for her long ago, to wear when she works in the garden. I can't wait for him to see the closeup picture of her in her hat. He will surely fall in love ALL OVER AGAIN! (winkwink) -- Not to worry, I intend to give him his own copy in a frame! shhhhhh!!!!!!!
Here is the sign that Heidi sent for me. Remember it? I believe it was all pre-destined to be at this garden bible study. You know... God orders our steps!
As the sun went down, the twinkle lights lit up and sparkled beneath the stars.
Here is a picture of my lil Princess and me.

And lastly our group photo. It was such fun to have a teaparty for "SISTERCHICKS!" A little time away, to dress up, be silly and share hearts. I was so happy they all came, and already there is chatter of what to do next.... ?! My Micki thinks a luau is in order.... Whatever it is... I know we will again bring our swords, and share our hearts. And all of you reading this now,... well it is kind of like coming along with us! Thanks for following all the way to thee end. Remember God loves ya...
and "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Much Love
and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!
from all of us Sisterchicks,
At the Shabby Olde Potting shed!