May 26, 2010

lemon bars...(D)

I can't believe I'm coming up on my one year anniversary of blogging.  It seems lately I have been struggling with where I fit into this blogging world thing...
There are so many beautiful blogs out there...
so many incredibly talented women...

Should I stop..should I continue..Do I still enjoy it?  I've come to the conclusion that I still love blogging and sharing with you and am thankful that you share back.  It has become a kind of journal for me...
so I will continue for me and if anyone wants to listen along...that's just an added blessing.

As I prepare to enter my second year of blogging I will continue to show what I'm creating but will also share what God is creating in me.  I realize I am who I am and don't want to be a cheap imitaion of anyone else.  All I have to share is me and what God is doing in my life and sharing with me through his word. So that is what I will do.  I pray it will be a blessing to you.
And of course there's an Anniversary giveaway ahead...just some things I've been stashing and creating for you.  Look for it the first week of June...
 
Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

 
I had a bout with a 24 hour bug this week that really knocked me for a loop...I came home from work yesterday with terrible stomache pains...managed to put dinner on the table but knew there was no way I was going to make it through anything else and headed for bed.  No problem, right?  Only there is a 2 year little munchkin that needs to be lassooed into his bedtime ritual.  Lucky for me pop pop stepped up to the plate once again...He carried on without missing a beat...Oh, how sexy that is and how I love him so!


Now that I'm feeling better I can enjoy these yummy lemon bars my daughter made.  She really has taken a liking to the kitchen and that's fine by me!  Don't they look delish?



Nothing like feeling really yucky to remind you to count your blessings!

For all this I am thankful...

My devotional this morning had me in 1 Thessalonians 5.   This is the portion of scripture that talks about being prepared for Jesus return "as a thief in the night".  What struck me is Jesus' encouragement not to be afraid of the unknownness (is that a word) of this moment.  He says that he has prepared us in advance.  We as believers live in the light and are protected by the armor of faith and His love...We are wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

This encouragement is the same for any unknown we are facing today.  This scripture goes on to say, "For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.  Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.  So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."  1 Thessalonians 5: 9-11


Consider this your encouragement for the day!

Blessings,
Patty

I've linked up to the lovely Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspiration for Tea Time Tuesday, and Heart and Home Wednesday's Gratitude...go take a look you will find encouragement there, too.

19 comments:

Barb said...

Hi dear Patty, I want you to know that I struggle with the same feelings about blogging. Some days I am completely encouraged and other days I don't feel like I make a difference at all. I believe this is normal and I have heard many bloggers say this. We have to take it one day at a time. Blogging is much like life....we have our good times and our bad times.

I love your darling blog and I was attracted to your kind and generous spirit right from the start. Your blog is gracious and peaceful and that above all....is what speaks to me.

I love lemon bars and your scripture thoughts. I am sooooo glad to know God! Hope you are feeling stronger.

Barb ♥

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Patty,
I also struggle with blogging sometimes. Back a few months ago I stopped participating in all the colour memes except one. I also kept up with the spiritual one on the weekends but I felt I needed to do something different so I chose two of my favourite things and combined them. That is how I came up with my tea every week. Combining my love for tea things and the Word, I am fairly happy with what I am doing now. I like for my blog to have some purpose.
I love how you've shared the scripture and talked about your every day life too. As Christians, I think it's so imporatant to be ourselves and share from our hearts and you've done that; thank you.
I'm glad you're feeling better!
I would love for you to stop by any time for a visit. Wishing you a delightful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Patty, I am glad you feel better now. Thanks for sharing your day and the scripture. Those lemon bars looked so yummy!

mary sams said...

Hi Patty.I haven;t commented before,but I have your blog on my Google homepage and read ever post. I am a prophecy bible teacher and I am constantly thrilled to read all the blogs that mention our precious Savior.Your post today was special because it mentioned the coming of our Lord at any time (people seem to have forgotten that).,and WE NEED TO REMEMBER THIS EVERY DAY.Keep up your blogging,you never know how many people you may touch. In His Service Mary P.S. I am the Momof Melissa At "MY COTTAGE CHARM"

Becca's Dirt said...

Thank you for sharing those kind words from the scriptures. Congrats on your anniversary. I love blogging too. Never imagined anyone would read what I write. It is incredible. I love your blog. Becca

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Patty,
We are glad you are here! Keep sharing with us. All of our blogs are different in their own ways. That is what makes the world go around.
xo
Robin

Carolyn said...

Hi Patty!

I had the very same feelings too several weeks ago. The longer I remained in the blog world, I felt inferior to all the super talented people out there! I loved going to other blogs but mine became a chore. I almost felt like I was bragging ...here, look what I have. Hmmm...not something I wanted to do. However, my conclusion was the same as yours. I am a child of God and maybe that is really the direction I want to focus.

My daughter, in the meantime as I am sorting all of this out in my mind, has moved in with me and I am enjoying time with her for the next year. At the end of the year, I should have it all sorted out!! LOL! Well, you would hope! :)

I just want to encourage you to continue blogging because it is always a JOY to visit with you and I receive a huge blessing on your devotional posts!

Hugs & Prayers, Carolyn

My Cottage Charm said...

Hello my friend.. :)
I am glad you have chosen not to quite blogging...I would miss you immeasureably! I love your blog and look forward to reading it.(even if I don't always comment) :-0 You're so full of sunshine and you ooze with the love of Jesus.
Love you lady!
Melissa :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary. Oh, do keep blogging. I really enjoy your posts. I sure hope you're feeling better. Mmm, lemon bars.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I can't imagine not blogging really. I love to write and take photos. Tis the perfect place to utilize that. When people stop blogging I feel as though I've lost a friend.
Brenda

Heather Rogers said...

You are not in High School...you don't have to FIT in anywhere. You are a wonderful blogger and I love that you share different things here. I am glad you decided to stay here in wonderful blogland with all of us other bloggers. You have become a wonderful friend. I am glad I met you here in blogland! :)

Hugs,
Heather

Heidi said...

Hi Patty,
How interesting, I was just thinking the same things about blogging, trying not to compare myself and my blog to anyone else's. It's not always easy to just be the best me I can be! But I would encourage you to continue, to use this as a means of expression, and to just relax aand enjoy the process. I'm honored that you linked up with Heart and Home today, and hope you, and some of your friends who commented here today, will stop by and join in on Wednesday Gratitude sometime soon!
Have a good week and a fun weekend.
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home

Noelle Johnson said...

I believe that all of us should look for opportunities to encourage those around us. I am glad you are feeling better.

Leslie said...

Happy first blogging anniversary. I have been blogging now for ..sheeesh, 6 years. I have had a few blog/journals and have gone through the same emotions and questions. I love blogging, I love reading others and keeping my own ~ it keeps me motivated to continue to create and dream.

The lemon bars.. I can feel on my hips. YUMMY.

Diane said...

I enjoy reading your blog, and after reading your post today, and the comments everyone else made (yep, I read all those, too), I had to smile...I have been doubting myself and the blog world, wondering if I should continue...but I do it for me, even if no one reads it, it makes ME feel good...the scriptures are wonderful reading, as is all your blog....in fact, since seeing the quilt your Mom bought for you at Marshall's, I have hunting for one....think its a no go, but see how inspiring you are!!!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Happy blogaversary! I always tell people that they should just blog for themselves otherwise it starts being like a job!

The lemon bars look really good (wish I had one to go with my morning coffeef)! Your tablesetting is so pretty - love the cup and saucer.
Manuela

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

OKAY NOW!....
There will be NO stopping of the blogging!!!!!
Especially since I ust found you!
Thank You for stopping by my blog as it led to you.
I find it interesting how the Lord draws belivers together even in Blogland...
Loved catching up on your posts.
I too have been down for a week with Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Laryengitis...( and every other itis...it seems and throw in a 101 temp.
finally on antibiotics...which I never take...but Needing something to knock this out!
Happy Blogaversary to you and I'm thankful your husband is such a dear and will take over for you when your down.
Looking forward to getting to know you better...and that won't happen if you quit blogging!
(Nothing like putting the pressure on!)
You sound like a gal that listens to the Lords prompting in her life...
so I'm sure whatever you choose will be Spirit led.
God Bless,
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Meadowsweet Cottage said...

You're a sweetie and it shows through your writing. I'd miss you if you stopped! Blogging ebbs and flows--just enjoy yourself and the rest of us will too :)

aimee said...

also wanted to say i love reading life: beautiful magazine. i look forward to every issue. i wish it was published monthly.
blessings,
aimee