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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Spiritual Sunday – Perspective for Today or Tomorrow


I have adapted this post from an e-mail forwarded to me recently. It gives us perspectives from which to view our daily experiences.

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.

P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work;
think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;
think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;
think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose?
Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend;
Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!


Now, you have a nice day.
God


Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Tasha Tudor Day (August 28, 1915-June 18, 2008)





Clarice at Storybook Woods, along with Suzanne of Blueberry Cottage and Cay of Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks all invite us to commemorate Tasha Tudor’s legacy.
Today would have been her 93rd birthday. Her artwork and nearly one hundred books have been beloved by her legions of readers.


I would like to share one of my miniature books which was illustrated by Tasha. It is an edition of The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, illustrated by Tasha Tudor, published by Achille St. Onge, Worcester, Massachusetts. The book is 3 1/4 inches high by 2 1/2 inches wide. It has a printed dust cover illustrated by Tasha. The pages were printed in Holland and then bound in leather in France.






I took lots of photos of the little book but could not get clear images to share with you. However, Tasha Tudor’s illustrations are charming and evoke the delights of this beloved poem.


To learn all about Tasha Tudor, please go to the family web site. There you will also be invited to "visit the Tasha Tudor Memorial Website to post your memories of this extraordinary woman and how she touched the lives of so many people."


Vintage Thingies Thursday – Crinoline Lady Apron


This post is part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, sponsored by Lisa, the Apron Queen.


My vintage item combines three vintage categories embroidery, aprons and the Crinoline Lady motif.

The Crinoline Lady has a dramatic hoop skirt in green fabric, embroidered in pink. Her outfit is also embellished with a collar and large bow at the waist. They are in white fabric dotted with blue French knots. Her bonnet is a shapely green and pink design with a white band.


The apron is of white bordered with light blue seam binding that also serves as apron strings. The embroidered three arcs of grasslike tufts and two floral sprays give a garden effect to the space under the Lady.

The lovely, always elegant Crinoline Lady motif was used in china dishware, figurines, and embroidery or crochet patterns for all sorts of linen and accessories -- doilies, aprons, pillow cases, tablecloths, table runners, napkins, handkerchiefs, etc.
This apron, although quite lovely, has a utilitarian design. The pockets are joined in all one large space, so it is a clothes pin apron. The homemaker would fill it with wooden clothes pins for handy access while hanging clothes on the line.



Thank you for stopping by. I hope you will stop by again soon. To see more vintage things, please visit Lisa at the Apron Queen for a list of participating posts.

ABC’S of the Word – F



Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:
"God gave me this idea to start
stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!’



This week’s letter is F




“So then faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17 KJV


Here are two other Bible versions which enhance the meaning of the text:


“So faith comes by hearing [what is told],

and what is heard comes by the preaching

[of the message that came from the lips]

of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

Amplified Bible

“So faith comes from hearing the message.

And the message that is heard is the word of Christ.”

New International Readers Version


Our faith is founded on the words of Christ…on the message He gave us that God is with us and He is on our side and wants us all to live with Him. Read these two examples of Jesus words on the subject…


“For the Father himself loveth you,

because ye have loved me,

and have believed that I came out from God.”
John 16:27


“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16.


Our faith has such such wonderful messages as its foundation. Let us continue to grow in faith as we make Christ first in our lives.

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie
.


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Word-Filled Wednesday - Acts 14:17



Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photos & a verse!"




"He has shown kindness by giving you


rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;

he provides you with plenty of food

and fills your hearts with joy."
Acts 14:17 NIV

One of the summer crops that is planted and anticipated each summer in this area is tomatoes. The photo shows my tomato plants as they are growing into a fruitful crop of tasty nourishment. Look carefully and you’ll see the green tomatoes on the vine. That year I planted six different tomato varieties.

Even people with well-stocked neighborhood grocery stores, and who do not need to grow their own food, look forward eagerly to planting season and the chance to enjoy the taste of home-grown vegetables.

This is another of the bountiful gifts God has provided us. Let us always be grateful.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Ode to Blog Friends

Here is a small tribute to the many friends who have touched my life through the blog posts we enjoy. Your posts provide delight, information, inspiration and shared insights.




Out of the joys of friendship
and a very true one to me,
Is the pleasure of remembering
those friends we cannot see.




Source: Dover.com

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Spiritual Sunday – On His Mind


Spiritual Sundays is sponsored by Charlotte of At Home in Scottsdale and by Ginger of Enchanting Cottage.

When a Christian strays from what he/she knows is right, and is sorry for that fault, he/she has assurance of forgiveness. Jesus knows our heart; He knows who belongs to Him.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do."
Luke 23:34

Calvary is the central pillar of Christianity. Every one who goes by His name finds a basis for hope in that event, for the cross draws all who wish to be saved. One of my favorite songs expresses this very well:

When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind

I’m not on an ego trip, I’m nothing on my own
I make mistakes I often slip, just common flesh and bones
But I'll prove someday, just why I say, I’m of a special kind
For when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
For He knew me yet He loved me
He whose glory makes the heavens shine.
So unworthy of such mercy.
Yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
The look of love was on His face and thorns were on His head
The blood was on His scarlet robe and stained a crimson red
Though His eyes were on the crowd that day, He looked ahead in time
For when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
For He knew me yet He loved me
He whose glory makes the heavens shine.
So unworthy of such mercy.
Yet when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.


Oh, doesn’t this give you great encouragement?

Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Collage Garden Flowers 2008


Posted by Picasa


Flowers at Oak Rise cottage, May to August, 2008.

Purple Double Impatiens
Orange Daylilies
Blue Hydrangeas
Purple Rhododendrons
In the center are White & Yellow Violas in pots on the front steps.

Friday Show and Tell – Teeny Tiny Dolly

Show and Tell
Show and Tell Friday is hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home

In yesterday’s Vintage Thingies Thursday post I wrote about two dolls I got for free at the thrift shop. From the same thrift shop I got the doll in this post.

As I was looking over the items on display near the desk in the store, I picked up a dish or bowl of some sort. There inside was this little dolly.




I took it over to the desk and asked the price. Seventy-five cents.





Isn’t she too cute? She looks very chic in her straw hat over her fluffy blonde curls. She has on a white sundress sprinkled with tiny heart flowers. White lace trims the hem and form cap sleeves. No shoes cramp her little feet.
Her 5-inch tall natural wicker chair came with the matching table and one more chair for $1.00 at the same store.

At 3 ½ inches tall, she is made of porcelain bisque with arms and legs that move. So she can stand or sit.



For more personal treasures, visit Kelli for a list of other posts.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Vintage Thingies Thursday – Free Dollies


This post is part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, sponsored by Lisa, the Apron Queen.


These two dolls were in a pile of things outside the Hospital thrift shop with a sign that read, "FREE".



The Native American dolls are made of hard plastic. I believe they are from the 1950’s. They are both dressed in a suede-like material that is embellished with tiny beads. Their shoes are of the same fabric. Both have hair braided in two plaits and hair bands with tiny beads.



This one is 7 ½ inches tall, including the base made of slice of birch. Her head and arms are stationary. Her eyes are painted on. A small drum is attached to her right sleeve.


This other doll is 7 ½ inches tall in her moccasins. Her head turns and the arms move at the shoulder. Her hazel eyes open and close. Her head always returns to this side way position.

Well, first the owner donated them to the thrift shop, where they were rejected by one of the workers. But now they have a home again at Oak Rise Cottage.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you will stop by again soon. To see more vintage things, please visit Lisa at the Apron Queen for a list of participating posts.

ABC’S of the Word – E Effective Prayer

Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:
"God gave me this idea to start
stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!’

This week’s letter is E.
So many times we anxiously wonder if our prayers really make a difference. Here is the answer:

"The effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man
availeth much."
James 5:16
It’s great that the blog world has such evidence of individuals who believe in the power of prayer.

So let’s keep on praying for ourselves, for our family, for our friends and for all whom God inspires us.

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

Thankful Thursday – Off the Hook, Twice…


I am grateful for the relief I experienced twice this week when kindness was extended to me. For a long time, I had tried unsuccessfully to win a particular item on eBay. Last week, I missed out twice. On Friday I again put a bid on a bowl and lid that I needed for my Liberty Blue set.

It seems I have too much going on right now…. Forgetting that completely, on Saturday night I bid separately on a lid and on the bowl – from two different sellers.

Then among my accumulated e-mails, I saw that I had won the lid and bowl from Friday! On Sunday I waited... and watched... and won the bowl.


So with a prayer in my heart I wrote and asked the seller to excuse my error and to re-list the bowl. No answer, so I wrote again….


Later, I won the lid!


I also wrote to that seller. By Tuesday both sellers had agreed and let me off the hook… Thank you Lord!

In my distress

I cried unto the Lord,

and he heard me.

Psalms 120:1


Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog. http://www.eph2810.com/

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Word-Filled Wednesday Matt 6:28




Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!"

I am not skilled with doing computer graphics, but I just thought it would be nice to share an encouraging passage of Scripture today.




"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:" Matt 6:28

After declaring that even the great King Solomon in all his splendor had nothing on the lovely flowers, Jesus asserted, "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matt 6:30

We dissipate much emotional energy worrying about how we will pay for our daily needs, but Jesus assures us that when we wait faithfully on Him, all our needs will be met.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Spiritual Sunday – Jesus’ Amazing Prayer


Spiritual Sundays is sponsored by Charlotte of At Home in Scottsdale, and by Ginger of Enchanting Cottage.

Today I want to focus briefly on John 17 and the incredible prayer of Jesus on that momentous Thursday night before He went with the eleven disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Here we have God the Son praying to God the Father on our behalf!
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

The entire chapter is an incredible, amazing, communication that reveals Who Jesus really was and is—eternal God:
18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. SENT BY GOD TO US

10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. UNIVERSAL OWNERSHIP

5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. HIS PRE-EXISTENCE

John 17 reveals the love of Jesus Christ for each of his followers. It also provides us the insight that God the Father is united with Him in working for the salvation in all who take the name of Christ.

Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Friday Show and Tell – Sunbonnet Potholders

Show and Tell
Show and Tell Friday is hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home.
There has been some interest around blogland in Sunbonnet Sue that charming character so often seen in quilts and other household linens. Lisa, the Apron Queen featured an interesting history of Sunbonnet Sue. La Tea Dah at Gracious Hospitality shared her lovely quilts. Today I share two potholders I bought at a consignment shop this spring.

The set of two -- one 7 inches high and the other 5 ½ inches high – is very neatly made. Crisp blue and white cotton makes up the body of the bonnet, while daisy strewn fabric is used for embellishment.


The striped fabric forms the back with the pleated daisy edging.

Note the lovely pleating along the edge of the bonnet.

Blue grosgrain ribbon bows finish off the back of the bonnet.

Last March at the consignment I quickly snapped up these pretty examples of domestic art. I hope you enjoyed seeing them.

To see more interesting personal treasures, visit Kelli for a list of participating posts.