Pearls, pearls and pearls

On a float trip we found this old milk can just under the water.  My superhero husband reached down and pulled it up out of the water and put it in the canoe.  Remember we live on the river.  So we paddled up to our landing and unloaded my treasure.  I knew just where I would put it.   I think it looks good.  Everytime I look at it, I think of the story it could tell of how it got there and even how it likes being proudly displayed in my little garden spot!  A grain of sand to some, a pearl to me.

Another pearl, my marriage. 

Christmas morning, I told my husband, it's never too late to start over. 

We talked about where we were, how things were going. 

We talked about what we both would like. 

We both gave a little, to make huge changes.  

We assured each other we wanted it to work. 

Talking openly, we explained what expectations and dissappointments we had. 

We prayed together for our marriage.

Then,

because all the pieces were on the table,

with the help of God,

we began to turn the puzzle into a new and beautiful picture. 

Well, maybe it was another grain of sand turned into  pearl! 

Because, we just celebrated 7 years,

I love him more today than ever,

 I can't wait to get home to see him every day.  

Christmas is about second chances,

starting over a new life in Christ, grace and mercy. 

What a special Christmas!

Miranda will never run around and play, she can't. 

But, she has inspired us to pray then do something.

Her story hangs on the wall in her sewing room at church.

Over the last year- we have done much. 

We have people who wanted to do something

but never got involved.  They just didn't know what to do

or how to get involved. 

Now, we pray for needs and ask God to help people,

then,

we do something to help them. 

We are His hands and feet after all!

What have we done?

Provided fellowship for ladies who were lonely,

using their talents to sew, crochet, cook and cross stitch.

Made blankets for missions in Mexico,

Made a quilt for a lady who lost her mother,

Served meals at a local mission,

knitted hats for Newborns in need,

organized womens fellowships and secret sisters

moved a lady from a condemned home to

a beautiful assisted living apartment

and furnished it

raised money to reduce our church debt

cooked for VBS...

While we have done little for precious Miranda,

She has done much for others and most of all,

for me, I'd like to think

the grain of sand I once was,

praying and waiting for God to do it all,

now, I pray, then I do!

Not a perfect pearl by any means,

but welcoming God

to layer mercy and grace on me

all He wants.

As promised

I had a real challenge to figure out what to do with these trays.  I barely have any wall space, no kidding.  The black tray with coffee pots was too wide to hang behind the coffee pot.  It is funny how many times we will rearrange things to get something to work.   I am seriously thinking about painting the bread box red.  For someone who called green their favorite color for at least 45 years- I sure do want lots of red lately.  OK- I'll admit it- I'm mad about red.  Green is now my preferred accent color. 

Speaking of color- I completely have gone 180 on style.  I have been SO, SO frustrated for several months now.  I kept trying to use green, gold, rust and browns.  Then I tried primmin and painted lots of stuff black.  In the mean time, I had bought a red/cream paisley coverlet for our bed and loved it.  When I saw that tray with red, gold, green and cream in it- I said Eureka!  I found it! This is what I have been looking for- my personal inspiration piece. The one that said above all else - here's your style.  

So, now I can start to finish what I started.  Well, you know what I mean! LOL!  You have to understand that we got married 5 years ago next week.  I didn't do lots to the house until my step kids moved out.  So, in my free time in the last 2 years- I have been trying to figure out what to do with this house.  Well, tomorrow I am finally leaving to go to my daughters to stay for the summer.  I can't wait to see my grandsons, have coffee and talk with my SIL in the wee early mornings and spend the days helping my daughter keep house and take care of wee ones.  I am sure I will post pics from there.    I was delayed a week for my rheumatoid arthritis.  God promises to restore what the locusts have stolen in Lamentations.  God is awsome!

Way!

I am known for spotting what no one else sees at a messy thrift store. I joke that it has a little to do with not quite being 5 ft. tall. Seriously! Anyhow, I was walking down an aisle in a store today and I start to recognize this tray!

It was backward so I could only see the shape.  I dug it out....

I put it in my cart.  Finding this gave me a rush.  I drink a whole pot of strong coffee every morning.  I have been looking for coffee treasures.  I already have a similar tray at home, this one makes it a pair.  Here is the one I had at home- it was only 50 cents!

I was regaining my composure when I was walking farther down the aisle andI saw a familiar shape and a bit of rust.  This one had a huge area rug laying over top of it.  I had to hold onto my cart, stretch (remember- not 5 ft. tall) and sweep down for the clutch!.   I grabbed it and pulled it up.   I almost screamed when I turned it around and saw this tray!

 

Now, are you ready for the prices?  I took this pic for proof! All of $4.94!

But -  I had a $5 off coupon.  If I spent $15- I got $5 off!  I also found a glass cake plate with a glass dome.  Will post a pic when I get them hung. Some treasures we put on shelves and some are stored in our hearts, I hope you find yours for today.  Sherrie