AMELIA!!!!!
I only had two comments, which means either I'm not very popular since I haven't been blogging much, or y'all just aren't living the creative life at the moment. :-)
Marina, you didn't mention wanting to be part of the game, but if you do, let me know!
So, Amelia, do you want me to drop the birdhouse by, have lunch, go camping, give it to you when we pick strawberries...? :-)
Now I can't wait to see what Amelia does. If you've dropped by her place and seen the pictures of the girls' room, you know she is very creative. Might be smart to see what shows up on her blog because you might want it! And even if you don't want to be part of the game, you need to visit because she is a gifted writer whose inspiration is the Holy Spirit, and He gives her some powerful truth to share. It's good stuff, folks. Bless yourself and give her a visit.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
CONTEST!!!
MONTHS ago I won a contest on Jan's blog. She made me a beautiful scarf that I have very much enjoyed. I gave up crochet and knitting, but I like to paint. In fact, I enjoy painting birdhouses. If you like birdhouses, or know someone who does, this could be the perfect contest for you!
Here's how the contest works. On March 27th, I will draw two names from the comments below. Each will receive a birdhouse similar to the one below (the background colors differ because I mix them when I paint them). In turn, if you win, you must make two handmade items (of your choice) and post it on your blog within a year (enclose a link leading back to this page). That's all there is to it. Are you interested? Leave a comment below and lets get started.
Note: The picture does not adequately display the decoration on the birdhouse. The snowflakes are covered in white and irridescent glitter, and the shingles drip "snow" in the form of glitter as well. The base also sparkles with the winter beauty. This is not an outside birdhouse as I could not find a way to protect the glitter and paint from the elements without damaging the decoration. It does, however, make a lovely decorative piece for the winter.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Gratitude 18--Springing to Life
Spring has come in Texas. Granted, it's supposed to leave again Thursday, but it came and settled in like a much needed warmth in a chilly room. It wrapped around us, seeped into our hearts and spirits, and breathed life all around. It was as though God Himself stepped from Heaven to visit and wherever His robe touched, life exploded.
I have tried to intentionally look for such explosions. I have observed the fruit trees as they have gone from bud to blossom to green fluffy stoles wrapped high around them. I have inhaled deeply the fragrance of the hyacinths bright on our front porch, and just yesterday...
This is one of my favorite seasons, the season when promises that have been dormant and sometimes seemed dead suddenly come back to life and leave anyone with sense in wonder and amazement at the speed and beauty with which such answers come forth. It leaves me engulfed in thanks, and I'm thankful for so much, like...
1. Hyacinth and daffodil bulbs in pots "put out of the way bec
ause they are dead" that wave at me when I walk by, reminding me that things long buried can burst forth at the most unexpected--but such desperately needed--times.
25. White plum blossoms.
28. Iris bulbs, missed when the flowerbed was cleaned, that send up a happy leaf or two that says its happy to be here.
29. Sharing bulbs with friends.
30. Fall leaves becoming rich dirt in the yard.
31. The joy of wondering what else is coming.
I have tried to intentionally look for such explosions. I have observed the fruit trees as they have gone from bud to blossom to green fluffy stoles wrapped high around them. I have inhaled deeply the fragrance of the hyacinths bright on our front porch, and just yesterday...
This is one of my favorite seasons, the season when promises that have been dormant and sometimes seemed dead suddenly come back to life and leave anyone with sense in wonder and amazement at the speed and beauty with which such answers come forth. It leaves me engulfed in thanks, and I'm thankful for so much, like...
1. Hyacinth and daffodil bulbs in pots "put out of the way bec
ause they are dead" that wave at me when I walk by, reminding me that things long buried can burst forth at the most unexpected--but such desperately needed--times.2. Red tulips that shout, "Surprise! I'm here!" after the hyacinths have begun to fade.
3. Big eyes of wonder on little boys who love red tulips!
3. Big eyes of wonder on little boys who love red tulips!
4. 190 peat pots sprouting with 27 different kinds of flowers.
5. God's preventing the germination of seeds which would produce plants with the ability to take over our whole garden and detroy everytihng else.
6. Google, that gives information on all kinds of plants--especially the only one that did not come up--and comments warning about its aggressive nature.
7. Empty pots at 8:00 am that are covered with a green carpet of Shasta Daisies by 11:00 am.
8. The awe of "suddenly".
9. Sunny windows where peat pots can be warmed.
10. Window seats that hold over 200 peat pots.
11. Husbands who think it is funny that I have 32 types of flowers and herbs growing but want to grow more, "just see what they do."
12. Good soil.
13. Information on earthworm farms.
14. Worm dirt.
15. That God only uses the BEST dirt.
16. Peat pots.
17. Good garden gloves.
18. Painkillers for my sore hands.
19. Grass snakes that don't mind moving out of the way so I can clean out flower beds.
20. Soaker hoses that soak the sod and make pulling grass and weeds easier.
21. Good shovels.
22. Children who run to see what life on the window seat is doing.
23. Phototropism.
24. Pink peach blosooms.
6. Google, that gives information on all kinds of plants--especially the only one that did not come up--and comments warning about its aggressive nature.
7. Empty pots at 8:00 am that are covered with a green carpet of Shasta Daisies by 11:00 am.
8. The awe of "suddenly".
9. Sunny windows where peat pots can be warmed.
10. Window seats that hold over 200 peat pots.
11. Husbands who think it is funny that I have 32 types of flowers and herbs growing but want to grow more, "just see what they do."
12. Good soil.
13. Information on earthworm farms.
14. Worm dirt.
15. That God only uses the BEST dirt.
16. Peat pots.
17. Good garden gloves.
18. Painkillers for my sore hands.
19. Grass snakes that don't mind moving out of the way so I can clean out flower beds.
20. Soaker hoses that soak the sod and make pulling grass and weeds easier.
21. Good shovels.
22. Children who run to see what life on the window seat is doing.
23. Phototropism.
24. Pink peach blosooms.
25. White plum blossoms.
26. Plum blossom fragrance.
27. Clothes drying on the line.
27. Clothes drying on the line.
28. Iris bulbs, missed when the flowerbed was cleaned, that send up a happy leaf or two that says its happy to be here.
29. Sharing bulbs with friends.
30. Fall leaves becoming rich dirt in the yard.
31. The joy of wondering what else is coming.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Gratitude 17--Morning Gratitude
The temperatures are warm enough for quiet mornings on the deck. In the early morning light, I sit in quiet and seek the Lord. I find wondrous things...
1. Two trees intertwined to make one boasting of peach and plum blossoms.
2. Owls asking "hoo" else is enjoying the morning.
3. Birds singing praise.
4. Trees waving their arms in the breeze, rejoicing.
5. I raise my arms, too. Why should the trees have all the fun?
6. A comfy rocker.
7. Hot coffee.
8. Quiet solitude.
9. Enough light to journal by
9. A Bible in my language.
10. The ability to read.
11. The Lord desiring me so much He wakes me up early so we can be alone.
1. Two trees intertwined to make one boasting of peach and plum blossoms.
2. Owls asking "hoo" else is enjoying the morning.
3. Birds singing praise.
4. Trees waving their arms in the breeze, rejoicing.
5. I raise my arms, too. Why should the trees have all the fun?
6. A comfy rocker.
7. Hot coffee.
8. Quiet solitude.
9. Enough light to journal by
9. A Bible in my language.
10. The ability to read.
11. The Lord desiring me so much He wakes me up early so we can be alone.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Gratitude 16--Feeling Clean
This week all in our family are finally well. With family coming in to town this weekend--and dust so thick I was concerned small critters might find it a great place to burrow--I decided it was time to clean. I don't mind cleaning. In fact, I was very thankful to be able to clean this week. Some things that made me sigh with contentment and whisper, "Thank you, Lord," include:
1. The smell of clean.
2. Brooms.
3. Mops.
4. Dustpans.
5. Open windows.
6. Antibacterial wipes.
7. Ironing boards.
8. Electric irons.
9. Washing machines.
10. Dryers.
12. Clean Sheets.
12. Dust clothes that capture the dust instead of dislocating it so it can settle elsewhere when I have left the room and am not looking.
13.Windows with children's fingerprints. They won't always have them.
14. Clean windows that will gather more fingerprints.
15. Glass table tops that shine.
16. Sinks without toothpaste or whiskers.
17. Bathtubs with a basket of toys but no soap ring.
18. Polished china hutch from Greatgrandma.
19. Nativity figurines that sparkle in the light.
20. A bedside table without used kleenex, waterbottles, or empty glasses.
21. Being able to sit a book on the now clean bedside table.
22. The removal of dead spiders and their magnum opi.
23. Carpets that are not covered with a few layers of white hair haplessly deposited by a lovable Lab-experiment.
24. Woodfloors that no longer serve as a habitation for an entire colony of dust bunnies.
25. Bleached white sinks.
26. Mirrors that show one's reflection, not toothpaste splatters.
27. Tile floors that don't make you nervous to walk barefooted.
28. Green plants without the dead leaves of neglect.
29. Books in order on shelves.
30. Getting rid of the nuclear experiment that spilled in the microwave.
31. The satisfaction of a job finished.
32. The sleep of contented tiredness.
1. The smell of clean.
2. Brooms.
3. Mops.
4. Dustpans.
5. Open windows.
6. Antibacterial wipes.
7. Ironing boards.
8. Electric irons.
9. Washing machines.
10. Dryers.
12. Clean Sheets.
12. Dust clothes that capture the dust instead of dislocating it so it can settle elsewhere when I have left the room and am not looking.
13.Windows with children's fingerprints. They won't always have them.
14. Clean windows that will gather more fingerprints.
15. Glass table tops that shine.
16. Sinks without toothpaste or whiskers.
17. Bathtubs with a basket of toys but no soap ring.
18. Polished china hutch from Greatgrandma.
19. Nativity figurines that sparkle in the light.
20. A bedside table without used kleenex, waterbottles, or empty glasses.
21. Being able to sit a book on the now clean bedside table.
22. The removal of dead spiders and their magnum opi.
23. Carpets that are not covered with a few layers of white hair haplessly deposited by a lovable Lab-experiment.
24. Woodfloors that no longer serve as a habitation for an entire colony of dust bunnies.
25. Bleached white sinks.
26. Mirrors that show one's reflection, not toothpaste splatters.
27. Tile floors that don't make you nervous to walk barefooted.
28. Green plants without the dead leaves of neglect.
29. Books in order on shelves.
30. Getting rid of the nuclear experiment that spilled in the microwave.
31. The satisfaction of a job finished.
32. The sleep of contented tiredness.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Gratitude 15--Slow Mornings
This morning my littlest one woke up too warm and pretty queazy, so we had a slow morning. While I hate when my family is sick, there are so many things about slow morning that I love.
Thank you, Lord, for slow mornings and all they entail.
1. Warm blankets.
2. Snuggle buddies.
3. A Big Bed with room for everyone.
4. Clifford the Big Red Dog.
5. Soft pillows.
6. Soft sheets.
7. Poodles that like to lie on our toes.
8. The sun slipping through the window.
9. Birds singing praise to you.
10. Cool washcloths.
11. Meds to bring down fevers.
12. Being able to lie in bed and doze.
13. The sound of a daughter's voice wandering down the hall as she prays in her room.
14. Little hands that pat my face.
15. Small fingers that wrap around mine for comfort.
16. Arms to hold precious jewels we call children.
17. Gentle music.
18. Cold water.
19. Overhead fans.
20. The amazing sound of a child's breath while he sleeps.
21. The privilege of being a mom.
22. The ability to rub aching muscles.
23. The soft voice that says, "I'm glad you're here, Mom."
24. The knowledge that when I am looking at that sleeping face, I am beholding one of the great masterpieces of all time.
25. Knowing you are right there with us, curled up in the bed, listening, loving, healing.
Thank you, Lord, for slow mornings and all they entail.
1. Warm blankets.
2. Snuggle buddies.
3. A Big Bed with room for everyone.
4. Clifford the Big Red Dog.
5. Soft pillows.
6. Soft sheets.
7. Poodles that like to lie on our toes.
8. The sun slipping through the window.
9. Birds singing praise to you.
10. Cool washcloths.
11. Meds to bring down fevers.
12. Being able to lie in bed and doze.
13. The sound of a daughter's voice wandering down the hall as she prays in her room.
14. Little hands that pat my face.
15. Small fingers that wrap around mine for comfort.
16. Arms to hold precious jewels we call children.
17. Gentle music.
18. Cold water.
19. Overhead fans.
20. The amazing sound of a child's breath while he sleeps.
21. The privilege of being a mom.
22. The ability to rub aching muscles.
23. The soft voice that says, "I'm glad you're here, Mom."
24. The knowledge that when I am looking at that sleeping face, I am beholding one of the great masterpieces of all time.
25. Knowing you are right there with us, curled up in the bed, listening, loving, healing.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Just Another Day
The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking fills the house.
Laughter comes from the children's bedrooms where they play together as brother and sister and best friends.
The man of my dreams sits across the room from me reading his Bible, seek the Lord, desiring wisdom.
Three four-legged family members lie like furry rugs on the floor, breathing softly, warm, making our family complete.
I sit with my computer taking in the smells, sounds, and sights. A smile crosses my face. Joy fills my heart.
This is the place love resides. These are the ones from whom it flows. This is where I find it, day in and day out.
On the counter sit three cards, two addressed to "Mom" and one addressed to "My Wife". They are pretty. I have already forgotten what they said.
However, I remember earlier this week, the precious boy with wiggling toes lying on my bed with me, reading favorite book after favorite book, letting my silenced vocal chords heal.
I remember many mornings recently, the young daughter making breakfast while my body rested under the drowsy effects of medication.
I remember the many meals, shopping errands, and homework help given by the man who reads his Bible, desiring to learn to love like Jesus.
I remember the emails, the chicken soup, the prayers sent, given, and offered up to us and for us.
I remember these actions and the love they spoke, the love that wrapped around my weary body and cheered my discouraged heart. They come to life over and over in my mind. Another smile touches my lips. Joy explodes anew in my heart.
These were not acts of love given because a calendar said it was the day for them. These were gifts offered because love does not have a holiday. It has a drive to give and be given. It needs no reminder. It is not confined by a special day but rather searches relentlessly for a moment--any moment--to pour itself out and lift others up.
For love, every day is just another day, and that is what makes it everyday so amazingly special.
Copyright Jerri Phillips 2009
Laughter comes from the children's bedrooms where they play together as brother and sister and best friends.
The man of my dreams sits across the room from me reading his Bible, seek the Lord, desiring wisdom.
Three four-legged family members lie like furry rugs on the floor, breathing softly, warm, making our family complete.
I sit with my computer taking in the smells, sounds, and sights. A smile crosses my face. Joy fills my heart.
This is the place love resides. These are the ones from whom it flows. This is where I find it, day in and day out.
On the counter sit three cards, two addressed to "Mom" and one addressed to "My Wife". They are pretty. I have already forgotten what they said.
However, I remember earlier this week, the precious boy with wiggling toes lying on my bed with me, reading favorite book after favorite book, letting my silenced vocal chords heal.
I remember many mornings recently, the young daughter making breakfast while my body rested under the drowsy effects of medication.
I remember the many meals, shopping errands, and homework help given by the man who reads his Bible, desiring to learn to love like Jesus.
I remember the emails, the chicken soup, the prayers sent, given, and offered up to us and for us.
I remember these actions and the love they spoke, the love that wrapped around my weary body and cheered my discouraged heart. They come to life over and over in my mind. Another smile touches my lips. Joy explodes anew in my heart.
These were not acts of love given because a calendar said it was the day for them. These were gifts offered because love does not have a holiday. It has a drive to give and be given. It needs no reminder. It is not confined by a special day but rather searches relentlessly for a moment--any moment--to pour itself out and lift others up.
For love, every day is just another day, and that is what makes it everyday so amazingly special.
Copyright Jerri Phillips 2009
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