Old becomes new

A few years ago, I decided that my wardrobe needed a boost. I went shopping, determined to find a new look, and came home with... are you ready? A belt. This wasn't just any belt. It was woven leather that "buckled" by a complicated looping though a big metal ring.

Doesn't sound like me, does it? It wasn't - I never wore it.

I tried to convince myself that I would like it if I ever wore it past my bedroom door. Then I would look in the mirror and put it back in the drawer.

However, today is a new day. Starting now, I intend to wear that belt out! Here's what happened...

I finally admitted that what I didn't like was the ring and the looping business. So I ripped it apart...



... and the part I like is now the strap for my finally-finished computer bag.



My wardrobe may still be lacking, but this bag is fine!

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have... Hebrews 13:5

A good day

Today, in the process of asking God to "give (me) this day (my) daily bread", I noticed that this day is filled with little blessings - so unimportant, so regular that it would be easy to overlook them.

I am recording a small part of the list here...as a note to self - "Look! Blessings!"

• I feel good!
• With laundry piled high after a week away - my washer works perfectly.
• Daffodils are budding in the yard.
• The little snow that fell, melted in the sun (that's right, sun!).
• A cheery basket full of yellow flowers brightens my dining room - yet another monument.
• I didn't have to cook tonight.
• I don't live in an area that floods.
• My house is warm.
• While organizing my workroom, I found "love you gramma" notes - like a hug from afar.

I'll stop. I hope you have an ordinary day like mine - full of little gifts from God.


Oh wait! Just one more...

The verse for this day - And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Jeremiah 32:17

Monuments

It seemed appropriate to get away from regular life for a few days in order to spend some time remembering Grey - his laugh, his voice, all the ways he enriched our lives.

We ended up in Gettysburg, PA, also a place for remembering and honoring men who died tragically. In a somber state of mind, we drove though the park, feeling the national loss, appreciating the beauty of the memorials erected to honor men who gave their all for their country.


Our personal journey through the day reminded me of this quiet park that is dotted with monuments from each state involved in the battle. Messages from family and friends confirmed that Grey is not forgotten. For us, every call, email, and note, a monument to our son.

Thank you to each person who took the time to let us know that you remember.

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by sadness of the countenance is the heart made better. Ecclesiastes 7:3

A good day

What can I say about the Pray in Color workshop on Saturday?

We talked, laughed, worked and lunched together with the overall purpose of improving our walk - and talk - with God.

For a few, the creative process was a new experience, yet every person plunged in without hesitation. It was a wonderful day.

Thank you to those who promised that they would pray. God answered in a marvellous way.

Brethren, pray for us. I Thessalonians 5:25

Pray in Color - coming up!

I am so happy to be prepping for a prayer workshop this weekend.

Tonight, the paper is cut, sorted and stuffed into folders.


The journals are piled high, the workbooks are ready to go, supplies are purchased.


And, as with any project, there is the ever present list that silently nags... "don't forget the (fill-in-the-blank)!"

I can't wait for Saturday. It's what I love to do.

...Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17

Tea time

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to a birthday tea party. I was able to be there and enjoy watching 9 little girls in fancy dresses feel princess-ish.


Oh, the delight of being 7 years old and all dressed up.

When did the cares of life steal the fun away?

Where is my boa?

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Happy mail

I can't believe that I have missed a week! I have been sick.

How sick, you ask? So sick that I did nothing in my workroom; so sick that I didn't check my email every day; so sick that tomorrow I go to the doctor. For me? That's pretty bad.

Yesterday, while dragging between chair and couch (don't I sound pathetic?), the mail arrived. My husband brought it into the house and laid a big yellow envelope beside me.


I opened the package to find this delightful book with a note from my sister tucked inside.


I still felt crummy, but out of the blue, I had tangible proof that my sister thought about me... and went through the effort of sending that burst of sunshine. Thank you, Jo Anne.

There is great power in an envelope in some one's mailbox.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Ready for duty

I did it! The little acorn bag is complete.


All it took was a complete disregard for the directions, a little fancy footwork with the camera, and ta-da! A cute little bag!

Next? Make that worthless crochet hook case do what it is supposed to do - hold the hooks!

But thou, O Lord, shalt endure forever; and thy remembrance to all generations. Psalm 102:12