Category: Other Posts

A Quick Thought

I’ll Smile As I Pass…

deborahanndykeman

I wanted to shout a big, “Thank you!” to all of you that have continued to stop by here and read my posts, even though I have not written anything in a while. It is much encouragement to me in the writing area…and that is greatly needed right now.

You see, almost a month ago now I started working full-time. It is a job that I really love, at a place I worked at once before back in 2011. I was the Activity Assistant then, and now I’m the Activity Director, with no assistant. So, I’ve been busy. In time, I hope to be blogging a bit more again, and I am working on the third book in a series that I hope to have available this year. But right now, I’m in survival mode. I fall asleep practically before my head hits the pillow, and I wake a few hours later with it spinning of all I need to accomplish that day. The weeks have rushed past in a blur. But it is a good busy. I’m just slightly out of breath right now.

Please keep stopping by. I’ll do the same for you. I may not comment as much as I zip through, but I still like what you’re doing. Have a fantastic Saturday!

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

deborahanndykeman

This life we live is uncertain, filled with obstacles, lost expectations of our youth, and a lot of ‘just getting by’. Life is a journey that each of us has been given, and it is also a gift. Along with the struggles, and the not-so-good days, there is hope, and there is joy.

I’ve always loved the words to this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3iLXHzX9k

It was written by Ira F. Stanphill in 1950, during a very difficult time in his own life. From what I could find, his wife left him to pursue a career of her own, at the zenith of his. If any of you know of different facts, or more, please share. I always enjoy learning more about a person. Mr. Stanphill wrote this song out of the pain, betrayal and loss he was experiencing at that time, and you can feel it.

So many items in this life are unknowns. We don’t know what the day will hold, we don’t know if any of us will be here tomorrow. But we do have today, and we can rejoice and take comfort in that. Make your Sunday… today, a good one.

spring-lake-2351992_1920

A Quick Thought, Just For Fun!

Tiny Houses…

deborahanndykeman

Intrigue me. Anything miniature has always given me a thrill. I find them adorable. For a while, it was mice. No, I don’t particularly like a mouse running through my domain. But cute pictures of them, and their babies are pretty special.

The little toad house in the picture above makes me smile. For a couple of years, I had a fairy garden. No, I don’t believe that fairies come to live there, but it is fun to imagine. I have several resin houses that I repainted that I set up in the garden. There were white picket fences, little table and chairs. Even little cakes and plates to eat on. I built a little pond with a lighthouse and boat. Miniature frogs sat at the edge. From this pond trickled a little brook. I absolutely loved this little oasis! But, alas, the English ivy and periwinkle have made the area a jungle, and I don’t have the heart to pull it all out. So, the houses and necessities for fairy living are packed in the garage, waiting for a new home.

So of course I love the idea of a tiny house! I’ve always wanted a little place to go and write. I would make it very girly… shades of pink and white with roses everywhere. Rather like an English cottage. Chintz would be the fabric of choice. White shutters over the windows…on the inside, to close out the hot, afternoon sun, and a comfy chair to snuggle in. I would enjoy a little white stove for cold or rainy days. Building it myself would be rather fun, and decorating would be pure joy!

I’ve shared Luke’s videos here before. I support people and their talents whenever I’m able. And I certainly think Luke should be supported with his talents! He builds his tiny houses, and this video takes you on a tour of one in a very engaging, fun way. He has lots of energy! So enjoy the tour…I think it will put a smile on your face! Have a terrific Thursday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GUiZtvNFvc&feature=em-subs_digest

A Quick Thought

The Gibb Brothers

deborahanndykeman

The Bee Gees were always one of my favorite groups when I was younger. One of the biggest reasons that I enjoyed them, was because they were brothers. Seeing a family work together, and especially for so many years, is pretty special. Barry Gibb lives on, the oldest of the brothers. What a legacy they have left for all of us. This is a song Barry wrote. I enjoyed looking at the pictures in the video. I hope you do as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLT26K89Qo

A Quick Thought

The Piano Guys and Lexi Walker…

deborahanndykeman

Music is something that I’ve always loved. At one time, when I was younger, I had it playing in some form, in the background of my day. When I was driving, doing housework, or washing the car. Music was just part of me. I enjoyed almost any genre, played on a wide range of instruments. I could find something to appreciate about a person’s musical talent.

With the chaos of spending my day with five children, I didn’t play music as much. Quiet was a very good thing to hear. Then I would just appreciate the tick-tock of my clocks.

Tonight, many people will head out to church for evening services. Not as many as there once was on a Wednesday night. The busyness of everyday life has taken away that commitment that parishioners once had. People are exhausted from their days filled with work, errands, and the very long list of the, “I have to”. Wednesday, for me has always been rather like a Sunday. A time set aside to let life slow down a bit, and renew our minds.

Christmas has come and gone, and we have greeted the New Year. But the reason we celebrate Christmas is still fresh in my thoughts. The music that is part of the season is still whispering at the edges. I don’t want to hear Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but I will fudge a bit in January, not wanting to let go of that certain feeling you have at Christmas time. When I come across not one but two of my favorite songs, being sung beautifully together, and with the Piano Guys…well, I had to share with all of you! Tonight, as you make your way to church, think on this song. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGHUmpUu7Gw

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

Merry Christmas!

deborahanndykeman

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. The house has been draped in garland and ribbons, the tree twinkling, aglow with Christmas memories.

christmas-2958000_1920

The baking is done, lovely aromas of sugar and spices, a confectioner’s dream. The green and red dye has worn off from tiny fingers, the tongue will be tinged for days…until no crumb remains.

christmas-2953719_1920

If you are privileged, you’ve seen carolers, and listened to their sweet voices, and maybe not so sweet, lifted with joy in song. You’ve enjoyed a Christmas program or two, and delighted in your children or grandchildren, niece or nephew.

christmas-2947257_1920

The music has played, and set the tone, and all that remains is the opening of gifts, and a day filled with family, friends and laughter. The absolute best part about the festivities. That meal is also pretty special!

card-2985786_1920

Tomorrow, let us recall the reason for it all. That babe in a manger, so very small. You may not be surrounded by family and friends, your house a delight of colors and smells. You…alone physically or emotionally… have the most special of days, the time spent with a Man, that died for you…the same. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, waiting for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB3Fo6yG2n0

christmas-1010749_1920

I wish you a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for reading, for being part of my life.

 

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

That Christmas Feeling

deborahanndykeman

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I love this time of year! The aromas wafting through the house…cinnamon sticks and pine. Well, normally our house smells of those items, but today it smells of burnt toast thanks to our youngest. I’ll have to light some more candles tomorrow. At one time, I had a can of pine scent to spray through the house since we had a fake tree, but those kind of smells lead to a whopping headache for me these days!

christmas-2984210_1920

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas:

Snow drifting lazily outside your frosted window,
The fire crackling merrily,
The orange and yellow flickers mesmerizing with their glow.
The fresh-cut tree being dragged through the house,
Just “one more inch” to help it clear the ceiling.
The winter crispness emanating from those needles,
The pine scent filling the air.
Then commence the decorating,
Lights weaved over the prickly branches.
The “oohs” and “aahs” of each ornament plucked from the box,
A kaleidoscope of memories besieging your heart.
The stockings are hung, the nativity displayed,
The routine of the festivities replayed.

A candlelit house, smelling of pine and baked goods,
A hint of cinnamon and spice.
The gentle pause in the daily routine,
A soft snuggle by the twinkling lights.
These are my memories,
This is what the Christmas season looks like for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBie5pT9nw

Christmas is the time of year that we set aside to remember that our Lord and Savior came to earth as a baby. The decorations, the lights, baking and presents are traditions handed down from many countries for many generations. They are what they are…pleasant traditions that I look forward to sharing each year. For me, they don’t take away the importance of that tiny baby, humbled, but still a King. They add to the feeling of home and family…my memories. And I cherish them.

church-1993493_1920

I pray your Christmas season is one filled with joy, and many happy memories…

A Quick Thought, social media, Writing

Goodreads Giveaway!

deborahanndykeman

It’s the Christmas Season and the time for giving. I shared this on Facebook and Instagram, but not with all of you. I’ve just opened my Instagram account, so still finding my way around there. I’m older, so stick with me, it takes a while to figure it all out. Only yesterday I discovered that I could link my group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216963165342784/

to my author page on Facebook. It’s probably been available for months, or even years, but at least I have it now!

I’m having a giveaway on Goodreads! This is for my newest release and runs until the 8th of January…2018! Wow! It will take me a while to remember that year. Until about July I’m still functioning in the previous one. So, be sure to enter. To date, I’ve given away 18 books in giveaways on Goodreads. So check it out!

Follow this link to enter for a chance to win one of three signed copies of my newest release! https://www.goodreads.com/givea…/show/269283-when-love-grows

That also gives you time to read the first book in the series, When Hope Blooms. You may purchase the first book, or any of my books right here: https://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Ann-Dykem…/e/…/ref=sr_tc_2_0…

All books are available in paperback, or kindle editions on Amazon. If you purchase the paperback, the kindle edition is yours for free!

Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million (BAM), and Walmart also carry my books for online purchasing. Please share with all your book-loving family and friends, and remember…reviews are greatly appreciated! Merry Christmas Everyone!

When Love Grows Cover - 6.2 x 9.5 measurements I love the colors on this cover! Red is my favorite one, and it does remind me of Christmas colors.

Just For Fun!

Music to Smile To!

deborahanndykeman

I was just watching some videos on YouTube and found another one with our son Nathan and Luke E Boy. Great music and photography…it can’t get any better! Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2MJVausr7o

A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!

I Was Where?

deborahanndykeman

At one time in my life, I spent literally hours at shopping malls. I kept up this habit until we had two small children. By then it was a great way to get out of the house for a few hours and incorporate some much-needed walking into my day. I never really spent much money, but I recall the people-watching and the store windows. At Christmas time, I loved the decorations and the music, the shoppers with the common goal of locating that perfect gift.

Then, for many years, the thought of entering that brightly-lit fray had the power to make me feel as though an elephant was sitting on my chest. The mall was the last place I wanted to be, and during the Christmas season I really wanted to avoid it. My comfy office chair guided me through many years of birthday and Christmas shopping.

I’ve noticed that life seems to travel in full circles. I’m also the person that would always do the opposite of others, not wanting to follow the crowds. If hair was to be short, mine was long, and if curls were the go-to style, I wouldn’t fuss so much to have that bounce. I haven’t told my family this, but the other day when I was contemplating the painting of our house, two sides one color and two sides of another color flashed through my head. After all, people don’t normally decide to do this to their homes. (And, if you live in a neighborhood with rules, you may not be allowed to do this!) I just know that our house has been the same color for over ten years now, and I want something different and unique, but all in good taste…of course!

So maybe that is the greater reason that I found enjoyment in not one, but two days at two malls…all in the same week! That, or the company I was with. It was also an excellent way to get that walking in! Because I was having such a good time, I even had my picture taken a few times…also a rarity. Thank you to my husband and our youngest for two fun days. It reminded me of why I once spent many hours at the mall, and shopping. The picture below is actually at Home Depot. I’ve never looked so good in red!

25344385_10208009527034525_1745282689_o

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of my husband and me. It just makes me smile. Merry Christmas! May your Christmas shopping be peaceful, enjoyable and those gifts right at your fingertips.

25198876_10208008971300632_2024469257_o