A New Look At Old Country Roses

The website royalalbertpatterns.com tells me that the designer of Old Country Roses, Harold Holdcroft, was probably the most famous of all of the Royal Albert designers.  Old Country Roses was launched in 1962, and since then over 100,000,000 pieces have been sold worldwide.  This is more than any other bone china tableware pattern. 

This pattern has been handed down from mothers to daughters, and now on down to granddaughters in many homes.  It has been the focal point of many special family dinners, and certainly many Christmas tables.  

Today I am sharing with you a tablescape that Lisa did for our Sights and Sounds of Christmas event.  She has put a new (yet old) spin on this classic pattern.  Have a look with me, and be inspired to pull out your old set of china.  Add a splash of non traditional color with it, to breathe new life into your Christmas table this year.  




Lisa was on a missions trip to India last year, and brought home this stunning fuchsia saree.  She used it as a table runner to pull out the bright shade of pink in the roses on this china pattern.  Her collection of vintage glass tree ornaments looks so beautiful in the antique tube pan.  



Her old world Santa with his soft pink coat and the mercury glass tree complete the centerpiece!  Don't miss the bead spray (handmade by Lisa) in with the vintage ornaments.  The beads are shades of pink, silver, and clear.  I think she should show us how to create one of these beauties.  ;)




The sheet music place mats carry the vintage theme over to the place settings.  They look like they are straight out of an antique music book.  However, Lisa simply photocopied Christmas music and stained them in a good strong batch of tea!! Don't those fuchsia mercury glass tree ornaments look lovely on the white.  They sure make the pink roses pop!  The green bows and bells holding the cutlery together just spell Christmas to me!

Do you have Old Country Roses china?  Was it passed down to you from a loved one?  We would love to know.  Share with us in the comments. :)

Tanya

Photos courtesy of Nicole Payzant Photography.

Joining: 
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Dancing Queen...

I took the opportunity, one evening this summer, to attend the live Mamma Mia musical. 

If you are familiar with the group ABBA, you know that this musical features their music.

It's BeBoppin music. I love it.

Although there isn't anything in the storyline of Mamma Mia that a person couldn't also find in a storyline within the pages of scripture - this isn't a biblical musical. 

Which is why I was taken off guard when I found Him there, all throughout that 2 hour show.

Let me explain...

I was on vacation. And was beginning to feel rested. I was out of my normal routine and far away from my daily responsibilities. 

You know how this feels. 

Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

I was with a great friend. A sisterfriend. We've known each other for years, are completely comfortable with one another, and have many commonalities. She is a gift.

I hope you have a sisterfriend.

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

The talent of the actors amazed me. First of all, they posses the ability to get on stage, throw caution to the wind, and becoming someone other than who they are. I can't make myself be someone other than myself to save. my. soul. Acting is something I just. can't. do.

The costumes and the set were so eye catching. While I am neither a carpenter/builder nor a fashionista it certainly is terrific that others are all that and more.

Are you ever thankful for the gifting/talents of someone else?

Psalm 139: 13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Good music. Every time a different ABBA song was performed I sooooo wanted to sing along. (you would've, too) However, I behaved myself and sat quiet throughout the entire show... until the encore. When the cast came back on stage and began singing, I immediately got my groove on. Singing to the top of my lungs, I was...  Dancing Queen, Young and free, Only seventeen...

Music. It just takes us places. 

Have you ever been surprised by what song YOU could sing and worship God with? I have.

Psalm 104:33

I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

It was a great night. I had a blast. And would go again in an instant.

Thank you, Father

for vacation

for sisterfriends

for uniqueness and creativity

for music.

and for bringing them all together in the span of two, fun-filled hours. 
  

Lisa

PS: You can dance, You can jive, Having the time of your life...

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Trashy Thanksgiving...

You know how life is - you're just as busy as I am.

So, while I don't ponder what I'm truly thankful for JUST on Thanksgiving weekend, it is a pretty natural time of year to make a concentrated effort to create a list. 

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Introducing Our New Feature...

Do any of you like "new"?

New shoes, new jewelry, new top, new dishes, new furniture, new car, new nail color, new lipstick, new friend, new curtains, new school, new program, new...

We like new, too.

Which is why we are excited to tell you about a new feature on Take Six.

"Real Women: real life"

It's a spot where some really special women will share their very real life experiences. Their individual journeys will encourage you, touch you, teach you, assure you.

We simply are not alone. While our stories may differ, we'll discover we share similar circumstances. And similar circumstances evoke similar emotions.

We are not alone.

We are real women.

Living a real life.

enjoy!

Lisa

Every Tuesday, starting tomorrow, September 18th!

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Less is more...

I have spent many years making purchases for my future family as well as for my very own home.

That can add up to alot of stuff - especially when one considers the number of years (20+) and the fact that neither a family nor a home have ever been part of God's future for me.

So, a month ago I enlisted the help of one of my sisters. We began "decluttering", "downsizing" and just plain ol' "chucking". 

So MUCH stuff that I thought I needed... I really didn't/don't.

Can I get into your personal space for a second?

What do you think you need that you really don't? Seriously.
What can you get rid if (either materially or emotionally) that will open up more living space for you? Seriously.

Even if you need someone's help, GET IT. Even if it takes days, DO IT.

Make space for more life.
Less is more.

Lisa


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The good stuff isn't cheap...

I've been trying out some new makeup. Working at covering up some features while highlighting others.

You know what I mean. 

I never really realized, until lately, that there is a makeup scale. Yes, I understood that there is a range of prices where makeup was concerned. However, I thought that was all about brands and brand names.

Not so. Price also represents quality. 

When I go "full out" and wear a more expensive foundation, primer, blush, eyeshadow and liner, lip stick and liner, mascara - I could pass for a 20 year old/young, even though I'm 45. :0)

Just like I did today.

That got me thinking about what else I could cover up...
an abusive relationship
harmful habits
how I truly feel 
the state of my finances
the depth (or lack thereof) of my faith

Do you know what I mean? 
Can you relate?

Have you ever put your "expensive make-up face" on and stepped out of your house looking 20 instead of your real age? Looking rich instead of poor, happy instead of sad or hurt or defeated? Looking super spiritual instead of super phony?

My good make-up costs. It costs a choice between three lipstick colors or one. It costs the choice between do I do this, or purchase that. It costs.
But it's worth it.

Knowing we're rich, being happy instead of sad or hurt or defeated and living a Spirit filled life cost, too. But are all worth it.

Anything worthwhile has a cost attached.

Let me leave you with this: please spend more on your inner person... after all, I'm just going to wash my make-up off before bed, tonight.


Lisa

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Ladies Retreat ~ Candy Bar

Can you think of a better way
 to end the first day of a ladies retreat? 

I don't think so, Tim!!!

Pretty name tags

Yummy treats

Colorful candy

Extra set of teeth...What????

Lovely dishes

C H O C O L A T E 

My very creative sister, Lisa, did this Candy Bar for the Ladies Retreat attendees.  Did we love her?  You betcha we did!


All photos courtesy of Nicole Payzant Photography.


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Invisible Pathway...

Join me, for just a few minutes, and read the following verses:

When the Red Sea saw you, O God,
its waters looked and trembled!
The sea quaked to its very depths.

¹⁷ The clouds poured down rain;
the thunder rumbled in the sky.
Your arrows of lightning flashed.
¹⁸ Your thunder roared from the whirlwind;
the lightning lit up the world!
The earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹ Your road led through the sea,
your pathway through the mighty waters—
a pathway no one knew was there!
²⁰ You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep,

with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.

                                                                                   Psalm 77:16-20 NLT

a pathway no one knew was there!

a

pathway

no

one

knew

was

there!

No One Knew.


We simply don't know each others life circumstances - past or present - and certainly not future. However, I'm going to take a wild guess and say that there has been at least one time in your life when you've needed a pathway. And, maybe, juuuuuuuuuuuust maybe, that day is today.

Well, it's there.

There is a pathway.

Even though you don't see it.

Read the verses again. Read them over as many times as you need. And pray that the pathway be revealed.

Pray and believe. Believe and pray.

Cause it's there, God's Word says so. 

Lisa


Joining:
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Your Favorite Nothing...

I took a few days off in early April. Please believe me when I say I did nothing over those days. 

Nothing. Zilch. Nada. The big goose egg.

"NO thing"

I happened to be fortunate enough to have been somewhere where I could stare at a beautiful body of water. That always revives me.

That simple act of nothing (staring at water) is life giving and restorative for me.

I've never tried filling a glass with water and gazing at that. But, perhaps I should!! 

However, for some reason I think it would prove, shall I say, empty - or at least half empty.

Get it... glass of water, half empty... ;o)

Anyhooooooo, with the approach of summer, my mind is beginning to consider vacation time and much more of nothing.   

That's made me wonder what everyone else's favorite "nothing" is.

Care to share?

I care to know.

Lisa

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She Preaches...

When I lived out West - far away from my family - my friends became like family. And one friend introduced me to a female preacher named Beth Moore.

If you haven't heard of her, or sat under her teaching, there is never a time like the present.

 

God, in His grace, gives us different people throughout the course of our lives, who speak into our lives like no one else does.

 

Sometimes it is our spouse.

Sometimes a trusted friend.

Sometimes it is a counsellor.

Sometimes an author.

And, sometimes a preacher.

 

Who is that person(s) for you?

 

Beth Moore is my all time favorite preacher. She speaks into my life, my spiritual and my emotional life, like none other. What a gift.

 

I'm currently working through her study "James: Mercy Triumphs" (Lifeway Press, Nashville, TN, 2011.)

In the viewer guide, session #3 Beth causes the reader to consider the distance and the difference between JOY and ANGUISH.

 

These next five points are all hers, not at all mine:

1) Anguish and joy can co-exist. James 1:2

2) Anguish and joy can trade places. Isaiah 61:1-3

3) The source of anguish can morph into joy. John 16:20

4) Mental anguish can be like the mind in labor. Psalm 55:1-4

5) Anguish is meant to lead to a birth. John 16:20-22

 

When is the last time we've felt anguish? Perhaps yesterday? Perhaps today? Perhaps right this minute? Or, perhaps... tomorrow...

 

And, an even better question is: what is God getting ready to birth out of our anguish?

 

I don't know about you - but I kinda like the thought of being able to give birth ;o)

 

Lisa

PS: thanks for preaching, Beth

 

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I’m learning...

God has been asking me to exercise my “faith” muscle.

We are never too old to learn, you know that, as well as I do.

However, something else I’m sure we both know is that learning at a more mature age isn’t necessarily synonymous with easy learning. Shoot! ;o)

Here are some verses that have run across my path lately:

Matthew 9:29

He touched their eyes, saying, “Be it done according to your faith”.

Mark 11:22-24

And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.”

2 Corin 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight-   

John 11:40

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

And, I just came across this on my desk:

Faith is believing in something and knowing in your heart that it is true, even when your mind can’t find the answer.

And, I just heard this in a meeting:

Faith gives substance to things hoped for. Faith converts cloudy castles into substantial homes.

I just read this, last evening, in a devotional book I’ve been working through (Jesus Calling, pg 372.)

“Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My glory.”  

I couldn’t help but wonder what miracles I’ve missed seeing.

Do you think you’ve missed any?

I’ve asked God to increase my faith.

I’m excited about what miracles he will bring in 2012.  

But even more than that – I’m excited about having faith enough to see them!

Happy New Year, everyone.

Lisa

Joining:

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Favorite “Christmas Day” things…

Can you name a few of your favorite things about Christmas Day?

I can:

1) the hush that seems to fall over much of the world – it amazes me

2) my family – I love them

3) memories of my father – I miss him

4) mashed potatoes and gravy – I could sit right in the pot, quite happily

5) knowing when a gift was “the perfect gift” - because of the smile, or shriek, that it brings

6) a shortbread cookie - or two, four, six, eight

7) my great big stocking - I’m a December baby, and was brought to my mom on Christmas morning in the hospital in a big red stocking, which I have always used

8) talking to friends – “what did Santa bring you?”

9) watching my mom open her gifts from me

10) going to bed at the end of a busy day – feeling overwhelmingly blessed

I trust a Merry, Merry Christmas Day was enjoyed by you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and especially you!

Lisa

Joining:

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Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum...

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Little Drummer Boy.

As far as lyrics go it’s a pretty easy song.

However, it’s a pretty contemplative song as well, as far as lyrics go.

Come, they told me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
To lay before the King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum,
rum, pa, pum, pum

So to honor Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
When we come


Little Baby
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum


I have no gift to bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
That's fit to give a King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum


Shall I play for You
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
On my drum, on my drum


I played my drum for Him
For You honored me

Mary nodded
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

I played my drum for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I played my best for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum


Then He smiled at me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Me and my drum


When we come
Me and my drum

Even though I'm neither a boy nor a drummer I feel just like the little drummer boy - so often. I want to bring my best gifts and lay them before my King.

But, who am I?

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

All I can do is play my best for Him.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

And, He smiles at me.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

He smiles at you, too.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

Lisa

Joining:

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Take a read...

 

Luke 2:1-20 NASB

 ¹ Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. ² This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, ⁵ in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. ⁶ While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 ⁸ In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;¹¹ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Lisa

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Cow Tongue and Toothpaste...

I recently had the opportunity to do storytime for a bunch of kids in grades 4-6, as part of my churches AWANA program.


If you are ever in need of an attention grabbing object lesson for kids, let me share the one I used:


First, you have to go to your local grocery store and buy a big ol ugly cow tongue (sorry to any of you who eat those things - but, really!!??!!).
You also pick up a large tube of toothpaste. The particular brand simply doesn't matter, just get the jumbo size tube.


Then, the big ol ugly cow tongue goes into a STRONG ziplock bag (so it is never to escape). And the STRONG ziplock bag goes into a green garbage bag.


Before you allow the room full of grades 4-6 eager beavers to reach their hand into the green garbage bag, and feel the big ol ugly cow tongue, you make them promise (and they will promise) that they won't shout out any guesses of what they think they're touching through the STRONG ziplock bag.


Then, you have a rediculous BLAST watching each of the eager beavers' reactions as they handle the big ol ugly cow tongue - because they don't have a CLUE what they are feeling. Did I say rediculous BLAST? Rediculous. BLAST.


After everyone who wants a turn has had a turn, you ask those eager beavers, "What do you think is inside the green garbage bag, inside the STRONG ziplock bag?" And your rediculous BLAST continues as they will guess every imaginable gross, soft, squishy thing they can think of.


And, then, someone will guess "a tongue?".


You'll reach, slowly, into the green garbage bag (this slowmo - or should I say slowMOO... ahahahaha, sorry - is totally for effect. Work it!) and you'll pull that big ol ugly cow tongue out of the green garbage bag. The room will go wild because it really is gross to look at in the first place, but even worse after 30+ eager beaver hands have been squishing it. Consider yourself warned.


Let me tell you though, those eager beavers are primed!
They are ready to hear what you have to say because they have no idea what to expect from you!
Their interest is more than peaked!
And, this becomes the absolute perfect time to turn them right to God's Word and talk about what it says in Proverbs 18:21, that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue...".


You want them to think about what that means.
Ask them to, "Give examples of the kind of 'death' that a tongue can bring?" They'll know.
And you ask them to, "Give examples of the kind of 'life' that a tongue can bring?" They'll know that too - remember, they are eager beavers!


Then you take that jumbo sized tube of toothpaste and say, "Pretend that the actual toothpaste represents the words we say and pretend that the jumbo tube represents our mouth."


Then you squeeze all the toothpaste out of that jumbo tube. They watch every move you make.


"Now that we have said all these death words, or life words, would someone please come and put the toothpaste back into the jumbo sized tube?"


"Anyone?"


You keep asking.


"Any eager beaver?"


But no one can.


"Have you ever said something that you wish you hadn't said?", you ask. They can all relate, even as little grades 4-6 eager beavers.


You say more.
"You know, once we say something, our something is... gone."
"We can't take it back."


Because, as you (yup - you)and I know, once we say something it's... out there. Never. To. Be. Recaptured.


You say even more.
"And the power that whatever we said can either bring 'life' (which makes us and others feel happy), or 'death' (which makes us and others feel sad and horrible)."


Then, you say a few more things about tongues.
And you remind them how they can remember EVERYTIME they brush their teeth (toothpaste and tongue tie in) that they can choose to bring 'life' or 'death' with their words.


Now, you have one more opportunity to let those eager beavers get a last look at, or feel of, that big ol ugly cow tongue. It's as they pass by you on their way out of the room to meet up with their parents or care-givers.


And, you chuckle because you KNOW what the conversation on the ride home is going to be about!
It is at this exact moment that the biggest revelation hits you.


All of a sudden you realize that it wasn't just an object lesson for grades 4-6 eager beavers...


Rediculous.




until next time,
lisa

Joining:

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Extreme Couponing . . .

I don't know anyone who does that. Do you?

From what I can tell on TV, extreme couponing is a full-time job.

Actually, it seems to be a full-time job, plus!

Just think of the rush that would come along with getting multiple hundreds of dollars of product for mere cents.

I would like to try it, even if it was just once.

Seriously, how much fun would it be to get a big ol' bunch of free stuff?

And, seriously, how much fun would it be to give that big ol' bunch of free stuff away to, ohhh, let's say to single parents who are barely making ends meet?

TONS O' FUN on both accounts!

I betcha we could help change the world through extreme couponing.

Hey, I know, if you happen to hear of anyone who has 351 deodorants, or 257 cans of soup, or 504 packages of diapers, just waiting for the right time to be used - send them my way.

And I'll do the same for you.

Come on - we have some serious giveaway parties to plan!

After all, who wants to be left on a shelf?


Lisa

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What's in a word?

Hummmmmm... let's see.

How about this word - work.

Work: activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something: a: sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result b: the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood c: a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity

Or - responsibility.

Responsibility: the quality or state of being responsible: as a : moral, legal, or mental accountability b: reliability, trustworthiness

How about this one - rest.

Rest: repose, sleep; specifically : a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities

2) a: freedom from activity or labor b: a state of motionlessness or inactivity c: the repose of death,

3) a place for resting or lodging,

4) peace of mind or spirit

Or, my personal favorite for the next little while - vacation.

Vacation: a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission

2) a: a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b: a period of exemption from work granted to an employee

3) a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation, 4) an act or an instance of vacating.

What's in a word - a whole big bunch of stuff!


Lisa

PS. Thanks to Merriam Webster for the definitions!

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Gimme a V. . . V

Gimme a O L U N T E E R!!

I have opportunity to work closely with many volunteers.

Volunteers are priceless.

Seriously.

Do any of you work with volunteers?

What is it about volunteers that amazes you?

Ohhhh, what is it about volunteers that amazes me? I'm so glad you asked.

They give.

They dream.

They serve.

They multiply hours.

They influence.

They represent potential.

They grow.

They learn.

They take ownership.

They create opportunity.

THEY!

Hip hip horray for all the THEY's in your sphere.

Say it loud enough so THEY are sure to hear.

HIP HIP HORRAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

1Corinthians 12: 17-18

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.


Lisa

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Happy Birthday!

Birthdays are such milestones.

For some people, birthdays mean the same as what New Years Day means for others. You know, the beginning, fresh start, a brand new chapter, out with the old (well, all depending on what magic birthday # it is!) and in with the new (again, it all depends).

Summer time seems to be wedding season. no denying that. However, it also seems to be birthday season! Hummmmm, let's count back 9 months from July and August and see where that takes us... right into November and December. Two apparently busy months (wink wink).

Anyhow, back to birthdays.

In the past few weeks there have been 6 birthdays amongst my family, friends and colleagues.

You know how when you are out driving, or walking, later in the evening and people have their indoor house lights on AND they have left their curtains wide open so that you and I can peek in on their decorating skills?

Well, that's kinda what I'd like to be able to do on people's birthdays. I'd like to take a magic wand and peek into their new year, into what plans, dreams, and hopes they trusting for over the next 12 months.

Cause, wouldn't it be fun to help make as many "happy" birthday wishes come true as we could?

Have a great day everyone.
And if today is your birthday - I'm on my way!


Lisa

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Fun, and Relationships...

Last year, when I was in High School (aaaaaahahahahahahaha - just kidding ya). How about this, last century, when I was in High School I remember filling out one of those "discover more about yourself" test thingies we see advertised in women's magazines all the time. It was a "what's most important to you" test. Obviously there was something to it. It struck a cord, left an impression with this extrovert, because years later I still remember the results.

My two "most important to me" things scored as being:

1) having fun

2) being in relationships

Kind of neat actually.

You see, I love to laugh. I love when people make me laugh. I have a specific sense of humor... a Rick Mercer sense of humor - for those Canadians in the crowd.

Sometimes I'm laughing when no one else is or when it isn't at all appropriate. Which, of course makes everything all the more humorous to me and I laugh longer and harder. Like the time my cousin and I got laughing, in church, at the elderly lady who had a mole on the very end of her nose, just dangling there, waiting, begging to be laughed at.

Sometimes I get laughing so hard that I cry, and my voice goes all squeaky. Those times are usually with my silly sisters or with my silly nieces. We share so much history that one joke will lead to another or one memory will lead to another and I start to cry-laugh, and squeak. I love my silly family.

So... yes... FUN!

If it isn't fun for me, it's hardly worth my time.

And, relationships. Well, what can I say other than relationships mean a lot to me and they generally bring a lot of fun with them. Family. Friends. Church family. Friends who are like family. Friends I haven't met yet. Family I haven't met yet. All important to me.

Today, I'm missing a friend. Someone who I have fun with (go figure - a friend that I have fun with).

And, this thought just crossed my mind as I was typing that sentence - what would life be without people in it who you miss? How sad and how lonely that would be.

FUN and RELATIONSHIPS. That's me!

Who are you?


Lisa

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