Nesting Has Begun

I always seem to lose any ambitions with creating and decorating in the summer months...maybe where it gets so hot?  With the cooler breezes we've been having, I am getting antsy  for fall. 

 I think they call it "nesting". 

 wink wink

So today, I woke up with the itch to do something.

It started with this little frame and vases holder I found at Michael's last week.  Instead of sitting it on a surface, I had the bright idea of putting it into this frame.  

I have it up above the trash cabinet.

Then I made the mirror above the wall grate.  Two mirrors from a vanity with a piece of wood attaching the two on the back making them one and added a hanger.  Reminds me of a transom window!

These 3 plaques originally hung beneath the wall great...so I moved them here.  I love the reflection in the mirror.

Then I made the flowers, basket and hanger that's on the door.  It needed something and this did the trick!

And guess what?  Louis didn't help me at all...all he did was gaze out of the window and daydream.  Can you believe that?

I hope your Sunday has been blessed and that you have a great upcoming week!

What Do Our Lives Reflect

I decided today, that I would pull out my camera and focus on a few things that I've done around the house.  While taking photos, I noticed that I have so many mirrors.  I had a friend tell me, well of course you do, you have so many beautiful things to reflect.  That made me think....

Every corner I turn, I see something soft and beautiful throughout our home.  It's a place that makes us all feel comfortable and relaxed.  But, those mirrors reflect so much more.  They are a reflection of our lives, what  we share, the laughter, the tears, the love.

  

Our dreams.....for our own lives and for others.

The calm moments when life is good.

And the times when all we needed  to do was stay focused.

For all of the doors that never opened, and those that did.

The moments when we've needed rest and love.

When family was the most important thing in our lives and held on to it with everything we had.

Walking down those roads that seemed to go on forever and ever with no end in sight.

And when we stopped to smell the flowers and enjoyed life a little along the way.

For those moments when we felt all alone.

But realized that when we have God, we have it all and nothing is too big or small that He can't do.

When we felt like hanging up the towel and walking away.

We came together when the hardest times hit,  we fought, stood together in unity, and battled the demons that came to kill, steal and destroy our love.

That's what those mirrors reflect to me.  Our lives, our love and our success in this big old world.....

~JESUS~

Everyone has dark moments....don't let anyone make you feel ashamed of those.  Those days aren't meant to stay.   For those times, when we are our weakest, God is HIS strongest and is winning the battles.  He holds us up, dusts us off, wipes away our tears and gives us HOPE. 

I want my life to reflect everything.  I will not pretend the world is all beautiful and put my head in the sand.  But I will see the beauty in the ashes, strength in fear, gladness in mourning and peace in despair.  For all of those bad moments, God  always gives a better outcome. 

So today, as I look around, I see the past, present and future reflecting back at me.  And I must say, I am so very content with what God has done, is doing and is still doing for me.  

I am so very blessed.

Saying Goodbye

Life has certainly been on hold for me these past few months.  Nothing pretty or unique that I've done lately to share other than the need for prayers.

I do want to thank those who've prayed.  I greatly appreciate them all.

Today, we attended the funeral to someone that has become such a huge part of our lives...my mother's husband of 16 years.  Today was his birthday.   

  Carl lost his battle with cancer but his soul was gained in Heaven.

I just cannot believe he's gone.  I'll never hear him say my name again, see this sleepy smile of his or be able to ask my many questions about computers, coins, automobile trouble, or ask for help with so many other things.  

As I sat by my Mom, we listened to a song that was their love song at their wedding.  We both sat and cried.  The love they shared was something she had always wanted ever since I can remember.  Carl gave it to her freely. 

I saw these two give this look to each other  all throughout their time together. Like two teenagers!

Carl didn't like cake so he was thrilled with his birthday pie especially with the "0", lol!  That smile was priceless!

He and Mom shared many birthdays together and he always made hers special.  

He had three sons...Carl Jr., Stacey and Michael.  He had 6 grandchildren in all.  

Carl loved animals and throughout the years, we discovered a stray was always welcome.  He and Mom could never turn them away.  Our animals always loved to see him come because they knew they'd get a treat and some loving from him.

He couldn't stand the color red but he wore it for Mom every Christmas...now that's love!  We always had a lot of laughs together.

This was their first ever selfie during one of his many stays in the hospital this past year.  He sure was a fighter!

I'm sure going to miss him but something that made me smile today....knowing he's in Heaven with Mammaw and my Aunt Judy.  He loved them dearly and they loved him too.

He loved to shock Mammaw and make her smile....He always wanted her to be happy.  He loved it when she came down to stay with them.

I could write a book on all of the things I got to know and love about him.  We had our bumpy start but had a smooth finish and for that I am so grateful!  I know he truly loved me and my family.

I love you Carl....glad we got to spend so much time together and make memories.  Thanks for everything you did for me and my family.  

And until we see each other again, I'll carry you in my heart.

We All Change

Its funny how we all change as we get older, experience things throughout our lives, see things differently when we really go through hard times.....it's called growing up.  As a child, I saw many things a child should have never seen or experienced. But looking back, I believe God allowed that stuff to benefit me as I got older.  He didn't make it happen, the devil did, but God turned it to the good as His word says.  

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose".  

I've watched my Mom go through some really difficult times. We've experienced many together.  We've had our ups and downs and our relationship suffered greatly for many years.  But the way I grew up, I knew how important family was and is,  so we fought through it and now we've both changed.   There were times I thought my Mom was a weak person for not standing firm or for taking abuse.  I watched her give in time after time as my heart broke for me and for her.  Knowing that our relationship would take yet another blow.  Even though, at times, we were on different pages, we still had a deep love for each other and knew how important family was so we struggled through.  The pain we both experienced was was awful and I would never want to go back to those days for anything.  It's finally that when I suffered with septic shock and was in the hospital on life support, that something finally broke.  I remember waking up from being on life support, I felt something I had never felt before....an overwhelming feeling of love.  I could see (spiritually) the word "Yahweh",  in brightly in-bedded white letters,  on my forehead.  Things had happened that were unexplainable to most but I knew what had happened.   I was in His presence while in a coma.  As I laid there in that hospital bed, the tv was on.  Joyce Meyer was telling a story about what she had endured with her dad and how she finally forgave him when he was dying.  She had had an epiphany.  I began to cry.  My life changed that very instance.  I had been saved for many many years, but I had never experienced the feelings I had that day.  I had never truly forgiven Mom  and Mom carried so much guilt for what had happened in my life.    Neither of us could really move forward because we were both holding on to junk we needed to let go.  

Mom was at my home holding the fort down, as they say, while my husband and Aunt spent their days and nights with me at the hospital.  When I finally came home, she was there.  As I came in, I was so weak and frail, I had to sit in a chair by the door.   Mom was at the bottom of our stairs looking at me like a little child.  I could see that she wanted to run and grab me up, but she was scared.  I looked at her and started telling her about my stay and what all I had experienced spiritually.  I told her that God had told me to let go of it all and forgive her completely.  She burst into tears.  I got up and went to her.  We both embraced each other and wept. That day was the beginning of our relationship as Mom and daughter.  That day I began to see my Mom in a whole different light.  I saw Mom take more junk that she didn't deserve, go through battles that would make anyone fall, but I also saw that something had changed in her.  I saw a fighting spirit.  I saw her come out from things that she had taken her whole life.  I saw her becoming stronger, more confident, more resilient.  She became stronger in her relationship with God.  And our bond has become something I had always dreamed it could be.  I have a Mom who is my very best friend.  The love we share is amazing.  She has grown so much. 

It's amazing how so much turmoil and bad things can either make or break you.  Sometimes you don't even realize it and think you're doing great.  But God always has His divine purpose and knows the desires of our hearts.  He gave me something far greater than any riches in this land could ever give me.....my Mom.  We really should write a book. 

As I go through this chapter in Mom's life with her and her husband, I sit and am amazed at how strong my Mom really is.  She is the sole caregiver to her husband who has cancer.  Her whole life revolves around making sure he's taken care of.  She is so kind and loving.....even after going days without much sleep.  I've even watched Carl change, because of Mom's love and endurance. 

I see Mom has changed in so many ways, stronger in her faith and life and I am so proud to tell the world she is my Mom.  So you see...... I am the one that has changed....because Mom was always this person but I just never saw it because I needed to change.  It was me the whole time that kept her from forgiving herself.

Oh how I love Jesus....for opening my eyes, making me into what He wants, allowing me to see things so beautiful.  I love my Mom so much!  Please pray for her and her husband as they fight this battle together.   

A Jacket to Remember

Recently, Anne from White Lace Cottage posted a photo of her wearing a cute ruffled blue jean jacket.  The ruffle on the jacket grabbed my attention!  So I decided to make my own rendition.

 I have so many blue jean jackets but didn't want to cut them up because I still love them all.  I had some of Mammaw's clothes and decided to make a jacket from one of her shirts that I would have never worn but wanted to keep.  She wore this shirt and a skirt many times and looked so beautiful in it.  I knew she would be so proud with me for making it into something new since we both loved to sew.  I've never held the title at making clothes, she did that.  But I have to say, it turned out so cute!

I'm a casual gal...I love blue jeans so I paired the black shirt/made into a jacket with a striped tank and some white boat shoes.  Kind of a nautical look.

I'm not a skinny girl either but I do love my curves. The ruffle just makes it curve so much better than just hanging straight.

I did take it up in the back to add more of a fitted look.  The shirt had shoulder pads in it and I opted to take them out at first, but then decided to keep them.  I used a dark denim for the ruffle and lightened this photo up so that it could be seen....but in reality, it really looks like a deep navy, almost black. 

I love to rework clothing, giving them a whole different look.  

So it really is a jacket to remember.  A memory of Mammaw and a new life.

Gag at a gnat

Have you ever pondered how flowers grow?

When you plant that little seed in the dirt, you never know how it's going to grow exactly, but if you plant it in rich soil,  you nourish it, pamper it, and feed it....it usually turns out beautiful now doesn't it?

I had a conversation with a few friends this past week and our words got me to thinking.  If you surround yourself with negativity, that's what will be in your life.  If you are looking for perfection, you'll never get it because we all know nothing is perfect on this earth and no human has ever been perfect other than Jesus.

The King James Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15), to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)....those scriptures are pretty self explanatory to me.  

I also love the scripture that says Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.  (Matthew 23:24)

We make it so hard on ourselves when it really is so simple to serve God and to have good lives.  We will still face hard times because it says That ye be children of your  Father which is in Heaven: for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.  (Mathew 5:45)  So being a child of God doesn't state we will not go through trials, but that in all things work together for the good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28)  But there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may  be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

With all of the scripture throughout the Bible, the stories we read, why do we make things so complicated on ourselves?  Because it has been in man since the eating of the apple which brought forth sin which was pride, that we know all, see all and hear all.  Everyone wants to be the head, the leader, the one in the spotlight.  They want to call the shots and not be submissive.   

Now if weeds get into the soil that you planted your seed in, then they will choke out the flower.  Study for yourself, don't listen to man solely.  If they can't give you scripture, then don't listen to them.  

Stand for God!

 I am standing for God and if I die today, I am a winner.  If I live, I am a winner....with God in my heart, I am and always be a winner no matter if I stand alone or with many.

I remember....

My mother loves to write...she has a way with putting words together that make you swoon.  I am a picture person...that is my tale to tell.  I've always loved looking at pictures.  I remember as a little girl, studying photos, down to every last detail.  My husband says I am a very detailed person, lol...guess that's why.

I went out the other evening as the sun was going down.  Everything was so pretty, the birds nestling in for the night, the crickets singing, the honeysuckle smell in the warm summer breeze....I want my photos to make you feel that.  Like I do when I see and hear it all.

As I looked around, I began to think of all of the memories that have been made here.  Maybe I need to pair up with my Mother and write a book...her words and my photos.

That road.....

How many years I've traveled this road.  Sometimes flying like a speed queen and others taking my good ole time.  Watching my oldest daughter come around the bend after getting her drivers license.  How relieved I was to see her in that white car of hers.  Many family members and friends coming to visit....some good visits and others not so good.   Watching the school bus bring my babies home to me. 

This gate....

Pulling into the graveled driveway, listening to the crunch under my wheels.  Seeing that house and knowing I was home.  This gate could tell a few stories...one about when my husbands truck went backwards out of the driveway and hit this gate then went into the creek.  I will never forget watching him run as fast as he could trying to catch it all the while I was praying the truck wouldn't destroy our newly installed gate. 

(that prayer was answered)

That fence....

We've always had a pool.  When our girls got a bit older, we had boys and men drive by glaring at them as they sunbathed and swam.  So the fence went up!  I've watched the wood age to the most beautiful silver color.  Much like grey hair.  How many times I've had a paint brush in hand but have stopped...I am so glad I've never painted it.  Can you believe I am saying that?!

The fire pit...

All of those rocks were carried by my husband and I.  The sweat, the body scrapes and aches!  All for something that we could all sit around and share.  The tall tales that have been told, the laughter, the tears....it's a sight that I cherish as I look out onto our yard.  

The hand made swing set....
Oh how our daughters spent hours and hours playing here.  The slicky slide, the swings, all long since gone.  But their laughter and smiles live on  in my heart.

This mountain....

Through every season, I've always loved this view!  How many have looked at this very mountain through the years and remembered like me?

And the gorgeous sky!  I remember as a wee little girl, riding with my aunt and her asking me what color I thought God's favorite was?  I said blue because of the sky.  I've always loved looking up and imagining God looking down at me.  I've had many talks with him while looking at the sky.

I guess what I am trying to say is that all of the memories I have and have made, will they carry on like mine have with someone?  I hold so many sweet memories in my head and heart.  That's what I love about blogging...being able to share my life.  And maybe,  one day after I'm dead and gone, my photos will still be here along with a piece of my heart.