Handmade

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What does the word "handmade" conjure up in your memory bank?

For me, there are many things.  Some made by other hands, some made by my hands.

Doilies remind me of my mother-in-law. Many were found among her belongings when she died.  I brought some home with me -- the work of her hands still present in our lives.

Other reminders are from my mother's hands:  my first recital dress.  Mother hated sewing but was determined to make this dress.

Made of pink organdy, puffed sleeves, a beautiful sash and lace trims -- not an easy project.  My daddy took this photo -- a visual reminder of her hands making that dress.

My sister-in-law helped me to learn to make handmade items.  She taught me to knit when I was 12.  I still knit some every day.  Each project reminds me of those times with her -- our hands working together. 

Hands that were once busy, are still busy -- working at a beloved craft. 

Now, reflect on the words in Psalm 139:13-14 (TNIV):

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How much more love can we know than the love of our Father who created us?  Fashioned us.  Uniquely made us who we are.

He "knit [us] together" ensuring that each tiny part would hold together for as long as we live.

And as a result "your works are wonderful."  And each of us should be able to say, "I know that full well."

How amazing it is that we are handmade, crafted by the loving hands of the Father!

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on "handmade" today.  Feel free to share below in a comment.


Linking up today with:

and tomorrow with Joan at Reflections of His Grace:

Seeking God

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
~~ 1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV)
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Seeking, searching, looking for, attempting to find.

Where shall I seek?

All around, in front of me, along my path

leading me wherever I go.

Among friends and family, those whom I love.

In a community of fellow believers.

The Lord, his strength, his face, all of Him.

What shall I seek?

The Lord, the Good Shepherd, the King of Kings.

His strength, might and power.

His glorious face, shining His Light to the world.

Continually, always, never ending.

How shall I seek?

Forever and ever, always, unending seeking.

Every day, every hour.

Without fail, never stopping.

I know if I take my eyes from His face, ignore His strength

and might, and if I'm not constantly seeking Him . . .

I know that my life will falter . . . I will begin to lose that

ability to trust Him wholly and completely.

I don't want that to happen . . . so, I'm committing myself

to living by abiding in this verse from I Chronicles . . . so,

that I might be more certain of eyes trained on Him daily. 

Q4U:  Are you committed to daily seeking the Lord in everything you do, in your role as parent, spouse, child of God?  Take some time to think on these things and consider what you should be doing to keep Him in the center of your life and your world?

Linking up with Joan at The Grace Cafe:

Linking up with Stacy at Heartprint Hallelujahs:

Trust Me

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances.
Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence.
I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live
in deep dependence on Me.Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself;
don't get tangled up in its worry-webs.Trust Me one day at a time.

~~ From Jesus Calling (Sarah Young, 2004)
March 18, p. 81

Daddy will catch you!
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Do not worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will have its own worries.
The troubles we have in a day are enough for one day.

~~  Matthew 6:34 (NLV)

Linking up with Jennifer today at:
 

And visiting Joan at Grace Cafe

 

 

Do For Others

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior:

Ask yourself what you want people to do for you;

then grab the initiative and do it for them!"

Luke 6:31 (MSG)

How often we've read these words.

Heard them.

Maybe even memorized them.

But do we follow them? 

Last Friday we spent the day with my husband's brother, recently moved to a nursing facility due to dementia and impaired mobility.  Jim no longer can feed himself, maybe small bites with his fingers, but using utensils has becoming difficult.

Friday was his birthday, and as we sat in the cafe that is a part of his facility, two stunning young women entered.  They were coming to wish Jim a happy birthday and bring a card.  We had just begun eating our lunch.

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Each of them pulled up a chair, one on each side of Jim, and without a thought began helping him eat.  These young women had worked with Jim in a community organization where he had been there supervisor.  Suddenly, Jim has changed, but their eyes overlooked those changes. 

Their young and beautifully manicured hands extended, cutting his food and then feeding him, lifting a cup to his lips, wiping food from his chin or shirt.  They didn't bat an eyelash at what they were doing.

Tears burned my eyes as I realized how present God was with us.  Suddenly, the sadness of my brother-in-law's condition was changed to grace at the hands of others.

An image has been burned into my memory of these extraordinary moments I witnessed.  I will never forget their kindness and compassion.

I only hope to be as willing to reach out my hands as they were. 

What about you?

Linking up with Jennifer today at:
 

And visiting Joan at Grace Cafe