Stop and Savor

With a cup of hot tea in hand, I closed the door and snuggled up in a cozy blanket on the porch. Rays of sunshine pour down from above, red maple glows with leaves afire, wind rushes through the tall grass, chimes softly sing. I crack open a book, my icy fingers clasping the warm teacup as its hot vapor curls upward in the frigid fall air.

I drink its sweetness . . .

All too often we fail to consider the big picture; we box up our minds to only see the duties, the tasks, the trivialities of life. Our focus can be so limited, only giving attention to the needs, the wants, the aches and pains, the schedules, and the responsibilities, causing us to lose appreciation for the season God has placed us in. With selfish focus we gloss over the blessings God has given, the work He is doing, the precious memories in the making. We miss the joys of the treasures given here and now.

Stop. Stretch your eyes. Look for the beauty around you. Like a vapor, these things, these seasons, this life, shall pass. Savor. Remember. Worship.

Warmth of Home

Fall brings a cozy atmosphere, illuminating the richness of home. With leaves swirling in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, this season holds a beauty of its own. Blankets stowed in the back closet come out once again, bringing soft warmth against the cold nip of the crisp fall air.

I love days like these -- days to step back, see, and feel the warmth of home. Candles burning with glowing flame, smells of apples and spice, sweaters hanging on the hook, kettle bubbling in the background, hands clasped around a cup of hot tea . . .

Trails of scattered popcorn along the kitchen floor (the only remaining evidence of the tasty popcorn balls I made), delicious and juicy baked apples for lunch . . .


all proclaim the joy of a place called Home.

Sunshine *

I'm treasuring the sunshine, *
its sparkling, shining rays * *
have kissed these golden stars, * * *
and now their faces glow * * * *

Bottled up with lighted smile, * * *
overflowing in endless glee
they tell me of the joy of day * *
Teaching blinded eyes to see

joy in today.
joy in every day.

Pattern of Perfection

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

>*< * >*< * >*<

Blind belief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

~William Cowper

exerpt from“God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” 1774

For the last several months I have worked on an easy, yet involved knitting project with much trial and error. One could say I “bit off more than I could chew” with this particular project. I have knitted, re-knitted, attached, detached, ripped out, snipped, pulled, and tugged, with hopes that all would turn out right. To put it bluntly, although it has taken form and now shows signs of promise (after I decided to modify the pattern my own way), there is a good chance it may not turn out as I first envisioned. When finished, my sweater may end up worn once and then left in the deep confines of my closet—one of those humble “learning” projects left to be forgotten about. However, I hope it will not be so.

In contrast, as I think about the stitches and rows and the slow development of this piece as it takes form, I am reminded of God’s expert hand in shaping our lives. Unlike me, inexperienced and unsure of the end result, He has planned every curve and has a perfect design in mind. Rather than making adjustments along the way, He has established His plan and intentions for me long before.

How encouraging to know the Lord has a purpose for every little frill, twist, turn, and loop in life. We can rest secure in the knowledge that He knows what lies ahead. We can draw comfort because He is the perfect guide; He leads us—more often, carries us—through all of life, strengthening and preparing us for what He has in store. We can trust Him because He is our light.

>*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*<

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me that path of life; in Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasure forevermore.

~Psalm 16:9-11

For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your Name’s sake you lead me and guide me; . . . Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

~Psalm 31:3, 5

>*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*<

Lord, how easy it is to say, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit,” or “I Surrender All,” but give me a heart which truly bows to You each day, desiring Your will and Your ways as my own. Let me give myself wholeheartedly and without reserve to further the glory of YOUR name; help me to walk in obedience on the path You have designed, trusting in your perfect plan and knowing that what You choose is what is best.

Amidst the Storm

Raindrops lightly fall from the sky; a radiant sky half concealed by a dark, billowy cloud. Unfurling its arms to stretch from one corner of the sky to the other, a blanket of black slowly swathes the sky. Its watery tears drop down to the parched ground one by one, quickening into a torrential downpour. Moans and groans effuse from the depths of the growing darkness, casting a bleak shadow on sunlit hopes. One small hole in the clouds permits a single shaft of sunlight to pierce the darkness: a ray of hope amidst the storm.

Carrying the tempest as if with wings so swift, the wind wooshes through the trees. Bending and swaying, the old trees creak back and forth, their leaves rustling and quaking on each limb. Tugged and thrashed by the uproarious storm, leaves break from their comfortable perch and drift with the wind to places unknown.

Eight rows of clothes still hang on the line, having basked in the bright sunshine only minutes before. Now, drenched from the rain, they whip, tangle, and lash in the roaring wind. Seeking to throw them to the ground, the mighty gusts nearly tear the clothes apart. But, pinned securely to the line, they cling and do not let go.

Sheets of rain continue to pelt the earth, filling every crack and crevice. Water spills down the hills and winds through the valleys below. Dry, cracked, and deficient of water, the remains of a crooked creek rapidly fills, overflowing its shallow banks to gurgle and splash through the rough, rocky terrain. Surrounding trees soak up its cool, energizing flow with glee. Their roots plunge deeper, eagerly surging toward the reservoir containing long-awaited refreshment. Their limp arms find renewed strength to lift up their hands to the sky; each head turned expectantly toward the light.

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!