A Story to Share

My brother sent me this. It so touched my heart i anted to share it with you.
I hope you will take time to read it even though it is long, and I hope it will touch your heart like it did mine.

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas.
She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr.
Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite
patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because
of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith
with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother
sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my
name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain
the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse,
Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood
pressure Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe
in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and
dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter,
and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet.
I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when
she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad?
Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the
patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it
says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you
think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my
precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me
that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having
difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith
Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office
was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did
not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said
she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will,
I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here
next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room
with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff
to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her
Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because
she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She
had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She
had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by
the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.

Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.
When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,
"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for
you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.
I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go
home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never
happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say,
"God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like
a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm
so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special
day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question,
"Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait
until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her
Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you
believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He
wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and
I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and
invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross
did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of
angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what
day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter
Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some
of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter
lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter
lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black
Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet
smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she
realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's
house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come
again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be
also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor
crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face
toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy
Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a
table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is
Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"


I

A MESS FIXED

Well i guess you have seen what a mess i have made of things.

i have accidentally posted this cute little bird and nest 3 times now, in an effort to link to my other blog.

Now, I'm afraid if i delete him, i will delete him on my other blog too. (note said it would delete the pic wherever it was).

So, just go to my other blog however you can get there, and take a look at the giveaway info.

We'll just say we had triplets on this blog. =0))



Hugs to all,
B

Treasures Blog Giveaway!

200th Post Giveaway!!!

Treasures from the Heart

April 15th drawing.

giveaway!

blog giveaway on my other blog

Encouraging Words

" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you've imagined".
Thoreau.

Have you taken time to have a dream?
Does your dream seem impossible?

God works in the impossible areas of our lives.
We do not need to fret and worry about whether our dreams will ever come true.
God knows the desires of our hearts.
In His time He will fulfill the dreams in our hearts.
If we are walking close to Him, our dreams, our desires,
will be to please Him and be used by Him


So,"be anxious for nothing", but in prayer give thanks for the desires God will put in your heart, and that He will fulfill those desires and bring Glory to His name.


Just pondering these thoughts today.

Blessings on your day,
Barbara Jean

A true artist

Today I am resting, but I want to tell you about my friend's blog.
She does beautiful artwork and I greatly admire not only her work, but who she is as a person.
Her name is Diane.

Please pay her a visit, scroll down, and look at some of her beautiful work.
She also passes on great tips, and helpful information.

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

Tidying Up

Well, I had before and after pics of my tidy up job in my sewing room, but as i have done many times before, i backspaced too far and lost one.
Any one know how to avoid that?
I want the words before the pic, but when i try to go there, i lose the top picture!

Well, that's not what i came to say.

I was noticing Dawns' (the feathered nest) new studio in progress. Her stacks of fab were so neat, (just like mine are right after i clean).
But, when i start crafting or sewing, and try to pull out a piece of fabric from the horizontal stack, they get messed up.
Being a messy creative person, as opposed to a tidy creative person, sometimes the mess just stayed that way till the next time i got in the mood to organize it all again.
then i thought of how tidy the fabric store is, and it is because they have their bolts of fabrics vertical, instead of horizontal.
Aren't they just so clever that way!!
So, I went right down to the fabric store, and asked what they do with their empty cardboard the fabric comes on. They throw it away!!! (well recycle it), and said i could have as many as i want!!

Then i cut it into the height of whatever shelf i am putting the fabrics on, and they just stay much neater.

I started that project about a month ago, and the pic above is how much i got done before i hopped off to some other project, like bird nests.

I know that would drive some of you nuts, but, have no fear, I will finish it eventually, and in the meantime, you don't have to go into my sewing room. I sure don't!!! =0)

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

PS When you go over to see Dawn's new studio in progress, you might want to take a look at her beautiful new granddaughter, Clara. She is a little doll!!

THANK YOU!

I just want you to know:

YOU MAKE MY HEART SING!!!!

Thank you for kind and encouraging words, via comments and emails.

Thankful Thursday * Friends and Flowers

I was reminded of this painting lately, so dug out the old photo to show you.
It is something i painted years ago in my "Flowers' phase, and someone bought it and it has probably had several homes by now.

What reminded me of it was that several people who have been walking by our house lately have commented to us how lovely our yard is. Well I'm not going to show you a picture of my yard. I would be too embarrassed. It is awful! It is full of moss and weeds, moles, and, well, a real mess.
But, we have daffodils blooming abundantly, and when people go by that is what they see.

The painting above says, "Your friends see your garden, not your broken fence."
Isn't that great? Those people who were walking by did not see all the weeds and mess, they just saw the beauty of the flowers. We see all the mess, others see the beauty.

That's the way our friends are. They see our beauty. They believe in us. They dream with us, encourage us, pick us up when we fall, dust us off, and help us move forward, and bloom again.
When we lose the song in our heart, they sing it back to us and help us remember the song is still there.

So, today:

1. I'm thankful for people just walking by, who reminded me that there is beauty in everything if we look past the 'mess' and see the heart.

2. I'm thankful for my wonderful friends, who have helped me to enjoy life so much, are there to encourage me, rejoice with me, celebrate life with me, and, love me unconditionally.

3. I am most thankful for a loving God, who knows my heart, who knows the plans He has for me, who will use my hurts to help me grow, and to help others when they are hurt.
He sees past my shortcomings to all my potential.

And isn't He so gracious, to use an old piece of art work, and weeds in our yard, to show us His love.

Blessings,

Barbara Jean

paper craft and giveaway!!

Good morning.

Kelli is hosting paper craft Wednesday, and having a giveaway!!

Hop on over to see her, and hopefully next week i will be able to share a paper craft too. =0))

Blessings,
B

Blue Monday Memories

Posted on my other site, some blue treasures i have.
Please go visit, and then go to smilin sally's to see other beautiful and fun blue treasures.

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

I'll be Back!

Things are calming down now, and i am trying to process and grow through recent events.

I hope to be back next week, and hope to see you all then.

Blessings and have a great weekend.

Barbara Jean

see ya later

do to some unforeseen circumstances i will not be posting for awhile.
prayers appreciated.
thanks

blessing barbara jean

Blue Monday

I have to say Monday, and deciding to join in on blue Monday came too fast!
So, till i can get myself more together on a Monday, Please enjoy every one's posts, and my shared scripture for today.

This is Blue Monday at:

smilingsally

Thank you smiling sally, for hosting this event!






Hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.

Barbara Jean

Sunday Morning Greetings

God Morning!!

Sunday Blessings to all.

Barbara Jean

Birdie Homes

This is part of a post from my other blog.

click: More Birdie Homes

to see more.

"WOW! These are great!!
(Hey. look! My sister got the best one of all."
"Wish i could have a nest on a silver teaspoon!"


They may all have a favorite, but i think each one i do is my favorite, till the next one anyway. =0)

I will post more pics in a few days when i finish up the ones i started.
These will all be available for a limited time only, as it is about time for me to move on to other treasures for the store.
Most pins and sitting nests are $8-10, with some 'special' ones at $12.00.
(These all range in size from 1- 2")

I just found yellow birds too, if anyone wants a really bright and beautiful Spring look.
I'll post the colors i have just one of each if you'd like more to choose from.

I am also still making large nests.

AN EASTER GIVEAWAY

a-vintage-heart is having an Easter giveaway!
Such a cute prize she has made too!

Thankful Thursday

Guess I'm a bit behind on this blog, but if you see my tablescape on my other blog you will see why.

TAXES!!, and spending way too much time doing some fun things like creating, and visiting my blog friends.

And that leads up to what i am thankful for:
I am thankful i am not going crazy or losing my mind!!!

I have been doing so many crazy things lately, and worse than usual!
I keep 'misplacing' things. Sometimes important things (like tax info)!
I have locked myself out of too many places lately.

Forgot to tell my daughter i would be late getting Isabel home from school yesterday and caused her to wrory.

Yesterday, while at my daughter's, a friend came to jog with my son-in-law. The friend laid his keys on the tall chest next to the door. Off they went running.

In a few minutes it was time for me to leave. I picked up Todd's keys and put them in my purse, put on my coat, and walked across the street to my car. Took my keys out of my coat pocket, started the car up and drove off. Yes, you guessed it. Todd's keys were in my pocket!!!

Did i notice? No. Not till Angie called and asked about them, and sure enough, there they were in my purse!!! I mean by now, I'm sure you must all be wondering what on earth is wrong with that girl!!

Well, the appointment i was heading to was my counselor (not going for memory loss, but other things). After i spent the first 15 minutes crying, and she calmed me down. She started having me check my breathing, and my tenseness. I have a tendency to breathe very shallow and tense up when i am anxious, (and did it tyou it is tax time?)

As i explained more of my problem of losing, she said, "You are not getting enough oxygen to your brain!!). I sort of snickered (as much as you can snicker when you are a wreck) because that is exactly what they told my Dad last year when he started losing his memory!!! So, back to deep breathing, relaxing, and walking each day.

Long story to say:

I am thankful i am not losing my mind.

I'm thankful and hopeful for a reasonable solution.

I'm thankful for a husband who never gets upset when he rescues his damsel in distress, locked out of wherever.

I'm thankful for a daughter and her friends, who are understanding.

I'm thankful for my steadfast friends, both here in Eugene, and in blog land, who encourage and support, and pray for each other.

And I'm thankful for a Lord who knows us though and through, and is always there to help us, whether it be through counselors, friends, or family.

Thank you Lord.

Blessings on your day,

Barbara Jean

Blessings

I love birds, and I love the word, so loved this.


Blessings on your Friday.

Thankful Thursday

No time for a Tablescape this week,
but always time to give thanks.

I guess, because of certain current events, seeing hurting couples in their marriages, my thoughts of thankfulness end up being in that direction this week.

Like most couples, Scott and i have had our rough years, and it seemed, from my perspective, there were a lot of them. Years when i felt alone, unimportant, unloved, and became very depressed. i lost hope of things ever changing.
I built up huge walls of protection around myself, hoping not to be hurt any more. That only put me further away in my loneliness, and depression.

I kept thinking if Scott would just change i would be happy. I prayed that the Lord would change him, and in the meantime i saw counselors to try to figure out why i felt so alone, and fix it. I saw things he should be doing, and wasn't. I also knew things i should be doing to love him, but I was too hurt to do them. I would say to the Lord, "what about my needs? Whose going to take care of me?"

It wasn't until i realized that it was me who needed to change, not Scott, and that only God can meet my needs, that things began to turn around. It's like I was in the way of anything God wanted to do in my husband, or me.
So, I started trying to get out of the way. It was hard, and i can't even tell you now how it started, but, thank you Lord, it did.

We have, over these past few years, grown so much. We have both changed, incredibly.
We have learned the differences in how our brains work. How we see and feel things so differently. we see that we can't meet all of each others needs.
That our significance and security does not come from our spouse, but from God.
He can met all our needs.

That the goal is marriage, or any relationship, is not to be happy, but to grow into His likeness, and grow together in oneness with Him and each other.

What i saw, over a long period of time, was a transforming, of both of us. And we are still being transformed, still changing, and yes, we even still have trouble sometimes. It is all part of this process called life.

This may seem odd to hear, and I even find myself a bit surprised to say it, but i am grateful for those times now.

I am thankful:

That God opened my blind eyes to see His plan.

I'm grateful God pulled us through those times.

I'm grateful for the way we enjoy each other now.

I'm grateful that our goal is not just to be happy,
but to help each other grow in whatever we do.

I'm grateful for a God who knows us better than we know ourselves and wants the best for us, even when we don't know what that is sometimes.

I'm glad to know He will be with us when we hit walls again. (and we will. that's life!)

And I'm grateful for any way he can use us, to share with others, and help them through their hard times.

We go through hard things, not to hide in shame behind a dark curtain, but to help others.

I hope my sharing has helped someone out there not feel as alone, and that you will reach out and ask for help, and support. That you will take a risk, take down some walls, and let love in.

We need to be there for each other.

Blessings on Thankful Thursday!!

Barbara Jean

Scripture Tags

I'm experimenting to see if i can load these lovely Scripture tags by Sparrow's song.
Blessings

God rejoices over you with singing

God Rejoices in YOU

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

This lovely verse is from Marilyn's blog, Heart Song.
She has wonderful site to visit and be inspired.

Blessings

Giveaway at vivlyndesigns

This magazine and other prizes will be given away on March 15th.
Go check it out!!

http://vivlyndesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/giveaway.html#comments

blessings

New Bird Nest

I've been having more fun with my bird nests!!

What do you think of this??
Can you figure out what it is on?

It is an old, tarnished, light base.
You know, the kind you screw up on your porch, and put one of those old glass shades on?
Well, I'm not describing it very well, but it is uniquely different and I love that when it comes to my bird nest homes. This is white enamel, with rust, and chipped paint, and is approx 5" across at the bottom, and abut a foot tall. (I actually am guessing as i forgot to measure it). =)

I love how a bird will build a nest just about anywhere!! =0)
And anywhere they land, they make my heart sing!!!

This is a one of a kind home for our feathered friends.

It is for sale now. $22.

I am in the process of getting hooked up to Pay Pal. (I know I've been saying that for a week, but figuring out which plan to use and how to sign up is hard for me, especially when i have TAXES on my mind.) =0/

If you do not want to wait, mail me and we will figure something out.

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

AND THE WINNER IS....

Thank you all so much for entering my giveaway, and for your kind words about my bird nests.
I enjoyed visiting your sites, seeing all your wonderful treasures, and hearing your stories.

My granddaughters gave me two numbers today,

and
the winners are:
........( drum roll)............

First place:

Susie Mitchell @ susies-heart.blogspot

and second place:

Kathy @ katcollects

Congratulations to you both!!!!!!

Ladies, Please email me with your address so I can get your prizes sent off.

Blessings to you all,

Barbara Jean

Fun "Stuff"

This is my latest bird nest.
It is almost like the one on my Treasures... Giveaway a couple of weeks ago.
(just thought I'd post it here in case you didn't see it over there). =0))
I added more moss since this was taken, and may add a bird??
This will be for sale soon on my other site.

This is the back. More info on the Treasures site about details.

I'm having some deep thoughts this morning, and also flooded with ideas, and a bit concerned about taxes.
(doesn't that sound just like a girl to be thinking of all those things at once?!!)

Anyway, since I need to get ready for church, and finish getting things ready for lunch (kids come over today), I will have to get 'deep' later. =))

Blessings on your day.

(giveaway to be announced later today, after my granddaughters pick 2 numbers.)

Drawing is officially closed.

OK. It's past midnight.

Tomorrow I will have my granddaughters choose two numbers, and we will see who the lucky winners are. (won't be till after church, so be patient.) =0)

Blessings all.