surrender... (D)

My devotional for this year is Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. It is a wonderful, old classic book just full of wisdom and spiritual truths. Right now he is talking about surrendering all to give your utmost to Jesus. He says it takes..."a surrender of will...without reasoning, just out of pure obedience...shut out every other consideration...not the good of others, not the pain or sacrifice, not the embarrassment...only my utmost for His highest." So that has become my word for this year...Surrender...of my children...my grandchildren...my husband...my parents health...my finances...my very life.

"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And trust that my life will bring honor to Christ whether I live or die." Philippians 1:20


Something sweet and full of love...
The beautiful image on this card is from Heartwarming Vintage...the paper is by Pink Paislee...the cute pick is from Michael's...the flower is EK Success and the ribbon is PTI.

I've read somewhere that envelopes are highly overrated and since my cards keep getting thicker and thicker I can certainly see why. Guess this will just have to be hand delivered!

Blessings,
Patty

the life you imagined... {D}

A few birdhouses I'm working on...

Pink Paislee paper...

Melissa Frances paper from a pocket I ordered from Melissa Phillips...

Some Bo Bunny Christmas paper and K and Company chipboard...

I had the best weekend...Friday night my oldest daughter Annie, her husband and sweet Emily came for dinner...Saturday morning I made breakfast for my daughter Jessica and her family. I checked some home projects off my to do list and had a leisurely Saturday evening with my husband and a couple of old episodes of 'The Big Valley'. I know it might sound kind of hum drum but I loved it...to see my family come full circle and be at peace, for however long it might last...

Sunday morning after church I went on a local home tour with my SIL and one of my best friends. This has sort of become the unofficial beginning to the holiday season. One of the homes had a plaque that said, "Live the life you imagine"...this thought started the best conversation about childhood memories and the dreams we have for our own families. These two ladies know the real me and my life history. They have seen my ups and downs and the imperfections of my world. We laughed at how I reflect the good in my posts but you know, I figure you all know that yucky stuff happens in my life and I know that yucky stuff happens in yours...why focus on the ugly? It doesn't change anything...why not focus on the good...why not find the lovely...why not search out the pure...why not live the life you imagine? I'm not talking about burying your head in the sand. There are things that you have to face and deal with, and I do. I am talking about attitude...the perspective with which you view what happens to you. Do I truly believe that God is in control...that he wants the best for me...that he will use all things for good? Do I merely believe in God or do I believe God?

Sure, I could fill my blog space with the yuck but what kind of seed would that sow? In the worst times of my life this verse from Philippians 4:8 has helped me keep my sanity, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

It's all about attitude.

Blessings,

Patty