Archives for June 2008

Discovering Gems

Last Friday while on an outing to a nearby town, my friend Teri and I discovered a gem. A beautiful and unique little shop nestled right in among the ordinary businesses on the ordinary streets of our very ordinary little corner of the world.

We wanted to go to lunch for a girlfriend catch-up session and decided to make a quick trip to Indy. We had heard about a quilt shop there that had recently been selected as one of the top ten quilt shops in the nation. In our neck of the woods? We needed to see this with our own eyes.

We were not disappointed. As we entered the shop, we seemed to step into another world. The high ceilings and rich-looking furnishings along with the beautiful and creatively displayed quilts and accessories created an ambiance of a luxurious and delightful retreat from the outside world. Everything we saw held a special touch. We were awestruck by the quality of goods and workmanship. And for those of you who know I don’t even own a sewing machine and am craft-challenged — yes, even I could spot the quality here :)

What fun to discover this gem of a shop in our own backyard. Teri was in her element, and I was trying hard to fit in :) When the salesladies were around, I just acted like I knew what I was looking at, and then when they walked away, I asked Teri one elementary question after another. Know what I discovered, though? You don’t have to understand all the facets and complexities of a gem to enjoy its beauty. I loved the shop.

As I think about our lives, about each of us as individuals, I know a gem could be found in each one of us. Something beautiful and unique. Something quality. If others looked into your own very ordinary life, what gem would they discover? Would they find a master quilter, an artist, or a gourmet chef? Perhaps a talented athlete or musician? Or maybe like me, you’re just good with words. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they?

So take a closer look at yourself as well as others in your life. There’s beauty all around. Go ahead – have fun discovering gems!

“…its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel…” Revelation 21:11

*Flickr photo by ivanpw, Creative Commons License

Daily Devotions for Writers – Unexpected Joy

Caught by surprise. That’s what I was earlier this week when I stumbled across a blog (a group of women writers) featuring a picture of Daily Devotions for Writers. You see, I’d been waiting for news of its release — I wrote the devotion for December 4th. Why had these contributors been notified, and I hadn’t?

Puzzled surprise soon gave way to joyful surprise. After emailing the compiler/editor of the book, I learned that my email address had accidentally been left out of her list so I simply missed getting the information about the book’s release, etc. She filled me in on the details, told me how I could get copies with the contributor’s discount, and then I happily began to enjoy the moment. What can I say? Writers love publication :)

When I first heard about this project, though, I wasn’t sure I wanted to submit anything for it. It was going to be a fundraiser for The Writing Academy, and writers were being asked to donate their work. I usually try to avoid submitting to non-paying markets (ultimately contributes to devaluing writers’ work), but the Lord reminded me that one of my goals is to help other writers. With this project, I could help the writers of the The Writing Academy as well as writers who would one day be reading my devotion (if it was selected for use).

I’m so glad now the Lord prompted me to write a piece and send it in. It’s always a tremendous blessing to know my work has been used and that my words might offer just the encouragement, joy, direction, or hope that someone may need on a particular day. And this time, the chance to help other writers carries its own unique satisfaction and joy.

Were you treated to an unexpected joy this week? Tell us about it with a comment and let us rejoice “Rejoice with those who rejoice…”! Romans 12:15a

Reunion Highlights

Is this a good-looking bunch or what?! I just had to share with you this prized keepsake from our family reunion. Believe it or not, this is a timed photo. Shawn (now designated our family photographer!) got us all arranged, focused the shot, set the timer, and ran for his spot at the top of the stairs. It only took a couple of tries, with everyone quickly “parting the waters” and then shifting back into position before we landed this picture. Pretty amazing, huh? I think I’ll chalk it up to the grace of God!

And speaking of the grace of God, He granted us an absolutely wonderful family reunion! He blessed with everyone being able to come, safe travel, good weather when we needed it, well-behaved kids, sweet fellowship, and last, but not least, lots of great photo opportunities :)

I can’t tell you how much I love this group of people. In fact, I get teary-eyed just looking at the picture. We enjoyed such great moments together this past weekend. The reunion was not just an “event”, it was personal. We got to hug each other again, introduce and embrace new family members, catch up on news, laugh and play games together, indulge in inside jokes and stories, makes scenes wherever we went, and pray together as we shared meals. (And yes, the tears are rolling down my cheeks now!)

One of my favorite moments happened quite spontaneously on our second evening together. We were about to call it quits for the day when my nephew Aaron brought up an infamous story from the early days of his Uncle Don’s and Aunt Cheryl’s marriage. That story still gets laughs every time. Before we knew it, more stories from the past were being recounted — for our own amusement, yes, but also for the benefit of those new to the family.

Kristin quickly realized that something extraordinary was taking place and whipped out their video camera to record this impromptu oral family history (thanks, Kristin!). Without consciously deciding to do it, we found ourselves keeping these stories alive for another generation. Definitely a highlight of our reunion, I would say.

It actually made me think of scriptures like Psalm 78:4 that exhort us to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” We need to keep our God-stories alive, too, don’t we?

I can’t help but wonder… Do you think perhaps we’ll be sitting around one day at that grand reunion in heaven telling stories on God? Reminding each other of the mighty things He did for us on earth? Imagine it with me now. Another reunion highlight. Thank You, Lord!

**For those of you who are trying to figure out who everyone is in the picture, here you go:
On the steps from the bottom up: Gavin (my sister Carolyn’s youngest), Lyndsey (my nephew Adam’s wife); Emmalyse (Adam & Lyndsey’s new baby!); then left to right going up – Cody (Carolyn’s oldest) and Adam (my sister Debbie’s son); Joanna (my sister Janice’s daughter) on the next row by herself; our daughters Kelli and Kristin next to my mom, Charlene;

Back row: Keith (Debbie’s husband), Samuel (Aaron & Monica’s son), my sister Debbie, our son-in-law Shawn, Monica (my nephew Aaron’s wife), Aaron (Debbie’s son); my sister Janice, my dad Duane, me, my husband Don, my sister Carolyn, and her husband Dave.

"Stay Cool" Summer Giveaway

It’s June! Is it bustin’ out all over in your life? :) It is in mine — I’m just getting back from our family reunion (more on that later in the week) but thought I would kick off the summer with a giveaway designed to help you stay cool and be refreshed when July rolls around.

Sometimes when the heat is on, you’ve just gotta find something to do inside! Would a $10 Blockbuster gift card help? Pick out a couple of new releases or a few old favorites, crank up the AC, grab a drink, some popcorn and M&Ms, and relax. Like the scripture says, “…Come home…and refresh thyself.” (1 Kings 13:7 KJV).

To be included in the drawing for the gift card, leave a comment on this post by midnight June 24 (CST). That way I can get the prize to the winner in time for the searing hot month of July. Just tell me one of your all-time favorite movies or the name of the last movie you saw. Be sure and leave your email address if I don’t know you personally, or you’ll be disqualified since I won’t know how to reach you.

I’ll kick it off. One of my all-time favorite movies is White Christmas. You can’t get much cooler than that! :) C’mon and join the fun. Refresh thyself! :)

*Flickr photo by Charleston’s TheDigitel