A few days ago I felt like I received a revelation in my Bible reading. Would you follow along with me as I unpack my meanderings? As Jesus walked the countryside teaching people about the Kingdom of God, he often used parables. One day on the way to Jerusalem, he told those gathered around him a story, or parable, about an unjust judge and a persistent widow seeking justice. You may be familiar with this parable. I really like how the text comes to life in this translation of the Bible called, The Voice. He told them a parable, urging them to keep praying and never grow … [Read more...]
It's Earth Day! As a gardener and nature lover, Earth Day has mixed meanings to me. I appreciate the beauty of nature, the first shoots of green in the spring, and the harvest of flowers and fruits as the seasons turn. One of my favorite things is to spend time at the beach and enjoy the sand, sunshine, crashing or lapping waves, and the warm breeze. And anytime of the year, I am game for a hike, or even a walk along a rural roadside. Today, we took a walk down a nearby road. There's a small boat launch onto the river along that road and we strolled on in there to get a closer look at the now receding … [Read more...]
Hope you had a great Easter celebration! We enjoyed a wonderful service at church, a delicious dinner, and the most gorgeous weather. Speaking of weather. It feels like summer today! After this very long winter it's amazing! No doubt you were busy over the holiday weekend. Just in case you missed this...I shared some Last Minute Ideas for Your Easter Table, including a place card printable and tutorial, egg decorating idea, and recipes. "Pin" for next year here. When the weather gets warm, many of us start thinking about planting flowers. How do I know this? My tutorial on how … [Read more...]
Written in the 1700s by Charles Wesley, Christ the Lord is Risen Today is my absolute favorite Easter hymn. So much so that if the church I attend on Easter does not sing it, it doesn't feel like Easter. Here are a few stanzas of my favorite Easter hymn. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened … [Read more...]
Raise your hand if you're just now getting started on figuring out your Easter table and menu. It's okay. Today I have a few last minute ideas for your Easter table. Generally in the blogging world these things are done in advance simply because we need time to process and post our projects. This week I've been helping my friend put together a lovely Easter table. We finished it on Friday. Because my friend will be working over Easter weekend, it needed to be done ahead. And it worked out great for me, because that meant I was able to do a photo shoot yesterday. But, it also means … [Read more...]
The One who spoke this world we know into existence.... He humbled Himself, obedient to death— a merciless death on the cross! Philippians 2:8 The Voice ...for you...and me. This perfect One... took that which was ours....every ugly sin and wrong thing we have ever done. So we wouldn't have to experience the punishment we deserve. It's Friday.... Jesus' followers did not know, as they watched him die this cruel death on the cross at the hands of the Roman soldiers, that this was not the end. Sure...he told them they would see him again. But that just didn't make any sense. … [Read more...]
Love. Those four letters make a really BIG word. Seriously...when we're dating love seems easy. Later when we get married...sometimes love isn't so easy. And then there's that co-worker. You know the one. Seriously...who could love someone with that attitude? Or what about the neighbor whose dog leaves presents in your front yard, for you to step in, every day. We're supposed to love those people. “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 … [Read more...]
You might remember this Easter subway art printable from last year. This was the first time I had never created something like this and was amazed at the wonderful reception it received. So....I thought that I would feature it again, just in time for Easter. Though certainly it would be lovely all spring or even longer. Click here to download your 8x10 Subway Art Easter Printable. For personal use only. It's that time we've all been waiting for.... Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie Chan … [Read more...]
What do you do when you are going through a rough patch? Do you go to bed and curl up in the fetal position? Or...do you carry on praising God as if you're having the best of days? If you would like to download this encouraging 8x10 image click here. It's free! For personal use only. Okay...I confess... I might not do the first. But, this week has been extremely difficult and I surely haven't done the second, either. I'm not suggesting that you must do the second. But, it seems that Paul thought that we needed to have joy-filled hearts. All. The. Time. Except for the … [Read more...]
Do you realize, Easter is less than two weeks away?! I haven't even begun to think about Easter decorating. But, I know many of you have it on your mind. In fact, this rustic burlap Easter egg wreath I made last year has been getting lots and lots of views this year. I love that it was quick and easy and inexpensive to put together. And there's plenty of time if you want to make one too! Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week.... Sharing Encouraging Words | Joy Day! Celebrate Your Joys Now...I can't wait to see … [Read more...]
This week I was prodded to change my outlook on life. Somewhere in this great big invisible world we call the internet I read a phrase that stuck with me. Forget talking about your troubles. If we don't talk about our troubles...what do we do? Celebrate our joys! I have a good friend that I chat with irregularly via email. At this time in our lives it's the best form of communication. It's efficient. When we get the chance to talk on the phone....it's a looooong talk. And we usually don't have time to do that very often. Today I did something I don't usually do. I … [Read more...]
How many times has a good friend asked you how you were and you found yourself telling her some of your troubles? It's something we all do...especially when that friend is someone whom we trust. I don't think letting someone know that you're struggling with your child, or your job, or your health is a bad thing. Not at all. In fact, unless I know that you're dealing with something that needs prayer....I can't pray specifically about it for you. Do you think it would make any difference if instead of talking about our troubles, we would tell people about our joys? You're at … [Read more...]
Today feels like spring! Finally! We haven't managed to keep the sun shining...but I can't complain when it's 60 degrees!! I even got a chance to get outside and play in the yard a bit. I thought it would be fun today to revisit a popular post from last year.... This shabby spring window sings spring and the little birdies make me happy. Right now, my window is slightly open and I can hear birdsong. It's the most wonderful thing. After a long winter, it's music to my ears!! Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week.... The Promise of … [Read more...]
Okay...I'm going to admit it. I had a very shaky week. [sigh] More times than I can count, I had to dig down, pray, and proceed in faith. Even going for my walk (I try to get in four miles weather permitting) was difficult. Who put lead in my legs?? For lent I've been getting up earlier than normal. During this time I read a few Lenten devotionals and spend extra time in the word. In that darkness before dawn, I'm reading through the book of Romans. Slowly. I don't know how you do your reading, but when certain passages jump out at me from my old red … [Read more...]
Happiness. It's something we all want. In the midst of our busyness and running.... Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open. ~ John Barrymore How much better would we be if we consciously left the door to happiness open, everyday? It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Consumed with work, projects, tasks, errands, appointments, and running here and there, we often leave no margin or open door for happiness to present itself. Chasing after happiness for happiness' sake is inward focused rather than outward focused and … [Read more...]
One thing I've always wanted to do was try my hand at cake decorating. Sure I've frosted many 9x13 cakes in the pan. But a two or three or four layer cake? Never! Until now! I frosted a five layer cake!! With a real frosting bag and decor tips! Thanks to my friend who loves to decorate cakes. It all started with my friend's co-worker who was concerned that there wasn't enough cake ordered for her niece's wedding. Being the wonderfully kind soul she is, my friend volunteered to make more cakes for the wedding reception. Two layer cakes and a half sheet … [Read more...]
What are your favorite spring flowers? I confess that I'm a traditionalist. I love forsythia and tulips and daffodils and hyacinths and anemones and hellebores. Yeah. Pretty much everything. [wink] Which pretty much explains why I created this spring tulip wreath with forsythia. Although I made this wreath a while back, it's still perfectly in style today. All the details on how it all came together are here. Just in case you want to try your hand at making a spring tulip wreath. And if you missed seeing my crisp white spring mantel...click … [Read more...]
