Dianne Miley's Blog, page 5

Beauty in All Things

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." I Peter 3:4 Last weekend, we enjoyed an event at my house. We celebrated with a luncheon to show for the volunteers who help support pregnant women through the nonprofit SOUL - Sanctuary Of Unborn Life. We prepared food and gifts and a prayer and cooked and cleaned to get ready. But truly?Decorating was the best part. And to me, decorati...

Fall Front Porch

"Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before." Joel 2:23Fall is finally here! While temperatures remain at 90 degrees here in South Carolina, pumpkins and mums and all things autumn are appearing on doorsteps and porches.Stores have had these items for weeks - but few of us were ready to decorate for fall. Until now. It's official. We're facing down O...

All is Well...

“ 'All is well!' He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, 'Praise be to the Lord your God! ' " II Samuel 18:28Last week we evacuated due to Hurricane Florence. Since her path headed north of us, we decided to take the southern route. A dear friend offered her family's vacation home on St. Simon's Island on the coast of Georgia. We enjoyed sunsets like this. Morning walks like this. Saw a HORSE on the beach! And even a wedding in the distance. Life is GOOD. GOD is go...

Living in the Cone of Uncertainty

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared."Proverbs 3:25-26I am not afraid. "Have no fear of sudden disaster," the Lord tells us. Honestly, as a hurricane bears down on the coast, this verse is a mantra I have to keep telling myself. I live in Charleston, South Carolina. Early this morning, it was a beautiful day in the Lowcountry - Sunny and 75, as Joe Nichols sings. If not for modern...

A Few of My Favorite Things... and a Laugh at the End

Happy Fall, Y'all! While it's not official until later this month, fall is definitely in the air with back to school and summer vacations over and talk of pumpkins and leaves and giant chrysanthemums on sale at Costco.These gigantic mums are loaded with buds just starting to open. So they should last long into fall. Then, of course, I can plant them in the yard to bloom again next year.And FLOWERS are one of my favorite things.But ranking way before flowers on my favorites list is my FAMILY....

One Easy Way to Enjoy Life More

"For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:30In the quest to live a more abundant, fulfilling, and God-honoring life, one easy way to enjoy life more is to SLOW DOWN.But HOW?The American pace of life has gone full speed ahead for far too long - to the detriment of our health, faith, relationships and well being. I know how hard it is to slow down.I know how much there is to do.I know that fear of disaster if we don't do it all right now.Take it from me. I KN...

Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman?

"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"Proverbs 31:29Do you know the Proverbs 31 woman?Do you know someone like her?Do you wish you were her?Or do you try to be her, fearing in your heart that you never will be?Does she...intimidate you?irritate you?or infuriate you?Why?Does this verse intimidate you?"She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns." Proverbs 31:19I'm not a quilter. Are you? And we all know linen wrinkles....

Sassy Summer Salad!

Nothing beats homemade chicken salad on a hot summer day! So I created this very forgiving recipe. Feel free to substitute your favorite ingredients for an enticing twist.INGREDIENTS: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4-5 thighs) 2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup pecan pieces + extra for garnish (or walnuts) 1/2 Gala or Green apple, chopped (or handful of dried cranberries) 2 stalks celery, chopped 5 oz. container Greek pineapple yogurt (or flavor of choice) 1/2 cup mayo (empty yogurt cup f...

Mix-it-up Decorating Challenges

Mixing decorating styles can be challenging! Some may even feel it's wrong.But it can be fun to experiment with whatever you have in different styles to create a new look.Recently I received these chunky lavender candleholders from Lamps Plusat the Haven conference. Mix and Mingle - Since I love vintage style, I got creative with china teacups and vintage dishes.Pretty books provide height, along with a pedestal plate that draws in more purple. Crystal candlesticks and a touch of lace complet...

Finding Courage to Try Something New

On this journey to follow God's path for us and make a difference in the lives of others, we often need to try something new.You know, venture out of our comfort zone. Ouch. That stings a little.And yet, as the old saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.So let me encourage you. Try something new. You don't have to change your whole life. Here are some ideas for trying one new thing. You might be inspired to try something bigger next time. ~ Get up early and watch the sun rise.~ Host a...