The tradition dates back to the Civil War, when Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General William Tecumseh Sherman, typically stripped the countryside of all stored food, crops, and livestock, and destroyed whatever they could not carry away. At that time, Northerners considered “field peas” and field corn suitable only for animal fodder, and did not steal or destroy these humble foods. (Wikipedia)

Thus, our black-eyed peas for good luck! 

We typically don't eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day.  I love them, the spouse...not so much.  We have a lady who we get fresh for the freezer from each year.  I enjoy them all year long!!!  I plan to fix me a mess of fresh ones tomorrow ... and grill out a steak or two!

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I think I'm switching from coffee to tea.  I had the very best tea today.  I do believe I will get a tea maker for fresh leaved teas.  Choices, choices, so many choices!!!  It might be easier and cheaper to start drinking sodas again.  LOL

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We had a Sunday School bowling party tonight.  We had a fun time.  The sweetest people!!!  God has certainly blessed us richly with those we get to meet that are new and those who tolerate us that we know!!!  (oh, I bowled pretty good, too)

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Fresh Find:  I sure do love these Peanuts Gang sheets!!!

Matthew 2:9b  ... and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

This morning in worship our hearts were reminded of the "star" miracle.  The star the magi saw was only seen by them or they were the only ones who took the time to notice this star.  The star moved to guide them.  The star came to rest above where our Savior was.  God sends us "stars" to lead us today, too.  Do we see ours?  Do we live the type of lives that allows us the freedom to be observant?  Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading? 

As the new year begins...lets be aware of ways God wants to lead us!!!

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Fresh Find:  This just looks like it might make life easier!

This picture makes me laugh...

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These girls make me smile!

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Fresh Find:  I think this piece is beautiful.  There is only one available.

I was browsing and found this great site, Listverse.  On it I found the page Fascinating Sealed and Secret Documents...well fascinating! 

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Fresh Find:  Everyone's roasting must have...a reel roaster!

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This past year I decided that it would be a good time to transfer the many gift thoughts that God had given me in 40+ years and put them into a book to arrive in time for Christmas. It's title is Ushka's Book, The Blessing Shared.  The book includes many of my favorite Eyes To See pictures that God has led me to photograph, as well.  Certainly this 200 page book has been a labor of love.  Now to be still and listen, see, and to continue to be blessed!  God is so very good.

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Fresh Find: Bondi is a great way to hang your phone for GPS while driving if your car is unequipped.

It snowed for the grand-sisters on Christmas Day.  What fun for them!

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Fresh Find:  Red lips ring...too fun! Great for Valentine's Day!

Christmas has been a little different for me this year.  Our Christmas family celebration was this weekend.  I certainly loved being with the grand-sisters and our family.I decided long ago that whenever I was able to be with those I care deeply for I would be blessed!  So, having our Christmas the weekend before Christmas was wonderful.  God had a plan for my Christmas morning and I knew that.  Having Christmas early allowed me to drive to Lubbock to see a dear friend in the hospital on Christmas morning.

I started out Christmas morning blowing up a 36" white balloon to place outside for our Savior's birthday party.  Brr, it was cold and snowing.  Beautiful!!!  Happy Birthday Jesus.  You are the strength and love in my mixed up world.  You are the peace that keeps me sane.  You are the joy that excites me to share your love with others.

With blowing snow I was hesitant to get on the road to Lubbock, but I knew that this was God's direction and he was with me.  The roads weren't too bad.  Lubbock roads were much worse than Plainview's.  If it had just been me traveling I would not have been so concerned, but I had a special passenger...my mom.  She wanted to go say hello to my sweet friend, too!  We walked into to the hospital room to a bright pink sweater hatted lady.  The biggest smile came across her face and I knew that Christmas was happening in the best of ways.  It was so wonderful to see Jo Lively getting better.  Her smile is contagious and she loves those she loves deeply.  Her getting better is a Christmas miracle.  I'm so blessed to have Christmas morning to share God's love by making someone happy.  Of course, I was blessed and so was my mother.  It was a special memory.  Thank you God for helping me to listen always to your still small voice.

Today I saw a family in an ICU standing around a small child.  I stopped and thanked God that our sweet children are healthy and at home enjoying Christmas.  It isn't that way for so many today.  We are so very, very blessed!!!  Hold on to those you love.  Let your actions reflect the love in your heart.  We think people know we love them, but often they have no idea.  Actions speak louder than words never spoken.

Find Christmas every day in the smallest ways to create joy in the hearts of others.  You might just be the one who makes a difference to one with a hurting heart.  God uses his people to heal the world...one heart at a time.  Merry Christmas!!!

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Fresh Find:  Love this cowl neck scarf.

Is your Christ candle lit?

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Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light. John 12:36

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Fresh Find: What beautiful pillows!!!

Well, chess it is.  Miss A is teaching us!!!

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Miss D is loving the apple pie her sister is serving!!!

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Fresh Find:  Oh come on...let the dog be on the table!!! LOL Black Lab placemats.

The excitement of Christmas joy... These pictures, I believe, say it all!

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Miss D is so excited over every gift!

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Miss A loves everything and anything!

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Our friend Santa surprises the grand-sisters!

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Two girls on the VERY GOOD little girls list!!!

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Come on ring our matching bells!!!

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Santa and our awesome kids!!! 

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They say if we Believe ...

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Ushka loves her grand-sisters so much!!!  They are busy helpers :O)

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Fresh Find: everyone needs a retractable clothesline hanging outside or in the garage.