Little Luxuries......

There are definitely days when we need to add relaxing moments and warming touches to a cozy place of refuge. I know working outside the home and even being at home as a busy Mom or woman that days are hectic. Trust me....I have walked the path of mothering a brood of children. The most rewarding profession around (to me) is being a Mother but whether you stay home or leave everyday for work....you do have emotional needs. For me, the past few weeks have been up and down! Up when we rejoiced over the birth of our new grandson and the blessing of sharing this joy with his siblings and our daughter and her husband. This week though, my precious Grandmother has passed into her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus. My emotions have been tender, raw, and I find myself embracing the love of two generations. It has been a bit overwhelming but with praying friends, my trusty Bible, and the strength of The Savior.....I rejoice in His kindness and goodness. So.....I decided to do a little cozy tea and coffee time. Thinking of my darling daughter Kara in England and her love of tea time...... well......I indulged. I had been wanting to use my newest find, a little antique glass dome just perfect for two yummy cookies! I placed the dome on an antique French limoges I have had since Steve and I first married. The darling cups I purchased fifteen years ago at an antique shop in Jackson, Mississippi! The flowers are from my garden, the linens from my mother in law, and the sterling flatware from a shop in Newport, RI, purchased years ago. There is no doubt, all these little touches together made everything work together for a good afternoon tea time.....a perfect pick me up to a day spent thinking about those I love and have made, or are making, my life worth living! You see dear friend, God goes to enormous measures to bring little things that happen in our lives to a place of working it all together for good. Romans 8:28 says this much better! Each of us must practice the art of contentment, sometimes waiting for it all to fall into place. "Now Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content". I Timothy 6:6~9. Tea time helps the British to enjoy a tranquil and balanced spirit. It is a comfort time for them. I like that! I hope to share tea again with my American-British daughter. I feel better already!!!! Here's to Tea or Coffee! Have a blessed day my friends!

Beautiful Chairs.....for Sitting

Where do you like to sit? A chair, a bench, a beach chair, or perhaps a blanket on the grass! I prefer a nice comfortable chair! Above are some pretty ones from Lee Chairs and my favorites from Hickory Chair. These days most of us do not have the time for much sitting because we are a people on the go. Busy, busy! When we stop and LISTEN, even for a few brief moments, our lives are more balanced and we are wiser when we are refreshed by pleasant and good words. In the Bible in Luke 11:38-42 the true story is shared about two sisters who welcomed a visitor into their home in Bethany.......the visitor was Jesus! Martha was distracted with all her preparations but Mary was seated and listened to the Lord's word. She was seated, the Scriptures say, at His feet! How much more beautiful could life be than to be seated at the Lord's feet? Many overlook the "also" in verse 39, meaning Martha sat too, so both sisters DID listen to Jesus although Martha perhaps was the one busy with all the preparations. Both of these women reveal unique spiritual gifts with which they lovingly served God. They remind us as I stated above the importance of balancing personal devotion with practical duties. Each sister gave to Jesus out of their individual hearts. Such inspiration for each of us today.....give as you can, but "also" take time to listen. Enjoy this wonderful day, my friend!

Italian Cypress

Until I visited France, I had no idea what I was missing! As many of you know......I go on and on about France.....but I love it! The beautiful Italian Cypress trees are everywhere in France, in villages and the countryside used in landscaping and growing naturally. This week I am visiting Austin, Texas where one of my dear daughters lives for my fourth visit to this area. Italian Cypress are found, it seems, everywhere here....... used in landscapes and parks! Very, very beautiful. When I am back home, I plan to plant a few in our yard! The pictures below give you an idea of how they can be incorporated into your landscaping. The first four photos I took in France and the last one also in St. Remy de Provence! The others I found on the Internet and liked the way they were used! Whether standing alone or in a line they seem to really make a perfect statement!































"And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good!" Genesis1:11. God prepared this wonderful world for us to live in long before we had the privilege to enjoy living here! The beauty of the natural world whether it is found in the flowers growing wildly, the fruit from the trees, or the herbs of the fields.....God gave us these natural blessings. We must and should teach our children and future generations the joys of taking the time to grow fruits and vegetables and eat properly foods in their most natural state. Be blessed today my friends....the earth is full of the glory and goodness of the Lord!

Our Newest Family Member

The Lord has blessed our daughter, Kristen and her family with a new baby boy! He is precious! His name is John Brian. Below him are his big brother and sisters! Children are truly a gift! We are so happy for their sweet family!








And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. I John 5:14-15

Soft Whites......and wise words.....

These images above inspired me and hope they will you....from other places.....Pinterest, Rachel Ashwell, Annelle Primos, and the white flower from my garden....hope you have a blessed and special Saturday!

An Act of Service......

This magnificent work of art is today found in Then Grand Louvre museum in Paris. The appearance of the folds of the fabric in the sculpture and the hours of work so truly obvious show hours and hours of service for this artist who created The Winged Victory! The artist transformed a piece of stone into a beautiful and now treasured work of art! I could never place myself even near this sort of talent but as a seamstress and decorator, I see my job when sharing or designing something for someone's home as an act of service. Listening to what they need, then setting about my work to accomplish their desires. I enjoy serving others. It is a blessing for me, one I do not get to do often enough. There are many more opportunities I pray are ahead to give and share what is in my heart and the many ideas in my mind! Being hopeful about the future is wonderful. It is good. God's words are full of hope about serving others and especially living for HIM as we serve. Romans 11:33 says "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!". He desires to share HIS wisdom with us, to give us opportunities to be of service to others. Where and how does this begin? I believe we first must come before Him humbly, repentant, seeking, and ask. We must be willing to be transformed from a sometimes stony heart by HIM.....every part.....mind, will, and emotions then we can clearly see the will of God and the joys He desires us to share as we go about each day living, loving, and serving those within our midst. Life is about others! I hope your day is filled with an opportunity for a grand victory of loving service! May I share these lovely verses about a Living Sacrifice! 

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

REAL BEAUTY........

Of late, it seems the airways are back at it.....defining "BEAUTIFUL" for our young women and even those of us who are progressing in age! Personally, I feel extremely blessed to be a woman today. Being a woman, being whole, being healthy~ both emotionally, physically, and intellectually~is not always easy but if approached sensibly, we can arrive in a good place. A truly beautiful woman feels good about herself on the inside(her heart or soul). Her life is filled with positive images and positive relationships. It has taken her a while to get there, most often. There are people who sometimes tatter and tear at life and unknowingly at times rip apart the image that God imagined. This can begin many times in childhood and progresses through preteen and teenage years and then on into college and perhaps even adulthood. My heart breaks for a girl or a woman with an image of imperfection and feeling that this will keep her from fulfilling her dreams. I admit, there were times I too struggled, but nothing compared to women today (of any age). The constant need for celebrity updates, the latest fashion trends, magazines with flawless images (which are perfectly airbrushed) add to this trend of being less than beautiful. My prayer and my desire is to see young women and older women return to the right places for their definitions of beauty and happiness. There is nothing like a real example of beauty. If you are a Mother and have a daughter, she looks to you for this image and definition. Words have a lasting impact. A beautiful woman is known by her physical appearance and includes the facets of voice, countenance, and personal qualities that make her who she is. When we look at her we see her as someone unique and special. If you struggle with self-image let me urge you to turn to the Bible for God's definition of beauty. "Look to HIM and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed". Psalm 34:5. Beauty comes from surrounding yourself with the right people, right images and thoughts and the right words. We have to protect ourselves from wrong images and people who seek less than our best. Please do not let another rob you of your joy! Joy and gladness can fill your heart daily when you take the time to fill your spirit with uplifting words, soothing music, and the nature around you! Add a little laughter and you are there!!! It is refreshing to breathe the air and look UP to the ONE who formed you and made you, YOU! Psalm 139

The poster above came from a blog I ran across the other day! It is a blog called Lavender and Lilies! Just simply beautiful!

Thoughts for Easter Weekend.....

Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Write a long overdue love note. Hug someone tightly and whisper, "I love you so." Forgive an enemy. Be gentle and patient with an angry person. Gladden the heart of a child. Find the time to keep a promise. Make or bake something for someone else. Anonymously. Release a grudge. Listen. Speak kindly to a stranger. Enter into another's sorrow. Smile. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Take a walk with a friend. Lessen your demands on others. Play some beautiful music during the evening meal. Apologize if you were wrong. Turn off the television and talk. Treat someone to an ice-cream cone (yogurt would be fine). Do the dishes for the family. Pray for someone who helped you when you hurt. Fix breakfast on Saturday morning. Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly. Encourage an older person. Point out one thing you appreciate most about someone you work with or live near. Offer to babysit for a weary mother. From: Chuck Swindoll





Most of all just enjoy the life God has so graciously given you........

Hands and Gloves

Before the days of hand sanitizer, children and adults wore gloves! By the time I was a little girl, we wore gloves to Sunday school and church and other special occasions. These little memories of childhood are still fun for me to think about! I am fascinated by hands, perhaps because using mine bring me the most happiness whether sewing, cooking, gardening, writing a note, or most importantly touching with a hug or a kiss someone I care about and love. Did you know that over one third of our five million touch receptors are centered in our hands?!? [Sensation and perception: an integrated approach.....a book by Harvey Schiffman]. Through study, he and other professionals have found that some blind people are being taught to read without Braille, by seeing through their fingertips! That seems unreal! In the Bible there is much written about laying on of the hands and it was always used in passing a blessing on to another person or a family member. Hugs and kisses were a part of meaningful touch pictured in the Scriptures. In another study, Dr. Dolores Krieger, a professor of nursing at New York University, has made numerous studies on the effects of laying on of the hands and touch. What she found is that both the touched and the one being touched receive a physiological benefit. Inside our bodies is hemoglobin, the pigment of the red blood cells, which carries oxygen to the tissues. Dr. Krieger found both people's hemoglobin levels go up during the laying on of the hands. Body tissues receive more oxygen during this time and can even aid in regenerative process if a person is ill. This speaks volumes to me about the importance of hands. Hands communicate love and acceptance and blessing. I read this in a wonderful book I have called, THE BLESSING. I think the prior generations were wise to cover their hands and protect them for the purpose of what God truly intended for our hands. If you are SO blessed to have a little child, think of the first time he or she reached out their hand to touch you. As a mother, there is nothing more beautiful than a little baby recognizing your face and you realizing this.....it is a most holy moment between mother and child.....a bonding that can last forever when nurtured and treasured. I hope you have some special moments to lay your hands on someone for a blessing. It is truly healing and a gift!!!


These beautiful gloves fit the hands of my late grandmother, Virginia! A beautiful reminder for me of all the love she shared through her hands! I know I was loved.....I have the proof....her gloves.

Letting Go.....

It is Friday!!! What is about Friday's that we all love? I wish you could come over and have a spot of tea on my porch and we could share what is in our hearts and on our minds! Friendships are good for encouraging us any day of the week....it just doesn't have to be a Friday! Encouragement is good and such a special gift! I hope you've had a lot of positive encouragement in your life but if you didn't that does not have to hold you back or keep you from receiving the blessings that God has for you! You are a child of the Most High God and there is nothing that is impossible or too difficult for Him to perform in your life or mine! If you were with me and sitting on my back porch we could talk about this! It is difficult in our day and time to let go, but when we realize, as Scripture teaches that God is in control of the universe and all its facets we can understand this principle and let go of trying to control our own lives......with grace. The truth is HE really, really is in control of our lives and He loves us so very much! On a back porch or at the kitchen table He is available to encourage us all! In the Bible, a man named Job finally let go of trying to make his own decisions and allowed God full control, Job was wise when He finally let go. My prayer is we will desire that kind of wisdom and repentance, the kind that daily lets go. Always, God's purpose is to purify us. He uses many means to do this in a person. He designs, in a detailed way, events which are right for each individual. We just have to let go! When we surrender, we are placing complete trust in Him! J. I. Packer says....."What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it--the fact that He knows me. I am graven on the palms of His hands; I am never out of His mind. All my knowledge of Him depends on His sustained initiative in knowing me. I know Him because He first knew me and continues to know me." Knowing God is like a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered everyday....for the rest of your life! Let us open our hands and our heart and let go.....yeah, it's Friday! We can do this!!!

Every Good Gift

Everything good in life is present because God is the Giver! The beautifully scripted words in James 1:17 clearly shares this beautiful promise, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.". Yes, God's goodness falls on us all...... everyday! Sometimes we are to busy to see His goodness or we choose to think we perhaps deserve goodness, but truly, if we take a few moments to listen to His still quiet voice and bask in His presence we will feel Him and see Him and more clearly understand that yes, He is the Giver, a most gracious one! Where do you meet with God, in a garden, on a patio in lovely surroundings, in a tiny apartment with little light, or surroundings that are not really what you had hoped for at this point in life. It does not matter where you are OR where you meet Him because HE is with you, He is able to be in your surroundings. He has that incredible ability to meet us where we are. We can stop striving, stop desiring, stop trying harder......we can look up and bask in His goodness because He is with us. [ My Presence will go with you and I will GIVE you rest. Exodus 33:14] His desire is to give us the keys to His Kingdom to know Him, His love, His mercy, His peace, and His forgiveness. It does not matter if we have missed the mark on a twisted path and lost the way......He will bring us back! He is gifted at giving the errant one clear direction. He welcomes you, His arms are open! "Blessed are ALL those who put their trust in Him" Psalm 2:12b


This beautiful painting of Jesus is in The Louvre is Paris, France! I was enthralled with the gifts of viewing these glorious works of Art!


Yes, dear friends, Jesus came for All.....bearing gifts of love and joy!

Fabulous RED

Fabulous Red.......


An old amaryllis bulb blooms a vibrant red.......


Who wouldn't love one red shutter in this entire French Village? I did not even notice it was red when I snapped this lovely phototgraph!


Today has been a fabulous day filled with RED! This morning in my garden the beautiful red blossom above started my day! This gorgeous flower came from a bulb that belonged to my dear grandmother. She nurtured it for many years and now, thanks to my sister, it is in my garden! I feel so blessed that I can carry on something that my grandmother loved so dearly....her flowers! I admired it all day...and finally cut it because our winds are so strong today and placed it in a vase. Then, this afternoon I was blessed again when I opened a sweet and beautiful card from my sweet girl Kara! It was filled with sweet words and love and it was a vibrant French red! The hat, the dress, the shoes all matched the red in the flower which started the day! Only God could cover our days with such matching details! Yes, RED is a powerful color just like the power of love that my grandmother gave to me. LOVE knows no boundaries! The special love between my daughter and me (even though she lives in England) knows no boundaries....isn't that fabulous? God blessed my life with with a fabulous day and for that gift I am so thankful! May your day be filled with sweet moments! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Purity of WHITE......

On this glorious March day I hope your day is as beautiful as the pretty white tulips I found for a Spring bouquet! White is so ......WHITE! I love to plant white seasonal flowers in my gardens! When you are describing a color to a painter or a decorator you may have seen in a magazine or a home, rarely do you have to describe WHITE! People understand clearly the description of a white room or white fabrics used for bed linens or window dressings or better yet white towels! Who doesn't love white towels? I wasn't really thinking WHITE this morning as I read the book of I Thessalonians but as I was reading, about the gospel being shared and reaching Europe around A.D. 49 I saw clearly as black and WHITE, the message of the clarity of the gospel of Jesus Christ! It is a book marked by thankfulness over the growth of the church and the return and coming again of Jesus Christ one day in the future. As a believer in Christ and one of many others who share my faith, we confidently await the return of Christ one day soon! The book also speaks of hope, not as a sense of an optimistic outlook or wishful thinking but in the confident expectation based on certainty of the Scriptures that our lives can be full of hope! Biblical hope rests upon God's promises throughout the Bible. Hope is an extension of faith in Christ. When one truly loves Jesus the GOSPEL truth just over flows and spills out! Most often as I Thessalonians 2:7 states it is best received by an unbeliever when we are gentle among among them, "just as a nursing mother cherishes her children". After I had read this book this morning I spoke with one of my beautiful darling daughters and she begin to share with me about the gospel and how it was so black and white and purposeful. We spoke of how many, many, many churches today water down the purity of the Word and just want listeners to feel like everyone is okay to believe their way. I hope you know that Christ died for your sins, He came to give you purpose and value, and He can give a repentant and broken spirit a beautiful clean beginning, it doesn't matter what you have ever done in your life.....just like the white flowers in the picture above.....He has the desire to give you a life of purity and hope as you develop trust in HIM. {DAILY} He didn't leave us alone to wander about on our own either!!! Heaven, the Scriptures declare, was opened and the Spirit of God descended like a Dove and alighted upon Jesus at His baptism! {Matthew 3:17} The dove symbolizes gentleness, innocence, and meekness and we must be similar in the world as we share Christ love with others as our spirits are filled with His. I know these are deep and heavy thoughts but ones that I hope will encourage you to make every day count! Yes, everyday! He is always near and ready to do great things in your life and mine! Blessings of LOVE to you my friend!

A Springtime Garden....And Easter Celebrations.......

Whether you live in a rambling nineteenth century manor house set high on a French countryside or in a house rather ordinary you can still make it feel exceptional this time of year! Plantings sometimes take many years to mature....especially ones like this one in Provence!

I have always loved an arbor of greenery and regretfully once had to leave a beautiful arbor similar to this at a home we once owned.....springtime blossoms at the entry would be perfect like this one I saw in Avignon!

I love tulips and last year we planted lots of bulbs but when they are planted in mass like this beautiful display in Hyde Park in London they are magnificent! Oh to have my own Gardner who has lovely ideas and a large budget!!! Dreams......

Alas this is my plantings, small but a beginning.....just getting started in this area of my garden. I planted Iris that were from my Grandmother's yard!

I have a few of these around our yard also and they give just a pop of color!

The Easter Bunny will have plenty of places to hide the eggs, but the Bunny bringing the eggs and baskets is a truly an American tradition! Did you know in France treats come to children via church bells?! Parents tell their children that ALL the bells in the country will be silent the week before Easter because they have left their towers to visit Rome and gather sweets. Once they return, the bells hide goodies in the gardens of children who've been good! Can you imagine bells flying all over hiding chocolate eggs, covered with pretty ribbons?! When I was visiting in France, I did notice patisserie windows were all showing off their lovely packages waiting to be delivered! This is an idea to be copied if you are crafty!

These lovely eggs have been decorated with watercolors...but you can use natural dyes from vegetables to give you just the right shade for your baskets! The pretty shades of springtime grass is perfect for hiding eggs! So...we must hurry and start shaping up the yard! Easter comes early this year. New shoes, new dresses, new shirts....a celebration perfect for sharing the true meaning and celebration of Easter......JESUS! HE is always right on time and truly delivers HIS LOVE in our hearts......JUST BEAUTIFUL! Let the Bells Ring.....Hallelujah! Glory, Glory, Glory! Christ has RISEN!