Baggage

For the past couple of Wednesdays, a sweet, timid, middle-aged woman has been showing up at church.  She comes in with a large backpack and about four or five more bags filled with who knows what.  She tucks them all around her on the floor.  She doesn't want any help bringing them in from her car or through the door.  If someone touches her or them, she gets a bit frantic.  From what she says and does, I realize that she is coping with mental illness.


As I watched her, I realized that she wasn't the only one who had brought extra baggage to church that night. Oh, some of us hid it better than she did, but we still came in juggling bags and then tucked them nice and tight around us.  They do help insulate us.  And help build a protective wall.


How do I know there were others with baggage?  Well, some have let me peek into some of their bags.  So I know some of what they're carrying.  But, basically I know because I brought in all kinds of baggage with me that night.  Some helped insulate me.  Some just made it hard to juggle the rest.


Jesus asks us to lay all of our stuff at His feet. (1 Peter 5:7)  If we seem to get a bit frantic at that thought, He doesn't grab or snatch the stuff out of our hands.  Can you imagine the searing pain of that? No, instead He comes along side of us, puts His loving arms around us, asks us to open just one bag, and then lovingly helps us unpack.

Five Minute Friday: The Hard Love

Gypsy Mama hosts Five Minute Friday.  This is my first time participating, but it sounds fun...and good for me.

The rules are simple.  You take her prompt and write for 5 minutes flat with no editing or tweaking.

So, here goes.

HARD LOVE


GO.

Hard love. Isn’t all love hard? Selfishness gets in the way of love all the time. We want to esteem others better than ourselves (as the Word says), but maybe later. Right now, I’m just tired. Right now, I just don’t feel like it.

Today’s Good Friday. I am so glad that Jesus didn’t feel the way I do so often. But, maybe He did. He just didn’t let it stop Him. Who knows? He was human. He did fall carrying that cross up the hill of Golgotha. He was tired. He felt the pain. The physical pain. The emotional pain. I’ve watched The Passion of the Christ. I know how much physical pain He bore. But, I think the emotional, spiritual pain must have been so much worse. Can you even imagine what carrying EVERYONE’s guilt must have felt like? I can barely bear my own. All of our guilt. All of our sorrow. All of our shame. All of our pain.

That’s hard love. How can I not love Him back?

STOP.

Preparing for Lent

"It is not repentance that saves me;

repentance is the sign that I realise

what God has done in Christ Jesus."

~Oswald Chambers

Over breakfast this morning, Daja's family was discussing Fat Tuesday tomorrow, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  Belgee, her soon-to-be 4 year old says, "I'm fasting Puttanesca."

Definitely a child of a foodie.  I had to go look it up.  I had no idea what Puttanesca was.

But, I have been thinking of Lent.  I am preparing.  Last night I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during the season.  See, I’m giving up my Google Reader. Sounds strange, right?  Google Reader is supposed to be a simplifying tool!  And it is, but I just have so many blogs that I want to read each day.   So, I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during Lent – my family’s, a FEW good friends, and some devotional types.  I’m giving up most of my craft, decorating, cooking, thrift, health, and organizational blogs -- and the folder labeled “People I Know”. Yep, lots of blogs I just can't seem to live without. We’ll see what happens after Easter. Maybe I’ll go back to them; maybe just some of them; maybe none.


Last year I gave up Facebook. It was a bit difficult to pull away, but it was SO good for me. It put my even being on Facebook in perspective and gave me freedom. I think that’s one of the reasons for any discipline. Discipline really does give you freedom. I’m going to say that again. Discipline gives you freedom! Amazing how that works. Just like dying to live and giving to receive.


I read a good post this morning by Edie from life{in}grace regarding Lent for those of us who are not Catholic, or even from a liturgical church. No, Lent is not a scriptural command. But, fasting, repentance, prayer, and discipline are. Following the church calendar just helps us not forget those harder things when we are celebrating the “fun” things like Easter and the Resurrection.

"In many cultures there is an ancient custom

of giving a tenth of each year's income to some holy use.

For Christians, to observe the forty days of Lent

is to do the same thing with roughly a tenth of each year's days.

After being baptized by John in the River Jordan,

Jesus went off alone into the wilderness

where he spent forty days asking himself

the question of what it meant to be Jesus.

During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask

one way or another what it means to be themselves...

to answer questions like this is to begin to hear something

not only of who you are but of both what you are becoming

and what you are failing to become.

It can be pretty depressing business all in all,

but if sackcloth and ashes are at the start of it,

something like Easter may be at the end."

~Frederick Buechner

So, even though I am from a non-denominational, evangelical church, I will be observing Lent. Even though I may not be giving up Puttanesca.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Many people enjoy collecting angels. They have figurines of angels, jewelry with angels, and pictures of angels. Year ‘round. But, angels really abound during the Christmas season. They are everywhere. On tops of Christmas trees, angel-decorated ornaments, knick-knacks of angels, and angels on Christmas cards.

That’s because angels abound in the Christmas story. There was a great deal of angelic activity throughout the story of the birth of Christ. First, an angel brought Mary the news that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Then an angel came and comforted Joseph about the whole predicament. An angel proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, and then a great multitude of angels joined in, singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Angels were definitely an integral part of the Christmas story.

I am sure that the angels were following their God’s commandment in everything they did, but I think they were so very glad to be a part of this whole history-making event! They were familiar with all the prophecies telling of the coming Messiah. They understood the grand plan of God. They knew the implications this story would have on the world. With all of this, can you imagine the excitement the angels themselves were feeling? I’m sure they were singing with gusto. It truly was JOY TO THE WORLD…and to the angels, too!

This is one of my little "angels" in her church's Christmas presentation. 

She's the one in the blue that the camera is centered on.

Beautiful, isn't she?

Third Sunday of Advent

It interests me that God used such a variety of characters in what we call the Christmas Story.  Rich, kingly wise men, glorious angels, a young innocent girl, a godly young man, wicked rulers, and lowly shepherds.

I can think of lots of reasons why God would pick the shepherds to announce the birth of our Savior. There are so many analogies that could be made regarding sheep and shepherds. And each one has a lesson for us to learn.



We often hear that term I used above – lowly shepherds. It wasn’t just that they were humble. It was because they were despised. In first-century Palestine, shepherds were of the lowest class possible. They were not allowed to observe ceremonial law because they were unclean. They weren’t allowed in the temple or synagogues. Shepherds were considered unreliable and not even allowed to give testimony in court! Why would God pick them?


Have you ever wondered why God picked you?


When the shepherds heard about Jesus, they ran to go see Him. After seeing Him, they told everyone they could find all about Him. Then they returned to their sheep, still praising God for all the things that had happened that night. They did not complain that they had work to do, that they weren’t good enough, or that someone else would be better equipped.


When God picks you – whether it is to give birth (like Mary), be faithful (like Joseph), sing praise (like the angels), give gifts (like the wise men), spread the good news of Jesus (like the shepherds), or just worship Him (like they all did) – remember, it’s because you fit God’s criteria. Even if you feel unclean, don’t have a good reputation, don’t feel you have the skills, or just plain don’t fit in, the fact that Jesus came changes all that. He came to be your Savior, which is good news of great joy. He came to make you clean and to bring you into his family, where you will always fit in.


And the angels made sure to announce that this good news is for all people – even me. Even you.

Second Sunday of Advent

The Israelites had just returned from exile to Jerusalem, only to find their city in ruins and the temple destroyed.  Under their governor, Zerubbabel, they excitedly started to rebuild it.  However, they barely got started before opposition set in.  So much so, that nothing happened for years.  Zerubbabel felt like a failure.  His dream had failed. 


But then one day the prophet Zechariah brought a message from God.  Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.  Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.  What are you, O mighty mountain?  Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.  Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it!  God bless it!'  The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple, his hands will also complete it."


Zerubbabel knew now that with God's help, he would finish the temple.  The time had come.  God will complete the work He has started in us, too.  But, let us remember that He was also there in the beginning.  Verse 10 continues, "Do not despise the day of small things.  Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." 

He was there at the beginning and He will be there at the end.  There will be a time of rejoicing if we stick it out to the end.


What small thing have you despised in your life?  Are you going through a time of discouragement?  Does it seem like the opposition will never end?  Does it seem like you or your project will always be small?  That it will never be finished?

On this, the Second Sunday of advent, remember it was in the little town of Bethlehem that Christ was born.  Christ doesn't need all your accomplishments, all your smarts, all your talents, all your successess, all your "bigness".  He's asking you to be faithful in what He called you to do.  He was there in the small beginning; He will be there in the end.  There will be rejoicing and the blessings of God will be evident.

By My Spirit

Lyrics by Alameda Herrick

1957

Is there a mountain in your way?

Do doubts and fears abound?

Press on, oh, hear the Spirit say,

This mountain shall come down.

Is there a river in your path,

A river deep and wide?

Step in, the waters will roll back,

You'll reach the other side.

Is there a fiery furnace trial

Far more than you can bear?

Behold the blessed Son of God,

Is walking with you there.

Then trust alone the mighty God,

He speaks the winds obey.

Take courage, then, oh fainting heart

For you He'll make a way.

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord;

This mountain shall be removed;

This mountain shall be removed.

This mountain shall be removed,

By my Spirit saith the Lord.

First Sunday of Advent

"Look!  The virgin will conceive a child! 

She will give birth to a son,

and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)." 

Matthew 1:23

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

His Name is called Emmanuel

God with us

Revealed in us

His Name is called Emmanuel

(lyrics by Bob McGee)

How glorious this is! 

Because He is with us, we do not have to be afraid.
Because He is with us, He will aways protect us.

Because He is with us, we can rest securely.

Because He is with us, we are never alone.

Because He is with us, His help is always available.

Because He is with us, we always have Someone Who will listen.

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-One

Dedicating Our Children to God

What a privilege!  Yesterday, Joel and Sarah-Kate dedicated their newest children to the Lord.  It is something that we take seriously and is not just a routine, ritual, or formality.  Joel and Sarah read vows to their children and Pastor/Papa blessed them.  Pastor/Papa charged their parents, their brothers, the godparents, the grandparents, and the congregation.  He gave Deonte and Rhema a little Bible and charged Joel with reading and teaching the Word to them. 

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." 

Psalm 127:3

Of course, we also had a great reception/celebration/party afterwards.  We are so thrilled to have Deonte and Rhema in our family! 

Giving Thanks, Day Seventeen

Isaiah 53:2-6

(The Message)

The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,

a scrubby plant in a parched field.

There was nothing attractive about him,

nothing to cause us to take a second look.

He was looked down on and passed over,

a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.

One look at him and people turned away.

We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—

our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.

We thought he brought it on himself,

that God was punishing him for his own failures.

But it was our sins that did that to him,

that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.

Through his bruises we get healed.

We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.

We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.

And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,

on him, on him.

Giving Thanks, Day Eleven

I would be amiss today if I did not thank and honor our United States Veterans for their service to our country. 

My father.  Army.

My brother, Rick.  Marine Corps.

My brother, Dean.  Air Force.

As is the custom around the country, today our town honored our Veterans at a special Veterans Day ceremony at our town's cemetery.  It is always held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. 

My husband was honored to offer the invocation and benediction.  These were his prayers.

Invocation

On this Veterans Day 2010, we come together in the Name of Jesus to this place of remembrance for our Veterans both alive and deceased.

O God, may we not confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day for we have amongst us some tremendous Veterans that we commend for their faithful and courageous service.

I pray for those men and women of the Armed Forces past, present, and future.

I ask God to protect them as they have protected us, to defend them as they have defended us, to encourage and strengthen them.  I pray that You, Almighty God, would keep them mentally and physically strong.  O God, enrich them spiritually to be able to handle and cope with both life and death.

These great people have fought in distant conflicts and wars, pursued peace; they have protected borders or served here at home -- all to safeguard and defend the democracy forged in these United States 234 years ago.

On this Veterans Day and every other day, we salute them and extend our thanks.  We ask our God to smile upon each of you and your families.  I ask the Sovereign Lord to heal your body, mind, soul, and spirit.  May He remind you that your service has not been in vain.

It is with deep gratitude and thanks that we recognize this day as Veterans Day 2010.  We, the people of Paso Robles, California salute, honor, and respect each of you.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Benediction

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth,

As we bring this ceremony to a close, cause each of us to not forget these awesome Veterans.  Again I ask for supernatural peace to rest upon each of them.  As long as we have faithful and courageous citizens like these, America will remain free.

We ask that You bless our Veterans today who have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and other conflicts and places around the world.

These Veterans have laid down and invested their lives for our freedom.  O God, bring America back to gratitude and giving these men and women a hero's welcome and the respect they deserve.

I pray for the upstanding, well-balanced Vet as well as the ones struggling on the streets and living under the bridge.

Lord, we pray for the Veteran located in the highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley, to the lowest in North America, Death Valley.  We pray for Your presence too be real in their lives.

Thank You, Lord, for the two greatest Veterans who brought America to freedom -- the U.S. Military and Your Son, Jesus.  One fought for our freedom here and the other paid for our eternity.

So, we say "thank you" to our Veterans and we bless them in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

6:33 Club

Matthew 6:33 in the Amplified Bible says, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” Those “things” are the daily things of life – what we are going to eat, drink, and wear. Basically, the cares of each day.



God is calling us anew to seek him first. We need to go to God first – when we have a need, when something good has happened, when we need advice, when we go about our daily chores, when a decision has to be made, when life is good, and when it doesn’t seem to be. He should be the One who hears all of our good news first and He should be the One who directs our doings and goings each day.


There is only one way this is going to happen. We need to stay in constant communication with Him. We don’t just need to pray once a day. We need to pray hundreds of prayers each day. The prayers may just be a word or a short sentence. And we also need to listen all day. We need to be on the alert that He may speak to us at any time.


But, we also need to set aside a part of our day to fully spend time with Him each day. Jesus gave us a good example of this. Though Jesus was one with the Father, He felt a need to get away by Himself and spend time with His Father one on one. How much more would it seem we would need such a time? Mark 1:35 tells us, “While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.” (The Message) Because Jesus spent quality time with the Father before the day began, He was able to move in the will of God without hesitation throughout the day. He did not have to stop and “pray about it,” as we hear Christians say so often. He had already received what He needed for that day.


I am challenging each of you to join the “6:33 Club” with me! Let’s seek Him first! Let’s meet one on one with Him in the morning before our day starts. Before anything – before we eat, before the kids are up, before we read our email, before we get on our way.


In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. Psalm 5:3 (Amplified Bible)


Yes, it might be a sacrifice. But the rewards will outweigh the effort to get out of bed a little early. As your day unfolds, you will see how much better and smoother your day goes when you are prepared. In fact, you might find you’ll want to set your “opportunity clock” earlier and earlier as your time with your Lord gets sweeter and sweeter.

"You Gotta Serve Somebody"

Do I Have the Right to Be Offended?

In my meditations lately, relationships have been heavy on my heart. I’ve been noticing a phenomenon lately. One that has no wisdom, Biblically or otherwise, as a foundation. But widespread nonetheless.



What is this prevalent, though unwise, thought? The thought that one should never be offended. That if one is offended about anything, something is wrong. Something needs to be said, done, or corrected. Someone needs confronting. And then, of course, a person also has the perfect right to stew about it.


However, Jesus says in Matthew 18:7, that offenses WILL come. So, the first thing we need to come to terms with is that offenses WILL COME. There is no way around that. You will be offended by your spouse. By your parents. By your child. By your boss. By your employee. By your neighbor. By the person sitting next to you in church. The only way to not be offended by someone is to not let your life touch that person or that person touch your life. Since you cannot follow Christ and also not be in fellowship with His Body, that is not an option.


So, what should you do when offenses come your way? First of all, love God’s Word. Immerse yourself in it, meditate on it. Love it. Psalms 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” So, even though the offense may come your way, if you love God’s Word, you can deflect such offense. To the extent that you may not even notice it. We also need to look at the flip side of this. If you are noticing too many offenses, perhaps you have not developed that true love of God’s Word. Everyone say, “Ouch.”


Secondly, accept those in your life. Accept who they are. Accept that they won’t live up to your expectations. It is not your job or mission to change them; that is Christ’s job. And it is also not your job to somehow passively punish them.


What is your job, mission, or part in this? Forgive. Further on in the same chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells Peter that there is no limit to how many times you must forgive someone – for the same offense. The best way to accomplish limitless forgiveness is to forgive beforehand. Beforehand? Yes. When you start your day, purpose in yourself that you forgive all those you will come in contact with during the progress of the day. That way, when the irritation, the bothersome quip, the offense comes your way, with the help, strength, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will automatically forgive. Once forgiven, the offense is vanquished.


What happens when the offenses are deflected and vanquished? You put down the emotional burden. There is peace. Peace inside you. Peace in your relationships. Peace in your marriage. Peace in your home. Peace in the fellowship of believers. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Jael reading the Christmas story to her siblings and cousins one night during the Advent season:

Merry Christmas to you and yours from us and ours!

For a child has been born—for us!

the gift of a son—for us! . . .

His names will be: Amazing Counselor,

Strong God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Wholeness.

(Isaiah 9:6 The Message)

Celebrating Easter

I am always very critical of myself in pictures, but this one's angle makes us both look stunted. Oh, well. It's the best of the bunch!

Check out those shoes! They were his birthday present from Josh and Serena. Matched his suit wonderfully. It takes a confident man to wear gorgeous shoes!

See the cute little flowers? They are sticking their little heads up through half an eggshell. I saw the idea on Decor to Adore and loved it. However, none of my napkin rings worked. I think they are just as cute this way, though.

Our Menu

Appetizers

Pecan-stuffed Dates

Artichoke Dip with Pita Chips

Relish Tray

Olives

Marinated Artichoke Hearts

Main Course

Slow-cooker Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Garlic Asparagus

Spring Mix with Feta Cheese and Artichoke Hearts

Cheese Bread

Rosemary Potato Bread

Desserts

Ecstasy Cake

Frozen Strawberry Parfait

Look closely and you can see all the mashed potatoes smeared on his face. Feasting is hard work!

Even for Mommies and big brothers.

And we ended the day with celebrating Grandma's 81st birthday. Which was really happening the next day, but we were all together on this day.

It was a good day. My pictures are mostly of our family, but the only reason we have something to celebrate was because we serve a risen Savior.

Amazing!

A Happy Easter to all of you!

As a Christian, celebrating Christ's resurrection is the most important holiday of all. Without His resurrection, we could not experience eternal life! Just the idea of living forever with the One who created us, loved us, died for us, and rose again for us is amazing. But, we don't have to wait for that to happen. Our eternal life can start here! We can live with Him right now! And to know that *He* desires to live with us is even more amazing. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing love!

Easter 2006

The Test

THE TEST

Never the first to be picked on a team ~

I just wasn’t great at games with a ball ~

But if they needed one as a last resort,

It was then on me they would call.

Now this has followed me all of my life,

And some would feel sorry or pity me.

But I made up my mind a long time ago,

To be the best pinch hitter there ever would be.

I promised my Lord with sincere attitude,

“We can’t all be part of the in-crowd I see,

But if someone needs me, yet I’m not their first choice,

Help me do my best, and serve willingly.

“If I’m not even last on anyone’s list

Rejected by some, not thought of at all,

That is ok. But should they ever have need

Let me not turn them away; but gladly offer my all.

Great treasures, as silver or gold, have I none!

But such as I have, a word of praise or persistent prayer,

A listening ear, willing hands, a loving heart,

If someone needs those, please let me volunteer.

If someone should ever have need of my gifts

I won’t say no, and I’ll give my heart’s best.

Yes, I pray it is Christ’s love that they would see!

‘Cause that’s when my faith will be put to the test.

(c) Karin Ristau

Used by permission.

Please visit Karen at Yesterday, Today, Forever for more of her wonderful thoughts.

The Marriage Protection Act, Part 1

This is a cause that is very dear to my heart. And I'll tell you why. I've got so many why's, it may take at least a few posts.

I believe that all beliefs must have a foundation. The foundation for my life and everything in it and about it is God and His Word. So, that's where I start with everything. I don't think that there is anything in this life that cannot be filtered through the Word of God. Only after that, can you know if something is right or wrong, good or bad, fit for you or not.

Marriage was instituted and ordained by God into every society and culture. It was not a thought brought to us by human government. Yes, in our culture and in our legalities, we usually obtain a marriage license. But, that is not where the authority comes from. There is no "reason" for marriage outside of God's plan. After God created man and woman, he put marriage into place.

Genesis 2:24 -- immediately after the creation of woman -- states, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

When talking of marriage, the Apostle Paul compares the relationship between a man and wife with the love between Jesus and His followers. He quotes from Genesis 2 when he writes in his letter to the Ephesians (5:31-32), "The two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery -- but I am talking about Christ and the Church."

In other words, it wasn't God who afterwards thought that it might be understandable to us if He used the example of marriage to explain Jesus' relationship with us. It was the other way around. He ordained marriage as a reflection upon Himself and His relationship with us.

When a couple marries, their act of consummation is a symbolic picture of the wedding of Christ and His followers. In a real sense, each time a couple enjoys the “marriage act”, it is a proclamation to Satan that God’s plan of love will win out over Satan’s attempt to dethrone the Lord in the Garden of Eden. Even though it seems incomprehensible when we say it, every time a married couple enjoys one another sexually, the gospel is proclaimed!

Is there any wonder that Satan wants to pervert it? (as he has done music, medicine and medical research, dance, and so many other things)

I sincerely HOPE that you in California have heard of Proposition 8 by now. It is the Marriage Protection Act. It originally stated that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” That’s it. The same 14 words that were used when California voted on it before. (Unfortunately, our Attorney General got ahold of it and reworded it.) At that time of the first vote, 61% of the voters said yes. Four San Francisco-based judges have now said no. They decided against the will of the people. Proposition 8 will protect the people’s will and restores the definition of marriage -- the definition from the beginning of time.

Prop. 8 does not take away any rights or benefits from gay or lesbian domestic partners. Under California law, they “shall have the same rights, protections and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code 297.5) Prop 8 will not change this. We are not trying to take anything away from domestic partners.

Many people ask why Proposition 8 is so important. If we have same-sex marriages, what difference will that make to me?

There are many differences it will make. Hopefully, I will address them in future posts. But, the spiritual foundation is this:

Anything but a monogamous heterosexual marriage is a direct affront to our salvation and to our relationship with Christ. Remember, Biblical marriage totally outdates governmental laws of marriage. We have to remember that it isn’t our laws that govern our marriage; it is God’s Word!

What can you do?

Of course, the main thing you can do is VOTE! If you are not yet registered to vote, do so immediately. The cut off date is October 20, so you have a few more days. Do it today!

A Major Haul, Vintage Laundry Bags, and a New Friend!

This summer, we went to a two-family yard sale. They had some nice stuff. We bought a few pieces. One lady threw in some extras. Yes, on her own and just because. Turns out she was moving out of town and was down-sizing big time. She was tired of standing out in the heat and just wanted to be done for the day. Besides it wasn't even her house where she was selling this stuff.

We had purchased a good-sized chair, so we had to go get our son's truck to pick it up. When we got back, she mentioned that she had a bunch of stuff in her garage that was just odds and ends and wanted to know if we wanted it.

What do you think we said? Of course, we wanted it.

We took the truck and FILLED it. Her odds and ends ended up in my still-to-be-finished patio room. I've been VERY slowly going through it. So slowly, most of it is still there!

But, in my defense, it is hard to go through this stuff. Why? Because most of it I want to keep! Either it is perfect or I think, "I could probably use this for something."

I will probably be referencing this stash in the future, but I thought I would show you something delightful I came across while looking through a pile of linens. Isn't this the darlingest vintage laundry bag you've ever seen? Hand embroidered on soft muslin. My poor photos don't do it justice.





It is currently just hanging in my laundry room making me happy every time I see it.

Oh, but that's not the end of the story. And not the best part, either.

We really hit if off with this charming woman. She started sharing her life with us. We prayed together. She committed her life to Jesus. It was such a divine appointment. We had her over for dinner the next night, along with Sarah-Kate. After dinner, we three women sat in the living room talking late into the night. Even though she left early the next morning along with her moving trucks, it was wonderful sowing seeds into a brand-new friendship.