Pocket-Full-of-Posies

I finally completed the finishing touches on a purse I began sewing this summer and love how it turned out!

I especially like the girlie fabric and bright colors which add a feminine flair to this delightful purse. It would fit Bethany's personality to a tea: her artist's eye and love for bright pinks and lush flowers would instantly draw her to this cute accessory. I think I will stash it away for a birthday surprise.

Last summer I made a purse with this same pattern (The Veronica Pocketbook by Lazy Girl Designs)

A little "Yo-Yo" flower with a button in the center embellishes the closing flap. (The yo-yo kit/template we purchased makes them so easy to do!)

Tea Time

As in the case of several friends I know, change is about to cross the threshold of many lives during this season. Since time has passed quickly and new opportunities rapidly approach, some dear friends -- a group of young ladies I look up to, enjoy, and admire -- decided to gather together before the Lord guides several down new and exciting pathways in separate sectors of the nation.

What a privilege to reflect on God's work in our lives and to enjoy fellowship together again as sisters in the Lord! I cherish these opportunities. Thank you, Lord.

Our hostess and her sisters made a beautiful spread for us, creating a delightful atmosphere to savor treats and sweet morsels of conversation together.

Shortcake topped with fresh, juicy, red rasperries

Joyful hearts eager to pursue the Lord's direction!

With Pen and Ink

. . . on a summer afternoon

May my words and actions be marked with grace like the delicate script which flows from the swift strokes of the pen; with the same beauty and cheerfulness that lingers on the face of sunny, summer blooms.

Words of Life

Several months ago my mom started compiling a verse chain to document passages of Scripture which spoke to her soul during her quiet time. As the days passed and note cards rapidly began to accumulate on her ring, she encouraged me and several others in our family to use this tool as well.

As I read my Bible, I keep a stash of blank white note cards on my desk to jot down verses which refresh and challenge my soul. Already I have thick stack of these cards; I see them as sweet morsels of Scripture overflowing with words of life to embrace again

And again.

Some may bear rich meaning now, others have been slipped onto the ring to deliver refreshment in times to come. Rather than resting unopened in my journal collecting dust, they sit clasped in a place where I can see them, hold them, and revisit the depth of their meaning.

The words written on their face document struggles; they recall victories; their message points to His promises. In the midst of the raging battle they speak of love, hope, and security to deliver my soul from fear. Countless times the Lord has brought comfort through the verses he burdened me to add to my chain in those times of quiet.

I am so thankful for God's Word and for how He uses it in our lives.

Jewels on a Gravel Road

I have probably spent more time reading other blogs than posting on my own. However, I came across this post from an excellent blog; it is a little story with a wonderful take-home point which spoke to my heart.

Where will I choose to set my gaze today? Will I dwell on my disappointments and uncertainties, or will I instead seek to embrace and admire the glorious One: his faithfulness, his promises, his character, the hope he holds?

(photo courtesy of AirNinja.com )

Like searching for jewels on a gravel road, the going may be rough and full of bumps. But by giving the proper vision and perspective, the Lord can illuminate precious treasures along a pathway we only perceive as dust, dirt, and grime.

May I turn my gaze toward the Jewel in my path today.

Hope Attained

Today, gathered together as a family, we remember the life of my dear grandmother. Our hearts rejoice in the saving work of Jesus Christ in her life. Through the death Christ died, the physical death of his chosen ones has no power, no might, no grasp on their eternal souls. Hallelujah!
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But, although this is a joyful time, our hearts also ache at her departure. Over the course of several years we have sadly observed the harsh hold of Alzheimer's disease bring her to a rapid decline. In my selfish desires I wish I could have had a deeper, fuller relationship with this godly lady.
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What it must be like to enter the throne room of Christ and enjoy him forevermore! I envision her now rejoicing in his glory, using her lovely voice to sing endless praises to the King with all her heart and strength. She has a new mind--no longer blurred and hindered by disease--in order to remember and dwell on the glory of God.
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Thank you Lord, for an everlasting hope. It does not just end here. Rather, what we see as the end is only the beginning.