The Tag of Happiness // Once Again

Anyone remember this tag? I thought being as it's been over a year, I would try it out again! Maybe see if my opinions have changed or not. *wink*

Some movies that make me happy:
-Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
-You Can't Take It With You (1936)
-Sergeant York (1941)
-Murder, He Says (1945)

-Disney's Cinderella (1950)
-Disney's Peter Pan (1953)
-Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1954-1955)
-Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (1955)
-Disney's Robin Hood (1973)
-The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
-The Shadow Riders (1982)
-Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)

-Father Knows Best (TV series)
-Andy Griffith Show (TV series)
-Dick Van Dyke Show (TV series)
-I Love Lucy (TV series)
-The Walton's (TV series)

Some books that make me happy:
-Heidi by Johanna Spyri

-Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

-The Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

-The Grandma's Attic Series by Arleta Richardson

-The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

-Pioneer Girl by Laura Ingalls Wilder

-Savings Graces: The Inspirational Writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder

-The Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

-Davy Crockett's Own Story by David Crockett

-Jim Bridger: Mountain Man by Stanley Vestal

Some songs that make me happy:
-He, The Pearly Gates
He, the pearly gates will open so that I may enter in. For He purchased by redemption and forgave me all my sins.

-Amazing Grace
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see.

-Alone Yet Not Alone - Joni Earekson Tada
I'm alone yet not alone. God's the light that will guide me home. With His love and tenderness, leading through the wilderness. And wherever I may roam, I'm alone yet not alone.

-I Don't Know About Tomorrow - Alison Krauss
I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray. I don't worry ore the future for I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him for He knows what lies ahead.

-A Living Prayer - Alison Krauss
In this world I walk alone with no place to call my home. But there's one who holds my hand, the rugged road through barren lands. The way is dark, the road is steep. But He's become my eyes to see. The strength to climb, my grieves to bear. The Saviour lives inside me there.
In Your love I find release. A haven from my unbelief. Take my life and let me be a living prayer, my God to Thee.

-Near The Cross - Alison Krauss
Jesus keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain. Free to all, a healing stream. Flows from Calvary's mountain. In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever. Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

-There Is A Reason - Alison Krauss
I've seen hard times and I've been told there isn't any wonder that I fall. Why do we suffer crossing off the years? There must be a reason for it all. I trusted in You, Jesus, to save me from my sins. Heaven is a place I call my home. But I keep getting caught up in this world I'm living in and Your voice it sometimes fades before I know.
Hurtin' brings my heart to you, crying with my needs. Depending on Your love to carry me. The love that shed His blood for all the world to see, this must be the reason for it all.

-One Day At A Time - Merle Haggard
I'm only human, I'm just a man. Help me to believe in what I can be and all that I am. Show me the stairway I have to climb. Lord for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
One day at a time sweet Jesus. That's all I'm asking from You. Give me the strength to do every day what I have to do. Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never mine. So for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time.

-Where We'll Never Grow Old - George Jones/Jim Reeves/ The Church Sisters
I have heard of land on a faraway strand. Tis a beautiful home of the soul. Built by Jesus on high where we never shall die. Tis a land where we'll never grow old.

-The Ballad of Davy Crockett - Fess Parker
Born on a mountain top in Tennessee, greenest state in the land of the free. Raised in the woods so he knew every tree. Kilt him a bar when he was only three. Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the wild frontier!
*blush* I can't help it. This song does make me happy

-Mother May I - Lynn and Liz Anderson
Mother, may I? May I marry? I found my love at last. Daughter, are you grown already? The years have gone too fast. Mother, may I? May I marry? I know our love is true. Listen, daughter, let me tell you what love should mean to you.
Love is patient, understanding. Love lets little faults go by unseen. If love is giving, not demanding, nothing big or small can come between.

-The Farmers Daughter - Merle Haggard
Tonight they'll be candle lights and roses in this little country chapel that's almost falling down. They'll be tears in this old farmer's eyes this evening when I give my one possession to that city boy from town. His hair is just a little longer than we're used to. But I guess I should find something else to say about this man whose won the farmers daughter and will soon become my son-in-law today.

-Daddy Frank - Merle Haggard
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the French harp. Sister played the ringing tambourine. Mama couldn't hear the pretty music but she read our lips and helped the family sing. That little band was all a part of living and our only means of living at the time. And it wasn't like no normal family combo because Daddy Frank, the guitar man, was blind.

-Mama's Hungry Eyes - Merle Haggard
A canvas covered cabin in a crowded labor camp stands out in this memory I revived. Cause my Daddy raised a family there with two hard working hands. Trying to feed my Mama's hungry eyes. He dreamed of something better and my Mama's faith was strong. And us kids were just too young to realize that another class of people put us somewhere just below. One more reason for my Mama's hungry eyes.
Mama never had the luxury she wanted. But it wasn't cause my Daddy didn't try. She only wanted things she really needed. One more reason for my Mama's hungry eyes.
*I've been on a Hagg craze lately

-From This Moment On - Shania Twain
From this moment life has begun. From this moment you are the one. Right beside you is where I belong from this moment on. From this moment I have been blessed. I live only for your happiness. And for your love I'd give my last breath from this moment on.
I give my hand to you with all my heart. I can't wait to live my life with you I can't wait to start. You and I will never be apart. My dreams came true because of you.

-The River - Garth Brooks
You know a dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows. And a dreamer is just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what's behind you, and never know what's in store makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.
But I will sail my vessel till the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind these waters are my sky. I'll never reach my destination if I never try so I will sail my vessel till the river runs dry.

-Unanswered Prayers - Garth Brooks
Just the other night at a hometown football game, my wife and I ran into my old high school flame. As I introduced them the past came back to me. And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be. She was the one I had wanted for all time. And each night I'd spend praying that God would make her mine. And if He'd only grant me this wish I'd wished back then, I'd never ask for anything again.
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when you're talking to the Man upstairs. That just because He doesn't answer, doesn't mean He don't care. Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

Some foods that make me happy:
-Coffee
-Tea
-Apples and Cheese
-Pasty
-Salad
-V8
-Pepperoni Sticks
-Strawberry Banana Smoothie
-Iced Green Tea
-Mustard
-Chips and dip/salsa
-Steak
-Potatoes
-Soups

Some words that make me happy:
-Jesus
-Humble
-Simple
-Love
-Wonder
-Forgiven
-Still
-Silence
-Family
-Good morning
-Sweet dreams  

Other things that make me happy:
-Mountains
-Sunrises
-Sunsets
-Early mornings
-Hiking
-Crisp Fall days
-Music
-Sweaters
-Baby names
-Cleaning
-Babies
-The Ranch
-Puppies
-Four Wheeler rides
-Farmhouses
-Cooking

I think some of my likes have changed, but much is the same!

I tag:

Daminika at Walking in the Sonshine
Marita at When I Hear Music
LaKaysha at Calico and Lace

This Life As I Live It

Hello, friends! I thought maybe it was time to do a quick photo update of my life in February!:

As I am sure most of you know, on February 3rd, we threw my sister a surprise birthday party. She had been feeling down when cousin Kirsten text me with the idea! Without her, none of this would have been possible. Thank you dear for all your time and help! And for being willing to make the long drive down here. It was so good to see you and your brother dears!

That night I managed to get some snuggles from Noelle! She's way too cute for her own good.

The day after the party was a sad day for my family. I won't burden you with all the details. *wink* But, we were all pretty low. We decided we needed something different so we headed to the mall and spent the day bumming around town.

Life is never dull when you have cousins.

Last week I finally took down the pantry door and we (almost everyone pitched in) re-did it! I think it turned out quite nice. But don't look too closely. It certainly isn't perfect. *wink*

I ached so bad after all that sanding! Have you ever tried sanding through four layers of paint?

We stained it and painted the center with chalk board paint!

A beautiful moonlit night.

One day we had fun taking photos of the sun through sunglasses! I think they turned out neat. I didn't edit this at all!

Auntie and Uncle came down for the weekend last week. I admit it, I spend way too much time with my baby cousins. But come on! How can I not with that face?

How many boys can you fit on one chair?

More cousin time! I believe I spend most family gatherings with the little ones.



Before Auntie and Uncle left, we sang them goodbye.
"Till we meet at Jesus' feet."

Evelyn's tiny hand in mine.

Well, there you are! Isn't much, but it's all mine.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100

The Q & A Tag

Hello, everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful Valentine's Day! 

Today I didn't do anything extra special. Just another day in this household. 

Shantelle at Between the Pages of this Bookish Life tagged me for the "Q & A Tag". Thank you so much for thinking of me! These kind of things can be fun.

*The Rules*

Thank the blogger who nominated you

Answer the questions you were given

Nominate other bloggers

Write out your ten questions

Let them know they've been tagged

1. Favorite book you've read this year?

Well, seeing as it is only the second month of the year, I'll give myself a little bit of hope. 

I have yet to read a single book this year. A sweet cousin of mine borrowed a book to me, knowing I love the "Heidi" stories. I am terribly sorry I haven't made it past the third chapter! 

I suppose I could say I am attempting to read: Heidi's Children by Charles Tritten.

2. A restaurant you love, and what do you usually order? 

Hm... my favorite restaurants would be a pretty close tie between three places:

Rocky's Pizza. 

Pepperoni Pizza/Taco Pizza and Root Beer or the Buffet.

Uncle D's.

A local family operated pizza place! I love their "Texan" and "Mediterranean Chicken". 

Burgerville.

Two original cheeseburgers and a regular fry. Or, if the Waffle Fries are in season, I get those! 

3. What is one movie/TV series that has impacted you? Why?

Well, my sister already did "Father Knows Best" and I probably would say the exact same thing as her? 

If I did another one it would be the film: Amazing Grace.

This story is so powerful and uplifting. It shows you that no matter how hard others may try and put you down, if you are doing what is right, you must stand strong. God will work it all out in the end. 

And no matter how great of a sinner you may feel you are, God's "amazing grace" abounds.

The character of John Newton is my favorite. I love when he says: 

"I once was blind but now I see. Didn't I write that too? Well, now at last it's true."

4. Do you prefer cold cereal or oatmeal?

Neither. *winks* 

I can't remember the last time I sat down to a bowl of cold cereal. If you know me, you know I am a "healthy gal" and avoid sugar or anything processed. I'm sure it would taste delicious, but I don't touch the stuff. 

As for oatmeal, I do eat it but I don't usually enjoy it so much. It isn't bad if you can put banana's and blueberries in it! 

5. Love being with people or would you rather be a loner?

A little of both I suppose. I love hanging out with friends, but I crave my quiet and alone time. 

I actually prefer one on one time with special people. When I am in a large crowd I tend to let my mind wander and become a not so exciting person. *winks*

6. A book cover you love?

I guess I am not really a person who cares about what a book cover looks like? Or, more like I am not a person who really thinks about it?
I guess the cover of "Warriors Path" I have always liked? When I was young I would stare at it for hours, imagining what the story must be inside.

7. What trait do you, personally, think is important for people to have?

I have to say: joy in all things. 

If we could have joy, even through the hard times, every one would be a lot more content. 

Another would be: a forgiving heart. If we were all quick to forgive, there wouldn't be so much heartache in this world. 

8. A favorite thing about blogging?

I guess my favorite part would be the fun of changing my backgrounds and appearance of the blog! 

As well as being able to share what my lips have a hard time expressing. 

9. What's one wish of your heart?

That wandering souls may have their hearts pricked and a realization of their desperate need for Jesus. 

10. Could you share three blessings (big or small) that have touched your day?

- a "Happy Valentine's Day" wish. 

- a yummy salad for lunch! (maybe it doesn't seem like much, but I eat a salad almost every day and it has been awhile without one!)

- a beautiful sunrise and sunshine throughout the day 

I tag Liberty at The Elegant Cowgirl

Questions:

1. What is your favorite thing to do in the evening?

2. What is your favorite song?

3. What is your favorite animal?

4. Pepsi or Coca-Cola?

5. Who is your favorite book character?

6. What is your most memorable memory?

7. What one movie makes you cry?

8. If you could move anywhere, where would it be?

9. What one gift were you most excited to give someone?

10. Hot weather or cold weather?

May you all have a blessed day. Remember, always look to Jesus. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The Power of Prayer

Never underestimate the power of prayer.

So many times we struggle to get through a day. Nothing seems to be going right. We grumble and lash out. Maybe we'll shed a tear or two. But, how often do we stop for a moment? How often do we take a deep breath and breathe just one simple prayer?
"Lord, help me."

Prayer is important. Prayer is powerful.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:22-24

"and shall not doubt in his heart"
Can you imagine having that much faith? No fear. No doubt. Believing with your entire being? Moving mountains.

I have personally gone through much growing and learning in these past few months. Many nights of prayer. Many moments of fear. It's been a scary and yet wonderful experience.
One thing important I have learned is: The power of prayer.
So many moments I felt as though the earth would crumble from below my very feet. I wanted to give up. I felt as though my world was spinning in all directions, yet I couldn't escape.
But each moment I was sure would be my last hope, I'd cry out "Lord, help me" and God would whisper gently:
trust Me. I have it all under control.
In My time.

And He does. Each time I heard those words, a peace would fill me. I believed it. God did have it under control, and no matter the outcome, I would be alright. Each time I would witness my prayers being answered. Each time I "gave up", a light would shine at the end of the road, shining a path for me to continue walking.

I believe, with all my heart, my life is in complete control. Nothing can go "wrong". Everything happens for a reason. Everything occurs to teach me something. Something I will need tomorrow. Each day I will grow for the next day, until my days are over.

Each day is a gift. Each day is an adventure. We must stop waiting for tomorrow. For it may never come. Embrace where God has you today. This is where you are meant to be.

God doesn't make mistakes.

Now, that doesn't mean we shouldn't dream. Shouldn't hope and plan.
But as my wise Mother always says,
"We plan. God decides."
Dream. Dream with everything in you. But also be open that God may have another story for you, and it is far more wonderful than any dream you could ever imagine.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:6-8

Pray when you wake in the morning. Pray when you walk on the road side. Pray before you sleep.

"let your requests be made known unto God."

Thank God for the little things. Thank Him for your trials. Give praise unto Him in everything you do.

Talk to Him, as a friend to friend. Let your heart be at peace, knowing He has your life in the palm of His hand. Let that give you hope and contentment. 

 There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
With the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry

- Garth Brooks

"The River"

Stop hanging onto that rope, praying for what may be to come. Fall into your Lord's arms, and let Him carry you down the path He has planned. 

In His Time.

Photos

I recently upgraded my cell phone, which now allows me to take photos again. It feels so good! I thought I would share some of them with you. I suppose we could even call this "Photos of January"?

Sisters on a Sunday morning. Say we are crazy, just a little?

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Genesis 9: 13-15

One Friday night I stayed over with my Aunties. We spent the night watching a new movie, drinking Italian Soda's, and catching up on our lives. The next morning we got up early and headed out for breakfast! It was a much needed time.



The gang came over one Sunday and the boys picked a little.

So, I really, really like photos of the sun breaking through the clouds and trees!

I went for a walk to the back of our property in the cold crisp air!

I love me some Evelyn.