Are you finding inspiration during these lazy, hazy, CRAZY days of Summer? I sure hope so, because when you feel inspired, your mind and emotions are stimulated and you feel ALIVE! Excitement and creativity kick in, and all is right in your world... at least for a little while. And who doesn't want that? Lucky for you, inspiration is all around! Yes, I know some of you think you're not creative – and wouldn't know Inspiration if it tapped you on the shoulder – but I'm going to show you otherwise. There really are lots of places to find inspiration... and lots of ways to be creative. One of my favorite things to do is create tablescapes, and sometimes it's the tiniest or simplest little things that inspire me. A ... Keep Reading...
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Saving Lives At The Picket Fence
Sometimes the Encouragers need to be encouraged... I had just said those words to God yesterday when I received an email from Vanessa, one of the two sister-bloggers over At The Picket Fence. . . . Recently we were contacted by Balsam Hill about an amazing 'Christmas in July' charity campaign. We were asked if we would be willing to choose a charity that is close to our hearts and have Balsam Hill set up a page where they would match the donations up to $1,000. Readers who donate certain amounts also get the opportunity to receive beautiful Balsam Hill ornaments as a thank you. Our post will go live tomorrow morning and we wanted to know if you would be able to let the representatives from Hope Unlimited ... Keep Reading...
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Ooops! I just learned something…
Wow... I haven't been here in over a week – and when I came back last night I made a mistake and added to your already crowded inbox (if you're a subscriber) without intending to. I'm so sorry! You see, I'm collaborating with someone on an upcoming post, and I wanted them to be able to view a preview. In WordPress I can publish a post as "password protected" and provide the link (and password) to anyone. How handy is that? EXCEPT... I didn't realize my auto email would think it was a *real* post and send it to you. Somehow I thought it would know – but of course it wouldn't! I guess I should feel good about this since, after four years of blogging, this "old dog" is still learning ... Keep Reading...
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Are you a Fireworks Show Christian?
This week I asked myself a question: Am I a Fireworks Show Christian or a Light of the World? Think about it... At a fireworks show, a community joins together in the dark of night, everyone anticipating something spectacular. When the spectacle of brilliant color finally splashes across the sky – for a few brief moments – the darkness disappears, "oohs and aahs" rise in unison, strangers smile at one another. Light did that. But all too soon, darkness returns – and neighbors go their separate ways. The light was exciting, beautiful, unifying... but it didn't last – and it won't return for quite awhile. Jesus himself calls those of us who are Christians to be "the light of the ... Keep Reading...
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Casual Elegance: A Quick and Easy Tablescape
It's been awhile since I've shared a tablescape with you, so let's remedy that! Here's an inspiration board showing a quick table I put together a couple of months ago when Renaissance Man's tulips were blooming. Tulips are my favorite flower, and they're always "in season" for me! What makes this tablescape work? Texture and Rhythm Texture: Vintage cutwork runner "Ragged" edge of tulips Embossed sterling band on 19th century pearl handled fork Nubby-weave napkins Embossed design of Mikasa Italian Countryside plates "Hammered" glass goblets (from Dollar Tree) Pressed glass "coasters" Rhythm: Curvy shape of goblets Casual display of napkins (rather than ... Keep Reading...
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Why the World Cup Makes Me ILL…
On October 30, 2007 the world learned that Brazil would host the 2014 World Cup. I couldn't have cared less. On October 2, 2009 the world learned that Brazil will host the 2016 Summer Olympics. I couldn't have cared more. What changed? I did. Some of my ignorance was gone. I knew things... ... Keep Reading...
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Summer Thanksgiving: Long Winter Brings New Growth
My Place to Yours™ is listed in the Faithful Bloggers Directory – an online community of bloggers for whom faith is the foundation of our words. From time to time, Faithful Bloggers challenges us to write about a specific topic – and then compiles the submissions. Their most recent topic? New Growth in the Life of Believers I took the challenge. The Christian life is not always smooth and pretty. In fact, it's sometimes harsh and difficult before the new life appears... and the cycle often repeats itself. I've just recently begun to come out of a very long winter of the soul. Those tiny, hopeful shoots of new growth have appeared. I'm really glad. If you'd like to read The ... Keep Reading...
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Flag Waving by a Disenchanted American
Today is Flag Day – and the Fourth of July is right around the corner... but I've been having a hard time lately feeling very "proud to be an American". Blessed, yes... but proud? With news cycles full of a humanitarian crisis of children a POW/deserter (huh?) a(nother) school shooting misspent sacrifices in Iraq ... it's easy to get overwhelmed. It's easy to forget about a disappeared airliners' draining effect on family members hundreds of kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls children in our neighborhoods living in "the system" 153 million orphans and so much more Are you “proud to be an American” but finding yourself frustrated by today’s America? Do you need a reminder of the good ... Keep Reading...
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Scared is the New Brave: Part 2
I've already shared Part 1 of this story with you, but there's more... The call came at 9:25 AM. Was I in town? Could I come talk to a young mother? Yes... and yes. So began my journey down a new path. I was scared. But this time the story isn't about me. It's about her. ... Keep Reading...
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Scared is the New Brave
The call came last Wednesday at 9:25 AM. Was I in town? Could I come talk to a young mother? Yes... and yes. So began my journey down a new path. I was scared... yet I felt brave – and confident. I had no idea what I was walking in to, but I knew I wasn't going alone. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 A short time later, I found myself sitting at a picnic table with (not her real name) Krystal, her preschool-age son playing on the playground nearby. I listened for a long time, ultimately encouraging her to temporarily relinquish guardianship of her child. Even with ... Keep Reading...
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When ROAD CLOSED and Red Lights = GO
Two weeks ago today I hosted a meeting to introduce a new "caring for children and families in stress" resource to my county: Safe Families for Children. We started a conversation, encouraging the Church to step into its God-given responsibility: love one another care for orphans It's not an easy conversation – and there are no easy answers – but there is a right answer. Beyond that, I guess we have to learn to trust. I'll be a perpetual student... As I drove to the meeting, I couldn't help but smile when I saw this up ahead. Of course. Ever notice how when you're trying to do what God wants you to, everything tries to slow you down? Oh, you have? Well, I chose to see those slow-me-downs ... Keep Reading...
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Jumping from the frying pan into the fire…
I'm an advocate for orphans and other vulnerable children. I haven't always been. Actually... If a child had stood before me needing a voice, I'd have spoken up – because I can be a real Mama Bear when there's a hurting child involved. But when it came to the children not standing before me, for the most part I was silent. Ignorant. The bottom line is: ... Keep Reading...
