Soul-filled Sunday ~ What A Friend ~ 8/30/2026

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How do you define the word "friend"?  Do you have a circle of friends or do you consider yourself as having a best friend?  Do you feel "the more the merrier" or "two is company; three is a crowd" best describes your attitude?

Jesus calls us HIS friends and laid down His life for each one of us:

John 15:12-15 (NASB)

12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Abraham was a friend of God.  Can you (or I) be called a friend of God?

James 2:23 (NASB)

23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

I'm going to be studying through The Daily Grace Co.'s book "I Need Thee Every Hour: Hymns That Bring You Closer to Christ" and want you MY FRIENDS to come along for the journey.

In case you haven't figured out what song we're going to be looking at first, it is:

"What A Friend We Have in Jesus"

 by Joseph M Scriven c. 1855.

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.

I'd like us to read each verse and really ponder each phrase.

The book goes into the back story of the writing of the song, but I'd like to focus on the words that were written.

Verse 1:  Do we consider it a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer or do we see it as a right and take advantage?  Do we find our peace in God or do we forfeit our peace and bear the pain needlessly?

Verse 2:  We all have trials, temptations and troubles.  Don't be discouraged!  Jesus knows our weakness and sorrows.

Verse 3:  Weak and heavy laden?  He will give us rest from our burdens.

Now, think back to your original definition of "friend".  Has your definition changed at all?

The book has a REFLECTION at the end of each song's devotional.  This song's REFLECTION is:

What are some ways that this Hymn points your heart and mind to worshiping God?

I hope this Soul-filled Sunday post has \made you think and ponder on your relationship with the LORD.

Please share your thoughts in the comments, and let's be FRIENDS :)

Prayer Requests

~Consistency with this study and sharing it with you.

~Health and safety for loved ones, mine and yours.

~Safety for those heading or have already started back to school.  

For Your Listening Pleasure

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/24/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

Psalm 116:1-2

Prayer Requests

~Please keep my brother, Danny, in your prayers!  He has to have some tests done.  I'll post more details when we know more about what we're dealing with.

~My Teacher's Assistant orientation is Monday morning at 8am.  I'm nervous and excited at the same time!  Prayers that I do well and find my niche in this position.

~My Bible study time.  I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study.  I'm hoping to once again work on a routine now that I'll be getting back on a schedule.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Megan Woods.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/17/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Serve the Lord with gladness;  Come before Him with joyful singing."

Psalm 100:2

Prayer Requests

~Many thanks for the prayers for my Dad before, during and after his aortic valve replacement!  He is doing well and perhaps "milking it" a bit according to my Mom.  They couldn't schedule him for Cardiac Rehab until September 11th so we'll know more about his physical capabilities then, but so far so good!

~Laken moved into her dorm room on Thursday...  It has been such an emotionally draining week.  First there was shopping and packing to be done.  Then the actual move-in day.  All went well and I held it together until the hubby and I were on the way home.  Friday, I was very weepy all day.  I gave myself that day to be sad and now I have to get myself busy learning my "new life".

~My Bible study time.  I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study.  I'm hoping to once again work on a routine.

~My new job!  I applied and interviewed for a position as a Teacher's Assistant with Head Start and they called me the very next day to offer me the job!  I'm hoping that working with littles will fill me with a sense of purpose for this new season of life.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Lauren Daigle.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/27/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer Requests

~My Dad is visibly perking up after his aortic valve replacement!  His color is much better and his energy is returning.  He goes back to the cardiologist for a post-op visit this week so praying all is well.

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 3 short weeks.  She is getting nervous about classes and meeting so many new people.  I pray that she and her roommate hit it off and become great friends.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I didn't get up any earlier this week but I did get Bible reading time in while drinking my morning caffeine.  Instead of sitting at the table bemoaning the fact that I wasn't still in bed, I've been reading from the Book of Psalms on my phone's Bible app.  I've also been trying to make some evening Bible study time as well.  Prayers are working!!!

~Prayer of thanks that Kaylee had a safe work trip to Orlando, FL.  She flew out on Monday evening and came back Friday afternoon.  Knowing that my baby was up in the sky flying was a bit anxiety producing but she is now safely home!

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Leanna Crawford.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/20/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Prayer Requests

~My Dad had his aortic valve replacement this past Wednesday.  They were able to do the replacement using the TAVR procedure and did NOT have to do open-heart surgery!  Praise God!  He came home Thursday afternoon and is doing well.  He is a bit worn out which is to be expected this soon after the surgery.  Your continued prayers for him would be appreciated!

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 4 short weeks.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I'm having a hard time focusing in the evening for my Bible study.  I guess I could try to get up earlier in the morning and have my quiet time with God then.  It is worth considering.  When do you have your study time?

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

Make sure you turn up your volume for this song!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/10/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

So how about it?  Did you watch the Super Bowl last night?  I wasn't super invested in who won so it didn't much matter to me.  I do wish the score would have been a little closer to make it more exciting.  I enjoy a good nail-biter!

Did anyone get their free Starbucks coffee today?  At least the game was over fairly early as I had to get up for work this morning.

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I want to take this opportunity to invite you to join in my 16th Blogiversary Celebration & Giveaway.  Click HERE to read the post!

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Well, let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

It is supposed to be rather nasty this week with freezing rain, ice and snow.  Stay safe, everyone!

On today's to-do list:

I didn't get a chance to type this post on Sunday afternoon/evening so I'm just sitting down now at 7:56pm on Monday to write.  

I worked 10am-5pm.  Came home.  Had supper.  Washed dishes.  Relaxed a bit.  And now here I am.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm yet this week.  That is if the weather allows and the office isn't closed on Wednesday.

Tuesday for me morning I have a dentist appointment.  Tuesday afternoon is also a hair appointment for Laken.  The bad weather is supposed to start around lunch, so hopefully we'll get there and back before it gets too bad!

Currently reading:

February's book club selection/read-along is "you're not enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey.  We're reading a few chapters of the book each week and then discussing it in a FB chat on Saturdays.  We'll also be having our monthly zoom meeting. 

I've read the introduction and Myth #1 (the first chapter) so far.  The ladies in the book club chatted about our thoughts on Saturday evening.  The Good for the Soul Women's Book Club is probably my favorite book club I've ever participated in.  Prairie, our fearless leader, does such a wonderful job and puts so much time and effort into the club.  She's such a sweetheart!

I'm also listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell and will be starting Chapter 12 this evening.  It has been really fun to read about all the inventions and the menagerie of animals that make appearances along the way!

Listening to:

One of my first cars was a little red Subaru Impreza that had "No Fear" decals in the back windows.  I think of that car every time I hear this song!  lol  Probably not what the writer/artist had in mind but still...  Enjoy :)

Watching:

We watched 1 episode of Reacher but I'm just not really getting into it as much as the hubby would like.  I might give it 1 more episode and if it doesn't peak my interest then I'll say it is quits.

We watched the Super Bowl as I mentioned above.

There is a new show called The Hunting Party that looks REALLY interesting.  I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

In the Kitchen:

Super Bowl food/snacks:  i.e, walking tacos, cheese fries, dirt dessert, Puppy Chow etc.

In the Craft Basket:

I'm working on a plush "Dino Nugget" for a coworker to give to her daughter.  I have one side of it completed and would like to get it finished before I go back to work on Wednesday.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued as I'm still feeling scattered when it comes to balancing everything.)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. "

I Corinthians 13:1-3

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday~ 1/27/2025

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

And just like that we're on the last Monday of January 2025.

February is going to be bitter-sweet for me.  Yes, we've (almost) made it through January, but on Sunday, February 2nd my little Groundhog Baby turns 18 years old!  Where have the years gone?  The hubby and I will have our 25th dating anniversary in March, Kaylee turns 24 in June and Laken is days away from being 18.  Our little family is grown up and I'm feeling a bit emotional thinking about it...so...

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

A touch warmer than last week.  Actually, a lot warmer than last week...lol!  Schools in our area were either closed or delayed for 3 days last week due to the cold temperatures.  Well, I guess I should say schools were "virtual".

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

I work 10a-5p.  Other than that it should be a fairly normal day of trying to get back into the routine of the week.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Wednesday is my SIL, Kelly's, birthday.  Any ideas what I can give to her as a birthday gift?

Thursday evening is zoom meeting night for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I have a whole post about our February 2025 book selection, you can check that out HERE.  But first, I have to finish listening to January's book!

Saturday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birth.  We're thinking of getting dressed up and taking her out to a nice restaurant in the evening.

Sunday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birthday.  I'm not sure what we'll do on her actual birthday other than have cake at Church for her.  Any good ideas?

Currently reading:

I wrote on Friday's "My Weekly Bookishness" post that I've finally discovered listening to audio-books.  "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is my first ever audio-book.  It is the January 2025 book club selection and as I mentioned above, I need to finish it before 8pm on Thursday.  I only have a few more hours to listen to so I "think" I'll make it.  

Listening to:

"Oh Death" by MercyMe debuted on KLOVE radio a few days ago and they played it every hour at the top of the hour.  I love it!  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy :)

Watching:

NFL Championship games.  By the time you read this it will probably be decided what teams will be playing in the Super Bowl.  At this point, 5:06pm on Sunday, it isn't looking good for my nephew's team the Commanders.  They are down 15-27.

The hubby has recommended that I catch up on the past 2 seasons of "Reacher" so that I can watch season 3 with him when it airs.  I've 2 episodes in and look forward to watching more.

In the Kitchen:

I haven't spent much time in the kitchen creating this past week but Laken and Nate made Cookie Monster Cookies.  They, of course, were blue :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I completed all 16 Mabel Chickens that I wanted to get made.  4 Gray Loaf Cats.  1 Ivory Loaf Cat.  And 1 Yellow Peep Bunny.  Shown below are the Ivory Loaf Cat and the Yellow Peep Bunny.  

Let me know what you think of the Peep.  Should I make more as it will be a Spring Fling show a few weeks before Easter.  Or should I just make yellow, green and purple Leggy Frogs?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

James 4:10

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/11/2024

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I missed last week's HHM post.  Time just got away from me!  It is Saturday night as I'm sitting down to start typing this post.  I figured while I have time and have it on my mind, I better get it underway.

I want to wish a HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY to all those who served in the Armed Forces including my Dad!  Thank you all so much for your service :)

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was unseasonably warm a few days this past week.  As is typical in PA, I had to put my car's heater on in the morning and A/C on in the afternoon.

This coming week looks more November-ish.  Look at that 27F on Tuesday night.  I'm going to have to start going out to my car early to defrost the windows!  I'm definitely not ready or looking forward to that...

On today's to-do list:

On Monday's to-do list is Laken's room.  She's off school and I'm off work for Veteran's Day, so I told her I'd help her clean.  Of course, that will be AFTER we sleep in :)

Happening this week:

I've started my regular work schedule of M-W-F from 10am until 5pm.  So far, I'm loving it!  I'm learning my new job and my co-workers are wonderful!  That is always an important aspect to any job.  And being that I'm only working part-time, I feel like I still have time to get my homemaking accomplished even though I'm still working on getting into a routine.

I signed up for a Christmas Vendor/Craft Show with Kaylee as my sidekick.  I'll be working in my "spare" time to get things made and ready by December 14th. 

Also, Thursday is my Mom's birthday so we'll be celebrating!

Currently reading:

I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!

Listening to:

His goodness and mercy will follow us all of our days.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Not really anything this week except for the election on Tuesday evening into the wee hours of the morning.

In the Kitchen:

We had a Veteran's Dinner Saturday at Church for the Veterans of our community.  We had a great turn out!  Food and desserts were prepared by the ladies.

Other than that, I made a few quick suppers this week.  I really want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen this week.  I might make an Oatmeal Cake on Monday.  Yummmm....

In the Craft Basket:

I'm currently working on crocheting Christmas Ornaments.  Kaylee is going to paint a few paintings to add to the mix if she gets time.  Here are a few pictures of our last show :

It was a very small area to try to lay out all the items but we managed :)  If you think of any items that you think I should add to my table, please let me know in the comments.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Laken has been quite sick this past week.  She is perking up now but she missed the whole week of school.  I'd appreciate your prayers that she is well and good to go back to school on Tuesday.

~Thanks that Kaylee and Shawn traveled to Wisconsin for a wedding and that they made it safely home Saturday.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever."  Psalm 23:6 (NASB)

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 10/7/2024

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

How was your first week of October?  Mine was good but busy, busy, busy!

Here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

After many, many days of rain (I really shouldn't complain), we have been having some beautiful Fall weather.  It is supposed to cool off a good bit this week.  Look at those night temperatures in the 30s!  I don't know if I'm ready for that.  We'll be starting the furnace sooner rather than later, I guess!

On today's to-do list:

Monday's tasks are fold laundry, sweep, reschedule a few upcoming appointments, make supper, dishes and other homemaking tasks.

Happening this week:

I finally got word that I start my new part-time job Wednesday.  I'll be working three 6.5 hour days a week.  My normal working days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  So, I"ll basically have a 4 day weekend every week :)

Other than getting into that routine, it should be a fairly normal week.  

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to start reading "70 NORTH" by Kimberley Woodhouse for a book review blog tour I'm participating in.  I haven't read the first 2 books in this series so I'm very interested to see how well it can be read as a stand alone book.

To see more about my reading week and my book haul, please go HERE to check out My Weekly Bookishness post!

Are we friends on Goodreads?  You can find my Goodreads profile HERE.

Listening to:

Lainey Wilson's new song 4X4XU is so catchy.  If you like Lainey and/or cowboys and/or horses check out this video :)  Enjoy!

Watching:

Last night the hubby and I watched "Fall Guy" about a stunt man.  I vaguely remember a TV show by the same name when I was a kid.  It was a fun movie but it did have some language.  It is so hard to find a good movie without bad language anymore :(

I also watched the first episode of "The Summit', a reality show where 16 people have to hike to the top of a summit in New Zealand within 14 days.  There's money involved and a lot of plotting.  I think I'll continue to watch the show.

I'm also looking forward to the new shows starting back up next week.

In the Kitchen:

Our church ladies made pies all day Thursday and Friday.  I believe we had around 50 pies and we had not a oneleft at the end of Homecoming Celebration.  My Mom and I also made a pan of peanut butter fudge and a pan of chocolate fudge.  The recipe we use is SO good.  It makes the best fudge I've ever had.  If you're interested in the recipe let me know in the comments :)

In the Craft Basket:

I finished crocheting all 35 squares for the Japanese Fields Afghan.  I even got the blocks joined while watching "Fall Guy".  I'll be working on the borders this week.

I've already gone through my stash and picked out some colors for my next afghan which I am dubbine "Stashghan 2024".  Let me know what you think of these colors together.

Picture(s) from the Camera

After a week of solid rain, the sun finally came out on Wednesday evening as I was going to Bible Study/Prayer Meeting.  I had to stop and take a picture of the sight.  It makes me wonder how Noah and his family felt seeing the sun again after 40 days of rain!

Prayer Requests

~Continued prayers for Laken as she has a full workload this school year.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders and the Election coming in November.  (continued)

~I've been following along with Sandra and praying for my husband.  I always pray for him, but I'm loving the specific prayers for specific needs instead of a general "be with him".  So, I'm asking for prayers for my husband and for the husbands of all my readers.

Bible Verse

"Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."  Isaiah 26:4 (NASB)

Have a great week!

Colletta