Feeling rather Grateful-February 2011

It snowed today....so soft and feathery, big fluffs of heaven raining down. It caught me racing around, thoughts racing, my agenda spinning, but then...

I was memorized.

And watch.

It was so ethereal.

I could feel my eyelids relax into their blink. I wrapped my arms around my excited ten year old.

The beauty of the day stopped him for a moment too(which doesn't happen too often), when he said, "Look Mom, Mr. Downing's trees are dreadlocked with snow!" Oh sweet boy! What a perfect description.

The rumble of the city seems to stop too, just to listen for the quiet of the snowfall for just a little while.

I really don't do this enough both the stopping and the listening. There is such great value in both of those things. Speaking of valueable things, here is a snippet of my grateful list for February.

I'm Grateful for:

• Wee little babies
• Chocolate brownies
• Capable Children
• Chirping birds in the sun
• Walks to the park
• Time to myself
• Reconciliation
• White feathery snow that makes us stop and listen
• The boyish-man hands of my oldest son rubbing my tired shoulders
• Spring bulbs
• An evening off from activities

I also using a set of scripture prayers complied by Bob Hostetler called 31 Ways to Pray for Your Children. (new thing #3)

Todays's prayer:

Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40) Lord may they actively seek to worship and grow their faith daily in you. I pray that when they have turned from it, they will feel as if their bones are moaning,

(Psalms 32:3)

that this would serve to remind them of the path of righteousness and return to it. ~Amen.

Feeling rather Grateful-January 2011

Usually winter brings me to an ordinary shade of gray. My hair seems grayer, the pacific northwest sky is gloomed in multi-gray, even the trees and grass of my yard are lensed in gray. Ordinary...blah-ness.

But this year I have decided to do some things different with the help of my gracious Savior. I have been pondering my perspective and have found that I am just letting life happen, rather than living out the moments. Where did the joy of each day go?

I wonder...

I seem to have found my self in this familiar place but can't recall which path I took to get here. Ever feel this way? I don't want to live out my days in passivity, giving me the opportunity to just idly complain.

I am choosing to be grateful.

But new habits like memorizing scripture (new thing #1) and choosing to live gratefully (new thing #2) have to be practiced. So I'm practicing...

Here is a snippet of my grateful list for January.

I'm Grateful for:

• Dinner with a life long friend- talking about the deep things of our lives
• Thankful for sickness- sometimes the only way to stop, think, and gain new perspective and turn
• A programmable crock pot- my constant companion
• A studio filled with treasure to create with
• New books to read and enrich my life with
• Seeing the value in memorizing God's word
• A little boy who needs a talking to everyday about self-control
• A husband who makes me feel safe
• A friendly face at Starbucks, blueberry scones, and my sketchbook.

I also using a set of scripture prayers complied by Bob Hostetler called 31 Ways to Pray for Your Children. (new thing #3)

Todays's prayer:

Prayerfulness: " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests"

Ephesians 6:18

2011 Surprises

I am honored to have been published in Christian Paper Craft Magazine. This is an e-zine that I submitted to last fall. How fun to find out today that I am the first listed under the Autumn and Thanksgiving catagory. I submitted a piece called Fluttering Fall. The colors remind me of the richness of fall. It features LOC Butterfly Collector stamps. Sewing techniques, beads, material scraps, lace trim and other found items that seemed to marry nicely with this piece.

A Lesson in Giving

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

I want to tell you a story. This really happened and I hope it will inspire your heart to do something like this too.

During the Christmas season a Mother and Daughter decided it was time to get a fancy dress for some upcoming, formal events. This year the Mother seemed to find it hard to do extra things. There had been a death in their family and Christmas just didn't sparkle like it had in the past. She was tired and worn on the inside. Money was tight and she was having a hard time justifying going and getting a new dress. It seemed like the dress fell into the not- a- necessity column.

But she realized that her Daughter really hadn't asked for many things this year and was really making do with what she had already. She even attended a formal Christmas party for youth group in something nice, while all the other girls came in fancy party dresses. The Daughter's spirits were not dampened one bit. Her Mother was very proud of her quiet strength and grace in a situation that, for most middle school girls would have been a disaster.

Mother decided that this was an occasion where she would do her best and with the Lord's help get her Daughter a new party dress. Maybe she could sell some extra patterns or use some of her grocery money instead.

When Mother asked her Daughter where she would like to start their search, her Daughter excitedly said,"How about Goodwill?" Her mother was pleasantly surprised at her Daughters thrift-sense response.

"Alright let's start there." Mother chimed in with excitement, thinking this could turn out to be a wonderful time together.

Now, like most middle school girls shopping can be a bit frustrating because there is always a certain" look" to be found, then, compound that with a second hand store and you have an equation for frustration.

Mother and Daughter eagerly looked around. They carefully searchrd the isles coming up with only a few options, two of which were promising skirts. The Daughter tried all the clothing on, finding small things wrong with each item, however one skirt seemed to fit the bill! It was black and long and just what the Daughter was looking for. To the Mother this meant heading else where to find a top to match. Oh dear, thought the Mother, this could be a long day.

With the last thing tried on and rejected the Mother turned to her cart with a heavy sigh.

A woman with a wide smile and twinkling eyes, was standing in line waiting patiently for the dressing room. "Is that your daughter?" she asked.

"Yes, she is eleven."Mother answered.

"I have a daughter too, she is seven. Your daughter reminds me of her"said the waiting woman.

" Mom I am done... this skirt is just a bit too tight." the Daughter fussed.

"Well if you don't love it, don't get it," the Mother sighed.

"Can I give you something?" Asked the waiting woman.

"Sure," said the Mother quietly, with a weary smile. Mother was thinking this woman was going to give her an article of clothing that she had found for her daughter to try on. Or hand her a business card and try to sell her something. Instead the woman dug under her heap of clothes and dug out her wallet. How was Mother going to tell her politely no thank you? What happened next was not expected at all.

Mother wasn't quite sure what was going on and the woman said with great joy on her face,

"I would like you to have this,"and she handed a $50.00 gift certificate card to the Mother. "I would love for you to go buy your daughter a new Christmas dress."

With a gasp of disbelief and tears welling in her eyes the Mother wasn't sure how to react. Is this real? Why would this stranger do this for me? Oh I can't take this I don't deserve such a gift! With encouraging words from the waiting woman the Mother took the card and hugged the woman she didn't even know. The Daughter in disbelief thanked the waiting woman. The Daughter's warm smile crept from ear to ear as she realized a new dress was a possibility. The waiting woman disappeared into the dressing room as if she hadn't ever been there at all.

The Daughter got a new dress and shoes that day, there was even money left to buy a matching purse and head band to fancy up her hair!

I can't help but see how this parallels so beautifully with the story of Christ and his "gift card" to us.

Blessings from the Lord often come so unexpectedly. During a Roman census and political strife.

Blessings are packaged in ways we don't recognized, as a sweet child- king.

Given to us by a God we have not seen and a stranger to many.

All you have to do is take this gift of salvation with tears in your eyes, say thank you and hug the one who has shared it with you. Then praise the Lord for His goodness and Love. Serve him with gladness by giving to someone else. Serve him by loving someone who doesn't deserve it. Or help someone who is less fortunate than yourself.

This is the gift of Christmas: the unexpected child-king who served us with His death so that we might have eternal life...it is a lesson in giving I will never forget.

The Gift

I was given a gift today.

Unexpectedly.

Isn't it a beauty? I have been collecting these treasures over the years and I am up to about seven. They have all been abandoned or blown from the trees in our yard.

I just marvel at all the layers and funny fibers that are found inside some of these nests. This one has a bit of red curling ribbon and a beautiful stem with the seed pods still attached.

The outsides are always tattered, matted and rugged.

Rough.

But not the inside. In the roundness of the inside I can see the smooth indentation of where small eggs were cradled and where small babies were care for. It really is so sweet to ponder.

My husband brought this in on the first afternoon of home school, as the kids and I tackled our classical writing exercises. It was rough day, we were tired in our thinking and progress had been so slow. It was such a kind gesture. I really felt such a deep warmth come over me like peace.

Thank you dear husband.

Even the birds of the air are cared for and not forgotten like it says in Matthew 6:26. You can see the Lord's provision for these amazing creatures. It reminded me in a tangible way that the Lord will make a way in this chapter of our lives and bring me peace.

He does care for me.

Do Not Worry

²⁶Look at the bird

s of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

This is my chicken's egg and feather

Summer Preservation Project

This summer I have taken on a preservation project. My daughters “NeeNee” has become so frayed with love that she is in danger of, dare I say it? Becoming extinct. So I am attempting my hand at quilting. So far it is a very rough and amateur attempt. However the good news is I think it will do its intended job and protect NeeNee.

My inspiration was to make a quilt using pretty fabrics on the top and then to sew the NeeNee onto the back. This way my daughter can still see her and feel her NeeNee. I am hoping that by sewing her directly onto the backing she will be girded up and won’t fall apart.

Now NeeNee can live forever…can you hear the fairy music?

I know that when I am feeling worn and frayed it is a good hug from my hubby and the word of God that grids me up, reassures me and steadies me on. The word of God also talks of sowing seed could I be so bold as to interpret the imagery of that to a different picture? How about, sewing the seed of His word onto my heart? Aaaahhhh I feel an art inspiration coming on! Oh happy day….

I will post the end results when I am done with the art and the quilt.

Thank you Lord for your word and the gift of words your inspiration is astounding to me. Lord I hope I will always bring you glory with my creativity. You are the song I hear in my heart and the colors by which I create. I love you Amen.

Fighting with Ourselves

Today I saw my youngest fighting with himself. The inner battle of pride joined with independence and determination. I had asked him to move some lumber that had been sitting in the yard and to stack it neatly until we could get to it. After a while, the bad attitude coupled with lots of raw emotions, displayed with fist of frustration well, it started to really grate my nerves.

My first inkling was to quickly chastise him for his outburst and poor attitude, but then it occurred to me, that all he really had to do was ask for help. As he tried to untangle this heap of wood and boards by himself he got more upset and more frustrated and more determined to show it who was boss. Tears came and went, soon grunts and groans. Pouting in defeat. All the while I kept praying please just ask mama for help and I will gladly come help you...

Oh how I know this place.

If you threw in a few cuss words that could've been me! Not such a pretty site mind you, especially when you are 40 something and striving to live a life for Christ...there is no secret I fall short more often than not.

It got me to thinking about how so many times my heart would have been spare so much discouragement and frustration if I had only asked the Lord for help.
In my pride and determination to be independent I learn the hard way.

So, here is the lesson, it is much easier to be interdependent than alone.

Lord I pray for my son today, it was difficult to watch him struggle. It must be difficult for you as well Lord, watching us struggle as we so often do. Give him courage today to die to self and ask for help from someone who loves him. Lord I pray that he will come to you first with all that he has in him, that you would work mightily in his little heart and teach my son your loving ways. Amen

Rites of Passage

Isn't this a beautiful picture? One generation leading the next. You might see dirty, grease-caked hands but I see something beautiful and oh, so precious.

I see ...a father teaching his son a valuable skill,

time well spent together,

a living example of fatherhood,

teamwork,

a job well done,

something new was learned,

a father's love for his son,

I see...

a rite of passage.

Lord thank you for this man, my husband. Thank you that you gifted him with many skills and a mind and heart that teaches his children. Thank you Lord that through the drudgery of fixing a car you orchestrate something beautiful and fulfilling. I am grateful for this man who lives a life carrying out your commandments to teach them diligently as he sits in his house and walks by the way and when he lies down and when he rises up... Bless them Lord bind them stronger and closer to one another, and to you. Amen

Girl Time Tidbit # 7 Gingerbread Cottage of Faith~Quote and Notes

Lil' Spice Pin

"Building your faith is necessary in order to know God and have a relationship with Him. And you need to know God in order that you may recognize and reap the blessings that He wishes to decorate your life with. Building your faith can take hard work, it may take longer than you expected and may be filled with life’s frustrations. These are necessary in order to know the blessings of God. It is important to experience the hardships, difficulties and disappointments of life, so that you may know and recognize the sweetness of God’s blessings. God loves to decorate your life with promises and the blessings of friendship, family, work, and school. He will bless you with the beauty and creativity of nature and His workmanship that you see in others. You serve a creative God, one who delights in blessing those who love and serve Him. Remember, life’s blessings are not a reflection of who we are to God, but of who God is.

So, as you grown in wisdom and understanding, no matter how young or old you are, God will use it to build relationships, character and faith, so that some day you will have a house filled with the riches and blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is this faith and character that will prove to be sweeter and out last any earthly gingerbread cottage!"

~Heather Wombacher

From: The Gingerbread Cottage of Faith

For those of you who listened to me today on the internet with Jill Novak on Girlhood Talks, thank you- what a privilege to share my heart with you all, it was wonderful. ( I'm really glad you hung in there with me even though we got disconnected.) I was so excited to talk to you today that I forgot I had made up a study sheet and so I will post that link below for you to download. I humbly ask that you please use for your personal use only, thanks.

Here is the link enjoy!http://www.camerahunter.org/webinarstudentnotes.pdf

Live Laugh and Love

This is what I have been creating for our women's retreat. I was inspired after a bout of migraines. It was nice to feel better and be able to really live out these 3 little words. Live Laugh and Love. I hope that you will do them with abandon this week!

I use wallpaper samples along with old text pages from old books. I use black ink and Layer of Color Stamps, and of course the peace de resistance: gold glitter!

These are little favors to give to each woman when she arrives. Our crafts and activities will both incorporate these design ideas and color scheme. Look out ladies we are going to live laugh and love a ton at this retreat!

Girl Time Tidbit #5 Making A Doll's House

This summer I have had the great pleasure of watching myself create as a little girl. What do I mean by that? Keep reading and it will become clear. My daughter was inspired by a book I had purchased for summer reading. A Doll's House by Rumber Godden, this book was the inspiration for a great adventure: she began the wonderful project of building her own doll house.

At first, I began to hear hammering and pounding and all sorts of sound coming from the back porch. I realized that it was my daughter and when asked what she needed a saw for she sweetly replied," Well, to cut the eves for the roof to my doll house." To which I casually answered," Oh but of course, wait...WHAT?"

So, using the time tested tactic of diverting to a higher authority, I sent her on to her Dad, obviously. Tools of that nature are his and permission must come from the top. Being a clever man and knowing his daughter very well, he had the good sense to urge her to unite her efforts and use a much better material for doll houses...cardboard boxes, what a brilliant man!

It was a hard sell, but she complied after working pretty hard and conning her littlest brother into helping, like any good Fore-woman will do, to hold the board she was trying to saw. Finally, she decided that maybe cardboard would be a better option and really, it had already been two days and not much progress had been made on this wonderful design.

That's when it happened for me. Sometimes we forget the simple joys of our childhood. Our memories are clouded with the worry and obligations of adulthood. Then when you least expect it, a memory is triggered and you transport to the recesses of your mind to a place of joy and creativity.

There I was on my four poster bed with scissors, tape, crayons, material scraps, and found treasures, creating and sewing. The autumn sun streaming in the upstairs window of my pink carpeted room. There in that place, wonderful things were imagined and all things were possible. And yes... I was making a doll house!

Mine was smaller in scale and used only one shoebox. I created mine with the opening up so that you looked down into the rooms from the ceiling. I made little towels for the bathroom and use tinfoil for the mirror. There were curtains on every window and a golden bead for the front door handle. I used matchboxes for drawers and spools with a cardboard cut circle glued on top for the kitchen table. It even had a table cloth on it where acorn cap bowls were the table setting. In the living room there were rugs on the floor and chairs made from bottle caps and twisted wire. There was even a fireplace in the corner, which looked more like a bonfire pit than a fireplace, how sweet.

What wonderful things to remember.

I love to see the Lord bring me full circle in that way. Often it happens when I am too serious about things. If you know me well, you know I love a good surprise and this is one that caught me off guard. It warms my insides and makes me smile really big, to know that my daughter is experiencing that wonderful time of life, just like I did, called girlhood.

Father in Heaven, thank you that I have eyes to see your lessons for me. I am so grateful for the pleasures you brought to me as a child. Thank you for reminding me of my girlhood and all its sweetness.

You are a wonder to me Lord, Amen

Apples of Gold

Speaking of apples... Layers of Color challenge this week was just that, Apples!

I am reminded of the bible verse from Psalms 25:11 that says: A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

I use the Fleur Heart stamp as accents and the garden boarders stamp in gold. The apple is an original oil pastel that I did. I used gold ink to distress and highlight the stamps and I also embellished with a bit of glitter and a piece of old tape measure, a treasure for a swapping friend.

A is for Apples~Girl Time Tidbit #5

It has been a bumper crop for apples this year...for everyone around me! This year we were busy making apple everything, quite exciting! I know I have written it before but I just love the feeling of seeing something from planting, to harvesting, to producing it into something for my family, there is an organic element to it that is spiritual and very fullfilling to me!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-12

The kids and I have made chunky cinnamon applesauce, carmel apple butter, and lots of dried apples for snacking on. This year we bought 2 dehydrators at Goodwill for $10.00 and have enjoyed this new part of our harvesting routine. In past years I have just canned everything. But this had been a wonderful change. Never forget you are the apple of His eye!

It is School Time

Goodbye lazy summer days! It is time for the new year to begin. Yes, any mother in her right mind knows that the new year starts Sept. 1st! Whoever thinks the new year starts in January is completely off her rocker!

I'm sure many of you are like me in some ways, eager to get back to the "normal" schedule of life. Get out all the new shiny crayons and put clean pads of notebook paper into brand new 3-ring binders. Organize drawers, closets, and backpacks. Get schedules and calendars organized. Oh, the beginning of the school year it is still my favorite. I hear many a mother claim,"Oh, I can't wait for school to start!" This has many conotations as you can imagine.

However, the new school year looks a bit different for our family than it did for me as a grade school girl off to catch the bus in my new plaid skirt my mother made for me. The Lord in all His gracious wisdom has lead our family down the homeschooling path, which is a bit different, but,very exciting none the less! I thought it would be fun to share what it looks like for us come September :o)! This is what "Oh I can't wait for school to start" means to me:

• New paper and crayons, notebooks and pencils.


• New clothes and new shoes-we have to capitalize on all those sales of course!


• Organizing schedules and calenders and organize all our meals. No, I am not a Martha Stewart wannabe, it is completely for survival purposes. My family likes to eat. However, I like to do other things with "my time" other than cook (like write, blog, craft, do art, read, make gifts etc.) SO... I do this so they won't starve and I survive mentally- get it?! It also helps me keep our groceries within budget and keep us eating well balanced home cooked meals which I really want for my family too.


• I am also busy, busy, in August preparing lesson plans, curriculum, field trips,co-op, lessons, sports registrations, ballet lessons, music lessons, gym activities and other fun opportunities for our learning, as well.


• I clean out our school room with the help of three little schoolroom elves(my kids-who by the way are benefiting from this home school thing!) We have a great time looking through all that was accomplished last year and organizing it and making room for the new things of this year. Cleaning and organizing their desks and work areas with all that is needed for the school year.


• This year we decorated a half finished schoolroom. I am pleased with the results. This summer I sewed the cushion for the window seat, my chair, and the lace curtain on the bay window. I painted the post on the stairs, my husband finished the carpet on the stairs-nice job honey! I refurbished an old frame in the attic into a bulletin board and we networked the room with a printer and laptop. I also added some decorative elements to the room for my enjoyment and my mom, bless her heart, gave me all the decorative pillows on the window seat. They are from her own home and fit perfect with what I have going on!

This might be different than what you are thinking the beginning of school to look like. While this may sound overwhelming it really isn't! How can that be you ask? Because it is a desire of my heart placed there by the Lord. When the Lord calls you to do something for Him, he also places the desire in your heart and fuels that desire through the prompting of the Holy Spirit!

Thankfully, I don't do all this in my own strength! Not only is the Lord with me, so is my family and we work together towards the common goal of life long learning. This is a large part of what homeschooling looks like for us. It is not all about me exhausting myself and being in control, I gave that up a long time ago...it is just not worth it and besides it wasn't a very good example to the very ones I was trying to influence, our children.

I hope that as you get ready for school, whatever that may look like for you and your family, I pray that the Lord will bless you, inspire you but most of all continue to teach you, may you always be a student ready to learn from the greatest teacher of all!

Fruit of the Spirit - A Swap

I did a personal swap with my friend Sally S. She came up with this great idea of doing a Fruit of the Spirit book-I was totally on board with this idea! In the Bible there are nine attributes that come from having the Fruit of the Spirit, they are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. We each created a page with the attribute and then references a verse from the bible to go with that character quality. Great idea Sally!

So, how many of us don't need more of these attributes in our lives? I know I do, especially in the areas of Patience, Faithfulness, and Self-Control! Listen to me it sounds as if I have the others all figured out doesn't it?...don't get me wrong, there are plenty of days that I run out of these too. It seems as if these others are qualities that come easier to me, you know the ones I don't have to work so hard at :o)! But alas, I'm a fallen soul and I will always come up short. So, the Lord's grace means so much to me, you see, I don't really deserve it and I get it anyway! Incredible.

This is just part of this wonderful little treasure that I received. I wanted to share Sally's work with you because I think it is so beautiful and what she created very much represents me! She captured the feel of the things that I love with great detail and care. The wonderful thing, is that Sally and I have not met face to face and have known each other for only a short time. That is the Lord, isn't He good! I hope you will visit Sally's site Lydia's Lineage. She is so insightful and filled with the love of our Lord. After your visit you will feel blessed. May your heart be filled to overflowing with the Fruit of the Spirit Sally! ~Keep looking Heavenward, Heather

Lady Liberty -The Real Miss America!

I was asked by Theresa W. at Cottage Violets to enter her blog contest and write why I love America in honor of the 4th of July, Check it out! I also felt it appropriate to share what I wrote and show you what I did for the Stamp Something, Layers of Color Challenge, Salt and Faith Sisters.

I have had the opportunity to travel abroad to the Middle East and other countries. I have to say that being born in America is such a privilege! Prior to my trip I often took this freedom for granted. I really didn't think about it much except on the 4th of July holiday.

My perspective has changed. Today, I see my freedom in new light: I have the freedom, as a woman in this country, to worship God, live and work for what I believe, raise my family, home-school my children and speak my mind and heart without fear...I am grateful for this freedom. I praise the Lord for it! It was never so much appreciated until I came back and placed my feet on American soil, my homeland. For those who fight for MY freedom and OUR country there are not enough words...I am truly grateful for your sacrifice. I am grateful that you love this country, our freedom, enough to sacrifice your life so that I might keep mine AND my freedom. The only other person that did that for me was JESUS. I am eternally grateful, thank you!

This is such a small token but it is from my heart, as a symbol of my gratitude for living in America where Lady Liberty smiles! Background is the music My Country T'is of Thee, I used: paper, Layers of Color Fleur Heart stamp set, old photo ephemera, and a foil star.

Look What I Just Got-Precious!

I am a bit late in posting this I actually received this at the beginning of the week. This is a personal swap I did with a wonderful gal named Sally S. Visit her blog at: Lydia's Lineage you will not be sorry. I can't even tell you what a blessing this was! I was filled with such joy at this token of friendship Sally! It just took my breath away. Isn't this just lovely? I love the worn blue hankie, buttons, strips of material and ribbon! All things I just love, but then take a look at this old fashioned image, it is so tender, a picture of true friendship and sisterhood in Christ. I am so honored! You made my week. It has been a busy one so even to take a moment and gaze upon this lovely piece of artwork really gave me a relaxing moment of reflection. Thank you dear Sally...I can't wait for our other swap too. Many kind thoughts of you, Heather

The Dandelion Vase

My heart is singing with joy today, what a nice contrast to last week! I was just blessed by my two youngest children. I recieved this handpicked bouquet! Isn't it so precious? This is my Dandelion Vase. It is one of my most treasured things. Oh, I know that there is dirt stuck at the bottom and it isn't very big. It's not even real crystal. But, I love it just the same!

This was a gift given to me by a lovely lady and her daughter from our church. At the time I really didn't know her that well, in fact we hadn't been at this church for very long and here I was going to a baby shower these ladies were dearly preparing for me. Anyway, I didn't know it at the time but this gal lived with her two children and husband on his a very modest carpenters salery.

When I opened this gift I saw this little vase and she had told me, a bit self-consciously in front of everyone else, that she had gotten it at a second hand shop. This was special to me because I love old and used treasure. Then I read the handwritten note that came with it. I couldn't help it, I started crying. Big tears welled up in my eyes. This is what it said:

This little vase might not seem like much, but won't it be a wonder to see what it will be filled with by your toddlers chubby little hands? Won't it be wonderful to talk about the beautiful "weeds" that God has made for us to enjoy. And as you talk to your children about these things you will be planting precious seeds of God's love in their hearts. These seeds will grow with a little water and a little sunshine from you. It may take a long time but someday they will blossom. May your children grow to know the love of Jesus and may this little vase be filled with their love and God's love for you, dear Mother.

Today was a good day, I got to use my Dandelion Vase!

Endless Gifts in a Journal

I have often used gratitude to re-adjust my attitude. How about you have you ever started a list of things you are grateful for and realized that whatever is going on in life really isn't as overwhelming as it first seemed. I have just joined one of my favorite bloggers Ann Voskamp of Holy Experience in One Thousand Gifts, the Gratitude Community.

Actually, I started doing this a number of years ago, listing things I'm grateful for. I actually have a journal that is specifically for this purpose. A place where I have written the outflowing of a heart of pure gratefulness. How good it is to revisit these pages, my old friends. With a heavy sigh I realize,I have grown away from this habit. I am realizing as I read these entries that not only does my attitude change but so does my focus of life. My eyes focus heavenward to a God who is endless in comfort, mighty in His pursuit of me, and oh so loving when I am, oh so unlovable. What a wonder!

Here is an entry from this Gratitude Journal, it seemed appropriate for the restarting of my pursuit of gratitude. I encourage you to try it, I know He will forever change you and one day you will find that you look more like Jesus and what a beautiful image that will be.

Oct. 18, 2000

... I so need this Grateful Journal- It puts me back in the place I am best suited to serve my Savior humbly broken and sitting at His feet with unspeakable joy and gratitude for loving a sinner like myself. We don't often talk of gratitude like we should. We are selfish and often take the credit for things we could never orchestrate or even worse, we choose not to acknowledge the accumulation of all the little things which point us to our Maker.

There are 3 areas that I am grateful for:

1. Heritage: For me this isn't the earthly heritage most of us are grateful for because my family is dysfunctional and blended. But I'm grateful for the vision God put in my husband and my heart to aspire to our Godly heritage and to be "Repairers of the Breach."

" Those from among you Shall build the old waste places, You shall raise up the foundations of many generations and you shall be called the Repairers of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In."

Isaiah 58:12

We will do all that we can to start and repair the Godly heritage that has been broken in our own families of origin. We are new creations in Christ and therefore we no longer need to be bound by what used to be, righteousness and strength of Godly character can begin with us, intentionally.

2.Simplicity:Life is complicated! BUT I don't have to choose to add to that equation. In fact I can choose something else entirely... This is a tangible blessing to us from the Lord this is His doing in our lives with out His guidance all this could be much different in our lives and I am so grateful for each day that we get to do what we do.

3. Forgiveness and Grace: There some relationships in my life right now that have shake me personally. I am so grateful our Lord loves us even when we are unlovable. Not only that he pays a debt we could never repay. His death on the cross is so hard for me to get my heart around. I'm learning that there is nothing with greater eternal value-nothing than God's grace and love. But its the process of learning to be like Christ that humbles me everyday, because I am SO NOT like Him! I'm so glad that His mercy is new each day. May I strive each day to treat those I love and care for like my Master and Creator treats me.

So change me Lord, from the inside out. Rub the grains of gratitude and rough away the hard edges of selfishness and self-absorption. I desire to see your fingerprints on my life Lord and in return I will praise you in acknowledgement that you are all I need. Amen

Spring Sale

Spring is Bursting into Bloom with some great sales!

I have been a busy bee trying to get all things ready to burst forth alongside of spring and I am really excited to bring to all some New items available at my website The Patchwork Heat Co. I hope you will grab a cup of tea and come on over for a visit. But in case you are short on time here is a sneak peak at what is New for Spring.

Wouldn't it be lovely to give your Mom a special corsage for Mother's Day that would last for years to come? Well, you can! For the month of April in plenty of time for Mother's Day, all my Ribbon Rose Pins are 20% off!


Here is another great sale beautiful reproduction vintage needle cases for the special Mom that sews or quilts! Vintage needle cases will be on sale for the month of April at 10% off. Happy Spring! I hope you will come by for a visit leave a comment! Happy Spring Blessings!