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My Soul Finds Rest

By Lorraine

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28
We’ve faced much sadness these past weeks yet we take hold of the hope set before us and we are greatly encouraged.

 

Our longtime friend and the mother of our son-in-law lost her battle with cancer. A precious lady who loved the Lord with all of her heart and left a beautiful legacy not only with her family but with all that knew her.
Those who went to the cemetery were given a small envelope containing a butterfly. They were released after pastor spoke. Someone placed a butterfly on the flower headband worn by baby Joelle. Jamie posted this on fb:
This little sweetheart is the niece of our other son-in-law.  This 14-month beautiful girl was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and has begun chemo to shrink the mass before surgery to remove it. Prayers for Emma and her Mommy and Daddy are greatly appreciated!
The only sibling of  Abbey’s best friend lost his life in a car accident. Just 20 years old, Dan was to be Abbey’s escort at his sister Vicki’s wedding next year. I can’t imaging the difficult journey this family now must walk.
Friday night we made a hard decision. As Raider’s Sick Sinus Syndrome had progressed, he began having labored, rapid breathing and became tuckered out even with little exertion. On Thursday, he laid on me and I rocked him, silently thinking in my heart that he would just stop breathing and his heart would cease beating and he would die peacefully. We talked with the veterinarian and learned that his breathing difficulties would not be peaceful and left it that we would contact her Sunday morning.  As we were getting ready for bed Friday night, it was apparent he was in distress and prolonging his life made no sense so we left for a final car ride just as we did 14 years ago with our dog, Scotty. 
We returned home with an empty collar and a sweet paw print that was made for us by the veterinarian staff and a heart full of memories of my sweet boy.
Even amid all of the heartache, the Lord never leaves us and pours out his mercy and grace.
Here are some happy moments from the past few weeks.
Jill, Brad and family visited for a week. They returned home and then Jill and two of the kids came back for the funeral.
Cambrie lost her two front teeth
Silas celebrated his 10th birthday
Keri received an Excellence in Character award
Braden loved hand feeding Raider
Keri went to Take your child to work day with her PopPop
My  daughter, Jill (one of the twins) took me to dinner for Mother’s Day Monday evening. It was super special to spend time just with her! 
 
 And Abbey and I enjoyed a great lunch after church on Mother’s Day.
May 15th is the 10th anniversary of my dad’s passing.  I am so thankful for his sincere response to the call of the Lord to be his savior.
Finally, in my near future, I will be having a total hip replacement. Not scheduled yet because I have had too much on my plate. It takes 6-8 weeks to prepare for surgery and you can be sure I will be requesting prayer for this!
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: Abbey, Bible, Braden, Cambrie, Daddy, Faith, Jill, Joelle, Keri, Lorrie, Love, Raider, Silas

Another Year is Dawning

By Lorraine

  

Our daughter, Jamie and her family recently moved into a new home and I noticed, standing in a corner, the banjo that belonged to my dad. Daddy played this banjo while in the Philadelphia New Year’s Mummer’s Parade many years ago and it seemed fitting for a New Year’s Day post.
1939 at just 18 years old, the same age as our oldest grandson. Time is something, isn’t it!
So grateful for a another year, a new year, full of hope and adventures. I came upon this ancient hymn that is just as fitting for today. Sending prayers and wishes for you as we all begin another year
 
Happy 2016!
 
🙂

 

Year Is Gone, Beyond Recall
source
The year is gone, beyond recall,
With all its hopes and fears,
With all its bright and gladdening smiles,
With all its mourners’ tears.
Thy thankful people praise Thee, Lord,
For countless gifts received;
And pray for grace to keep the faith
Which saints of old believed.
To Thee we come, O gracious Lord,
The newborn year to bless;
Defend our land from pestilence,
Give peace and plenteousness.
Forgive this nation’s many sins,
The growth of vice restrain;
And help us all with sin to strive,
And crowns of life to gain.
From evil deeds that stain the past
We now desire to flee;
And pray that future years may all
Be spent, good Lord, for Thee.
O Father, let Thy watchful eye
Still look on us in love,
That we may praise Thee, year by year,
With angel hosts above.
All glory to the Father be,
All glory to the Son,
All glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While endless ages run.

Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Childhood Memories, Daddy, Think On These Things

Vintage French Provincial Bedroom Set

By Lorraine

My sister, Carol, just went to closing on a house she sold.
I lent a hand helping her pack.
We began in mid-November and through sorting and wrapping, taping and stacking, hauling and heaving, lugging and loading, stooping and stretching, sunshine and raindrops, lost keys and cell phones and frustrating inspections, there was much chatting and memories, stories and updates, giggles and laughter and sisterly love.
 
 
 

 
This vintage French Provincial bedroom set belong to our parents, purchased in the early 1960’s.  It went to Carol when Mommy passed several years ago and I got the new set mommy was then using.
 Carol doesn’t want to take this to her next home and though I wasn’t in need of a bedroom set, the sentimental value was too great to pass it up and now resides in our guest room.
 The chest on chest belonged to Daddy and how I remember, as a kid, snooping through his top drawer and seeing his neatly folded hankies, perfectly placed wallet, coins, keys, pens, deck of cards and trinkets stored there. 
I left the white iron bed that we had purchased and used until we received mommy’s new set. It is a queen-size and better suited for visitors than the full bed that is part of the set. I think it works with the other pieces.

 

 

 

Searching old photo albums for shots with the furniture in the background, I found these:
My 8th grade graduation
Cousin, Karen and I as flower girl and junior bridesmaid for Carol’s wedding
Daddy and his first grandchild, Chrissy (Carol’s oldest) at his organ
and
Carol ready for her senior prom
Carol, John and I looking a wee weary, took a selfie after a long, busy day, with only the steps to sit upon. Still happy together
(John may have been a just a tad grumpy being forced in a silly selfie photo, but he was a good sport)
and still finding fun in being together.
yes, sisters.  she is so kind, smart, poised, beautiful and generous and I love her to pieces
❤
Next time, I will show you where I put the bed to this set and then my dining room changes.
ta-ta for now!

Filed Under: Home and Garden, Home Decorating & DIY, Vintage Tagged With: Childhood Memories, Daddy, Home and Garden, Karen, Lorrie, Mommy, Sisters

Sweet Lavender Scones in the Parlor

By Lorraine

Easy recipe for glazed Sweet Lavender Scones delicious with coffee or tea. Lavender buds impart a mild floral hint that is unique but not overpowering.
You just might want to plan a tea and invite a few friends over for a relaxed afternoon. These glazed Sweet Lavender Scones are delicious with coffee or tea. Lavender buds impart a mild floral hint that is unique but not overpowering. They look lovely and taste amazing.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recipes, Scones, Sweet Treats Tagged With: brother, Childhood Memories, Daddy, herbs, Karen, lavender, Lorrie, Mommy, scones, Sisters

remembering daddy

By Lorraine

October 31, 1921 ~ May 15, 2006
❤

Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends, Vintage Tagged With: brother, Daddy, Lorrie

Whirlwind

By Lorraine

As we get older, it seems we get busier and busier.  Our days have been filled with weddings, showers, graduations, parties, birthdays and get-togethers.  Nary a week goes by that we don’t have an opportunity to gather and celebrate life and milestones.
Our oldest grandson, Jared, graduated Thursday night from Middle School and is heading to high school in SeptemberContinue Reading

Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Abbey, AJ, Chloe, Daddy, Erin, flowers, Friends, Jared, John, Lorrie, Mommy, Raider

Think on These Things #18 ~ Fathers

By Lorraine

Thank you , Dear LORD, for the fathers in our family. Strengthen those still with us, guide them and give them Your wisdom as they seek to raise the children You gave them, in a manner that reflects Your kindness, patience and love. The task is great, LORD. The influence of the world is unrelenting. Draw them ever closer to You and be their constant help.
Nineteen children are represented by the men in this photo.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: AJ, Bible, brad, Daddy, Encouragement, Faith, John, Josh, Love, Poems, Think On These Things

Sweet Nostalgia

By Lorraine

My Christmas trees have some new ornaments this year.

Or, rather old, vintage ornaments that once hung from the branches of the trees we knew as children.

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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends, Vintage Tagged With: Childhood Memories, Christmas, Daddy, Mommy

An Unwelcoming Welcome

By Lorraine

Welcome or unwelcome? Our schnauzer isn’t sure about all the Halloween visitors that dare approach our front door as he faithfully guards the premises.

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Filed Under: Family, Grandchildren Tagged With: Birthday Family, Brenna, Daddy, Grandchildren, Raider, Scotty, shaela

Nesting Wrens

By Lorraine

Nesting Wrens are the new occupants among the Petunias and Inpatients.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Flowers Plants & Herbs, Home and Garden Tagged With: Birds, Childhood Memories, Daddy, Garden

Remembering

By Lorraine

Today we visited the cemetery where my father is interred.
On Memorial Day weekend thousands of American flags decorate every grave.
It is a beautiful and moving sight.
Remembering Memorial day and those who served including World War 1 and World War 2 with American flags decorating each grave at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Daddy, Patriotic

Five Years

By Lorraine

Remembering Daddy
~~♥~~

Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Daddy

Magnolia House & Childhood Memories

By Lorraine

This is the house I grew up in.
This is the house my dad built.
This is the house that holds all my childhood memories.
 

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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends, Vintage Tagged With: Childhood Memories, Daddy, Friends, Poems

Sweet Dog from the Animal Orphanage

By Lorraine

Many of you know about our cute little schnauzer. But this post is about one of the sweetest, friendliest pups that ever lived.
Scotty

I've been told, you only get a dog like Scotty once in a lifetime. Our mutt from the animal orphanage was a very sweet dog.

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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends Tagged With: Daddy, Scotty

Mummers Strut

By Lorraine

 
Vintage photos of Daddy with his banjo and feathery plumes doing the Mummers strut in the Philadelphia New Year's Day Mummers parade.
Many New Year’s Day found my dad doing the Mummers Strut down Broad Street on a chilly January 1st. A boy from south Philly and his love of music made him a natural. Daddy was a self-taught musician and his repertoire included the banjo, clarinet, saxophone, accordion, organ, guitar and really anything he could get his hands on.

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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends, Holidays, Vintage Tagged With: Daddy, holiday, New Year's day

More Fun than Scary Vintage Halloween Costumes

By Lorraine

It was such fun preparing this post and seeing again the pictures of the kids growing up.
The expressions on their little faces
made me laugh at times gone by. I guess my mom bought this pattern for someone else because the 1953 date is before I was born. Though I don’t have a picture, I wore the pink bunny costume she made from this pattern when I was a baby.


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Filed Under: Family, Family & Friends, Vintage Tagged With: Abbey, Daddy, Halloween

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Hi! I'm Lorraine. Welcome to Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart. A place to find food for your tummy, projects for your hands, and encouragement for your heart.

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