His Heart, My Desire – Loving Llfe while striving for a Heart Like His

Veterans Day 2019

This morning I watched a ceremony that was on the Fox News Channel. It was a swearing in ceremony for new citizens of America. Lee Greenwood sang our National Anthem plus his famous song, I’m Proud to Be An American! It was a very moving ceremony and made me even more thankful than I already am to be an American. Each new American made a statement of how thankful they were to be in a free country. Yes, I cried as I watched. I love my country and I try so hard not to take my freedoms for granted.

I’m posting a link to a couple of past Veteran’s Day posts. I do hope they inspire you or encourage you today.

Remembering all those that have served on this Veteran’s Day!

This post is a story from a dear friend of mine who never met her father as he was serving in the military and his plane was shot down while her mom was expecting her. It is a very moving story and I thought you might like to read it if you haven’t already. Click here to read about Allison’s father.

Click here to read about a crazy dream I had while my brother was serving in the Marine Corps during Desert Storm.

Earlier this year I had a post that was a question and answer layout. Towards the end of the post, you will see a picture of my husband, brother and my father when they served in the military….so, just scroll to the end of the post and you will see it. Click here if you would like to see a short write up of their service.

Thanks for reading along today and have a great day remembering those that are and have served our country. If you see a veteran or an active military while out and about…..tell them….Thank you!

May God continue to bless America!

Ashely Mac’s Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Today was a cloudy and cold day. To me, a day like today is perfect for baking. The blessing of baking with my granddaughter makes for an even more perfect day! We have been baking together since she was very young.

A couple of weeks ago, I was at the Southern Lady Celebration in Birmingham, Alabama. One of our guest speakers was Ashley Mac, owner of her own cafe and catering business. She demonstrated her famous Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. We were gifted the recipe and a sample of her cookies and of course, they were delicious. I immediately thought of my granddaughter. I knew she would love making these cookies. Today, was the day to try out the recipe and they were a success!

Yes, she always looks this cute while baking!

Mimi and her sidekick! Well, I was really the sous chef!

She is a natural in the baking and cooking world!

We packaged a few for gifts with some cute pumpkin ribbon.

Ashley Mac’s Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, divided

2 cups light brown sugar

1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract

4 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt

2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups of white chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups of cinnamon baking chips

1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat softened butter, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and brown sugar at a medium speed until fluffy. About 4-5 minutes. Add vanilla and pumpkin.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir in baking chips at a low speed until incorporated.
Refrigerate until chilled.
In a small bowl combine cinnamon and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Using a medium spring loaded scoop, scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon mounds; immediately roll into cinnamon sugar mixture forming balls.
Place dough balls on parchment lined cookie sheets, cover with plastic wrap and put in freezer until firm.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When ready to bake, place on another parchment lined sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, depending how soft you like your cookies.

Here are a few notes about our experience of baking the Snickerdoodles:

*I wasn’t able to find the cinnamon baking chips at our grocery. I ordered them from Amazon.

*The only kosher salt I could find was course. So, we just used regular sea salt. Maybe I should have checked Amazon? Or maybe, you can use course salt?

*I used the medium scoop. I may try using a smaller one next time to make smaller cookies.

*I may also make only half of the recipe next time. I think we came up with a little over 4 dozen cookies in this recipe. Could be dangerous for me as I will eat everyone of them! Great for gifts or a party if you make that many. Or….freeze them.

*We ended up baking them for about 16-17 minutes. All ovens are different.

*Great fall cookie! Delicious! I like my cookies a bit crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. Perfect!

*If I ever go back to Birmingham, Ashley Mac’s will be at the top of my list!

Enjoy!

My Favorite Magazines!

Hey Pumpkin! I just love that saying! I’ve called my kids pumpkins since they were little. Now, I call my grandkids pumpkins. Just a cute name, don’t you think?

Are you loving your fall season so far?

I am a huge fan of magazine reading. I love decorating, cooking, fashion and faith filled magazines. I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you today. The articles and photos of decorating and food are really inspiring this time of year.

The price of magazines has really gone up the last few years. I’m amazed at what the prices are on some of them. I try to cut back and as soon as I try to be careful in my magazine buying, one comes out with the most amazing cover that just calls my name! I usually stick with the same titles. I’ve purchased some that look good, but then find out that I just wasted my money because the articles are not my cup of tea. An example would be fashion magazines. As you know, I love fashion. But, the articles and photos that they put in magazines usually aren’t what I’m looking for to be inspired by. So, more than likely I pass on fashion magazines. I’ve always thought that someone needs to start a fashion magazine for “real” people with articles that are decent and you wouldn’t be afraid for young girls to read. Let me know if you know of any.

Here are my latest finds and loves in the magazine world….

This is a brand new magazine and I love it. It is published by Dayspring, which is a greeting card company as well as gifts that are faith based.

This is a magazine that has excellent articles that inspire me to live for Christ. I love it!

If you are a fan of Hallmark and all that they have to offer along with their movies….you will love this one!

I love to sew…..granted, I haven’t sewn in quiet a while….but, I love reading sewing magazines and this is one of them. You never know, I may crank my machine up pretty soon!

What a fun magazine this is. All sorts of inspiration to make your own scrubs, lotions and sprays.

Who doesn’t love The Pioneer Woman! She shares all types of things about her life.

This is a beautiful decorating magazine! I discovered it about a year ago and I’ve loved every issue.

I always find something in this publication that inspires me to be more healthy.

I love the photos in Victoria! If Victoria is on it….I know I will love it! Published by Hoffman Media, which is my very favorite of all!

Another Hoffman Media publication. I don’t decorate Cottage style, but, I love reading this magazine. Beautiful photos and decorating inspiration.

Yep…..Hoffman Media again! I love these issues. Very inspiring in decorating.

I love this one! Tea Time has been a favorite of mine for many years now. Guess who publishes it? Hoffman Media! Anything they do is beautiful.

Southern Lady is at the top of my list! Again……say it with me….Hoffman Media. They publish this one, too! Gorgeous magazines. I just returned from The Southern Lady Celebration in Birmingham, Alabama and I will be sharing about it later this week.

I love beautiful photos and articles that are inspiring to me. If you are the same, I hope you will try some of these magazines and see what you think. Feel free to share you favorite magazines.

Thanks so much for following me on my blog. I love hearing from you in the comment section or by email.

Enjoy this beautiful season!

My Quiet Time with Jesus!

The other day I was driving and I was chatting away with my mom on my speaker. I was passing by the airport and it seems when that happens, the line cuts in and out. For the next few minutes we are both saying, “Hello! Hello! Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Hello, can you hear me now?” Once the line cleared up, we started laughing because it sounded just crazy with all the hello…hello…hello!

As I was doing my devotions this afternoon while the house was quiet, I kept thinking how thankful I was that I finally figured out something that was working for me at this stage of my life in meeting with my Savior each day. Granted, there are days that it just doesn’t happen and it weighs heavily on my mind when I don’t take the time to sit down and just spend time with my Jesus. I may be the only one that happens to, but, it is what it is.

I put my faith and my trust in Christ when I was 14. That was 46 years ago! Wow! Yes, I turned 60 this year. Yes, I’m struggling with that thought! Back to my main reason for writing today….

Church was the main thing in my life the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. I was there every time the doors were open. I was in Sunday School, special teaching classes, choir, visitation, every teen activity, church camps, you get the picture. Reading and studying God’s Word was new to me. I knew it was important and I read it because I was taught that you needed to start reading your Bible. So many things I didn’t understand, but, I kept reading it anyway. I didn’t even have a Bible of my own for the first several months of my new life in Christ. We had a large Children’s Bible that I would read out of and my mom had a Bible that I would read. I did get a Bible for Christmas later that year. I still have it and I love going through and seeing all the verses that I underlined and little notes I made.

Since then, I’ve had several different Bibles and I do have one main one that I really like to study out of. I place Bibles around my house. I just love having one near at all times. I even carry one in my car.

Over these 46 years I have sat under many different preachers and teachers. I have heard many different ways of studying your Bible and ways that people have their personal quiet times each day. I know you have heard many different ways, too. Yes, I’ve even been convicted because I didn’t do it like someone else or I tried and just couldn’t do it. Such as get up at 4 a.m. and read and pray before my husband and babies woke up. I tried, but it wasn’t happening! I eventually would find my own way to spend time in prayer and Bible reading. It even has changed many times over the years.

I recently found myself struggling with getting my three chapters read each day in order to reach a certain goal. It wasn’t meaningful to me as I was just hurrying up and it was like it was a ritual or something. I felt like I was missing out.

One of my favorite preachers made a comment one time when I was with he and his wife, “If you want to know who God is, read His Word.” Sounds very practical, doesn’t it? That’s because it is practical. I found myself, reading to meet a deadline and a goal and reading books on different subjects, but, still was hungry just to sit in peace and read and let God speak to me. I want to know everything there is to know about God. When you are hurrying or just reading to be reading….you might miss out on a few things.

Several months ago, I said to myself…”Okay, Beverly, it’s time to slowly go through your Bible and just be quiet and still and let God speak to me.” I am a planner, so I stuck with my pattern of how I read the Bible, but…this time, I’m going slow and I am loving it so much! I’m not trying to meet a deadline to have my Bible read through by the end of the year and get so many verses a day read.

This is how my “quiet time” goes….

I begin with a short prayer of asking the Lord to speak to me through His Word. If there is anything that He wants me to know, to make it very clear for me to see. I want to know everything about Him. Now….if you are anything like me, your mind goes a million miles a minute and you think about so many things at the same time as reading and even praying. I have to get still and quiet and I don’t begin until my mind has calmed down. I even keep a notepad close that I jot things down that is on my mind to do. Such as, while you are reading a thought pops in your head….go to the store to get milk….just stop, write it down and move on. Again, I might be the only one that struggles with things like that.

I have an Our Daily Bread Devotional for women that I read. It is very short and to the point. I love this devotional as it always has something that I need to be reminded of. Then….

I began in Genesis and only read one chapter. With reading one chapter, I take my time…I make notes, I memorize names, place and events. I’m not worried about checking anything off. I’ll move on through each book of the Old Testament.

I then move to the Book of Psalms. I read one chapter…same thing…slowly and make many notes. When I get to the end of Psalms, I start over. I’m always going through the Book of Psalms.

Then I go to my favorite, the Book of Proverbs. Whatever day of the month it is, that is the Proverb that I read. October 6th…I read Proverbs 6. When I get to Proverbs 31, I start over. I’m always going through the book of Proverbs. It’s amazing how any things speak to you differently each month.

I then go to Matthew…..one chapter a day and I move on through Mark, Luke and John. When I finish John, I go back to Matthew. I’m always reading in the Gospels.

I then go to the Book of Acts….one chapter…..I keep on moving all the way through Revelations. When I’m through with Revelations, I will start over in Acts.

I have to tell you that I have really enjoyed it! There are days, where I can’t wait to sit down to read the next chapter in each book to catch up. I’m hungry for more.

Being hungry for the Word of God is a very good thing! Are you hungry for God’s Word?

Also, as I read, and God speaks to me, I pray as I read. I apply everything I read to myself. I’m not worried about how someone I know needs this or I hope so and so reads this today…..This is all for me! I’m not studying for a lesson to teach or to fill in a workbook for a study of some sort. It’s just me and God….

That’s what a “quiet time” is to me.

I end with focused prayer. Prayer is my personal conversation with my Savior. I don’t keep up with making sure I spend an hour or 5 minutes in prayer. I pray for however long it takes. I cover everything. Trust me!

So, I hope you have settled in to what works for you in your season of life that you are in right now. Do you need to make some adjustments? If something isn’t working, figure out a way that it will work. Make it a special time for you and your Savior…..not just checking off a box of what you read for the day. But, hey….if checking off the boxes is what works….yay! I did the box checking for a long time.

I only share this to encourage you and hopefully inspire you to make sure you have that time each day or as often as you can.

If you are struggling with any area, feel free to email me and I would love to find a way to help and encourage you. Don’t leave Him out of your daily life.

Do you find your faith wavering…..get in the Word! Fill your life with people of faith. Listen to people of faith. Sometimes, when your faith is wavering…it could be because everyone and everything around you is anti-God. Trust me, there is plenty of that and always has been. Just read…..read for you…..not to prove anything to anyone…..just read and ask for wisdom and discernment. Tell God you need to hear from Him. He loves us so much and wants to spend time with us. I know you’ve heard this before; Our Bible is His love letter to us! He has so much He wants us to know about Him. Don’t take anyone else’s word for it…..you read and study for yourself and learn all you can! Let Him speak to you!

Until next time…

Beverly Goes To Vegas!

Never Say Never!

Are you as shocked as I am? For those of you that know me well…..I think you are really shocked!

I’m the one who said that I would never go to Las Vegas! Ever! I even said on my tombstone, it would say, “She never went to Vegas!” I said that because I felt like I was the only person alive who didn’t want to go to Las Vegas. It seems everyone I know goes on a regular basis and loves it! I almost went a few years ago when I was invited on a “girl trip” to celebrate my mother in law’s birthday. Something came up where I was needed, so I had to cancel. That was as close as I came to going.

What Was It That Made Me Change My Mind?

Yep! Donny Osmond! I mean Donny and Marie! I was a huge fan as a young teen of Donny and have loved watching Marie in all of her endeavors as well. We have been to three of their Christmas shows and I’ve always wanted to see them doing a regular show. But, I didn’t want to go to Vegas to see them. But……I read that they were retiring from there show after 10 years. November will be the last show. I got online and ordered tickets before I knew what I was doing. I talked our favorite traveling couple into go with us. They weren’t fans, but were willing to go for it. Jim…..he’s always a trooper and agreed to go! When I ordered tickets the main floor was sold out plus the tickets were around $300.00. Crazy! But…I did get tickets in the balcony and the lady on the phone assured me they were great seats and I would be able to see really good! Remember that last line.

The show was in a place called, The Flamingo. You have to walk through a casino to get to the showroom. Such a busy place. Anyway…here is the good part of the story…..

When we got to our seats in the balcony……we could not see the stage at all! There were two screens that you would have to watch. I thought, I could do that at home. But, what can you say. Not to mention the chairs we sat in were regular chairs that you would see at a dinner table. Jim leaned over and said he would be right back. He had gone downstairs to see if we could upgrade our seats somehow. They told him to go to the ticket counter on other side of building, but an usher stopped him and led him down front to a table with a couple at it and 4 empty seats. No charge! Well, in the mean time the three of us were in the balcony waiting for Jim to get back. We heard some clapping and we all looked around thinking something good must have happened downstairs. We didn’t see anything. I happened to look over at the stairs and saw Jim waving like crazy for us to come to where he was. So we jumped up and followed him down to the front to our new seats. I was in shock! Now…the reason we heard people clapping was because Jim had got up on the stage and was waving and yelling for us to come on down. But….remember, we couldn’t see the stage so we never saw him. An usher escorted him off the stage! People then clapped for him. A lady even came up to him after the show and told him that she enjoyed watching him waving around on the stage before the show. Sooooo embarrassing, but, that’s my Jim!

The couple that we sat with at the show were friends of Donny. They shared a few stories with us about him. How fun was that! By the way…..it was a great show! Loved every second of it!

I did my best to take pictures, but, I was so busy, I didn’t take the time to take very many. Selfies aren’t my expertise! As you can tell!

We were there from Friday to Sunday evening and we tried to see and do as much as possible. We went through The Belagio and the Wynn hotels. Everything is decorated over the top. I was speechless! These are the only pictures I took. I was too busy gawking at everything.

Of course, I’ve always heard the shopping is great there! So, we hit a few shopping centers. Most of it was high end shops such as Dior, Gucci, Chanel, etc. Everything was beautiful and fun to look at. I saw a scarf in one store and thought how pretty it was and maybe I should get it for a souvenir. When I checked price it was $850.00. I passed. Then I inquired about a certain belt that is the rage these days….$700.00. I guess Dillards and Stein Mart is my place to be.

The guys found a resting place while we shopped!

Jim had made reservations at a couple of places to eat that were delicious! Joe’s Seafood and Capital Grille.

We stayed away from the Las Vegas strip. We were about 20 miles or so in a town called Henderson at the Hilton at Las Vegas Lake. It was really nice. We got a suite that was beautiful and comfortable. I wish I would have taken a picture, but here is a link if you want to check it out. It was peaceful, clean, friendly, decorated nice and has a wonderful golf course that the guys really liked! The restaurant was really good, too!

On Saturday night, Jim got us tickets for a water show that was at the Wynn Hotel. Levre I think was the name of it. We had front row seats. The seating was in the round and went down as the center was all water and divers, swimmers put on a show. We were splashed a little bit, but not too bad! All I can say is, it was amazing! Interesting story they were telling, but, the acrobatics in the water was incredible.

Time to head home! I absolutely loved seeing the terrain from the air and seeing the desert mountains around the city with palm trees. I just love that look!

It was a fun weekend! We love our traveling friends. This was our third or fourth trip with them and they always make it fun!

There you go….Beverly’s big trip to Las Vegas! Yes! It was waaaaaayyyy out of my box, but I did it. Saw some interesting things and saw some sad things. Will, I go back? I’m not sure……NEVER SAY NEVER is now my motto!

A Girl and Her Doll

I love this picture! Our sleepy little girl and her baby! Tired little mommy!

When I was about 6 years old, I got a baby doll for Christmas. We were living in Ft. Stockton, Texas and we were in the middle of moving. The night before the big move to a new town, my family went to some friends of my parents home for dinner. I took my brand new baby doll. The next morning we were on our way out of town and I remembered my doll. I had left it at the house we were visiting the night before.

When I told my dad, he said that we didn’t have time to go get it and he would get me another one. I remember sitting in the back seat of the car and was extremely sad. I felt sorry for my doll. I missed her. But…life goes on.

I didn’t have many dolls growing up that I remember. When I was 3, I got a Susie Smart doll for Christmas. She wore a red plaid jumper and had a school desk and chalk board. A year or two later, I got a Candy Fashion doll for Christmas. She was a fashion doll and had mannequins that you could put clothes on since she was a model. I’ve always wondered what happened to those dolls. We moved quiet a bit when I was young, so no telling where they are.

This picture was recently found by my cousin. I had never seen it until recently. And look, I have a baby doll! I love this picture!

As life went on, I helped take care of my two younger brothers. I was 9 years old when my youngest brother was born. I was really too busy with a real baby to worry about baby dolls. I carried him around every where I went. I remember getting in serious trouble from my father when he was disciplining my brother and he came running to me and I hugged him as he was getting in trouble. I could tell millions of stories about my brothers and I growing up as I was a miniature mommy to them. My parents had divorced and my mother worked around the clock, so I was the babysitter and housekeeper. Back to the doll stories….

After the loss of the doll in Ft. Stockton, the only doll I remember having after that was when I was in about the 5th grade. She was called Crissy. She had short red hair and when you pushed a button on her tummy and pulled her hair….her hair grew down to her waist. I really liked her, but, I didn’t really have anyone that played dolls around. I fell into the trap that I was too old for dolls. I kept her for a long time and ended up giving her to a younger girl that I knew.

When our daughter was young, we always made sure she had baby dolls to play with and she so loved her dolls. She would even dress them up and take them to church. I always loved looking at dolls and seeing all the different ones available when shopping for her baby dolls.

Now that we have two granddaughters, we have bought several dolls for them as well. Matter of fact…recently, we took our youngest granddaughter on a birthday trip and we ended the trip with a visit to The American Girl store. I always love going in that store. It’s all I can do to not buy everything possible.

We each picked out a new doll and accessories!

It took me a while to unpack my doll, but, today was the day.

As we were picking out our granddaughters doll, I told myself….”I’m getting me a doll as well!” And I did! I picked Mary Ellen. She is from the 50’s. Each of the dolls from American Girl has a story of a certain time period. They have books and of course lot’s of accessories. Mary Ellen had all the extras such as a pearl necklace and bracelet set, a poodle skirt with oxfords, a sundress, the cutest Christmas punch bowl set and of course a juke box that really works! Yes, I fell for it all!

I’m sure my granddaughter will love playing with her when she is here. I have 4 sets of clothes and changed her once for pictures. I was too tired to change her again…so you will have to settle for just the two pictures of her change of outfits.

Isn’t she the cutest! I loved the retro punch bowl and Christmas deer set. The juke box came in today and it really works. Oh, how could I not get the little dog! I think I need a leash, though. And, look at her little gloves and pearls!

There she is, ready for the sock hop! I think that’s what they called it!

I so hope that parents are still allowing their girls to play with baby dolls. What fun it would be to have all your dolls from your childhood and pass them on to your daughters.

On my Pinterest, I have a board called, iLove Things From the Past. I have found pictures of the dolls I had as a young girl. They look just like I remember them. Except the poor baby doll that was left in Ft. Stockton. I don’t remember what kind of doll she was. I just knew that I missed her and cried for her..that’s all I remember.

Do you have memories of special baby dolls?

She’s loved American Girl dolls for a long time!

I am linking this post with A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.

Fall Vignettes Around My Home

I love the word, vignette! Sounds sort of elegant, doesn’t it? I actually looked up the meaning to make sure I knew what I was talking about. It basically means a small grouping of objects that creates a pleasing focal point.

Remember yesterday… I confessed my procrastination? Well, I didn’t have any procrastination problems. Maybe confession is really a good thing. I actually had a burst of energy yesterday and accomplished quiet a bit.

Here are a few photos from around our home. I hope it inspires you to put some “vignettes” together around your house today. Someone told me that my decorating made them tired. I hope you don’t get tired browsing around. I guess you can take a nap afterwards. -smile Thats to let you know that I’m not taking it serious. I’m actually smiling almost laughing when I think of that statement.

*Welcome to our home! Can I offer you some vanilla iced tea?*

You know I have to have glitter on the pumpkins, right?

*This is a banner that I bought a few years ago, very pretty and hangs on a ribbon. I never know where to put it. I have it hanging on a hook in the laundry room.*

*I had a passel of velvet and glitter pumpkins. I put them in a bowl by the back door in laundry room.*

*I change out this curio for each season. Makes me smile when it’s done.*

*I loved this sign and the pumpkin dish is what I use when I make a pumpkin dip. Maybe I need to share that recipe with you.*

*My island in the kitchen. I love this rhinestone rooster I found when traveling.*

*I had to take a pic with my sparkle app. His tail opens and you can store treasures in it. Like a diamond ring or something????*

*This is a mantel above my stove or should I say range. Anyway…..I put these elves up there. I’m not an elf fan, but…..they had glitter and bling on them….I couldn’t help myself!*

*See, isn’t he cute in sort of a strange elf way? See his velvet and bling? I may have to go see if they have new ones this year!*

My chef wears a different apron each season. She decided to wear her candy corn apron for now. She has a couple of other fall ones waiting. Notice she always wears her pearls and bling while cooking!

*Our entry way! I couldn’t’ remember what I did last year on the console…so, I put velvet pumpkins and filled my domes with sparkles. I forgot to take a picture of the other end.*

*A few pumpkins on the hearth in the master bedroom.*

I found these birds at a boutique when traveling somewhere…couldn’t resist. They are carved wood. So cute. This is in our patio room. We glassed in our patio and it is now our t.v. room. It’s where everyone lands when they come over it seems.

*I found this glass acorn a few weeks ago. This is in our living room.*

*There it is…the great leopard pumpkin. I think it’s ready for a new arrangement in it….but….I’ll think of that another day.*

*I love this glittered bird with a crown. You would think I love birds, wouldn’t you. I think I like birds that don’t mess up our outdoor furniture and porch.*

I always do a fall tree. I thought about skipping it this year. But, I felt so empty without it…so I decorated one last night on the patio room. This is a new tree and it is a skinny tree. I’ve never had a skinny tree like this, so, I had trouble decorating it….but, it is what it is.

*Thank you for stopping by and I hope you come back soon!*
HAPPY FALL!

Happy Fall – 2019

My favorite has finally arrived! We even have a bit of a cloudy morning with a chance of rain….maybe….or maybe it came during the night. In West Texas, any sign of clouds and a chance of rain is a blessing.

I always loved cloudy days growing up and even more so now. I have a few friends who don’t like cloudy days as it makes them sleepy and a bit depressed. Me? A cloudy day gives me energy. I want to cook, clean and create. It’s always funny to see how different we all are in our thoughts. I guess the best news in that, is knowing how we accept one another in our differences…..even the cloudy day thoughts.

Well…remember when I last wrote that I was going to do a newsletter instead of a post each day? That is on hold for now. My days go by so fast! So much I want to do and see. I’m also a procrastinator. I can put things off and dance around what really needs to be done. Sometimes I will find myself working on a project and realize I’m doing that to keep myself from doing what really needs to be done at the moment. Do I get an amen from my fellow procrastinators? I don’t like being a procrastinator. I’m still working on changing my ways. Oh, well, I’ll worry about that tomorrow! See….I told you!

Back to my main reason for writing today. I just wanted to say, “may your fall season be the best ever!”

I will post a few pictures tomorrow (see another procrastination) of my decorating that I did around the house last week. I told my Jim that I was a bit bored with my decorations and that I was going to scrap everything and go buy new as I was tired of everything. I was half teasing….I think he was glad I didn’t really mean it. But, then again, I might surprise him.

I’ll talk with you tomorrow! I’m going to take my pictures right now…unless I see something that needs to be done on my way to get my camera!

Have a fantabulous day and enjoy your weather whatever it may be for you today!

Blog Talk

I’ve been thinking about my blog lately. I’ve had a few ideas on some changes. I even thought about discontinuing my blog writing. After taking a break from blogging over the summer, I realized that I miss writing. I’ve been blogging for over 10 years now and it’s part of who I am. That sounds strange doesn’t it?

Why did you start a blog, Beverly?

I created a blog after attending a writer’s conference and I was encouraged to create an online presence. As I’ve shared before, publishers don’t want to see your work until they see how many followers you have. As I began blogging, I loved it. It was filling a part of me that loved writing. Shortly after I began my blog, I got involved in women’s ministry at my church. I loved writing to encourage women in their walk with Christ. As I wrote for others, I was really encouraging myself! Does that make sense? I also loved the people that I met through blogging. I’ve met like minded people who had the same goals as I did. I also love when I get a comment that is encouraging and motivating.

How long do you plan to keep blogging?

Good question! I have no idea! I’m guessing when I feel like the Lord wants me to stop, He will let me know. I do know that in my mind, I have set some goals and statistics that I hope to see by a certain time and if reach those, that will be what keeps me going. If not, I will take it as my time to discontinue my blog writing. I pray about everything and that is what I expressed to the Lord.

What is your purpose for your blog?

Well, the name of my blog is His Heart, My Desire. Which means, the desire of my heart is to have a heart like His. So, as I write on the topics that I choose to write about, I only hope to inspire others to strive to have a heart like Christ. All the while living life to the fullest!

If I get to the place that my writing does not inspire or encourage, I will stop. The main way that I can tell if I am doing that is by the response I get from my readers. I love the comments left on my blog and the emails that I receive commenting on something that they read that triggered something or was an encouragement in their lives.

What exactly do you write about?

Now, that’s a tough one. I LOVE everything, so I have a huge long list of things that I love to write about. I’ve been taught that you write what you know. I’ve been in some unique places and have had some crazy experiences. Sometimes I think I’m not normal because the things I’ve been through aren’t your basic normal things.

Here is a short list of some of my favorite topics:

Home and Family, Decorating, Fashion, Bible Study, Pastors Wife, Women’s Ministry, Holiday’s, Writing, Testimonial, Genealogy, Blogging, Life Purpose, Grandchildren, Homeschooling, Empty Nest, Travel, Photography and the list goes on and on and on.

Now for my latest ideas for my blog. I would love for you to subscribe to my blog and that way you never miss a post. Not to mention in how great it would sound to a publisher that I have a million subscribers. A million? Anyway, if you choose not to, that is perfectly fine. I know how it is to not want clutter in your inbox. But, if you do….thank you!

I have decided to change my settings to where you will only receive one email a week that will have all the links to the blog posts for that week. Instead of getting an email each time I post you will just get one, which hopefully will be in newsletter style. Lately, I panic if I write too much, I think, “oh, I’d hate for someone to say…there she is again, cluttering up my inbox!” So at the end of this week, I will put together a newsletter that will have the links to each blog post for the week. I hope that makes sense. I sure hope I can do it. My computer skills are lacking. It’s a miracle that I can blog.

Now…I have a question for you….

What subjects inspire or encourages you the most? Is there something you would like to read or see on my blog? Feel free to email me at beverly@beverlydillow.com I would love to hear you thoughts and ideas.

One last thing….I do not blog to make money. So you will not see pop ups or ads. If I do have a link to something, it is because I am sharing something that I use or love. There have been a few times that I use an affiliate link of something that I recommend, such as an Amazon product or through another company I purchase from. IF…I make any money from those, I use that to donate to a couple of human trafficking organizations that I support.

There you go, my thoughts on my blogging world!

Dry Cleaning Tips

We have been in the dry cleaning business for 22 years. We just recently received a notice from our local newspaper that our business was voted #1 Drying Cleaner for the 22nd year. This is a program that most local newspapers do for various retail establishments in the city and the community will vote for their favorites. They then announce it with a large ad in the paper. So, how fun to see our now 6 stores listed in the “list of favorites.”

I’ve received a few questions about how the dry cleaning world works. I’ve shared a few details before in previous posts and so I thought I would write a fresh one for you.

Laundry is an important issue as we wear clothes everyday and we spend our hard earned money on clothes. We want them to always be cleaned and looking nice, right?

I love this quote…

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak!” – Rachel Zoe (fashion designer)

And I say… “You might be stylin’ but if you have stains and are all wrinkled, that might be speaking louder over your amazing style!” – Beverly Dillow (that’s me!)

How do you like the way I made my own quote as if I am somebody!

Well today, I’m going to give you my tips for your dry cleaning!

*Try to be loyal to your dry cleaner. If you hop around and try different dry cleaners, you will get confused on who, what, where and how things are done. Also, you may forget where you leave your clothes. So, if you can find a dry cleaner that you like the way they do business, be loyal to them.

*When you are a loyal customer you will know the employees and can build a relationship with them. There is nothing better than pulling up to the window or walking in the front door and you are greeted by your name by the employees. I know for our stores we have managers at each one and a district manager. These ladies know their customers and take care of them. We also live in a community that has a large turn over of employees, so when you see a new person, introduce yourself and get to know them. Granted they may not be there for long, but, then again, they may end up being there for the next 22 years! You just never know. We have some ladies that have been with us the entire time. For me, I still introduce myself to those waiting on me if I can’t remember their names or I’m sure they don’t remember me. They see hundreds of people each day and whew wee…I can barely remember my own name sometimes. So give the workers much grace when dealing with them.

*Stay on top of the business hours and anytime a holiday is coming up, make note of any changes in times that the store will be open.

*Look for cleanliness. I get tickled when I see dry-cleaning businesses that you would be afraid to leave your clothes in due to it being unkept and not clean. But, they are out there. The thing I love about our stores, is they are top-notch and clean. My husband and brother do not let anything go undone. Everything from the parking lot in front to the curb behind the store is in perfect condition. We have a maintenance man who stays busy keeping everything in perfect working order. Not only are my husband and brother business partners, but I have another brother who retired and has moved back to our area and he makes sure our properties are always in great condition! My mom is our office manager and bookkeeper. She can go in any store and everyone knows her and can talk to her about anything. She has helped many ladies throughout the years. I wish I had the room to tell you so much more. Me? I don’t work at the stores in any way. When we first started this business, I worked one day because someone was sick. Let’s just say…..I’m leaving it to the professionals!

Okay…back to my tips!

*I put all of my dry-cleaning and laundry in a bag that has my name and contact info on it. Our stores give these to you free of charge. We call them “Happy Bags.” I guess because they make everyone happy that you are so organized. I’m not sure. Anyway, this will keep all of your things together and makes it easier on the employees. If you don’t have a bag, no problem, many people don’t use them.

*I also make sure all of my pockets are empty. You would be surprised what people leave in their pockets. Our employees are trained to go through every pocket. I’m sure you can only imagine what happens when someone leaves an ink pen or a tube of lipstick in their pockets and it is overlooked. Yes….disaster in an entire load of laundry! Much more work! So, always empty your pockets.

*I make sure buttons are unbuttoned. Someone has to unbutton everything, so I just make it easier for them. Speaking of buttons….buttons are replaced when they are noticed to be broken or missing. Every now and then, they will be missed. This is probably the worse of the worst. When someone picks up a shirt and they leave town and get to an important business meeting and then they have a missing button. Not good. Accidents happen and everyone is a human and no one is perfect. Again, much grace….but, oh my…..I know that feeling when you are in a hurry, out of town or whatever….and you notice something is not right with your garment.

*If you have a stain or missing button, be sure to point it out when you take your garments in.

*Make note of what can and can’t be dry cleaned or laundered. The employees are trained to know the difference. They also go by the label that is in the garment. Sometimes things go wrong and the garment has been cared for by what the label says. That is when it is a manufacturer problem and will have to be dealt with through them. That is always a sad day, too. But, it happens. Know your clothes! When shopping you might make note of things like that, especially if it has lot’s of embellishments. I love clothes that are different and unique, so, I’m always watching out for how I clean my clothes.

*Here are a few things that that I have learned to do. * I travel with a small sewing kit. *I make sure that when an event is coming up, I plan accordingly with my garments and pick them up way before the time to be at the event just to be safe. *When I get my clothes home, I unbag them, inspect and put them away. *I always know exactly what I drop off at the cleaners each time and when they need to be picked up.

*This is important…..If you get your clothes home and find that you have a garment that isn’t yours….take it back immediately. Whew, I could tell you some nightmare stories on that one. Did you know that some people will keep their clothes in the bag for months before discovering they have the wrong clothes. Yep….bad on both ends!

*Make note of the store policy for garments left longer than usual. We have same day service if you get your garment in by a certain time in the morning. If it is a household good, it takes longer, usually the next day. As you can only imagine that comforters, etc. take much longer to process. Anyway, we also have a 60 day policy that you have to get your clothes or they will be donated to a local charity. You will receive several calls before they are donated. We can only assume you no longer want your garment if it is over 60 days and you don’t respond to phone calls. Money is lost on the time and labor over many garments that are just left all alone to fend for themselves. It’s sad, but not enough space would house all the left clothing. All that to say, don’t forget your clothes!

*Last but not least, be kind and friendly to the employees. They are hard workers and they have a hard job, especially, in the heat! I admire each and everyone of them. They love life, work hard and go home to their families. You can only imagine how they are treated sometimes. Some people are rushed, rude and hateful sometimes. But, the customers who show grace, gratitude and kindness outweigh the rude ones. I think that is par for any business out there.

*Always remember that there are a lot of people in the workforce who just don’t know how to make it in the working world. They can’t be trained to even smile. You never know where someone is coming from or what they have been through. You might even add some folks to your prayer list and witnessing list. We do our best to train our employees to be kind, courteous, smile and do a good job. All I can say is…..parents teach your kiddos how to make it in the working world someday. *I think I just gave myself a new blog post idea!

*If you have an issue, talk to the manager of the store. They will do all they can to help solve the problem. They are there to help and make the business better and they are on your side. One hint, if you have a problem and it takes a while to solve, I would be patient and work with the manager. Trust me, she wants it solved as well. I can’t count how many times someone has sworn they didn’t get one of their garments and they have been paid for it and then weeks later they come and say they found it in their closet. I have to share this…it’s my favorite of all times. When someone brought in a mustard stain on a shirt. It had been there for quiet some time. The stain would not come out. She insisted on being paid for that garment. So, can you imagine, you stain your clothes, and then if it doesn’t come out, you get paid for it. Amazing! That would be a great way to build a new wardrobe, wouldn’t it? I don’t think so…

I hope that helps a little bit in making your dry cleaning trips a bit easier and more pleasant.

We are extremely grateful for our employees and especially our customers. We have the best customers ever. I try my best to be a good customer when I go anywhere! I want people to smile when they see me coming….not, “Uh oh, there she is!” If I get bad service somewhere, I quietly go elsewhere. I’m not out to demand that I be treated like a queen…..I just move on. But, you treat me like a queen and I’ll be back!

Thanks so much for being a reader of my blog, His Heart, My Desire. My blog is hopefully inspiring and encouraging somehow…someway. You never know what will be on my mind each day.

As you can imagine, Dry Cleaning is in my blood….so to speak….here is a link to another post I did on this subject. Be sure to visit the links on that post as well….lot’s of info for sure! Click here to read more.