Have a wonderful Sunday!
2 hours ago
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Meaningful Decor~
I thought I would share one of my favorite spots in the house. I just love sitting in this room reading my Bible or listening to Miss Courtney play the piano. I enjoy the warmth of the aged-amber wall color, my cozy and comfortable sofa and the beautiful name that is displayed above my piano. Jesus is the center of my life. His name is sweet music to my ears. In Him alone my hope is found.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Ticket of Grace
Do you ever get so distracted by the little things in life that you neglect the important things? You know... those things that are there to protect you and make your life better, safer and meaningful.
Several years ago, I was distracted and treated a red light like a four way stop. The intersection was empty. Well, not totally empty. There was a police officer parked on the side of the road. I saw him before I proceeded to drive through the red light. In my mind, I wasn't doing anything wrong. So, when he pulled me over I was puzzled.
As the officer approached the car, I smiled and said "Wazzzzzuuuuuuuup, ociffer?" Not really. "What's the problem, officer?" He seemed surprised by my ignorance. (Obvisously, he didn't know me.) "Really? You don't know why I pulled you over?" "No, sir, I don't." Then he explained why and I started to get choked up. I turned and looked at my kids. They were safely buckled in their seats, looking somewhat bewildered at the fact that mom was b-u-s-t-e-d. (Although, I think they might have enjoyed the excitement.) As I looked at their sweet little faces, I thought about what could have happened due to my negligence. I was so thankful that God had protected us from an accident - an accident that could have resulted in serious injury or possibly death! Being a woman, I shared those same thoughts with the officer. He looked back at the kids, smiled and expressed gratitude for everyone's safety, as well. He handed my driver's license back to me, told me to be careful and turned to walk away. "But, what about my ticket? I deserve one." (Yes, I really said that.) He chuckled and repeated, "Just be careful."
I was grateful for that officer's mercy. I really was. While I was willing to pay the penalty for my wrongdoing, the last thing I needed at that time was to attend traffic school.
That is such a small thing in light of what God has done for us. We deserve eternal separation from God. We really do. But, that is one ticket I am not going to try to talk God into giving me.
Over the last few weeks I've been distracted. By what? Really...nothing much. Isn't that just one of the ways Satan gets us to take our eyes off of God? He uses little things that aren't good or bad. Just a bunch of little things to keep us busy and distracted. But, God is so good and has been gently reminding me of His amazing love for me. He's reminded me that while I was still His enemy, He sent His Son to take the punishment for my sin - everything that I've done, said and thought that is contrary to His word. That's a lot!! Even now as His adopted daughter, when I get busy and neglect my relationship with Him, He is faithful to forgive me when I confess my sins.
I've had some down time due to a nasty cold. I've had time to think about God and how wonderful He is. I've had time to think about myself - how not so wonderful I am. I say that not with a "poor me" attitude. None of us are wonderful. Come on, we all know it.
As I thought about my sin, I thought more about the pain that Jesus went through for me. He died on the cross to satisfy the wrath of God. God is just. He cannot overlook sin. Sin must be punished. Here's Jesus. He never sinned. I have sinned. I've sinned small and I've sinned big. I've sinned a lot!
In steps grace, God's grace. His grace offers us something we don't deserve - eternal life with Him - and takes away something we do deserve - eternal punishment apart from Him.
We've all broken laws and deserve a "ticket". But, God has shown us grace, mercy and compassion by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our crimes.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
May I be reminded that on the cross Jesus destroyed my one way ticket to hell, and by grace offered me a new ticket into God's presence.
The Ticket of Grace.
Several years ago, I was distracted and treated a red light like a four way stop. The intersection was empty. Well, not totally empty. There was a police officer parked on the side of the road. I saw him before I proceeded to drive through the red light. In my mind, I wasn't doing anything wrong. So, when he pulled me over I was puzzled.
As the officer approached the car, I smiled and said "Wazzzzzuuuuuuuup, ociffer?" Not really. "What's the problem, officer?" He seemed surprised by my ignorance. (Obvisously, he didn't know me.) "Really? You don't know why I pulled you over?" "No, sir, I don't." Then he explained why and I started to get choked up. I turned and looked at my kids. They were safely buckled in their seats, looking somewhat bewildered at the fact that mom was b-u-s-t-e-d. (Although, I think they might have enjoyed the excitement.) As I looked at their sweet little faces, I thought about what could have happened due to my negligence. I was so thankful that God had protected us from an accident - an accident that could have resulted in serious injury or possibly death! Being a woman, I shared those same thoughts with the officer. He looked back at the kids, smiled and expressed gratitude for everyone's safety, as well. He handed my driver's license back to me, told me to be careful and turned to walk away. "But, what about my ticket? I deserve one." (Yes, I really said that.) He chuckled and repeated, "Just be careful."
I was grateful for that officer's mercy. I really was. While I was willing to pay the penalty for my wrongdoing, the last thing I needed at that time was to attend traffic school.
That is such a small thing in light of what God has done for us. We deserve eternal separation from God. We really do. But, that is one ticket I am not going to try to talk God into giving me.
Over the last few weeks I've been distracted. By what? Really...nothing much. Isn't that just one of the ways Satan gets us to take our eyes off of God? He uses little things that aren't good or bad. Just a bunch of little things to keep us busy and distracted. But, God is so good and has been gently reminding me of His amazing love for me. He's reminded me that while I was still His enemy, He sent His Son to take the punishment for my sin - everything that I've done, said and thought that is contrary to His word. That's a lot!! Even now as His adopted daughter, when I get busy and neglect my relationship with Him, He is faithful to forgive me when I confess my sins.
I've had some down time due to a nasty cold. I've had time to think about God and how wonderful He is. I've had time to think about myself - how not so wonderful I am. I say that not with a "poor me" attitude. None of us are wonderful. Come on, we all know it.
As I thought about my sin, I thought more about the pain that Jesus went through for me. He died on the cross to satisfy the wrath of God. God is just. He cannot overlook sin. Sin must be punished. Here's Jesus. He never sinned. I have sinned. I've sinned small and I've sinned big. I've sinned a lot!
In steps grace, God's grace. His grace offers us something we don't deserve - eternal life with Him - and takes away something we do deserve - eternal punishment apart from Him.
We've all broken laws and deserve a "ticket". But, God has shown us grace, mercy and compassion by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our crimes.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
May I be reminded that on the cross Jesus destroyed my one way ticket to hell, and by grace offered me a new ticket into God's presence.
The Ticket of Grace.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Musical Notation~
Last night was Courtney's Stage Voice Recital. The students were required to perform two songs, one without a mic (in order to learn how to project) and one with a mic. She sang "Sister Suffragette" from Mary Poppins and "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson. I thought for sure she was singing the latter for me. But, no...it was for the handsome young man sitting to my left.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Metamorphosis Monday~ Keepsake Boxes
This week I decided to spotlight the craftiness of my husband. Whoops! That doesn't sound good, does it? Well, you know what I mean. I am amazed that he can take a bunch of pieces of flat wood and handcraft them into a beautiful treasure.
Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoyed your stay!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Front Porch Falling Up
One of my favorite blogs is Centsational Girl. Kate inspires like no one else when it comes to DIY projects. One of her latest was sprucing up her front porch with glazed pumpkins, fall leaves and the gorgeous, rich colors of autumn...my favorite time of the year!
I love everything this woman does! So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that I copied many of her special touches...including the rug! Once you see it, you'll know why...it is beautiful! I hear that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Of course, if she lived next door that might be a problem. But, since we are on opposite ends of California, I don't think she'll mind too much.
See Kate's blog for pumpkin glazing and other fun projects.
BEFORE
AFTER
A Plain Yellow Pumpkin
Becomes A Golden Carriage
Accessorize!
Golden Girls!
Boring Baskets...Yawn...
Razzle Dazzled!
Yellow Mums For A Warm Welcome
Meet Piper Driscoll. He's my little owl named after two of my favorite Bible teachers...John Piper and Mark Driscoll. They're wise!
Isn't this rug simply stunning! I just love the colors and design!
Happy Fall to my Wonderful Blogger Friends!
Between Naps on the Porch
The DIY Show Off
I love everything this woman does! So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that I copied many of her special touches...including the rug! Once you see it, you'll know why...it is beautiful! I hear that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Of course, if she lived next door that might be a problem. But, since we are on opposite ends of California, I don't think she'll mind too much.
See Kate's blog for pumpkin glazing and other fun projects.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tootsie Time Inspires!
And Metamorphosis Monday...
Hosted by Susan@Between Naps On The Porch
Inspired by Tootsie@Tootsie Time
The above award is from my adopted sister, Tootsie from Tootsie Time. If you've never visited her blog, please do so. But, not yet...wait until you're done here. Tootsie has a special touch when it comes to gardening. You'll just love all of the colorful and creative ways she brings her flower beds to life! She is the one that motivated me to finally do something with the little area I have pictured below. Living in the desert with soil that is clay-like is a challenge. Nonetheless, Tootsie really inspired me to get out there and add some life. My plan was to post photos after my "garden" filled in a little more. But, I'm just too excited to wait. Besides, if I wait too long, it's quite possible everything could dry up and die.
But, before you scroll down to view photos...
I would like to pass this Encouragement Award on to the following bloggers who have touched my heart by their generousity and kindness.
Jen@Jen's Account Balanced and Reconciled
Courtney@Reborn of the Court
Tamara@The Greenhouse Diaries
Kammy@Small Home In The Country
Rainey@The Project Table
LeAnn@GeeezLoueez~A Blog Now? Seriously?
Melissa@Melissa's Heart and Home
Terry@Lady Liberty Patriot
Before
After
The above award is from my adopted sister, Tootsie from Tootsie Time. If you've never visited her blog, please do so. But, not yet...wait until you're done here. Tootsie has a special touch when it comes to gardening. You'll just love all of the colorful and creative ways she brings her flower beds to life! She is the one that motivated me to finally do something with the little area I have pictured below. Living in the desert with soil that is clay-like is a challenge. Nonetheless, Tootsie really inspired me to get out there and add some life. My plan was to post photos after my "garden" filled in a little more. But, I'm just too excited to wait. Besides, if I wait too long, it's quite possible everything could dry up and die.
But, before you scroll down to view photos...
I would like to pass this Encouragement Award on to the following bloggers who have touched my heart by their generousity and kindness.
Jen@Jen's Account Balanced and Reconciled
Courtney@Reborn of the Court
Tamara@The Greenhouse Diaries
Kammy@Small Home In The Country
Rainey@The Project Table
LeAnn@GeeezLoueez~A Blog Now? Seriously?
Melissa@Melissa's Heart and Home
Terry@Lady Liberty Patriot
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