30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 30

I can not think of a better way to end this series, "30 Days of Thankfulness", than to honor my dear mom, Marcie Roman Holt.  Today is her birthday and, I want to shout it from the roof tops:  I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING MOM IN THE WORLD!!!!!

My mom is my hero!  She is:  classy, kind, a servant, wonderful, a devoted wife, a precious "Nana" to her grandkids, funny, easy to be with...and, I could go on and on!  My mom is someone whom I desire to be more like.  She is so positive and always has a smile on her face.  My mom is truly a mentor to me as a mom and a wife and a grandmother.   I love you mom!!!!

Thank you to Amanda Brown, for asking me to join her this month with: 30 Days of Thankfulness.  I have really enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the   many blessings in my life.  

I appreciate you for taking the time to read my blog.  Ya'll are awesome!!!!

With Love & Flair,

Beth

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 28 and 29

I am so thankful today for the blessing of encouragement from sweet sisters in Christ.  Gloria Furman wrote this AMAZING blog post and, it has truly encouraged my heart.  I am thankful for amazing women in my life!  Thank you for writing this Gloria!  

6 ways the gospel frees women

by Gloria Furman

I was reading Galatians and felt a great wave of refreshment wash over my soul as I thought about how Christ’s fulfillment of God’s perfect law meansfreedom.

Jesus frees us from so much and He frees us to so much.

I pray you’ll be encouraged as you read over this short list of ways the gospel frees women…

1 – The gospel frees us from laying the burden of our happiness on our husband or children. As we are stunned by the mercy of Jesus who willingly bore a cross for our sins, our souls are released to find our joy foremost in God.

2 – The gospel frees us from hurling hostile criticism over personal preferences like homeschooling, epidurals and the Tooth Fairy. As we are united with one another through Jesus’ death and resurrection, grace frees us to affirm and appreciate women who hold different views.

3 – The gospel frees us from feeling the shame of scrutiny from other women. As we begin to understand that the cross demonstrates the magnitude of God’s love for sinners, we discover our Father’s approval of us in Christ is worth far more to us than the opinions of others.

4 – The gospel frees us from the futility of finding new things to brag about. As we see that every good thing is an undeserved gift from our gracious God, we delight in humility and boast only in Jesus’ death and resurrection which purchased for us the ultimate gift of fellowship with our Father.

5 – The gospel frees us from our exhausting preoccupation with style and beauty. As we become more conscious of the eternal promises of God which are guaranteed in Christ, the less captivated we are by fleeting things.

6 – The gospel frees us from the chains of anxiety over our past, present and future– which includes even trivial things like Christmas shopping. As we consider God’s unstoppable, sovereign, redeeming grace in Christ, our hearts are bolstered with hope and courage regardless of our circumstances.

These are just a few of the ways we have freedom in Christ!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

How To Create A Cute Christmas Candle Holder

AHHHHH!  It is time for Christmas!!!  My favorite time of the year!  Bring on the Christmas music, Christmas cheer and, most of all, celebrating our Saviour's birth.  This truly is the most wonderful time of the year!


Here you go...an easy candle holder for your table.  I demonstrated this at my neighborhood Garden Club two weeks ago and, they really seemed to like it.  


SUPPLIES:
Glass container
1 yard of ribbon
1 package PEEPS Christmas candy
1 package MIKE & IKE'S candy
1 candle in a votive holder


Step 1:  Place the PEEPS side-to-side in the clear glass container.  Note:  Use scissors to cut the PEEPS apart, this way, they will not tear up. 

STEP 2:   Tie a bow around the glass container. 

Step 3:   Pour half the box of the MIKE & IKE'S candy in the container, in between the PEEPS.  Place the votive on top of the candy.  Add the remaining candy around the votive.

This candle holder is super cute on the table, especially with children attending.  They love to look at the candy!  


Merry Merry With Flair,
Beth


Happily Linking To:


The Tablescaper
Debbie Doos Newbie Party
DIY SHOW OFF
Under The Table And Dreaming
Making The World Cuter
Made By You Monday
A Bowl Full of Lemons
The Lettered Cottage
Too Cute Tuesday
Centsational Girl

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 27

I am so thankful for family time spent at home.  We arrived home from Kentucky,  unpacked the car, and we all had a pajama day .  Today, was a rainy day in Memphis, with temperatures hovering in the low 40's.  The children enjoyed playing upstairs and, John and I took to cleaning out a few drawers and closets.  We really had a productive day!  A great feeling!  Our dear friends recently gave us a gift card to a favorite steak house.  John picked up "Surf and Turf" for dinner...that is, steak and shrimp, for some of you who may not be familiar with that term....another term for it is "YUM YUM YUM".  

A great day at home, the children content, and, all of us at home together...awesome!!!

30 Days of Thankfulness 2011: Days 24, 25 And 26

Hello Sweet Readers!


Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones?  I sure hope so!  I 
am doing three-days-in-one for this "30 Days of Thankfulness" today...I had internet connectivity problems while away on our trip.


I am so thankful for the Thanksgiving holiday we just had.  We enjoyed great food and fellowship with John's family.  I am thankful for safe travels as we drove a total of 15 hours the past few days.  Thanks be to the Lord for allowing us to arrive home safely this evening. 


This Thanksgiving holiday has truly been special.  I hope you have enjoyed a great one as well.  




A pretty table at my Mother-in-Law's House:

A fun and festive "Thankful" turkey.  My Mom-in-Law had this sitting out for all of us to write down what we are thankful for.  Cute!

I am blessed to have great in-laws!  Patricia and Jerry Bryson.

Here is the "Thankful Turkey" again...I just love this idea! 

Here we are ....half of the table...a great day....surrounded by loved ones.
Sweet Blair was sitting on my lap...being such a good girl.  =)

John and Bo, right after our yummy meal. 

My wonderful nieces and nephew (Tate, Chelsea and Tess) ...with my sons, Beck and Bo.  

Sweet niece and nephew, Lucy and Tate....with baby girl, Blair.  My nieces and nephews in Harlan, KY, are SO sweet to my children!  ... Just warms my heart! 

Happily Linking To:


Serenity Now

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 23

I am SO thankful today for time away from our normal day-to-day schedule and, holidays!  We are leaving to drive to Harlan, Kentucky today.  We will drive to John's parent's home.  His mom, Patricia Bryson, is a lovely hostess.  Her house is one of my favorite places to sit and relax.  Their home was built in the 1940's and, it sits on a gorgeous mountain, in the Appalachian Mountains.  I am talking, breath-taking ya'll!  


Happy, happy Thanksgiving!


Feel free to jump in to "30 Days of Thankfulness" today, with Amanda
and I.  We are really enjoying this series.  Join in!  

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 22

I am very thankful to be living in The United States of America.  THANKFUL!  God Bless America!  I am thankful for the many freedoms that we enjoy each and every day:  the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion...FREEDOM!  I praise God for our forefathers who went to war to help give us such freedoms.  

We are a blessed nation.  I am so thankful to be living in America!!!!

Come Back Potatoes

Oh my!  Have I got a wonderful and yummy recipe to share with you!  I have named this side dish, "Come Back Potatoes"---utterly wonderful!  These taste even better the next day!  Serve with steak, chicken or...anything!  Get excited about these potatoes!  This dish would be so perfect with your turkey this week!  =)


Come Back Potatoes


2 packages frozen hash brown potatoes (the cubed type)
1 16 ounce container sour cream + 1 8 ounce sour cream
1/2 cup half and half  * Add 1/4 cup more, if needed to make the mixture creamier
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2 packets Ranch salad dressing mix 
*8-10 slices bacon, crisp and crumbled
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. salt
1 bunch green onion, chopped


Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until good and hot.


*For easy clean up (and a great result!)-  Cook bacon in a 400 degree oven.  Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Place the bacon across the tray.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until good and crisp.  Let cool and drain the grease off.  Chop the bacon in small pieces. 

Happy Cooking ya'll!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!  Count your many blessings!  Count them one by one!

Giving Thanks With Flair,

Beth

How To Make A Hot Chocolate Bar

I was so thrilled last week when my dear friend, Courtney Frazee sent me a picture of her Hot Chocolate Bar.  Right in time for the cold temperatures.  My children (and, me too!) adore hot chocolate!  I am excited to show you how to make your very own.


Courtney's Hot Chocolate Bar:  love this! 

Supplies:  
Hot chocolate mix
Candy canes
Marshmallows
Cinnamon (in a shaker)
Tea bags 
Red sprinkles ( to shake on whipped cream)
A tray


One Step:  Simply set the items up according to your ideas.  ENJOY!


Here is what I came up with and, I am excited to allow my children to sip a cup of warm 'yumminess' after school today...

I hope you will make your very own Hot Chocolate Bar right away!  Your family will thank you and, your friends will too!  


Merry Merry & Flair,
Beth


Linking To:
Tidy Mom
Skip To My Lou
A Southern Fairy Tale
Crafts Keep Me Sane
Home Stories A to Z
Comfy In The Kitchen
A Stroll Thru Life
Tuesday Talent Show
Tatertots & Jello
Amaze Me Monday
Coastal Charm
Tip Junkie
Young and Crafty
French Country Cottage

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 21

Today, I am truly thankful for the way my dear mom, Marcie Roman Holt, taught me how to host others and, open my home for luncheons, dinners with friends or having a friend over for coffee.  Thank you Mom!

We hosted a dinner party this past Saturday night.  So much fun!

Growing up, my mom always created wonderful flower arrangements and centerpieces.  She was always really good about teaching me how to make them.  


I had a great time creating this centerpiece on Saturday:

Thank you Mom! 

With Thanks and Flair,

Beth

Linking To:


Centsational Girl

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 20

I am truly thankful for the church I attended in college and, as a young married lady.  Denton Bible in Denton, Texas was a huge difference maker in my life.  I am grateful for the life and the ministry of Senior Pastor, Tom Nelson.  Tommy's teaching radically shaped my faith and, I am truly grateful for this dear man.

Pastor Tom Nelson

Mirror Messages- Instant Encouragement!

I am so excited to share this project with you all!  I needed a little "boost" in my children's bathroom.  While they are bathing each evening, I sit and watch and, often times, by that hour, I am in need of a positive word.  This project is really quick and easy and, the results will give and give!  


Supplies:
Colored card stock
ribbon
scissors
Scotch mounting squares
*Laminate at local Fed Ex Office Store or, other office supply store 

Step 1:  Type your favorite Bible verses or quotes on sheets of colored card stock. 

 Step 2:  Laminate the sheets at your local office supply store.  

Step 3:   Cut out the cards and attach a mounting square to each one.  

Step 4: Final Step:  Punch a hole at the top of each card and tie a ribbon through it.  Hang the cards on your mirror or on your wall. 

I love the way this project turned out!

Be encouraged!!!


With Love & Flair,
Beth


Linking To:
Weekend Bloggy Reading
Debbie Doos Newbie Party
Family Ever After