Cutie Patootie on St Paddys Day

I know, I know, it's already past--but hey, why not celebrate this grin all week?

Photo courtesy of my newest grandson.

Have a great week all!

Crank a Smile

 

Ever get caught doing something, when you thought no one was looking?

Or find your tail feathers are showing more than you'd like?

Or some days you're just plain irritated?

There's a solution. Start thanking the Lord for the blessings in your life. I know, I know, that sounds so flippant, but it's true. If you're breathing, you have something to be thankful for. And somehow, the burdens ease, the mood softens and you might just crank out a smile. 

"God is all mercy and grace-not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you." Psalms 145:8-10 (MS)

Help me crank a smile, not an attitude, Lord.

photos:karenrevans

Walk this Way

I never know what will be out my front door on any given day. Today I saw an Ibis feeding just a few feet away. Of course you know, I ran back inside to get my camera. They feed on insects and worms in yards or small fish or mollusk in the water.

When I rounded my car, I saw the whole flock. They do like to go in groups, but at times they separate. Their long slender legs, long beaks and necks make them appear graceful, much like a swan. Until..

they start to fly away. Then it's all teenage awkwardness. Please ignore the dark streak in the pictures-that's just a palm frond in my way. I hurried to take the shot before they flew away. Ha, or maybe I just didn't notice it at all because of the birds.

"Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise." Ephesians 6:15

Wonder what else I've done that I just didn't take the time to notice. ooops...

Thank goodness, the Lord gives us second chances, and third and fourth, and...

Photos:karenreven-if I want to claim them. :)

Chocolate Gooooodness!

Here's a GREAT fudge recipe for Valentines Day. Pay no attention to the picture, I just grabbed the nearest paper, which happened to be a food magazine to copy this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa show.  Can't read it? Okay, okay.

Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge

1 Can of Condensed Milk
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
2 1/2 Cups Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Combine and melt over low heat, then add the vanilla. Pour into parchment paper lined pan. (Optional-sprinkle lightly with kosher salt flakes.) Put in refrigerator to set-oh about 20 minutes or so depending on how thick the layer was poured.

That it! Easy Peasy and sooo good! You could even cut the shapes into hearts with a small cookie cutter.

Now I had never made fudge with cinnamon or salt and it was delish! But I'd only put salt on part of it in case you don't like it. AND leave it out of the frig once it's set, in an air-tight container. Otherwise the salt will turn to liquid. Trust me, I know.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

If once you try the Lord, you'll see He is good. And there's no other fudge refuge like Him. Trust me I know.

Oh No You Didn't!

I looked at the napkin the same way I looked at this African Bull Toad. Yucky!

Hubby and I were at a nice restaurant and it was busy as usual. Our waiter seemed a bit frazzled but attempted to be cordial. He placed beverage napkins on the table and went to get our drinks. Meanwhile, I didn't realize I had brushed my napkin on the floor, until I couldn't find it. Before I could reach down to retrieve the little thing, "Mr. Waiter" swooped in with efficiency and picked it up and put it on the table with my drink on top! UGH!

Am I alone, or do you put things from restaurant floors back on the table? I guess he thought he was helping. I picked it up with two fingers and hid it. I wanted to say, "Hey, what are you doing? No telling what's been on that floor." But I didn't. He still had our food to bring.

 "With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 (MS)

Father, may I put away, not just hide the things that don't bring You glory. I want a clean table/temple.

photo:karenrevans

How Do You Catch an Elephant?

 Ha, I bet you never guessed this one! One banana at a time!

Then add a few fruits up high. 

Then sit back and wait.

Yep, that worked all right!

 And if you're lucky, you might just get two.

 

Especially if you are at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Now, kids don't try this at home. It won't work. Although you might attract a rat, raccoon or some other type of animal which you don't want. It's all location, location, location and food.

 Did I mention food? What about spiritual food? How do you feed your soul? 

"God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures." Psalms 145:13-16. (MS)

This refers to physical and spiritual food. Thank you Father for your favor and for making bananas.

Photos:karenrevans

Update: As of Wednesday, only 37 pythons have been killed, with more than 1,000 people signed up. Sneaky little snakes, they are. (See post below.)

Python Hunt!

Guess what? Florida is holding a python competition! Reckless snake owners tend to let these reptiles go in our Everglades when they get too big. Now our small wildlife seems to be disappearing. Even other regional snakes and small gators. Estimates are that they have wiped out more than 90 percent of our mammals in the Everglades.

According to the experts and hunters, pythons are expert at camouflage.

The hunt began January 12 and ends February 10th. There is a $1,000 reward to the hunter who bags the most reptiles. (There are rules, of course and you have to sign up.)

Okay, who's with me? Bwuaaahaaa. NOT!!!

"A common sense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness." Proverbs 13:16 (MS)

Lord, help me pick up my physical, spiritual and emotional litter. May I not be a reckless owner of the gifts that You've given me for living.

Little Teasers

I'm gonna call this one little squirrel, "Come-on-big-boy." He is always teasing my dog, Major.

"COBB" seems to know when it's time for Major to go out to do his, well, ummm, business. So Cobb and his buddies decide to scamper up and down our trees which go completely around our back yard and into the neighbors. Then Major forgets what he was let out for...sigh.... That squirrel also knows just how low he can go before Major reaches him. Then Cobb sits and stares, or eats another acorn, dropping the shells which makes Major even more excited. I can tell it's the same squirrel because of his face markings.

Now I love squirrels and all, but it's not always convenient for me to chase my dog around right before work, or when I need to leave.

I seem to have Cobbs in my life too, beckoning me to do things other than what I know I need to do. Sometimes throwing just an idea in my head distracts me. It might be as easy as a load of wash that beckons, irritating me. Am I alone?

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." Psalm 139:1-3

The Lord knows just what will distract me, yet He waits with watch-care over me, until I realize what I should be doing instead. Then He leads me back onto the way. Thank you, Father.
 

Gassed

I stopped to get gas today after work. First off, it's gone up in price again. Snarly face. I got out and swiped my gas card, entered the info and the machine read, "see cashier." What? I thought maybe I hit a wrong number on my zip code. So I tried again. Hurumph. Same message.

So, did I go to the cashier? Nooooo, I thought I'd try another pump. So pulled around to a different pump, got my Shell card off the dash and realized...yes, you guessed it, I was at the Mobile station! Sigh....

I was all stirred up about something that was my fault. Know what I mean? Stomping about, blood pressure rising, getting a sweat going. A tad humbling, isn't it?

I wonder how my life would be if I always dashed about in all things? Whoooeeeee.

"And here's why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones." Proverbs 2:6-8 (MS)

Thank you Father, for being my guard and common sense. Keep giving me that free Wisdom!

photos:of daughter

Whoo Hoo, Happy New Year!!! (A bit late)

Look what Christmas brought this Grammy!

 Caleb Allen Evans was born 12-21-12!

Isn't that that the best gift ever??

I now have two Christmas "babies," Caleb and hubby! :)

Hoping to get to see him soon. Face time and photos sure did help bridge the distance a bit, but can't wait to get my big mitts on this little one.

I'm expecting lots of new things this year. How 'bout y'all?

 "Your love, God, is my song, and I'll sing it! I'm forever telling everyone how faithful You are." Psalm 89:1 (MS)

My heart and soul are singing...don't know if you want to hear the real thing, so I'm writing away...does that count?

Happy New Year and New Birth!

Pretty Birds?

 

Feel like you're just one in a crowd? Like no one cares?

 

 

Oh, but Someone does!

 

 

 

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26 (Jesus' words)



 

Father, may I show others that You care and so do I.

Photos:karenrevans

Monday!

"Now where is that crazy ringing coming from?"

"Boy breakfast sure was full of fiber today."

"Did Pelican swallow my phone again?"

Do your Mondays feel like that? I know school started here today!

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Anyway)

Psalms 118:24  Parenthesis mine.

Father, may I learn to rejoice for everyday, yes, even Mondays. 

Photos:karenrevans





No Sign Here!

Okay, here is a gator I did walk up close to. (See post below and comments.) I'm about 4 feet from this young one. I felt safe behind my camera with the zoom lens on. Ha. This is Lake Tarpon, FL where boating, fishing and swimming is allowed.  Yeah, for real!

But thank goodness, he decided to swim away from me. It must've been my threatening presence. Bwuaahaaa.

Wonder if this is his mom or dad I saw from a bridge a few feet away? If I don't see signs to warn me of danger, shouldn't I at least use a bit of common sense? Hmmmmm?

"Wise men store up knowledge." Proverbs 10:14

Father, when You teach me wisdom may I cover my ears and mouth to prevent leakage, and store it for future use.

Photos:karenrevans







Mondays!

Well, duh!

"Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs." Proverbs 19:2

Good thing that sign is there. Lord, may I see Your signs of direction just as clearly.

Photo:karenrevans

Homosassa Springs Florida



Mondays!

And you think you had a bad hair day!

Bwuaaahaaaa....

"The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men." Psalm 33:13

Thank goodness He doesn't care about how our hair looks!

Have a great Monday, remember-it's the inside that counts.

Photo:karenrevans

July 4th Thank You!

Happy July 4th,

all ya'll!!

Thank you to all who have served and serve our beautiful USA.

Photos:karenrevans

Marine Museum: Giving Thanks

When visiting my son and his family in Virginia a few weeks ago, we went to the Marine Museum. Impressive even from the outside.

As you walk in the lobby you first approach the rotunda where pictures, quotes, air and land vehicles with Marine mannequins are posed.

Each mannequin is so very life-like. Here my grandson is learning what it took to keep our country safe and free.

Here is my son wearing a shirt that reads, "We fight what you fear."

This entire wall is dedicated to those who died at Iwo Jima. A pin signifies each person. There were panels above and below. Hard to believe so many died at one battle.

This is the flag that flew over Iwo Jima. (Hard to get a good picture with all the lights and reflections.)

The exhibits were impressive and many had orginal equipement. (I have many more pics...but I'll spare you. :P)

Made me proud to see this wonderful museum. Made me proud of our country. Makes me proud to live here.

"Fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12

Yes, we do have to fight in this life. Even in our faith. Father, help me to be strong and wise in all battles.

Oh, here's one of my favorite pictures.

My grandkids. :)

HAPPY JULY 4th!!

Photos:krevans

Florida Highwaymen Artist-R.L. Lewis

 Robert Lewis is one of the original "Florida Highwaymen" artists, and has been inducted in the Florida Hall of Fame for Artists. He is one of a group of African-American painters from the 1950's and 1960's who continues to paint Florida landscapes. Unable to sell their paintings in galleries at that time, they sold them from the trunks of their cars along the highway.

This jovial, gregarious man talked, answered numerous questions, and painted at the same time. His technique is wet-on-wet. Below is the progression of one of his paintings.

The artist painting only from his mind, none of us knowing the outcome.

Here's hubby, pretending he didn't know he was in the picture. :P

 The end result. Amazing! I can't imagine fending off questions and still completing this wonderful painting.

Robert Lewis, age 71, is an example of persevering and believing. I feel privileged to have witnessed this.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6  

May I remember that the Master's hand is still holding my wet paintbrush, until He signs my portrait.

photos:karenrevans

Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre, was built in 1926, and still is host to performers, movies and other things. Once a month they give tours, so naturally I brought my camera. Come tour with me for a bit with a few of my pictures.

Here's the box office for tickets. Now you know something elaborate is coming.

This is the outside light right before you enter the doors to the lobby with all it's wonderful artistic carvings above. Now please bear with my shots. The entire theatre was dimly lit, and my pictures are not the best, but you'll get the picture. ha, "get the picture..."

Okay, seriously, has anyone ever drunk out of a water fountain like this???

In the lobby all around near the concession stand rimming the ceiling are gargoyles. Kind'a different, huh? But amazing.

This is the stage. Once orchestras played in the pit there, now it is just a stage.

But there still is an old Wurlitzer pipe organ that rises up from underneath with a sound that'll knock your socks off! (1,400 pipes)

This desk is the "only" original piece of furniture there, the rest has been restored. I snapped a quick picture and promised myself I'd come back and get a better one on the way out. I didn't want to miss out on anything on the tour, so I ran with the group. But sadly as you see, I didn't remember to go back and get a better picture. The item I wanted to capture the most, I passed by.

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person." Colossians 4:6

Lord, why is it I sometimes treat those I love the same way, in such a hurry, I just give them a cursory word or acknowledgement? Or even worse, make them feel bad.

Teach me to stop for the important things.

Photos:karenrevans