Meditation Mondays - Last Devotional this Year!!!

Good morning Everyone,

Welcome back to the last Meditation Monday of the year. As we all end out the old year and are getting ready for the new one, let's think back to the time we spent with the Lord.

Did you get to dwell in the Word of God over this last year??? Did God speak to you?? What are your plans for next year???

All these questions and my prayer is that you will be back with me again next year for another wonderful journey in God's Word.

I want to leave you with this very special song. Francesca Battistelli just released it on K-Love radio over the holiday. It is called Write Your Story. We need God to write His story for us on our hearts. He is the only one that knows what is in store for us this next year.

Please come back tomorrow for a special post for New Year's Eve.

Meditation Mondays - Mary's View

Welcome to Meditation Mondays. Today we are going to talk about the Christmas story from Mary's point of view. One of my favorite singers is Francesca Battistelli. She has written a song that I love!!

Here it is please enjoy!

Life, Even Crazier, Family, and Prayers

Well life hasn't exactly gone as I have planned the last couple weeks. I had planned to post on Mondays Devotionals but it hasn't happend.

Since I last posted so many things have happened. Friday, December 13th my whole life changed. Daddy had a heart attack. He had stints put in and was in the hospital for two days. I got to stay with my friends for the weekend. Dad is home now and doing better but it is going to be a long recovery process.

I am hoping to post more often but we will see what happens. Please pray for me. I am searching for guideance with how I will continue to post to my blog. Right now I have it set as private but thinking of changing it to public as I have many friends that don't have gmail.

Christmas is next week. What are you doing? What are you favorite traditions?

I have been working on a Christmas song and hope to finish it in time. If it is finished I will share it with you next week. I have been watching movies too. Check back on Christmas Eve for a couple reviews. They are great movies and a must see.

Well I better go but thank you to my faithful followers.

Shalom,
Grace Mae

Life, Family, and Craziness.

Hi Everyone,

As you can see I didn't post on Friday or yesterday. I haven't been feeling to well and been really busy. The RMSF is really cramping my life. We are seeing a doctor on Dec. 11th in Meyerstown, PA. Hopefully he will be able to help me. We don't know what he is going to do to treat me but it may be IV antibiotics. I guess we will have to wait and find out since my appointment is so close to Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did. 

Thanksgiving Day we went to m Aunt Helen's house to spend time with her and her family. My little cousin Sammy and I made bracelets using the rainbow loom. (well she made them and I watched :)

We then came back to the Hanger and RV and watched movies until it was time for bed. I got some knitting done.

I have some beaded socks I am knitting for a lady who ordered them from me. They are going slow but I am hoping to have the first heel done today or tomorrow. 

Now that Dec. is here I can start to really get into the Christmas Spirit. Mom and I watched an AWESOME Christmas movie last night on Netflix. It was called Christmas with a Capital C. I highly recommend you watch it if you can. 

My friend Rebekah Morris has released a new book. It is called Triple Creek Ranch Book 1: Unbroken. It is a great story. I highly recommend all her books. You can check out her blog at: www.rsreadingroom.blogspot.com

Tomorrow, I am going to hang out with my friend Megan and her family. It should be fun. We my even do some filming for her Youtube Channel. You can check her out at: Modest Maniac username.

Thursday Dad has an appointment to get his stitches out of his head. He had to have surgery last week for basal cell cancer. It got an infection now so He is on antibiotics. If you think to please pray for him.

Friday Mom and I are working the Milkshake stand at the PA Christmas Show for the 4-H Fundraiser. It should be fun. We each get a free Milkshake. Afterwards we are going to go to the Christmas Show which has all kinds of food, arts and crafts, and shopping.

I have been writing some new songs and working on a Christmas one. I hope to finish it soon.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Starting Next Monday for our Meditation Mondays I will be telling the Christmas Story in a different way. I hope you will join me as we remember that Jesus is the Reason for this Season. I think this is going to be the best Christmas yet.

Well this is a longer post then I had intended on writing :-) So I will let you go.

Shalom,
Grace Mae

Meditation Mondays - Giving Thanks

As everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving I thought I wouldn't make this long. Thanksgiving is a time to spend it with family and friends being grateful. God wants us to take time and thank Him for all His many blessings.

What are you thankful for?? I am thankful that God has given me each one of you as my friends.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy reigns forever.

Here is a funny Thanksgiving song by Klove and Matthew West. I heard it last year and thought you would enjoy listening and watching it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Friday - Giving Thanks

Welcome back to Fun Friday. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next Thursday. Where has the time gone?? Anyways, I though that this week I would share a couple things I am thankful for.

1. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with good friends and family.

2. I am thankful that no matter what God is there for me. As most of you know I have had a rough year. Trying to get better from RMSF and my grandma moving and we are trying to move. It has just been so stressful but God is always there.

3. I am thankful to be able to communicate with you all through the internet and the phone.

What are you thankful for??? I'd love to hear. I am also posting a recipe I found that I thought looked good. Hope you enjoy.

This recipe was found at Mel's Kitchen Cafe website. All credit goes to her. I can't wait to try this out. I love Hot Chocolate when it gets cold outside.

The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Yield: Makes about 20 servings of hot chocolate

Ingredients

• 3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1½ cups cocoa powder, dutch-process or natural
• 1½ cups white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two (or more) batches, depending on the size of your food processor, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the chocolate is finely ground. Store the dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
2. To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows, if desired.

Meditation Mondays - Being Thankful

As Thanksgiving is approaching fast we get caught up in the preperations and forget to Thank God. He wants us to be thankful for what we have instead of what we don't have.

What are you thankful for??? Here is a song to help us remember to give thanks no matter what we may be going through this year.

Fun Friday - Quilting

Hi Everyone,

Sorry this post is being put up late. I haven't been feeling well at all. I may just post on Mondays and Fridays for a while :(

This week we had a couple from PA visit us. We have been baking and having fun. Today we went on the Annual Christmas Quilt Shop Hop. It was really fun. There was four stores that Mom and I love. I bought some zippers that were on sale for 10 for $1. I have been sewing project bags to hold knitting or crocheting. I am hoping to make some as gifts as well as sell. I also found some Charlie Brown fabric as well as other goodies.

Tomorrow we may go to an auction and run errands. It all depends on the weather.

What have you all been up to?? I'd love to hear from you.

Check out my other blog if you have time. It is dedicated to my knitting business. I am having some really fun knitwear designer interveiws as well as giveaways.  www.daisycreationsdesigns.blogspot.com.

See you all on Monday as it is getting late here and I am tired.

SHALOM, Grace Mae :D oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Meditation Mondays - Overcomer

Hi there! Today we will be talking about being an overcomer.

God wants us to be overcomers. We need to stay in the fight until the final end. This world we live in is only temporary and someday we all will be living forever with God.

Right now Satan tries so hard to make us want to give up and give in but God tells us we can overcome it and stay fighting until the day we are called home.

What are you trying to overcome? I'd love to know and pray for you.

Mandisa wrote a song called Overcomer and I want to share it with you. Enjoy :D

SEE YA'LL ON WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!

Fun Friday - Lots of Things

Hi Everyone, I am sorry I haven't posted but I have been sick but here I am.

It has been a busy week. We have traveled home to MO from PA and I am really tired.

Today we went to get my driver's permit and I passed. Mom and Dad let me drive home. It was a different experiance. I am sorta glad to drive though.

Here is a video about a hairstyle I thought you would like. It is my favorite.

Fun Fridays - Update

Hi Everyone, Sorry I missed posting on Wed. I haven't been feeling that great plus been super busy.

I have been knitting a lot lately. Some things are Christmas Presents and some orders and others just fun things I want for myself.

It is finally November. I have been watching Tim Hawkins. He is my favorite comedian. 

Here are some of his videos. Hope you enjoy them.

 

 

SEE Y'ALL ON MONDAY!!!!

Meditation Mondays - God's Not Dead

Welcome back! Today I would like to ask you if you have ever run into anyone that claims God is Dead. I personally never have but I watched a trailer for a new movie that is coming out next spring 2014.

Colleges and some school professors believe that God doesn't exist when in reality He does. He is roaring like a lion.

So do you believe this?? Let me know in the comments whether you believe God is Dead or God is Alive.

Fun Friday - Song: Capturing the Moment

Welcome back to Fun Friday. Today I promised to share the lyrics to my Capturing the Moment song.

I dedicated and wrote this song after our pastor's wife's grandma went to be with the Lord last year. It is about needing to take time right now and tell the people you love how much they mean to you.

Capture every moment as we never know what life will bring. Enjoy the lyrics. Check out Modest Maniac on YouTube for a video of me singing the song. It is my friend Megan's channel.

CAPTURING THE MOMENT

Chorus:
We're gonna make it last

While we still have the chance

To tell you right now

How much we love you

We're capturing the moment

Verse 1: 

This life that we live

Is more then we can give

So wrapped up in this world

Pre-Chorus:

This is the time

For us to draw the line

Before it's too late

Verse 2:

So when you see someone you love

Take the time right now to say

Just what they mean to you

Ending:

We're capturing, oh we're capturing, the moment

(c) Oct. 2012 Grace Mae Tallman, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SEE YA ON MONDAY!

What Not Wednesdays - Music Fest 2013

Playing and Singing Original Song Capturing the Moment

 Music Fest 2013


 I'd like to share that I had a wonderful time at the Annual Homeschool Music Fest. I got to have my best friend Abbie there and we sing in the talent show. Also I sang my original song Capturing the Moment I dedicated in honor of Mrs. Nissley Grandma who went to be with Jesus in October of 2012.

Abbie and I singing for the Talent Show.

Maybe next year y'all can join me for another wonderful time of fellowship. Come back on Friday as I will post the lyrics to my song.

Love y'all, Grace Mae <3

Playing in the Band Scramble

Our Band called "Ready or Not, Here We Come"

Meditation Mondays - Fixing Our Eyes on God

Welcome back for another Meditation Mondays!!

Today I would like to talk about fixing our eyes on God. Sometimes it seems that we have everything planned out but then things change. God knows better and wants us to make our focus on Him and Him alone.

Francesca Battistellli tells us in her song Strangely Dim that when we fix our focus on God everything will grow strangely dim.

See y'all back here on Wednesday!! Love and Prayers, Grace Mae

Fun Fridays - SONG: Just Hang On

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the next Fun Friday. Today I have a song to share with you. It is one I wrote. The title is called Just Hang On. 

I am sure you have had days that you felt alone, scared to face the day but you hung on to God and with His strength He made you strong. 

Please let me know what you think of this song. 

Verse 1:
Have you ever felt alone
Have you ever lost your way
Have you ever been afraid 
To face another day
Well I know what you're going through
'Cause I have been there too

Chorus:
Just hang on for a little bit longer
Just hang on He's gonna make you stronger
If you hang on, just hang on, just hang on

Verse 2:
Sometimes I wanna give up
When I start another day
Sometimes I don't know why
Thought I had gone astray
But you tell me to lean on you
I couldn't do it without you

Chorus 2:
I just hung on for a little bit longer
I just hung on and He made me stronger
Just hung on, just hung on, just hung on

Bridge:
And even if the road may get tough
I know your strength is enough
To just hang on, hang on, I'm gonna hang on

(c) October 18th, 2013 Grace Mae Tallman. All rights reserved =)

What Not Wednesdays - BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

Hey Everyone!!!! WELCOME TO ANOTHER WHAT NOT WEDNESDAY =)

I am happy to announce that I officially have a YouTube channel that is going to be filled with knitting tutorials.

My Friend Megan graciously helped me out to set of a channel, plus do all the editing. She is AWESOME!!!!!! 

You can check out my channel at: Grace Mae's YouTube Channel

I already have 14 videos up for you all to view. You can learn the basics of casting on, knitting, purling, and bind off. 

Be sure to check back on Friday as I have something special to share with you all. 

Until Friday, Grace Mae =) 

Meditation Mondays - Tell Others About God

Welcome Back again!!! Happy Columbus Day!!!

Today I am going to tell you that we need to share with others God's love. He tells us that we need to tell others about Him. I love to as I feel it is a special privilege I am given. 

Britt Nicole has a song that I feel was written for me. It is called "Set the World on Fire". It says that even though we are small God is bigger and He can use us to spread His Love around.

I will leave you with this challenge. Are you ready? Are you willing? Do you tell others about God?

See y'all again on Wednesday. I have a big announcement. Shalom <3

Fun Friday - Recipes: Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Welcome to Fun Fridays. SInce it is getting colder I thought it would be a great idea to share a recipe for Spiced Apple Cider. Enjoy! The recipe I found online at www.allrecipes.com all rights go to them.

Hot Spiced Cider

Rated: Submitted By: Sara Photo By: Pam-3BoysMama Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Ready In: 10 Minutes Servings: 16

"This traditional holiday drink is indispensable to those who covet the ubiquitous fireside family gatherings on cold winter evenings. This recipe uses an automatic coffee maker to brew the cider. If you don't own one, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Grab your mugs and dive into this hot drink!"

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick

1/4 teaspoon salt 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 large orange, quartered with peel 2 quarts apple cider

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Place filter in coffee basket, and fill with brown sugar, allspice, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, nutmeg, and orange wedges. Pour apple cider into coffee pot where the water usually goes. Brew, and serve hot.

Don't forget to check back on Monday for the next Bible Study Lesson : ) Stay warm and HUGS!!

What Not Wednesdays - Cattle

Welcome back to another What Not Wednesday. Today I am going to share my cattle herd with you all. I bred and raise Gelbvieh Cattle. I have 4 Mama Cows, 3 yearling Heifers, and 2 new baby fall calves. Here are pics. Hope you enjoy them and see y'all back again for Fun Friday. 

Secret Touch and Penny

Penny getting fed

Skipper, Ginger Snap's calf

Is There Someone coming??

Like Mother Like Daughter

Ginger Snap and Skipper

That's all folks. There is the two Mama Cows and the 2 new babies. I will try and get pics of the rest of my herd and post next week. See y'all on Friday.

Meditation Mondays - What Does God Want?

Hello and welcome back. Thanks for joining me again. Today is a deep lesson so please if you aren't ready you can stop reading now. If you are ready let's continue.

I don't have a Bible Verse for you today. Instead we are going to just jump right in.

Lesson:           

Today's lesson is on What Does God Want? That is a hard question to ask. 

Us as humans want to do what we want, when we want it instead of waiting and asking God. I know I struggle with this everyday. It is that we need to let go and let God have control of the wheel. We need to let God take the lead because we can't do it on our own. We loose our way when we think we know better than God. We need to spend time with God and be still and listen for His voice. 

Now I am talking not just to you all but to myself too. I struggle with know what God wants me to do. Maybe you are at a point in your life that you are wondering Why am I here? What can I do? Please know that life is an adventure and God is our Guide and Teacher. He knows what is best for us and when the right time is even if we think it's not.            

So God, what do you want to do today?

Prayer: 

Dear Father, God, Thank you for allowing me to share today with your children. Help me and each and every one who reads this to learn to ask you what you want to do with our lives. Amen :-)

Before I go I wanted to share with you a song that talks about what I just shared. It is called Today by: New World Son. Hope you enjoy and God Bless :-) See y'all on Wed.  

 

Fun Friday - HairStyles

Welcome back for another Fun Friday. Sorry I forgot to post on Wed. Things just got a little busy and I just forgot. Hope you all don't mind. 

This week I would like to focus on hairstyles. I love heatless curls and beachy waves. Kalye on YouTube has awesome tutorials. Let me know if you try any of these out. I'd love to see pics. 

Don't forget to come back on Monday for our next lesson. Love you =)

Here are a few of my favorites.

Meditation Mondays- Give Your Life to God

Welcome Back! I am so glad you decided to join me again today. Let's get started.

-Give Your Life to God-

Verse:
         Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through 
         Me. John 14:6 NKJV

Lesson:
           Today I wanted to talk to you about giving your life to God. I wanted to share with you this short
           video. I first heard this last year at the Annual Homeschool Music Fest.

          
           So what I am trying to say is that we need to get out there and witness to others. If we don't give our
           life to God we will never feel complete. 

Questions:
                 1. Why is it important to give your life to God?
                  
                 2. How are you sharing God with others?

                 3. Do you feel complete?? 

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this week's devotional. Please leave comments and be sure to come back on Wed. for another What Not Wednesday. Blessings and Shalom : )
 

Fun Fridays - Recipe

Hi Everyone, Welcome back to Fun Fridays!!!

Today I am going to share with you all a recipe. I got this from some friends and they turned out wonderful. 

Oatmeal Choc. Chip Bars Recipe:

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c. butter

2 tbsp. molasses

2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

3 c. quick-rolled oats

1 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 c. chocolate chips

1 c. of whatever type of nuts you want. :-)  

Bake at: 350 on bottom rack for about 30 min.

These also work great for Gluten Free. I used White Rice Flour. Also if you want them dairy free use Blue Bonnet Light as the butter and dairy free choc. chips. 

If you try these be sure to let me know. You can never have too many of these. The recipe doubles great if you have a large family. If you don't like too sweet of bars cut down on the sugar. They are just as good :)

Be sure to come back on Monday for the next lesson in our Bible Study. There is still time to join in so I hope you consider it :)

What Not Wednesday!

Welcome to What Not Wednesdays!! Here I will post whatever I want to. Sometimes it might be knitting, writings, share about a ministry, etc. Today I want to share about my custom orders for knitting :)

Today I went to the dentist. I didn't look forward to it but it was something that I had to do. It was a good appointment. I was knitting while Mama had her teeth cleaned. I was working on a sock called Breaking Hearts. You can find and buy the pattern on Raverly. A friend of mine had gifted me it after I made a baby vest and booties for her. 

Here is what I have knitted so far. 

Our one friend who works there liked my socks and all the hats I have made after I showed her pics. She wanted me to make some hats and beaded socks for her. It was a blessing as I make and sell things to raise money for a little girl in Uganda that I sponsor through Compassion International. I am so blessed that she wanted me to knit and crochet for her. 

So after the dentist Mama and I went yarn shopping. I simply can't resist yarn. It is just totally me :) 

Anyways, I got some yarn for pumpkin hats.

Beaded socks

Crocheted owl hats

And some yarn to make fingerless mitts to sell on Etsy.

I am going to be busy knitting but I really enjoyed it. It keeps me busy which I like. It also helps me since I had surgery last April 2012. Most of you who read this blog knows me well and all about it. Anyways, I better get busy. I am going to leave you with this Bible Verse.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men," Colossians 3:23

Meditation Monday-Study Scripture

Welcome to the first Meditation Monday! I am so happy you all decided to join me today. I pray you will enjoy this Bible Study and comment too. I don't want to feel like I am writing to myself (which most of the time I am.  LOL :)  Please comment as the Lord is leading you and check back on Friday for another Fun Friday Post.

-STUDY SCRIPTURE-

Verse:
           All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for 
            reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteouseness, that the man of God may be 
            complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

Lesson:
              Study of Scripture is an important part in our daily walk with God. If we don't 
               have God's Word in our hearts then we aren't fully equipped. It can be dangerous to 
               live our lives from day to day not knowing what God expects and who He is. 

               I encourage you to ask Him into your heart today if you haven't already. You won't 
               regret it. I haven't :) 

               Now this journey won't be easy but I promise you that is is worth it. 
               If we apply and master God's Word we will never lose our way. 

Questions: 
               1. Do you know Jesus? Yes? No? Want to? Ask me. 

               2. Why do you think studying scripture is important?

               3. What do you want to get out of this Bible Study?

               4. Why did you join this Bible Study?

Prayer:
             Dear Father, I pray for each one that has joined us and also pray that they will grow 
              closer to you. May this study be for your glory and may you guide me. 
              In Jesus' Name, Amen!