Daily Joys.

Hello! Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father! How are each of you? Busy with summer gardens, fun and work? Life around the Halbert household has been quite full yet in a very pleasant way. Amid the stifling sweat-creating heat I have seen many blessings unfold. Isn't true that no matter what the season--in weather or in personal life--there are always blessings to be found? I thought I would drop in and share a few with you. :o)

1. This couple.

Oops, no I mean the couple below.

. . .

American Gothic was painted by Grant Wood.

Hmm. No. . .I'm referring to the cute couple even farther down.

Ah, much better. :o) Yes, this is reason #1 for why I love living in Missouri. Meet my examples of virtue and love, Mum and Papi--the rulers, guides, caretakers and gentle-hands which run our place. Please do not mistake me, I have always been blessed to have parents who love the Lord and who have sought to train us to love Jesus. However, since moving to Missouri I have seen God work miracles. He is the binder and the healer. He has rekindled a love--a godly love. A love which is forgiving, patient, slow to anger and quick to kindness. A love which inspires. Since moving to Missouri I have seen a marriage develop which, Lord willing, I would love to imitate one day. And so, dear ones, the sweet couple above is reason #1 of why I love Missouri.

2. Reason number two for why I am falling for Missouri is . . .

Cricket's insatiable chorus. Wild kittens beginning to trust.

Beautiful sunsets. Cattle on a thousand Ozark hills. Bass in a pond.

Crystal clear swimming holes. Mailboxes at the end of a driveway. Friendly cowboy-boot wearing locals.

Warm, summer air. Homemade, fish-line weight plumb lines suspended from bothersome, ill-placed trees. :o)

These are a few of my Favorite things. 

3. One final blessing of living in Missouri is its location. While I truly loved the state of Alaska, it's far-far-away position made traveling to family and friends very difficult. Yet, Missouri has proved otherwise. Grandma and Grandpa can swing down from corn-field Illonois for roast beef on Mother's Day while we can drive to Smokey Mountain Tennessee for a dear friend's wedding. What a blessing.

So, what are a few of your blessings? Is it the comfort of one's homemade zucchini muffins (hello Sonja!), the joy of two rambunctious felines crowding freshly washed material (greetings Miss Linda!) or is it the excitement over family research (blessings Mrs. Adams)? Ahem, or maybe it is the excitement of making and giving away a beautiful apron, Miss Shannon?  Hint, Hint! :o)

May the LORD bless each of you as you begin a new week!

With a smile,

Frannie

Using Time

Would you like to stop and visit somewhere edifying and lovely? Pleasing Design is a neat site which Naomi uses to share her lovely graphics. Enjoy!

Summer Afternoons

It's eleven o'clock, dear readers, on a summer afternoon. I look out my window and see a collage of beauty--hues of green, sky blue, white and hints of yellow stream into my room as I lay on my bed with a cup of coffee, a warm chiwawa and a biography to keep me company. Please don't think me too lazy; I just finished a good week of hard labor and a morning of serving yummy cinnamon rolls and smokies to twenty-nine campers and staff. :) 

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer.... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

And that brings me about to my topic--my campers. This week I had seventeen campers who eagerly appeared each meal time and also came in thirty minutes prior and afterwards for kitchen duty. Because Discovery Ministries is a Christian organization we typically have church related groups; however, this week was different. This group was a non-Christian group made up of junior high kids who came from military families. Because of this camp's make-up I prepared myself to have a very non-spiritual week. I was so wrong.

According to one of the leaders, one of the girls saw my "A Tip for Ghana" jar. After reading it she ran upstairs where the simple tupperware canister was passed from hand to hand filling with love, goodwill and money which could have bought candy bars and soda. When I appeared the next morning to start my ovens and set up the counter I was tremendously blessed to see that they had put at least thirty dollars. Thirty dollars worth of Snickers, Sprite and iceceam bars where given to an almost-complete stranger who is trying to go to Ghana for a missions trip. And the amount grew as the week progressed.  These children were so excited to give something--their joy and complete willingness encouraged me to keep going. They encouraged me to keep looking unto the Lord. Last night I told the Lord that I am trusting Him completely; if He desires me to go He will provide. I also told Him that when He does I will be as David and sing praises.

O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.  Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me .God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice,

. . .

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

  Psalms 108:1-7a, 12,13

Altogether this group gave forty-seven dollars--I told my campers that, although some may find the amount small,  their firty-seven dollars could be the exact amount God will give in order to meet my need. My Abba not only used these young people to provide physical needs but also spiritual--He used them to strengthen my faith, encourage me my heart and also chide me for the times I have often been stingy in giving. I praise God for using this week for my complete good.

I hope that you are all well and enjoying summer; I think before I drift asleep I should talk a walk to the mail box and see if there are any goodies inside. :)

May the LORD bless each of you today! Yo u all are so dear to me!

With a smile, 

 Frannie

P.S I have two very good sites I would love for you to visit. First, Miss Sonja from Girlish Musings recently wrote a most excellent piece concerning followers and our hearts toward them. Please drop by and read this; it was quite challenging for me and I feel the need to pass it on.  Also, please visit ButtonWillow Chronicles. I recently found this and I truly enjoy stopping by--its a breath of fresh air! :) Blessings to you!

Blackberry Picking

Greetings! Yesterday we were blessed to have our good friends over for a blackberry-picking fest. We started with supper and then went out in the evening.

Daddy and our good friend Mr. T sitting before a scrumptious and energizing meal of tater tot casserole, salad and garlic sticks is served.

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

Off we go!

A young lady having fun.

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

Our young friend avoiding the thorns.

He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

Mr. T creating a path.

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

My sister's beautiful smile next to beautiful berries!

The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.

My good daddy picking.

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

 

Mrs. T, Mommy and Allie helping one another.

Our reward!

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Mmm. . .Mrs. T brought a delicious homemade pound cake. What a perfect combination for vanilla icecream and blackberries. :9

Yummy!

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. 

Psalm 104

 

Thank you all for reading! It is such a blessing to be in God's world--He alone is responsible for such beauty and life. 

Your sister in Christ,

Frannie

Maybe.

Greetings dear readers! I hope this finds you all well and rejoicing in the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ! I’m very well—enjoying a nice week with Momma and my family.

Today I had a very interesting conversation with a fellow co-worker on missions, the danger of a mission field and the reality of  we are safest in God’s will. And somehow I began to think, “Maybe life isn’t  what I perceive it to be?”


Maybe life isn’t about living the dream—my dream or the American. Maybe it isn’t about having fine clothes,  comfortable houses and nice dishes. Maybe life isn’t about movies, entertainment and games. Maybe it isn’t being the most popular, well respected, honored and most sought after. Maybe life isn’t about living comfortably with fancy cars, a revered education and  a nice, plump nest egg. Maybe it has nothing to do with money at all. Maybe life has nothing to do with safety. Maybe life is not anything that has to do with self but rather with God. Maybe life is about obedience—for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in health or sickness  for as long as I live. Maybe life is about becoming the perfect Bride of Christ—holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27), chaste (1 Corinthians 11:2), without blame (Ephesians 1:4).

“ In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” Colossians 1:22

Yes, dear friends, maybe this alone is true life. I have been living in a dream. An illusion created by self; I’m so thankful Christ came to give us so much more mediocrity. And so, if living God’s dream means giving up wealth, reputation, comfort, and normalcy I’ll take it. For then, and only then, will I be filled with joy and the knowledge that I am doing well.

Please know that having the above is not wrong or sinful—God is the giver of all perfect gifts! However, to believe that the gaining and maintaining  of the above is the mission of life, well, that is wrong.

May the Lord bless you all today as you seek Him! Thank you so much for stopping by! You all are a dear blessing to me!

With love,

Frannie

A Tea Party

Welcome friends! I hope this finds each of you very well. Tonight was a very special night--my sister and I along with three other friends held a tea party!

Event: Tea

Where: The Halbert Household

When: June 27th, 2011, at 5:30

Why: For sweet fellowship and an opportunity to gather around and watch Little Women

Dress: Dress up! :) 

I was really looking forward to this event; personally, I am a girl who likes to prepare and decorate the home, bake goodies and gather friends around for sweet conversation. However, I was nervous about my guests--perhaps I am too old-fashioned for these young girls; perhaps they will find me silly for wanting to dress up. Perhaps they will become tired while watching Little Women (Gasp, what a horrific possibility! :) All these doubts drifted through my mind as I swept floors, made beds, decorated the table and laid out the movie upon the stand. So you can imagine my delight when I was told that one young lady could hardly sleep the night before because she was so excited! Beams of sunlight and joy filled the room! You see, this party wasn't just about getting the girls together, having fun and watching a movie. This was an opportunity for me to witness Christ-likeness; it was my chance to encourage these growing young ladies to become modest, feminine women. For a few hour I could show these girls that it is okay to be old-fashioned, in fact, it is even desirable. Our world is going downhill and with it the virtues and values once held dear. If I can just encourage others to hold onto what is truly important --Obeying Christ, being a girl, learning character--than I must take on the job. And so, I entered the tea party with great hopes. I praise my Lord for making it a success for He alone was in control--may He get the glory for all! 

So, please enjoy the photos I have. I would like to give special thank-yous to my Daddy, sister and brother for being such good sport and making the night beautiful. The only person missing was my dearest Mommy; Momma we missed you and plan to have another tea when you return home! 

~*~

   

Welcome!

A glimpse into the area of our party.

This lovely piece is found at Art by Ardnas.

The table setting--Our dear friends brought some very yummy oatmeal cookies which were a perfect addiction, oops, I mean addition to the night. :o)

There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Blueberry scones. :P

1903 - Gentleman Mouse in Front of Tea Cup by Beatrix Potter

Sweetly found at this link.

 

A colorful bowl of taffy.

Chocolate peanut-butter scones.

My most beloved sister and her little pup Chloe waiting for the guests to arrive!

Welcome in!

Daisies in a Tea Cup is found at Watercolor Paintings by RoseAnn Hayes

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown

One of my young friend's beautiful tea set. (Excuse those silly coupons! :)

Going to Tea

You're going out to tea today,

Be careful what you do;

Let all accounts that I shall hear,

Be pleasant ones, of you.

Don't spill your tea, or knaw your bread,

And don't tease one another;

And Fanny mustn't talk too much,

Or quarrel with her brother.

Say"if you Please," and "Thank you,"

Come home at eight O'clock;

And Ethel, pray be careful, dear,

And do not tear your frock.

Now mind your manners, children five,

Attend to what I say;

and then perhaps, I'll let you go,

Again, another day.

~Kate Greenaway

:o) A lovely young lady

 Beautiful! Thank you, dear ladies, for making this a sweet night.

May the LORD richly bless you, my dear friends. I am so thankful for you!

With much love,
Frannie

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" Ephesians 1:3-7

A Glimpse into my Day

Hello friends! I hope this finds you very well; e and ever since I began Authentic Virtue I've seen many lovely posts of The Simple Woman's Day. I have always  loved these brief peeps into the writer's life and thought today is as good a day to start.

Outside my window . . . A light breeze is rustling the green tree outside the window I just washed a few days ago.

I am thinking . . . About how to order my day and Ghana.

I am thankful for . . . My Momma being home and for God's infinite grace.

Mummsey dear and I. I'm so thankful to have her as my example.

From the learning rooms . . . Hmm, since I am out of school for the summer I'm not necessarily in the schoolroom; however, last night I typed out some donation papers in preparation for my Ghana trip. I've also been busy reading a biography of Susanna Wesley. (What a noble lady!)

From the kitchen . . . Egg salad (yummy :o)

I am creating . . . My bedroom! My dear Momma and Daddy have been busy painting my bedroom two shades of blue--pictures will soon be coming your way!

I am going . . . To seek to serve my family today by cleaning.

I am reading . . . A lovely quote from The Royal Path of Life (1879) -- A book I would love to have!

"Our very nature demands home. It is the first essential element of our social being. This cannot be complete without home relations. There would be no proper equilibrium of life and character without the home influence. The heart bereaved and disappointed, naturally turns for refuge to home life. No spot is so attractive to the wary one: it is the heart's moral oasis. There is a mother's watchful love and a father's sustaining influence. There is a husband's protection and a wife's tender sympathy. There is a circle of loving brothers and sisters happy in each other's love. Oh what is life without these!"

I am hoping . . . To sew some aprons as well as finish my spring cleaning at my work.

I am hearing . . . My family quietly mill about and Momma whistling "Count Your Many Blessings."

Around the house . . . Lies boxes, happy people, and chores to be done. :)

One of my favorite things . . . Is tidying the home and going out and marking what fruit tree is what. (Is that a peach, apple or . . . now what is that?!)

Baby peaches sitting in my palm. Do any of you know how to care for fruit trees?

A few plans for the rest of the week: Well, my family and I may go dancing tonight (a fun time). Tomorrow and Thursday I plan on spending much time washing windows and cleaning out my work's annex. And on Friday I officially begin my summer job of working at Discovery Ministries as a cook (hurray! :).


Well, off I go! Thank you all for stopping by--may the LORD bless your day!

With love from,
Frannie

"I will sing of mercy and judgement: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:" Psalm 101:1-3

God Bless You

Hello friends! How are you all? I hope very well--perhaps your spring has also snapped in to warm summer? I hope it isn't too hot--I just tell myself it's good training for Ghana. :o)

 "God Bless You." Three very simple words--words which I wholeheartedly claim as a Christian. Yet, these three words seem to fill my mouth with dust and weigh my tongue; three small words which I fear giving to friends and strangers. A small sentence of blessing and testimony which make my heart tremble and my knees to shake. Me, a born-again, hymn singing, headcovering daughter of the most High King afraid to say "God bless you?" Yet the long-lost carnival worker, the stranger in the food line and the straggly man walking into Aldies seem to have no struggle speaking the important words. People you wouldn't expect to even know the name of Jesus bless me . . . while I shirk my duty, nay privilege, of claiming the name of Christ in fear embarrassment.


Hmm . . . I think there is a problem. Is it possible that I fear man more than God? Can it be that I am ashamed of the Lamb of God, the one who became my sin for my freedom? 
 

"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

 Mark 8:38

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

II Corinthians 6: 17,18

Thank you Lord, for the way-ward carnival worker, for the stranger in the food line and for the bedraggled man at Aldies . . . thank you for their testimony that they shared with me. Father, I do confess that I have been afraid of speaking your name. Lord, I fear man. Father, please forgive me for fearing man and for being ashamed of Your name. Please fill me with your boldness that I may speak the name of Christ so that You will not be ashamed of me. Create in me a love for the unlovely people out and about this world--and give me the grace to bless them so that they may see you. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

Take care sweet friends as you serve the LORD this coming week. May God help us to remember "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

With lots of love from your sister in Christ,
Frannie



*Photo Credit: This lovely painting was taken from this link.

Please, excuse my Mess

Hello friends! I hope this finds each of you doing well--trusting in Jesus' everlasting arms. I'm enjoying a tiny vacation with my family in Tennessee; I hope to share photos later. I'm quickly writing to ask you to please excuse my mess as I change a few things around here.  :o) I hope to be back and share a few things with you.