www.christianhomemaker.blogspot.com
Photos of my new granddaughter.
Couldn't figure out how to get them from my daughters blog to here, so PLEASE go visit and see our little sweetie.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
(better know as Grandma).
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Family Sunday and Baby Dedication
Today was family day.
I started this several years ago. The first Sunday of each month, (barring an occasional interruption), the kids and grand kids come over for Sunday dinner.
We have 2 kids, and 5 grand children, all in close proximity, which i love. Since our son and his daughter, and his sister and family do not often get to see each other, and I am further between visits with our son than i would like, and their Dad doesn't get to see any of them enough, family Sunday was started.
So once a month, we all get to see each other, and it has been wonderful!
Our sweet daughter and her, "we couldn't have picked a better guy", husband, and their 4 kids, and our son and his daughter all come for dinner.
Today, however, was even more special. Today was the dedication of our 5th grandchild, a sweet little girl born Dec 19. On this occasion we all went (except our son) to our daughter and son-in-laws church, where we joined with them in dedicating their newest addition to our Lord, to commit to raising their children in His ways, where they seek support from their families and church family, and ask for prayer for wisdom in raising them. It is a time of celebration.
So, no wonder there would be tears, tears of joy in knowing they are bringing up their children in the truth and admonition of the Lord, and that they are making that statement publicly, and with accountability to others in doing that.
Today was different. Today there were tears, but with mixed emotions.
Our 14 year old granddaughter came with us to church for the first time, for the baby dedication.
Before she came with us, she wanted to know "just what do you do in church, anyway?".
Did you hear the thud of my saddened heart when she asked me that?
I know, of course, that she is not being lead in that direction, by her Dad, or his divorced wife and her husband. I know what a huge responsibility we have had to share His love, and try to guide her to Him, but somehow, being asked straight out the questions she asked, just hit me to my core.
I explained to her that we go to hear Jesus instruction for our lives from His word, to sing praises to Him, to pray for others, and to love and support our 'family' in Christ.
But somehow, when sitting there, seeing our daughter and her husband at the front of the church, and the precious children they are so diligently raising in His image, and giving little Rowen to Him, the tears that flooded my soul were not only of joy , gratefulness, and admiration for them, but also tears for our other grandchild. For a lovely, and sweet 14 year old girl who does not have that relationship yet.
My tears were temporarily put aside as friends and family were all called up to gather round our daughter's family to pray for them. So the sadness of my heart turned again to joy, as our focus was on them, and the Lord in their lives.
Now, family gone, and quiet of evening with just the two of us here, I am again praying for our son, and granddaughter, to turn to Jesus. I know it is our job to share the truth, and love and guide them, and we continue to do that.
I know God has a plan, and His timing is perfect, and we are not to lose heart as we wait on Him, but the waiting is the hard part.
Let us not lose hope as we wait on Him.
Are you waiting too?
Please pray for Pat, and Camille, that they would be able to see the truth of God's love, and accept His plan for saving grace, and have fellowship with Him.
Blessings, and may those you know and love, soon be part of the family of God.
Barbara Jean
I started this several years ago. The first Sunday of each month, (barring an occasional interruption), the kids and grand kids come over for Sunday dinner.
We have 2 kids, and 5 grand children, all in close proximity, which i love. Since our son and his daughter, and his sister and family do not often get to see each other, and I am further between visits with our son than i would like, and their Dad doesn't get to see any of them enough, family Sunday was started.
So once a month, we all get to see each other, and it has been wonderful!
Our sweet daughter and her, "we couldn't have picked a better guy", husband, and their 4 kids, and our son and his daughter all come for dinner.
Today, however, was even more special. Today was the dedication of our 5th grandchild, a sweet little girl born Dec 19. On this occasion we all went (except our son) to our daughter and son-in-laws church, where we joined with them in dedicating their newest addition to our Lord, to commit to raising their children in His ways, where they seek support from their families and church family, and ask for prayer for wisdom in raising them. It is a time of celebration.
So, no wonder there would be tears, tears of joy in knowing they are bringing up their children in the truth and admonition of the Lord, and that they are making that statement publicly, and with accountability to others in doing that.
Today was different. Today there were tears, but with mixed emotions.
Our 14 year old granddaughter came with us to church for the first time, for the baby dedication.
Before she came with us, she wanted to know "just what do you do in church, anyway?".
Did you hear the thud of my saddened heart when she asked me that?
I know, of course, that she is not being lead in that direction, by her Dad, or his divorced wife and her husband. I know what a huge responsibility we have had to share His love, and try to guide her to Him, but somehow, being asked straight out the questions she asked, just hit me to my core.
I explained to her that we go to hear Jesus instruction for our lives from His word, to sing praises to Him, to pray for others, and to love and support our 'family' in Christ.
But somehow, when sitting there, seeing our daughter and her husband at the front of the church, and the precious children they are so diligently raising in His image, and giving little Rowen to Him, the tears that flooded my soul were not only of joy , gratefulness, and admiration for them, but also tears for our other grandchild. For a lovely, and sweet 14 year old girl who does not have that relationship yet.
My tears were temporarily put aside as friends and family were all called up to gather round our daughter's family to pray for them. So the sadness of my heart turned again to joy, as our focus was on them, and the Lord in their lives.
Now, family gone, and quiet of evening with just the two of us here, I am again praying for our son, and granddaughter, to turn to Jesus. I know it is our job to share the truth, and love and guide them, and we continue to do that.
I know God has a plan, and His timing is perfect, and we are not to lose heart as we wait on Him, but the waiting is the hard part.
Let us not lose hope as we wait on Him.
Are you waiting too?
Please pray for Pat, and Camille, that they would be able to see the truth of God's love, and accept His plan for saving grace, and have fellowship with Him.
Blessings, and may those you know and love, soon be part of the family of God.
Barbara Jean
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Bird Nest Give Away!
3 days left till the bird nest giveaway on my Treasures from the heart Blog for my 103rd post.
Drawing will be Feb 10th.
Hurry on over, and tell your friends, Just leave a comment that you want to be in the drawing.
And don't miss my bird nest tutorial in the January posts.
click here to enter:
http://www.treasuresfromtheheartgifts.blogspot.com
Blessings, Barbara Jean
Drawing will be Feb 10th.
Hurry on over, and tell your friends, Just leave a comment that you want to be in the drawing.
And don't miss my bird nest tutorial in the January posts.
click here to enter:
http://www.treasuresfromtheheartgifts.blogspot.com
Blessings, Barbara Jean
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Store photos
God morning.
Since i am having trouble loading on to my other site, I'm loading some photos here of the store.
This is the chicken corner. I have loved chickens for a long time, and love painting them. The big guy up there is one of mine. Can you tell by this corner, and some of the other things in the store that i love a lot of different things?
And take a look at that adorable little dress. She uses the tops of overalls to make them. There you go, a use for those overalls that have holes in the knees!
I am a little behind on getting any Valentine's Day things done, (busy making bird nests!), but had fun making these little tissue paper roses.
Someone asked me fora tutorial on making them. No promises, but will try. They would be adorable at a tea, or even used as place card name tags. (my way of saying probably not before Valentine's Day for any tutorial.) =0)
These are some new little things for the store. The top ones are button jars. Just a cute little something for your sewing room. ( i glued buttons on as lids, so the buttons do not come out. How silly is that!)).
The jars below are special to me. They are filled with sand, with the verse from Ps.139:17,18.
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God, how vast is the sum of them. Were i to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When i awake i am still with you."
Isn't it amazing that God thinks about us more than there are grains of sand??
I used a little timer to share that with my granddaughter, and her mouth just fell open in amazement! It boggled my mind when i first realized that, and blesses me now to think of it.
My apologies about the underlines and bold (not necessarily where i have put them).
I do not know how they got there, or how to get rid of them.
They just appeared when i started writing. My husband would say it is a "picnic".
(problem in chair, not in computer!)
Any ideas??
Blessings on your day.
Oh, It's Thankful Thursday!! Don't forget to write your 5 things down. It is a great way to start the day.
I'll be back with mine.
Barbara Jean
Since i am having trouble loading on to my other site, I'm loading some photos here of the store.
This is the chicken corner. I have loved chickens for a long time, and love painting them. The big guy up there is one of mine. Can you tell by this corner, and some of the other things in the store that i love a lot of different things?
And take a look at that adorable little dress. She uses the tops of overalls to make them. There you go, a use for those overalls that have holes in the knees!
I am a little behind on getting any Valentine's Day things done, (busy making bird nests!), but had fun making these little tissue paper roses.Someone asked me fora tutorial on making them. No promises, but will try. They would be adorable at a tea, or even used as place card name tags. (my way of saying probably not before Valentine's Day for any tutorial.) =0)
These are some new little things for the store. The top ones are button jars. Just a cute little something for your sewing room. ( i glued buttons on as lids, so the buttons do not come out. How silly is that!)).The jars below are special to me. They are filled with sand, with the verse from Ps.139:17,18.
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God, how vast is the sum of them. Were i to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When i awake i am still with you."
Isn't it amazing that God thinks about us more than there are grains of sand??
I used a little timer to share that with my granddaughter, and her mouth just fell open in amazement! It boggled my mind when i first realized that, and blesses me now to think of it.
My apologies about the underlines and bold (not necessarily where i have put them).
I do not know how they got there, or how to get rid of them.
They just appeared when i started writing. My husband would say it is a "picnic".
(problem in chair, not in computer!)
Any ideas??
Blessings on your day.
Oh, It's Thankful Thursday!! Don't forget to write your 5 things down. It is a great way to start the day.
I'll be back with mine.
Barbara Jean
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Happiness is:
WINNING YOUR FIRST BLOG CONTEST!!!!
Yes, I won a prize. It is the cutest little bunny pot, and it will be on it's way soon.
That turned a happy day, into a happier one. So much excitement going on!!
Thanks Helen.
Drop by and check her blog out:
http://www.nannastreasures.blogspot.com
See you Thursday.
Oh, thankful Thursday.
Guess we'll get to be thankful all over again!!!
What are you thankful for??
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
Yes, I won a prize. It is the cutest little bunny pot, and it will be on it's way soon.
That turned a happy day, into a happier one. So much excitement going on!!
Thanks Helen.
Drop by and check her blog out:
http://www.nannastreasures.blogspot.com
See you Thursday.
Oh, thankful Thursday.
Guess we'll get to be thankful all over again!!!
What are you thankful for??
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
Happiness is:
My loving parents.
My sweet guy.
Kisses, and being married to my sweet guy for 40 years.
Hugs, from my little girls.
Naps on the couch.
And more naps.
What's your happiness??
Blessings on your day.
Barbara Jean
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Encouraging one another
I had some great thoughts to write this morning. they were all planned out.
But things change.
I spent the first 20 minutes of my morning talking to a discouraged person.
We've all been there.
Can't figure out why we re doing what we are doing. (I was contemplating that lately myself).
We lose sight of why we do things, why we started something, how God has used it, and how He will continue to use it. We give up on something because it doesn't seem to be working out like it should (or like we thought it should anyway.) We give up becasue we have lost the joy.
I've discovered, in sharing with this other person, that sometimes discouragement occurs when we lose sight of why we started doing the 'something' in the first place.
For instance, crafting. If you are a crafter, why did you start making things? Did you learn to make your first craft thinking, "I'm going to make these and make a lot of money, " or "I'm going to make this so people will love it and think I'm wonderful," or "I'm going to make these so I can be in a frenzy of shopping for supplies, and crafting till all hours and neglect other important things in my life, including my family and friends."
No, I doubt that any of us went into crafting thinking those things. We learned to make something because of the challenge. We wanted to see if we could do it. We saw something we loved and maybe couldn't afford, that we loved, and wanted with our own hands, to duplicate. We wanted it to reflect part of who we are inside.
We desired to do it because God put that desire in us! He is a creative God, and wants His children to be creative, in whatever way He has gifted them, whether it be crafts, music, drawing, ability to help others learn, parenting, what ever it is. He wants us to use it, but with the right attitude.
Now the frenzy of shopping, and doing so much crafting that other things got neglected, those may have happened along the way too. The desire to sell may have come along to, whether for need/want of extra money, or for the accolades we got when others saw it. None of these things are bad things.
But when we lose sight of the pleasure that it bought at the beginning, the calmness, the peace of mind and satisfaction, of why we learned it in the first place, of the fact that we are gifted with these abilities to serve others and bring them enjoyment too, the joy leaves us. We become discouraged, frustrated, exhausted and confused.
We wonder why we ever started the whole thing. It has all grown out of control. Our focus has changed.
How do we go back to the beginning? To the place where we started and it brought so much joy to ourselves and others?
Here are some ideas:
Take a break! Give yourself some time to reflect and evaluate.
Close the craft room door for awhile, just for awhile.
Turn off the computer, and go for a walk.
go to a movie
Call a friend. (maybe they need someone right now)
Sit and read a magazine, and have a cup of tea.
Sing a song, any song.
Singing releases something in you.
JUST SLOW DOWN!
Take a deep breath.
Ponder. Reflect.
Take time for yourself.
DON'T GIVE UP!
Don't throw in the towel! Don't throw your hands in the air and quit!
God doesn't make quitters.
He made us to keep going, keep trying, keep plugging away.
SEEK GOD!
He will give you rest, comfort, and direction.
He will renew your mind, body and soul.
GIVE THANKS
Thank the creator of the universe for the talents He has given you,
and for what health and ability you have to enjoy them, and share them with others.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
just a thought:
I have used crafting as an example here. You can apply this to other areas of your life, like serving, and being burned out. Take a break. Take time for yourself. Reflect on it.
But things change.
I spent the first 20 minutes of my morning talking to a discouraged person.
We've all been there.
Can't figure out why we re doing what we are doing. (I was contemplating that lately myself).
We lose sight of why we do things, why we started something, how God has used it, and how He will continue to use it. We give up on something because it doesn't seem to be working out like it should (or like we thought it should anyway.) We give up becasue we have lost the joy.
I've discovered, in sharing with this other person, that sometimes discouragement occurs when we lose sight of why we started doing the 'something' in the first place.
For instance, crafting. If you are a crafter, why did you start making things? Did you learn to make your first craft thinking, "I'm going to make these and make a lot of money, " or "I'm going to make this so people will love it and think I'm wonderful," or "I'm going to make these so I can be in a frenzy of shopping for supplies, and crafting till all hours and neglect other important things in my life, including my family and friends."
No, I doubt that any of us went into crafting thinking those things. We learned to make something because of the challenge. We wanted to see if we could do it. We saw something we loved and maybe couldn't afford, that we loved, and wanted with our own hands, to duplicate. We wanted it to reflect part of who we are inside.
We desired to do it because God put that desire in us! He is a creative God, and wants His children to be creative, in whatever way He has gifted them, whether it be crafts, music, drawing, ability to help others learn, parenting, what ever it is. He wants us to use it, but with the right attitude.
Now the frenzy of shopping, and doing so much crafting that other things got neglected, those may have happened along the way too. The desire to sell may have come along to, whether for need/want of extra money, or for the accolades we got when others saw it. None of these things are bad things.
But when we lose sight of the pleasure that it bought at the beginning, the calmness, the peace of mind and satisfaction, of why we learned it in the first place, of the fact that we are gifted with these abilities to serve others and bring them enjoyment too, the joy leaves us. We become discouraged, frustrated, exhausted and confused.
We wonder why we ever started the whole thing. It has all grown out of control. Our focus has changed.
How do we go back to the beginning? To the place where we started and it brought so much joy to ourselves and others?
Here are some ideas:
Take a break! Give yourself some time to reflect and evaluate.
Close the craft room door for awhile, just for awhile.
Turn off the computer, and go for a walk.
go to a movie
Call a friend. (maybe they need someone right now)
Sit and read a magazine, and have a cup of tea.
Sing a song, any song.
Singing releases something in you.
JUST SLOW DOWN!
Take a deep breath.
Ponder. Reflect.
Take time for yourself.
DON'T GIVE UP!
Don't throw in the towel! Don't throw your hands in the air and quit!
God doesn't make quitters.
He made us to keep going, keep trying, keep plugging away.
SEEK GOD!
He will give you rest, comfort, and direction.
He will renew your mind, body and soul.
GIVE THANKS
Thank the creator of the universe for the talents He has given you,
and for what health and ability you have to enjoy them, and share them with others.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
just a thought:
I have used crafting as an example here. You can apply this to other areas of your life, like serving, and being burned out. Take a break. Take time for yourself. Reflect on it.
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