Wednesday, September 3, 2008

E.W.W. ~ 100th Post ~ And a Give-Away....


"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." Romans 12:10


I came across a letter Ashley wrote about her brother. According to the scrapbook in which it was saved, she wrote it in 2001, which would have made her 8 and David 3.


I Love My
Brother so
much. I
could kiss
him a 100
Times.
I Love
my B(r)other.
Love, Ashley


There are probably times Ashley still feels this way about David, but I know there are also times in which she does not! In all fairness, knowing how little brothers like to try and annoy their big sisters, is it any wonder? :)

The Bible has many references to "Loving one another!" Whenever we have any discourse in our home, you can count on Josh trying to restore peace by replying..."Love One Another."

I'll be honest, I sometimes fall short and don't love others as I should. I struggle! Some people are easy to love and others, for different reasons, are not! It may be a simple personality conflict. It may be the family member who has used and hurt me over and over. (or my husband and children) It may be the guy who drives 25 miles under the speed limit and I can't pass him, when I am desperate to get somewhere on time. It may be a close friend who has betrayed me or my immediate family. There may be a lot of things that prevent me from loving someone, but does that excuse me from doing so? No. And I try to keep in perspective, that I may be that "unlovable" person to someone else and not be aware of it.

The remainder of Romans 12, says that we are to not only love others with a brotherly love, but to also "Bless those that persecute you;" (v. 14), and to "Repay no one evil for evil." (v.17). And that God will seek any vengeance. (v.19) We ....are only to love, bless.....

...and forgive!

" And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, ..." Ephesians 4:32 - 5:1-2 NKJV


"And Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



~~ Wow, my Hundreth Post! ~~

I thought about doing the "100 Things about Me List," but if you follow my blog, I really don't know what else to add. And let's be honest, you probably already know more about me, my knots, and my husband than you care to! LOL! If you would like to know something, just ask....
I started this blog as just an outlet to put my thoughts and feelings "on paper."
And, to record My Life, and the daily happenings of my children...a scrapbook of sorts! David, Ashley, and Josh, do and say so many things that Kevin and I are constantly saying, we need to write that down. So, this was one avenue in which I could retain those memories.


What I never expected was the friendships that were cultivated and grew over the months and posts! And for each one I am very Thankful! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you will stay tuned for 100 more! :)


To celebrate my 1ooth post, I am hosting an Autumn Give-away!

Just leave a comment between now and Sunday, and I will draw the winner on Monday morning.
...Let's hope "Hanna" cooperates!

Below are the gifts we will be drawing for... A metal Pumpkin Hanger, a Tassle made by me, a Dish Towel, a Fall Basket floral pick, a set of Note Cards, and a current copy of my favorite magazine, Victoria! Good Luck! ~Rhonda




Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

54 comments:

mysteryhistorymom said...

What a sweet letter from your daughter! So precious... The other night I found a note from my 5 year old on the floor. She had written it to her big sister. It said, "Dear Mandy- I Sre (I am sorry)." It almost made me cry... Thanks for reminding me of how dear our little ones are!

Congratulations on your 100th post! I love your tassel and other treasures! Please count me in!:-) Lori

Blogger said...

Kids can surprise us sometimes, can't they? I bought my older ds a sports jersey yesterday and later on that day, he said thanks and gave me a hug! He's 13, I cannot remember the last time he hugged me!!! ;)

I love your tassle, wow, so pretty! Considered me entered!!!

Thanks!
Bella

Anonymous said...

This is such a great post. Special, special memories.

Wow - 100th post. I remember when you first started. You have a great blog, and you always make me smile.

Gone said...

Congrats on hitting 100!!!

Time has a way of flying by when we're having a good time, doesn't it?

OHHHHH...I do love give-aways...I hope I win, I hope I win!!

~Blessings,
Jan

onlymehere said...

I'm so glad you kept that note! When they're having a particularly rough day maybe you could pull it out and remind them! LOL! Congratulations on the 100th post. I'm so glad I found you and have been able to follow you on this journey. I started my blog for pretty much the same reasons you did and it has blessed my life beyond measure. It has brought people, creative ideas, etc. into my life that I never anticipated would go along with a blog. Also, thanks for the encouraging words. Today I'm loving life and just called corporate headquarters of a furniture store in town to thank them for the job they do. After I blogged about it I just had to call and talk to the head manager of the store I frequent. She was so pleased to get a pat on the back today. I gave one to the salesman and delivery driver too, but I guess you'll have to stop over and read my blog to understand that! I hope Hanna stays out of your area and that you stay safe and happy!

Pearl said...

Ohhhhhhh Rhonda... I just cried an ocean over Ashley's letter...

I am running way late, here, and will return for a proper comment ... but I wanted to let you know that I did an E.W.W. post today and linked to you.

Love you bunches... sorry for a hit 'n run comment... Pearl

Susan said...

I love to read the 100 things posts and you'd be surprised what will come to your mind when you sit down to do one.

I was surprised you are that new to blogging. You do such a wonderful job. I especially love your Wednesday posts, as I've told you before.

What a lovely give away :o) Please put my name in the hat!!!!
Susan

Amelia said...

Aren't we glad God loves us - even when we are not lovable at times. To him I give my thanks and love in return!

Fall decorating time is here...

Congratulations on your 100th post...as a reader I have certainly been enjoying them.

Amelia

Heidi said...

Hi Rhonda, First of all, Thank you always for some of the sweetest comments I am left! You are such a lovely friend! Please forgive me for not visiting as regularly as I usually do...My daughters have begun their last years of college for their art degrees (then they are both continuing in nursing programs!) & I am watching Andrew Monday-Wednedays, from late morning till dinner time...& one late night for Hollys's "disection" class!
:(...So I my days are filled with little boy activities, instead of computer time!....I have a feeling you know all about that!.....Anyway, I LOVED your beautiful post today.. a message we all need to remember!...And a HUGE congratualtions on your 100th post!! I would LOVE to enter your lovely Fall giveaway!....LOVE TO! I sure am glad we both started blogs at about the same time....so thrilled we're friends!....Enjoy your day!....Heidi XO

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Rhonda, Hey I have tried and tried to post and kept getting a message that it didn't go through. so now I am at work hoping this works. I wanted to tell you your fall stuff looks so nice and that urn with the pipberries and the pumpkin and the fall leaves....looks amazing. Wow, it looks beautiful at your house. Love it. Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Debbie

Dawn said...

WOW Rhonda what an abundance of fall you are giving away!!! Every thing looks wonderful~!

I started my blog for the same reasons you did, to document the day to day things as a sort of scrapbook in a way. I have also met such wonderful people.

What a gift this journey is.

take care,
Dawn

Mrs. B said...

What a sweet letter from Ashley! My two youngest are so sweet to each other sometimes, and then other times they drive each other crazy! Congratulations on your 100th post! I'm almost to mine too! Your giveaway looks great, please enter me in the drawing!

Unknown said...

An excellent lesson - to remember to love each other. I do need the reminder that perhaps I'm not being very lovable, too!

CONGRATULATIONS on your 100th post!!! I really enjoy your blog. I like hearing about and seeing pictures of your family. I like your flea market finds. I like and am inspired by your decorating skills. I like your encouraging words and what a kind-hearted blogging friend you are! And thank you for all the wonderful comments on my blog!

What a lovely fall giveaway - enter me, please!

Marie said...

That is the sweetest letter. Like EVER. :o) Happy 100th blog post!! You don't look a day over 99. ha ha GREAT giveaway. Sign me up! :o)

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Congratulations on 100 posts! Nice giveaway!

I have enjoyed following your blog!

Katherine

P.S. - I hope Hannah cooperates too!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

P.S. - again!

I love the sweet letter your daughter wrote! Aren't you glad you kept it!

Katherine

SmilingSally said...

I started my blog because two friends and my grown son told me (over and over!) that I SHOULD!

I still have papers that son made when he was little. They are precious.

Your giveaway is sooo much nicer than mine. I sure would like to "throw my name in the hat."

duchess said...

I just love a give-away.
Congrats on #100!

As for Hannah...we're watching but should be ok. I think you need to watch a little closer & maybe head inland if it looks too bad. My in-laws are in Hampstead so we're watching for them.
Take care.

Nichole said...

Congrats on your 100th post! Love the goodies in the giveaway :o)

Vanessa Greenway said...

Lovely letter from a big sister to her little brother. I do love my little sis very much but she can be very annoying sometimes :) we are 8 years apart and even with love I had for her growing up wasn't easy...
Now congratulations on your 100th post! I know how much it takes to get there and how lovely is to see the blogging friends comments on the dashboard. Please pick me, pick me for your giveaways goodies! Hugs! Vanessa

Darlene said...

Congratulations on your 100th post!!! I know what you mean about blogging and how quickly friendships form from like-minded people.

I LOVE all of your Fall cuties and I would love it if you would count me in.....and then of course, pick me...pick me.....

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Congrats on your 100th post!! I'm so glad I found your blog ~ I'm enjoying reading it.

Please enter me in your drawing. I would be thrilled to be selected!!

Blessings,

Sher

Unknown said...

That is such a sweet note! Something to treasure forever.

Congratulations on your 100th post.

Put my name in the hat!
diane

The Berry's Patch said...

Hi Rhonda,

What a darling letter. Thanks for all the inspirational words! Your give away items are very cute. Please count me in.

Brandee :-)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Rhonda,
Look at all the wonderful blogging friends you have :) I felt blessed and reminded in your post and thank you for that:) Also, thanks for visiting me :) I really love your pumpkin tassel :) Congrat's on your 100th post. I'm at 70+ posts and it goes by quickly. I would love to win your wonderful giveaway :) Thank you for having one :)
Warmly, Deb :)

Judy said...

Oh, girl, sign me up for the giveaway! All the gifts are wonderful but I especially love the tassel!

Hugs!
Judy

Unknown said...

What a precious letter from your daughter to your son! And this truly was a beautiful post Rhonda!

Congratulations on 100 posts!

Hugs,
Amy

Southern Lady said...

Rhonda, congratulations on your
100th post ... that's quite a milestone!

I always enjoy your heartfelt stories about your sweet family and love seeing your decorating projects.

Best wishes for another 100 happy posts!

Sincerely,

Janie

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Rhonda!
WOW! Congrats on your 100th post!! They've all been wonderful to come see! Please enter me in your great giveaway, looks so fun for fall.
I've been catching up on visits and your fall vignettes are so inspirational.
Love your new mantle! It's awesome Rhonda!! You're going to have such fun with it! I'm sure it was worth the dust now!!
Hugs, Sherry

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Hi Rhonda , what a precious letter ! Congrats on your 100th post. And please enter me for your wonderful giveaway ! Love your tassle !
Stay safe dear !

Rue said...

Hi Rhonda :)

Count me in!

Oh and of course she loved him... who wouldn't?? Look at that cute baby! ;) Your children are beautiful.

Congratulations on your 100th post!

hugs,
rue

The Beauty Bargainista said...

arent kids great?
Congrats on your 100th post, and the tassle is beautiful!

Patti said...

I love reading your post and your pictures are always wonderful. Congratulations on your 100th post! I love your fall decorating ideas- it's my fav time of the year and I can't wait to get out my decorations; maybe this weekend... Keep up the beautiful job!

Kim's Treasures said...

Such a sweet letter from Ashley! I miss the young days of my kids sometimes!

Congratulations on your 100th post! You have an amazing blog!

Thank you for having such a cool giveaway! Your tassel is great!

Praying for you as Hanna approaches! Be safe!

Kim

Donna Lynn said...

Hi,
I haven't been over to say hello in a bit, been busy with the wedding so commenting was on the back burner, it is my oldest son's wedding coming up on Sat. the 6th, two days away now!

Love the letter from your daughter to her brother, you can pull that out and remind her if she is acting up!!! :)

Congrats on your 100th post, I love blogging, have had a couple fits and starts, but after encouragement from fellow bloggers came back and tried again. My boys think I am nutty for blogging, but I don't care, I have met sooooo many lovely gals. It has really blessed my life, you included!

Take care and bless you today!
XO,
Donna Lynn
PS Throw my name in for all the wonderful goodies!

Monogram Queen said...

Three cheers for contests and Boo~Hiss for Hanna...

Meghan said...

How sweet is your little girl!!!!

Congrats on the 100th post.
How exciting.

Thanks for the opp to win something as well.

Your blog is too cool.

Jerri Lynn @ Southern Sassyness said...

Hi - thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments. I am new to the blogging world and really appreciate everyone's feedback. Your blog is great! The fall decor is beautiful - lots of neat ideas. Please come back anytime!

Michelle said...

Hi Rhonda, Just wanted to drop by to thank you for all the encouragement and prayers...they've meant so much to me!

Many congrats on your 100th post!

Thanks for sharing that sweet note your daughter wrote :)

Hugs,
Michelle

Empty Nest Full Life said...

fOh please enter me. I would love any of those goodies. Cute pumpkin tassel! As soon as I get this yard sale done (if Hanna doesn't ruin those plans)I plan to start crafting away. Jackie

Kimba said...

What a sweet letter from your daughter. That is truly something to treasure.

And your tassel is lovely!

Angie said...

Hey Rhonda,

I don't know what is cuter..the letter or the picture of them! I wasn't sure if I was going to enter..cause I never win anything..but then I saw that tassel..and I gotta try...that is adorable! Yep..gonna have to try to make a tassel now...sigh..well, after those topiaries..hehe..
Congrats on your 100th post!

~Angie

Nancy Rosalina said...

Rhonda, I don't think I have put my name in...but if so just discard this one...I have been out of commission for a few days and can't remember who and when I last commented on. Please inter my name in the drawing. Nancy

Anonymous said...

Please put my name for your wonderful fall giveaway. I would love to win. :-) Debbi

faustx2@yahoo.com

Deb said...

Hi Rhonda! Beautiful post! Beautiful scriptures! Deb

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your 100th post! I always enjoy reading your blog. I would love to be entered in this giveaway. Thank you. I love the tassels you make. Maybe you could do a tutorial on them sometime. :)
xo, Tammy

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 100 posts! Your giveaway loot looks positively irresistible. Here's to 100 more!

Debra from Bungalow said...

That letter is truly a treasure!
I almost missed the giveAway..sign me up Please, DebraK

Grammie/Mom said...

Just peeking in from NY. I found your blog through my daughter. We have it marked on our favorites to read. Congratulations on your milestone of 100 posts. Autumn is a beautiful season and you have created some lovely decorations. I love the idea of your Autumn giveaway and would like to be entered in it. Thank you, Ruth

Linda said...

Congratulations on your 100th post...and thank you for the fantastic giveaway. Please count me in!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Congrats on your milestone 100th post! Please enter me for those great goodies!!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Kitty Scraps said...

I just found your blog thru Bella Casa and you look like one very creative lady. I'm going to definitely save you to my favorites list.

Congrats on your 100th post *smiles* and please add me to your very generous giveaway even though I never win anything anyway *smiles*

Deborah said...

Hi i just discovered your blog and it is so neat,Congrats on your 100th post.Please include in on your great giveaway!!!Deb

Preppy Mama said...

Just stumbled upon your blog. Beautiful and so creative!!