Tag Archive | Lee Ann Smith

Smith Family Reunion 2010

The Smith Family Reunion was the vision of Richard’s brother Mike. He made the statement wouldn’t it be great if all the family could get together each year. So Richard and I volunteered our home and that is how it all began.

Menues planned√…House Cleaned√…Firewood for the Pit √…Yardwork done√… Pool Cleaned√…Sleeping Arrangements for All√…Towels, Floats, and Toys√…

Now they are on their way! Each year the last week of May, family and friends from all over the US begins to make their journey to Jones Creek, Texas. They usually begin to arrive on Wednesday and stay through Tuesday the following week. So it is a week of family, friends, and fun…coupled with food, swimming, and grotto chats!

So much fun for all and each year the number grows. Family members marry, babies are born, and new friends are made…Therefore, the more the merrier!

We are so honored to have the privilege of hosting this annual Smith event! The Family Reunion was a great idea! Thank You Mike!!!

Love Lee ♥

Home is Good For the Soul

Oct6

As the temperature begins to cool down and a crispness fills the air I get the urge to make those savory soups, bake breads, and make flavored coffees and hot teas. Then to enjoy it all out on the freshly swept patio, fragranced with my favorite candles, soft music playing in the background and birds sweetly singing overhead.

As I look out across the yard I notice large yellow and orange leaves gently dancing as it floats to the ground while my precious pups are chasing squirrels and squealing with excitement.

Oh how I love Autumn and how I sooo love being home!!! Home is when your spirit gets a chance to play and express itself. Home is where I can be me and do those things I enjoy. Home is my haven from the hustle and bustle of the world. Home is where I spend time with my loved ones. And, most importantly, home is where I spend quality time with my Heavenly Father!

I am sure you have heard the old saying…”Home is where the heart is”. So I ask…is your heart at home? If not you might want to invite it in…

Love Lee ♥

God Likes it All

Oct5

Why are we so hard on ourselves?

I need to lose weight…My hair looks drab…My make-up needs to be touched up…And on…And on!

You know, God doesn’t partition you into pieces and loves some parts of you and not loves the others. If He did that would make Him human because that’s what people do. Think about it…what do you think when you see a woman coming toward you with too much lipstick? Well, you focus on the lips of course!

We tend to pick people apart rather than accept them for exactly who God created them to be.

God, who created you, accepts and loves every little part of you, even those you deny and hate in yourself. So next time you try to dislike a part of you, just pause, look and remember that God loves it.

God loves in you even that which you dislike.

Go easy on yourself…

Love Lee ♥

Sick Leave

Oct5

I urgently needed a few days off work,
But I knew the boss would not allow me to take leave. I thought that maybe if I acted ‘CRAZY’ then he would tell me to take a few days off.

So I hung upside down on the ceiling and made funny noises. My co-worker (who’s blonde) asked me what I was doing. I told her that I was pretending to be a light bulb, So that the Boss would think I was ‘CRAZY’ And give me a few days off.

A few minutes later the Boss came into the office And asked ‘What are you doing?’ I told him I was a light bulb.

He said, ‘You are clearly stressed out.
Go home and recuperate for a couple of days.’
I jumped down and walked out of the office.

When my co-worker (the blonde) followed me,
The Boss asked her
..And where do you think you’re going?’
(You’re gonna love this…..)

She said,

‘I’m going home too, I can’t work in the dark!

Love Lee ♥

From my Dear Friend Debbie Egg

Who Do You Trust?

Oct5

What do you put your trust in; relationships, money, job, education, home, or possessions.

Relationships:

Image via Wikipedia

Wow what a heavy load to put on any one person…to ask them to be responsible for our happiness and security. I have been married to Richard for 33 years but to make him responsible for my happiness would be so incredibly unfair. I am the only person who can determine my level of happiness. Abe Lincoln said “Most folks are about as happy as they want to be”. That is so true! It is all about a choice of mindset!

Money:

Hmm…in today’s economy, I am not sure this even requires a discussion. Granted we do need some money to take care of our basic needs but it is amazing how much we could do with a lot less. We are such a spoiled nation. Hurry up…I want it now…but I neeeed it. I love hearing stories from adults that grew up in poverty but never knew it because their home was such a secure and happy place for them.

Job:

Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr

Here today…Gone tomorrow. My precious husband can attest to this one. He had worked for Dow Chemical for 20 years; packed a pager, went out all hours of the night and day, dropped everything when Dow called. Then, Dow decided to downsize middle management and Richard was without a job. In my job I have watched people come and have watched people go and one thing I know is NOBODY IS INDISPENSIBLE!

Education:

Image via Wikipedia

I have a dear friend with multiple degrees but has been out of work for several months now. The common response is “You are over qualified”. Go figure…you work your backside off for a degree to hear you over qualified… Interpretation: We are not willing to pay you what you are worth! I also have another friend with several degrees and she is struggling to find work…AGE does matter!

Home:

Home does not provide stability or security. Stability and security are intrinsic to the person. I lived in a 3800 square foot home and moved out of it to a 600 square foot home and I can tell you the house mattered not! It is the people who make a house a home. Some of my happiest memories occurred in 600 square feet!

Possessions:

Possessions can not bring security! When we moved from our large home in Brazoria to the little bitty place in Clute, I had to make some decisions about what I would take with me. I brought my kids in and said “take what you want”, let some things go with the house, and gave the rest to friends and family. You see, I have the attitude that God owns it all and He will provide. I knew I would not live in 600 square feet for the rest of my life but I also knew that when it was time God would give me exactly what I needed. And, that He did! I am now in 3100 square feet and have most everything I want and all that I need.

Bottom line there is only one source of security and happiness and that is God. “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ” Philippians 4:19

Image via Wikipedia

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7

So, I ask you…what are you putting your trust in these days? Have you tried God?

Love Lee ♥

Someone Knows Your Name

Oct3

Today was a perfect day out on the Harley so, we headed out to surprise my Little Sister, Sandra…This was a big risk because we didn’t even know if she was going to be home.

Recently my Brother-in-Law left his position as a District Manager for Coke-a-Cola and accepted a management position with Buc-ee’s. He was assigned to the store in Madisonville, TX which is one of the busiest Buc-ee’s. He and my sister decided they would keep their home in Angleton and rent a house in Madisonville for the two years they would be there. So Sandy has been going back and forth between the two places and staying very busy.

The country house is the cutest little wood frame farm-house with so much character! Sandy has been working hard at getting it decorated and it looking great! She even has a guest bedroom with mine and Richard’s name on it!

I remember well the feeling of leaving behind our home and loading the belongings that would fit in the largest U-Haul to move to Fort Worth. While I was sad about leaving a home that was near and dear to my heart, I was excited to get to go through the process of decorating a new home. And , I was very excited because Richard was going to Seminary.

During my first week in Fort Worth I remember the most intense feeling of loneliness. It hit me while sitting in a restaurant that nobody in the entire city of Fort Worth knew my name. I remember feeling so sad and I broke down and started crying right in the middle of the restaurant.

I had to go see my Baby Sister because I wanted Sandy to know there was someone in Madisonville that knew her name and SURPRISE…it was me!!!

Love Lee ♥

Surrounded By His Slendor

Oct1

When is the last time you allowed yourself to be nourished by the beauty of the world? God has filled the world with His beauty for our pleasure and enjoyment.

You say, “But I just don’t have time”. I will tell you what one of my favorite pastors Robin Butler, preached…“You have all the time you are ever going to have. There are 24hrs in a day. It is all about how you choose to spend your time.” You know…He is right!

Daily we choose how we are going to spend our time. Busy, Busy, Busy…

Perhaps we need to re-prioritize how we choose to spend our time. Think about it…Do we need to watch TV every waking minute? I say “NO”. Have you thought about getting the DVR feature so you can bypass all the commercials? Perhaps by reducing your time in front of the TV you could spend more time enjoying the splendor God has created for you.

Each morning and most afternoons Richard and I make it a point to sit outside and enjoy the sweetness of nature even before the sun comes up. Richard calls it “Moon Bathing”. This time allows us to enjoy each others company but there are times we sit and don’t say a word to each other but instead we reflect on our surroundings and the goodness of the Lord.

Think about it when is the last time you watched the sun rise, gazed at the ripples of water on the lake, listened to the songbirds, felt the breath of the breeze, glory in the colors of the sunset, feel the magic of the moon. His beauty is the air for your soul.

Make it a point to enjoy His splendor today!

Love Lee ♥

God Can Use You!!!

Oct1

Have you ever felt there is no way God would ever choose you because of your past? Well, the next time you feel like GOD can’t use YOU, just remember…
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer….
AND Lazarus was dead!

There is nothing you have done in your past that God can’t use to bring honor and glory to Himself. It is not all about you but instead it is all about Him so…

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

Love Lee ♥

Good Morning…

Sep30

The alarm goes off and you drag yourself out of bed. Then stumbling to the kitchen for that cup hot coffee and grunting at anyone who crosses your path on the way. Not a pretty sight!!! Now let’s rewind and try this view…the alarm goes off, you reach over and turn the alarm off, you lay there conscious of you surroundings…listening to the quiet while saying a “Good Morning Prayer”. A prayer with the following components; praise, thanksgiving, guidance, and protection.

Praise

Praise elevates us into God’s presence and power. The Bible says that God inhabits in the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). Praise is an expression of worship; a way of setting aside time to honor and adore our creator and sustainer. If verbalizing praise to God is foreign to you or you have no idea of what to say, I recommend the book of Psalms. David is referred to as “A Man After God’s Own Heart” and it is easy to understand why when you read how he is able to express his adoration for the Lord. Below are an examples of David’s words of praise.

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High Psalms 7:17

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42:11

I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints. Psalms 52:9

Thanksgiving

How can we as Christians not give thanks to our Father for all He has done for us. He loves us, protects us, and provides for us. And it is those provisions and blessings we should be forever grateful. Having an attitude of gratitude is a challenge if God’s provisions are not recognized as such. Until we recognize God owns it all, is in charge of it all, and distributes it all then we will never see the need to say “Thank You”

In Ephesians 5:20 it says we should “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again, He owns it all, is in charge of it all, and distributes it all…Everything we have is on loan from the Lord; family, friends, possessions, job, health…EVERYTHING!!!

Now, having said that, I don’t know about you but, if I gave a gift to my child and she never showed any form of appreciation or gratitude or took it for granted, I am not so sure I would keep giving! Using that analogy why would our Heavenly Father want to keep pouring out His blessings on us if we do not show a little excitement and gratitude?

I encourage you to never, never, never take anything from the Lord for granted. Oh did I mention, everything we have is on loan from the Lord…so I guess we have a lot to be thankful for.

Guidance

When is the last time you asked for someone to show you how or the way out of a situation? Well, I feel certain it has been more recent than the last time you asked God…

Perhaps by asking God at the beginning of your day to lead you through it, your whole day might have turned out totally different…Perhaps BETTER! It is so easy to call out to Him and ask Him to be your guide, to allow your path to be filled with ease rather than strife, to place the people who need ministering to in front of you, to lay someone on your heart to pray for, to give you favor in all you do. David prayed for guidance.

Psalms 25:5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalms 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalms 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Psalms 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Psalms 139:10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

He is there for you. He wants to bless you. He wants to lead and guide you. But, once you ask and He gives you what you ask for, don’t forget the Thanksgiving that needs to follow.

Protection

When you wake do you pray a hedge of protection about yourself and about your family? David did…he prayed protection over others in Psalms 5:11, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” I know for fact God cares for our safety. He is our Daddy God and He cares for us and wants nothing to harm us His children. Below are some additional scriptures show all we have to do is call out to God and He will honor our request.

Psalms 40:11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.

Psalms 59:1 For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

Psalms 69:29 I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.

Now, here is the catch…You prayed for protection, now you must thank Him in advance and trust you and your family is under His protection…DO NOT WORRY!!!

So now rather than wake up and you drag yourself to the coffee pot; you might want to start your day with praise and thanksgiving then ask for guidance and protection over your day. THEN…you can go get that cup of coffee!!!

PS: Did you tell God Good Morning?

Love Lee ♥

10 Great Thanksgiving Bible Verses (brighthub.com)
Dwelling In God’s Secret Place and…….. (brighthub.com)
What Do I Do When I Can’t See God? (pastorpaulvbsblog.blogspot.com)
16 praise thoughts from Psalm 7 (panasianbiz.com)

An Unexpected Treasure

Sep27

Your entire day can change with one small and unexpected gift.

Image via Wikipedia

It was Sunday and we are at my daughter and son-in-laws and are going to watch football; The Houston Texans vs. The Dallas Cowboys. As anyone knows, no game is complete without food so Brandi, Richard, and I were in the house cooking while everyone else gathered in the game room for the game.

Brandi had planned to grill chicken and make oven roasted potatoes and I brought a big spinach, strawberry, and walnut salad, along with some deviled eggs. A couple of store-bought desserts and it’s a meal. While Richard and Brandi focused on grilling the chicken, I decided to do a little writing on my blog.

As I waited for the website to open my mind drifted and I began to think about my granddaughter Cheyenne. She was at her dad’s and I was missing her. I thought about her cute little giggle, her whimsical personality, and sweet spirit. The more I thought about her the worse I missed her.

Suddenly my mind returned to writing when my website came up on the screen in front of me. As always I check the comment section to make sure I approve all pending comments and there it was my unexpected treasure. My precious Cheyenne had gone on-line and located my blog. Then she went to the page titled “Family Fun” to hide a buried treasure.

The Treasure

“hi meme i just whant to say that i love you and that you are the cooooolest meme ever my memaw sayed that mabbyshe mite come to the tee party.”

There is no greater joy for this Meme than to know my precious granddaughter stopped her day to look up A Love Lee Place, find the “Family Fun” Page, and leave me a treasure.