Faith, Family and Friends: Melissa Lester

Showing posts with label Melissa Lester. Show all posts

A Daily Blessing

One of my favorite blogs is Melissa Lester's, A Little Loveliness. A precious Christian sister that has a beautiful way with words. Within the devotional that captured my attention while spending time on her site was a few paragraphs of her oldest son. It painted such pictures in my mind that I literally felt I was standing on the sidewalk watching Carson along with her.

There are many facets to Melissa's blog, one of which are her devotionals. (You can access them from a tab on the top bar.) I pray you enjoy it as much as I have this morning and that it touches your heart in such a way that we all begin to truly enjoy the moments of our days. Our Father has given so many blessings that I don't want to miss a single one. What about you?!

We have a rain front moving in overnight and my head is beginning to throb a bit. Time to go to the doTerra cabinet and get started on stopping a weather induced migraine. I don't know about you but mine seem to increase the older I get instead of decreasing {big frown font}. On the bright side, it's Autumn {HAPPY font} and I love each and every day this season brings. And then Winter! {HUGE HAPPY font}. My very, very favorite season of each year. But I won't rush you to it yet, let's enjoy the changing leaves and the crisp cool days of Autumn.

Enjoy Catching the Breeze and have an awesome day.

Favorites During the Holildays

I've long followed Susis Harris and found her post on a tradition in their area that just fascinated me! I'm sure it will you, as well. I won't go into it anymore except visit and read and then smile. I know you'll smile. I did. Click HERE to visit SusieQ and leave her a sweet comment. She's requested prayers for her little family. No reason that we need to know of as she's already gone to the Lord with it, and He's in control. But say a prayer for Susie's family that peace and comfort will prevail while God works out the details. Thank you, valiant prayer warriors.

Charm Home is our own precious Cristie Curlee Holcombe! Yes, the one on an HGTV show, Elbow Room, yes the one with her own interior design company, and yes the one with Chase and now expecting a little girl in June!! She stays rather busy, doesn't she?! And this is her blog that keeps us up on all of her goings and comings. She obviously learned organization from her second grade teacher {wink font, as it was moi!} You'll find Charm Home, The Blog HERE!

Melissa Lester has a job outside the home, that took her family to the Birmingham area! She is now an ass't editor with Victoria magazine, one of my favorite reads! I've followed Melissa for a long time and loved how she put birthday parties and book clubs gatherings, and other family functions together with yummy goodies, decorations, and little gifts to send home with those present. I've wondered how in the world she would be able to continue this. Again, organization. This link will take you to the tea she hosted recently during the holidays but if you click on her blog title and read down a few posts, which will delight you, you'll find a post where she takes us on a tour of their new home - BEFORE they moved in. I'm looking forward to seeing it after Melissa's touch has been added. I follow some of her boards on Pinterest and can tell you that I'm loving what I'm seeing as far as wallpaper and fabric swatches! So yes, I'm looking forward to seeing this home progress with Melissa's talent for decorating.

Two things ~ one, this was one of my favorite vignettes and little tree this year. I saw it on Pinterest and knowing how The Hood loves owls, I made this tree just for him following the design shown on Pinterest. Loved it! He loved it! Two, this is my 1001th post and that just rocks my boat tonight. Wow, it's been eight years since the accident and I began blogging not long afterwards to have a means of keeping in touch with the world while I recovered at home. I've met strangers that became friends and have been blessed in many ways thru the blogging world. Thank you to those that faithfully keep in touch with me via the blog and for those of that come here to read what's going on in my little part of the world. Always feel free to leave a comment. We heart comments. May 2014 be another awesome year for us all and please continue to pray for America and her leaders. I'm beginning to feel the America I know and love slip away as the government takes over more and more. I know my Father is in control and all this will go as He wills, but I still ask that He continue to bless us and remind Him that there are many, many good people that adore Him as I.

I LOVE Pie ~

If you enjoy eating pie as much as I do, then you'll love this post from Melissa Lester's post entitled "Top Ten Pies". Not all of them are sweet {wink font} and I'll let you go HERE and find out which one is your favorite. Me? I love love love Icebox Pie. Preferably Lemon, Lime or Strawberry. I'm not a big chocolate person, but my grandmother used to make THE best chocolate pie. Alas, when she journeyed to Heaven she didn't leave the recipe where it could be found. I have not looked for a similar recipe, liking instead to remember it as 'her pie'.

A Pie Lovely Post

Out of the ten favorite pie recipes Melissa Lester posted, this has to be at the top of my list! And if you think this looks good, head over to her site to see the other nine. And YES, they are complete with recipes!! Pie lovers, unite! Here's the link!!

Blogs & Babies

I love her header. And if you do? Then you'll love her blog! Talk about home decor and DIY projects! In fact, the one today that I'll link you to shows the cutest overhead light! John and I were at Lowe's this past weekend, looking for a light to replace the fan we have in our kitchen. I do remember seeing pretty linen shades and lights similar to it. Thinking now, we need to reconsider and look at them a bit more closely!

THIS is our very favorite stew. I am still perfecting my recipe, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to find hers on here tonight. I've referred you to Susan's blog before. You need to click here and head to BNOTP. When you finish this post, keep reading. There's a lot to see!

Oh, Melissa Lester. I've drooled over your blog for quite a few years now. You'll always be one of my favorites. I love your party ideas and I love your book club ideas! Not to mention what a beautiful Christian you are and that you share His words as an accomplished speaker.

This sweetheart was ready for Wacky Wednesday today. She's growing too quickly for my heart. It can't keep up. It still wants to rock her to sleep.

This sweet young man chose his Uncle Heath to showcase at his school for community helpers. We were touched and very proud. Way to go, Noah. Nan and Pa love you, and Heath? We pray for you so often. Heath and Leslie will have our sixth grandchild this month and we're over the moon. Just a couple of more weeks and little Owen will be here!

It's been a week filled with sinusitis, warm windy days, and cold nights. Weather that feels good but keeps one coughing, sneezing, and sucking on throat lozenges. How many of you have had the snow I've been dreaming of?! I've seen it on the news but it missed us.

February Book Club, Dreamy Vignette, Winter Whites, and a Birthday Party!

A Little Loveliness with Melissa Lester

A beautiful Christian lady

with equally beautiful ideas.

If you haven't been to her site,

you're in for a true treat.

Oh, and Melissa, I've got this book

on my To Read List! Sharing with friends

that enjoy good reads as I do ~

Oh, oh, oh, I want this! All of it! Well, okay, so the picture won't look like this as I'll have to use one I have but I like this one! And I won't have the champagne bucket but I'm planning a trip to a local Goodwill store and our TJMaxx to find some pottery I can spray paint white and silver. I already have some mercury, so this weekend I hope to get this set up on a table behind our sofa. I love the tree and just bet The Hood will gather some branches for me and I plan to use scrapbook paper for the hearts with twine hearts. I may use blue and white to go with a winter theme I'm trying to stay with for awhile longer. Living on the coast has taught me to hold onto Winter just as long as one can! Where did I find this awesome photo?! At one of my favorite sites, diy Design Fanatic. You'll love what Pam can do to a home {smile font}.

320 Sycamore! I love your yarn balls!!! And you tell me they were on Target's Clearance! And not being with our youngest daughter the day after Christmas (when we always go to Target!) I didn't see them! Shoot, I'd paid full price for these three!. I'm thinking I just might go find some Styrofoam balls, spray adhesive, and some old sweaters that are too small. The sleeves will make good boot toppers with my jeans and I'll make some yarn balls. Go see Melissa's other Winter Ideas and stick around to check out her site. You'll bookmark it just as I did a few years back!

I loved what Jenny put together for Noah's birthday this year. Camp Noah. He loved it! and she was thrilled to see the happiness in her baby boy's face. I loved the photos but you'll love the ideas should you have a little boy of your own. Or a big boy! Her oldest chose a spend the night party (I bet it would've been easier throwing a party {wink font}. That's Noah in front of the tent that was part of the play ground. Go to Project Maddox: Building a Blessed Busy Life. Camp Out Birthday Party Theme. Oh, my babies. Oh Father, do they have to mature and grow so quickly on us? I know you have such plans for them, but they are such ministering angels to me. Right now. And I'd like them to remain that way just a little while longer. Like a few more years? Then they can get back into the growth stage of growing up and heading out. We are so blessed. Number 6 is on his way. Do you read the thrill in my heart?!

This was Jenny's Flashback Friday photo and I have to admit there were teary eyes in this house tonight. Elle, maybe 4 months old. Noah, 3. The age Elle is now. Ian. Much shorter three years ago than he is now. I think Noah grabbed my heart the hardest. Simply because he looks so young and at that time he was still asking, "Nan, I hold you?", which translated to "Hold me, Nan". But I always have loved the way he phrased it. Now it's sweet history. Sniff.

What is this?! Who lives where there's still a Christmas tree?! Bookcases that aren't being used as bookcases. Ah yeah, it's me. In fact, the whole house is in a bit of disrepair. It's been chilly and we've been enjoying it, getting out and about along with sleeping late {yawn font}. But that ends tomorrow. The tree is about all that's left and it comes down in three pieces! I'll post what I do with this area, along with tablescapes and redecorating some of the bedrooms. Being retired, means doing as you can. There's no over time. But we're loving it and I wouldn't have it any other way. You really can do more with less. And oh how freeing.

So, until ~ pray for those on your heart, our nation and her leaders, and take some time to be good to yourself. Find a quiet place and listen for the whispers in your heart. He wants to 'be still'. Listen for him. He has something to tell you, I just bet. Have a God-filled weekend.

His Everlasting Love

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed

in all their vast array."

~ Genesis 2:1

"My child, I created nothing in the world without forethought. Do you really think any creature could just "evolve" without precise, delicate thoroughness from My hand? If I know when a sparrow falls, and how many hairs are on your head, do you not also believe I am in control of the details of your life? You were a child in My heart long before you were a spark in your mother's eyes. With thoroughness, I created the world and everything in it. And with thoroughness, I will carry out My eternal plan for you."

This is my part of my morning devotional today and I loved it since John and I had been discussing how beautiful the day has been. Since moving here and being retired, we've had more time to ride around, to explore, to stop when we want and just watch the water flow. We've seen more birds that I've had to look up, fish that I've learned from John's excitement, and today part of the discussion was the fact that He didn't have to give us so many beautiful creatures. He didn't have to give us so many shrubs, trees, and flowers that bloom at some point year round. He didn't have to. But He did. He takes such delight in pleasing His children. I want to give back that same feeling to Him. Not to ever take for granted the simplest things in life. Is there a God? Look around you. Could man make everything you see? Whether indoors or out, there's something there that man can not do. Oh yes there's a God. And He wants our love, our devotion, our obedience. Just as I love my children and family, I have a heavenly Father that loves more than I ~ and that's difficult for me to imagine as I'd die for mine. Just as he did for me. But for strangers? Truly? I'd have to know the cause and the why's. Jesus knew He was dying for some that will never make it to Heaven, but He wills that we do. We have the choice. Please don't pass it up. I only saw the Garden and it was more than any Garden I've ever seen. I felt more peace and comfort than I've ever felt. There is a God, and He wants to know you.

I love Melissa Lester's blog and have featured her on here before. I really need to add her to my labels over on the right hand side {smile font}. Hers was the first updated blog I saw when I came to my site and I know the area of which she has photographed her daughter. I grew up not far from there and it was always a place our family visited during its open hours. Talk about God's beauty. The garden you'll find there is well tended to and cared for and many photographers use it, as well as weddings and receptions. I thought I'd end my post by letting you visit her site and see for yourself why it left me with a calm and peaceful feeling. Melissa is a beautiful Christian and Godly woman, and she not only has written books but is a speaker should you need someone for a women's day of devotion. Click here for a visit to Jasmine Hill ~ and yes, she makes her daughter's dresses. Another talent of hers.

Have a most blessed week and notice the beauty of it.

You'll Love These Blogs, Too ~

Melissa Lester always brightens my day with her posts. From crafts to celebration ideas, to reading her thoughts on our Lord, I am always uplifted after visiting A Little Loveliness. You will be, too. My favorite is when she discusses the books her club reads, and shares the recipes and decorations that accompany their gathering to discuss the book. She's a very talented woman. A very spiritual one that sees beauty in the smallest of things. Go visit, you'll be blessed ~

Freckled Laundry and Jamie ~ She shares her thoughts, her dreams, ideas and goals, not to mention a dreamy way of photography. The photo below is credited to another, but it shows a little of her artistic ability to put words with photos in a beautiful way.

I have introduced you before to The Feathered Nest.

Dawn is a lover of vintage lace, toys, babydolls, and items that stir the heartstrings of days gone by. She is also such a love in that she gives you art to upload and use! I have ordered from her Etsy shoppe and still love the items. They never go out of style with me. But like her, I'm a girly girl and I love the softness of life. Visit her soon. Here's a favorite photo of mine that she's sharing today.

This blog is different than most of the ones I frequent. But I love it! Brooklyn Limestone ~

Mrs. Limestone has set her site up to easily find what you're looking for. I found this under her DIY tab. How cute is this?! She used a Halloween theme. I plan to use it for the four seasons. I have dinnerware for each of the major holidays, but how nice to have dinnerware to use those weeks in between.

Visit her limestone and see what you think. I think you'll be impressed.

Susie Harris. She was one of the first blogs I found when I began mine and I've been an avid follower ever since. She is talented, funny, compassionate, very artistic, and a Louisiana lovin' woman. I love her signs and the way she shares her daily life. The photo I've chosen to share from her blog today is a furry baby of hers. Susie takes you through the good and the bad times of her life, all the while letting you know that when it's all over, she'll thank you for being there for her. Go check out her site and stay long enough to see the signs I'm talking about! I'll include one for you! She will custom make you one as well!

Didn't I tell you? Simple but grabs those heart strings.

Early Morning Meditations. I wanted to share this site with you because I love our Lord and this man does, too. Raymond Elliott is a minister of the Gospel and I know without a doubt that you'll be moved and uplifted, comforted and loved, when you visit his blog. He has other writings as well, one is humorous hunting tales and another is memories of the college he attended in Montgomery, AL. Visit and be blessed.

Yes! This is me! I wanted to share with you a very special time in my life. In our life, for it affected all of those that know and love me. When we go back to Prattville, it's not uncommon for someone to tell me they prayed for our family and me as I lay 'sleeping' for 77 days. It was a journey that touched us all in a way that changed our lives and the way we live now. We are closer, we appreciate taking that first breath each morning, and we know with certainty what's ahead for those that love the Lord. I hope you'll take the time to visit and if you've had a similar experience I'd love to hear from you. I still like sharing mine.

Asleep ~ 77 Days It really happened. And someone always comes. His children never leave alone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Note ~ I appreciate proper capitalization. Apparently, this font does not. I apologize for that. I do know better.

Feature Friday!

CasaSugar has some great tips on prepping your home for resale. We have moved a few times in our life together and never had a problem selling any of them (and getting a bit more than market price on a few!). It is extremely important to 'stage' your home and I cannot impress that upon you enough. Now is the time to put away family photos, put bulky furniture in storage, and get rid of the heavy drapes! HGTV has several shows that will not only give you ideas but will help you sell your home quickly and get the necessary money you need. I loved staging ours. A quick sell means we're looking for another to decorate and move into. For a bit. Until I get the urge again. Poor hubby. He's a patient man.

I loved what Melissa at The Inspired Room had to say about melding our feminine side with that of our masculine others. Her article You Anchor Me Back Down is heart warming and filled with photos that bring her post to life. I'm sure from there you'll want to explore the rest of her site as well!

One of the sites I frequent always makes me go, "Oh!". Kristen is very talented, not only with decorating her home but she has an Etsy shop as well and sells the most precious deocrated framed and photo books. She has been taking us along with her on the renovation of her kitchen and it's finished now! You can see her choices and the completed project here. Kristen's Creations is a beautiful blog.

No one, that I know of, throws a party like Melissa Lester, at A little Loveliness. She's a local writer, author, and party planner that thrills the senses with not only her ideas and photos but she includes the recipes! Some are new and tweaked by her, some have been passed down for generations. Her site? A total feast. Believe me. It's one of those sites you'll go back to again and again. And again.

I worked at a children's boutique for a bit once and we sold birthday hats for almost $25. I've seen them for $20, but you won't spend anywhere near that kind of money and still have a beautiful hat for that little special someone. Jones Design & Co have a tutorial on making these and it's too easy. Then embellish to your heart's content. And yes, you can do this!

Heartstrings is another site of mine, where my hands lead when my heart is filled and running over. It's a quiet site, and I feel uplifted and refreshed each time I visit. Or add to it. I hope you enjoy it, as well.

Our daughter's blog is about a busy mommy with day to day problems, giggles, and hugs. There are bad days, great days, and some things overheard and noticed. If you're a young mother, click over to Jenny's spot and see if you can find yourself in her life. If you're a grandmother like me, it will bring memories to your heart and wishing that just for one day, they could be small again. With hugs, and bright eyes.

And for something fun to end with on a Friday, I'm joining up with Only Prettier. After you read mine, go to her site and link up yourself! And have a beautiful, blessed weekend ~

1. Can you drive a stick shift? ONLY if I have to!

2. What are two foods you just can't eat? Ugh, mincemeat and rutubagars

3) Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and your favorite? We don't anymore, but I loved the chocolate with peanut butter things. I could totally eat a box with some sweetened icy tea!

4) How do you pamper yourself? When no one's home, and no appointments, I sleep in. As late as my widdle body feels like it! And I don't feel guilty about it either!

5) What is your nickname and how did you get it? Sweetheart to him, momma to them, Nan to the g'babies, Princess and/or Sunshine to my daddy, and Mrs. Hood to my students.

Visit Melissa's House!

Pumpkin Spiced Lattes~ yum! Doesn't this look and sound delicious! I love Melissa Lester's blog and this morning found me there wishing I was one of her bestest friends! She's headed out to do some shopping for the upcoming holidays and took her girlfriends the cutest monogrammed mugs ~ FILLED WITH THIS MIXTURE! How neat is that?! Not to mention how yummy is that?! You can click here or on the photograph to go to her site and read more about her plans for today. And while you're there, scroll down and read a bit more. You'll be so glad you did! (Southern Living??!! Are you listening??!! She needs to be noticed by you!)