Pinks for Pink Saturday! #3

Greetings Friends!

Hope you've had a nice holiday week. Our 4th got rained out, but it did finally clear enough for our town to do their annual fireworks. It was quite a display. I enjoyed it without leaving home and fighting all that traffic. That was great!

My pinks this week mostly are coming from my foo-foo room as I call it. I have a lot of pink in there so I'll have something to work with for awhile anyway! LOL!

This shell came from a special trip to the Carribean. I'll never forget how beautiful it was there. It is in my window sill in our master bathroom to enjoy.

My youngest daughter Kim was so thoughful and bought these items for me because she knows how much I enjoy things like this.

This is my favorite mug to drink out of. It's getting worn and sometimes I have to fight to use it as my girls enjoy drinking out of it too!

One of my precious friends who passed away a few years ago....gave me this little pillow. I think of her often and how she made an impact on my life. She is missed dearly.

These pillows are so comfortable and they are on my love seat in my room. I spend much time leaning on them!

I bought this journal notebook on our recent vacation and love the silver heart with the pink.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my pinks and the meanings behind them. I guess I'm so sentimental! Are you?

I'm following Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday!

Hugs,

Pink Saturday at the Upper Crust

Greetings Ladies,

Last weekend a couple of friends of mine went to lunch at Tearoom called the UpperCrust & Bakery Cafe.

We had tea of course with a delicious lunch. I was amazed at how many men came in with their wives!

They serve light or hearty choices depending on what you are looking for.

It's a lovely place to go to get away.

Then or course, we went to our favorite thrift store and found all kinds of goodies on sale at 51% off!

Hope you enjoyed my pinks at the Uppercrust Cafe & bakery.

Hugs,




I'm joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Fall Breakaway 2011

Greeting Ladies,

Just wanted to let you know we have an awesome event coming in October.

Check out the link above for details. Remember the sooner you register you'll receive the Early Bird pricing and save money!

www.gowomensministry.com

Hugs,

Apples to Apples!

Greetings Ladies,

So I thought I'd let you see some of my apple stuff. I'm not kidding....I've got bunches. In fact, if someone even hints they want to buy me somthing with apples on it...I usally tell them....thanks but no. I have so much as it is.

Someone who stayed in our home for a short time shared with me that they had a dream that they were surrounded by apples. Wow, guess they were traumatized a bit! LOL!

Hope you enjoyed my pics. Sorry about the one upside down!

Hugs,
LaDonna

I'm joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Pink Saturday Party June 25

Greetings Ladies,

I'm still getting my feet wet with all these blogging parties. These pictures come from my Foo-foo room as I call it. It's Shabby Chic or some may think it's just shabby, but it's amazing to me how everyone in our family seems drawn to it... even our animals. LOL!

Every morning I go out there turn on my CD player and play soft music and read and meditate while I eat my breakfast.

The pink flowers and pink teapot sit on a small table I re-did last year. I'll share more about that at another time.

The teapot was purchased last year at Marshall's for around $7.00 dollars. I enjoy tea in it once in awhile.

The pretty doily was given to me years ago as a wedding gift. It was hand-made by my grand-aunt.

The pretty pink picture frame is actually a Christmas ornament made by my mother-in-law. It means alot to me as my father-in-law passed away recently, so I keep it up all year in honor of him.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my pinks for my first "Pink Saturday party."

***If I didn't do something quite right....please forgive me I'm still a work in progress!

Hugs,
LaDonna

I'm joining Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog

You'll never go hungry again!

We have pets, but one of my favorites is Ebony we call him Ebby for short. He's such a sweet and beautiful boy especially if you knew where he came from.

My husband and I were at the church at the old location working and saw this kitten in the window sill skin and bones meowing like crazy. He was hungry and apparently abandoned. It was pouring down rain....Keith tried to catch him but he was scared and took off.

A couple of days later the kitten showed up again....this time at the front door just crying his little heart out. I couldn't stand it. I went to the kitchen in the fellowship hall to see what I could find to feed him. In the refrigerator were hot dogs so I cut them up in bite size pieces and gave them to him.

Honestly, while he was eating...I heard crying and meowing at the same time! He end up eating 3 hot dogs! That is a lot for a little guy! We stood there watching him gobble them up.

Needless to say, he won our hearts and we took him home that day. He was flea-infested, his coat was matted and dull. We cleaned him up and got him checked out at the vet. After a healthy diet (not hot dogs!) his coat came out black and such a beautiful shiny sheen to it.

To this day, he loves to eat! We promised him that "he'd never go hungry again!" trust me he doesn't either!

Pets are wonderful blessings in our lives. I'm so thankful for this special cat. He brings a lot of love to our home.

He loves my Foo-foo room too!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Need Coffee?

This is me in the morning before coffee!

Hugs,
LaDonna LOL!

Foo-foo room tablescape

Greetings ladies,

Well, I'm trying this again! At least last week's first entry wasn't a total flop! Tuesday's sure do come around fast though!

Thank you to you sweet ladies that have complimented and encouraged me.

This table top I'm highlighting is in what I call my Foo-foo room. It's a screened in area we closed in, but it's not insulated well. With the summer and hot temps...here in Florida. I'm not able to use it that often except in the mornings. It's my place to go and enjoy quite times,read and meditate.

Oh, and by the way....the plates and coffee cups w/saucers were free! Yep, I'm not ashamed to say it...but my neighbor who was moving put them in her trash on garbage day and I rescued them! Can you believe it?

Hope you enjoy my pic's.

Hugs,
LaDonna

Simple Summer Tablescape

Hi Friends,

I've been crazy about tablescapes for sometime now and have wanted to be a part of that "elite" group of women who do this faithfully every week.

This is a very simple tablescape that I did this week only because I'm having to actually use our dining room table to sit and have meals at... it's that or the couch. Sometimes that just doesn't work out if you know what I mean.

We have... had a breakfast nook that we could eat our meals at, but now it's stored in the garage and a desk is in it's place so that I can work from home because of health issues.

My pictures aren't the best as I'm using the camera on my Iphone to take them.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this special day.

Hugs,
LaDonna

P.S. I'm your number one fan and read your blog faithfully.

If I didn't do something right....please forgive me I'll try and get it next time.

Apples and Moving forward

Dear Ladies,

As you know by now I've resigned as Women's rep for Section 13. I would like to keep this blog, but will be changing it to suit me for more of a personal use, but I'll update you on District and Section events as I'm aware of them.

My intent is not to step on any one's toes, but to simply move forward in my life at this point.

I thank you for your faithfulness in reading this blog and hopefully it was a useful tool in giving you the information needed.

The name I'm changing this blog to will be either Apple of His Eye or Apple Lady. I've not totally decided yet. My kitchen is decorated in apples and has a country feel to it.

If you decide to continue reading then you'll learn a little more about me and hobbies I'm enjoying.

If I don't see you before... I'll see you in October at the Fall Breakaway.

May God Bless you and keep you til we meet again!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Hope Tour 2011 is Coming to Sarasota!

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to make you aware as a few of you have asked. . .

It was mentioned by Tammy Young at the Women's Tea at Gulf Coast Assembly in North Port in March that we might have the Hope Tour coming to Sarasota this year! I have good news! I heard from Marsha Woolley and she confirmed the Hope Tour will be coming to Church of Hope in Sarasota on Saturday, August 6th!



If you have questions, please contact the Pen Florida Women's Ministries department at www.gowomensministry.com or call (863)683-5726.

I'm certain information will be mailed to you as this greatly benefits the women of our section.

Please mark your calendar with this date.

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna Jones
Gulf Coast Assembly of God
North Port, Florida

Tina Blount

Dear Sweet Friends,

My good friend Tina Blount will be coming to our church this month at Gulf Coast Assembly on Tuesday, April 26th to share at our monthly Women of Worth meeting. She is a talented speaker and author. I would love for you to come and check her out. We meet for a pot-luck meal at 6:30 pm in the Life Center at 2800 Pan American Blvd. North Port.

If you'd like to come and meet with us that evening, please give the church office a call at 941-423-1939 to reserve your spot.

Even if you aren't able to come, please watch her video and perhaps the Lord will impress upon you to have her come and share with your ladies in the future.

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna Jones
Women of Worth Director
Gulf Coast Assembly of God

Hope Tour 2011 & other events coming your way!

Dear Ladies
Check out the promo's available through Pen Florida Women's ministries at their exciting website!

There is so much going on and Marsha our fearless leader doesn't want to you miss out this year!

You are loved!

LaDonna Taylor DVD Promo

Hi Ladies,

Check out this promotional DVD of guest for the Women's Ministries luncheon at District Council. You'll be blessed by her ministry.

Remember seating is limited!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Suit Up

Hi Ladies,

Last month I was diagnosed with an incurable disease. It's been a tough month I must admit. My husband's cousin is married to a wonderful lady in California and out of the blue she called me to share and encourage me in my illness.

Carolina had been suffering and in constant pain for 8 months. She has been unable to work. She shared with me that over the Thanksgiving weekend last year the Lord instantly healed her in a church service she attended.

The doctors had done all they could do and she was miserable and not able to get any relief.

Through this illness God made himself real to her and she sought him by praying and reading the bible.

She shared with me how the Lord showed her she needed to keep a positive attitude and speak God's word into her situation. She put on the armor of God every morning before she even got out of bed.

God has used many people to speak encouragement into my life. I'm believing that the Lord is healing me and He will bring it to pass.

What God did for Carolina he will do for you and me.

Be sure and Suit up!

Hope you enjoy this devotion!

Love & hugs,

LaDonna


From Our Daily Bread

March 19, 2011 — by Bill Crowder

Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. —Ephesians 6:13

When I played American football as a kid, one thing that took some getting used to was all the equipment we had to wear. Running effectively in a helmet, shoulder pads, and a variety of other protective items can feel awkward and clumsy at first. But over time the protective gear becomes like a familiar friend that provides welcome protection against serious injury. When a football player suits up, he knows that his equipment is designed to protect him in battle against a dangerous opponent.

As followers of Christ, we also face a dangerous foe—a spiritual enemy who seeks our downfall and destruction. Fortunately, our Lord has provided us with protection, and He challenges us to suit up for spiritual battle.

In Ephesians 6:13, we read, “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Paul then describes our armor—helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, belt, and shoes. These pieces of spiritual equipment are effective only if we put them on and use them—even if they might feel uncomfortable at first.

Faithfulness in the Word (v.17), in prayer (v.18), and in witness (vv.19-20) are critical to making our armor feel like a part of us.

So suit up! The battle is on!

Be not weary, Christian warrior,
Buckle on thine armor tight;
Be ye strong and face the battle
In the power of His might. —Iler
God’s armor is tailor-made for you, but you must put it on.

1K Sisters Final FC.mov

Ladies!

Check this out with Marsha Woolley, our Pen-Florida Women's Director

Hugs,
LaDonna

Quiet Influence Demonstrated

Dear Ladies,

I have two blogs and am posting this on both of them. I hope it encourages you in your place of influence. Thank you for letting me share it twice.

LaDonna




Hi Ladies,

Last week was a very trying week personally for me. I received a diagnosis that was not good and was confirmed by my doctor.

The day of our WOW event, I ended up in the hospital. Probably in God's mercy He was protecting me as I was in no mind-set to speak that night.

God has shown himself faithful to me and has used our beautiful ladies to show quiet influence through words of encouragement, hugs and meals delivered to our home.

Quiet Influence is our theme for this year with our National office of the Assemblies of God. You ladies have prayed and been His hands and feet to me and our family.

I'd worked hard on a sermon that night, but hopefully will be able to share it in the future. The year isn't over yet!

Thank you so much to our leadership team that stepped up to the plate and covered that night. I didn't worry as our ladies are able and capable.

I appreciate you all and am thankful for each of you!

I am believing for healing in my body and know that God is faithful to complete that good thing He has begun in me.

Philippians 1:6 (New International Version, ©2010)

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."


Let's continue to be that Quiet Influence with those that we come in contact with showing His love in our sphere of influence.

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna

Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture

Love this song!

Romans 8: 26-28

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

This song has spoken to me in so many places in my life. With Valentine's upcoming, remember He is the only Valentine who will never disappoint or let you down.

Love & Hugs
LaDonna


O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

Written by: George Matheson
My hymn was com­posed in the manse of In­ne­lan [Ar­gyle­shire, Scot­land] on the ev­en­ing of the 6th of June, 1882, when I was 40 years of age. I was alone in the manse at that time. It was the night of my sister’s mar­ri­age, and the rest of the fam­i­ly were stay­ing over­night in Glas­gow. Some­thing hap­pened to me, which was known only to my­self, and which caused me the most se­vere men­tal suf­fer­ing. The hymn was the fruit of that suf­fer­ing. It was the quick­est bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the im­press­ion of hav­ing it dic­tat­ed to me by some in­ward voice ra­ther than of work­ing it out my­self. I am quite sure that the whole work was com­plet­ed in five min­utes, and equal­ly sure that it ne­ver re­ceived at my hands any re­touch­ing or cor­rect­ion. I have no na­tur­al gift of rhy­thm. All the other vers­es I have ever writ­ten are man­u­fact­ured ar­ti­cles; this came like a day­spring from on high.

Quiet Influence

February 27, 2011, is National Women’s Day in the Assemblies of God, a special day on our church calendar when we focus on ministry for and by women in our congregations across the nation. The 2011 theme, “Quiet Influence,” and the verse, “Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in” (1 Peter 3:4, The Message), speaks to each woman who wants to be an “influencer” in the lives of those around her. Carol Kent, author of the theme message, and theme book, Becoming a Woman of Influence, says, “Our lives produce a type of fragrance that lingers with others, even after a brief encounter. What would happen if we decided to quietly influence lives on purpose? Not because we have to, but because we want to. Not because it’s our Christian obligation, but because it brings great meaning and joy to our lives. Not because of duty, but because of love.”

The 2011 National Women’s Day service gives an opportunity for every church to honor its women and encourage them to expand the ministries they currently share. Churches may wish to recognize women for their varied and valuable contributions to the ministries of the entire church.

National Women’s Day also allows each congregation to give an offering to support the Assemblies of God National Women’s Department. These offerings help continue the ministries provided to women across the nation and around the world.

Information for planning your National Women’s Day service will be mailed in December this year. If your church has not received the packet containing a program guide, offering envelopes, a sample bulletin cover and other theme-related items by January 15, 2011, call the National Women’s Department at 800-448-2235. Visit women.ag.org for more information about ministry to women.