Counting It Down

I can't believe we are ready to say goodbye to 2008. It has been an alright year but I am ready to say goodbye.

I don't have anything profound to write about 2008. It had ups and downs and delights and God was faithful to me and my family the entire year. Thank you Jesus. :)

God gently pushed me out of bed this morning. He had a Word for me. I can't share it right now but it did make me laugh a little and the fact that he saved this scripture for the last day in 2008 just shows that God enjoys laughter.

We are going to stay home tonight and I am making appetizers and I have a mind to take a shower and put on my new and oh so soft robe and watch Vandy play football this afternoon and then watch a few movies and bring in 2009 with a bang. lol Maybe the bang will be from the BIG DADDY fireworks we saved from July 4th. :)) We are planning on playing a few games. I needed a relaxing day because I have a feeling 2009 will have me busy.

New Years Eve Menu:
Hot Wings (of course)
Shrimp
deep fried pickles
mini sub sandwiches
Rotel dip and chips

New Years day I am making a cheese enchiladas and taco soup. Very simple this year. I am going to be in a football coma for a few days. :)

What are your plans tonight?

Whatever you do I pray that you have a safe and fun night. I pray that 2009 will be a great year of blessings and delights and provisions beyond anything you can imagine...for God is Able!!

Slack-Jawed

As I was praying this morning, I felt led to get my Bible and read Psalm 86.

I prayed the entire Pslam but one verse really stood out to me and cracked me up in the Message:

David was talking to God about his enemy or the arrogant attacking him ,and seeking to take his life. Hello, our enemy tries the same with us. Anyway, he follows that with praising God for how compassionate and gracious God is and that God is slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank you Jesus.

David(I keep typing Davis instead of David this morning...lol ) asks for the Lord's mercy and strength. He also asks for one more thing and this is the verse that I absolutely enjoyed praying today:

verse 17(Message) Make a show of how much you love me (and may I add, may we make a show of how much we love God) so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, As you, God, gently and pwerfully put me back on my feet.

I pray that today God will show you a sign of goodness, that your enemy will see it and be put to shame or slack-jawed and that you will be helped and comforted by God!

Thank you Jesus that you do wondrous things that surprise us but also leaves our enemy with his mouth opened in utter surprise and defeat!! You are a good God!!! We love you!!

Update of Sorts :)

Oh the addiction of Pathwords...seriously....I know more three letter words than I ever thought possible. I am climbing that ladder but certain friends of mine are in the 1,000 point range and I am at a pitiful 410. Yes! This is one of my goals in the new year...1,000 points in Path Words. ha!
This is one thing I have been doing during the holidays.(Path Words) our family had a wonderful and relaxed Christmas and I am looking forward to each day that is left in 2008 and all of 2009.

After Facebook and Path Words, and movie after movie, in my down time, I have decided to take down the decorations little by little. I started in the office and took down the U.T. tree but I did contemplate leaving the tree up until next Christmas. For real.

Moving along....

In this new adventure with Jesus, brother still w/ no job and unsure of where God is taking us, I know this, God knows and that is enough. The instructions or directions from God are to rest in Him, be still before Him and we have done just that. The enemy is still trying to fight but one day he will be cast in the lake of fire, forever and ever and ever...Amen!!

This is a journey God has placed in our lives in order to build our faith and trust in Him. Here is what I keep getting from God: Believe in Him. Believe.Believe. Believe. He has set us up for a huge victory. I am going to say this and hope it isn't misunderstood but I feel honored to be in this place.....that doesn't diminish the desire for it to end but I am excited to see what is on the other side.

Our pastor said something yesterday that really stood out: When you are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit we have a tendency to think that God is far away but in fact it is during this time He is closer than we think. Nothing can compare to Him. His Presence. Thank you Jesus.

A verse that has been near to my heart at this time: Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overcome with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am using this time reflecting and seeking what God's plans are for my life including blog time and how much time he wants me to spend here and what God wants me to share.

We love living near Nashville but we are aware that God could lead us to a new place and that is fine, I want to be where God wants me to be. If God is moving us on , I want to go with Him.

I will keep you updated. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! I will see a few of you soon and I cannot wait!!

Happy New Year! (early)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas !!!

What a beautiful day in Mid-Tn, this morning.

Our family enjoyed opening presents last night. Since my children are grown now we like to open presents on Christmas Eve.

I will post pictures soon. :)

I better get in the kitchen and cook breakfast. Our tradition is to have a big breakfast on Christmas morning and a late dinner. The family is waking up and hungry. lol

Have a fun and blessed day!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Love ,

Patty

It's Time

To Wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

It is also time to take a blog break and I will be back January 5,2009.

If we have good news to report I will let you all know!

Love,

Patty

8 Things About Me

I have seen this on many blogs over the last days and my friend Holly had it on her blog and I thought I would give it a try.

8 T.V. Shows I Watch:

1. House Hunters
2. Dancing With the Stars
3. American Idol
4. The Bachelor
5. The Cosbys
6. Home Improvement
7. Paula Deen
8.Myles of Style

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Toyko Japanese Sushi and Hibachi
2. Olive Garden
3. Red Lobster
3. Carrabbas
4. Wing Stop
5. Maccroni Grille
6. Mimi's Cafe
7. Joes Crab Shack
8. Sonic

8 Things that Happened to Me Today:
1. I talked with Holly today
2. I got a Starbucks gift card in the mail
3. My mother called me
4. My sister called me (are you seeing that I spent my day on the phone? lol)
5. God sent many encouraging things into my life today
6. Emails from friends who were letting me know they are praying for me
7. I got a Rhema Word from God today
8. My brother ran errands for me

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. Christmas Eve Candlelight service
2. Our trip to Georgia
3. Christmas morning
4. Viewing the dvds from Esther
5. LPL 2009
6. My brother's new job
7. Open doors of ministry opportunities for me
8. Trip to Colorado

8 Things I Wish For:

1. A desire that I have been praying about for years. Can't mention but it is a BIG one. :)
2. My ex husband and family members salvation
3. Vacation to Destin or moving there
4. My sons following after God with all their hearts and walking in His perfect will
5. Working in Ministry
6. My book completed
7. My own home
8. A new car

If you play along let me know.

Christmas Tour 08'

The long-awaited BooMama Christmas Home Tour has begun! Thank you BooMama for hosting this for all of us. I am waiting for my video to process and if you look below this one in a few hours you can view my video if you want to! Our front door. I made this wreath and I kept it simple this year. We have white lights out front and this wreath and that is all for the outside.

Welcome to our home! Come on in and make yourself at home. I have homemade chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter balls and coffee, tea or hot chocolate for you to enjoy while you are looking around. I have shown you a video of my tree in my office. You may look at that a few posts down if you wish. In the foyer I have my nativity scene set up. I love this nativity set that was a Christmas present a few years back.

Happy Birthday Jesus!
In the living room you can look at our main tree. This tree has all the ornaments my sons made at school when they were little boys. Each year we buy new ornaments for the tree. This year my mother bought me a Rudolph ornanment and the Santa Claus from the Rudolph movie. Georgia bought me a Santa top ornament and a sweater ornament with Believe written on it. I love sitting in here and looking at this tree. Underneath the tree you will notice a Santa that lights up. Jason would tell you that Christmas isn't complete if this Santa isn't sitting under the tree. He has been underneath our trees for over 20 years now.



The stockings are hung on the mantle along with cute stocking hangers and garland with lights, a snowman, candles and poinsetta plants. On my coffee table I have the cutest reindeer that my ex- m-i-l gave me. I think these are my favorite things to put out each year and I am always sad when I have to put them away. I have a few Santa figurines that my mother bought me years ago that I will cherish forever. Please follow me to the kitchen. Now, after I was finished decorating the kitchen I laughed because there is so much red in the kitchen. I was going to take a few things down but my oldest son, David said it was his favorite room in the house and what is a momma to do but leave it like it is. :) I must confess it is my favorite room in the house. To me it looks like a fun kitchen to bake in.


On the kitchen counter you will see a Santa pitcher that I truly love. I think that it is different and old looking. I have lighted garland on the kitchen bar. It looks so pretty when all the lights are turned off. The Santa wreath was given to me by a lady that I used to work with. She is 90 plus years old now. She was so much fun to work with and I always think of her when I get this wreath out.

Christmas decorations in the hallway
A small tree in my bedroom

Miss Daisy wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
In each room we have smaller Christmas trees. My bathroom is decked out in reds and greens. I have candles all over the house. In the boys bathroom I bought a new snowman shower curtain. It will stay up all winter. The boys bathroom and their cute shower curtain. I can't tell you how happy they were about the cute shower curtain. (insert sarcasm) ;)
I hope you have enjoyed your visit and may God fill your Christmas season with peace and comfort and much joy! I pray that you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! Blessings to you and your families!

Christmas Tour 08' Video

Christmas Home Tour from Patty Williams on Vimeo.

When the Moon Hits Your Eye Like a Big Pizza Pie

That's Amore'! Longest Blog Post Title! lol

I had to take a few pictures of the moon tonight. It was so beautiful.

Also: My brother has an interview on Tuesday morning in Franklin, Tn. at 9:00 a.m. and if you don't mind would you please pray for him. Thank you sooooo much for praying for him. May God bless you back for taking the time to pray for all of us!

I will be back Monday with another video for BooMama's Christmas Home Tour.

Okay to the pictures:

I am so excited how this picture turned out!

God is Good!!

Have a great weekend!

Merry Christmas!

God Stop Friday...Updated w/Pictures

Look at the beautiful sky I woke up to today!

Daisy in the snow

Last night when the snow started falling. BIG flakes. I was like a little kid. I love the lights w/snow on them. Delight! Delight!

This has been the roughest week so far but as I am writing this on Thursday evening I looked out the front door and saw that it was snowing! I love to watch it snow and God knew that and He provided an extra delight for me today! Thank you Jesus. :) He is Good!!

Being sick for two weeks and I haven't been anywhere nor have I done anything. I haven't been able to have my quiet time the way I am used to and that has been so discouraging. The little that I have been able to do has been so special.

Through this certain trial my family is facing right now, God has been there to offer encouragement through His Word and through friends. I find great joy and comfort through His Word. You know that if God provided for the Israelites in the desert, He will do it for us today. God has been teaching me for months that He is my security and nothing else. I cannot base my future on what Washington is or isn't doing and to stay focused on Him. I am not to base my security in my brother's job because I am to stay focused on God. God has been teaching me this lesson for almost a year. I had a fear deep inside that God brought out a year ago and that is what I am placing my security in. During this lesson much has been taken away from me but God has been my Provider and will continue to be.

As my friends and family know, this week my brother lost his job due to the economy. He wasn't the only one in the company. It came as a surprise to us but not God. So many have lost their jobs and let me be honest in saying that the question was asked this week: who hires 2 weeks before Christmas? Is there anything to hard for God? (UPDATE: My Brother applied for two jobs this morning. One in Franklin, Tn and one in Destin, FL....please pray with me about these two jobs.)

This is what I know...those may be the facts of our situation right now but the truth is with God ALL things are possible. We have the favor of God. He is our Ever Present Help in trouble. Our Shield and our Rock. We don't look to the world to offer us anything because everything we have comes from God. He will restore a job back to my brother. He will lead me to the place I am to serve in ministry...all in His timing. Does this make things easier...no it does not but if everything fell away there is one thing I know...God never leaves us nor forsakes us.

The truth is that some who may be reading this may be in the same situation or worse. God is our sure foundation and He brings wealth and promotion and abundance from His bounty. Something God spoke to me awhile back..He is better than any bonus, than any amount of wealth that the world has to offer. This nation is being shaken. We are being shaken. Do we have much faith or little faith? Do we trust God or not?

I want you to know that if you are facing difficult times right now, God has not forsaken you or as a friend of mine says, God has not dropped you. I think this is a time when even the enemy is watching to see how we will react. After all, all of heaven is watching but as Beth Moore said in a post this week, all of heaven is cheering us on.

As I close this God Stop Friday post I want to say that this has been a different God Stop post but my God Stop this week is that God never changes. Whether we have much or little, He is still God, still on His throne. He is Sovereign and He has the final say. I love Him. I applaud Him. I praise Him. He is Worthy and He is Able.

How has He been faithful to you this week? Has He given you a delight? Has He done something that made you stop and applaud Him? Answered a prayer? I would love to hear about it.

Have a great weekend friends!

Christmas Preview Video

Christmas Preview from Patty Williams on Vimeo.

Please forgive all the motion with this video. It is hard making a video and trying to blow your nose at the same time. :) As you will see when I am trying to show you my U.T. Barbie. I hope you enjoy and I will be back next week with another video.

It Has Finally Broken

I feel better today than I have in 2 weeks. I slept through the night, my aches have gone away and my fever broke last night and I am praising God!! I was almost afraid to post this because every time I post that I am feeling better I get worse.

Yesterday had me laid out on the couch all day. I was seriously considering going to the ER. Ever since the season I had with cancer my immune system isn't what it used to be and I can get sick quick and go down hill even quicker. I am so thankful for your prayers and I am thankful to God and praising Him as my Healer.

There are some things going on in this family that need prayer. We have been hit by everything since August, after the Siesta Fiesta. One thing after another and I haven't shared about all of that but this week has been a rough week.

Please pray for my brother. A few friends know the situation and for now I am going to keep it private but he needs your prayers. I woke up today and declared today as a breakthrough day!

I was supposed to meet with a sweet friend of mine this weekend but I had to cancel and that saddens me like you don't know. I really needed a weekend, especially with her because we laugh like none other when we are together and because she has a special place in my heart. I am praying that we can reschedule soon.

Also, I am working on a short video to post here either today or tomorrow. A glimpse of the decorations before BooMama's Christmas Tour. :)) I tried it the other night but all you could hear was my breathing and I don't think you want to hear that and my stuffed up nose. LOL

Have a great day my sweet friends. I have missed you!!

Let Me Try This Again...

Thank you for your continued prayers and I tell you they have been felt. I only got up one time last night and I am praising God for that. Two people told me to put Vicks on my feet and put on socks before I go to bed and that should keep me from coughing. I am going to try that tonight and I will let you know if that worked for me. :)

I decided to stay away from church today. I really wanted to go but I was able to watch our service on t.v. and it was a great sermon. They have the church looking so pretty this Christmas season. I can't wait to go next Sunday.

I did cook Sunday dinner. It wasn't anything elaborate but it was good. I made baked chops and potatoes and a caesar salad and sweet tea. Mr. Edwards provided the dessert: pecan pie. ;) It was pretty good. After that we watched the Titans win. Go Titans!! Well, I did have my Sunday nap during the middle of the game. :)

There has been a recurring word that God has been speaking to me and as soon as I can form my thoughts I will be back to share.

What have you been doing today?

Saturday Stuff

Since it is still football Saturday , I thought I would take a moment and give props to the VOLS new football coach below:

They are so cute. They are expecting their 3rd child in January.

I am really excited about the University of Tennessee's new head coach! Lane if you need any help I am here for ya! I've got years of experience in being a couch coach. :) Plus, I am 10 yrs. older than you and I have been a VOL fan a lot longer than you. ;)

I watched the press conference before it aired on television and it was so much fun. Lane said that he is looking forward to the Vol Walk, running through the T and singing Rocky Top all night long after they beat the Gators next year. ha!

Also, look at what I got in the mail the other day...
Yes, a diaper. I haven't had a use for that in 20 years. I guess I am thankful it was a little diaper instead of a Depends sample in which I might find a use for. LOL I did find a use for the pampers:

I am not sure if I am going to feel like doing anything today but if I can get my strength back and my coughing controlled then we are going to try and do some Christmas shopping and grocery shopping. We have eaten out a lot this week. I have also had my fill of chicken soup. :) Our church is having the children's Christmas program this weekend and the SEC championship is today! I am rooting for the VOLS....I kid....I am rooting for Bama.

UPDATE: I came to finish this post and of course the Gators won. :)~

On a serious note: After I shared a praise about feeling better on Thursday night I took a turn for the worse. Last night was a long and tiring night for me. Over the last 2 days I have had a horrible cough. So horrible that I cough so hard I get sick. I was up and down all of last night. I got up this morning and cried for a few seconds because I felt so bad. I am asking for your prayers again. A year ago I lost my health insurance and I haven't been able to go to the doctor. I am truly depending on God to heal me. I am taking OTC meds and I tried to go out today but I wasn't able to stay out and do anything. We brought dinner back home and I ate and fell asleep on the couch. That was a peaceful sleep. Thank you Jesus. I apologize for not being able to visit your God Stops posts, yet. I am praying by Monday I will feel like a new person.

Thank you in advance for your prayers. Have a blessed Sunday!

Love,

Patty

God Stop Friday Early

I had to capture this kodak moment of myself. I look rough. I felt as bad as I looked and my hair has been in a ponytail all week. Bless my heart. heehee

My best friends . Puffs with lotion, oh how I love thee...let me count the ways .

And....water. Lots of water!!

I really didn't think I was going to be able to write another post this week. Thank you so much for your prayers! I am going to be selfish and ask you to continue praying for me. I am so much better than I have been but I have a cough that needs to go away. I am not sure what I had...it felt like the flu w/ chills , fever, sore throat, aches all over and my face hurt so bad and I couldn't breathe and I am telling you all of this because that is the way I was feeling all day until just a few hours ago. I am so relieved that I am posting this early.

Needless to say this is my God Stop this week. My eyes have hurt so badly that I haven't been able to read my Bible or even attempt to blog, FB or Twitter or anything. I am praising God so much right now. I can breathe better and the fact I am typing this post and I can almost taste my food. lol He is our Healer!

Thanksgiving was another God Stop. We had a great time with my parents and God blessed us with a few snow flurries this week. I am praying for a white Christmas and I don't mean flurries, I want at least 3 inches of snow. I just think it would be fun. :) After that I am fine w/out any snow. :))

I am not going to stay on any longer but if you have a God Stop from last week or this week please share with us. You may leave it in a comment or sign the Mr. Linky. As soon as I get my full strength back I will catch up on my blog reading. I have missed you all. Next Friday I have a very dear, sweet friend coming to town and we are going to stay at a hotel in Nashville and do some shopping and eating and I can't wait to post pictures of that!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Patty

I am not sure Mr. Linky is going to work. If not, please share your God Stop in a comment. Thank you.
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OH the Pressure

Forgive that title but that is all I could come up with this morning. My face hurts, hence the title.

I have been sick for a few days now and I just don't have the energy for anything. It started with a sore throat and got worse from there.

We did take mom shopping and I forgot to take a video. You would have loved it. Suffice it to say that she finished her Christmas shopping at Target. Give God some praise!

My brother took them home yesterday and as sick as I was I had to clean the house before I could rest. Truly my cleaning is a sickness all on its own.

I will be back as soon as I feel better with a more uplifting post than this one. Did I tell you my face hurts? :))

Happy Wednesday!!