Providence and Faith....

 

In our lives, looking back at the ways God has provided for us is easy.  It's looking forward and trusting that HE will provide for our needs that sometimes becomes difficult in our journey.  There is a fine line between providence and miracles.  Life can be going along as we planned and then all of the sudden, a deep need arises and sometimes, lack of faith and direction follows.  We do not know where to turn.  We've all been there or we know someone who perhaps has turned to us, seeking advice on how we've handled a similar situation in our own lives.  In these difficult situations and sudden changes of life, we must believe that God is able, whether through a miracle or providence, to care for us.

What is the difference?  A miracle is a one time event in our lives!  We've heard and seen the words lived out....."It was a miracle!!!"  Providence is trusting, in God's wisdom and timing that He will align circumstances and situations up in our lives to provide for all we need.  Yes, my friend, HE is able, more than able to abundantly provide for every need that YOU or I might have.  We begin by trusting His Word and planting that seed of faith in Him and His Word that He will bring to pass all that He has promised about caring for us and meeting our needs.  Do you have something you are trusting God for in your life?  I know I do.  Like the farmer who plants the seeds for an apple tree and fruits in the garden, he simply places the seed in the ground and waits for God to bring forth the green plant and the fruit.  Trusting God with our daily needs is just as simple.  We give them to Him in prayer and we wait, believing and trusting that He WILL answer our prayers. The very words of Jesus in John 10:10 assures us that He came to give us life and to give it "more abundantly".

Faith not only involves a firm reliance on Jesus' power and ability, but also a complete realization of any confidence in our own flesh or power.  Today, you may face what seems to be a tough situation and because you have prayed a long time without an answer, you may be beginning to doubt that God can answer your prayer.  But we must believe that with God nothing is impossible! May I encourage you today to plant your seeds of faith like the apple grower and then wait....wait and see how God will provide....He will in His time and in His ways.  He alone can make all things beautiful in your life and in mine!  Have a blessed and beautiful day my friends !!!!

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

Psalm 68:19  

Dreaming in Lovely Linens.....for the home....

 

 Looking for beautiful linens....look for these

 Beautiful Linens for the home in England at the shop, Cologne and Cotton!

Treasured household linens are perfect for an intimate Dinner for two!

You may have to look for a while....but many antique shops have linens

available for purchase.  A beautiful legacy to pass on in families!

Elegant Hotels and B and B's still use sheets and tablecloths of pure cotton!

Our grandmothers probably pressed their linens before placing them on the beds.

The linens I purchased in England now are on the beds! This one is a pure cotton coverlet

with Marimekko (of Finland) pillow shams of pure woven cotton! A luxurious bath, a good book, and cup of bedtime tea can be a perfect prelude to a perfect night's sleep!

Into the early twentieth century, seamless linen sheets and tablecloths, napkins and other linens were sold in exclusive boutiques.  In both England and France, these boutiques for beautiful linens still can be found quiet readily!  In the United States, we may have to look a little harder but there are still a few linen shops in some cities. In many ways, the European customs for sleeping rooms are more refined and elegant than our American homes.  For me, personally, I would love to see this return in our homes.  There is nothing like slipping into a bed in the evening hours that feels and smells wonderfully fresh!  Cotton sheets are the answer! I am often on the hunt for beautiful linens that I can pass on to others as gifts.

Imagine my delight as I found these beautiful stores in both England and France!  My daughter and I spent quiet a while just looking and enjoying the beautiful offerings found in these exclusive shops.  Both she and I purchased a few linens for our homes. (THIS was one item I could bring home easily.)  Tablecloths are the norm for dinners in my home and for me a tablecloth is "the symbol of a special, serene moment, like some island refuge amid a sea of daily worries" according to writer Rene Cazelles, who feels that everything can breathe again when the tablecloth is white.  I soooo agree!  There is nothing more elegant that a beautiful white tablecloth for dinner whether it be for two or a guest in your home.  Starched linen napkins add a touch of class!

What makes your house, your home?  I have found that it's the personal touches that make your home and mine our own, our place of comfort and restoration.  It's the place where our soul's are restored, refreshed, and renewed.  The place where we can begin again after the day that isn't always perfect!  Home can be!  I don't know about you, but for me, it is turning to the Lord and asking His Holy Spirit to fill my spirit with His thoughts and love.  There are times in this journey of life where we are faced with difficulties and trials amid the joys!  Everyday God is involved in our lives, always, always, always at work....and if we truly give Him each day, balance will come into every area and our reflections will look more like He intended.  This reflection is like a mirror that we look into as we are dressing for the day.  This can begin by coming to Him with awe and reference, seeking to know HIM more fully and HIS will for our life.  We have to desire to stop and look toward Him, into His heart. His Love radiates from His Word, The Bible. Love radiates out of a person who has been with Jesus!  Love gives.  Love shares. Love envelopes another.....(like the sheets you fall into at night)!  Seriously!  

When one gives their life to Jesus Christ, a covenant is formed that can never or ever be broken.  His banner over you is LOVE!  Perhaps that is why I adore white linens....they can be washed and made new again....everyday if necessary!  Our relationship with Christ is similar.  Everyday is new, everyday is fresh and HE can bring you and me into complete comfort as HE wraps us in the folds of His loving arms!  May your find the beauty of each day my friend!  May the Lord use you as a source of LOVE this day!

"You hem me in~behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:5~6

What beautiful news!

The photo of the linen table filled with linens is from THE BOOK OF FINE LINEN!