Specializing in That Which is Lost

Over the last few years, I have come to see how the Lord is involved in the little things of our lives. When He died for us, He did so because He loved us then. But He loves us now, too. His place in our lives was not limited to the Cross or the Empty Tomb.   He cares about our day-to-day experiences.

  I started this project in 2010, and it took quite some time to complete. Then, waiting for a time to afford to get it framed, I lost it!  I looked and looked for it. The other day, I happen to be in my closet for something else, and there was my picture in the top of a sewing bag. Surely I had looked there before.

I am glad that He Who came to seek and to save that which is lost didn't give up looking for me. So many times in my early years, I turned away from Him. But I was never out of His sight.  Neither are you, precious Sister or Brother--He has found you and He is involved in your life.

This picture doesn't do her justice, but DD made Gertie a lovely little pink bonnet. Last night, when DH walked by, he straightened out the bonnet for her. I had to laugh. Everyone loves Gertie!

Fun at Mrs. Jennifer's!

My goodness! Did we have a great time yesterday. We spent a big part of the day at Mrs. Jennifer's house sewing, talking and playing with her dogs. She and DD are working on a shoulder bag, and I am still working on the sampler I started last year.  Mrs. Jennifer's home is decorated with beautiful quilts she has made and wonderful cross stitch pictures her mom made throughout the years. Those things help to make a house a home. As you can see, Gertie had a great time with all the activities. Do you like her new bow?


Being at Mrs. Jennifer's house reminded me of going to my best friend's house when I was much younger. Mrs. Lett was always working on something--she could sew anything!  Her character was an inspiration to me as well; in fact, we named our daughter after her. I know that Mrs. Jennifer is the same kind of influence in our daughter's life that Virginia Lett was in mine. I praise God for bringing loving people into our lives.  Speaking of loving, what do you think of Mrs. Jennifer's two canine friends? They were so much fun. She has another dog that was HUGE but as sweet and gentle as a baby.They all added to the blessings of the day.

Last Night

Oh my goodness--what a wonderful few days we have had with Sarah. She is such a lovely young Christian lady, and she is a marvelous influence for all of us. I enjoyed hearing the girls sing and play their guitars at night, and we loved hearing the sounds of them giggling and laughing their way through their school time.

Last night, Sarah's brother picked her up to take her back home. We are all missing her so much, but I know that her family is celebrating having her back.  Last night, DD asked me to sit with her and crochet or cross stitch and watch a little TV. Her latest favorite is Jack Klugman's program, Quincy, ME.  It is a great old show. I enjoyed that hour very much. I know Sarah's mom is so HAPPY to have her back in the nest.

Family, friends, familiar places and old tv--blessings all.

For My Beautiful Friend, Barbie

God is so good to bring people into our lives and back into our lives for encouragement and Christian fellowship. My friend Barbie is such a blessing. She loves the Lord and lives for Him each day of her life. She lives the life of the Proverbs 31 woman:

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 

. . . . 

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

. . . .

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Spools of Loveliness

I started blogging years ago because of a lovely blog that no longer exists called "Threads of Loveliness." Here is my tribute that I will label "Spools of Loveliness." Aren't these little wooden marvels beautiful?  It's fascinating to me how something we once took for granted as everyday items in our home are now highly-sought-after treasures in antique stores!

Space Race!

Today has been a great day, starting off with a wonderful morning at Church. We picked up Sarah and brought her home with us to visit for a few days.  After everyone settled in, DS1 and I decided to take out some games. We played Chinese Checkers and then this wonderful game from 1969, Space Race. The top picture is from the internet; the bottom is from our set. The picture to the right reflects the Cold War mood of the game: if you draw the "Sputnik: card, you lose two turns!  We had a great time!

Marlin Perkins--Wonderful Memories

This is a very familiar image--Marlin Perkins in his beautiful study with the World Book Encyclopedia in the background.  I loved watching these great shows.  When we lived in Missouri, we regularly visited the St. Louis Zoo--the Zoo he directed for many years.

As much as I talk about the past, don't think I want to go back. I just wish we could bring back some of the great blessings of older times.  We went to the movies last night, and I couldn't believe the advertisements for the television shows!  You can expect some of that with movie previews, but I am sure Marlin would have been appalled at what was being represented.

More Housework Fatigue

We have been moving around furniture to try to do some deep cleaning here and there.  As with Ginger, this work has just been too much for the dogs. Rascal in particular (on the left) looks overcome with exhaustion.  We'll all be glad when everything is ship-shape!

Coping with Housework

On my to-do list today is changing the sheets and blankets. It's really just too much for Ginger, so she is coping the best way she knows. She is sleeping on the sheets I have just removed.  I will have to relocate her in just a minute, and that will certainly be traumatic for all of us.

At Ridgecrest

Well, here are Gertie and I  at a campsite near where we were staying. DH saw the sign for "Mama Gertie's" and had to find it.  We all laughed! I was able to do some crocheting. I actually made 16 squares on this little trip. I have about that many again and then can begin sewing them all together. As you can see, Gertie is a crafty dinosaur.

Everyone had such a great time. The boys and dd slept. I think we have still been trying to get over this flu thing. There have actually been a relapse or two. DH caught up on his reading and Bible study and a little bit of rest. We were able to eat most of our meals there in the little apartment. The kids never seem to get tired of peanut butter. We also spent a lot of time playing games: Scrabble, rummy, Uno, and my favorite (apparently Gertie's, too), Chinese Checkers.

We had a great time, but it is so good to be home. Now to get ready for school to begin again.

Sarah's Coming to Our House!

We are so pleased that DD's "bestie" is returning to spend some time with us in a couple of weeks.
She and DD seem to bring out the best in one another.  I thank God for Sarah and her family!

Something to Remember for the New Year