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:

Cousins Came to Celebrate!

The doors to our church opened Sunday morning to welcome six beautiful children.  Six cousins -- five girls and one boy.  Ranging in age from about 3-11 years.

Dressed in their finest.  Excited, engaging, exuberant!

The cousins came to celebrate the christening and baptism of their brand new cousin, a baby boy.

Attribution

They took seats on the front row, not wanting to miss a thing.

As I watched them, I became fascinated by their well behaved demeanor.  Their excitement was on the surface, but well contained.

Following the christening and baptism and the children's sermon, they returned to their front row seats.  They had received activity packets -- our effort to help parents keep busy children busy.

The two older girls immediately became leaders and helped the younger ones to the floor in front of their seats. 

Each one became a beehive of activity engaged in creating something wonderful on this highly important family day.

What I observed reminded me of the Scripture found in Matthew 18:3 (NIV):

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change
and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

I saw before me young children unaffected by others around them, by their surroundings, by each other.  They were simply being themselves.  

Why is it that I, as an adult, cannot assume that same mantle?  Why do I worry about what I'm wearing?  Who will see me?  What they will think?  Why do I really walk in the door of my home church?

I go there because I believe in the One God, Father of my Savior, Jesus Christ -- I go to worship, to praise and to offer thanksgiving.  I need not wear an exterior to please man or to exalt my own feelings.  I must come as I am, as a child.  That is the me that the One Above really wants -- the me that I am.

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Lifting my hands to give Him thanks for so much this week:

486.  The joys of childhood.
487.  New babies in God's Kingdom.
488.  Restful time at home.
489.  Insights into my writing from an encouraging blogger's post.
490.  My friends who have supported me virtually and real time.
491.  Healing for our friend who recently underwent colon cancer surgery.
492.  Joy of preparing meals for a church family.
493.  Experiencing the love of young families in our church.
492.  Lives given in service for our country and freedoms.
493.  Active military personnel in Afghanistan and other posts in our world.
494.  Freedom to worship.
495.  Freedom to share here my faith and beliefs with other believers.

Linking up with the community at A Holy Experience 

and with Laura at 

What's My True Identity?

On Friday mornings, The Gypsy Mama (Lisa Jo) spreads a feast before us consisting of a challenge:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments.

Today's word is IDENTITY.
 



GO!

What is my true identity?  As my blog name implies, I'm not just a name.  I'm many things.  A daughter, a sister, a wife and mom, now grandma and great-grandma.  A servant, nurturer, mentor, volunteer.  A writer, blogger, quilter, knitter, reader.  So many things.

But when others see me they recall my name first, if they know me.  And many know that I'm all these things.

What about others who don't know me so well?  What do they see?  Who might they think I am?

I'm hopeful it's the one true identity I've not yet mentioned -- Child of God, believer, Christian, follower.

Yes, that's who I hope they see or might soon see as they get to know me.  That is the true identity of who I am and what makes me all those other things I listed above.

My true identity is what God calls me to be.  My identity was paid for by His son dying on the cross.  Blood was shed for me, so that I might be a Child of God whose sins were already covered.

 

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love,
as Christ also loved us and given Himself for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

~Ephesians 5:1-2

STOP!

Images and verses added after the 5 minutes was up.

Image credit:  LuxeFinds

One of a Kind Man

That was our friend, Bob.  A one of a kind man.  A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loving friend, storyteller, hootenanny leader and guitarist, successful in his work and in his life, but above all, Bob was a child of God.  And you knew it.

We attended Bob's memorial service today.  Yes, he lost his battle with a rare and debilitating disease over the last year, and with the loss of his battle many lost one of the best things that ever happened in their lives.  A beautiful wife, Helen, lost the love of her life for the last 59 years.  Three sons and a daughter lost their dad.  The numerous grandchildren are too many to count, but they lost a grandfather.  And little tiny girl called a great-granddaughter lost him too. 

Yet, we all gained something in losing Bob.  Memories will last awhile longer, at least as long as each of us breathes on this earth.  His love will be passed on if we take on the challenge to love as we are loved by our Heavenly Father.  In being loved by Bob, we are better people. 

And yes, we all have a very special angel watching over us from Heaven on high.  Bob's smile will greet us at the gates of Heaven and will likely ask, "What took you so long?" 

Bob soared today, on eagles' wings he took to the skies and flew to his next adventure, the one he's been waiting a lifetime for.  We're so glad we crossed paths with this one of a kind man.  Thanks be to God!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/celloc/4523491049/sizes/m/in/photostream/