Reading and The Book

I am an avid reader and most of the time, there are a stack of books that I am reading. Sometimes I may read an entire book at once but most often it is a chapter in one book and a chapter in another. Books take us places through the written word and through lovely photographs, that we only dream to go. Dreaming can unfold into realities as it did for me last year when planning a holiday to visit one of my daughters. I like to know a head of time the best places to visit, such as museums, historical places and beautiful gardens, places to stay, and the best restaurants! Through books this is possible and of course any online resources that are available always help. It's fun to read blogs of other places to travel throughout the world but I always come back to my books!


Last night I began reading a book that my husband has by author, Tim LaHaye, on the book of Revelation in the Bible. I couldn't put it down! It is a fantastic resource for one like me because it is educational and informative and exciting about the way world events will unfold, according to the Scriptures. It makes one think and think again about how we live our days on the earth and how brief our time here is, in the light of all eternity. God has prepared a beautiful place called Heaven for the redeemed! One day there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. The book is deep, much too deep for me to go into here. Perhaps your day is busy, you have lots to accomplish, but may I encourage you to slow down just for a few moments and think about how you spend your days, your weeks, aside from working. We all have moments we waste or rest. You can rest in the arms of ONE who cares.....The Lord Jesus Christ! He has a plan for our lives, plans to prosper us. If we seek Him, He will find us! We are able to seek Him in prayer. Prayer places us under His care and trust and His guidance. Several years ago a beautiful mentor of mine gave me these beautiful points below to follow when praying. I have shared them before but today just seemed like a good day to share them again. May I encourage you to open THE BOOK, and you are promised, when you wait for God to guide, He will! Psalm 33:20 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait." 1. Wait through earnest specific prayer. 2. Listen for His Voice~pray you will hear that still small Voice. 3. Develop a love for God's Word. 4. Ask the Lord to be steadfast. 5. Read His Word, meditate upon it. 6. Memorize His Word. 7. Words of the Bible are Living. 8. Obey God's Word. 9. Overcome fear and trust in Him. 10. When you know you are in God's will, leave the results to Him. Give Him glory and honor. 11. When Waiting, wait expectantly, ultimately it will be good. Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Photo from piccsy

AD Visits Brooke Shields

Designers will have to give a big hooray for the current issue [March] of ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST! I always use this magazine as a resource because the photographs are clean and crisp in each issue. The homes featured are filled with real people and the homes chosen for print always are beautiful, warm, and tastefully decorated. One of my favorite people in the design world is India Hicks. Her partner is David Flint Wood and they have collaborated on their home, in the Bahamas , in a book which I love, called Island Living! It is a lovely coffee table book and so very inspiring! It was while on vacation with India and David that American actress Brooke Shields and her husband decided to hire David Flint Wood to design their Townhouse that they were rebuilding after a complete gut! The finished product is beautiful and the article shares a warm and refreshing side in the interview of a beautiful young woman seeking to rear her children in a home with roots. It is quite refreshing. Enjoy the beautiful pictures of her home from the magazine.








She seems like a person truly thankful for the life she has been given......the lovely words by William Shakespeare could find meaning here in her home or perhaps anyone truly thankful for life's gifts! "Oh Lord, that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness". - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Simply Beautiful

This simply beautiful white narcissus was waiting for me this morning in my garden.....a sure sign that SPRING is soon coming! How exciting!

These flowering plants remind me of the loveliness of flowers in Paris! One can walk down almost any street and fresh flowers abound! Parisians love their fresh bouquets and lovely old courtyards! Hope your Saturday includes something simply beautiful! Enjoy the blessings all around you!

LEONARDO DA VINCI......"For those colors which you wish to be beautiful, always first prepare a pure white ground."

Marriage Oneness

In Seaside, Florida there is a beautiful white chapel where one of my daughter's married her sweetheart and it is where they started their journey of Christian marriage. Every time I see it, I am reminded of God's goodness and Glory!


When my husband and I were married over thirty eight years ago, the pastor prayed a beautiful blessing upon our wedding vows. Thinking about these vows as Valentines Day approaches always makes me truly grateful. We had been married about fifteen years the first time I listened to the words the pastor prayed. I cried as I realized so much of his requests had actually happened in our marriage. There was just one sentence I did not understand. "As they become one they will think alike." That always puzzled me a little as I thought, NO I want to have my own thoughts. How can we think alike as he stated? Sometimes, though if we are blessed with a long and happy marriage, we still are able to learn and to understand about this hope of "becoming one". These words are written in Romans 15:4~7....."these things were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ received us, to the glory of God". Receiving one another is the way to oneness. These verses are frequently used at weddings, for they represent a beautiful and fitting description of Christian marriage. The key word is "receive" which means to "take to ones self". As God took hold of us when we were yet sinners, it is by that same grace that we are to take hold of one another in marriage. When that grace filled power is allowed to work in a family, it will transform the lives of two imperfect people into one life, lived to the praise and glory of God! It is sort of like a banner that God places over our marriage. This is the difference, my friend, in a marriage centered in Christ and just a marriage. We can begin to think alike just as the pastor prayed on our wedding day back in 1973! Sometimes, I am slow in learning these truths which give me comfort and encouragement in my own marriage. I hope, if you are married, or know someone about to step in this beautiful relationship that you will see this calling alongside another...... to help, to comfort, to give consolation or to encourage is truly one of life's greatest joys and blessings! Yes.....marriage is a oneness of "mind" too and a good marriage can be a banquet of LOVE! "He brought me to the banqueting table, and his banner over me was love". Song of Solomon 2:4

A Mother's Legacy

Mother Love: Giving or sharing tenderness with one's child. This definition is my own. Webster's does not really give a good definition [in my opinion.] A mother is called a female parent or a woman as she is related to her children. This definition is true but rather vague. When I think of the word though......an entire life time defines the word for me. It's all I really aspired to be! Oh, I have had other jobs, such as being a school teacher, also working with adults who assisted children as tutors for children, and working with cancer patients assisting in a resource library, but compared to the role of mothering all these positions pale. I think most women who become a mother cherish the role of being called, Mom or Mommy. A good and loving grandmother cannot EVEN begin to take the place of a loving mother, for that is not our role. The role of the mother is one of God's highest callings! My desire has always been for my daughters to be good mothers, which they are, and any encouragement I am able to give them in their wonderful role of motherhood, I hope helps them with such an important and demanding role. As mothers, the first requirement is strength of character. Each and every day a mother is held accountable by her little child as the child looks to her for guidance over their entire day! Most mothers want their child to flourish, to become all that he or she is capable of becoming. This takes all our efforts and can become laborious, day after day but when that cute little angelic countenance looks up at us.....our hearts melt....with love. Nothing can replace the bond between a mother and her child when it has been blessed and cultivated. I have now been blessed to see all of my children grown. I have not been a perfect mother and they have not been perfect children but in a miraculous way, God gave us grace to develop strong and healthy bonds with one another. Mothers pass on a legacy. If you are a mom, or maybe hope to be one day, may I encourage you to begin your day in prayer, just a simple one liner will do......until you have a few uninterrupted moments to go deeper with the Lord. He is attentive to our prayers. In the book of I Samuel, chapters, 1~2 we hear the true story of a woman, named Hannah, who so desperately wanted to be a mother that before she even had a child, she promised God she would give her child back to God. This is humbling on so many levels and, throughout my life as a mother, there has been so many times that I have had to do this.....give back and start again. You see, childhood is fleeting and you will only have little ones and teens, and young adults a short time under your roof......then they'll be gone! Let me encourage you to slow down, look to God, look to your partnership with your husband and together pray as Hannah prayed, "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord!". I Samuel 1:27~28. Yes, Lord, I do pray that as a mother, you will BLESS my children as I have given them to you! Let us remember as we dedicate our little ones and our big ones to the Lord that they are an inheritance and gift from the Lord! What a beautiful legacy....this job of becoming a Mother!


As Mothers we never outgrow the opportunities we are given to help our children grow in Godliness. As parents, we have much to do with our children's destiny. Give them over to God's purposes and whether in your home or abroad or another state continue to nurture them to become fruitful in Godly living! The best is yet to be!!!! Dear friend.....I am praying for you today! Bless all who read these words from my heart, O Lord!

Location:Paris, France with Kara

Happy Monday

Hope your Monday is filled with beauty! Enjoy these pretty images from Rosemary Beach.......a little bit of paradise for what could have been an ordinary day! Life is a gift......use it to the fullest and embrace with LOVE those around you! You will not pass through this day again. No matter what you are facing God can give you the strength to face it! Colossians 1:11 "You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you might patiently endure everything with joy".

Becoming a Better You......Balcony People

A BRIGHT sunny balcony just waiting to open up the day with sunshine! Balcony people in our lives cheer us on to be our best!

How about a whole "choir" of balconies just waiting to cheer on the day? When we are a part of God's family.....we become a choir of cheerleaders!

This Balcony is closed......closed to the sunshine and the joy of morning!

Just at the right time God sends a whole row of Balcony people! One of my favorite little books is called simply, Balcony People! I loved this little book for it's endless encouragement but long ago, I gave it to someone who I felt needed it! I have never forgotten it's beautiful message. It truly ministered to me, and was life changing.....at the time. Valuable words are something I hope to give or receive everyday. I grew up without a Father in the home. I did get to spend a limited amount of time with my Father though and I did love him and in his own way, I believe he loved me. My mother worked full time and so a great deal of my childhood was spent with babysitters or grandmothers. These factors developed in me a deep, deep, deep desire to always be a mother available to my children and made me want to cheer them on in every situation! I have loved being a Mom and along with my husband, we have sought to not only cheer on our own family but anyone that God so graciously placed in our pathway. In my own life, I was divinely blessed to have people who mentored me or believed in me and used encouragement to lift me up to be what I needed to be and helped me. These were the balcony people, always using words to lift up, not tear down. These kind of people help others set goals that can be achieved so that their lives can be positive and they can become the BEST that they can be. The pictures above give you a visual image of those who set in the balcony bring sunshine to our lives.....sometimes God sends a whole choir of balcony people and those people truly make an impact. May I ask.....what kind of person are you? Are you one who lifts up or sits in the basement and tears down, in negative ways. It is something to think about each and everyday. The minister and best selling author, Joel Osteen, says " If you truly want to become a better you, it is imperative that you learn to feel good about yourself. Too many people live under condemnation, constantly listening to the wrong voices". He reminds us to listen to God's Words from the Bible and live each day seeking to become the person God planned for us to be! I might add, that it begins by looking upward, becoming real before God in prayer through repentance and accepting the beautiful TRUTH that God loves you and sent His Son as the Savior of the world, knowing that the Heavens declare His Glory and the TRUTH that you can become all you were meant to be! "Thank you precious Lord for the Balcony people in my life......now let me be a Balcony person to others! Amen!"

Happy Birthday Shelly

Today is such a special day because it is the day our lives were graced with our precious daughter, Shelly! She was born on a freezing winter morning at 10:20 am. I had arrived at the hospital only 20 minutes prior to her birth. It is quite funny because our doctor had sent us to the wrong hospital!!! We got back in the car and drove fast to the hospital where he was waiting. One of my friends's mother was the attending nurse in the nursery so Shelly got wonderful attention that morning. She weighed 8 pounds and 2 and 1/2 ounces and she was beautiful.......she has only grown in her beauty inside and out over the years. She is one of my treasures and I love her so much. HAPpY Birthday Shelly Kaye! Another marvelous treasure about Shelly, she received her BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating top in her class and has never looked back......only FORWARD!

Shelly is a graphic designer and artist....she recently gave her sister a treat at the Viceroy in Santa Monica, a boutique hotel designed by Kelly Wearstler who is one of Shelly's favorite designers.

I love these sweet girls and I love these yellow chairs at the Viceroy!!!!

Life is always a DANCE for her...leading, but loving in a graceful way!

St. Albans Cathedral

In Hertfordshire, England near where our daughter lives this glorious cathedral stands as a constant reminder of the Majesty of God! Yes, He is Majestic! Psalm 36:5-6 says "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep......


His love for you is beyond your understanding. TRULY.......He longs to show you His majesty. Just like turning your eyes to see this majestic cathedral reaching to the skies we can see His beauty and glory when we turn our eyes upon Him! He loves you dear one! Trust Him today with your plans!

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!