Newest Addition

I don't know where my mind goes at times. One minute I think about something I want to share and then the next I completely forget. At any rate, the picture above is the newest addition to Levi's stuffed animal collection. It came from my secret prayer sister (SPS) in a beautiful spring tin and with chocolates (way to go SPS)! My SPS was very thoughtful as she not only thought about me, but my husband (who got all the dark chocolate) and my little Levi, too! Thank you so much for the special gift.

Below is a picture of his new found toy. As you can see Levi took a liking to his friend right away and chewed off one of its ears. Steve and I name all of Levi's stuffed animals, but naming this one has been a little more difficult. Any suggestions?

January: December SPS Revealed

I am sure many churches across the country have a special meeting for the ladies of their church either on a weekly or monthly basis. Our church holds a Ladies Bible Fellowship (LBF) once a month. I know in past posts I have mentioned on and off about different gifts I've received from my Secret Prayer Sister (SPS).

You might be wondering what is a Secret Prayer Sister? Is it a secret group of ladies? Is there some kind of initiation to get into the group? No, to both questions. This is how it works.

During the course of the evening the ladies can participate in the SPS exchange. A basket goes around the room and we drop in a form that has our name on it and any prayer requests or concerns we would like to have prayer for. There are three requirements if you decide to participate: 1) You must pray for the lady 2) you must contact her, without giving yourself away and 3)you must reveal yourself to her at the next LBF.

You can imagine my surprise when I received a place setting for four of silverware. Initially, I thought who would give their SPS silverware? As you might imagine, I found it to be an interesting choice for a gift. I mean, come on...it is not like I just got married.

But, this story gets even better....on Friday late afternoon, Vicki asked if I had heard from my SPS. I said, "Oh yes, I've heard from her. As a matter of fact, I got the most unusual gift." She proceeded to ask me all about it. I obliged and blah, blah, blahed all about how weird this gift was. I also told her that I had also received some delicious banana bread in a tray that looked much like the one I had received from another SPS some time ago.

After I left Publications I headed home and began to tell Steve about our conversation. It didn't take long for me to stop and get this gut wrenching feeling, that maybe, just maybe...my SPS was Vicki.

Saturday morning came and Steve and I headed over to church for a Memorial Service. (One of our members had passed away after battling cancer, and PTL, is now in the arms of her beloved Savior.) Once we got into the church building I found Vicki and we sat together. I leaned over to her and said, "You know, by chance, you are not my SPS are you?" She looked at me as casually as she could and said, "why, yes I am".

Are you with me? Do you feel the sinking feeling in my stomach? I turned a few shades red and then instantly apologized if I had offended her or come across less than thankful. Vicki, on the other hand, thought the whole thing was a hoot. I am so glad she has a sense of humor.

As always she is such a blessing to me (whether she is my SPS or not). Vicki has truly learned the skill of listening. When we were together over the holidays I had made a comment about how I didn't have enough silverware when it comes to hosting a larger group of people.

So the gist of this story is...if you get Vicki for a SPS, watch out...not only is she a good listener, but she can pull the wool over you eyes too!

Thanks for riding with me to the airport to pick up Carolyn, for the silverware (really :)), for the yummy banana bread and for the book I just received (I can't wait to read it). You truly know how to minister to a friend.

Zawkane's, SPS and Flowers

Tulips, Roses, Carnations just to name a few,

help me feel happy and not so blue.

The colors alone are vivid and bright,

making Springtime come alive and the days a delight.

I must admit, I love flowers and I really love to take pictures of them. These particular flowers are a mixture that came from the Zawkane's and last months Secret Prayer Sister. They fit so perfectly together I couldn't resist keeping them separated.

Speaking about the Zawkane's...I wish I had been smart enough Saturday evening to remember to take a picture of the group, but our church has a ministry, for all those who are 50 years and older, called The Zawkane's. This past Saturday they held a progressive dinner. My husband and I, along with two other families were to host them for the evening.

The meal started at our house; we were charged with preparing the salad. Then the group moved over to Bro. Matt and Sister Sandy's house for the main course. I heard it was Spaghetti and Cattitorie. Finally, they ended up at Bro. Solomon and Sister Tess's house for dessert. During the visit, the men brought a charge to the Zawkane's on how they can still be used of God. The word is that all the devotions tied together which is of God only, since the men did not call one another, nor do they have telepathic abilities. The evening was fun and full of energy.

Lastly, I also want to thank Susan for the beautiful yellow tulips she gave me at the Ladies Bible Fellowship (LBF). They are absolutely stunning. Your gifts, kindess and prayers this past month have been greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Maybe I will put together a short slideshow of all the flower pictures I have taken over the last few years.