AT HOME WITH blue......

There's a beautiful calming effect of blue and for me, I just can't get enough of it! I do think the combination of blue and white together bestows a crisp, clean feel to any exterior or interior. It is always lovely and in it's purest spectrum one is soothed and calmed and if at the beach, I might add, restored, as in the photo I snapped below at Rosemary Beach on the panhandle of Florida! Who among us would not love to be calmed here?

My affinity for blue doors grew while in Paris, interesting shades of blue!

This azure blue door caught my eye for the boldness against the brownstone! Behind every door there must be something of beauty!

In French villages, I believe the grey/blue color of paint is a revered secret! Just the right shade in the two windows inspire me to snap a picture and realize someone lives there who loves color and probably antiques! Wonder who thought to give these two little windows definition and French style.

No entrance is ever forgotten, even this simple, charming home in the village of St. Remy in southern France. This has an appeal all it's own of simplicity! Wandering down streets is expected here!

This grand villa (in my humble opinion) is right in town in St. Remy and the shade of blue is one I will long remember! The stone on the house, the gravel in the drive, all grey, make the choice of blue truly pop!

Even this little French blue car is placed perfectly for my photo! How perfect! Yes, blue works, no matter what shade you might choose!

The brilliant blue SKY that only God could create is our model! The ancient stone church becomes even more of a Glory to God!

Back in Avignon, France the creamy yellow against the blue works great!

My beautiful and very sweet daughter chose shades of teal blue and greens for her Bridesmaids at her May wedding. What could work more perfectly at an outdoor reception than the colors of our natural surroundings!

You can let your imagination run wild when furnishing or decorating your home with blue or really any color! The darker colors on the color spectrum do not work so well where I live so I seek to use shades of white with the blues. When it comes to window treatments, I am even leaning toward lighter fabrics......more to come on that topic at a later date! Small touches of blue will make a difference whether you live in a coastal setting like me, an English countryside like one of my girls, or by the sea in southern France! Most of us LOVE the sunshine, the clear blue skies of a perfect day, and the azure blue sea! There is nothing more relaxing and calming than to carry your bag to the beach, full of good intentions of reading and writing a note or two, and then in reality.....you never get around to opening the bag. Beach life is all about simplicity! At the beach we all become equals......and I like that! During the end of January, no matter where we live, many of us yearn for the springtime and the warm sunshine and color of an azure blue sky! In the Bible, we find in Psalm 104 the powerful and majesty of God's creation of Heaven and Earth and the Sea! His Words even say He stretches out the heavens like a curtain.....now I like that!!!! These beautiful words even remind us that God sends the springs of water into the valleys! Yes, God gave us the color BLUE....... His creation of all colors inspires me to give my best for His Glory every day that He has allowed me to breathe! Please do not waste this day my friend with worry, or anger, or bitterness. Fill this day with LOVE. And I Promise you, yourself won't be "blue"! Bless you dear one!

A Color Change......

The natural sunlight in this room brightens every morning in my home! I call it "light embellishment"! The room always feels light and airy but the color has not worked well for me! Patiently I have waited and so with the help of my husband, the day arrived to paint!


This is the new color and I love it! "Neutral backdrops allow details to pop, and clear colors~reds, blues, and yellows, and greens ~ give rooms a crispness". Interior Designer Linda Bodell. To me, it created a more calming atmosphere and one that is more inviting and pleasurable. Actually, most of the main rooms in my home are neutrals. This seems to work well with darker woods and antique pieces. Bravely, more and more decorators are painting darker woods with light neutrals and shades of grey. This seems to work well also. This past week, I was in Jackson, Mississippi in a wonderful antique market called Interior Spaces! It is filled with antique dealers and decorator booths that offer quality antiques, accessories and beautiful antique linens. It's a wonderful source for decorators and welcomes anyone shopping for quality home furnishings. I noticed many pieces painted with the grey/blue color which French inspired designers display in their decorating. The difference between a house and a home is in creating an atmosphere where people live together happily and where real memories are made. The legacy we leave to our families really matters and many of the decisions we make take place within our homes. What sort of legacy are you leaving to your family? The beautiful words of Psalm 127 and 128 encourage us as mothers and as fathers to allow the Lord to build our homes. These verses are not speaking of the physical building but the spiritual foundation being laid. If we are blessed in our marriages to have children, we are reminded in these lovely verses that children in our homes are a gift of the Lord! When a couple enters into marriage, they make themselves available to love, serve, and sacrifice for the next generation. What can be more beautiful? To love and care for the next generation is one of the principal ways that we honor God and share in building His kingdom. Truthfully, this is the home that IS beautiful........a home that is decorated with the joy, the peace, and the love of the Lord! Let me encourage you today, my friend, no matter what color you choose.....to "seek to your home with what is true, whatever is noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, and whatever things are lovely......"Philippians 4:6. May the Lord bless you as you go about your day!

SUPER JUICE

This beautiful kitchen designed by Interior Designer Suzanne Kasler is a great place to begin...clean, fresh, and a bowl of fruit on the counter! Love this!

Our kitchens should be places that inspire us to think about good health. Clean, bright, and equipped with........Green vegetables for the day's energy! A juicy pep-up will lift your spirits! It is so very easy to get started!!!

Fresh produce selected at a farmer's market or where produce is organic is the best way to begin!

Two years ago, one of my darling daughters encouraged me to purchase a juicer! She went shopping with me for one in my price range and we selected a Jack LaLanne Power Juicer Pro! With this purchase and her encouragement, I was introduced to the health benefits of freshly extracted juices which are unbelievably good and so so tasty! Before purchasing my Juicer, I had not given much thought to the fact that store bought juices loose valuable nutrients during storage plus they have been heat - treated and have additives to help them keep longer. Reading about the additives was enough for me to realize the importance of making my own juices when possible.....plus it is sort of fun! There does appear to waste at first when you see how much pulp goes into the pulp collector but you can add it into soups or better add it to a compost if you are into gardening. Some of my favorite fruits and vegetables for juicing are: beets, apples, blueberries, ginger, oranges, spinach, celery, tomatoes and kale. I would begin with fruits and/or vegetables you like! Be sure you wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. An excellent book, SUPER JUICER, holds a collection of healthy recipes that replenish and restore and revitalize! It is also beautiful to look at the different combinations of fruits and vegetables! Here's to a healthier mind and body! (not to mention the benefits to your skin)

Forgiveness

Forgiveness....Author Philip Yancey calls forgiveness "an unnatural act. If you have ever been truly hurt then you know how tough it can be to offer forgiveness. Hurt is closely connected with trust. We trust someone to have our best interest in our relationship with them. It can be a family member or a friend or even an acquaintance but I think being hurt by a friend is one of the toughest. We play over and over in our minds what happened when we were hurt. This is not ever going to bring healing. We must begin the process, taking the first step as memories flood our minds by thinking about what the Scriptures teach. Yes, it is unnatural to forgive, but it brings joy and peace when we do. In Matthew 18:21-35 we are commanded to offer forgiveness to others who have committed wrongs against us. Forgiving someone allows us to get over what was done and move forward. It opens our hearts up to be REFILLED for future experiences that will surely come our way as long as we are living. When we do not forgive, anger which is harbored, turns to bitterness and walls are built up in our minds and heart and our faces show it. Jesus Christ made it clear to a man named, Peter. Peter asked the question in Matthew 18:21 "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?". In verse 22 Jesus says " I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." In other words, you forgive so many times you don't remember the first time you forgave. All the beauty creams in the world cannot erase bitterness. A beautiful heart radiates from the inside out and the face of one spent trusting God for the outcome WILL radiate. The beautiful winter rose that appeared on my rose bush is a stark contrast to the dull leaves around it this time of the year. It is radiant! Who do you need to forgive? Who do I need to forgive? We know where to begin. May we look to God for the grace and love He so lavishes upon us each and every day! Even in the quietness of your home you can be renewed, refreshed, and restored! You don't have to have a holiday.....you just look UP! "They looked to HIM and were radiant. And their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:5

Essentially FRENCH

The beautiful cover of this most wonderful book is ready to be opened!


~This 18th century Italian mirror was acquired from a chateau near Paris~ Just one of the many homes featured in this wonderful book detailing homes with classic French style. The author has shared a life long love of France. I too have been captured by the love of all things French!


This simple kitchen table is set and ready for lucky guest! It is, according to the author, Josephine Ryan, found between the ancient towns of Montpellier and Nimes in southern France! It is the home to a renowned antiques dealer and her daughter! Lovely!!!


This photo from the book shows a French daybed with a pillow similar to ones I have made for clients! Simple and serene!


Who doesn't love the unknown of walking slowly down a narrow Street in Avignon in southern France just waiting to see a beautiful residence?


The just right gray/blue color of these shutters invite one to wonder what might be inside the door! Something simple but welcoming! Over the past year, my appreciation for the French ways of life have grown significantly. Last year, I took the most dramatic and inviting holiday I have been blessed to go on! My children, now grown' and all on their on, inspired me, I must say because they continually told me "it is so easy to travel in Europe!". I should have listened earlier but now it seems it is my time to appreciate their encouragement in new ways. If you are looking for a new book on French decor', I highly recommend this book! There are very few new pieces in the decor' though, so you have to be willing to go for the hunt if you have a desire to add a few antique pieces to your collection or get started as a collector of "old" things. You might begin with something simple and useful such as linens, add a monogram and you have a very European touch! What matters most though, is that you enjoy each and every day of life! As I say many times......each day is a gift from God and it should never be wasted feeling down or discouraged about your place on this amazing journey of life! Do you know that God had a plan for your life before you were born and He knows the details of your life! "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my Mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest part of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance when as yet there were none of them. How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!". Psalm 139:13-17 Whether your home is a chateau or a tiny apartment it is a special place because YOU live there! Now......where is that teapot? Tea and your dreams..... Be encouraged today because "dreams really do come true!". The author of this book found hers because she was compelled by the thrill of the find! Be inspired and enjoy!!!

Beautiful Bathrooms

Beautiful bathrooms are the best way to start your day.....or end it I might say! For the bath you do not have to shop around for the perfect piece of furniture, you can now find a vanity already perfectly fitted with a beautiful sink and fixtures! My spring project is redoing our little half bath with the perfect wallpaper and mirror! Check out my idea below....of course I am thinking French! I also love the master bath redone in a home built in 1888! Perfect detail to every area! Enjoy the photos and have a blessed and wonderful day!

~This beautiful wallpaper, vanity, and mirror add a beautiful touch! Found this picture online and truly became inspired!~

~This lovely bathroom is in a beautiful 1888 home my husband and I love in our area! The restoration to this home is true perfection!~

~Okay....who among us does not like pink? Every big or little girl!~




~ The window, the tub, the vanity....the flooring....all lovely and Inviting one to relax and restore!~


Where do you find restoration at the end of your day? According to the dictionary, " to restore" means to "bring back to a former or original condition." When something is restored in the Scriptures, however it is always increased, multiplied or improved so that it's latter state is significantly better than it's original state. God has a beautiful way in our lives to restore us when we turn to Him with our plans, hopes and dreams. Perhaps today would be a good day after a relaxing soak in the tub to lift our hands with Praise to honor our Creator God and ask Him to cleanse and restore us so we can be useful to be involved in the work He is doing throughout the earth! May grace and restoration be granted with you!

A New Year.....A New Beginning

This beautiful entry gate to this home in Weymouth, England is wide open.  What awaits you through the gate of the New Year 2012?  It will be exciting to see.....

~I snapped this photo in Weymouth, England...I loved the unknown path~

Happy New Year!  A new year....New, unused, fresh, novel!  Lets see...what will we do with it?  I love the new year because it is fresh, clean, unused, just waiting for everything we dream about to come true.  New Year's Day brings out the best in all of us or so it seems.  We can put behind us what we did not accomplish in the past year and begin again, fresh and new.  I like that thought!  I love new beginnings!  A new project is right down my alley this time of year!

There is a beauty in beginning again and seeing life in a fresh new way. The beautiful pictures above seem fresh, open, a new path to travel down.  The word opportunity comes to mind.  A favorite verse of mine is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."  What this means is the quality of our lives can be made new, we can become a new creation in Christ.  You might ask, how does this happen?  The quality of our lives change when we open our heart wide to what God desires to do within us.  It's hard to let go of old things, old habits which are not good for us and look forward to what God has in His heart for us.  We often think of a new door opening but how about a new gate.....a whole new beginning wide enough to take out the old and bring in the new.   That is, it seems to me, what a new year is all about.  The gate has been opened to new opportunities to live, to share, to love, to be kind, to be helpful, to be sincere, to believe in others and in their hopes and their dreams and not always feel the need to express our own words and thoughts.  Personal ambition is good but it has to come at the good of everyone on the team or in the family.  A new year is full of promise for each one in the family and on the team.  What are your hopes for this new year? 

As I write this, I think of all the changes that are new for my family in this new year.  New jobs for some, a new home for one, a new baby for another, new educational opporunties for all and perhaps personal endeavors that I am not aware of.  New experiences often take courage and we have to look deep within ourselves to find the strength and willpower to move forward.  The Bible encourages us in Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kindgom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."  For me, beginning a new year, a new day, a new experience begins better when I begin with prayer.  There is a clarity when we humble ourselves before Almighty God and ask for Him to walk with us throughout our day, our week, our year.  I hope this new year 2012 is good, I hope that all your dreams come true and I pray, dear one, that you will turn to God and walk with Him.  His word promises it is possible for your dreams to come true.  It doesn't mean that everything you want will happen, but what it does mean is that He will work a newness in you where your hopes and dreams will line up with His hopes and His dreams for you.  "With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26  May His blessings be upon your new year and may He give you the power to act and to accomplish all that awaits you!!!  Yeah.....let's get started!

French Influences for Christmas!

 ~Each gift is wrapped with  the thoughts of the one who will recieve....."if our hands are fully occupied with holding on to something, we can neither give or receive"~

 ~French Coffee in a beautiful French cup~

 ~Almond Cookies~

 ~A Gift should be wrapped up and special~

 ~Our French inspired Christmas cards~

~A Touch of Greenery~

 ~A collection of Santa's from around the World~

 ~These beautiful ornaments sparkle~

~Joy to the World.....Glory to God in the Highest!~

Jesus, the Savior..."For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

~Oh to be in Paris.....at Christmas!~

Those of you who follow my blog know, for sure, one of the highlights of this past year was visiting one of our daughters and her husband who live abroad in England!  England is a beautiful country and I can hardly wait to go again to London for the museums, the parks, the fashion, and the shopping, of course to see Kara and Phil!  As much as I loved England, I will have to say.....I fell for France!  The quaint villages sitting perfectly up on hillsides, the thrill of seeing Paris, the food, the people, the cafes, the parks,  the history, the art, the artist, the fashions.......need I say more?  I wish I had realized earlier in life how easy it is to travel abroad but life kept me very, very busy until I had a true and wonderful reason to travel there.....my sweet girl!

This year, in my home, I decided to use a few French influences to brighten our home!  I love, absoultey love being at home during December!  I love knowing that most of our children will be with us and that the preparations that I make will help them all feel special and feel loved.  Traditions are important in building bonds within families!  In France, Christmas time is similar, all about family and friends.  The decorations are beautiful, but the importance of helping the poor is very much a part of their Christmas celebration.  Giving to others is a large part of the French Christmas!  Also most villages and in many homes the Nativity Creche' has a place of prominence and children are involved in pagents and programs.  Midnight mass is a large part of the holiday for those of faith in Jesus Christ. The churches are filled with Believers at Christmas.  Many gifts that are shared are handmade with love and  include gifts from the kitchen,  shared with both family and friends.

One tradition that I enjoy is the sending of Christmas cards!  This year, I was inspired by another blogger with a French influence to make a few cards......"Joyeux Noel"!  I do hope you are blessed with a spirit of joy this Christmas.  Joy comes from our hearts....it spills from a heart that is full with gratitude and love.  It comes from a heart that knows that God is in control of this world and that HE is fully aware of our circumstances, whether they are good or not so good!  God's desire is to mold us and make us into vessels that He can use throughout the world to bring both glory and honor to His Name!  There is not better time, my friend, than Christmas to share your blessings with others.  A kind word, a kind deed, a smile that says "Merry Christmas!"  I pray that your home and your heart are filled with love and most importantly the joy of the Lord! 

Sharing Love.....At Christmas!

In the beautiful little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, Christmas decorations go up early and are carefully chosen and always beautiful! There is nothing more beautiful that the First United Methodist church's entrance to their sanctuary!  The doors are beautiful by themselves but when adorned with these beautiful wreaths, they are near perfection!  So lovely!  The Cross against a truly perfect blue sky also spoke of the reason we celebrate this Season of Love!  "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!"......all around the world!

I love the laughter and the joy found on the cherub faces, in the sweet and trusting eyes, and in the smiles of most every little child this time of year.  Christmas shopping is fun when we have enough time to search for just the right gift for the special loved ones in our lives, whether big or small.  We think of them, what they might like, what makes them happy and then search until we find just the perfect gift!  What is your idea of a perfect gift?  Think of the little children going to see Santa and sitting on his lap and whispering to him exactly "the list" of what they want him to bring on Christmas morning.  This little experience is a part of childhood that is priceless!  It is just a small window of time in a child's life.....then it's gone!  The pictures of Christmas mornings though last forever in a parent's heart.

Christmas in our home has always been a special time.  When our children were little, everything revolved around our activities at church.....the programs they were in, the ones that we, as parents were in, the music, the decorations, the tradition of reading the Christmas story from the Bible of God sending His perfect gift of Jesus to be our Savior!  As they grew and embraced the true meaning of Christmas, our focus changed from Santa to Jesus Christ. Many times, they were aware that not everyone has even a small gift at Christmas.  During this time, we selected an Angel from the Angel tree and purchased gifts to share with children who would not have a gift without the gift of others. 

 I do still love to decorate with our Santa's because Christmas, when I was a child, was filled with happy memories of Christmas eve and Christmas morning when Santa brought gifts. Today, when the little ones are in my home, they know that the navtity sets that I have of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Wise Men, the Shepherds, and the animals are for them to look with wonder in their eyes, and to touch them and love them.  They are developing a love, a sweet love for Jesus.....thank you dear God for this wonderful blessing!

As we think about this season of Love and Peace and Joy, I hope that you are able and that you have opportunities to share something, no matter how small with others around you.  Giving freely to others is what life is all about and is what ultimately brings us the most joy in our lives and honors and brings glory to God!  He truly and ultimately gave us on Christmas His greatest gift of LOVE! 

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, patience: bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you so you also must do.  But above all these things put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3:13

Getting Ready for Christmas!

"Bring the Children".......those are the words always in my thoughts!  I love this season of gratitude, love, and joy in the world!  We are about to enter one of the most beloved seasons around the world!  Christmas is celebrated all around the world and each nation has it own customs and culture and all are to be cherished as families and for those who love children and all the celebrations that include them.

When my son, Steven was in the sixth grade, his teacher invited me to come and speak about Christmas around the world.  At the end, the children all enjoyed making an ornament from a European country and many of them chose Germany for the delicate hand blown glass ornaments.  The children painted them beautifuly.  This turned into a party for the children!  I always love to give a party at Christmas!  I want to make it a lovely time for the children so that they will remember this time all their lives.  With our own children, we always made the holidays fun with baking, decorating the tree, hot chocolate, egg nog and Christmas music!  These are traditions that I still love and cherish and are special memories I believe for my beloved children.  I am sure that you too have may traditions and are making Christmas special in your home!  It is just beginning!  Enjoy this blessed season when Angels sing and the Glory of the Lord regins around the world!  Joy to the World!  Let it begin and let it begin within our own hearts.......

I hope you enjoy these lovely photos that I have from France that remind me of Christmas.......I love white all year and a touch of red too, but especially at Christmas!  Enjoy!

~Hot Chocolate is the drink of choice this cool season!~

~This red door says....Come in!  I've been waiting for you!~

 ~My sister Pam enjoying the ambience of a Paris evening! A red scarf at Christmas is just the right touch~

 ~The combination of white and greenery is always beautiful~

~These little trees are a sign that Christmas is celebrated and all they need are a few little white twinkle lights~

An Invited Guest......

 Draped in an antique linen tablecloth, the circular kitchen table overlooks the kitchen garden.

The napkins with the monogrammed B are a new antique find!  I found eight perfect antique napkins for a bargin and had them mongrammed in an heirloom look! 

 My Grandmother loved pretty table linens, silver, and crystal.  So much of the entertaining that I do includes gifts that she gave to me a piece at a time.  She was a true collector!

In just a few days, families will start the journey home for the Thanksgiving Holiday!  I really did not give much thought in the past regarding the fact that Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday. Now though, because our youngest daughter lives in England with her husband, I am thinking about that a lot. I ask myself, do I miss her?  EVERYDAY!  However, on holidays when she is unable to be with us, then truly the missing becomes intense! Another daughter is coming home for Christmas and we will miss her too at Thanksgiving!  She lives in California!  I love everyone being together in their places at the table, but not everyone can always come.  Sometimes the distance is too great.  The times we are able to be together though make up for the times we are not together.  Memories are treasures in our hearts!

Who is invited to your table?  Is it just a select few or is your table open to others you might not know so well or perhaps you've been wanting to know better. You could consider making a special point of inviting them. A stranger could become a friend!  Once I was invited to a special dinner.  The elegant table setting was beautiful and tastefully designed so each guest could enjoy conversation and enjoy the evening.  I found my seat and stood at my place, waiting for others to join who were also sitting at my table.  Another guest approached the table and share with me that the tables were reserved and I needed to check which table I was assigned to then turned away.  I smiled and said, "I am at this table."  Uncomfortable, yes,  for a moment but it's fair to say I felt sort of sorry for that person, sorry that they had missed an opportunity to meet someone new.  A stranger perhaps.

Sometimes in our efforts to protect our territory, we could hurt others, even though the hurt is unintentional.  I hope we can remember how it feels to be INVITED, to be treasured as a guest, and then  to show that care and inclusion to our own guests and to our families. Our lives really are brief on this earth.  On Thanksgiving and during this beautiful season, I hope we can remember the meaning of the holiday~THANKS GIVING~ as it truly means giving, giving to others and giving thanks for our bounty of blessings and then sharing them with others along life's way!  Hopefully, this will bring you unexpected blessings in your home!  In the south of the US where I live we call this hospitality!

I hope you have a table topped with LOVE!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Hebrews 13:2

A Mother

Mothering does come natural to most young women, thankfully.   I have been blessed beyond measure with the wonderful daughters and son that God entrusted  to our family.  I truly enjoy the joys each one of them give to me.  They are giving with love. time, laughter and interesting to converse with!  As we approach Thanksgiving, there are many blessings in my life because of their lives.  This has been a good year for all of them and the roads they are traveling are changing with new sights and new chapters.  We took them everywhere we possibly could as children and it seems all of them have acquired the love of travel and new experiences.  I am thankful to be a mother, their mother.  God willing, I hope to continue to love and encourage them and especially.....their dreams.  I happened upon this lovely little poem from Rachel Ashwell.  If you are a Mother or hope to be, enjoy.......it is the highest of callings!

Black and White......Love It!

CoCo Chanel made black a 'love it' color!  Most women have at least one black dress in their closet!  I have seasons of black and seasons of white and then seasons of black and white combinations!  Coco Chanel wore black as a symbol of strength and freedom. I love that about her life's work.  Many women of her beginning era of design wore white....... and lots of it in clothing, hats, and jewelry! She sought to break that mold and settled on a more classic and simple design.....the classic black dress.  Behind this desire to be herself, she created an empire that is still inspiring young women of mind and of age! 


She began her journey with literally no resources other than her dream for a better life.  Her parents placed her and her sister in an orphanage in central France and it was there that her dreams took hold and began to unfold, she could see a better life.  Her circumstances were less than perfect but the strength within her fueled her passion to succeed and fueled her creativity.  She had a need......survival....and she was willing to work for it. 


The doors in the photos above were all snapped while visiting France and I am told that opening one of these beautiful French doors leads one into a beautiful inner courtyard full of beauty and promise of what is to come, once inside.  The opportunity comes when one opens the door!  As long as we are living, we should continue to walk through doors or we could miss the very blessing meant to be ours.  Like Coco, you just have to open the door!


Like her, there are times in life when we have needs that are daunting.  Most of us do at least once in life!  I believe no matter how great our needs or circumstances are, we have to give something out of our need in order for life to be multiplied.  This kind of giving involves faith.  When we give out of our own need then we activate the miracle of God flowing with His supply back into our life.  Your giving causes something according to God's seedtime and harvest to come back to you.  He will provide just what you need at just the right time. 


 Perhaps you are in one of those places..... but believing as you cast your bread upon the waters, through the doors and into the future that life will be multiplied beautifully and that it will be clear, cut out in a lovely pattern of black and white! Blessings of love....my sweet friend!

~My dream black and white dress~

Healing Waters

Water means blessing for me.  Our earth is made up of 70% water and our bodies are greater than 90% water.  Water is my drink of choice too!  Watering my plants and flowers gives me great joy!  Water is free when we walk to a stream or river or spring to find it.  We must search.....but not far for healing waters......in times of need.  We know we can only live so long without water.  Our thirst has to be quenched.  For me, the same need cries out from my soul for spiritual watering. "As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for You, Oh God." Do you have a need today dear one?  May I encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  May we turn to Him for healing.  It doesn't matter how much money you have.....you don't need any to stand under the "fount" (Jesus)    Isaiah 55:1 "Hear, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters, and he that has no money, come you, buy wine and milk, without money and without price."  He has covered every need my friend for you and me today!


There are those days when only God can lead us "beside the still waters."   I am praying you have some still waters in your future!  Blessings of joy to you this glorious day!