Karla's Korner

Painted Treasure Boxes...

I love the word TRANSFORMATION:

trans·for·ma·tion/ˌtransfərˈmāSHən/

Noun:

A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

I love it when I think of how God has seriously transformed my life. 
Dramatically. Without a doubt. And yours too, I'm sure.
And I love thinking about how He's still transforming us day by day.

And I love how we've been created to be able to... with a little paint and
ephemera... transform something as ordinary as these little boxes...

into something so fun and wonderful and delightful
as these oh so cute Treasure Boxes!


I'm thinking seriously about hosting a Girls Night Out Craft Party with these
as the craft to make... what do you think?

I want my party to have a Valentine theme... thus the heart on this one.

And we all have little treasures that need a special home, don't we?

Maybe some pretty jewelry?  Or perhaps memorabelia from a special event.

And we all have friends and family who would love a gift made with love.

So I'll let you know if and when my little craft night comes together...
maybe you'd like to come. Oh what fun I am already imagining.

You see... one of my goals for this year is to be more intentional about
enjoying the company of the friends I have... and the ones I have yet to meet
and hosting a craft night sounds like a great way to do it!

You know how in the "old days" women got together to can food or make
quilts or darn socks?  I think we need to create new opportunities for women
to come together and love on one another, encourage one another and just
plain old have a good time! What do you think?

So how about you? Is there something you usually do by yourself that you
could do in the company of other women once a month?  Go ahead. Share it!
It might be the first step you need to take to make it a reality!

Blessings and God-hugs to you my sweet friends!
xoxo
Karla

Tender Hearts...

It was such a blessing to spend the evening with Marsha and Jack last night!
The joy of the Lord truly filled our hearts and home.

 
They are so tender-hearted and passionate about serving God and others...
through all they are and all they do...
especially in their ministry and their marriage!

Jack is not only the publisher of my books and countless others...
he is also a bestselling author himself... probably best known for his
God's Promises series... you may even own one!

And Marsha exudes the git of encouragement to all who
come near to her... and if you're not near... she'll send you a card
or note of blessing just to remind you that you are loved!

And thinking of God's love being revealed through His people...
my heart is breaking for the people of Japan right now...
and I know yours is too!  We can only pray God's hope
and comfort be made known to them as they have experienced
a catastrophic tragedy unlike most of us can even imagine.
I also pray God shows each of us how we can help in earthly ways as well
so we can love through deeds and not just words.

Reveal Yourself to the people of Japan Lord... 
so they might know Your great love.
Comfort them as only You can.  Amen

Lemony Sunshine Bouquet...

My publisher, Jack Countryman, and his sweet wife, Marsha...
who is also a dear dear friend of mine...
are coming to our house for dinner tonight...
all the way from Nashville!!


And they sent this bouquet yesterday... to hearken their arrival...
isn't it GORGEOUS? So beautiful... bright and cheerful!


And I love the lemon accent in the bottom of the vase... so clever!


Flowers always have a way of drawing my heart and thoughts to God...
and these definitely brought a ray of SUNSHINE into my kitchen...
and SONSHINE into my heart...


a reflection of the  beauty of a 13 year publishing and friendship
relationship between this dear couple and myself...


a relationship that many of you have been blessed by...


through the dozen or so books we've done together over the years!


I'm so excited to see them... it's been awhile...
I'm already imagining all the hugging and loving and laughter
that will fill my heart and home tonight!!

I couldn't keep the beauty of this bouquet to myself...
I knew it needed to be shared... with YOU!
May it brighten your day and bring a smile to your face!!

Thank You Father God for the beauty and blessing
of flowers and friends!!

Love and God-hugs to you...

Precious One... Valentine Download

^pre·cious

1: of great value or high price <precious jewels>
2: highly esteemed or cherished <a precious friend>

In Isaiah 43, God says...
"you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you..."

You are precious to God and to me... seriously...
you are a woman of tremendously great value! 

You may not feel like it this very minute but it's still true.
You are a woman of wonder-filled worth according to the Lord
and He doesn't lie!


I designed this little Valentine angel to celebrate how God sees you and I
as His PRECIOUS ONES... not only as my way of saying...


but also to give you the opportunity to share God's love and encouragement
in a SWEET way with some of the women in your life...
women you work with or go to church or Bible Study with...
women who serve you at the grocery store... or your children's teachers.
Maybe you and your children could make up a bunch to take to the elderly.
Ask God to show you who you could bless this Valentine's Day and
I'm sure He'll show you!

I thought about the women I want to share with and
it led me to create this small collection of printables.
I've already been preparing my little treats and am excited to share them
with you as an inspiration for what you can do too!


The first bags I made were the easiest... simply cutting out the small
bag topper, folding it in half and stapling it over the top of the treat bags
filled with candies! I don't know if you can tell but I did add a bit of glitter
to about half of them... you know I LOVE glitter!


For the second group I used a 1 3/8" scallop circle punch to cut the angels
from the gift tags, used a vintage sepia stamp pad to distress the edges of
both the circles and the front edges of the treat bag toppers...


and adhered the scalloped circles to the toppers with foam squares
which added some very fun dimension.  Again... an easy but very lovely
way to say "you are precious" to the women in your life.

I've run out of time today so I will have to upload the collection
to Etsy tomorrow... so sorry!
And then come back Wednesday and I'll finish this post
with a few more very fun ideas...
and I'll have a freebie to offer to you as well.

So remember... Valentine's Day is not just for kids or couples...
because you are God's Valentine... and He wants to romance you every day
of your life!!

XOXOXO

A Prawning We Will Go...

I loved that Carol commented on the last post that she had to immediately
stop and pull down her dictionary to find out what prawning is...
oh a girl after my own heart!!  Well, I knew what a prawn was...

but until yesterday I had never experienced the adventure of prawning...
and I'm so glad I get to take you out to sea with me!

We spent most of Thursday packing, driving up I-5, across the Canadian
border to the ferry.  Thank you Susan for the offer to have tea in Vancouver
but we took a 2 hour ferry from Duke Point to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island
and then another hour or so to Courtenay where our good friends Kevin and
Bob live. They generously invited us to stay with them and to take us out
prawning... so... no Mama Bear... we didn't take the camper on this trip.

God blessed us with a beautiful Friday morning... yeah... and we headed
out on their boat with Kevin as our Captain and Tour Guide...
you can tell just by looking at him that we were in for a good time!!


We left land near Lund and were instantly greeted by this amazing view...

and the further out we went into Desolation Sound... even though it was
overcast... the more spectacular the view became...


and the more majestic each peak of the Cascade Mtn. Range loomed...

The water was like glass as we made our way out about 16 miles to where
we would let down the baited prawn traps in hopes of a glorious bounty...


We did a little touring around the islands... which I will share tomorrow...
before we went back to pull up the traps.  The first few traps had captured
very few but it didn't matter... look at this face...

is this a happy camper or what?  Yeah!


Here we are cleaning the little critters! Sweet success!


They are called Side Striped Prawns and they are quite beautiful with white
stripes along their sides, bold stripes on their legs and antennae and
iridescent eyes. Can you believe this is me holding the little guy? 
Okay... I confess... it did take a bit of squealing and dropping them
before I got used to holding onto them! Hey... I'm a girl... what can I say!


Isn't this a beautiful sight?  By the end of the day we had about 300 and were
thanking God for gifting us with such wonderful friends, the beauty of His
creation, and an unbelievably gorgeous day!!

Thanks for coming along... but just wait until tomorrow's post...
I felt like a National Geographic photographer and I'm so excited
to share with you what I was so BLESSED to see and experience...
a once in a lifetime... you'll be delighted I'm sure!!

My God shall supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Thank You Lord for all You provide in every way... from friends who share
their hospitality to friends who come along via blogdom... from the beauty
of majestic mountains and glassy seas to the beauty of the food You provide
in such a variety of ways... and for the way You reveal Your glory to us from
the smallest of ways to most glorious... we give You praise! Amen.

Snowman Ornament Workshop Party!

I love the women in my Bible Study Group and wanted to do something extra
special to bless their hearts so my Christmas gift to them was a craft night...
a Snowman Ornament Workshop/Christmas Party... and we had so much fun!
The only sadness was that two of them were sick and another had a family
event to attend... Connie, Deb & Frances... you were missed for sure!

I served a finger-food dinner that started off with this wonderful
Snowman Cheeseball!  Isn't he adorable? He was a huge hit and I sent
everyone home with the recipe.... you can find it here.


Next came shrimp served around the rim of parfait glasses filled with
cocktail sauce which I forgot to take a picture of... along with...


salmon pate filled cucumbers decorated with chives
and a touch of red pepper and...


cherry tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella balls, adorned with a basil leaf
and sprinkled with garlic salt... yum!! 
This is what you call ARTFUL cooking... my favorite kind!

Then came crafting! Those funny looking grey balls are the snowman heads...
they are made from a paper mache pulp and take quite a while to dry so,
since we only had the evening, I made them beforehand.

But they had so much layering the paints, adding the eyes...


adding rouge to their cheeks...


and especially adding the glitter... the sparkle that brings them to life!


Then came the hat-making... but again... got so caught up in the making...
I forgot all about taking pictures of the process...


but the joy on Brenda's face... and on her snowman's face... says it all!


each one a different personality...


just like their makers... Dottie, Joan, and Brenda...
each woman tickled pink with her own handmade Christmas creation!


We ended the evening with a light dessert of raspberry jello topped with
light whipping cream and Christmas sprinkles... and an ornament exchange.
It was a wonderful time of love, laughter, and creativity!

This is one of the greatest joys of Christmas... giving oneself away...
time, talents and/or treasures... for the blessing of others...
simply in celebration of the greatest Gift we've been given...
the love of Jesus who was born into this world to give Himself away...
for you... and for me... ultimately on the tree.

Father God, thank You for Jesus... who is the Reason for the Season. Help us
this year as we give ourselves... our time, talents and/or treasures... with a
right heart... out of love and not obligation... to bless and not impress...
and if we're struggling with that Lord, remind us of why we celebrate
Christmas and the glory of the Greatest Gift of all! Amen.

A Colorado Christmas Tea

Last weekend I spoke at a wonderful Christmas Tea at Waterstone Community Church in Littleton, CO. The women were delightful and the hard work and creativity that they poured into this event was phenomenal.  With the good food, fellowship, and a message of hope and encouragement... I have no doubt that those women were blessed for being there! Thank you Jean for the invitation!

When I walked into the hall where the tea was being held, the first thing that caught my eye was the gingerbread style house... built right up there on the stage... it looked very familiar...

...hmmm... I wonder why???  This is the painting from my Heart & Home of Christmas book that inspired them! How fun is that!!! Can you see all the details... the gifts, trees, even the bluebirds on the roof and chimney!

Is that amazing... or what!!!

And check out these table settings.  I love the creativity and personality that shines in each one... some were so simple, some elegant, some whimsical... some china, some paper, some stoneware... and this is only a sampling.  I sure gleaned some ideas for myself... I hope you do too!

Notice the "placemats"... I'm curious.
Notice the centerpiece... there's a close up at the end...

I don't do blue... but this is beautiful!
Whimsical and FUN!! I love the bucket of whimsy and the peppermint swirl under it.
Who would have thought black.. but it's elegant... and married to crystal and silver made me think of "silver bells"...

 And I love this centerpiece!!  Three ornaments turned upside down... same color but notice the contrast in texture of each ornament... filled partly with water for weight and a few sprigs of greenery tucked in and tada... beautiful!

I love to inspire and be inspired... to bless and be blessed!  These women were such a blessing to me... and I can only believe... in the Lord... that I was to them as well!!

May the beauty of the season fill your heart and overflow out onto all those you see and meet along your way!

Lord bless you and keep you focused on Him as you celebrate His coming this Christmas season!!

"Apple of God's Eye" Printables Now in the Shoppe!

I just finished the "Apple of God's Eye" Printables Kit... it's a wonderful theme for a Girlfriend Gathering and perfect for September!! You can see more photos, find out more about what's included in the Kit and get some gift-giving ideas over at Karla's Korner Shoppe!  Enjoy!

A Morning Glory Gathering...

This is a beautiful example of a "Morning Glory Gathering"!  This is a table setting from "Every Woman's Grace" Spring Luncheon, held at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley,CA  on May 21, 2008. It's so inviting, isn't it?  A couple of things I really love about this is the use of paper plates and plastic cups... a fun and beautiful setting doesn't have to be fine china and glass. And I LOVE the white picket fence down the center of the table... short enough not to block the view of the women across from you, simple to do, and just downright CHARMING!  Carolyn wanted to use more of the art from the  "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit but I just couldn't get it finished in time but you'll see she was able to use a little here and there.

This is Carolyn's assistant leader and she told me, "I have given my assistant leader almost all of your books now, and she has given me most of your cards. We always try to find new "Karla" items to surprise each other with. It's one of the joys we have serving the Lord together and serving our women." You two did a great job... thank you for sharing your inspiration and heart for ministry with us through your photos!

These are the women who were seated at Carolyn's table... I love how the fence created a frame that says it all... in the garden with the God of glory!  I feel like I already know these ladies... isn't that one of the great thing about being sisters in Christ! Thanks again Carolyn for sharing your love for the Lord and your love for other women with them... and us!!  Bless your heart!

I hope you've been inspired... I know I have.  I can see setting up a little fence like that on the island in my kitchen as a backdrop for my buffet serving dishes. And I love how the seed packet is sticking up out of the little pail... of course I would want to use my own! teehee. It's just so wonderful to see how using a color theme can be so dramatic and beautiful... even in plastic and paper! If you are in Women's Ministry and considering a "Morning Glory Gathering" you might want to bookmark this as a reference for next spring and also know that the "Morning Glory Garden" Clip Art Kit is a great resource with lots of useful art to help you promote your event as well as create table settings and favors. I will soon be adding a Tea Party Printables Kit to coordinate as well as other helpful ideas.

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalms 3:3

Father God thank You for being a shield around me... my protector against the enemy and the keeper of my heart, thoughts, and life both now and eternally. You are my glory Lord... there is nothing I desire more than You. Thank You for reaching down from heaven when I am downcast and focused on the things of this earth... and with the tender touch of Your Spirit you lift my chin to look up and see You... high and lifted up above all the world... and the things of this earth do grow strangely dim when my eyes are on You! Be glorified Lord... in me and through me... amen.

Let's Have a "Set Free" Tea Party

I don't want to make you tired of this design but July is right around the corner and I have been having so much fun designing... or should I say "redesigning" this wonderful "Set Free" Tea Party Collection! I softened up the 4th of July theme with a soft buttery yellow, a few well place swirls and added a floral accent... perfect for a proper ladies tea! If you have the gift of hospitality and would enjoy hosting a tea party during the month of July, this is a perfect reason to do it. Not only will you be gathering some friends around your table for fellowship but you can use the "Set Free" theme to encourage their hearts and remind them of their freedom in Christ or invite them to experience it for themselves! And I'm planning on adding a "Set Free" devotional and get-to-know-each-other questions here soon.

The fabulous thing about this collection is that it is also compatible with the 4th of July Party Kit. So you could use the pinwheels and banners to add to the decorations. You might want to consider sticking the larger stars and/or pinwheels into a pot of red geraniums for a more feminine touch, but the quart makes for a quick and easy centerpiece as well. I filled mine with rice so I could position my stars and pinwheels where I wanted them.

I'm hoping to be able to host my own "Set Free" Tea Party and make it a patio party... weather permitting! I keep imagining a plate full of sandwiches cut out with star cookie cutters!  Doesn't that sound fun!  And of course, I'll have to bake cupcakes just so I can put those tiny little stars in the tops of them like I did in the photo for the 4th of July party. I think I'll change out the colored frosting for white with coconut or I just discovered some glittery sparkles from Wiltons I might have to try. Too cute!  If I come up with any other suggestions as I plan my own party, I'll be sure to let you know and if you have any... please share... I can use all the help I can get!!

If you're interested in knowing what all those fun items are that are in the kit, including a close up of the scripture card holder and teabag envelope, or if you're interested  in purchasing the "Set Free" Tea Party Collection please pop over to Karla's Korner Shoppe and take a look!

"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;
because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4

Lord Jesus, you said as we "know the truth and the truth will set us free" and I thank You for this great truth that is not only a promise, but holds the potential to be life transforming. You are in me... in us, your daughters... and You are greater in every way than the enemy that seeks to keep us captive to lies, bondage to bad attitudes and dependent on destructive behaviors. Lord God, You've also promised that as we submit to You and resist the devil, He must flee. Father, write this truth on my heart as I meditate on it and bring it to my mind when I need it so that I may continue to be set free and live the life You died to give me. Amen.

Refreshing Others

I wonder if you would agree that there is nothing so satisfying than knowing God used you to pour out a refreshing drink of His love to another person. I had the privilege last weekend to speak into the lives of some wonderful women in WI and , even though I know God poured out His Word and His love into their hearts and blessed them there, I was equally if not more blessed in being the vessel God used to pour from. Two women accepted Christ for the first time and many left that place different women from when they had arrived... thank You Jesus for Your love, grace and power to transform lives!

Here's a peek at a few of these women from Spring Creek Church in Pewaukie, WI as they enjoy being in the presence of the Lord... just look at those beautiful faces... they were/are great ladies...

What a privilege it is to be God's vessels of refreshing... and He gives each of us so many opportunities every day to pour out His love and encourage others... no matter what gifts and talents we have or don't think we have. Sometimes it's just a matter of looking around us and being willing to be used.

I love having the opportunity to partner with women like you all over the world by offering ministry gifts... my books and products... tools that you can use to bless and refresh other women in your world. I just want to say THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your ministry to other women!  And I am excited to announce that I have recently made the decision to introduce a new product that I used to offer several years ago to help you do just that... Ministry Magnets! 

I love these Ministry Magnets because they are an affordable way to share God's love and His Word with others. They tuck into an envelope along with a letter or card and become a small gift. And they make a great ministry tool to give each woman in your Bible Study or the women who attend your Ladies Tea or Retreat as a remembrance of the event and what God did for them there. Right now there are just a few designs available but I plan to add more to the offering every week. There are also quantity discounts available if you're interested in these Ministry Magnets for your group... large or small.

It is such a privilege to be God's vessels, isn't it? To be His girls who He can pour into and out of!  And there are so many ways we can pour out a refreshing drink of God's love into the lives of those around... the women God has sovereignly placed along the path of our lives.  Here's just a few to consider...

1. Write a note of thanks... not for what she's done but simply for who she is.
2. Give a listening ear... call her or get together and purpose not to talk about yourself... ouch!
3. Share a recipe... and better yet... prepare it for her as a gift.
4. Pray for her... and then let her know you've been praying for her... it's nice to know someone cares.

Or maybe she needs one of these gifts of refreshing and blessing...

The list of ways to bless one another is almost endless.  What are some of your favorite ways to pour out God's love to others?  Leave a comment and share your favorite ways... maybe you'll be the inspiration someone else needs!  May we never quit refreshing one another... and as we do, God's promise is that we too will be refreshed!

Be encouraged in heart and united in love.
Colossians 2:2

Dear Lord... thank You for being our greatest Encourager... our eternal cheerleader. Thank You for pouring out Your love into our hearts and bringing refreshing to our souls. Open our eyes to the needs of others and show us new and creative ways to share Your love and blessings with those around us. For Your glory! Amen.

A "My Cup Runneth Over" Valentine's Tea

My friend Frances has the gift of hospitality and a love of all things tea! Last weekend she, with the help of her friend Kathy, opened her home and invited 12 women to join her for a Valentine's Tea. Together they poured out a refreshing drink of love and acceptance into the hearts of these women and they enjoyed an afternoon of overflowing joy! This is Frances reading the "My Cup Runneth Over" devotional to the women.

One of the things I loved most about the tea was that she and Kathy reached out and invited a few new women in our church... women they had not even met before... along with those who have been coming awhile. So there were connections made and new friendships born.

And of course, it's always fun to see my printables being put to good use! I was told the women loved them.

I love how Frances gathered together a few of her teapots to illustrate the message of the devotional so visually. In the devotional, I share about how we are all God's teapots, created as unique vessels... some of us are short and stout as the children's song sings, some of us are tall and slender and many of us are somewhere in between. And it doesn't matter to God if you're bright yellow stoneware with red polka dots, natural shades of earthenware, or white china with graceful painted roses... because the truth is we are all cracked pots, blemished and chips by life!  I'm sure you would agree.

The sad thing is that sometimes we can get so caught up in worrying about the appearance of our vessel, that we forget all about the incredible treasure that dwells within us... the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that is able to flow through us to bless, refresh and influence our world more than we can imagine... if we will only allow Him to fill us up daily and tip us over whenever and on whomever He chooses.

1 Samuel 16:7 says "man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

Lord Jesus, thank You for filling us with Your lavish love... so much so that there is plenty to overflow and give away! Forgive us for putting so much emphasis on our outer appearance that we sometimes forget that within us dwells the God of the universe... "Christ in me... the hope of glory!"  We are Your teapot Lord... fill us up and tip us over... for your glory and the blessing of many. Amen

My Cup Runneth Over - A FREE Valentine Download

I am thrilled to offer you my new collection of "My Cup Runneth Over" Digital Downloads to celebrate Valentine's Day and the life and love God has so generously poured out on us through His Son Jesus!

Included in the collection is a wonderful teabag holder, two candy wrappers for Hershey nuggets, name or gift tags,and place cards. What makes this collection even more special is that I am also offering you a devotional for a Girlfriend Gathering, a related icebreaker question to help the women get to know each other, a life question to keep them thinking when they leave, as well as a closing prayer. I encourage you to, not only make and give the gifts, but to also open your home during the month of February and invite a few women for a Girlfriend Gathering... whether it's for tea or lunch or a evening out to celebrate the love of God!

Maybe you will want to pour out a refreshing drink of God's love and grace to your closest friends or a few of the women from your MOM'S group... but I would also like to encourage you to look beyond those you know to those who might need to be known. Consider calling your church office and asking for the names of women who are new to your church or if they know of any women who are just having a hard time connecting.

Part of the devotional is taken from my book "The Blessing of Friendship" so if you're interested in giving each woman you invite a copy of the book as a special blessing, just email me and I can give you a price break according to the numbers.

These downloads will only be available as a FREE GIFT to you during the month of February so if you have friends who you think might like them please take a minute and let them know they're here.  You can download the pdf templates and devotional here:

My Cup Runneth Over Teabag Envelope & Name Tags
My Cup Runneth Over Candy Wrappers
My Cup Runneth Over PlaceCards
My Cup Runneth Over Girlfriend Gathering Devotional

I would love to hear from you... if these downloads were a blessing to you and if you have a Girlfriend Gathering, I would love to see any photos you take... I might even post a few.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for pouring out Your love into our hearts and then tipping us over and pouring us out on others to bring glory to You and a refreshing drink of Your love to them!  Amen

Lots of Catching Up to Do!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Like many of you... I got caught up in the blessing and busyness of the season and that's my only excuse for being out of touch for soooo long... but a good excuse I'm sure you'd agree!  The last few weeks have been full of family and friend gatherings, decorating and now undecorating, finishing up end of the year speaking and business stuff and dreaming, planning and preparing for the new year to come!

Here are some photos from the past few weeks... welcome to my world!

For those of you who have heard my tinsel story... this is my sweet hubby helping me decorate by placing the star on top of our beautiful tree!

This is the first time in many years that I did not place the fun and family ornaments on the tree. I had a desire for simple so only used red and white with a touch of silver. I love the candlestick lights and the berries add a touch of fun and elegance.

I couldn't stand not having any family ornaments out though... so I decorated a small tree and had it on the island in the kitchen... it was the perfect place for it as everyone who hovered around the food throughout the season also enjoyed looking at some very old and very handmade family ornaments!

After just a little bit... I began to miss my snowpeople so I took inspiration from my daughter Michelle and attached all my wonderful snowpeople to a wreath and I LOVE it!!  It is so festive and fun!

 This year I hosted an ornament party to celebrate the women God has blessed my life with. As expected this time of year, not all of them could come... but for those who came...we had a blast. We played a game "Name That Christmas Carol" and I surprised them by having them stand up every few songs according to the stars on their name tags and sing the carol whose name we just guessed. They were awesome!!

We are so grateful that we live so close to Michelle and Gary and the girls and even more blessed that they invite us over early every Christmas morning to be a part of their family Christmas. It is so much fun to watch the girls open their gifts and love on one another! Lex bought this doll for Jess and it was the only doll she got... she was thrilled with it!

Then it was back to our house for the family gathering. This is Mike's sister Cindy with the girls and one of the beautiful quilts she made... one for each of the girls! She is amazing! She and her husband Kerry and their daughter Monica were here along with his other sister Debbie, below, with her friend Lyle. They drove down from Hood River about 80 miles... we were so glad to have them!

I leave early tomorrow morning to fly back to Illinois to celebrate my sister Margie's 60th birthday. I'll try to fit in a few minutes to blog and keep in touch while I'm there... we can only wait and see!

Thank you to all of you who continued to check back while I was away... you bless my heart. I believe God has great things in store for us all in the coming year ahead. I look forward to sharing some of where He's taking me as we journey into 2008 together!

Heavenly Father,
The photos show the celebration of the blessings you've given me here on earth but they don't show the celebration of my heart for the greatest blessing of all... and that would be Jesus! Thank You for the opportunities you give us during this season and all year long to proclaim your Name and the reality that You did come to earth and walked among us so we could know You... and that You died on the cross so we could have relationship with You... and You rose from the dead so we could be born again and live with You into eternity! Thank You God for the Gift of Jesus!

Only Two Days Left to Enter Oct. Contest

The response to October's Contest has been fabulous... but it's not over yet! You still have today and tomorrow to enter! I have been encouraged by every comment and blessed by the overwhelming response. I truly am sorry for not being able to personally respond to each of you but I appreciate each one of you, love to know what you're thinking and hope you know that if time allowed, we could easily become pen-pals! I'm excited to see who the winner will be!! I'll announce it on November 1.

OCTOBER HOSPITALITY
I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of photos from my sweet friend Margaret from Australia... the land down under!  Last February I offered a digital download for a Valentine's gift box that you could make and fill with goodies for a friend and then in the spring I offered a download for a pretty pink seed packet and encouraged you to have your own garden party. Margaret loved the idea of the garden party but on her side of the world, when we are celebrating spring they are in the midst of winter... no flowers and no garden for a party! So she has held onto the art and the idea and behold... the spring flowers are blooming and so is she and her friends!

I love Margaret's creativity. She used pages from Down a Garden Path to make placemats and each woman got one that was specially chosen for who she is with the art on one side and the story on the other. She used the free stationery from my website as her menu... fun! She filled the seed packets with real seeds and the candy boxes with sweets. Faye read from Down a Garden Path while they were waiting to be served to set the heart of the party.

As each woman arrived she was ushered into the dining room to choose her own Fascinator. Now, I had never heard of a Fascinator before but they are lovely and so much fun... a little handmade hat with flowers and feathers and quite the compliment to these pretty ladies! Margaret did tell them a true fascinator has a little tulle covering the forehead and eyes but I don't think any of her friends minded.

From left to right... Janet, Eleanor, Lyn, Pam, Faye, and Margaret.
Thanks for sharing Margaret... what fun!!

Dear Lord,
I just know it blesses your heart to see your girls come together and celebrate You and the life You've given us. May we be women who open our hearts and our homes and invite into our lives other women who need a touch of love and blessing... and fun... from Your heart and ours. Amen.

September Hospitality

Our home group is still participating in a season of "Intentional Hospitality" and last Saturday we enjoyed our August/September dinner.

Scott and Joan... on the left... were in our home group when we began this project but are now hosting their own home group... so for them to come to dinner at our house was an extra special treat since we miss having them in group! Buster and Shirley are on the right... we've seen and greeted this wonderful couple at church on Sunday for years but now have had the pleasure of getting to know them just a little bit better!

It was a cool fall evening and after dinner we sat around the firepit... listening to the crackle of the fire... telling stories... learning about each other... laughing... and just loving one another... just as Christ loves us!

Are you practicing"Intentional Hospitality" ? May I encourage... that if you're not...  fall is a good time to begin. God calls us to be hospitable... but if we aren't intentional about it... it just never seems to happen, does it? Other things will always get in the way. So maybe even today... you could pick up the phone and invite one or two couples to dinner and show them hospitality... God's way!

I'd love to know if you do... email me or leave me a comment and let us encourage one another!

He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:16

St. Patrick's Day Dinner

What a St.Patrick's Day treat it was for Michael and I to enjoy an evening of good food and fellowship with Dottie and Don from our home group (the couple in the center) and  Christi and Jeff (the couple on the left).

As soon as we sat down at the table we all took the scrolls from our drinking glasses and unrolled them to discover the words to the song "getting to know you". It was a joyful noise to hear us all singing this song together and a fun way to set the tone for the evening. Don prayed for our meal after taking a minute to share with us that this was a first for him as he has just recently become a follower of Christ. We were all honored to be a witness to SUCH A MEMORABLE MOMENT... and yours truly was wiping tears from her eyes. Our God is an awesome God!

We were served the traditional corned beef, cabbage and potatoes... Dottie was tickled to tell us the recipes for each dish came from her son... who is a chef... so every bite was exceptional... and the  festive green decorations just added a fun flavor to our meal together. After dinner we sat around the table playing Outburst and laughing hilariously... and then moved into the living room to watch Thou Shalt Laugh... a video of Christian stand up comedians to make you LAUGH OUT LOUD.

And what a surprise and blessing it was when Christi came with gifts for each of us girls... herself included. She had taken the time to make us these beautiful green beaded bracelets that we not only wore and modeled for dinner but will now have as a remembrance of our wonderful HOSPITALITY DINNER together and what a delightful memory it will be.

Have you considered having a hospitality dinner? Inviting one couple you already know can give you the confidence and the comfort level to invite a second couple (married or two singles) who you don't know or don't know well. There are a lot of lonely people among us... even in our own churches... longing to be known... and just think how many MEMORABLE MOMENTS are just waiting for you to enjoy! Is hospitality a part of your lifestyle? Or is God tugging at your heartstrings to reach out and invite others into your heart and your home? If so... either way...let me know... I'd love to hear about your experiences!

Heavenly Father,
You have said in your Word that we are to "practice hospitality"... it is your desire for us... as a way of showing love to one another. The enemy has robbed us of this wonderful time of breaking bread and fellowship together far too long by convincing us that we don't have time... or our homes have to perfect and clean... or our meals have to be gourmet. Lord, would you deliver us from this lie and set us free to enjoy true hospitality with one another according to our own giftings and no one elses... whether it's pizza and prayer or lasagna and laughter... may you be glorified and may many among us be blessed.

How Salty Are You?

I couldn't resist these sweet little chick salt & pepper shakers at my nearby vintage resale shop... especially with spring at our doorstep and Easter right around the corner. Aren't they adorable? I am of a mind that these little fellows do not want to be set on a shelf somewhere and just be admired. I truly believe they long to serve by doing what they were designed to do... being vessels who not only hold within them... but freely pour out... salt & seasoning wherever they're needed! 

I love the picture Jesus paints of us being salt shakers!  In Matthew 5:13 He said, "You are the salt of the earth."  We were never designed to sit on a shelf and look pretty but to be vessels of God's goodness in the world!  I've heard it said that we are not only called "to be good, but to do good."

We have been filled with the love and grace and knowledge of our Lord... not to hold within ourselves but to shake out on the world through our our words and actions. There is much to be said about salt and its seasoning affect on the world around us but the one thing that comes to mind this morning is how... just like salt sometimes falls beyond the food it was intended to season... so can grace. What an extra blessing to consider that someone we're not even aware of may be watching or listening as we shake out some of God's grace on a friend or neighbor or even a stranger... and that person afar off may have a grain or two of God's grace touch them in a way that could possibly be life changing... and we may never know until heaven.  Just something to ponder.

Oh Lord, I don't want to be a woman who sits on the shelf and looks pretty... set me upon the table of your service and don't let me miss an opportunity to be used of you... to be a vessel, ready and willing, to shake out some love and grace for your glory.

The Heart of Hospitality

Saturday night was the highlight of our weekend. It was our first of many "on purpose and with a purpose" hospitality dinners. From left to right... that's me in black and my husband Mike... Fred and Frances who are in our home group... and Jack and Darlene who we truly enjoyed getting to know... they had us captivated with their stories of living in China.

Michael and I have never been afraid of inviting people into our home. Over the years, we have had a numerous guests for dinner as well as a number of people live with us for days and even months, depending on their needs. For the past five years we've hosted a home group with as many as twelve couples from our church coming together for dinner, fellowship and prayer twice a month. Occasionally we would invite other people to dinner but not often, always using our busy lives as an acceptable excuse.

Just before Christmas, as I was reading in Romans and pondering the list of "godly principles for Christian living" found in chapter 12, verses 9-21... verse 13 just jumped off the page and planted itself in my heart... "practice hospitality."  There was no room for excuses or arguments. It was God calling me... Michael and I... to give ourselves and our time in a greater way through intentional hospitality... opening our hearts and our home on purpose and with a purpose. As I continued to pray about this and what it was to look like and how it was to fit into our busy lives, I was convinced that this call was not just about us and so we shared this vision with our home group... of purposely opening our hearts and homes to people in our church who we do not know or don't know well. The initial response was enthusiasm tempered by feelings of inadequacy, concerns over time, and fear of not knowing who to invite. But by realizing that our home group has the potential to build community within our local church by impacting the lives of sixty other people over the next ten months, fear gave way to faith and a desire to learn more about having a heart of hospitality.

I will share more about our journey in this new adventure with you over the next few months with the hope that you too will take up the banner of hospitality and hang it over your doorpost in the days and weeks and months to come. I believe this call is not only to Michael and I or to our home group but to the body of Christ as a whole. Hospitality is not about entertaining or being Martha Stewart... it's about loving one another with the heart of God.  Bottom line, we need each other... and as the day of the Lord draws close, even more so!

So please... be encouraged today to ask God who He would have you invite to dinner... who in your church or neighborhood needs some intentional, on purpose and with a purpose hospitality. If it is your habit to do so anyway... bravo!  If it is not... take that step of faith and God will meet you there... in fact, He longs to be the unseen guest at your dinner!