"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
Sometimes it takes a practical lesson to imprint on my heart the meaning of something. As I am a creature of learning by default, it comes as no surprise that as many times as I have recited this verse, it hit me that this is so often what needs to be done on a more regular basis. The word transformed can also be translated as altered, changed, converted, revolutionized, renovated or made over. We aren't commanded to act like we are a living sacrifice, we are commanded to live it. And that's just a "reasonable" service. Can you imagine what the complicated version would be? A daily transformation by a renewal of the mind as only He can do. And all of this so that I can prove what it, not just the will of God, but the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Sometimes I just need a little housecleaning!
On my journey through the rooms of my home, I am constantly picking up and cleaning up, often seeing things from repetition instead of stopping to take a moment and enjoying them. I will admit that sometimes I give it the ole, "lick and a promise" (a lick for now and a promise to do better later). But after a thorough cleaning, I take a look around and see things from a totally different perspective. A clean one! A transformation of sorts has occurred right before my very eyes. And all with a lot of effort and some Fabuloso! This is also the time that I see the things I've taken for granted and find a refreshing view of the transformation.
My living room, like most folks, is the room that gets the most use. For all practical purposes, this is the most comfortable place to end a long day. Just relaxing and taking a moment to share the day's events. My Larry love to watch a bit of tv. in the evening and it gives me a chance to sit beside him with no worries or stress. since I don't even know which remote turns the thing on, it's also the only time that I watch it. So... we tune in to some of our/his favorites and sit a spell. The living room is the largest portion of the open floor plan that also incorporates the music area, the dining room, the kitchen, and the bistro.
Like the majority of my house, the living room is decorated with soft shades of pink, blue, green and yellow. Well, a few months back, my Larry decided it was time for a new sofa. One that "fit" him. So, I let him choose it - wasn't that nice of me? His choice was a big, black, leather, double recliner sofa. Somehow he hasn't quite caught on to the color palate I'm working with here! No problem, I thought. So I ordered a king size chenille bedspread from the Vermont Country Store and wrapped that big, black, leather sofa up like a pretty present. The result... a sofa that fit him and colors that fit me. The sofa was transformed right before our eyes. All it took was to look at it from a different perspective.
We also have a nice, big fireplace under the tv. It's off centered and that drives me crazy. So... no, I didn't wrap it like a pretty present with a chenille bedspread, but I did take a pair of old lace curtains and gathered them and hung them across the bottom of the fireplace mantel. The best part about that little maneuver was that my Larry didn't even notice for months. This idea wasn't as much a transformation as it was a mask. What's the difference you might ask? Well, you cant still see what's behind the curtains, but you can't tell what's under the bedspread. They both still function with their proposed expectations. We still sit on the sofa and the recliner flip back with ease, and I can even wash the cover. On the other hand, even though the fireplace still performs as it should, the curtains must be pulled back. The mask has to be removed in order to enjoy a fire.
I also have my favorite comfy chair and another roadside find that was transformed to complement the (now covered) big, black, leather sofa. Dozens of roses from my Larry have been dried and put into vases and reflect his love for me throughout the living room. And a great antique piece of furniture that I found in Memphis abides among the other furnishings that make this room an actual "living room".
I love parallels and analogies of real like that remind me of the mercies God so freely reveals to us. Sure, anyone can take a verse out of context, but when you put it into a form of real life, there is such beauty in knowing that just a mere room in the house can remind you of God's grace. take a look around your living room, or any room for that matter. What do you see? Then take a look in the proverbial mirror of your life. What do you see there? Has there been a true change or just a mask that is easily removed when convenient? Are you masked or transformed?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Chandeliers and Comfy Chairs
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD:he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12.
As I stroll through my home, I am reminded endlessly of two things that I love - chandeliers and comfy chairs. Both of which I make my very own. My Momma calls it "dumpster diving" - I call it "free". Whenever I see an abandoned chair alongside the road, I grab it up (and in some cases, send the kids to grab it for me). If the bones are good, I strip it down and make it new. (Hey that is a great analogy of what Christ does to us!) I personalize the chair any way I wish. You know why? 'Cause it didn't cost a penny and if I mess up, no harm done! I will admit though, I actually paid $20.00 for my favorite swivel rocker that I later realized was an Ethan Allen piece. Talk about good bones! It took me almost as long to take it apart as it did to recover it. (Oh how many times the Lord must say that about me!) I don't profess to professional reupholstering by any means (I leave that for Mamaw!), but I strive for perfection and do the best I can with whatever I may be endeavoring. The real test for me comes when company sits on it!
The same goes for my chandeliers. I either get them free or find them on my infamous treasure hunts. A plain chandelier is like an empty canvas for me. I decide which room I want it to go in and then I get carried away. I'm not there yet, but eventually I will have one in every room in my home. My favorite one hangs in the front door entrance to the house. It's outside but not exposed to the elements. The medallion I painted for this one is gynormous and took hours to complete. But the result - magnifico!
The chandelier in my kitchen reflects my love for teapots and teacups. The one in my bathroom was given to me from my next door neighbor in Memphis. It's an antique and was original to his 1900's built home. The one in my office is simple and pink - just like I like it. I made one for my granddaughter, Sophie, that is pink and black - beautiful (just like her). I even hung a pair of pink, glittery high to tennis shoe ornaments (just a bit of her Grandmommy) on it.
Just the word chandelier is fun to say. It's an elegant, bright, whimsical word. And besides that, it offers a bit of light, whether functional or atmospheric. This is probably the restoring that I love to do most. It's quick and easy and can help define a room of any kind. What's not to love about the picturesque sight of a soft comfy chair glowing with the light from a beautiful chandelier? Just thinking about it makes me want to grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and my fuzzy blanket.
I was filling Momma in on my next blog about comfy chairs and chandeliers at my birthday breakfast last week. I never knew what she was about to tell me and I'm sure she doesn't mind me sharing it with you. If you do Momma, forgiveness rather than permission - again. Anyway... Momma was sharing with me that for years she would rise earlier than necessary to prepare for her day. She would make her coffee, take a shower, get dressed, and save plenty of time to have her devotions before leaving for work. She reminisced with me about the comfy yellow chair in the corner with the hanging lamp right above it. She would ready her outward self and then ready her inward self to begin each day. She said that she relished in the quiet before the day began just sitting there drinking her coffee, reading her Bible, praying and then switching off the light before heading out for the day. Although my mind goes back to her old yellow comfy chair on Ridge Bay Cove and the hanging lamp in the corner above it, the houses and chairs and lights have all changed now. So have we. But you know what remains unchanged? Time spent reflecting the light of the world that was the basis of true comfort - even with the most comfortable of surroundings.
You see, the things that bring a smile to your face and add just a bit of spring in your step don't have to be expensive or extravagant. Just a "dumpster diving" chair and a neglected chandelier still have life left in them. All it takes to make it shine again is a little time and love. That's how I feel at times too. I made a pact with myself this past week to try a little something new. Since I couldn't possibly know what is going on in the lives of those around me, I want to let His light shine through me. No need saying something negative about someone we don't even know - even it they can't hear us. Just be nice! To everyone, all the time, for no apparent reason - other than to be a chandelier of sorts. Just make sure you don't put a lampshade on your head or sit on a strangers lap and claim it as your comfy chair!
As I stroll through my home, I am reminded endlessly of two things that I love - chandeliers and comfy chairs. Both of which I make my very own. My Momma calls it "dumpster diving" - I call it "free". Whenever I see an abandoned chair alongside the road, I grab it up (and in some cases, send the kids to grab it for me). If the bones are good, I strip it down and make it new. (Hey that is a great analogy of what Christ does to us!) I personalize the chair any way I wish. You know why? 'Cause it didn't cost a penny and if I mess up, no harm done! I will admit though, I actually paid $20.00 for my favorite swivel rocker that I later realized was an Ethan Allen piece. Talk about good bones! It took me almost as long to take it apart as it did to recover it. (Oh how many times the Lord must say that about me!) I don't profess to professional reupholstering by any means (I leave that for Mamaw!), but I strive for perfection and do the best I can with whatever I may be endeavoring. The real test for me comes when company sits on it!
The same goes for my chandeliers. I either get them free or find them on my infamous treasure hunts. A plain chandelier is like an empty canvas for me. I decide which room I want it to go in and then I get carried away. I'm not there yet, but eventually I will have one in every room in my home. My favorite one hangs in the front door entrance to the house. It's outside but not exposed to the elements. The medallion I painted for this one is gynormous and took hours to complete. But the result - magnifico!
The chandelier in my kitchen reflects my love for teapots and teacups. The one in my bathroom was given to me from my next door neighbor in Memphis. It's an antique and was original to his 1900's built home. The one in my office is simple and pink - just like I like it. I made one for my granddaughter, Sophie, that is pink and black - beautiful (just like her). I even hung a pair of pink, glittery high to tennis shoe ornaments (just a bit of her Grandmommy) on it.
Just the word chandelier is fun to say. It's an elegant, bright, whimsical word. And besides that, it offers a bit of light, whether functional or atmospheric. This is probably the restoring that I love to do most. It's quick and easy and can help define a room of any kind. What's not to love about the picturesque sight of a soft comfy chair glowing with the light from a beautiful chandelier? Just thinking about it makes me want to grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and my fuzzy blanket.
I was filling Momma in on my next blog about comfy chairs and chandeliers at my birthday breakfast last week. I never knew what she was about to tell me and I'm sure she doesn't mind me sharing it with you. If you do Momma, forgiveness rather than permission - again. Anyway... Momma was sharing with me that for years she would rise earlier than necessary to prepare for her day. She would make her coffee, take a shower, get dressed, and save plenty of time to have her devotions before leaving for work. She reminisced with me about the comfy yellow chair in the corner with the hanging lamp right above it. She would ready her outward self and then ready her inward self to begin each day. She said that she relished in the quiet before the day began just sitting there drinking her coffee, reading her Bible, praying and then switching off the light before heading out for the day. Although my mind goes back to her old yellow comfy chair on Ridge Bay Cove and the hanging lamp in the corner above it, the houses and chairs and lights have all changed now. So have we. But you know what remains unchanged? Time spent reflecting the light of the world that was the basis of true comfort - even with the most comfortable of surroundings.
You see, the things that bring a smile to your face and add just a bit of spring in your step don't have to be expensive or extravagant. Just a "dumpster diving" chair and a neglected chandelier still have life left in them. All it takes to make it shine again is a little time and love. That's how I feel at times too. I made a pact with myself this past week to try a little something new. Since I couldn't possibly know what is going on in the lives of those around me, I want to let His light shine through me. No need saying something negative about someone we don't even know - even it they can't hear us. Just be nice! To everyone, all the time, for no apparent reason - other than to be a chandelier of sorts. Just make sure you don't put a lampshade on your head or sit on a strangers lap and claim it as your comfy chair!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Rescued and Restored
Psalms 51:12 (KJV)
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a free spirit."
I'm not an early riser since I typically stay up late. That's when creativity decides to visit! But when I do finally decide it's time to begin my day, I am welcomed by the sunlit living area with french doors and floor to ceiling windows that look out to the water. My living room, sitting area and kitchen all open up into the majority of the downstairs. This is where my passion begins! The decorating (nesting) of my home. As I walk through the house in my blog, I see things in a different respect. Although it's taken several years for my decor to take shape, it never really seems finished. Perhaps that' the creative side. Perhaps it's just the indecisive nature of a woman. At any rate, it keeps my mind active with projects and innovative ways to create something that is different. Something that makes people say, "How clever is that!" when they walk around my home.
I'm by no means a tree hugging, environmentalist, but I do like to take something that appears useless to most and make it useful again. It's a challenge more than an obligation to "save the earth". The earth has its destiny mapped out in Revelation, and I know that God's plan is inevitable - and a promise. That's another blog altogether. So, that leaves me with the satisfaction of making something old, new again. My earlier post spoke of how I love to treasure hunt. Well, that's where I find much of my inspiration and the fun things that become transformed into what I call home decor. I must add that I do find many treasure on the side of the road as well. Momma got to experience a true dumpster dive when I found a wing back chair. Hey, the bones were good and the chair is fabulous.
So back to the living area. Even though the floor is tiled (for now!), the open floor plan works well with the soft color palate. I divided the area and made a sitting/music room in a smaller area. Two of the main features of the sitting room are a sofa and an upright piano. Not just any sofa or piano. Yep, you guessed it! Both were rescued and restored.
The piano was my Larry's when we married. It was rescued many years ago from a barn that had burned. The piano was salvaged unharmed. He's had it now for many years. I love to hear it played although I can't play a lick myself. My Momma makes it sound heavenly when she lays her fingers to the old worn keys. It has a few ivories missing, but the sound is lovely still. In order to fashion it to my decor, I painted it white and added a mosaic motif with a treble and bass clef, along with musical notes on lines across the upright portion. Pastel colored tiles and broken mosaic pieces form the pattern. I also painted and embellished a saxophone (found on the side of the road), flute, violin, trumpet, bugle, and my daughter Holly's clarinet, in soft hues of blue, pink, yellow and green. I hung them on the wall from ribbon and placed a ukulele, pink guitar (from my nephew Kyle), and a harpsichord around to fill the area with music to inspire every whim.
There are two chairs that my daughter and son-in-law, Nichol and Jeremy, helped me retrieve from a hotel being renovated. The chairs were disgusting when we brought them home, so I stripped them to bare bones and left them on the upper deck for a few weeks to air out. Then I reupholstered them with some of my favorite shabby chic sheets from Target. (I do love Rachel Ashwell's shabby chic!). The result? Two fine looking and might I add - free - comfy chairs.
The second main feature is the sofa. This isn't just any sofa - it is "the" sofa. For several reasons. One, it was a serendipitous find from my brother Joey who worked for a moving company in Memphis at the time. Two, it was left for the men to dispose of when Joey called and said he had found the perfect couch for my Victorian home I had just bought in midtown Memphis. It is a Duncan Phyfe (late 1800/early 1900) pink (originally and reupholstered) two cushion beauty. Three, it was pink (and still is). And, it was built around the same time my house in Memphis was. When horse and carriages roamed the dusty streets that are now paved and busy with a life fashioned to this century. This sofa is one of two pieces of furniture in my home that I will never get rid of. What once was someone else's heirloom, is now mine.
All of these rescued and restored pieces brings me back to God's plan for our lives. I am rescued and restored. I was born in sin and left for disposal until I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. Like King David said in Psalms 51:12, I repented of my sin and received the promise of the Lord that He would, "restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a free spirit." See Momma, a free spirit is a good thing! I also look at the book of Job 20:10, and realize that, as a child of God, I will "seek to please the poor, and my hands will restore their goods."
I've shared my rescue and restored goods with you, what have you rescued and/or restored? Branch out! Use you imagination! Give something that is left to be disposed of, another life. It may be you, let the Lord restore and rescue you.
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a free spirit."
I'm not an early riser since I typically stay up late. That's when creativity decides to visit! But when I do finally decide it's time to begin my day, I am welcomed by the sunlit living area with french doors and floor to ceiling windows that look out to the water. My living room, sitting area and kitchen all open up into the majority of the downstairs. This is where my passion begins! The decorating (nesting) of my home. As I walk through the house in my blog, I see things in a different respect. Although it's taken several years for my decor to take shape, it never really seems finished. Perhaps that' the creative side. Perhaps it's just the indecisive nature of a woman. At any rate, it keeps my mind active with projects and innovative ways to create something that is different. Something that makes people say, "How clever is that!" when they walk around my home.
I'm by no means a tree hugging, environmentalist, but I do like to take something that appears useless to most and make it useful again. It's a challenge more than an obligation to "save the earth". The earth has its destiny mapped out in Revelation, and I know that God's plan is inevitable - and a promise. That's another blog altogether. So, that leaves me with the satisfaction of making something old, new again. My earlier post spoke of how I love to treasure hunt. Well, that's where I find much of my inspiration and the fun things that become transformed into what I call home decor. I must add that I do find many treasure on the side of the road as well. Momma got to experience a true dumpster dive when I found a wing back chair. Hey, the bones were good and the chair is fabulous.
So back to the living area. Even though the floor is tiled (for now!), the open floor plan works well with the soft color palate. I divided the area and made a sitting/music room in a smaller area. Two of the main features of the sitting room are a sofa and an upright piano. Not just any sofa or piano. Yep, you guessed it! Both were rescued and restored.
The piano was my Larry's when we married. It was rescued many years ago from a barn that had burned. The piano was salvaged unharmed. He's had it now for many years. I love to hear it played although I can't play a lick myself. My Momma makes it sound heavenly when she lays her fingers to the old worn keys. It has a few ivories missing, but the sound is lovely still. In order to fashion it to my decor, I painted it white and added a mosaic motif with a treble and bass clef, along with musical notes on lines across the upright portion. Pastel colored tiles and broken mosaic pieces form the pattern. I also painted and embellished a saxophone (found on the side of the road), flute, violin, trumpet, bugle, and my daughter Holly's clarinet, in soft hues of blue, pink, yellow and green. I hung them on the wall from ribbon and placed a ukulele, pink guitar (from my nephew Kyle), and a harpsichord around to fill the area with music to inspire every whim.
There are two chairs that my daughter and son-in-law, Nichol and Jeremy, helped me retrieve from a hotel being renovated. The chairs were disgusting when we brought them home, so I stripped them to bare bones and left them on the upper deck for a few weeks to air out. Then I reupholstered them with some of my favorite shabby chic sheets from Target. (I do love Rachel Ashwell's shabby chic!). The result? Two fine looking and might I add - free - comfy chairs.
The second main feature is the sofa. This isn't just any sofa - it is "the" sofa. For several reasons. One, it was a serendipitous find from my brother Joey who worked for a moving company in Memphis at the time. Two, it was left for the men to dispose of when Joey called and said he had found the perfect couch for my Victorian home I had just bought in midtown Memphis. It is a Duncan Phyfe (late 1800/early 1900) pink (originally and reupholstered) two cushion beauty. Three, it was pink (and still is). And, it was built around the same time my house in Memphis was. When horse and carriages roamed the dusty streets that are now paved and busy with a life fashioned to this century. This sofa is one of two pieces of furniture in my home that I will never get rid of. What once was someone else's heirloom, is now mine.
All of these rescued and restored pieces brings me back to God's plan for our lives. I am rescued and restored. I was born in sin and left for disposal until I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. Like King David said in Psalms 51:12, I repented of my sin and received the promise of the Lord that He would, "restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a free spirit." See Momma, a free spirit is a good thing! I also look at the book of Job 20:10, and realize that, as a child of God, I will "seek to please the poor, and my hands will restore their goods."
I've shared my rescue and restored goods with you, what have you rescued and/or restored? Branch out! Use you imagination! Give something that is left to be disposed of, another life. It may be you, let the Lord restore and rescue you.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Ode to the Deck
With the lower deck delineating the edge of the property, the boat docked and hanging from the lift, the view toward the house rests on the upper deck. This is where I begin each morning. Hot cup of coffee (Folger's cinnamon swirl with a spoonful of cinnamon vanilla coffee mate) in hand, I retreat to the upper deck to open each day with a word of thanks and praise to the Lord for another day. I love to just sit for a while and listen to the birds and squirrels (which my Larry calls yard rats) and read until the coffee either gets cold or runs out. This is my place of solitude.
On this deck, I have a wicker table and 4 chairs under the canopy and another glass top table with 4 chairs in the corner where the sun shines on it in the even that I want to warm up on chilly days. And yes, we do have a chilly day or two here in the sunshine state! Since I don't have a front porch, I gladly settle for growing old and rocking my way to old age on the back porch - coffee, book, Larry and all. Besides, the view from the front settles on a street and the busyness of the neighbors. I prefer the scene from the upper deck.
On the upper deck I also have what I refer to as 'party central'. It's a fabulous rolling garden cart that I purchased from HomeGoods. Originally I had a duo purpose for this quaint piece. I used it for my son's wedding reception with the anticipation of actually attempting to do some potting and plant growing. Then my niece Brett's 16th birthday brought about another round of celebration. So once again, the focal point became the rolling garden cart. I simply call it a great investment!
Also on the upper deck is the Jacuzzi. I never thought about having one, but it came with the territory and I've learned of the relaxing and therapeutic loveliness it brings. On cool evenings, the steam rises and the colors change from the waterfall, the hot water and cares of the day fall to the wayside. My Larry and I sat and watched the fireworks one July 4th through the tress that overhang in the yard.
The upper deck has so many memories in just the short 6 years I've been privy to its existence. The sound of the chimes brings back some of those memories of when I would come to Tarpon Springs to visit when my Larry and I dated 900 miles apart for 9 months. It's where we shared our wedding reception with friends and family. It's where I sat when I got the news that Holly was having her 4th baby and where I was when she called during the ultra sound (since I couldn't be there) to find out that our baby Sophie would be my first granddaughter. It's where I got the call from Nichol that said she was pregnant and baby Hudson (grandson #5) would be the next link to my legacy. I sat on the three steps leading from the deck to the yard and shot "tree nuts" with my grandsons Grey, Noah and Dean. I've enjoyed Easter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals on this deck. And yes, I've even opened Christmas stockings around the fire pit on Christmas Eve. The joys are endless with moments like these.
I also sat on this same upper deck when my youngest baby and only son Adam told me that he had enlisted in the U.S. Army. It's where I pray for each of my children every day of my life. I shared this deck with Adam and his new bride Dominique. And I sat on those same three steps the day before they would go back to El Paso to begin their married life together, side by side with Adam - the rain falling down on us - as he mourned for a fellow soldier that died.
So you see, this deck is filled with memories. Some good - some sad - but all part of my life. I love this part of my home. I also love teacups and roses, the color pink, and wisteria. What about you, what do you love?
On this deck, I have a wicker table and 4 chairs under the canopy and another glass top table with 4 chairs in the corner where the sun shines on it in the even that I want to warm up on chilly days. And yes, we do have a chilly day or two here in the sunshine state! Since I don't have a front porch, I gladly settle for growing old and rocking my way to old age on the back porch - coffee, book, Larry and all. Besides, the view from the front settles on a street and the busyness of the neighbors. I prefer the scene from the upper deck.
On the upper deck I also have what I refer to as 'party central'. It's a fabulous rolling garden cart that I purchased from HomeGoods. Originally I had a duo purpose for this quaint piece. I used it for my son's wedding reception with the anticipation of actually attempting to do some potting and plant growing. Then my niece Brett's 16th birthday brought about another round of celebration. So once again, the focal point became the rolling garden cart. I simply call it a great investment!
Also on the upper deck is the Jacuzzi. I never thought about having one, but it came with the territory and I've learned of the relaxing and therapeutic loveliness it brings. On cool evenings, the steam rises and the colors change from the waterfall, the hot water and cares of the day fall to the wayside. My Larry and I sat and watched the fireworks one July 4th through the tress that overhang in the yard.
The upper deck has so many memories in just the short 6 years I've been privy to its existence. The sound of the chimes brings back some of those memories of when I would come to Tarpon Springs to visit when my Larry and I dated 900 miles apart for 9 months. It's where we shared our wedding reception with friends and family. It's where I sat when I got the news that Holly was having her 4th baby and where I was when she called during the ultra sound (since I couldn't be there) to find out that our baby Sophie would be my first granddaughter. It's where I got the call from Nichol that said she was pregnant and baby Hudson (grandson #5) would be the next link to my legacy. I sat on the three steps leading from the deck to the yard and shot "tree nuts" with my grandsons Grey, Noah and Dean. I've enjoyed Easter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals on this deck. And yes, I've even opened Christmas stockings around the fire pit on Christmas Eve. The joys are endless with moments like these.
I also sat on this same upper deck when my youngest baby and only son Adam told me that he had enlisted in the U.S. Army. It's where I pray for each of my children every day of my life. I shared this deck with Adam and his new bride Dominique. And I sat on those same three steps the day before they would go back to El Paso to begin their married life together, side by side with Adam - the rain falling down on us - as he mourned for a fellow soldier that died.
So you see, this deck is filled with memories. Some good - some sad - but all part of my life. I love this part of my home. I also love teacups and roses, the color pink, and wisteria. What about you, what do you love?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Proverbs 31:27
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
On the banks of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida, my home abides along the rushing waters that flow into the Gulf. A small city within the vast abundance of so many in the grand format of land across America. The small jut of a city on the West coast of Florida provides vacationers with a plethora of tourism, yet still lays claim to my cove of comfort to which I spend my time nurturing and nesting to bring comfort within its walls for my husband and me.
From the lower deck in the backyard the waters flow with the tide. The great Gulf of Mexico is within sight and the brackish waters rush just beyond the lower deck, sometimes covering the walkway, while at others, revealing a glimpse of sodden land over which the waters surge. Dolphin play and Manatee float ever so slowly toward the bayou in these waters, while the sky above envelopes eagles that soar and bring a sense of freedom and courage on any given day. Starfish and jellyfish wash onto the deck, mixed and mingled with seaweed. Mullets (known to me as "happy fish") leap from the water, while Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Pompano, Near Shore Grouper, and Snapper all reside together for local fishermen.
At the top of the hill, the back of the house faces the water. From the exterior, it doesn't appear to be anything other than the average Florida, stucco home surrounded by many of the same. But within, a story of romance evolves to reveal the heart of another place and another time. At the present, I've been married to my Larry for five years. I left my home in Memphis, Tennessee to spend the rest of my life in his country, so to speak. The world here is different to me. Although it is as far South as you can get, my roots were cultivated in the "real" South, up North in Tennessee.
The culture shock has been an experience but I've managed to keep my true passion alive in my home. It's refreshing to be within a few miles of every necessity, yet return to the sanctity of my haven of rest. That is what I have aimed for when decorating my home. The harshness of life ends at the front door and peace abides within my heart as well as my home.
It's not common for a man to regale in the whim of his bride's decorating taste when it involves the color pink. But... believe it or not, my Larry has complied. Oh, don't get me wrong, he has his Harley garage and his Harley "man cave" to retreat to in the event that my color palate becomes too overwhelming. And I might add here that the kitchen floor tile and counter tops were already a lovely shade of pink when we got married. To me, that said pink is good. A serendipitous occurrence if you ask me!
My journey as a nurturer and nester began years ago, and with age, becomes an even greater substance of meaning in my life. As an artist and crafter, my mind races with "projects" and I'm never without an idea. That's the road that this journey will travel with posts from my home to yours. My desire is to leave a legacy to my children. For them to one day say, "You know, my momma was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman." And as Proverbs 31:27 describes, I want to look well to the ways of my household, and never eat of the bread of idleness.
On the banks of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida, my home abides along the rushing waters that flow into the Gulf. A small city within the vast abundance of so many in the grand format of land across America. The small jut of a city on the West coast of Florida provides vacationers with a plethora of tourism, yet still lays claim to my cove of comfort to which I spend my time nurturing and nesting to bring comfort within its walls for my husband and me.
From the lower deck in the backyard the waters flow with the tide. The great Gulf of Mexico is within sight and the brackish waters rush just beyond the lower deck, sometimes covering the walkway, while at others, revealing a glimpse of sodden land over which the waters surge. Dolphin play and Manatee float ever so slowly toward the bayou in these waters, while the sky above envelopes eagles that soar and bring a sense of freedom and courage on any given day. Starfish and jellyfish wash onto the deck, mixed and mingled with seaweed. Mullets (known to me as "happy fish") leap from the water, while Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Pompano, Near Shore Grouper, and Snapper all reside together for local fishermen.
At the top of the hill, the back of the house faces the water. From the exterior, it doesn't appear to be anything other than the average Florida, stucco home surrounded by many of the same. But within, a story of romance evolves to reveal the heart of another place and another time. At the present, I've been married to my Larry for five years. I left my home in Memphis, Tennessee to spend the rest of my life in his country, so to speak. The world here is different to me. Although it is as far South as you can get, my roots were cultivated in the "real" South, up North in Tennessee.
The culture shock has been an experience but I've managed to keep my true passion alive in my home. It's refreshing to be within a few miles of every necessity, yet return to the sanctity of my haven of rest. That is what I have aimed for when decorating my home. The harshness of life ends at the front door and peace abides within my heart as well as my home.
It's not common for a man to regale in the whim of his bride's decorating taste when it involves the color pink. But... believe it or not, my Larry has complied. Oh, don't get me wrong, he has his Harley garage and his Harley "man cave" to retreat to in the event that my color palate becomes too overwhelming. And I might add here that the kitchen floor tile and counter tops were already a lovely shade of pink when we got married. To me, that said pink is good. A serendipitous occurrence if you ask me!
My journey as a nurturer and nester began years ago, and with age, becomes an even greater substance of meaning in my life. As an artist and crafter, my mind races with "projects" and I'm never without an idea. That's the road that this journey will travel with posts from my home to yours. My desire is to leave a legacy to my children. For them to one day say, "You know, my momma was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman." And as Proverbs 31:27 describes, I want to look well to the ways of my household, and never eat of the bread of idleness.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Place of My Own
Ever since I can remember, I have been the crafty sort. I collected popsicle sticks, gum wrappers, bottle caps, and beads. I was never without a desire to create. While growing up, I won a few small rewards for my art work. In third grade, I won the Safety Poster Contest. In eighth grade I won a weekend class to the Memphis College of Art. And in the twelfth grade, I had a Conte pencil drawing of a tiger sent to New York for display. Although I had many outlets to fulfill my time, art seemed to be a passion deep within me that wouldn't dissipate. When I was in middle school, my Daddy gave me one of his old briefcases. A green one that had pockets that snapped and was deep enough to carry my small collection of beads. That was in the days that green stamps and quality stamps were given when groceries were purchased. Momma let me have the stamps each time (even if there was only one), so I collected and filled the books: eager to go to the store and redeem them for what I had chosen from the catalogue. My first purchase was a package of beads. It had 8 tubes filled with an assortment of colorful beads. I still have the beads and the briefcase to this day. I made a few things with them, but I loved feeling them and knowing that they were my special collection.
When I began raising my babies, I would sew to make extra money for Christmas. I made bunnies and reindeer fully dressed, shower curtains, curtains, duvets, and I spent a few weekends at local craft fairs selling my wares. Back then, it was a way to release my creativity and earn extra money. I didn't realize until I was older that I was embracing what a Proverbs 31 woman is required. I only knew that I had to create.
When I married my husband Larry, one of my siblings mentioned my obsession for beads. His reaction was like that of a light bulb flashing on in a darkened room. He didn't say a word but went straight to the attic door, pulled it down, went inside and came down with a plastic bin full of beads and jewelry findings. I opened the box and screamed at the plethora of treasures. As I jumped up and down with each jar that was so meticulously sorted into varying colors, he came down with yet another box. I'm not talking small boxes here! And then another and another. There were 6 in total. I thought I was transported to the movie The Goonies and had found the treasures of a whole armada. He said I could have them; that they were a collection passed down from his great aunt and nobody seemed to know what to do with them, but they just never got rid of them. I knew what to do with them! A few years later when I was putting things into that same attic, I saw some boxes pushed to the back and proceeded to check the contents. Yep, you guessed it - three more boxes full.
That's when I began to set up a place to call my own. A room in my home that would hold the treasures that I would create. I filled my little room with all of the things I use to create until it soon became too small. I moved everything to a larger room upstairs until it too began to overflow. A few months ago my Larry said that I should bring it all back downstairs and turn the guest bedroom into my studio. So, that's what I did. Although it has taken a month to put it back together, it is a dream come true. It's a place that I go to dream and create. A place to meditate and to relax in. I can now touch the passion that has been a part of me since I was a child. It's not just art; it's an innate desire to create. It's a passion. I love my new studio and the fact that my husband has encouraged me to create a retreat from the hectic day to day issues and follow my heart. He has unselfishly provided me with a place to call my own. Something every woman should have.
When I began raising my babies, I would sew to make extra money for Christmas. I made bunnies and reindeer fully dressed, shower curtains, curtains, duvets, and I spent a few weekends at local craft fairs selling my wares. Back then, it was a way to release my creativity and earn extra money. I didn't realize until I was older that I was embracing what a Proverbs 31 woman is required. I only knew that I had to create.
When I married my husband Larry, one of my siblings mentioned my obsession for beads. His reaction was like that of a light bulb flashing on in a darkened room. He didn't say a word but went straight to the attic door, pulled it down, went inside and came down with a plastic bin full of beads and jewelry findings. I opened the box and screamed at the plethora of treasures. As I jumped up and down with each jar that was so meticulously sorted into varying colors, he came down with yet another box. I'm not talking small boxes here! And then another and another. There were 6 in total. I thought I was transported to the movie The Goonies and had found the treasures of a whole armada. He said I could have them; that they were a collection passed down from his great aunt and nobody seemed to know what to do with them, but they just never got rid of them. I knew what to do with them! A few years later when I was putting things into that same attic, I saw some boxes pushed to the back and proceeded to check the contents. Yep, you guessed it - three more boxes full.
That's when I began to set up a place to call my own. A room in my home that would hold the treasures that I would create. I filled my little room with all of the things I use to create until it soon became too small. I moved everything to a larger room upstairs until it too began to overflow. A few months ago my Larry said that I should bring it all back downstairs and turn the guest bedroom into my studio. So, that's what I did. Although it has taken a month to put it back together, it is a dream come true. It's a place that I go to dream and create. A place to meditate and to relax in. I can now touch the passion that has been a part of me since I was a child. It's not just art; it's an innate desire to create. It's a passion. I love my new studio and the fact that my husband has encouraged me to create a retreat from the hectic day to day issues and follow my heart. He has unselfishly provided me with a place to call my own. Something every woman should have.
Enchanting
I recently read the book Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by Stasi and John Eldredge (2005) and finished with a renewed strength and understanding of what it truly means to be captivating. In his previously acclaimed book, Wild at Heart, John revealed the message that men are adventurers and long to be the knight in shining armor that rescues the princess. He uses three points regarding men: 1) they desire to fight a battle, 2) live an adventure, and 3) rescue a beauty. Hence, Stasi wrote in contrast what it means to capture the heart of her knight with three points as well. The woman, 1) portrays the beauty from within by being romanced, 2) plays a matchless character in her knight's adventure, and 3) ultimately unveils her beauty.
I've always been the athletic, independent sort, feeling that I could make things happen by doing them myself. With the passing of time, however, I realized that even though my efforts appeared fruitful, I still longed to be a princess. Not being the frilly, Southern girl that has been carried on the proverbial pedestal, I began to realize that I needed and wanted to be captivating. Inside and out. At the end of her book, Stasi wrote a passage that I converted to be my own. One that I embrace with each new day. One that refreshes my spirit and demands that I reflect on myself with renewed awareness that I too can be captivating. Although Stasi chose the word captivating, I prefer enchanting. Many words are used in reference to the desired character encompassed in the heart of a woman, such as charming, attractive, appealing, fascinating, charismatic, entrancing, delightful, pleasing, enjoyable, amusing, wonderful, and lovely. In a world so full of distractions, it is without reservation that I speak to which I am led by the Lord; and that is to unload the burden of selfishness and...
As a woman who has been ransomed and redeemed, I can be tough AND tender. I live each day according to God's mercy, mystery, beauty and His desire for intimate relationship with me. I am enchanting; I can risk being vulnerable, offering the weight of my life as well as my need for more because I am safe in God's love. I toil with God to bring forth life - in creativity, in work, in others. My aching, awakened heart leads me to the feet of Jesus, where I wait on Him and for Him. The eyes of His heart are always on me. My Lord is enchanted by my beauty. I am needed. I am needed in order to awaken to God more fully and to awaken to the desires of the heart that He placed within me so that I will come alive to Him and to the role that is mine to play. I am certainly called to be a woman, wherever else He leads me, I will follow.
Although it is still a daily struggle to live an enchanting life in such a dark and dreadful world, I continue to reflect on the passage above each day and open my heart freely for the Lord to encompass my words and actions to mirror His love for me and through me. God has given me my Larry as my knight with his armor of protection and his provision for me. I get to stand behind him as he fights our battles and romances me, share in his adventures as his matchless princess, and saction him to be my rescuer by unveiling the beauty from within me. So even though you may be like me; independent to a fault, true freedom comes from allowing Jesus to encapsulate your heart with a spring that flows forth from "the well" that never runs dry. Wow, what a serendipitous life we live. God gives us over and above what we could ever hope for.
I've always been the athletic, independent sort, feeling that I could make things happen by doing them myself. With the passing of time, however, I realized that even though my efforts appeared fruitful, I still longed to be a princess. Not being the frilly, Southern girl that has been carried on the proverbial pedestal, I began to realize that I needed and wanted to be captivating. Inside and out. At the end of her book, Stasi wrote a passage that I converted to be my own. One that I embrace with each new day. One that refreshes my spirit and demands that I reflect on myself with renewed awareness that I too can be captivating. Although Stasi chose the word captivating, I prefer enchanting. Many words are used in reference to the desired character encompassed in the heart of a woman, such as charming, attractive, appealing, fascinating, charismatic, entrancing, delightful, pleasing, enjoyable, amusing, wonderful, and lovely. In a world so full of distractions, it is without reservation that I speak to which I am led by the Lord; and that is to unload the burden of selfishness and...
As a woman who has been ransomed and redeemed, I can be tough AND tender. I live each day according to God's mercy, mystery, beauty and His desire for intimate relationship with me. I am enchanting; I can risk being vulnerable, offering the weight of my life as well as my need for more because I am safe in God's love. I toil with God to bring forth life - in creativity, in work, in others. My aching, awakened heart leads me to the feet of Jesus, where I wait on Him and for Him. The eyes of His heart are always on me. My Lord is enchanted by my beauty. I am needed. I am needed in order to awaken to God more fully and to awaken to the desires of the heart that He placed within me so that I will come alive to Him and to the role that is mine to play. I am certainly called to be a woman, wherever else He leads me, I will follow.
Although it is still a daily struggle to live an enchanting life in such a dark and dreadful world, I continue to reflect on the passage above each day and open my heart freely for the Lord to encompass my words and actions to mirror His love for me and through me. God has given me my Larry as my knight with his armor of protection and his provision for me. I get to stand behind him as he fights our battles and romances me, share in his adventures as his matchless princess, and saction him to be my rescuer by unveiling the beauty from within me. So even though you may be like me; independent to a fault, true freedom comes from allowing Jesus to encapsulate your heart with a spring that flows forth from "the well" that never runs dry. Wow, what a serendipitous life we live. God gives us over and above what we could ever hope for.
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