Quotes from St. Mother Teresa, Chickens, and A Big Honkin' Snake!

 Hello out there!

Sharing some "Spiritual Gems" from St. Mother Teresa. I bought a small booklet about seven years ago from our local Catholic bookstore. I actually purchased the three that were in stock. Unfortunately, the booklets are no longer in print.

Spiritual Gems From Mother Teresa, by Gwen Costello is a booklet with thirty of St. Mother Teresa's well known quotes, and includes a scripture, prayer, and action that you can follow for each day of the month.

The following is one of my many favorite quotes from St. Mother Teresa:

"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."

I love the simplicity of this message and the truth it rings in my heart. The things we do on a daily basis for our family and friends are in tune with this quote. Whether you're packing a lunch for your child to take to school, making and dropping off lunch for your husband at work, doing laundry and putting everything away nice and neat, preparing dinner, or reading a bedtime story and praying with your children when they go to bed. Taking care of a sick spouse or an aging parent is a beautiful act of love. Maybe you're calling a friend to check on them or inviting them over for coffee. Sometimes just dropping a card in the mail or taking time to be a listening ear is a huge blessing. Doing all these things with love in our hearts, may seem small, but really makes more of an impact that we realize.

I'm sharing one more quote along with the action that goes with it:

"If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it."

Action: I will try to be a light for someone today, and at the very least, I will not spread darkness.

My quote is "Don't be the spoon that stirs the pot!" But there are times when I have to ask God to help me keep my mouth shut! Although I still need to work on my facial expressions! 

 Gwen Costello did a great job matching the scriptures, prayers, and actions with each quote. I hope that someday this booklet will be back in publication so that I can buy them and share!

My next topic is the polar opposite but that's how life goes at our hacienda!

Plumbing issues and a Big Honkin' Snake!

Last Thursday, I was busy paying bills and typing up invoices for our business. Our commode needed new parts for the tank and Jim had run into town to pick them up. It was a beautiful day, the weather was great, and I had the back door open. Jim came home to take care of the plumbing issue and I was doing my part by holding the phone flashlight so he could see. It was about 2:30 pm and I heard the chickens squawking up a storm. I headed out the back door and grabbed the bb gun, thinking that there was a chicken hawk dive bombing them, since this has happened before and the noise from the bb gun scares the hawk away. There was no hawk flying over head and the noise was coming from the coop where they lay their eggs. I open the gate and head towards the coop as the commotion gets louder. I see a dead hen and high tail it back to the house hollering for Jim to "get the real gun!" I walk in and he's grabbing the "snake gun" and asking me what's out there. I explained that I saw a dead chicken from "a far" and turned back around. He heads out there, with me following from a safe distance. He swings the door to the chicken coop open and I hear the gun go off. Right after the gun went off a hen came flying out of there and I heard another shot. This humongous bull snake had choked one hen to death and was in the act of choking the hen that flew out! We've never seen anything like this before! We've had bull snakes in the chicken coop before, almost ever spring. They've never bothered the hens before and Jim or I usually open the coop door and are surprised by a snake that is full of eggs. Jim has always grabbed something to pick up the snake and then he lets it go back further out in the pasture. This snake will not be coming back! It was so bizarre and scary! I told Jim that it made me think of, "El diablo aka the devil!" Needless to say, the grandkids and I will not be going into the chicken coop for a very long time!

Now back to normal daily life and doing small things with great love... I'm going to head to the kitchen and bake Jim some sugar cookies from scratch!

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

A picture of the chicken coop!

Another quote and one of my favorite pictures of Saint Mother Teresa!

 

Faith and Life, Kitchen Windows and Prayers

 Hello out there! 

Through all things, through all times, through all seasons - God is with us! He loves us! He wants us to lean on Him. He is our rock, our salvation, our strength. 

Psalm 27:14 

Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!

Jim and I will be married 42 years in June. The summer we got married the oilfield boom was quickly diving into a bust. He had worked for the same oil company, as a welder, for almost eight years. He made it past the first two layoffs, but he and several others were let go during the third layoff. It was December, I was pregnant, and it was hard. The company had arranged for the men who were laid off to be hired by another company beginning that Monday. The wages were quite a bit less, and all of his benefits, including health insurance, were gone. We were thankful he at least had a job until we could figure out another plan. For the next six years, we dealt with temporary jobs, low paying jobs, and lay offs. We decided, after much prayer, to take a leap of faith, and Jim became a contract welder. He had a single cab truck and a welding machine on a trailer. I ordered business cards, we purchased a general liability insurance policy for our business and we've been self-employed ever since. We're a team! Jim does all the welding and I keep the books. We've had ups and downs through our 35 years of being self-employed, but definitely more positive years! Working together has been a huge blessing for our marriage. We're thankful for all the work God has blessed us with and that through it all, He has been with us! 

The most important ingredient is LOVE!:

When we first got married, I had to learn how to budget, make out a grocery list, buy groceries, etc. Coupons were a big deal back then. I remember going through the newspaper and looking through the adds, cutting out coupons for items that matched my list. I would proudly show Jim how much money I had saved at the grocery store that week. My cooking skills were limited and some of our first meals together are memorable because they were so awful! I looked through my mom's old recipe files, and a cookbook my great aunt had bought for me as a wedding present. I would call Jim's mom, my aunt, and a couple of friends who were older than me and ask their advice on how to cook this or that. My determination paid off! I have become a really good cook, baker, and meal prep, throw something together in a dash kind of homemaker! I truly believe that love is the most important ingredient in every single recipe and for every single meal, large or small!

Kitchen windows and washing dishes:

We don't have a dishwasher. Jim will tell you that he is the dish washer! I'll just say that we've both washed a lot of dishes in the past 42 years. Growing up, I remember my mom teaching me how to load the dishwasher. Scrape the plates, rinse the dishes off, and then stack them this way and that way, and NOT that way, etc.! When Jim and I got married, our first home did not have a dish washer. And 42 years later...we still don't!.

We've lived in this house, our home, for almost 34 years. There is a window right above the kitchen sink that looks out into our front yard. I've watched our children and now, grandchildren, play basketball through that window. I've banged on that window when the rough housing, wrestling matches, etc. were getting too rough!  And also when sidewalk chalk was not being used on the sidewalk! I've seen beautiful sunsets, blessings of rain and even snow fall to the ground. We have a couple of oak trees, three assorted bird baths, and an array of birds, squirrels, deer, and dogs on the loose, that come and visit! One year we had a porcupine that was a regular visitor for a couple of months. I look out the window as I wash dishes. Sometimes I listen to music, other times I just sing songs that come to mind. Jim has walked in and heard a wide range of songs such as: "Que sera, sera" Whatever will be, will be - by Doris Day. And then he's also heard me belt out, "There's a tear in my beer" cuz I'm crying for you dear - by Hank Williams. My Texas twang really comes through in that song! 

 I've prayed many prayers while washing dishes. Some prayers have been those of praise and then there have been times I've poured out my heart and a torrent of tears have mingled with my dishwater. Lately, I've been listening to the "Salve Regina" and Gregorian Chants/ Litanies. Listening to those always bring a sense of peace and calm.

Coffee at home vs coffee on the go: (A saving money tip)

Jim and I have a coffee pot. We buy a large can of Folgers Coffee and I usually have a back up can also, just in case, so we don't run out! We both drink coffee every morning. I enjoy the smell of coffee brewing in the morning and having time to drink a couple of cups as I begin my day. One of my sweet friends bought me "Coffee Themed" birthday gifts:

A sign for my kitchen that says, "This house runs on Love, Coffee, and Jesus!" 

A coffee mug that says, "Be calm and Catholic on" and some yummy flavored coffee from a local Catholic store!

There is no way Jim and I could afford to stop and buy coffee every morning from one of the many  coffee places we have in town. Yes, on a rare occasion, and I mean rare, I will purchase a cup of coffee from one of the locally owned coffee shops. If you are looking for ways to save money - here are some options.

The following is an example of how much you can save weekly/monthly by brewing your own coffee: If you spend - $5 - $7 daily (5 times a week)  

Weekly total for coffee is $25 -$35 and Monthly total is $100.00 - $140.00 (Per person) 

I just bought a canister of coffee last week and it cost $16.00. This usually lasts us about 6 weeks. I drink two large mugs most mornings, sometimes more. Jim drinks one large mug every morning. I also keep a carton of half n half in the fridge to add to my coffee. 

Do the math! You can save a lot of money if you buy a simple coffee machine. I think ours cost about $30. It's a 12 cup Mr. Coffee. Percolators make great coffee also! There are many choices of coffee to choose from; different brands, breakfast blends, Columbian, etc. And there are several flavors of cream you can pick from. You can also purchase a more expensive coffee maker and you will still save money!

It's cheaper and healthier to eat at home. I bought a package of two large roasts for $24 last week. I put one in the freezer and cooked the other one. Add whatever kinds of vegetables you like to cook with your roast and you will have leftovers unless you have a large family!  Compare that to take out fast food and you've saved money and eaten a much better meal. 

Traditional Roast Vegetables: potatoes, onions, carrots

My Roast Vegetables: any and or all of the following combinations: traditional, add Jalapenos' and mini bell peppers. Or add squash, zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers. Customize and use whatever vegetables your family likes.  Season the meat well with salt, pepper, garlic powder and add enough water to cover the bottom and a couple of inches high. Cover tightly with foil and bake in 325 -350 degree oven for about 3 1/2 - 4 hours.

Another shopping tip - If you like mushrooms, buy them when they look really fresh and then put them in a freezer bag and put in the freezer. Shake out the amount you want to add to whatever you're cooking!

Another option - This is my, "In a hurry and feeding grandkids option"

Place roast in 9 x 13" baking dish, season well, pour a can of Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies on top, add water, cover tightly with foil, and bake same as above. Let roast cool a little bit, shred, and make roast and refried bean burritos. I cook a pot beans every week. I buy the large 10 lb. bag of dry casserole pinto beans. That size bag will usually last 6-8 weeks. 

Refried Beans at Nana and Pa's Hacienda = Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Iron skillet - spoon fresh beans in hot skillet and use a potato/bean smasher until you get the right consistency. Grate Sharp Cheddar Cheese. (or use already grated - fresh tastes way better) Spread some butter on one side of tortilla (I always use real butter and keep at least one stick at room temp). Place tortilla on warm comal or skillet - butter side down - and sprinkle with cheese. Add a large spoonful of beans  on top of cheese and fold in half with a spatula. Flip on both sides til nice and toasty. Place on paper plate and cut in half. Add a dollop of sour cream or not! Chips and or fruit and everyone is happy! 

Hug your kids, hug your spouse, let your kids help you in the kitchen. Side by side - team work! Give them jobs to do depending on their age; set the table, put ice in the glasses, peel carrots, take out the trash, measure ingredients, put away groceries, etc.

Pray together and remember that God Loves You! Lean on Him and He will guide you and be with you through all the ups and downs, good times and bad times, happy times and sad times.

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

Finding Time for Silence in a Noisy World

 Good morning out there!

My weather report for today is:

Cool morning breeze, blue skies, and a sun shiny day!

Jim and I were out of town over the weekend. Before we headed home on Sunday, we found a Catholic Church nearby and went to the 11:00 am Mass. We walked into St. James Catholic Church, dipped our fingers into the holy water, made the sign of the cross, and found a place to sit. We were early and had time to kneel and say our prayers and also take in the beauty of the church. The silence and peace filled my heart. A young man, kneeling at the other end of our pew caught my eye. I could almost feel the intensity of his prayer. I began to pray for him and tears filled my eyes as I thought about how much God loves us. The following scripture came to my mind.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light."

My heart filled to overflowing as I saw families, large and small, couples, young and older, and single people fill the pews. Tears spilled down my cheeks with joy and hope as I thought about all the churches all across our country and around the world full of people seeking God.

The choir sang a song that has stayed with me and I've been singing parts of it for the past two days. I tried to find it in an old music missal and finally called the church. The secretary was so sweet. She is going to have the Cantor call me back! The part I remember is "Long have I waited for your coming, you belong to me..." "Return to me, with all your heart..." (that's what I've been singing and humming, anyway) If he calls me back...I'll post the name of the song.

A little quiet time, some silence in our lives is important and truly needed. I have a corner in our living room that is full of plants where the morning sun shines through the window. A small statue of an angel holding a bird in her hands sits among the plants. On a table opposite the plants is a statue of Jesus, the Good Shepherd and a Crucifix hangs on the wall above it. Sometimes I put my phone on silent and sit across from my "Secret Garden" and pray. And then there are times when I just sit in silence, listening for God's voice, His guidance, His reassurance.

Make your own little prayer corner in your home. 

Jim likes to sit at the kitchen table and read the daily scriptures and prayers from our monthly devotional, Magnificat. He wakes up early and goes into the kitchen while I'm still fast asleep and has his quiet time. We keep our bible, the Magnificat, and some other prayer cards on the table. We have a Mama Mary and Baby Jesus night light that sits in the kitchen window and is always on whenever we are home. We also have a picture of the Holy Family hanging on the wall across from the table.

Many Catholic Churches are open during the day before and after daily Mass. If you don't have time to stay for Mass, look for a church close by, find out what time they're open, and go inside and spend some quiet time in prayer. 

In a world full of noise, find a place and time for some silence.

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find;

knock, and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives;

the one who seeks finds;

 and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

This is another picture that is in our kitchen. 

"The Dearest Mortals"

 Good morning out there!  

I've been trying to sit down for over a week and write this story. I have my Kleenexes and told Jim the story I was going to share today...no interruptions! 

 I'm sharing a poem that was written for me when I was about six months old and in the hospital with pneumonia. We lived in a small town and the people really cared about each other. I wasn't even two years old when we moved away, but memories and stories were shared and some of those friendships remained strong throughout the years. 

I've shared how the people blessed my family with a baby shower when I was adopted, the story about the banker, the story about the sweetest cards, etc. My dad was a high school teacher at that time and he also drove the school bus. 

The young man who wrote this poem had just finished his freshman year of high school. (1964) I came across the envelope it was in as I was going through some old pictures and memorabilia. I hadn't read the poem in years. The poem is written in cursive, on notebook paper. The faded print on the small, white envelope simply says, Sharla Kay. 

I share this beautiful poem for all the precious babies in this old world. To all the babies who are planned and to all the babies who are unplanned. To the babies still in their mother's wombs and to the babies who have been born. You are all:

"The Dearest Mortals"

The dearest mortals on this old earth

Are all the babes, both sweet and dear

The ones who grant this world its mirth

We'd feel quite lost if they were not here.

Babies are made of pure, sweet love

As clean and white as the purest dove

The little dears are all so nice

They give this old world a lot of spice.

Babies never anyone's feelings hurt

Babies never utter an unkind word

Nor do they do an unkind deed

And when they do a real smart trick

Their parent's pride is like that of a steed.

The little emblems of God's dear love

Rest sweetly, securely in His arm

Someday will go to Him above

And eternally be kept from all harm.

Yes, we must all agree

That if we looked for eternity

In and out of life's many portals

We could not find a more perfect mortal creation

For babies are the Dearest Mortals.

But of all these precious mortals

Who in their cradles lay

There are none sweeter

Than your Sharla Kay

Get Well Soon!

This isn't much, but it's the best I could do,

 so please accept it with feeling of love and friendship for all of you.

Love, Danny Martin

When I found this poem I knew I needed to share it. I wanted to share it in honor of his memory. 

Danny was killed in a car accident when I was six years old. May he rest in peace.

Hug your spouse! Hug your kids! Hug your grandkids! Be thankful for another day! Go out and be a light to others! 

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

 near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

2025 - Reflection, Prayers, and Still Following a Star

 Hello out there! No weather report - just jumping right into my story for today! 

This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee, and looking at my Nativity Scene that is still on the bottom shelf of my china hutch. Yesterday afternoon, I replaced the batteries in the string of small, white lights I have above my Nativity Scene. Jim and I finally took our tree down yesterday. I had already removed the decorations but the white lights and star were still on the tree and I enjoyed having the lights on when we were at home. I told Jim that it looked like we had a large tree with pinecones in our home and that it should just stay up awhile longer...he told me that he had time to help me take it down and went and got the ladder! The tree has been put away. But the string of lights in my kitchen window above the sink are still twinkling, and my Nativity Scene in the hutch will be there awhile longer! I decided that today I was going to spend some time sharing stories and memories! I remembered that I wrote a post last year about my Nativity Scene - I looked back and it was the exact same date, just another year! I'm going to post the story below. 

Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

The picture below is my Nativity Scene, about five years ago, before I had a china hutch.       

    (Last year's story is below the picture!) 

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Reflection, Prayers, and Following a Star

Hello out there! It's my first post of 2024 - Happy New Year! May you and yours be blessed! 

The weather has been crazy! Freezing cold from Sunday through Wednesday and the high for today is 74! Tomorrow's low is expected to be 27  with a high of 45 degrees - Texas weather! I have been "under the weather" since Monday afternoon and I'm finally feeling better today - not very much energy but more like myself!

I know that today is January 18th but I still have my small Nativity Scene on the bottom shelf of my china hutch. When I sit down at the kitchen table, the Nativity Scene is where I can see it. Looking at the scene always touches my heart, helps me to reflect and reminds me to be thankful. About an hour ago, I was  drinking a cup of hot peppermint tea and the lights on my Nativity Scene turned off. I looked at the small statues of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus, the shepherd holding a lamb, the three wise men, and reflected on their humble beginnings, their humble and obedient life. The wise men following a star, the shepherd finding the babe swaddled and in a manger lay. Joseph and Mary looking down at their son; and different hymns filled my head; What Child is This, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, etc. And then tears filled my eyes as I thought about the times I've grumbled and complained (most times not out loud) about little things that I should not let bother me. I need to be more humble! I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving, asked for guidance, and decided what I was going to cook for dinner tonight - because sometimes my mind just works like that! Homemade potato soup - peeling potatoes is a good way to put things in perspective! I pray that I will be a light in the dark, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and someone you can share a laugh with!

The following are the first and second verses of  one of my favorite hymns, "The Servant Song" by Richard Gillard

Will you let me be your servant, Let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I many have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey, We are travelers on the road; We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. 

This year I am saying no to drama! My prayer is that I will not be the spoon that stirs the pot! I have a hymn for this one too! I'll share the 1st and 2nd verse:

Prayer of St. Francis

Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord, And where there's doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness - only light, And where there's sadness ever joy.

I'm always humming or singing a hymn or an old country and western song - But I love the way my prayers bring a hymn to my mind and how the words fill my heart!

I will put my little Nativity Scene away sometime soon (or not) - but for right now, it's a visible reminder for me to follow the star, look for the light of Jesus in all situations and to keep a song in my heart!

Peace and blessings to you and yours, 

near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

Merry Christmas, Holly Jolly Mint Coffee, and Family Gatherings!

 Hello out there!

 Merry Christmas! 

Peace and blessings to you and yours on this beautiful day the Lord has made!

I have all these thoughts, and memories, and stories to share! This will definitely be one of my all over the place blog posts - probably not in any type of order! 

I didn't take the time to sit down and type any stories during the Advent Season, the time of preparation. I told Jim last night that my plan for today, the day after Christmas, is to catch up on laundry and blog! 

I got up this morning, made the bed, cleaned the microwave, got a load of laundry washing, paid some bills over the phone, and sat down to blog...Jim called and asked if I would make some sandwiches and bring out to the job site about 12:30 where he, our son, and grandson are working. I said yes, of course, but it will probably be closer to 1:00 pm. In my mind I was thinking - "This is why I never get to blog anymore!" But I am going to finish this blog post today - I'll just have to step away for a little bit!

Our lives are full of stories; like a patchwork quilt or a huge puzzle. Each patch and puzzle piece represents a small part of our lives - memories, traditions, family, work, vacations, happy times, sad times, and hopefully, much love and laughter! 

I'll share a quick story from long ago before I take a break to make some sandwiches and deliver them to my hungry, hard working, guys!

When my kids were young we would sometimes go and visit my mom's best friend who lived about 90 miles away. She and I stayed close after my mom passed away and was very special to me. She and her husband were both retired teachers and he was also a farmer. Lucille was a wonderful cook. Her fried okra was the best! She always cooked a big breakfast and dinner. One time while we were visiting it was getting close to noon and we were out running errands. I asked Lucille if we needed to get back home so we could fix Hank some lunch. She laughed and said, "Sharla, I told Hank along time ago, that I married him for better or worse, but not for lunch!" I laughed and laughed! She told me that he was probably at the domino hall with the other farmers and would order a hamburger from the place next door. Yes, there are times I repeat that message to Jim, but not today. So I'm taking a "lunch making break" and I plan on finishing this post when I get back home!

I made turkey sandwiches, with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and a slice of pepper jack cheese. Two with miracle whip and one with real mayo and mustard! I added chips, cookies, and three little cutie oranges to the bag along with napkins! They have drinks in their ice chest. I drove out to where they were and just sat in my car a minute and watched them work. Three generations - Jim was standing on a tall ladder next to some scaffolding that our grandson was standing on and they were adjusting a heavy piece of channel iron and clamping it to the upright. Our son was on the opposite side of the carport on another tall ladder. I said a prayer and took some pictures. A scene from a movie we watched years ago popped into my head. If you've seen, "Betsy's Wedding" with Alan Alda and Madeline Kahn, the parents in the movie, you might remember when she takes him lunch and the ladder falls and he's hanging from the roof...yep, thankful for our Guardian Angels! And thankful none of my guys were  hanging from the roof!

I've got to share my new coffee recipe - I'm calling it, "Holy Jolly Mint Coffee!" Large mug of coffee (I use Folgers), one packet of Splenda, a splash of Half and Half and four - six Jr. Mints. Super yummy! We had some left over boxes of candy from our Bingo game prizes on Christmas Eve. I found a box of Jr. Mints that was still half full while I was zapping a cup of coffee in the microwave yesterday afternoon. I decided to add a couple to my coffee to see how it would taste and I liked it. This morning I did the same thing and decided that it would be a Christmas Coffee tradition! The Jr. Mints would probably taste great in hot cocoa also! 

I love the Season of Advent, all the preparations, the lights, the decorations, sending out Christmas Cards, singing Christmas carols, and baking, etc. I am blessed to have a large family. One of the things I learned this year is to not worry so much about planning and having exact time schedules. To go more with the flow of everyone's activities and just enjoy the time we do spend together. Whether it's all of us at once, or some of us one day and the rest of our family on another day. Our grandchildren are growing up! Jim and I were blessed to spend time with all of our children and grandchildren during this past week, some on different days, but that was okay.  Our son, who lives out of town, arrived with his daughters on Saturday and left on Monday morning. We had a wonderful visit! Our other children and some of their children dropped by at different times. We laughed and shared memories, we hugged, ate good food and desserts, and went to Mass. We love being at Mass with our children and grandchildren! Such a huge blessing!

Our Christmas Eve gathering moved back to during the day instead of the evening. Our daughter and her family, and son and his family, who all live here were able to be with us. We ate, played bingo for prizes, had a table set up for decorating cookies, and/or cones like Christmas trees. Icing and sprinkles galore! The older kids played pickle ball outside, although a couple of times I looked out and thought it looked more like dodge ball! The three youngest granddaughters took turns holding our statue of baby Jesus before I laid him in the creche, with the statues of Mother Mary and Joseph on each side. My  young granddaughters asked me where "everyone else" was? I have a large Nativity Scene that includes an Angel, the Three Wise Men, a donkey, cow, and lambs. This year I only have the Holy Family out front. I told them I just decided to keep it small. They weren't impressed with that answer. Christmas is more than just one day, and "everyone else" may show up this weekend! Or not! We'll have to see what happens! One more thing! Our son-in-law came inside the house and told me that there was a chicken on top of my roof! He showed me a picture he took, and sure enough, one of my little hens was on the roof! Life at the Ynostrosa Hacienda is always full of surprises!

On Christmas Day, Jim and I went to the mid-morning Mass. It was beautiful. My heart swelled as I saw all the families, the children, people I've never seen before, and people I see all the time. Mass is always such a blessing; the Nativity Scene, wreathes, Christmas trees with white lights, poinsettias, and all the decorations, my favorite Christmas Hymns, the readings, and communion, I love it all. 

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

I pray that you are blessed throughout this whole Christmas Season. Our decorations will stay up through the Epiphany. On these short days, where it gets dark so early, the extra lights I have throughout our home give off a special warm glow. The hustle and bustle of shopping is over. Take some time to enjoy the peace of the season. I call this the, "All is calm, all is bright" time. Fix yourself a cup of Holly Jolly Mint Coffee! Or Half Coffee and Half Cocoa - I call that the Holiday Blend! 

It's 6:14 pm - I started writing this post at 11:30! I hit save every time I had to stop writing and go with the flow of life and daily activities. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my stories - may God send them wherever they need to go. 

Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla

National Adoption Month! Adoption Saves Generations!

 Hello out there! It's a beautiful day!

 My weather report is:

It looks and feels like fall, y'all!

November is National Adoption Month! 

And today is National Adoption Day! 

I decided I better sit down and type out a post/story since I'm adopted! As I sit here and think about what story I should share...I realize that I will just be repeating what I've posted before. So I'm going to add the links to previous "adoption story" posts and you can click on them if you have not read those stories or if you would like to read them once more.

My home office has a desk with a hutch above it. And the wall of the hutch that connects to my desk is covered with snap shot pictures of my grandchildren, when they were younger. I have a piece of paper that sticks out from the pictures where I've written the refrain from one of my favorites hymns:

"Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord 

by the light of truth to seek and to find the narrow way. 

Be my way; be my truth; be my life, my Lord, and lead me Lord, today!

I also have an old "Baby Blues" cartoon that I cut out of the newspaper many years ago - It is taped up above one of the pictures. There is a picture of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta tucked in with my photos. On my desk I have a candle with a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a small wooden Crucifix standing next to it. I have a bible, a dictionary, and a "Today's Missal - Music Issue " from 2015, and some pro-life information that is stacked between my computer and the outside wall of the hutch. My office is the perfect place for me to sit and write. I have my dad's old pictures of the beach, and ships hanging on one wall. A beautiful picture of Mother Mary and baby Jesus hangs on another wall. And then I have hand written notes, and pictures the grandkids have colored for me hanging on the wall next to my desk. My office is full of memories near and dear to my heart. 

And yes, it is also where I keep the books for our family business! Besides my comfy, very worn, old office chair - I have a wooden chair that Jim sits in when we discuss "work things" and sometimes he is the first one to read my blog (or I read it to him!) He usually gives me a thumbs up but sometimes he will remind me of something to share!

Links to previously written stories about my adoption:

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2024/02/thankful-for-my-life-and-gods-plan.html

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2022/07/once-upon-timestories-about-life-family.html

https://adoptedandblessed.blogspot.com/2014/12/every-baby-should-be-able-to-grow-up.html

And...If anyone would like one of my books; "Adopted and Blessed: Words from my Heart"             first two years of my blog stories - March 2014- June 2016. I have a handful and would be happy to give you one.

I'm thankful for my life! I'm thankful for my family! 

Adoption didn't just save my life, it saved generations of lives!

 Pray and Trust in God, His timing, His plan!

And as always,

Peace and blessings to you and yours,

near and far, wherever you are!

Bye nor now, Sharla