Some Upcoming Changes for the New Year

. ... .. .. ... ... ... .. . .. .. . . . . . . . ... . . . .. . . . .

Are you excited about a New Year dawning?  Wow! It's hard to believe that 2011 is knocking at the door... peering just over the horizon.

I am excited.

I know that there will be quite a few changes personally for me this year and for our family.  We have no idea - really - what the Lord has in store for us.  But as we walk out each new day - may it be done with resolve to grow in patience, godliness and goodness and to endure the cross that is set before us and to run the race - with Joy. 

Even if and when we can't see (the way) clearly before us.

****

Basically, I just wanted to give you a blog update with some sketchy upcoming changes for the New Year.

I've been praying about the format of my blog and it's content and I've been thinking about incorporating some changes.  These may or may not become noticeable to you.  If you've been following Treasured Up and Pondered for awhile now... you know that I don't usually post anything on or over the weekend.  Well, that's all about to change.  Not necessarily with a lot to say, but just to let you I'm still here...

Friday's Finds will probably not be a featured post anymore, per say, but the same idea(s) will get implemented somewhere within the week. 

WAIT. 

I don't know.  What do you think? 

As I'm writing that down... I feel like I'm going to miss it.  So, I'm asking your feedback. 
Did you enjoy it when I did a "Friday's Finds"?  Honestly...

And I think Scott's Second Sayings - will stay! 
This was where my hubby would add in his two-sense worth with a post of his own (the second of every month) regarding something I may have previously posted on  or briefly touched on - that he would like to clarify, etc.  He's from the South - so his posts are usually laced with some sort of red-neck ingenuity and some "say-it-like-it-is" with southern charm worn right off his sleeve.  He usually begins his posts with a big, hearty HOWDY! 
I do want to say this:  He's like a kid in a candy store.  He can hardly wait to see if anyone has left any comments on his post, at the end of the day.  He's worse then I am.   Another reason why I love my man!!!  Too cute.

I'd like to be a bit more intentional in the sharing of family - our home; our life. To grow in creativity, relate- ability and hospitality.  To keep those common thoughts and notions coming.  Live with the roof off and the walls down towards God and others - alike.  To be real and share the things the Lord has laid on my heart - no matter the cost.  Because, sometimes it's really hard to share... from the heart.

And.  I want to get to know you - my readers - better.  If you've followed this blog for some time now, but have never commented before or not very often.  I would love to know that you feel "at home" and I would love to hear some encouragement as to why you've chosen to follow this blog in the first place.  Talk to me...you're among friends.  Those that do comment on a regular basis - I consider you some of my dearest friends.  You've all been so encouraging.   You know who you are...

Basically, I want to know my niche, and to fine-tune that niche.  So, I need your help, your thoughts and your prayers.

If there is anything you would like to see "as change" regarding this blog for the new year, feel free to email me... send your thoughts to:  aitsbevy (at) yahoo (dot) com. 

I would love to hear from you!

Be safe tonight - this New Year's Eve!!   What are your plans for bringing in the New Year of 2011?

: :  all photos from the archives

a story | So Near and Dear...

. .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. 

Here is the blog-worthy story that I told you I would share, the other day.

My friend Deb told me, one day, that she would like to order a bag for a mutual friend of ours, named Julia.  I asked her to come on over one evening - whenever it would suit - to look through the bins of fabric upholstery samples that I have around here, to see if there would be anything she thought Julia would like.

She lovingly took her time - all intent to find the perfect fabric combo.

~So Near and Dear~

Sold to Deb for Julia.

At one point, while Deb was here - the telephone rang.  I am so glad that she was upstairs and I was down (tending to the little ones - or something) because I know myself... I just KNOW I would've said, while looking at the caller ID, "Oh, Deb.  It's your husband!" 
Here her husband, Charlie, (who rarely - more like never) calls us, says to me;  "Hey, is Deb around?  I pause, "uhmmm, yes?!"  "Well...I don't want to talk to her.  Rather I would like to get her a bag for Christmas  - so pay attention to what fabric she would like or bag or whatever...etc".   I think he got a little nervous too - because he hurried off the phone with no contact info. or a good time to reach him. 

I was so shocked and so surprised. 

Go Charlie!

Gaining composure for myself, I wander back upstairs - not sure how I was going to go about finding out about Deb's preferences.  She let on good enough on her own of what she liked.  And... I kept my mouth shut.  She finally decided on the fabric that she liked, for Julia's bag, and I resorted to finishing up the bag.  I could not wait for Christmas!

In the meantime.  I waited a couple of days - not sure if Charlie would be calling me back or what.  The following Monday - I got a call for 5 bags (sales!) and one order placed.  My etsy shop was waning fast.  I decided I needed to figure out how to reach Charlie and to call him back and let him know that the one bag that Deb was really eyeing up was still left and that if he was interested he'd better "come and get it".

~Like you a Latte~

Sold! to Charlie for Deb.

He did.  The next day.  I think it was before work - so like around 8:30 AM he shows up.  He was so excited to do this for his lovely wife.  I think he told me that she would never look in his tool-box and that's where he planned to hide it. ;)  He was SOOOO excited... I wish I could explain the joy he had in doing this.

I could NOT wait to hear about Deb's own surprise come Christmas Day.

And... wow! was she ever just as excited. 

The Sunday after Christmas was so fun...I love when someone, like Deb, is and was so truly excited about her gift, both to our mutual friend and than what her husband gave her for a gift - something that she wanted, too.

Just the fact that I could be a part of making their Christmas' so special, really meant a lot to me.
I loved playing a part of the story...

Ho-yeah it snowed...

 . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. .

Well, I dreamt about it... but we never actually get our White Christmas, around our area.  The day after - however, was snowy, white and beautiful.

Snowflakes really started flying around 4 o'clock in the afternoon - on Sunday.  Twelve inches later and heavy, powerful (up to 40 mph) winds created quite the scene - into Monday morning.  The drifts were piling themselves high in every corner they could find around the property.

It felt great being cozy, warm inside - with no place to go.  All we heard from Mr. Caleb was him begging to go outside. 

Later, Monday morning, my sister Gladys, who was spending a few days with us over Christmas - volunteered to take the little ones outside for some serious snow fun.  They all looked like little snow bunnies....covered head to toe in frosty, sticky white. 

I wish I could find the camera battery charger. My battery is dead.  I have no idea where the charger is... therefore I have no pictures of my Lil peeps in the first BIG snow of the season.  Ugh!!!!

BUT!

You can be sure I was enjoying one or two of these things - while they were all outside. :) 

HO-HO SNOWBALLS

*photo taken previously to the snowstorm.


Here is the recipe - if you would like.  This recipe came from Gooseberry Patch's Coming Home cookbook.

12 oz. white chocolate chips
1/4 cup. heavy cream
2 T. bourbon or heavy cream
6-oz. pkg. slivered almonds, very finely ground
1 1/2 cup. sweetened flaked coconut

Place chocolate chips and cream in a medium bowl set over a pan of hot (not boiling) water; stir until melted and smooth.  Stir in bourbon or cream and almonds.  Spread in a lightly greased 8x8 pan.  Chill for about one hour, until firm.  Cut into 1" squares; roll each square into a ball, then roll in coconut.  Keep chilled.  Makes about 5 dozen.

****

: : So, if you got any snow - how did you enjoy??

BREAKING NEWS: : UPDATE... the camera Battery Charger has been relocated.   All photography will resume, in time.  Thank you, Lord!!

Special Orders that were placed for Christmas - that now I can show ya'll.

. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . ..
Here's a Bags by Bevy update!

~Classic Christmas~

Gift given to my Mother for Christmas

~ Oh, what fun! ~

Sold to Karen K.

~So Near and Dear~

Sold to Deb C.

Gift given to Julia H.

****

There is a GREAT story with this last bag that I will be posting about later this week.  Stay tuned.

Thank you so much for giving me have a wonderful year with your sales, your encouragement and your support.

Due to the wonderful bag orders placed over Christmas (meaning these bags above) and the few that were already in my etsy shop, which obviously sold!, I now have no bags left in my shop.  

Well, all except for one.  One cute little bag.  This one.  Any takers?? :)

~Chenille Cottage~

I am so excited to get busy again.  I recently picked up some more upholstery samples for another great season ahead.  A great gift in buttons have also come my way, too... so, I'm good to go.  Lord Willing!

One thing that has been added, for your availability, is Gift Certificates.  Let me know if your interested in purchasing a gift certificate for all of your future gift-giving needs.

And, don't forget to keep checking in on my etsy shop to see if and when things are added in stock.

Brokenness | Review of Chapter Six

. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .

~ Journey into Brokenness

Here it is.  The final chapter of the book.  It's hard to believe that the six weeks of meeting together, as ladies, to study this topic, has gone by so quickly... and yet it has.


I would have to say that this final chapter was the most meaningful to me on a personal level.  Albeit to say - I was not feeling all that well and felt like I couldn't participate like I wanted to, in the discussion... and when I did try to speak - I simply dissolved into a blubbering mess.  ((sigh))

I thank God for a wonderful group of ladies, who loved graciously anyway and encouraged me as we went along.  I also want to say here (real quick) that Jane did a fabulous job of leading out the discussion, facilitating the meeting in her home and allowing "the multitude" of children to "reek havoc" on her basement ... each and every week.  She did it so humbly and quite effortlessly.  Thank you, Jane!

So, why was this chapter so personally penned for me?

I felt like I could really relate to the journey this chapter encouraged.  I felt the pings of conviction that meant I needed to be more intentional in choosing this path of brokenness.  Three things were mentioned, in this chapter, that God chooses to use in leading us on this journey.  The Word of God, Circumstances, and Other Believers. 

As, the ladies in the group, we went around the room and shared one way how this book and namely this series/ discussion on Brokenness impacted us... what a "lifestyle of brokenness" might look like practically or how would it get played out in our lives on a regular basis? 
I shared that for me, being a stay-at-home-mom is my one area of where the reality of this topic hits home for me.

I also shared -a comparison- on how I've been talking with and attempting to teach a friend of mine how to drive a stick shift/manual car.  And, that when I share with her the "how to's" and the "what to and what not to do" and the "give your self some slack and encouragement - instead of being so hard on yourself all of the time" lectures... I hear the very same message in my own ears - for myself - in the aspect of mothering.

It's hard and I can't do it.  No! I can't do it - without the help of the Lord.   But, stay tuned.  I want to go deeper with this topic another time.  Just bear with me, as I take the time to gather those thoughts...

In conclusion.  I wanted to share a paragraph out of the book (p. 125), a few more thoughts of my own and then follow that up with a quote by John Bunyan.

"In the days ahead, you will face many opportunities to choose the pathway of brokenness, each created by our Sovereign Lord who also promises that His grace is sufficient for anything and everything He requires of us.  Never forget that what God commands you to do, He will also enable you to do."

So, can I honestly say that I have been truly broken before God?  I would have to answer that, with this:  I feel I am more aware of brokenness happening.  The battle is certainly real.  I want to continue to pray for a softened heart... a choosing of brokenness by reading God's Word (which is like a hammer -Jeremiah 23:29)...by continuing to live with the roof off and the walls down - living with a transparency and an honesty with others.

"For as to have a broken heart,

is to have an excellent thing,

so to keep this broken heart tender,

is also very advantageous."

~ John Bunyan

****

Merry Christmas

. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . .

I found the following poem and thought it was appropriate to share with you this Christmas Eve.  As these photos show the kiddo's and their "excitement and wonder" on the first morning that our little tree was up...I wanted to capture these "moments" - as though they were back in time.

Merry Christmas, from our home to yours~

Oh, and I want to know if anyone is having Figgy Pudding or Plum Pudding on their Christmas menu?

CHRISTMAS

Marchette Chute

My goodness, my goodness,

It's Christmas again.

The bells are all ringing,

I do not know when

I've been so excited,

The tree is all fixed,

The candles are lighted,

The pudding is mixed.

The wreath's on the door

And the carols are sung,

The presents are wrapped

And the holly is hung.

The turkey is sitting

All safe in it's pan,

And I am behaving

As calm as I can.

* * * *

May your day, your Christmas Day and rest of the weekend

be a blessing and joyous time for you and your family.

I would like to say that I am dreaming of a White Christmas...

. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . .

Let's just say the dream was pretty hopeful - there for awhile. 

A forecast snowy white. 

An actual White Christmas for once.

 

There were visions of snowflakes falling and snowballs flying...

and frosty, plump snowmen all standing there so nice...

It sounded pretty frightful - that weather did.  Yes, indeed-y!

And, now...

I guess it's all up in the air - as to how it will all turn out.

(No pun intended.  Well, it was - sort of.)

.:*.:.*.:.*.:.*:.

Around our hometown...

Maybe we'll get our snow

 later in the weekend.

And speaking of later in the weekend.  Saturday is coming ready or not.

  Christmas' gift making and wrapping and baking is still a plenty to be done. 

Will I make it in time?  

Well, that too, is up in the air... for right now. ;)

Christmas Caroling

. . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .

Do you go Christmas Caroling?

A winter's scene I painted, a couple of years ago.  It's actually done in 2-D... but it's hard to see that on the photo.  I hung the piece behind an old window pane to make it look like you were looking out your own window onto the scene you see...
Do you hear the carolers singing?

I was playing a children's Christmas CD this morning and some of those Christmas Carols are so beautiful... and it took me back to my childhood days of when caroling in our church community or our neighborhoods was a REAL priority.

It was one of the most anticipated events of the year... to go Christmas Caroling.  Oh, the memories this evokes.

We always went Christmas Eve - with our church - to the large local community.  No matter the kind of weather.  I can remember going in the bitter cold, times of heavy snow (lots of memories on this one), even in the rain... the community KNEW we were coming. They expected us.  Prior to going our youth group would get together, a couple of nights before, to make up fruit baskets and bake cookies to take to folks along the way. 
This event involved bundling up (little kids and all), carpooling and still there would be what seemed like a mile of cars following each other with their four-ways on... we'd all get out of the vehicles, trudge carefully to the front door, with flashlights and song sheets (though not really needed, as we sung from memory anyway). Someone would knock or ring the door bell.  Someone else would lead us out into song.  Joy to the World, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, etc.
We'd all gather closer together our harmonious voices echoing through the night sky.  Sure enough the front door would open and huddled in the doorways were the elderly, the growing family, a single person, the surprised or "unsure" person (of what to make of all of this).   Some would ask us inside for a cup of hot chocolate ( I remember one year, someone offered chili) ... SERIOUSLY! 50 + plus people getting served... sometimes we were asked to come indoors because of someone to sick to come to the door and they simply wanted us to sing our hearts out- and they with feeble voice did their best to join in. 

It was beautiful.




We'd always end our four-part harmony caroling, at each home, with:

We wish you a Blessed Christmas,

we wish you a Blessed Christmas,

we wish you a Blessed Christmas

and a Joyous New Year. 

Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin,

good tidings for Christmas and a Joyous New Year. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

(said in said- shout unison)

It seemed like forever - but starting at 6pm sharp! and ending sometimes at 10pm (getting to the last folks on the list) was a long time, but worth it - we'd all head back to our church to finish up any remaining cookies and fruit from the fruit baskets & cookie baking.  Someone usually would stay back, usually an older grandmother or two who didn't want to make the trek into the bitter cold or "inclement" weather - they were the ones who "had everything ready" when we returned; the kettle steaming of hot chocolate, the trays of cookies and a roaring fire in the fireplace.  Yes! there was a fireplace in the "auxiliary building".   Someone also had prepared a (handmade) Pinata for the final activity of the evening.  We ALL took turns from youngest to oldest (adults included) to take one turn at bat.  Chaos erupted... as we all dove to get pieces of candy and nuts.

Oh, what fun!

I wish I had a better picture to show - to share of my memories better.  I wish I could make these memories the same, for my kids... maybe one day, we will.

****

Do you go caroling?  Have you ever considered going?  Bundle up.... let's go.  I'll go with you.

Our Christmas Card

 . . . ... . . .. . . . . . .. .. .

 Oh come let us adore him...

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas

and a Joyous New Year!

Love,

Bev, Scott, Caleb and Aubrey

Brokenness | Review of Chapter Five

. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . . ..

~ The Blessing of Brokenness

The broken person...will find that all the resources of heaven

and all of the Spirit's power are now at his disposal

and, unless

heaven's riches can be exhausted

or the Spirit's power can be found wanting, he cannot come up short.  

~ Jennifer Kennedy Dean

There really is blessing in brokenness?  But how, you ask.  First off, why would anyone choose or desire to be broken?  It totally goes against the grain of our natural thinking, doesn't it?

No one would intentionally choose to break their arm; or their nose; or their "heart".  And yet, how many of us have walked around with a "broken heart" at one time, or another?  We didn't desire for that to happen, did we... and yet, a broken (and contrite) heart in God's eyes is equated with Unconditional Love. 

As we (the ladies of the group) were sitting there discussing this chapter, last week... we talked a lot of "the heart" and the blessings that come with brokenness.  Two verses, one in particular, that came in to the discussion was Ezekiel 36:25-26.

25. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from your idols.  26. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

This is what unconditional love looks like and certainly speaks to the emotions of our heart... a new heart is a gift from God, to his children. 

How often do we pray for a heart of  flesh?  Or, to put it into a more normal way of saying: " Lord, soften my heart, don't let it become hardened, calloused and unyielding..." 

To quickly highlight the blessings of brokenness that this chapter talks about - I will just paraphrase what they were and I think you will get the picture of the depth of this chapter...

• God draws near to the broken.  One note of reference, made in this section was that "my pride steals God's glory" - it's as simple as that.
• When we're broken before the Lord, than new life is released.  We talked a lot of the seed that is buried in the ground.  It is in a dark and lonely place.  If and when we refuse to shed that outer shell of self, it is then that no one can get close to us; no one can penetrate or enter into our life.  Just as pride keeps us from our Maker - because it repulses Him - so it is with pride in keeping us from getting close to others or those with us.  (And, I thought it was all a personality thing.   Uhmmm.)
• In our brokenness there will be deeper love and deeper worship towards our Saviour.  We will understand living out the term "to worship the Lord with a reckless abandonment".
• There will be a resolve and a desire; an able-ness to be used by God in a much greater way.
• With brokenness comes the blessing of "Rivers of Revival" - Andrew Murray said it well, when he said, "Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds you abased and empty, His glory and power flow in."   Our growth only will encourage more growth from those around us.

One of the things us ladies talked about was a picture of a desert flower.  Yes! even in the driest of deserts - our God is a personal God and He wills "desert flowers" to grow in the most unassumingly, unusual, unnatural of places; the place where hope feels void and barren - he reaches down and touches us - what a beautiful thing.  It's only in our brokenness that we can see it as that; appreciate it as that and demonstrate that grace in those moments - to others.  We can be that one desert flower... to so many.

****

So, were meeting this morning for the final chapter of this book...Brokenness by Nancy Leigh De Moss... and I'm looking forward to coming back here next week to fill you in on what we discussed today.  The journey into brokenness.  Stay tuned.

Hush | Blessed not Stressed.

. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .. .

This is where my thoughts are still.  Read here.  (sigh!)

****

Have a wonderful weekend... and as you continue to Prepare Him Room - in your hearts and homes- all this upcoming week, may you you feel a holy hush amid the hustle... a blessed season and not a stressed season.

Prepare Him Room

. .. . . . .. .. . . . . .

Joy to the world, the Lord has come. 

Let earth receive her king. 

Let every heart

prepare Him room

and heaven and nature sing...
~ Isaac Watts

Sometimes the shadows of our heart will darken this picture of Christ's birth in our minds. 

There was no room left... not in the inn that cold, dark night and not in our (often so-called cold, and dark) hearts.

How do we prepare Him room?  What does it mean to prepare?   It means to make ready.

((This is something I've been thinking about for awhile now and I have no idea if I'll make any sense till it's all said and done, but it's worth a try.)) 

****

As Mary and Joseph entered the city of Bethlehem that cold, dark winter's night... I imagine this is what they encountered - busy streets, chaos & clutter, distressing noises of loud shouting, bartering and jest - sounds of rudeness, and most likely - hostility.  Of course there was no room... the selfish clamouring for "the perfect place" was happening all around them...why expect anything different?  Yet, they must...

As the time was nearing...Joseph knocked.  The door opened, and yes! there was a place prepared for them.  A place so unexpected, incomprehensible, but pleasant (as pleasant as stables can be, I guess), "smelly" but warm.  At best, it was comfortable - laid out fresh with clean, dry straw.  The cattle were lowing, all around - making quite the welcome.  A cozy place of peace and stillness, for sure.

It was as if God himself had prepared Himself room, in that stable, that night. 

Most likely it was the Innkeeper or his stable-hand that "made ready" the room - but there was certainly a prompting to do so, at one point.   But, who did that prompting?  I like to believe that God was stirring that Innkeeper's heart, that night, to receive them.

IF our hearts are like that so-called picture of the city of Bethlehem - with all of the chaos, darkness and hostility.... and the door of our hearts receives a knock on it, but... we're willing to open up the door... to receive Him in... then who prepared Him room?

Apart from God reviving our hearts - we are dead (not alive!).  When with Christ's coming, to this earth, as a baby, remains only a nice (mere) picture - and we forget the parallel of our hearts likened to that "city of Bethlehem" and we constantly dwell in the shadows... not aware of the light, then we need a Saviour.

You see, it is only because of His great love for us... the breath of Heaven breathed into us... that we can know it is God Himself who has made ready our hearts to willingly allow Him to enter, as Emmanuel, which means - God with us.  He wants to live in our hearts.  Forever!

He makes a REAL difference, my friend.  We can't comprehend the radicalness of a changed perspective, can we?   The seedbed of our hearts; a prepared room, what once was, in all aspects, ugliness, now made pure and holy - a birthplace - redeemed and alive, full of HOPE.   

It brings nothing but JOY...to the world! 


****
I had to ask myself this question:  Is my heart too full for Him or so full of Him?  .What about yours?

these are a few of my favorite things

. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. .

Snow flakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes...

It's snowing as I type this and the lyrics of this song are dancing through my head - these are a few of my favorite things...

I just thought I would share a few photos with you today... some old, some new.  Mixing it up with a rhyme or two.  I know it, I can't help it.  It's like, what I do... ;)

****

Here's a picture of Aubrey, in last season's snow...

My honey, all frosty, after shoveling - not slow...

((hard worker = heavy sweat-er))

The hanging of ornaments, so random, what fun!

Kids rearranging these ornament's never gets done...

((ahem!))

((This was last year's tree.  See not much changed.))

Fragile vintage pretties all gathered like so...

Creating homemade gifts - that I like to sew...

((there is more I wish I could show you))

A steaming cup of hot coffee ... to help open my eyes

Little lights in the windows - like stars in night's sky.

****

What are a few of your favorite things?

Brokenness | Review of Chapter Four

. .. .. ... ... ... ... . . .. .. .. .. . . . . .. . . . .. . .

"Is he a broken Christian?"

That is the question that an African missionary, who served years ago, during a known season of revival, would get asked by the national believers there, if he were to mention the name of a particular Christian.  They didn't ask if s/he was committed or knowledgeable or hardworking, rather they wanted to know if s/he was broken.  (Paraphrased from first paragraph in chapter 63).

Am I a Proud or Broken Person?

This was a very self-revealing lesson. 

The object of this chapter was to review several attitudes (or scenarios) that would determine if we were either broken or proud.  We were asked to "test ourselves" by placing a check mark by the list of "attitudes toward or about...others, sin, rights, service or ministry, recognition,  themselves, relationships, walk with God" (so named by the author) and than to perhaps even ask someone else (namely our spouse) to see if what they thought even closely compared to what we thought and indicated about ourselves.

On the outset, it was determined, by all of us (ladies) agreeing, that it is much easier to see (or think of) others who are proud, rather then to take a look at ourselves first. 
Isn't that the truth, though?  I mean, I was originally reading through this chapter with the mindset that "so and so" really, REALLY needs to read this book.  Quickly glossing over the chapter - not really thinking that any of these were really true of me

What? wait a minute.... ching-ching... prIde!  Notice the middle letter of the word pride...ironically, it's "I".

The author actually brings the idea up, later in the chapter, when that we read this book and are immediately thinking of others who need to read this book ...
Watch out, it's a real prevalent issue.  It is so easy to point the finger at others without remembering the three or four fingers pointing back at ourselves.

A couple of the listed things that yes! I did eventually have eyes opened toward and confessed to, by checking them off, were...

Attitudes about Rights
* Proud people have to prove that they are right - they have to get the last word.  This happens a lot in "our" Marriage Conflict(s).
~ Broken people are willing to yield the right to be right.

* Proud people are self-protective of their time, their rights and their reputation.  For me, as a stay-at-home mom.
~ Broken people are self-denying and self-sacrificing.

Attitudes about Service and Ministry
* Proud people desire to be known as a success. I mentioned that I don't know about the word success as much as it's more like I desire to be noticed or identified.
~ Broken people are motivated to be faithful and to make others successful.

Attitudes about Recognition
* Proud people get wounded when others are promoted and they are overlooked.
~ Broken people are eager for others to get the credit, and they rejoice when others are lifted up.

Attitudes about Themselves
* Proud people can't bear to fail or for anyone else to think they are less then perfect.  This can drive them to extremes  - workaholic tendencies, perfectionism, the tendency to drive others or to place unrealistic expectations on themselves or others.
~ Broken people can recognize and live within God-given limitations.

* Proud people are self-conscious; they worry about what others think of them.
~Broken people are not preoccupied with what others think of them.


Attitudes about Relationships
* Proud people are unapproachable or defensive when corrected
~ Broken people receive correction with a humble, open spirit
* Proud people try to control the people and the circumstances around them - they are prone to manipulate.
~ Broken people trust in God - they rest in Him and are able to wait for Him to act on their behalf.



****
Obviously I didn't get into all of the "attitudes" mentioned nor did I list every example made mention of, nor did I share all of the "proud moments" that I discovered about myself.

Number one.  Because I am not proud of them.  Number Two.  Because this would be one very long post (which it already is - sorry).
The ones I did mention were some of the ones that most related to me and you read some of my commentary on them. 

So, am I a proud or broken person?   Why, as a matter of fact - I am...

The answer is clear ...  there is a lot of room for growth in this dear sister. And, I'll be honest.  God is gracious and kind.  I know that if I were to think back on some of these scenarios listed... I can see where at some points in time, I was not broken in one area or another... and, just because he does continue to break us down, in time, over one area or another... time heals and mends.  God wants us to be a broken vessel, but with that, it's almost like there is more character (or charm) presented - when something has once been chipped and cracked, then lovingly mended and restored.


Put it this way... in thinking of a clay pot or piece of fine china.  If the handle is broken off - the cup or pitcher still has a purpose to fulfill.  It isn't meant to be over.  Just because He breaks you down in one area doesn't mean you'll stay broken and without meaning.- therein, it only means more restoration and love He'll have for the cherished treasure He sees in and of us.  He's good! 

I think so many people continue to live in that "broken", woe-is-me mindset... sometimes knowingly and other times not so knowingly. 

Which brings us back to the question - What is true brokenness?  This is the title of Chapter Two... and as I just reread that post link, I wished I would've gone  a bit deeper into this... on the perception of what some folks think brokenness is.  I believe it is very different than most folks will realize.

I'll just say this... HUMBLY SUGGESTING.... You really should read this book.  Find it; Borrow it;  Buy it...

Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh De Moss



: : Hey, so about that approach taken, in the first paragraph there - asking if he or she is a Broken Christian?
Would you want that to be asked of you on a regular basis?

 I'm still thinking about that...

Friday's Finds: {no. 39/10}

. ..  . .. . . . .. . .

{Welcome to Friday's Finds! For those of you who are new to this blog and/or just poppin' in - Hello! and welcome. On Friday's I like to try and feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned.}



In trying to come up with something to share with you for today's feature of Friday's Finds, my thoughts kept going back to something I read earlier this week. 

First I want to show a couple of photos, I found, from Caleb's first Christmas.  ;)  Caleb and I had fun, while he sat on my lap, this morning, looking at these.  Great memories - more for myself then for him.

So, this thing I've been thinking about came to me through an online devotional, earlier this week, (maybe you receive this too), from Proverbs 31 Ministries.  It was an article written by Renee Swope and titled "Unwrapping his Christmas Presence". 

You can read the whole thing here.  And, you should.

I've been feeling so convicted, I guess you'd say, as to where my focus has been already this year.  It's not like I do anything extra or outlandish in "making ready" for Christmas.  It's that I fail sometimes most times to - STOP. STILL. SLOW. (remember these words from last Christmas?) and truly Unwrap his Christmas Presence.

This is just something I've been thinking about and will continue to think about over the next week or two.

Now, how is that for a Friday's Finds?

****
Here's to hoping you have a reflective sort of weekend as you continue to prepare him room. 
Another phrase I've been pondering.  Maybe more of this topic, later, this coming week.


Have a wonderful weekend!

birds of a feather, flock together

. . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . .

Growing up, there was always this bubbling excitement over more then one bird on an overhead line. It was really exciting if there were a whole long row of them.

 I'm not sure where this came from  - but probably something our Mother drilled into us; something to divert our attention from our silly, rough house play and, this is what she would say:

"Look girls,  the birdies are having church.  They're singing their songs, so sweetly... they're sitting there so nicely.....".

I don't know if it was meant for us to "learn something from the birds, on how to behave in church" but in a sense, she wasn't too far off.

So, imagine my excitement, one late afternoon, while looking out my kitchen window at the rare scene of "the birds having church".   I grabbed my camera and ran out the back door - hoping to capture this "memory" in it's truest of forms. 

I don't remember seeing anything like this in a really long time. 

I got to thinking about something our former pastor would often talk about.  He would - as caring as possible- encourage us to gather on a Sunday Morning - Early!  and, at least, if not at best, On Time! 

I will admit here - while I can - I am preaching to choir here.

Notice the one little bird trying to settle in for "worship", perhaps after the service has already started?

You know how that is.  If you're late (to church, a meeting or an engagement) or someone else is .... you can sense the distraction being made.  Maybe some folks don't even think about it....I don't know, and that isn't what this post is meant to be about... subject wise. 

Rather, it's meant to just bring encouragement in gathering with fellow beings (sister's and brother's) in the Lord.  For me, this includes...

- Church (standing commitment)

- Caregoup (standing commitment)

- MOPS (current commitment)

- Ladies Discipleship Group (current commitment)

- Family events (not-so-random commitment - these happen often)

Isn't it wonderful to gather?  One to worship the Lord; Our Saviour, Creator and Lord.  And two, to just be with the family of God?  I'll admit - there are plenty of times when I don't enjoy it.  I would rather be off flitting elsewhere... but there are many, many more times when the old adage of "birds of a feather flock together" (being with God's People) takes on a whole lot of meaning and realness, comfort and strength, encouragement and yes!, even, discipline.

I say discipline, because this might not mean just in going to church - but its the holidays... and family gatherings will abound, for most of us.  Sometimes it might not be easy.  Sometimes it's downright messy and hard.

It might mean (simply) choosing to gather; to sit there nicely, and to "join in the singing".

Although, hopefully it won't be mere act.  

But hopefully, rather, a true desire to be part of the flock.  The gathering.

: : Do you  sometimes stuggle to gather with fellow beings?  Why is that, and what makes it so hard for you?

On the other hand, what is it about gathering with others that makes it so meaningful? 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up on meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10: 24-25

a Christmas-tide thought

. .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. .. .

I love the Christmas-tide, and yet,
    I notice this, each year I live;
I always like the gifts I get,
    But how I love the gifts I give!

                                 A thought
                           Carolyn Wells

*:*:*:*:*

I find this to be so true.... what about for you?

Laugh with (estatic-al) JOY!

 . .. . . . . .. . . . . ..

Oh boy, I won! 

I never seem to win anything... so imagine my surprise when sweet, creative and the very inspirational Becky, from Farmgirl Paints, let me know that I was one of the winners for her recent giveaway.  Yay!!

I was ecstatic-al. ;)  Is that a word??  In my book... yes, it is!

The three winners got to choose which Pendant or Key chain they wanted, out of her Etsy Shop.  So, I chose this one.

Love the packaging...it's fun & pretty!

What's really funny is that, recently another friend and I were talking about Proverbs 31:25, which says.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. 

I so desperately need to grow in laughter.   Choosing to laugh over and within the stressful things of my life rather then to bemoan them all of the time. 

So, this will be a great daily reminder for me.  Thank you, Becky!

****

PS:  Oh, by the way, did y'all notice the little card with the house on it?

Those are her business cards.  Becky painted that picture!  You'll have to check out her blog where she talks more about doing custom paintings of your home, for a fair price.  It's on her sidebar.

I just love her artsy, funky & whimsical style, and she didn't ask me to say anything about it - I just thought I would.

.:*:.: *:.:*:.:*:.

Another thing I recently participated in was this ~  J * O * Y swap. 

I had so much fun, creating planning and packaging my "shoebox" for this sister swap.  Thank you, Carrie and Monica, for inspiring JOY to flow, from one heart ~ one home, to another, this season.


To Jennifer C. from VA:  In case you're reading this, your JOY box left our house yesterday.  It's on it's way....

Have a Wondrous, JOY-ous Christmas, Jennifer!

* * * *

And, if that isn't all....

I had the most crazy - AMAZING - experience of having a total of 5 bags and 1 pocket pouch leave my shop yesterday.  Plus two bag orders placed...  all in one day.... you'd think it's Christmas, or something.

Once again... talk about estatic-al!!!