Tablescaping ~ a summer look

Tablescaping:

a sophisticated term for fixin' up yer table!!

{please pardon the hick accent; it's been a long day.}

So I've had a sad-looking table for quite some time, 

but just couldn't figure out what to do about it. 

Call it a creative block: something I get fairly frequently.

But I'm learning that if I wait long enough, inspiration will come!

Thank goodness, it did.

I love my wooden tea light holders, made by my in-laws. Aren't they darling?

I found the galvanized pitcher at Michael's {and bought it with my 40% off coupon!}

It's rustic and quaint, but so cheerful when it's filled with fresh blooms.

I certainly don't have a degree in home decor,

but I've heard that decorations need to be done in odd numbers, 

and agree that it is visually more appealing.

Finding the third part of the grouping was a bit challenging.

But that's when it's fun, right?!

A vintage white candy jar was calling my name, 

and some leftover moss made itself at home there. 

Ahh, I am complete once more.

Maybe I need to invite some guests, yes?

Times of Refreshing

The relentless sunshine beat down mercilessly on a parched earth.

Vibrant green grass faded to a dull brown.

Once promising fields of waving corn stood stunted, with leaves curled in hopes of a drop of rain.

As I looked at the signs of drought all around, my heart sank.

I felt helpless to do anything but pray for a miracle.

Pray for rain.

And then it came!

A downpour of beautiful water that washed away the dust and brought with a promise of life.

I watched it through the window.

I stood on the porch and just breathed in the fragrance of it.

Amazing how such an ordinary thing is a miracle when you have been without it,

and have no way to get it!

After the storm passed, I walked outside and am convinced that the earth was smiling.

The cornfields stood proudly, with open leaves.

The flowers lifted sparkling faces to their Maker.

The herbs released a new earthy fragrance, 

while rain glistened on the leaves of the rosebush.

There was new beauty all around me! 

Amazing what a little rain can do...

Sometimes my soul feels dry and parched.

I long for something, but can't seem to find what I desire.

I need the rain.

The river of Life.

This beautiful verse in Acts 3:19 has been on my heart:

"Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,

that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

And He always honors the heart that seeks Him.

He comes with refreshing rain, truth that washes my soul and restores my mind.

Thank God, times in the desert don't last forever!

Praying that you experience His refreshing rain this weekend!

Catchin' Up

Like so many of you, my "normal" was turned upside down temporarily when the storm came through a week ago! With my internet down for days, a holiday, and sickness, I haven't kept up with blogging. Alot has been happening, in my heart and in my life...so I thought I'd fill you in!

Mulling over: Time. The preciousness of it. And how often I get into the trap of "busyness". I'm being challenged to ask if this is something God wants me to do, before I just say "yes"! Anyone else out there in the same shoes?

Reflecting on: Family. The legacy we leave behind us. This was {unfortunately} the best picture we had of the three of us with Eddie's granddad. We woke Hadassah from a nap to take it, because we don't know when, if ever, we'll be with him again this side of heaven. His life has had such an impact on Eddie, on me and now, our children. The fact that I am now a parent, and building a legacy for my daughter, is truly humbling. The choices I make today will affect her years from now! Wow. 

                                  

Pinterest inspiration: Chocolate zucchini brownies! Mmmm. They remind me of Texas sheet cake. And they have veggies in them...a whole 2 cups!!! That's my kind of bakin'!

Appreciating: My husband! He was away this weekend on a bachelor trip, and I realized, in a new way, just how much he means to me. Why is it so easy to take the best things in life for granted?!

Eating: Lots of fresh fruit and veggies! And loving it. When is being healthy so easy? {Which reminds me...I have a bag of bing cherries waiting for me in the fridge. *happy smile*}

Loving: being a mommy to this sweet little girl! {most days, anyway!} She's 9 months going on 2 years, and life is anything but dull with her. She took her first steps on Sunday, to her Aunt Edie, not her mother...of course! But did I mention that she was bribed with some yummy food? Time will tell if she's serious about this whole walking thing!

Reading: this book in preparation for our mission trip to Jamaica in 3 weeks. Eeeek!!! And I'm getting excited about what God will do...in my heart, and in our youth group!


So that's what's happening in my life; tell me what's going on in yours!!!