A Taste of Heaven

Gods Glory Manifested Around Me

On the way to church last Sunday I noticed a small gravel road with a sign that announces "Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area."

Well, lets just say I mentioned it in an excited way to my husband.  Then let it go.  We had places to go, you know.

On the way home from church and lunch, my very loving hubby slows down and points at the sign.  I nod and smile.  He makes a U turn and we pull into the small gravel road/parking lot off the highway and park.  He reminds me that our daughter and I are not dressed for the occasion.  I remind him that we are tougher than we look and clothes are made to be worn and worn out.  Then we take a look at the posted map of the journey to the waterfall.  It's not paved and absolutely not level.  Our daughter is in very cute high top boots that match her skirt. (Thank you, Nana!)  Perfect for a pink unicorn loving tomboy!  I am in a long skirt and flip flops.  Not conventional hiking attire.   I remind him that many women survived in dresses for years before the feminist movement gave us pants.  

And a beautiful journey began!  We made it in one peace and fell in love.  So we decided to come back the following Saturday dressed properly and with water and bug spray. (the tics are crazy this year and I am tired of them.)

The first, smaller, waterfall.

I was taken back by the beauty last weekend.  I was speechless this time.  The second time back, with boots and other nice amenities allowed me the opportunity to pay attention to much more than my feet.  I took so many pictures my battery almost died.  

I know no other way to describe this place.  We were surrounded and engulfed by Gods Glory manifested around us.  It was overwhelming, fascinating and humbling. 

Because I cannot, in my own mind, fathom words to describe the absolute majesty in this small fragment of Gods amazing creation, I made a video that contains just some of the pictures I took and a song that really says it all.  This is my very first video!  I pray that you will be able to see and feel the Glory that permeates all of creation!

Have you found any amazing spots close to home that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about them!

I am linking up with...




  

Six Word Saturday

Surrounded by the Glory of God

6WS - Six Word Saturday 

My Favorite "Weed" - The Dandelion

Something that I really enjoy and love learning about are herbs and all of the wonderful ways we can use them in our lives.  I realized that this is one of the important things in my life that I have neglected to talk about in my blog.  So, today I am going to fix that!

I truly believe that God gave us everything we need in His original creation.  I am not saying that modern medicine has no value.  I am grateful for all of the advances that have been made.  However, I believe that there are many health issues that come up in our lives that we can easily treat with natural remedies that are more effective, affordable and with less (or no) side effects.  Just incorporating certain herbs/plants in our daily diet may prevent many problems in our bodies.  In all cases, you should consult a medical professional if you have health concerns or problems.  I am no doctor or professional but am just sharing my opinion and experience with these particular plants.

There are so many wonderful and useful plants around us that we do not even recognize as being valuable or useful.  Take the Dandelion for example.  Most people consider it a weed that they work diligently to rid their yards of.  The Dandelion just happens to be a handy little plant to have around!  The entire plant is edible, the flowers and leaves go great in salads and the roots are used to make a "coffee" like beverage!  On top of that it is very healthy to have in your diet.  Dandelion Root is often used to treat Acne, Bladder Infection, Bronchitis, Colds, PMS.... the list goes on.  The leaves contain Vitamins A and C and the flowers are one of the best sources of Lecithin.  Lecithin is a nutrient that elevates the brains acetylcholine and may play a role in boosting memory and mental focus, as well as being good for some liver problems.

The Dandelion is just one of my favorite herbs.  I make and use Echinacea tincture regularly as needed for colds and other virus' that enter our home and bodies.  Stinging Nettle is another plant considered a nuisance that has amazing qualities.  It can be made into a tea for to help sooth a cold and the leaves can be boiled and prepared just like Collard or Mustard Greens.  Can't sleep?  Try a cup of Chamomile or Valerian Root tea!

The list goes on and I am still in the early learning stages of my journey with Herbs.  I will continue to share my discoveries with you as I learn and grow!

Do you use any herbs in your family?  What are your favorites?

Linking up with Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop at KatherinesCorner.com and Winky Linky Weekend Hop over at Misadventures in Motherhood!

 

7X7 Blog Awards

7×7 Blog Award

Better late than never.... I hope!  The last 3 months have been very busy but I am getting back in the groove!

Blogging is like a community. A strange community you might not want to be stranded in at 3am, but a community nonetheless. Get out there, explore some blogs, and enjoy what you might discover.

1. Thank the person who nominated you:

I am absolutely amazed that I was nominated by two of my favorite bloggers for the 7X7 Award.  I have to give a thank you to Jennifer: Mommyhuh. I absolutely love how frank and open Jennifer is.  She helps me to shake off my shyness and share more of who I am.  She always has something funny and true to share that resonates with my life!


And to Lauren at Our Hiding Place.  I can't describe the inspiration I get from Lauren!  The beauty and excitement for life that she shows and shares is amazing.   I aspire to take my creativity and combine it with her passion and know how!


You will be blessed by both of these amazing blogging women, just as I am!

2. Share 7 things about yourself:

I love God so much that I make it a point to spend time with him every day.  Even if it is just a few moments while I am scrubbing pots and pans.

I am a full blown crazy red head.

I love people, yet love being in the comfort of my home more days than not.

I am a Sci-Fi lover.  I can't get enough of the fascinating world that lurks in our minds and myths.  My husband is often shocked by the movies and shows I love that he thought only he would want to watch in our home!

I am a sucker for any flower you put in front of me. (Casablanca Lilies always win though.)

Even as a red head, I wear pink proudly.  

If I get the craving, I will drink a little of the green olive juice if I run out of olives just to get my "fix." :)

3. Share 7 blog posts that fit the following categories:

Most Beautiful: Joyful Friday Vol 2 - O Praise Him: It is beautiful because it lifts the name of my Savior and tells the story of how He has blessed us.  It tells the story of how He wants to bless all of us.  

Most Helpful: Scrubbing with a Smile: We all have things in our lives we don't like doing.  Having a perspective of gratefulness takes the bitterness out of scrubbing toilets.

Most Popular: Unfailing Love:  There are not many words that can describe God's Unfailing Love.  But there are endless hearts crying out for it.

Most Controversial:  Speaking in Tongues - I know this was the most controversial because no one commented on it! I know from my own feelings in the past this is one that will forever put people at arms length.  But it is something that I believe strongly in and love to share the joy with anyone that is interested.

Most Surprisingly Successful: Favorite Feel Good Food: I received an amazing amount of page views on this post.  I think this time of year a good, simple homemade turkey broth speaks to the souls and cold feet of cold people everywhere!  I am grateful I figured out how to do it, share it and will need it soon!

Most Underrated: See Below:  I am making my first post worth two on this list because, I underrated it and at the same time it is my most pride worthy!

Most Pride Worthy:  Abundant Mercies: This is my first post on my blog.  It is pride worthy because I finally listened.  I finally opened up.  I finally stepped out and shared.

4. Nominate 7 other bloggers:

Nikki from Simply Striving - Nikki always brightens my day and has something powerful and meaningful to say.

Charina from Pondered Thoughts - Her blog is just how she describes it - Inspiring, uplifting, honest reflections.

Paula from Grow Where You're Planted - Always encouraging and full of faith and love!

Katherine from Katherines Corner - She is such a sweet woman with many beautiful things that she shares!

Barbie from My Freshly Brewed Life - Her blog is full of love and valuable knowledge and wisdom!  

Debbie from Deb's One Life - A beautiful child of God that is sharing her love in the mission field as well as in her blog!

Lindy from Who I am - I love her crochet work and her blog!  She encourages me to be a better wife, mom and home keeper!

If you were nominated, please pass along on your blog and do the same (if you choose) so that others can see the great things that you do and discover some other blogs that you recommend.
 In no particular order… (and 7 is just not a fair number to include every deserving blog)

Rejoice and Be Glad in it

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Psalms 118:24 

NKJV

There are many days that this verse is flowing through my head.  Usually, it is not because I am rejoicing and being "glad."  Most of the time, if I am hearing or singing it over and over while I do the dishes or trying to get a new math concept to make sense to my six year old, it is because I need the reminder!  As you may guess, today is a day that I needed to be reminded.  My loving Father made this day and I can rejoice and be glad in it no matter my circumstance, mood or hormone level!

Praise God for He is Good and His Mercy Endures Forever!

What verse does your spirit sing to you when you are having "one of those days?"  I would love to hear and maybe even add yours to the list I keep close by for when I need extra help!


Be blessed and joyful in all that you do!

Jamie

How God listens and moves

On this special day, I prayed a prayer on the way to our new church.  It is a long drive but worth every second we spend in our new church home. 

I struggled finding our new church after the awesome one we left.  However, in Gods time... we found the new home He had for us. 

This prayer I prayed was very specific and heartfelt. For revelation regarding the authority that Jesus died to give us.  The authority that His victory gives us.  The authority we have over the enemy through our King of Kings. 

After the awesome worship service and before the amazing childrens program, our new pastor spoke of the very thing I prayed for.  This beautiful, humble, sweet man truly is in tune with the Holy Spirit.  I am so blessed.  We are all so blessed.  I cannot tell you all he said today.  I could not give it justice.

What I can say, with confidence and gratitude, is that Jesus died for our sins.  And He rose from the grave, conquered it to give us victory and authority over the enemy.  Death, sin, sickness, disease, addiction, etc.  You don't need me to give it a name.  You already have the list. 

Now, all we need to grasp is that that list is ashes in the wind.  Jesus Christ is our King of Kings.  The Alpha and Omega.  The Beginning and The End.  Our Victorious Savior.  As the devil is under His feet, so he is under ours.  We have authority, now we just need to embrace that authority.

Take hold of the victory that Jesus gave each of us, put on your combat boots and show the devil who the boss is.  The devil and his minions have no authority in your life.  They are defeated already, all you have to do is remind them in the name of Jesus and they will flea faster than you can spell Victory!

Thank you, my sweet, loving and perfect Jesus.  I love you and I love all of yours.  I melt at the thought of Your Love!

I Am

Since news of our move I have been spending considerably less time on the computer, whether it be on the pc, netbook or phone.  And I have been loving it!  The last couple of months, I have rediscovered life without the internet.  To my readers - I cannot apologize.  I did not have anything to say that would improve your day.  God's word rules.

I will not lie.  I still use the internet, I still need my navigation, pay my bills, post to Facebook on occasion and check my feed on some days.  But I have put my main focus on the beautiful world around me; the family,  home and the fascinating wonders around me that God has so abundandtly blessed me with.  My cup over flows.  

I am continually grateful for the blessings God has given us.  I watch, in awe, the life that springs and grows in the view of our world.  Being in Florida so long, I had forgotten what Spring looks like.  Even when I lived up north I think I was so busy living my life that I did not pay attention to the complete wonder that was unfolding in front of me.

And then, I open my mouth.  Not with my words.

This beautiful weekend.  This weekend that reminds me of the incredible, intense, dumbfounding sacrifice that Jesus Christ poured out for us..... I am overwhelmed. 

Growing up, I did not understand what Easter was all about.  No one in my memory broke it down; explained it. 

Now I understand.  Call it revelation, eye opening, or heart breaking.  I now get it.  God loves me so much that He sacrificed something more than I could fathom.  He sacrificed His one and only son.  Himself.  He lived the same life I live.  He fought the same demons I fight.  He loved the same enemies I meet each day.  He survived the same pain I survived.  He is I Am.  He was I Am and He will always be I Am.

He died the death I deserve.

What He did that I did not and could not... He rose victorious. 

For me to have salvation. To have Peace, forever.  To have Joy, forever.  To live with Him, forever.  To Share, with everyone.

He Loves You!  He Loves You!  He Loves You!

God is no respecter of persons.  He loves all of us.  He loves us all equally and fully and completely and with all that He is.  And He is Everything.  He is Good.  He is Wonderful.  He is Powerful.  He is I Am.