7th Joy

Gray story to come.....

2012-01-30T07:55:00.000-06:00

This little light of mine....

2012-01-17T10:46:00.003-06:00

I had the pleasure of hosting my tiny Quinn’s 2^nd birthday party this weekend!

Couldn’t wait to show you the fun we had. I am an overflowingly proud Bebe!

She was the highness of the day, walking around seemingly more than just 2. It is so interesting to watch a tiny girl growing in comparison to rough and tumble boys. She was adorable to say the least. Her beautiful Mom made her birthday frock and awesome food for all , then gave me decorating carte blanche. Michelle was so sweet to let me gush and do, since I’ve never had the chance to pink it up before!

Dad procured a bouncy castle for all the little ones to burn off energy and God provided gorgeous weather for all to enjoy a January afternoon outside!

Love & Light X 1000

Children are just a reminder of God’s Love and Light.

Lately when Quinn walks in my door, she runs to me and calls my name.

I have to admit sweeping her up in my arms is one of the best feelings ever.

Makes me realize what God must feel when His children run to Him & call His name!

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 NLT

Just think of it and remind yourself how much you are blessedly loved!

Shine in His arms!

Joyfully shining, b

Christmas memories….wishing they took longer to create!

2012-01-04T17:59:00.003-06:00

Even though I’ve been Chrismtasing since mid-November, what with the 7thJoy Trunk Show and all, I never get tired of the warmth that flows through the house and everywhere this time of year.

This year was no different than many years past. The beautiful routine of family traditions…tree picking and decorating (our frazier fir is still thriving…can’t bear to take it down).

Christmas Eve church with family and the celebration of my beautiful Mom’s birthday.

One gift on Christmas Eve, holiday PJ’s!

Late to bed…then early Christmas morning wake-up

(teenagers can get up early when they want!).

And the best of all, newly created since the birth of grandbugs… breakfast after Santa, at Bebe’s house!!! I love that my son and his little family live just a stone’s throw away, close enough to have time for this before we all retreat to clean up the paper and head to Nonny’s for Christmas Day festivities!

Silly Boys....

It’s a blurry whirlwind by the time it’s all done, but a wondrous whirlwind none the less!

Again I am reminded of the blessings I hold. A family full! A home to warm, healthy children and family to share it with, and a God who makes it possible….it’s just too much to behold at times!

Thanking God for a blessed 2011 and wishing you all a joyfully abundant 2012!

Stepping into the new year, hoping for new thoughts worth a blog, looking for beautiful inspiration to share, celebrating my awesome graduating senior and the list just goes on and on...You see, there is always something to look forward to!

“WRITE IT IN YOUR HEART THAT EVERY DAY IS THE BEST DAY IN THE YEAR”
Emerson

And to start the year off right, I'm cleaning house and the shop.....

Join us for our 7thJoy Sidedoor Sale this Saturday!

Check out the Joy Shared Page for details as RSVP's are required!

7thJoy Girls are Home for Christmas...the fun begins!!

2011-12-15T10:30:00.001-06:00

And so it is Christmas, Yesterday it was October 31st….

Thanks to so many who visited with us at our annual 7thJoy Trunk Show. You blessed us in so many ways.

It's all just a beautiful blur!!!

And now I’m HOME, finished at the 7thJoy workroom….finished decorating other’s homes…finished baking goodies for other’s gift baskets. And it feels OH so nice!

After a couple of days of much needed rest, a quick girls trip to Canton, awesome band concerts and a precious Day School Christmas program featuring Mr. Jackson Abbott and his little sis Quinn, with an impromptu performance in the isle…I’m looking forward to just enjoying the next 12 days of Christmas!!!

On the first day of B’s Christmas…God gave to me! Rest, beautiful rest!

And now I’m looking forward to spending time decorating my “real” frazier fur with the boys and St. Philip, wrapping packages so I can walk through my bedroom and listening to every last Christmas CD while counting the days!

May your families be blessed knowing the true meaning of this beautiful season and celebrate the love that was born to us all that first Noel!

Merry Joyful Christmas to everyone, b

Trunk Show Busyness...will blog next week! Joy postponed!

2011-11-04T07:06:00.000-05:00

In the meantime....if you didn't get the memo!

7thJoy's 2011 Christmas Trunk Show

www.pingg.com

September & October 2011

2011-10-11T16:50:00.001-05:00

Hello Seventhjoy Visitor…

Due to an update on our website, you are temporarily redirected to my 7thJoy Blog. Please browse the additional pages for new creations and information about our 2011 7thJoy Christmas Trunk Show, scheduled for November 18th~

Thanks, Belinda & Robin

Everything Falls….

Well, September just dropped by and I didn’t stop to blog for several reasons…

I was busy, doing Lord knows what! What was I doing Lord? Well, He might say…nothing of significance, Belinda! And to that I would say, You are so completely right Father! Design and sewing are my passions, not Yours!

In my constant state of “busyness”, sometimes I neglect the most important things. One of those is my prayer time. If I don’t spend that precious and much needed time in the morning talking with Him, then I find myself at night, head on my pillow, waking only to realize that I fell asleep…again, before I finished our conversation. I didn’t even give Him a chance to respond. No wonder I can’t hear his voice!!

Can you imagine how many conversations with God end just this way in one given evening? Yet each time we pray, He is there ready to hear us, never too busy, never distracted, never exhausted. Exactly the way a perfect parent should be. Oh, if I could only be that kind of parent…and child! Today, I had plenty of time to converse with Him.

A much too long to do list + a soaking sink left running + a multi-tasking 54 year old = A slippery laundry room floor! Results… A comfy chair, an ice packed knee & a slow day of reflection...

Funny, I know God knows I am too busy right now for a knee injury and had nothing to do with my fall! I am just thankful that he is always there to pick me up and listen when I need him; regardless of our last neglectful and one sided conversation. Constantly I am reminded that there are so many others with much more serious trials, daunting obstacles, extreme hurt and heartfelt pain, than myself!

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians6:18 NIV)

When we obey God, even in small ways, “we find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.” (Romans 5:2 MSG)

Eyes joyfully wide open, praying for so many friends who need God so much today! b

Just Parched!

2011-09-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

In this relentless heat, my designing friend Robin and I agree that we are just PARCHED!

Partly due to the 109 degree Texas weather and partly from the lack of life refreshment we seem to be experiencing of late. It's bad enough that today’s world seems to be handing out more lemons than usual; but making lemonade from those lemons certainly can prove difficult, especially in drought conditions.

So after a couple of months of just waiting for a breeze, much procrastination and lots of “we know we shoulds”; she and I pulled our wheels out of our extremely dry ditches and found a “very cool” way to begin our preparation for 7thJoy’s 2011 Christmas Trunk Show!

We turned the air down, to heck with limiting electrical use and we played in some snow…well kind of! What better way to remedy PARCHEDNESS than making parchment/paper snow people.

Finding a respite from the real world at my kitchen counter,

we quietly talked and prayed for winds of change, life rejuvenation,

cold hard rain (warm soft rain will do!)

and lots of lemonade (absolut.ly!)

Thought I’d share just a tiny preview of our “cool” diversion, urging thoughts of blessed Fall being just around the corner and even beautiful Winter, hopefully not too far behind.

May your day be refreshed with the “cool” spirit of God’s love and the thought that this “parchedness” too shall pass!!!!

Joyfully sipping lemonade sans the absolut, b

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25

“A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water”
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. Author unknown

Stand!

2011-08-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

School begins and I'm left standing in the driveway wondering where time goes!

My prayer for these, my precious sons and for everyone I know, call friend and love...is that today and always you will stand in God's love and power!

In Christ alone, my hope is found 

He is my light, my strength, my song 

This cornerstone, this solid ground 

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm 

What heights of love, what depths of peace 

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease 

My comforter, my all-in-all 

Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay 

Light of the world by darkness slain 

Then bursting forth in glorious day 

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory 

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine 

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me 

From life's first cry to final breath 

Jesus commands my destiny 

No power of hell, no scheme of man 

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home 

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Till He returns or calls me home 

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

(Owl City singing In Christ Alone)

Be sure to listen and have a wonderful joy filled first day of school or whatever your Monday holds!!
STANDING in his love...thank goodness, b

Protected nest!

2011-07-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

Ask any Texan, and you will no doubt learn that the mockingbird has the prettiest song of any bird native to North America, making it the chief reason the "mocker" was adopted as the state bird of Texas in 1927. The mockingbird is also known as a fierce protector of its nest and environment. It is sometimes seen swooping down on a dog, cat or ME for venturing too close to the bird's protected territory.

I have spent the last month intrigued by a mockingbird couple who took up residence in a basket on my front door. One day their nest just appeared and sometime later I discovered beautiful blue speckled eggs. Then of course I anxiously snooped each morning until the eggs hatched! Baby birds…how adorably ugly!!! Little did I know the down side of having a nest at the front door, but a quick trip to the mailbox and back, taught me a lesson about a watchful mother and the lengths one will go to protect their young! My head still hurts a little!! Good thing she can sing!!!

Sweetly, St. Philip reminded me that I would do the same thing if I thought someone was going to hurt my babies….

just use the back door!!!

He was right, I would do the same thing…I pride myself in being a good mother, a loving mother, a protective mother…but sometimes these attributes don’t always work well together for the greater good! As a mother of a teenager in “love”, I realize that to be protective is not always seen as loving or good in their eyes. I also have to say that I must have missed this lesson with my oldest son…or maybe I was just too busy chasing toddlers to be protective of their handsome, “glad I was busy” 16 year old brother. I am learning, slowly, that my being protective can put me in the “enemy category”. The mockingbird swoop isn’t working! Instead of making things better, I’m making things worse. My attempts at making things clearer, just muddy the waters. Apparently, things are different now than they were in the “olden’ days! If only I could sing….someone might adopt me as the "State Mother". Maybe I should just busy myself with the grandkids…I’m better with toddlers ~ Or maybe I should just use the back door, it’s safer!

MY backdoor ~ Prayer… prayer that 17 year olds will open their eyes and see that God has a wonderful plan for them, that may or may not include each other, prayer that my loving concern and protectiveness will one day be accepted, and prayer that a few years from now we will all look back on this, understand and smile!

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him
Matthew 7:11

Joyfully swooping from the backdoor, b

It’s been so dry around here lately, in more ways than one….

2011-06-15T14:24:00.001-05:00

As I look out at my nearly departed grass and try to determine which section needs water more, I think why bother??? Let’s just pray it will come back next year; maybe we’ll be blessed with more rain…God willing!!!

I have to laugh at myself, my contradictory self! I pray for rain, just not in my life. Even though I remind myself quite often, after the storm comes the rainbow!

It’s funny how we depend on the rain to nourish our world, our crops and gardens, our surroundings, ourselves. Without it we would have no food for strength and growth, no water for cleansing and purifying. And as our bodies need the blessed rain, so do our hearts and souls. The not so welcomed rain or storms of life, give us reason to look upward, to depend on our heavenly Father for comfort, strength and rejuvenation. Confirmation of this is all around me!

My son said the other day, “Mom, you need to water the back yard…it is starting to crack and soon this “old house” is going to get swallowed up.” I was amazed at the thoughts that came to mind as I begin to look at the need for rain in more ways than one. You see, if we go too long without heavy rain in our lives, we too begin to harden, so much so that even when it sprinkles a little, it bounces off and we forget to look up and be grateful. After a while, we have no choice but to crack and get swallowed up. Swallowed up in the things of this world; keeping us from truly remembering the source of our blessings.

I for one have been feeling a little hard & dry skinned lately…honestly a little dry hearted.

That’s exactly why I haven’t blogged in a while; felt I really had nothing beautiful or creative to share!

But yesterday…it rained here. Not outside (sad to say), but in my “old house”. In short, the heat of the Texas summer…teenage boys who have been a bit overindulged…and having to tag team in the parenting game of late, finally brought me to my knees. It has been sprinkling for a while, but yesterday the downpour came. And needless to say my St. Philip Umbrella was in Austin. Then I looked up! Through the rain I saw the rainbow! So the boys and I had a Come to Jesus “in the rain” Meeting.

I finally figured out what God had been trying to tell me for a while! I am happy to say that we are all rehydrated. Full of God’s grace, I am strengthened and rejuvenated, praying that from this day forward, me and these precious boys of mine will stand strong together and get through this season with our steadfast St. Philip working in another city!

So let the rain fall in Tomball,
reminding us all to look upwards & be joyful, b

Happy Father's Day Philip!

My gift this year is strength on this end, never ending love and no more whining!

As I listen to this Mercy Me song, thanks to a sweet friend….it all becomes ever so clear!

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

Definition of MEMORIAL \mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl\

2011-05-30T11:56:00.002-05:00

1: serving to preserve remembrance : COMMEMORATIVE

2: of or relating to memory

Memorial Day, the day for remembering and honoring those who have died in service to our country! And we should not forget those who served and are still serving our country all over the world. Let us honor their sacrifices and the families left behind by lifting them up constantly in our prayers!

We must not take our freedom, every day blessings or each other for granted!

...and for us believers, remembering starts out by recalling God is the source of all good things, of every Joy! b

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously 2 Corinthians 9:6

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give Up. Galatians 6:9

Doing Floors...Extra Grace Required!

2011-04-20T12:37:00.002-05:00

One of the best things I’ve ever experienced was studying “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, with my old church. It just helped make so much of God’s plan and purpose for my life close to crystal clear!

However…once in a while the crystal still gets a little fogged up!! It seems to happen when I start steaming as I can do on occasion or maybe just breathing a little too hard in exasperation. But if I’m honest, most of the time it is caused by those out of control tears that I thought by now I’d be in control of, being 53 and all! If you know me, you know I’m a crier, happy, sad, commercials, kids, music, friends…you name it, I’m moved to droplets! Well anyway, you get the picture.

One of the most inspirational things I remember about the study was that we can worship God in anything we do…even something as simple as doing the dishes. My understanding or the way I see it, is I should feel His presence even next to my sink, thanking him for the dirty dishes that were moments before filled with food, the fresh water to clean them and working hands to do so…not everyone is so blessed. Doing so with Joy in my heart is a form of worship!

And no, I don’t always wash dishes with JOY….but it’s something to aspire to do!

Today I’m doing floors…finding the Joy in cleaning hardwoods…again, not so easy!

Extra Grace Required!

But one of the most important things I learned from the study was that there will always be people in our lives who require an extra amount of grace…myself totally included. Each of us have those people in our lives at some time or another; someone who makes your life crazy (St. Philip knows), someone that you try and try to make peace with, but fail and feel guilty…We must learn not to feel guilty, some people are just flat out difficult. I remind myself of this often with my teenage boys. Thankful I am that our issues are minor, still they are challenging! You see, 15 and 17 year old boys, excuse me “young men” don’t dance well with a 53+year old hormonal mother! Lots of unclear crystal & extra grace required on both parts.

So whether it be a spouse, a child, parents, siblings, friends or not…

Give them to God and focus on pleasing Him!

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Jesus said, "I only seek to please Him who sent me." John 5:30

“Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6

Everyone needs It!!

Can’t think of a more secluded place than down on my knees, with sponge in hand, cleaning the old oak…Praying with every circular motion and rinsing with the droplets!

Asking for grace, joyful grace! b

Springtime...Eastertime...God's Face Shining Upon Us!

2011-04-09T08:13:00.001-05:00

This Sunday our tiny Quinn will be baptized, a precious moment in the time of her life when her parents, family and friends join together in a promise to love her, teach her and keep her with God’s face shining upon her; so that one day she will understand and know His redeeming love!

People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' " Luke 18:15-16

I love being reminded of God's rejuvenating love each Spring!!!

May the glory and promise

of this joyous time of year

bring peace and happiness to you

and those you hold most dear,

And may Christ,

Our Risen Saviour,

always be there by your side

to bless you most abundantly

and be your loving guide.

Joyfully hoping for a shiny hopping Easter for all of you!! b

Choice, Purpose, Life Encompassed

2011-03-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

I have some choices to be made of late and lately I dread making choices!!

I’ve been offered a position in a great decorative shop in Tomball, I have some wonderful clients I’m working with right now and I have been asked to be a part of a wonderful holiday show that will take an enormous amount of time to prepare for …..Hhmmm????

Not to mention, the boys, the grandbugs, Gracie (the sweet pee dog) and the "ever needing attention" Charlton House!!! Oh, and the two upcoming weddings I’m working on; I just love weddings!!!

It’s true, I love being busy, work better under pressure, and all that good stuff, but as I get older, I have a harder time focusing and doing it all without “stressing” too much! And these days just making a decision is stressful, what’s with that?

Add to all this...I spent the weekend thinking about purpose, what is mine?

(A question we should all ask ourselves from time to time!)

Am I using my God given talents? Yes, I think so!

Does what I do help others? Yes, I think so!

But is it what God wants me to do, does it glorify Him?

That I’m not so sure of!

When I took these pictures of the old house on our family farm, a house that used to be a home to someone, a home that was painstakingly built, simply but thoughtfully decorated, cared for and lived in for decades…it reminded me of many things.

It reminded me of how time and things pass so quickly.

It reminded me of how without care, things deteriorate.

And it reminded me of how in an instance, or years, things are gone!

Leaving just memories to reflect on…

But it also reminded me that our homes are where those memories are born, the experiences, the laughter, the love, the warmth, all the joy along with the tears, the tragedy and the sadness; life encompassed.

So for now, I think I am doing what God wants me to do…helping make houses into homes that will encompass lives full of wonderful memories. And I pray that with each home I enter, I will warm it with God’s love, shade it with God’s grace, and leave it with God’s blessing, plus a few beautiful accessories to boot!

Did I make a decision about what I will focus on this year…no not yet, but it is just March after all! Joyfully considering my options, b

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

7thJoy Bloggett for March 8, 2011

2011-03-08T08:04:00.000-06:00

What is green?

by Garrison Shaw

Green is the smell of pine

The color of prairies and peaceful pastures

It is good fortune in a time of distress

It is a tree bearing fruits

Green is the tall grass that waves in the wind

which peaceful serenity will never end...

It is unexplored land beyond feeble man's grasp

It is the heavenly peace we long for

It is peace

It is promise

It is home

Azaela Trail 2011

Garrison, my full of surprises son,,,strolled in this morning offering to read a poem he wrote in English yesterday. With his permission, I share. That Garrison...he just amazes me sometimes!!!! A little ahead of St. Patrick's Day, have an awsomely peaceful and joyfully Green Day! b

Paint Choice.. Can B Easy

2011-02-28T12:42:00.001-06:00

Sometimes painting can be a hard step to take, but it is so well worth the cost and time in transforming your space. My philosophy….IT’S JUST PAINT! And if you do it yourself, it's JUST time! The results can transform dull to cheerful, cold to warm, stark to opulent, house to home!

B’s Close-to-full-proof Plan:

Step 1:

Find an inspiration piece; artwork, fabric, rug…

any current or new piece to be used in your room.

Or simply find a magazine setting that you love and want to work toward.

Not my favorite style or colors, but works for tutorial.....

Step 2:

Visit your favorite paint store/supplier!

Take all the samples you want in the color you have in mind.

Many offer color visualizers on-line… http://www.sherwinwilliams.com/

Fun to play with, sometimes helpful, however, PC monitor colors are NEVER true!!

Sherwin Williams, easy access & used by most contractors in my area, but my favs are Behr & Ben Moore!!

Step 3:

Pick your favorites…2-4 that work the best with your inspiration piece.

SPEND the money on samples (Avg. Cost $5 each)…

Purchase an 8x10 Water Color Pad (available in most craft stores)…

Paint solid coat of each color on water color paper, clearly labeled w/color name.

Watch those taupes....read pink without rose colored glasses....I usually steer clear! I'm a warm girl myself!

And yes, I get a little carried away...too many beautiful choices!!

Step 4:

Tack up DRY samples on your walls in different areas of the room,

taking advantage of the room’s lighting.

View the colors & how they change with natural lighting during all times of day.

Take your time, determine which feels best before making your final choice!

See how the light changes the look!

Step 5: Pray, then Paint!

Things to keep in mind but not be stifled by!

BEWARE: Paint FINISH (flat, satin, eggshell, matte) will affect the color slightly and each paint manufacturer offers several finishes and label them differently!!!

Better to spend $50+ on paint samples…than purchasing a room full of paint based on that beautiful “Apple Green” color card; only to find out on your walls, it reads more like “Infant Diaper Green”.

Dark colors require AT LEAST two coats, sometimes a primer!

Bold colors CAN work in a small room!

Don’t forget ceilings…painting them can finish off a room

“like nobody's-business”!

Lighter shades are “IN”...for now!

And last but not least “IT’S JUST PAINT!”

GO FOR IT Joyfully, b

Wheels, Ditches, Ruts!

2011-02-27T10:01:00.002-06:00

Robin and I often joke about "getting our wheels off in a ditch” …a phrase she coined after spending a little too much time looking for inspiration on the web and something I do when trying to figure out my direction and the where’s & why’s of life in my way too analytical mind! I read this the other day and found it extremely fitting for whatever ditch or rut I seem to find myself in lately….

On an old dirt road a sign was posted that read: "For the next two miles, choose your rut." Think about that for a moment. Today you will make a choice about the rut in your life. The options are plentiful, however, remember some will lead to happiness and joy, while others will try to destroy all that is good in your life. But the choice is yours. What will you choose? Godspeed!

Each Monday morning, as I drink the coffee that St. Philip makes for me (he gets to work in Houston on Mondays and Fridays), I plan my weeks activity. I can choose to work/or NOT, a blessing of unbelievable abundance! And as I think back on the many years as a single mom, when I longed for a day to just stay home and catch up on housework and a favorite soap opera (yes I do occasionally) or do nothing at all; I know that life doesn’t get much better than this…. As much as I love my path at this juncture with limitless choices and plentiful options, I can still manage to get in my own self-induced RUT!

Inevitably this keeps me from moving in the direction I am meant to travel!

So this is my new plan for avoiding nonjoyous ditches and ruts….i’ve added the little tidbits to the right!

Live with intention. ... God's purpose is evident!

walk to the edge. ... just avoid the RUT!

listen hard. ... closed lips required!

practice wellness. ... RUT prevention!

play with abandon. ... abandon routine!

laugh. ... it's the JOY vitamin!

choose with no regret. ... pray before choosing!

continue to learn. ... open mind, open heart!

appreciate your friends. ... they keep you honest!

do what you love. ... and love those who make it possible!

(St. Philip)

live as if this is all there is. ... but look forward to going Home!

it’s why we’re here!!

-mary anne radmacher -b

So today, choose your RUT! May it be God driven and full of JOY! B

p.s. follow my upcoming blog posts, CHOICE being the topic! Who knows, I may learn something??

God's Love to You!

2011-02-14T07:17:00.003-06:00

On first love….
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~C. Ghandi

On lost love…
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. ~Francois Mauriac

On unconditional love…
Suddenly, quietly, you realize that – from this moment forth – you will no longer walk through this life alone. Like a new sun this awareness arises within you, freeing you from fear, opening your life. It is the beginning of love, & the end of all that came before. ~Robert Frost

On true love…
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ~NIV 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

May you all have a JOY filled, truly loved Valentine's Day! b

Meet Phoebe Grace….or just Gracie

2011-01-31T11:22:00.002-06:00

Latest addition to the Shaw family…she was a bit of a surprise…in a round about way!

You see, a sweet friend’s Mama Yorkie, Daisy, gave birth to Phoebe Grace and her sister on November 10th ,one promised to her son and Phoebe promised to another friend; but after much deliberation and the unexpected adoption of a stray, that friend was unable to give this little one a home, so guess who said yes………

And we are having a “splendid time”, between the puddles! If you know me, you know I’ve never been much of a “house dog” person…OH, I’ve attempted it a couple of times, an unavoidable life experience with boys!

Just never fared very well, not the dogs, me! But at this mellow (right!) age, I have been thinking about it quite a bit and just felt the need to care for something tiny and sweet that doesn’t talk back!

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

or wees on rugs!

See GRACIE, God says I’m in charge!

So far she has been a delight. She is quick, smart, loves her big brothers and the grand babies! I’d say she’s a keeper. Who knows, I might even become one of those “dog purse” carrying women.

Oh my goodness, Save Me!

Just waiting for the day I can put a bow in Gracie’s hair, you knew it was inevitable!

Not so Joyfully walking around with paper towel in hand, b

White Wagon Wondering....????

2011-01-21T19:06:00.001-06:00

I’ve noticed that many of you sweet followers/blogcheckers/bored but loving friends, check on my White Wagon Progress post occasionally and you’re all probably thinking...

Wagons are slow, but this one is off in the ditch!!

Well you’re right about the off in the ditch part, except it’s not my little white wagon, it is little ol’me….and I use that term loosely for sure! It is my well known nature or tendency to get off track, off task, off in a direction all together different. But occasionally, where I go brings loads more Joy than if I had kept my wheels in line as intended.

By way of the ditch and better late than never, here is the finished product….

The room was actually finished in time for our 7thJoyTrunk Show in December.

But due to the fact that I have way too much STUFF,

it remains my tiny little 7thJoy Design Showroom

(my larger workroom yet a dream!)

And More Stuff!

And it occasionally plays guest bedroom to friends/sisters who bless our home ever so often and need a comfy place to sleep that isn’t otherwise occupied by stinky teenage boys!

The color-Straw Harvest, the floor-60yearold Painted/Now Polished Cement, the dust ruffle & window treatments-made from yardage I purchased some 15 years ago…trust me, I knew I’d find a use for it someday! And the rest…just things or stuff collected for another time when I find just the right need!

So stop by, enjoy and come visit me anytime!

Joyfully keeping the light on!!! b

Freezing Time

2011-01-06T11:25:00.010-06:00

If only we could just figure out a way to slow it down a bit!

It feels to me the last 18 years have passed in what seems like no more than 8…flying, flying by. Just yesterday I said yes to St. Philip on the pier in Astin Park and just yesterday I found out I was to be blessed with two more boys, of course not at the same time, thank His goodness!

And then the day after that my young man Tyler married his sweet Michelle…and the day after that, Jackson in full “character”, burst on to the scene!!

Not to mention, all the stuff in between then and now; it is all of the sudden time to celebrate our precious Quinn’s 1st birthday!

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the last three months of 2010 and thinking of the season just past, I have spent the morning pondering how we all get so caught up in “life” that we forget to live it!

In this new year I am promising myself that I will live it, resting in each moment, hearing each musical note played, cheering each new step taken and brushing off each fall, celebrating each triumph while accepting not fretting over each failing; but most of all, making note of each entry in the daily book of life…

Now if I’m only promising myself, it's OK if I occasionally start running…as long as I gather up and carry the rushed moments to the next breath stop! Just had to say that for the record.

So what does God say about living life in the moment?

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” Psalm 37:23

….I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance

(to the full, till it overflows!)

John 10:10 AB

So if we slow down and try to take His ordered steps, we will live in abundance, to the full, till Joy overflows!!

Seems simple enough and we all know that His grace is enough for any missed step!

A beautiful borrowed tidbit…

“A grace-filled life is living between the steps. It understands the remarkable gift of today.”
My new motto for 2011!

Joyfully attempting to live life during and between the steps, b

Packing away "Christmas"

2010-12-31T10:54:00.002-06:00

As I trudge through the week after Christmas, resenting the fact that it is now time to take down the all too dry and not so fragrant or noble fir, the twinkling lights that have brightened my evenings for the last month and the icicle garland that reminds me it is cold somewhere….. it is that clearing process that helps me to see the full beauty of my surroundings and all that I am blessed with every day! I actually look forward to the fresh look of clean surfaces and a home back in order after packing “Christmas” neatly away for another year. But I must remind myself that I am only packing away the beautiful things that remind me of this blessed season, not the saving grace that was born to us all so long ago!!

In looking for a scripture fitting for the new year and new beginnings as we face or welcome 2011, I was blessed with this from Malachi….

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi4:2 ESV

And thankfully then came across this bit of commentary….enhanced blessing!

You that fear my name – those who look for redemption through the Messiah----THAT WOULD BE ME!

The Sun of righteousness - The Lord Jesus, the promised Messiah; the Hope of Israel---MY SAVIOUR!

With healing in his wings - As the sun, by the rays of light and heat, revives, cheers, and fructifies the whole creation, giving, through God, light and life everywhere; so Jesus Christ, by the influences of his grace and Spirit, shall quicken, awaken, enlighten, warm, invigorate heal, purify, and refine every soul that believes in him, and, by his wings or rays, diffuse these blessings from one end of heaven to another; everywhere invigorating the seeds of righteousness, and withering and drying up the seeds of sin. The rays of this Sun are the truths of his Gospel, and the influences of his Spirit. And at present these are universally diffused----DON’T YOU JUST LOVE THIS PART!!!

And ye shall go forth - in all the occupations of life, but particularly in the means of grace; and: Grow up as calves of the stall - Full of health, of life, and spirit; satisfied and happy---LONGING TO BE A CALF?!!

My prayer for all is that we don’t pack Christmas away, just the reminders! As His light continues to shine, may you all welcome 2011 leaping like calves from the stall, full of health, of life and spirit, satisfied and happy! Joyfully leaping myself, b

A Christmas Carol…Elizabeth

2010-12-24T12:35:00.000-06:00

Born this day 76 years ago, my ever beautiful, ever moving, ever loving Mom!

A woman who adores Christmas, it is only fitting that she be born on Christmas Eve!
The baby of the family, she was born Elizabeth Carol Dixon, in the tiny town of Egan, Texas, moved to Ft. Worth at 11 or so; the only one in her family to move any further… Houston, with her young family of 5 in 1968. And, to say the least, she has been moving ever since.

She is never idle, hardly sits down and still at the youthful age of 76 can almost work circles around someone half her age. She is truly a stunning strength to reckon with!

In her 76 years, she raised three kids, much on her on; and now spoils 10 grandchildren and 5.5 great grand children. In her early years, she worked a full time job, did the lawn, painted the house (with a little help from an aspiring child decorator), made beautiful Christmas dresses and managed on a very limited budget. In her later years, blessings much deserved, she doesn’t have to work, can dance to her hearts content, enjoy her beautiful garden, wear beautiful Christmas dresses and shares her life with a wonderful husband who finds joy in giving her an unlimited budget, that she often exceeds, according to him!

I thank God for her today, that she is here, healthy and happy… making her infamous holiday cornbread dressing as I speak!

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:25-29

The blessing of spending another Christmas Eve birthday with her is more than I have words or time express! Joyfully singing Happy Birthday to my Mom, b

7thJoy Bloggett for 12/10/10

2010-12-10T08:58:00.000-06:00

Just some of the things I love about Christmastime….

Precious, innocent, beautiful, rosy cheeked babies in warm fuzzy clothes!
Small gifts reminding us of God’s most wonderful One!
Sweet tiny Quinn, growing too fast, changing too quickly!!

Two becoming young men, off to a Christmas Band Concert in their RatPack look!
Sometimes gifts, reminding me of God’s Grace for sure!
Blessings I didn’t deserve, I know!
Cameron and Garrison, what would I do without their joy?
Growing even faster, STOP!

My Oldest Pride and Joy, graduating next week from UofH, with a precious family of his own!
Tyler, God’s way of correcting my path...
all the while showing me His Love!
Couldn’t be more proud of this young man!
Grew to be a man before I could blink!!

Precious time of the year, passing to quickly as usual….

Breathe Belinda, Exhale & B Joyfully Thankful!

1 Timothy 1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)

Peace on Earth & Everywhere Around 7thJoy

2010-11-16T20:29:00.002-06:00

NOT!!!

PEACES of fabric, PEACES of parchment, PEACES of old books and vintage jewelry….

(don’t you just love the English language!)

You name it, it is in PIECES; steadily being re-purposed to something spectacular, or so we believe!

In this world of disposable everythings, we have found much joy in creating with a plethora of things, that until recently we might have just tossed aside. Fun we are having, peace we are not…But soon, we’ll be ready, finished, pooped but peaceful and looking forward to two wonderful days with friends as we host our 3rd Annual Trunk Show!

How fitting that the scripture presented in church on Sunday was the following!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

He knows just what we need…and I pray for you all, this peace that passes all understanding!

Staying joyful amongst the pieces,
b...
Lifetime Member of the Untangled Tinsel Club!

Unnecessary Worry....

2010-11-02T08:59:00.004-05:00

I can’t believe it is November…and I left the house yesterday without a Christmas CD in my car! OK, ok, it’s a bit early, but as you know, my favorite season is upon us. And I consider it my overanxious, Christmas anticipating right to play the music I love as soon as it becomes “almost seasonally acceptable”. Off again today to work on our much too close 7thJoy Trunk Show projects….caught up in the urgency of the jobs at hand and the many things left to be done, I’m worrying unnecessarily and neglecting the things that make me smile!!

So I’m stopping today to rest in the moment and share with you, my friends, something we all need to remember or attempt to live by.

Daniel 10:19 says "God loves you, so don't let anything worry you or frighten you." That's a comfort to me. When I don't have to worry or be afraid of anything, then I am free to give love to everyone around me.

The best advice, I know, but so hard to follow! We all do it, worry, unnecessary fretting over things we cannot change or time spent thinking about what to do with something that is out of our hands…or should be! I’m just sayin’, that when I am able to truly give it up, it is almost funny how the “thing” that worries me becomes smaller and smaller as I focus on loving the ones around me. And unlike last year at this time, my worries pale in comparison to most, thank Goodness!

I have so many friends and loved ones around me that are worrying, and NOT unnecessarily!

So this is my reminder to myself and all of you; slow down, remember God loves you, do not worry or be frightened… And as impossible as it may be to unclasp our hands and let him take it from us; it is the only way our hands are free to hold on to each other. You see, it is working already!

No matter the season you are in, may today be the day that you feel the comforting hands of God and the joyful hand of a friend in yours! B

p.s. Christmas music helps as well! Try It! I'ts almost time.....

ALMOST FINISHED

2010-10-18T11:41:00.013-05:00

ALMOST FINISHED CHANGING THE COLORS IN THIS OLD CHARLTON HOUSE…

ALMOST FINISHED WITH 7THJOY’S NEWEST CREATION PROJECT FOR 2010…

ALMOST WHERE I WANT TO BE HEALTH WISE, WELL….ALMOST!

SO I’D SAY IT’S ALMOST TIME TO START GETTING READY FOR MY FAVORITE SEASON!

But first, I must apologize to my 7thJoy Blog followers because I haven’t stopped to write much lately. Excitement is building around here for our Annual Christmas Trunk Show. With many goals and deadlines set for ourselves, Robin and I have been busy beyond busy trying to finish our newest creations. Problem is we keep coming up with and finding new ideas. I’m not sure who feeds off of whom, but we work well together at overwhelming ourselves…Birds of a Feather!

just a peek!!

Add to that my 10 years too long in one place need for change and preparation for holiday guests; my home is a buzz of paint and re-decorating as well as stacks and stacks of half finished projects for the trunk show. I think overwhelmed is an understatement.

Yet with all this busy..ness, I seem to be at my best. I work well under pressure, love the rush and the exhaustion that comes after a day of hard work, and always have! Not so my sweet friend and business partner, but she’s getting used to it! I think??

So here it is Mid-October, Fall is in the air and then out again, you know Texas weather!!!
I’m ALMOST ready for, well, you know…..Christmastime!
Not just Yet….ALMOST I said!

And then in the midst of it all, I realize that life around me goes on, REAL LIFE, friends get cancer diagnoses, loved ones are lost, teen aged hearts are broken and hard lessons are learned. I am reminded yet again, that my day, no matter how busy, needs to start in one place….
With my Father, the One who holds all in His Hands, the One with all the Answers, the One who never gets Overwhelmed…the One of Miracles!
OUR GIFT, no matter what time of year! Starting today on my knees, b

White Wagon Progress Bloggett for 9.19

2010-09-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

St. Philip after my own heart!

This man, although he already has my heart, never seems to weary of striving to hold it even closer.

After almost 18 years of my sometimes ridiculously unusual or beyond difficult requests, he still hesitates only a bit before he agrees to try. And then spends his weekend between non-stop business calls (lately), supervising teen boys doing yard work, and various other things, working on my project of the moment.

Currently removing the carpet and grinding the cement floor in my soon to be 7thJoy Room!

How can I resist this devoted guy, not to mention he has great legs!

Now off to make him some much deserved breakfast!

Joyfully cheering him on!, b

Oh My Lands...

2010-09-10T09:10:00.004-05:00

Things are wild around here…..

7th Joy is in high gear readying for our Christmas Trunk Show! YES...already!!!

In the midst of my little white wagon work, we are sewing, shopping, preparing to bake, etc, etc, etc…..
And as usual, things start to fall apart around me.

It’s just a mess, take a look, but please don’t spread it around!

The only thing looking great lately is our beautiful website and blogspot; thanks to my wonderful, cherished, awesomely talented,
and almost lifelong friend (can't resist saying that), Darlene of http://dirtroadheaven.blogspot.com/ Fame (check her out). I just love her!

And just to make myself feel a little bit better about my mess, I found this scripture to rest in. Hope you do the same…

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

So glad I found it! Applies to so many areas of our lives…with that said, I’m off to spend some quality time with my sweet Mom.

Have a great weekend! Joyfully playing today, b

I declare Monday...MOANDAY!

2010-09-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Gris Bleu must be working because...

My little white wagon has slowed a bit this week. I was on a great wagon roll until Monday. You know what Monday usually brings, for some of us anyway….The Change!

No, not that change; the end all be all, change my life change, getting healthy change, the big D WORD change. On Monday I started a new DIET, or LIFESTYLE, if you’re a positive thinker, like me on Tuesday!

Here we go again, we know we need to take better care of ourselves, eat more fruits and vegetables, less fries and vanilla ice cream….be more aware of our vitamin D levels, water intake, bone health, cancer risks, etc., etc.! Especially as we hit “middle age”, don’t you just hate that? I say we, because I don't like to think of myself alone on this journey. And even though, I’m relatively healthy, still have excellent blood pressure and exercise most every day…..it’s time I get more serious about my health. I knew it would come someday….it just takes too much of my concentration! I'd rather be creating!

So this week I’ve been working a little and WHINING A LOT! I know in my heart that it is for my own good and only benefits will come. And I keep telling myself that soon I will have more energy , be able to paint tall rooms with a single hand! Look, it’s a bird, it’s a plane; it’s Super B!

And rolling along, I must remember this,

We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right! Hebrews 12:11 GWT

So for now, I’ll live in willing discipline…looking forward to the Joyful fruit! But just know that when I hit 80, God willing, I plan to be a buxom, bulky, beamy, Butterfinger eating BB!!! b

Little white wagon progress...Gris Bleu!

2010-08-29T12:17:00.002-05:00

I read this wonderful bit of information recently while working on changing the colors in my old Charlton House....
The color blue is associated with the mind and body and can produce a calming effect while slowing the metabolism, NOT GOOD! However, Blue is often used as an appetite suppressant so if you run a restaurant, consider painting it red; but if you're dieting (Always!), put lots of blue in your kitchen and dining room from blue plates, blue candles, and blue placemats. So I chose blue walls….figured I’d get better results by the mere square footage!
Well, it’s really Gris Bleu, blue gray or as Sherwin named it, Austere Gray….
Here’s a peek, I think it’s rather lovely; but beware, if you are cooking a special meal or headed to your favorite restaurant today…look later, it may spoil your appetite!

Love how it changes with the light!

Moving on to the infamous “soon to be work room”… next color please!

Joyfully losing my craving for blues! b

7thJoy Blogett for August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T08:59:00.001-05:00

And They're Off!!!!

A Junior and A Freshman in a Red Truck!

Prayers Please!!!!

Joyfully free of carpool, but not worry, b

Sometimes the hardest thing is to just be STILL!

2010-08-22T10:24:00.005-05:00

Seems to be a theme of late, around here at least!!

It starts at a very young age…thinking we’ve got to move, crawl, stand, walk and then run.

Sweet Quinn is growing so fast, already wanting to walk, but just beginning to crawl. She’s very anxious to MOVE! My prayer for her is that she will move through life seeking God first and taking one step at a time; listening for His direction when she is lost, resting in His love when she is tired and letting Him carry her when she can’t walk on her own. But most of all that she will remember to be still and know that He is always with her even when it may feel like He is not!

Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the LORD.

I received this email earlier this week…loved the thought of 1000 women praising Him with one voice, at any hour…feel free to share with those you love...I am!

Dear Woman of God:

Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His Awesomeness.

God is able to do the impossible and is always near. He loves us unconditionally.

Together, let's get 1000 ladies to praise Him with one voice in this next hour. Please forward this to every woman you want God to Bless!

Praising with Joy, while running and stumbling,

(God’s way of slowing me down),

White Wagon of Progress Bloggett of the Day

2010-08-16T09:51:00.001-05:00

Its amazing what you can do with things from the Home Improvement Store.....

Landscape Burlap, 3 ft x 24 ft per package, $8.98 + tax becomes....

Rust.chic window treatments in the new feelin' blue living room! Magdalene might be appalled but I love it!

Joyfully rolling along.....b

I’m feeling blue…not sad, just blue!

2010-08-13T20:11:00.001-05:00

My little white wagon of progress following days of indecision finally rolled a color on the walls….getting closer and closer to that new work space, by way of my living room!

See, I told you ADHD Design by B!!

The change begins upon entry, I needed a new view and the view is now BLUE… with a bright but subtle color called “Conservative Gray”. It’s definitely not conservative and it is truly not gray! But I think I love it!

A little like the sky changing ever so slightly with the light and“un pu de francais” or a wee bit French as imagined by a Texas girl who’s never been to Provence; it’s quite different, which is exactly how I want things!

The problem? It only took me 8 samples and at least a week of staring at a patchwork of them all on my wall to decide which one was best. And even after that, wall by wall, I painted and placed things back; convincing myself with each 90 degree turn that it was the color I had envisioned. Where did that come from?? I’ve been doing this for clients for the past 12 years and all of the sudden, I have learned the art of second guessing myself!

Finishing it without any assistance from St. Philip (painting is the only thing he is obstinate about), I breathed a sigh of relief, as did my fingernails! Blue tape removed, I’m one room closer to changing the landscape in this 75 year old relic of a home! Wondering all the while, how many coats of paint have graced these plaster walls and if, in fact, the Ghost of Magdaline might be as pleased with the new shade as I am.

Who knew blue could be a color of JOY! b

My baby sister Mary….I mean Judy!!

2010-08-01T19:49:00.001-05:00

Jesus at the Home of Martha and Mary
Playing the part of Mary (Judy Abbott Serafini)
Playing the part of Martha (Belinda “wantabeMartha” Abbott-Shaw)

Jesus and his disciples went on their way. Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary.

Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don't you care? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered. "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

I start with this scripture from the Bible, because the story reminds me of one of the many things I admire about my sister….don’t get me wrong, she’s an extremely hard worker and wonderful homemaker…but she knows when to SIT and live in the moment.

We are so unlike each other in so many ways, we have chosen very different paths, the way we approach life is not at all the same and we married men who are polar opposites. Her, only one, her partner since 8th grade! Me…we won’t go into how many tries it took before I found St. Philip! But it goes without saying, we’re just very…Different!!!

But different in a good way, the way that most sisters are I think. From the very beginning we were like night and day. And as we grew into our own it became apparent that we had drawn different cards in abilities, strengths and weaknesses and in life in general.

But with all the differences, we compliment each other. We share, we laugh at things nobody else would, we understand each other when nobody else can, and we love each other when nobody else seems to! But sometimes this bond has a strange way of bringing our differences into sharp focus! And sometimes we learn qualities and perspectives from each other we do not naturally possess.

Like sitting when it is all that is needed. That is my sister, knowing what is most important and spending time in it, never rushing around it! I wish, oh how I wish I could be more like my sister.

I love her for so many reasons, but mostly for sitting, listening, caring and loving!

Joyfully, Judy’s big sister, b

Now, let me get back to painting and sewing!!!!!

Status...Little White Wagon Progress

2010-07-19T22:18:00.001-05:00

I had hoped to work on a project each week

and share my progress with my little white wagon of followers, but as usual, I am….

no, Not BEHIND…

Hesitant

Indecisive,
Wishy-Washy,

Just procrastinating a bit!

Well, O.K., A Lot!!

The best laid plans of a 50something creative spirit!!!

This past week, I had every intention of changing my extra room, at present only used for 7thJoy Trunk Show display and accessory storage, into a new creative space! Starting with a fresh and inspirational coat of paint...but I can’t seem to decide if that is really what I want to do. And if so, what color will make me the absolutely most creative? Should it be Hunter’s White, Gilded Linen, Earthy Cane or Woodlawn Sterling Blue?? So many choices, so little decisiveness!

OPINIONS WELCOME!

Sometimes, at this age, I feel like a child with attention deficit in a candy store, who ate an entire box of hot tamales on the way…

Too many confections, too many distractions, is it hot in here??

Putting off my decision because I’m afraid I’ll change my mind before I get the first morsel in my mouth, or in this case brush stroke on the wall…

Then I remind myself,

as I have been known to tell my clients, don’t stress, It is ONLY Paint!

What’s holding me back? I’m just not sure, so in my indecision, I chose to clean out my sewing "box" or closet as most people would call it! Yes, I sew in the hall closet! It’s really not as bad as it sounds. And sometimes it's a great hiding place. When it is organized, it’s quite workable and I find that I make less of a mess if I am confined to a small organized space. Dr. Carl Karr’s (our Pediatrician)

#1 tip for coping with an ADHD child or creative ADHD B, as is the case!

So….Ta Da!

My tiny little organized work box!

Tomorrow… finish up some pending client projects…Wednesday… PAINT!

The Joy of organization is inspirational...

7thJoy Blogett of the day!!!

2010-07-12T15:48:00.005-05:00

Thanks to all my family and great friends for making last week a great birthday week!

My St. Philip for tickets to see Sara Hickman in concert!

My Mom, for making me the first birthday cake I've had in a long time!

My Sis and her annual funny-but-not birthday cards~

QueenP for breakfast and an almost private movie viewing, darn those crashers!

Melanie, you're too kind! Flowers at my door, the sweet surprise of the day!

All the personal notes, calls and special emails!

My dear daughter-in-law for making me a personalized cake version of my favorite candy bar!

And the most precious of all, my little man Jackson singing happy birthday to his BeBe last night!

A special week it was!

Yours, in God's gracious care, And ever-loving, Wife, Friend, Mother, BeBe or Just B

And not forgetting, Darlene at http://www.dirtroadheaven.blogspot.com/ for my own personal birthday blog!!!

Now I may go down in history as part of DRH.....lyb

7thJoy WorkBox

2010-07-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for jumping on the 7thJoy Wagon and following me here!!

July 12, 2010 STATUS…Back on track and into a new creative direction!

As I celebrated my birthday, I decided it was time for a change!

I love change; in fact I have gotten quite used to it in the past 53 years.

Oh the stories I could tell, but that’s another blog altogether!!

I’ve realized there hasn’t been much, if any, change around here of late!

Not of my own making, anyway!

Well, get ready, here comes my version of change!

Changing direction, changing colors, changing B

And I figured, if I said it to all of you, I’d be forced to make it!

Don’t you love accountability??

So now it’s just me, my little wagon of ideas & determination…

And you, my friends, to share them with!!

The only Ville I’ll be working on is the one I share with two messy teenagers and the continuously transient St. Philip. If you’re game, I’d love your company as I bejewel my new workspace, preparing for my journey back to creativity. And along the way as I post & share the changes, of course your comments will make the journey that much more rewarding! Plus I’ll know you’re still holding on and haven’t fallen off the wagon.

It should be an interesting trip, hope my tires have a few more miles on them!

Only JOY to Follow! b

From the fruit of her lips a woman is filled with good things as surely as the work of her hands rewards her.

Proverbs 12:14 NIV

Except of course to BLOG....

I'm Moving

2010-07-09T12:44:00.002-05:00

No, Not to Austin…

Just into a new work area with a different MO,
Mode of Operation, for the acronymically challenged!
I’m one myself, LOL...right??!

No more FB from my favorite chair, so long FB friends!
I was starting to get favorite chair BEHIND!!

BEHIND in my St. Philip support, teenager X2 care, BeBe-keeping, housework, design work, volunteer work, friendfixes and just plain o' everyday creating.
My sewing machine is rusting and my design books are starting to tear away from their bindings when I open them.

You name it, I’m BEHIND! Can anyone relate??

So if you like reading my silly ramblings…
you’ll have to sign up to follow through email.
Be sure and enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box…at www.7thJoy.blogspot.com>>>>>>
AND when it shows up in your email,
just click on the highlighted 7thJoy to get the full effect!

Then remember to Play the Featured Song!!!
It makes it more fun,
Unless of course you are ADHD like me,
READ… then listen!! or Listen...then READ....or maybe Read, then ReRead, then Listen!!!
See, i told ya!

Au revoir my FBFs…
Please hop in my wagon and join me on this JOYFUL trip!

And Jesus said, “You can tell what they are by what they do” (Matthew 7:16 CEV).

My country, 'tis of thee,

2010-07-04T11:14:00.003-05:00

sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;

land where my fathers died,

land of the pilgrims' pride,

from every mountainside let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,

land of the noble free, thy name I love;

I love thy rocks and rills,

thy woods and templed hills;

my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,

and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;

let mortal tongues awake;

let all that breathe partake;

let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to thee,

author of liberty, to thee we sing;

long may our land be bright

with freedom's holy light;

protect us by thy might, great God, our King.

Samual Francis Smith 1831

May we all celebrate this great country today, remembering what we believed it to be in the past, what we love about it now and what we hope it will become again! Let’s do so on our knees, heads bowed & hands folded!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13

Hope for our country, hope for our families,

and hope for freedom's holy light to return!

Just B

If I was a Painter

2010-06-25T23:31:00.010-05:00

Started my Painting 101 class a few weeks ago and I have been hesitant to share my progress, but here are my first two attempts at becoming something more than “a paint by numbers” artist….
My boys might say EPIC FAIL!
And although I’m very critical of myself in most aspects of my life, I think I am O.K with my initial renderings. Believe me, it doesn’t compare to all the beautiful works of the sweet 2nd and 3rd time “blue haired” ladies in my Leisure Learning Art Class. And our instructor, an accomplished artist himself, walks past my easel without much more than a grin, but still, I am pleased!

I’m only copying right now, stealing art from the masters if the truth be told, but we’ll just call it interpretive art. I’m not sure I will ever be talented enough to come up with an original. Not enough canvas or years left! So for now I am merely relishing the time each Wednesday of sitting in a mostly quiet classroom and concentrating on nothing but my creative spirit! A worthwhile 3 hour a week summer vacation, I’d say.

Hope your summer vacations are full of JOYful colors!!b

Doubly Blessed!!

2010-06-16T22:00:00.005-05:00

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”

This past week, I spent in paradise or close to it,
Grayton Beach, Florida, no oil in sight!
And no Dashboard Lights, just…
Great new friends, Great new music

(I had never heard this one; believe it or not!),

Great food and a Great many Cocktails on the beach!
It was a last minute trip, much needed, and full of surprises. Thanks to one of their own, my dear Robin, I shared this week with a group of Truman girls, true ladies, well that’s debatable (me included)…
But true Gems for sure!
I can say honestly that my life will be better just for the 6 days I spent with them, feeling their unconditional acceptance of each other and of me; hearing of their journeys, not all easy, but beautiful; and experiencing their binding love, no matter their differences. It was just a Blessing!
We laughed, we sang, we watched fishing boats and waves come in, we colored, we cooked and we rested. And did I say we laughed?
What a refreshing time I spent with these new friends, a vacation to remember and hopefully to be repeated. Thanks to Robin and her Truman Girls, I am doubly blessed!
Joyfully bronze with a few age spots, B

When in doubt, Just B!

2010-05-27T18:33:00.013-05:00

Lately I have been in doubt…about a lot of things.
I get that way sometimes, even at this wonderfully advanced age of 50+. They say, well Oprah if I listened to her, at 50 you’re supposed to morph into this relaxed, confident, know who you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going female; having 50 years of figuring it all out under your belt….But this week, I say “hogwash”. Oh don’t deny it, I am sure there are those of you who agree!
It’s times like these that I think, where the heck did 50 years go, what the heck was I thinking when…where do I go from here, OMG time is passing too fast, someone let me off this train kind of thoughts!
And it’s when I get into this mindset that I have to force myself to go to that “if I did yoga” place and Just Be…
Just be still, let go, and let God!
However, this week, he is obviously on vacation! OK, I don’t doubt that He needs a temporary respite from me on occasion. Or maybe He just needs me to be quiet and listen instead of talk!
So in His seeming absence, instead of talking;
I quietly signed up for Painting 101!

Yes, it is when I Just Be… quiet, still and wait that I begin to see the possibilities.
You see, summer is here, the boys are home, the class is every Wednesday from 1-4,
YOU DO THE MATH!
Now, God, if you're back, just give me talent to paint something other than stick people! Joyfully trying a new inspiration…Maybe we all should, Just B

Mother's Pearls of Wisdom

2010-05-15T18:05:00.008-05:00

Although sentimental heirlooms like wedding china or a piece of jewelry handed down from mothers and grandmothers are treasured, it's those practical pieces of motherly advice that are the most useful! Some of us might have been blessed to receive just enough of each. On the other hand, many of us would have benefited from much more of the latter!!!
Perfect examples might be:
Don't slouch.
Always write a thank-you note.
Never chew gum in public.
Remember who you are.
Never be too proud to pick up a penny.
The best way to make a friend is to be one…

So for the month of Mother's Day, I’ve decided to share a few of my own favorites!

Every survival kit should include a sense of humor!
Respect is like money: easy to loose & hard to earn.
Happiness is not having what we want. Happiness is wanting what we have.
Smile...if you cannot lift the corners, sag the middle.
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
Who gossips with you will gossip of you.
You are who God says you are!
And last but not least, Moisturize your neck!

Now if I only had a daughter to pass these on to…
BOYS, Stop smacking and remember these pearls of wisdom! Joyfully Shared, b

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5 NIV)

Bright Smile, Dark Eyes

2010-05-11T21:40:00.008-05:00

When the righteous see God in action they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy.— Psalm 68:3 MSG

This month I am singing...(be glad you can’t hear me!) for the JOY these bright smiles and dark eyes have brought to my life. A whole new dimension to JOY!!
I’m so very glad my son didn’t listen to me, didn’t hesitate, and didn’t wait. I’m so thankful; he knew his heart and followed it...Goes to show you that Mom’s don’t always know best! You see, I tried to get him to wait to propose to this beautiful girl. Oh, I loved her too, just thought he should wait until he finished college to propose!
But that didn’t happen, thank goodness. And now, 5 years later, anniversary near, Tyler is completing an Engineering Program at U of H and will graduate in December God willing. Working and going to school full time has been no small feat…and believe me, I have done my share of worrying. Looking back, I know for sure it was God in action, because my son has done it all for this sweet girl and these two precious little ones that, like their Mom, have bright smiles and dark eyes!

Oh yes, I am singing, but God is the one laughing, yet again, at me for thinking I know it all and watching me realize that I didn’t then, don’t now and never will. So when my younger boys come to tell me that they are ready to propose to the girl of their dreams, I will have learned my lesson…
I think!
Happy Anniversary Tyler and Michelle!!
Singing for JOY, bb

Mom’s Gardening Gloves….

2010-05-04T19:44:00.005-05:00

With Mother’s Day coming, and after spending much of the last two or was it three?? weeks with my Mom in her garden preparing for a garden tour…
I thought I’d share!
She, my Mom has a love for all things beautiful. In fact, it is a bit of an obsession and I mean that in a good way. She loves her garden, her home, and herself to be “dressed to the nines!”. And that of course made me think, wherever did the phrase come from?
One theory states that women of the Middle Ages would often wear fashionable gloves as part of their formal wear. These gloves were said to contain nine buttons from wrist to elbow, so if a woman was said to be "dressed to the nines", she would be wearing her most formal evening wear. Although my Mom loves the thought of dressing up, and does so quite often, I think the only gloves she owns are gardening gloves. And she is at her most beautiful with those gloves covered in dirt and her stunning silver hair damp with sweat from a day of work in her garden. In fact I can’t remember when my Mom didn’t do the gardening or the yard work, for that matter. Only in the last many years, with the help of my Dad, her Prince Albert! One of my most vivid memories of her was watching as she edged our yard with a kitchen knife, before we could afford a push edger. A determined and hardworking example that taught me the importance of taking care of one’s home, inside and out, she was never afraid of a little hard work. It is that very determination and strength, that taught me and my siblings a strong work ethic and the truth that you will reap what you sow in all areas of life!
At 75, she never sits idle. She keeps her eyes focused on the task of the day and stays beautifully young in the process, whether it be, shopping, dancing, gardening, or caring for her family. She never ceases to amaze us all! She is reaping a harvest of children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren, who benefit tremendously from her example!
Thanking God for the Joy of my Mom and her garden of love and lessons! b

My bicycle, my garden...

2010-04-28T12:03:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite things in B’s wishful, when I have the time garden is my bicycle! She's old, not sure exactly how… the seat is worn, obviously… her tires are flat, from going nowhere… and the old girl's basket is loose, maybe a bit overused. Yet it still gives me pleasure just thinking about where it might have come from and where it’s been. Thinking of who it carried and how many trips around the block it’s made. Someone was so excited to get her and yet probably didn’t think anything about letting her go. Sometimes life is just that way!

When my sweet St. Philip bought it for me, it was used, but bright and clean with a new coat of white paint, because someone had found it and saw its potential. Funny, how everyone sees things in different ways. Some can walk away from something used and others find it a treasure, no matter its condition. They know with a little forgiving love and care, it will make them happy to have it!

I’m so thankful that St. Philip saw me that way many years ago and that My God always looks at me that way. No matter how many mistakes I make, no matter how tattered I am when I turn to him, he sees me as worth saving!

So, now this beautiful but rusty “old” bicycle sits in my garden surrounded by fragrant jasmine in the springtime, reminding me of how special something can become if it is covered by grace and the awesome fragrance of forgiveness!

Standing the rusty yet JOYFUL test of time a little like me, b

Joyfully Cameron's Mom

2010-04-25T11:50:00.004-05:00

This is my Cameron, 16 years old…as of April 15th,
dreaded day for some (TAXES),
but a JOYFUL day in the Shaw household! I filed an extension on this POST and I’m ignoring the driver’s license thing. Time passing this fast is irksome!

Anyway, this young man is the light of my life, well, one of them! He is the spitting image of his Father’s Heart; he just looks like me…
And he is as goofy as a “bed bug” times two! Not sure where he got that from. Hmmmm?
Have you ever wondered what makes a bed bug goofy??? Couldn’t even Google it!
Yet he has this extraordinary confidence that I only wish I had at his age!! He is compassionate, kind hearted, and he was born at the end of himself! He is smart, talented, and humble about it all, except where his brother is concerned…a little sibling rivalry. I am amazed at his maturity and his views about most things, yet on some days I wonder how he’ll survive the real world.
When I look at that real world, the sad things that are happening with so many of our youth, including children of friends and in our community; the things they are capable of at such young ages and the paths they choose, I am brought to my knees praying for them and thanking God for mine!
God has done a great work in this young man so far and I am so looking forward to what HE has in store for him!

"The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."

Still coming to the end of myself, b

March 2010

2010-03-30T12:47:00.012-05:00

"I believe the people and circumstances around me do not make me what I am,
they reveal who I am, just a child seeking the heart of her Father. "

I love this quote, not even sure from whence it came….
But in this month of March, I have not felt like writing or sewing or doing much of anything and then I realized that maybe there is a reason…it is the month of my “real” father’s birth, a father I wasn’t close to, a father I felt I never knew, who passed away last year under very sad circumstances.
All my life, I have missed a true relationship with that father…never really knew if he considered me, was proud of me or even loved me. Just distance, that’s what I knew of him, even when I lived under the same roof.
I've often wondered if my life choices were shaped by that relationship, some extremely bad, yet some very good! And I know that it must have had a great influence “according to studies about father daughter relationships”, but in my heart I know that no matter what kind of “real” father we have, our Father in Heaven is the one who defines us…and I am so very thankful!
Because of my “real” father, I know how much showing love is important, because he didn’t. I know how much being there is important, because he wasn’t. I also know how much faith plays a part in life, because he had none. So, you see, I learned many wonderful things from my Dad! After his death, I found out that his life as a young boy was tragic, extremely abusive and void of love and devotion from his own “real father and step mother”. Just the fact that he broke the pattern of abuse proves how much he cared. Maybe that explains "the distance". And because of that, I know he just didn’t know how to show me those things I needed, doesn’t mean he didn’t consider me, take pride in me, or maybe even love me with all his heart….so I choose to believe in his love! By the Grace of my Father Above…..JOY today and always, b

18 Years Ago Today in Astin Park

2010-02-17T10:37:00.014-06:00

A man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations -- what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
- Dr. Seuss

I use Scripture AND Dr. Seuss as a reference point today because I move between each in my daily life. Sometimes I am sure of my life as it is and sometimes it’s a little Dr. Suessish!! Does anyone else feel this way…Is it my age? Could it be a female thing, from birth we tend to be a little fickle or maybe it’s because my bundle of desires is ever-changing or so full that it is ever-shifting. I think that is called an ADHD heart! Oh, I don’t know...Now where was I??

"The Bible also says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be. Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.”

Reading this, I was reminded of the reflection of my heart, Not always as beautiful as I would hope, but constantly a work in progress! Daily I am faced with that reflection, not the physical (thank goodness!), but the one from inside and I know that as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, I can do so much better, so much more. Many dreams depend on it!

So I am reminded by God and Dr. Suess, that your heart’s reflection can be the thing dreams are made of! And I know this to be true because 18 years ago today a wonderful man proposed to me on the pier in Astin Park. Now I am blessed with a husband who’s heart reflection I can only wish to mirror!

May your heart's reflection and your dreams be Joyful! b

Two Miles,Two Boys, Two Prayers

2010-01-19T20:12:00.006-06:00

With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

Today I’m right where I’m supposed to be…
This morning when I drove my younger “BOYS” (the ones that God knew I needed, if you remember my last elated blog) to school…THEIR prayers reminded me of that!
You see, ever since they started school, as I drove them, I would say a prayer for the day, first thanking God for his blessings, then asking God to keep them safe, guide them and bring them home safely to me. This is something I borrowed from another mother in a Bible study I joined years ago. I had never been comfortable praying out loud, but I thought if they heard me doing this every day when they were young, they would be comfortable doing it on their own some day. Several years ago, their Dad started doing the morning drive to drop them off at school on his way to the office. When I passed him the A.M. carpool torch, quietly I said,”You know we pray every morning”. I wasn’t quite sure if he had even heard me and definitely not sure if he would follow up. I was just glad to be able to stay in my pjs a little longer each day and uncharacteristically refrained from making carpool prayer demands!!!!
I guess it has been 4 years now, he’s been doing the short a.m. drive with our boys, now teenagers, but now that he is in Austin, I’ve put on my chauffeur’s hat again. So you can imagine the first morning I backed out of the driveway, when Garrison turned down the radio and begin the morning prayer, followed by Cameron, covering everything Garrison hadn’t…Well, let’s just say, my heart was bursting.
Each day I look forward to that morning drive even though sometimes it’s obvious they stayed up later than they should have, the words might run together a bit, and indeed on occasion their prayers sound a little rote… But, I am truly blessed, because the boys God gave me know they are His!
Did I mention, they are great Uncles too!
Yes, I am right where I am supposed to be. I only wish I had known how to pray when I was their age…for I know I would have known JOY sooner! B

Disclaimer: I have declared January Brag Month as Mom/Gramb, then I’m going to try to return to things that inspire 7thJoy, although I think they are one and the same!

Quinn, God Gifts a Girl!

2010-01-16T11:31:00.005-06:00

And God said “Let there be boys!”

Step back in time some 29 years ago, when I was expecting my first child… An unexpected blessing, I thought, OK, I can do this! But God, please give me a little girl!!! Because you know I can’t do a boy on my own!! Besides, I could just imagine, baby dolls, dance classes, and of course sewing & shopping for all that pink!
Yet God knew better, said, “Yes you can", and gave me the most perfect son, who grew into a wonderful little boy, a strong young man and now an exceptional Dad himself. I must say I did fairly well with blue jeans & t-shirts, baseballs and fishing poles. He’s forgiven me for the Girbauds!!
Years later, when St. Philip came along, I knew even though I was pushing it in the age department, I wanted more children…and he said, “Yes, we can”. Again, I prayed for a little girl, I just knew I would be the perfect Mom for a Girl. But again, God knew better and gave me a son and 22 months later…another SON! And I couldn't be more blessed. Both were extraordinarily special little boys who are still growing into exceptional young men!
Now I have resigned myself to the color blue, in fact it has always been my favorite color anyway. God knows what he is doing!!! I’ve gotten quite good at the blue jeans & t-shirt thing; I don’t even press them anymore, let alone iron socks...Yes I used to, but I won’t go there!
So you can imagine the anticipation when my first grandchild was coming, yet again the ultrasound proclaimed…BLUE! This time, it didn’t matter at all, I was just elated & looking forward to being a grandmother. Anyway, I have the boy thing down, and boy is he a BOY!! He is a wonderful, energetic, headstrong, precious mess and I adore him.
Fast forward to a couple of days ago, January 14th at 1:20 in the afternoon, when I was blessed enough to experienced the birth of my second grandchild. This time with no ultrasound gender proclamation, waiting to know boy or girl was almost too much!
But Quinn Tyler Abbott was born to a birthing room full of cheers and even more tears. Finally, God gifted us A GIRL! A precious pink skinned, beautiful black haired, perfect little girl! I’m IN BIG JOYFUL TROUBLE……
You see, I never thought I’d have tiny leopard print flats in my life, but as a friend said recently “God is Good!” YES HE IS!!!! Gramb

Refiner of Silver

2010-01-13T07:37:00.004-06:00

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says:
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3)
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silver smith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silver smith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot--then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.
She asked the silver smith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silver smith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you.
Author unknown
Today, this posted before I was ready....you see, I borrowed this from AUTHOR UNKNOWN because when I read it for the first time, It SO APPLIED!!!! Was thinking about sharing it on my blog, just working on a draft, then hit the wrong button on my laptop and WALAAAA! It Posted! So obviously, someone in my sweet group of followers needed to read this today!. I hope and pray that we all come through whatever refining flames we need and our silver begins to shine with the reflection of God! Joy to all, b

A New Year, Many New Gifts to Come....!!!!!

2010-01-01T00:34:00.004-06:00

You can truly look at everything in life as a gift, whether it is immediately evident as such or becomes one when you have a chance to look back on it!
The gifts I'm looking forward to in 2010...
1 Precious Grandbaby, boy or girl ??? Either will be a blessing, but my landscape could use a hint of pink or even purple, though it’s not my favorite!
1 More Boy Driving… A mixed blessing, no more chauffeur hat, but another son growing up, and of course a “slight” insurance increase!
1 Possible Move to Austin… Still undecided, but looking forward to the possibility of new surroundings, 10 years is way too long in one spot!
1 New Hair Color…I love the fact that my grey is going to be stunning like my mother’s, but think I’ve decided to wait a while to become stunning!
1 New Church...Searching, my job is finished, I’ve done all I can, the boys are grounded in Christ & I’m ready to be filled in a new way!
1 New Endeavor…Who knows what is in store for 7thJOY, always looking for new creative and joyful ways to explore our passion, fibers!
New friends ??? Maybe...I’m quite blessed with the ones who surround me at present; God Is Great that way, but I welcome new friends because it’s always good to see the world through new eyes!
Actually, at my age I welcome anything new…experiences, awakenings, passions, relationships, lessons, possibilities!
Looking over my shoulder, 2009 has been a trying year for us, to say the least, but the blessings that have come from it are now becoming evident and I am so looking forward to 2010!
May it be a New Year full of Immediately Evident Gifts and JOY for us all! b

New Year's Party Anyone??!!

2009-12-29T13:04:00.010-06:00

This Frosted Rose Statement piece is just looking for a place to be worn!
In case you wanted to know what my next favorite gift was….
this beautiful necklace is in the running with one other…A romantic vacation to Santa Fe in February. Yes it was a very good Christmas!
But this necklace takes center stage today…I don’t know the artist, but the necklace is from an Etsy Shop called LaViejaTunTun, out of California. You should surely check out this shop! She has some beautiful creations, but then again my taste is not typical! Just tell her 7thJOY sent you!
Anyway, my sweet Saint Philip happened to find an anonymous Christmas Wish email with this listing on it, imagine that! And of course, after I subtly mentioned that it was one of kind and would be snatched up soon, unbeknownst to me, he began snatching!! No, I wasn’t too disappointed when it wasn’t under the tree, snif,snif! I don't always get what I want. I figured he had just forgotten or that someone else had gotten to it first.
But then, when my older son and his family came for Christmas breakfast, he reminded the saint, who is also an absent minded professor type and/or an aggie engineer {ENOUGH SAID}, he had forgotten to give me one of my gifts. You see, the necklace had been secretly shipped to them so I wouldn’t know. Long story even longer, it was an unexpected surprise, thanks to his forgetfulness!
But I digress! Now I’m just waiting for New Year's Eve so I can put my party necklace on and usher in the new year with my Frosted Rose Statement Bling, not that I need a necklace or bling to make a statement!….OH, I’ve gotten quite outspoken since I hit this half century mark, along with some of my best friends; I’m in such good company! Especially you Darlene!
Thank you St. Philip for constantly surprising both of us! b

And so it WAS Christmas!

2009-12-27T20:05:00.004-06:00

It goes by so fast, all the making of lists, shopping, preparing, checking the list twice, more planning, more shopping, more preparing and then…it’s over!
…No more Santa at my house, but it doesn’t change the excitement of it all.
My boys, in the goofy chartreuse hats, almost grown, still enjoy the excitement and anticipation of it all and the bonus is…after we have Christmas morning, just the four of us, my older son, sweet daughter-in-law and precious Jackson join us for more anticipation and excitement plus GramB’s MonkeyBread and Egg Casserole breakfast !!! I love every minute of it; it just goes by too quickly.

My favorite present this year, a song played by Cameron and sung by Garrison…”Come and Worship” by Bebo Norman (featured). I must admit, it almost sounds as good, especially to a Mom’s ears! Nothing makes me happier! It’s all I asked for, though I seriously doubted it was going to happen. Considering the bickering about who wasn’t learning their part, the directives between them about who was doing it wrong…I figured my request was just too much, so I suggested a gift card to my favorite fabric store as an alternative…..
And just when I least expected it, three nights before Christmas morning, a beautiful sound coming from the music room, two brothers in unison and perfect timing, playing and singing a beautiful Christmas Gift for Mom! You guessed it, tears and Joy overflowed, I am blessed!
Although it comes and goes more quickly each year, the gifts that mean the most will last forever! Thank you God for boys, yours and mine! b

Crazy Comes in Twos

2009-12-12T21:31:00.020-06:00

Two Crazy Southern Christmas Bells
Well…the Bell part is debatable!
Crazy and Southern are true for sure!
It is official, together our JOY is more than a little
“out of control”.
Robin and I have officially hit the CRAZY part of middle age this Christmas, even though I made it there a little earlier than her!
It all started with the making of 4 Wise Men (Yes, there were four!)as we wore our Church Lady hats in mid-November for Advent Decorating at our church, then last minute preparations as I whined until she agreed to host our 2nd Annual 7thJoy Trunk Show...
Add to that “Move Over Martha’s”(that would be ROBIN’s) insistence that we take on an enormous Corporate home-baked gift basket job; And there you have it, Two Southern Christmas Bells,,,,ridiculously out of Control!
But is there any other way to spend Christmas? Wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of it all, plus some! I say no, as long as you remember to stop and smell the Christmas Trees, share good time and wine with friends, have fun Santa shopping for your own plus an Angel Tree Child or 2, listen to every Christmas CD at least twice (I have a few!), and bake till the house smells just like you remember it did as a child or at least imagined it should!
That’s what I’m talking about, baking, candy making and buckeye ball rolling! Both homes now are fragrant with the smell of cookies baking, chocolate melting and caramel corn popping, we had to share the messes, but it is heavenly. I think we’ve made enough, messes that is, for the next decade of Christmases…and I think the sweet smells should last about that long as well! At least the laughter and the memories of a whirl wind few weeks, jobs well done, a little profit made, and most of all much joy shared will!
Ahhhh, it is good to have a great friend to be “out of control” with! Makes CRAZY worth being! Merry Christmas from us two SCB”s, May sweet smells and Christmas blessings fill your homes as well! b

Pop 12/08/09

2009-12-07T22:32:00.003-06:00

December is truly my favorite month of the year for so many reasons….
NOT ONLY because IS IT CHRISTMAS TIME…WE’VE PRETTY MUCH ALREADY ESTABLISHED I’M A FAN. But because it also happens to be full of other special dates! There is December 6th which is my anniversary with Saint Philip. Next is December 8th, the birthday of not one, but two extraordinary Aggies I know! My niece Jamie celebrates her birthday on December 10th and then of course, December 24th, my beautiful Mom’s Birthday, guess that’s why they named her Elizabeth “Carol”. …Add these to Christmas Band Concerts, the Christmas Museum Tour, Christmas with friends, then Christmas Eve Celebrations and Christmas Day ….and you’ve got a month of just plain JOY~
But before I get too carried away in my thoughts of this joyful month, I’m thinking today of one very special Aggie! That would be my Dad, well…my step-Dad, but that is truly an unimportant point. He is the man that married my Mom almost 30 years ago, who took a family of grown kids under his wing and never looked back. He has nurtured, instilled values, shared knowledge, supported decisions, given advice only when asked and cared for each of us individually like only a true father could. But most importantly, he has loved our mother, unconditionally…he spoils, conforms, lets her shop unnecessarily and dances without complaining too much! He loves God, his grandkids and a good beer occasionally. And at the distinguished age of 82, he still works when his expertise is called for and enjoys every minute of it! He is a man of honor and integrity and I am so blessed to call him my DAD!
I only hope and pray that in these years since he gathered us up, I have made him proud to be the Father I never had until him!
With my love and joy, I honor him today,
Noonan Albert, My Mom’s, Prince! Corny but True…Happy Birthday Pop!

From Thanksgiving to the celebration of Advent....And so it is Christmas!

2009-11-28T20:31:00.002-06:00

The Christian season of Christmas actually begins on Christmas Eve and lasts for twelve days, ending on January 6. (No, the twelve-day season of Christmas did not start with the song. It was the other way around.) The time before Christmas is Advent, a season of preparation for Christmas. Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent we're reminded of how much we also need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior's second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. Indeed, the word Advent comes from the Latin word that means "coming" or "visit." In the season with this name, we keep in mind both "advents" of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

I am honored to have served as the Altar Guild Chairperson at my church for the last 4 years running….and I do mean running, especially at this time of year. Today is the day that we spent preparing our sanctuary for Advent. It is a day of great fun, but an extreme amount of work, that would never get done without great friends and volunteers! Including my right hand man… Who spent his birthday, by the way, serving along side me (What a Saint!)

As I sit, exhausted yet fulfilled after a too long day, I am reminded of the longing of those in the past for a Messiah, of those in this future who are so in need of a Savior… And truly thankful that HE is mine!

So you see, I am doubly blessed, a Savior for a Father & a Saint as a Husband!
Happy Birthday Philip….P.S. I love you!
b

Fallin Apart at the Seams

2009-11-14T10:20:00.007-06:00

Raveling threads, have you ever noticed that once they start, there seems to be no end? You keep trying to stop it, but the harder you try, the more it continues. That’s why I always have my scissors handy, just cut the thread off, before it gets out of control…
Feelings are much the same, I’d say. We all have them, you know, slighty loose, a tiny bit frayed. Especially the ones that are just a little too close to the surface and then one quick brush against something, loosens it even more and it begins; a rush of unraveling and the more you try to grab hold and stop it, pull it back, put it all back in place, it’s futile! And then you realize, all the unraveled feelings that you have tried to keep inside, lay out for the world to see! Good thing Mom always said “wear your best undies” …wouldn’t want anyone to see anything ugly underneath!
But it’s just those feelings that make us who we are, not torn and tattered, but worn and strengthened by the wear! Maybe some of the unraveling is God’s way of exposing the JOY inside, the beautiful things that have made us who we are, as well as the ugly ones that have made us who only HE knew we could be!
Sometimes it’s good to just let yourself unravel, let the threads go; Heck, tug even harder on them until you are exposed and forced to shed the old.
Put on something new! Or maybe just take the old threads and make them into something beautiful and unexpected! It all depends on what you need! I know I’m ready for either! And I am so thankful for friends to unravel with! Friends who hold my threads as thay fall…
Now I just need to learn how to knit or better yet, buy myself a multi-layered weaving loom!
Question for the day…What is the difference between Ravel and Unravel??? Have you ever thought about it?
According to Merriam-Webster.com,
unravel means to disengage or separate the threads of; or to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of: clear up. On the other hand, ravel is to separate or undo the texture of; to undo the intricacies of; to become unwoven, untwisted, or unwound.
Do either my dear friends, but do it in your best undies! B

It's Beginning to look alot like....

2009-11-02T22:33:00.007-06:00

Have yourself a merry little….
Christmas time is here….

I KNOW IT’S EARLY! Everywhere, Halloween candy is 50% off, Texas fall leaves have barely started to turn, and the “Holiday” displays, ads and sales have already arrived….
I hear people complain, my goodness, Already??!!

I have to laugh, because as soon as I put my Jack-o-Lanterns in their box, I drag out my Christmas CD’s and begin my musical mental preparation for the season. A season that I cherish, just because it seems to bring out the love and caring that should flow from us year round!

I love this time of year and as far as I’m concerned it always goes by too fast…so I say “don’t be ashamed, start early, enjoy every last minute you can squeeze out of it!”

This Christmas, celebrate the love that we received by the mere birth of a tiny baby! Take time to remember every detail of how it all came to pass. Let us be filled with the spirit and reminded again of why God sent his precious Son Jesus that blessed night in Bethlehem!
To teach us to Love…to show us the way!
God's gift of JOY to the WORLD!

Tyler Ross Abbott, born November 6, 1981. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON, You are my JOY!

This Old House....

2009-10-25T09:13:00.008-05:00

It's funny, the stories we hear from past residents of this 70 year old house. The saltbox structure was built by George L. Charlton, a prominent Judge in Tomball, Texas. The history and original hardwood floors were what sold us!
Not so much the hideous green tile bathroom and the stories of haunting!!!
Added onto in the late 60’s, It has had a few owners, most with children or teens having big imaginations…but the tales never cease and they are always interesting,,,
Some tell stories of lights mysteriously shutting off upstairs, a tall underwear clad gentleman appearing nightly in the study, and most recently, a comment that a little lady spirit sits in my front living area…as long as she doesn't get my chair, I'm fine with that! HHMMM,What to believe???
Well, I never put much store in this kind of thing, but as we live near a community museum which has had stories published about being haunted, I guess they could be visiting ghostly neighbors!
So far, no poltergeist experiences by the Shaw household and that is after 9 years of mostly peaceful habitation; not withstanding the frigged air of an old home in winter, the creaking floors or an occasional strange noise. Oh yes, the thought of the house being haunted, does make us look at every unexplained happening with question and there have been a few, but so far-so good…. IF there are ghosts, they must be closely related to Casper!

Or maybe it’s just that this home is filled with blessing enough and most of the time, JOY! After all, teenagers do still live here….
And because of that; rest has finally come to 400 Epps St.!

Joy of Chords & Rhythm

2009-10-14T22:00:00.010-05:00

My Joy, Cameron on the Piano....& 89 lbs of Awesomeness (Garrison)on a dance floor!
I am loving the fact that my middle child, Cameron, loves his mother and music enough, to humor her by playing the piano each evening after hours at band practice, blowing his chops on the trumpet and marching in the sweltering heat! No time for lessons anymore, he is now teaching himself "Tennessee" from the soundtrack of the movie "Pearl Harbor". (now playing) Living vicariously, I always wanted to play! I sit and tear up just listening to him. The JOY of Chords!
I keep telling him the way to a girl's heart is a song. Watch out girls!

And then there is 89 lbs of Awesomeness (he's gained a few), as he has been known to introduce himself or Garrison as we know him...The rhythm in that boy makes me smile, reminds me of myself when I entered the "twist" contest at my Dad's company picnic when I was maybe 10. He got that rhythm from somewhere, I'm claimin' it. Well some of it; I never even thought of moving like he does and that was with years of training and practice. He's a natural. An actor at heart (dramatic by nature, not claimin' that), he drums, he plays alto-sax, but it's the rhythm in those bones that gets me every time! The JOY of Rhythm!
Watch out girls, this boy can dance!

Just thankin' of blessings! b

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

2009-10-09T08:57:00.027-05:00

Of a Different Color

Dear Father by Neil Diamond
Dear Father
We dream
We dream
We dream
While we may
Who are we to need,
We need
We need
While we wait,
While we wait....

I was given this book long ago by a very special person, someone I admired, and respected a great deal. When I picked it up the other day to reread it almost 35 years later, I questioned a couple of things about the book and the giver.

First what it was about the book that made it special to the person who gave it to me.... I never asked!

And what was it that he hoped I would learn or feel from reading it?

The book tells the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. Seized by a passion for flight, he pushes himself, learning everything he can about flying, until finally his unwillingness to conform results in his expulsion from his flock. An outcast, he continues to learn, becoming increasingly pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life, he thinks!!!! But what he eventually learns is that love, deserved respect, and forgiveness all seem to be equally important to freedom.

AND DREAMS LIVED AND THINGS LEARNED ARE TO SHARE!

I loved the book when I read it as a young naive 17 year old with great dreams and much hope for the future. Now as I look back at its underlying meaning, I am sure of one thing, we see things differently when we are older and hopefully wiser. As I am always open to new possibilities and still have dreams for the future (yes, even at 52), it is what I have learned to this point that I can share with others to help them realize their dreams! Maybe that is what he was trying to share????

Dreaming of a new place to soar, a new opportunity and a JOYFUL new path for my family! Just a dream at present, but could become a reality! And yes I am a Seagull of a different Color! In more ways than one!

Precious Peter Pan

2009-10-03T15:16:00.011-05:00

(aka Jackson Everett Abbott)

What to be or not to be, that is the question???
A person runs out of ideas for

Halloween, or as we know it, Fall Festival costumes for boys! It has become somewhat of a forte’ of mine. So after last year’s green velvet hit, Oh he looked so precious in his Peter Pan creation by GramB & Mom, how can we top it!
We’re looking for inspiration. Got any ideas??
I can only name a few of the costumes I have created in my time, let’s see, it started with "PETER PAN'S DAD", my oldest son’s 2 year old costume, a Peter Pan Peanut Butter Jar, peanut hat and all; his best friend went as Welch’s Grape Jelly! Next came, Michael Jackson, green satin jacket, black yarn wig and of course the must have white sequined glove, what was i thinking??? After a couple of back braking stints at the sewing machine, ending in a body suit with cotton stuffed muscles (Hulk Hogan), we just went for the all impressive store bought scary mask and appropriate clothes from the closet….It's all about the candy anyway, right? Then came the second round of boys, at least there was a little breather in between! I’ve done Bible Man, a sparkly alien, Harry Potter, various pirates, Lord of the Rings “Aragon & Legolas”, you name it, you saw it in a magical movie, I was all over it! And just when I thought I was done….I have the delight of creation for grandchildren. And it really is a blessing, just to be ask to participate in some small way in the process of deciding, what to be??!! I’m thankful for the fact that my Mom sewed, so now I sew and pass the tradition of sewing on to the Mom of my grandchildren with JOY.
Happy Halloween, oops…Fall Festival Month! b

Cards of a Different Persuasion!

2009-09-28T14:38:00.019-05:00

Cards of a different persuasion!

Birds of a feather…flock preciously on cards!
When God hands you Lemons…make Card-em-ade!
Mother Mary may I…put you on a card!
Aging gracefully does not include a toe ring…

Card anyone?

Yes I know that is not the way it goes…and I know God does not hand us lemons, unless we need them! So I’m making lemonade…well cards!
This transitional period in our lives has caused a great swell of creativeness around here. Maybe is it just that it is easier to escape to my “sewing closet” than face the current inhabitant of my shop!
Yes, Mr. P has set up shop in my shop!
With that said, 7thJoy is now taking on a new endeavor, Handmade Cards!
Enjoy the view, the insides are the best, gives me license to be caddy!
And sometimes inspirational, but always fun!
Soon to be the newest item on our 7thJoy website and our Etsy.com shop by the same name, Check us out! We’d love to sell you something….
Enjoy the last few days of September, it’s almost Christmas….
Blessing is enough, b

Gifts too much to Blog about! PROOF

2009-09-25T10:39:00.004-05:00

Proof
God answers if we just give him time….my daughter-in-law is perfect proof positive! When my first son was born, I was more prepared for a girl, just thought “by myself” I could do better with a girl. I didn’t know how to throw a baseball, never baited my own hook, had watched many years of football (being in the drillteam) but couldn’t tell you the difference between offense and defense. We’ll God knew better and gave me Tyler, what a blessing!
OH, I did OK, well, he did OK! He was an exceptional son and miraculously endured my emotional, overprotective, over expectant momisms. He has grown into a wonderful man, caring husband, now father and determined Engineer-to-be. Add to all those blessings, now he is married to that daughter I always wanted. She too is an exceptional wife and mother, caring and fruitful, beautiful and talented. Plus, she always makes me feel like I have something worth sharing and she too endures my emotional, overprotective…

well you get the idea; all those things that made me a better mother to boys

(they just ignore it), than girls!

I celebrate her today, her birthday. She gives me such JOY!
Happy Birthday to Michelle, God’s Daughter gift to me!

7th Joy At Work

2009-09-25T08:16:00.008-05:00

7thJoy's Latest Creation

This is a Precious Resting Prayer Pillow. Each pillow is made with pieces of prayer said for friends, family and for your baby….Under one piece is a special scripture!

(Numbers 6:24-26)

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

It is a prayer for God’s smile on your baby's life.

Don’t let yourself become raveled with worry.

Let the raveled edges of this pillow remind you of God’s promises.
God will hold her!

Attached is a small prayer pad...with each prayer, concern, worry or need for your precious baby, make a small prayer note and tuck it into the pillow,

hand it over to him who does not ravel !

And rest!

Created by 7thJoy out of control!!!

God's Timing - My Gifts

2009-09-20T21:01:00.009-05:00

God’s timing - My gifts...

a sleeping boy at home on BeBe’s pillows and dreaming of our special little gift to come!
With each passing day, this little boy grabs stronger my heart.

Just the way he swings his little arms when he walks and hearing him call us by name, Spuddy (Philip), Caquae (Cameron), Ninny (Garrison), and Lyla (our dog, Skyler). I can only imagine how much fun we will have when our home is filled with the JOYofJackson and his little shadow.
We are waiting for the surprise of finding out boy or girl (something to look forward to) and just praying everyday that Mom and baby stay healthy and strong! In the times that surround our family, it is these two who again remind me of God’s wonderful plan and what is truly important in life. Not to mention, filling our home with fun and laughter, watching my boys (his uncles) share and teach, play and "boss"….It’s all just simple sweet living. I am today, so thankful for God’s timing because just when I doubt him or worry about that “timing”, he shows me the reason and I am blindsided by his love. With all the worry that comes from the current events of our life, we can be distracted to the point of giddiness just anticipating Jackson at the door and looking forward to baby to come!

Thank you God for your unfathomable timing, I will never doubt you again…I pray!

Can I get an AMEN, Yes says my family!!!!

Friends...

2009-09-19T21:17:00.008-05:00

Still!!!

My friends have always been few, but forever. The best of them have traveled with me through many seasons of life, loved me through them and loved me anyway. I think that is the way God planned true friendship. And I celebrate their being in my path at the right time or my being in theirs for that matter. No matter where our paths lead us or how many miles are between us, we always find our way back to the spot where that closeness is centered, at home with each other. As time passes (don’t remind me of how much!)…I’m amazed at the twists and turns of each path, the changes they cause in our individual places and views of the world. But with each step taken in a different direction, the fewer steps it seems to take to get back to where we began. It's a fact that our stride gets shorter and slower as we age, maybe that is so we won’t have as many steps to take to get home!
Happy Birthday Carolyn Funk Floyed, hope you are slowing down JOYFULLY!
b

FALL on your knees!

2009-09-16T12:54:00.010-05:00

I love FALL for many reasons.

One is so I can say this....another being the crisp mornings that usher in the changing season, both remind me of where I need to be more often!

ON MY KNEES talking to the one who thought up this beautiful season.

I know its not really here yet, but I'm more than ready, as you can see. I'm always eager for refreshing cool air, especially after the sweltering hot days of summer! Like the seasons of our life, some almost too miserable to bear. But just when you think you can't stand the heat any longer, along comes a cool whispering breeze or a golden floating leaf. Each JOYfully reminding you of who is there to refresh and renew, letting go of the season past, making way for the new things to come. Yes, it does usher in the quiet cold of winter, a time to rest and rejoice, ahhh Christmas and then Spring, life anew! But Fall is full of the anticipation of it all! I'm on my knees just "thanking" about it!

The Black Madonna

2009-09-12T13:03:00.007-05:00

Story says…The Black Madonna was painted by St. Luke The Evangelist; and it was while painting the picture, Mary told him about the life of Jesus, which he later incorporated into his gospel. The next time we hear of the painting is in 326 A.D. when St. Helen found it in Jerusalem and gave it to her son and had a shrine built for it in Constantinople. Finally, it was transferred to a church in Czestochowa, Poland. There, The Black Madonna (Matka Boska) was acclaimed Queen of Poland by King Casimir. In many places, through several owners, during battles and sieges, her presence is reported to have protected her faithful. There have been stories for centuries of miraculous events surrounding those who made the journey to see the portrait. It is known as “The Black Madonna” because of the soot residue that discolors the painting, which is the result of centuries of prayers offered with votive lights and candles burning in front of the painting….
Confirmation of the power of prayer!
In His Son’s name, our Father hears every whisper!
Please whisper loudly for Philip and Bobby this week....
I pray them blessing enough, B

2009-09-06T19:33:00.007-05:00

HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT? OF COURSE……HE DOES! John 3:16
Remember when as little girls, we used to search for just the right flower, then with great care remove the petals and go through this silly little ritual?
How many petals does it take to understand we are loved and that it has nothing to do with searching or chance, if we really open our eyes?
Believe me; I’ve picked a few flowers in my life, looking for someone to love me.

The most life changing, but not the first, I didn’t wait to go through all the petals. I just assumed it would end with he loved me, I WAS WRONG and I had a hard time dropping that flower to the ground...It took years in fact!

Another, my very first, I found earlier in life as it was beginning to bloom and in my immaturity I threw it aside; only to pick it up again just before it had wilted, hoping to bring it back to life. Then as its last petal was about to fall at he loves me, I looked over my shoulder and let it slip through my fingers, never to find it again!

The craziest one I ever picked was so breathtakingly beautiful and full, it was almost unbelievable and when I began to drop the petals, I sadly and devastatingly realized, it wasn’t a flower at all, but a dangerous weed!

And last but not at all least, the final flower I ever picked and still hold in my hand…

I pull petals off daily and it puts on more, I forget to water it yet it never wilts; I change with the seasons but it doesn’t; I even mow over it, it grows back stronger. It is definitely a perennial….Imagine that, HE LOVES ME!
Only God knows why??? and thank goodness he loves me too, no petal pulling needed…
b

7th Choice a Charm

2009-08-02T10:51:00.013-05:00

Our latest project was one of McKay preplanning, 2 stunningly whimsical chairs, then indecision, transformed into its now or never....seven paint choices later and last minute R&B's painting (I'm rubbing off),

ending in a 7th Joy Winner!

It is always hard doing your own space. Mrs. R, who never seems to be one of indecision, but always one with impeccable taste and right-on choices, was not so with her new project. Add that to her new partnership with mwa:} a last minute, fly by the seat of my pants, kinda designer; what do you get? A nearly perfect parlor if we do say so ourselves! Still a work in progress, its a must for an empty nesting southern girl, a place to escape, read a book, plan the next road trip or just sit awhile....Not for long though, the dust around my dear friend is about to be stirred up again, off to take painting lessons in good old

M, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I humpback, humpback , I!

Living vicariously, have fun my friend. Oh to be an empty-nester...

That's just my "Its almost the end of summer Mom talking! Summer with boys who choose video games and movies with friends over a Mom who wants to run the roads, shop, and expects rooms to stay clean,,,,imagine that. Gotta love em!

Just looking for something JOYFUL to blog about!

have a blessing enough day, b

Too Many Pillows

2009-07-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

.........DISCLAIMER, THIS IS NOT MY BED, just in the shop!!!

A new day, God has spoken a new JOY!
Have you ever wondered how many people make their beds in the morning when they get up…have you ever wondered why men think one extra pillow is too many??
Well, if I am honest, it is not something I do everyday, but most days I do, just because I love getting into a perfectly made up bed in the evening; it reminds me that the day is done, warmth and softness await me, kind of like I imagine the arms of God. (And trust me, I have been looking forward to resting in those arms this last week!) When I pull back the covers, I am thankful that I took the time to make it in the previous a.m. hour. There is just something different about getting into those smooth and straightened layers that make for a more peaceful end to the day. Crazy huh? Some may question why so much thought could be put into this daily ritual, this normal activity, but it is like everything else we should be thankful for in our day to day lives, a place to lay our heads, a safe and comfortable place, unlike many others in the world, especially all the men and women who are serving our country with little or no comforts when it comes time to rest. I am so grateful for their sacrifice. Maybe because my nephew was one of those brave servants for two years, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. We are so blessed by his safe return and the fact that he now lays his head comfortably at home with his wife and precious son in Brenham, Texas. And as I unmake my bed at night, I am reminded of how glad I am that my sister can lay her head down, knowing he is finally home and I am glad for the simple blessings of everyday life and for the JOY of pillows. Yes, those pillows that my husband says we have too many of and I gladly place back on the bed each morning, just because I can!
Thinking of our troops in the heat of this summer and their lack of simple comforts and praying them enough! b

Hands clasped, on my knees, but no words!

2009-07-27T20:43:00.010-05:00

This is where I find myself!

Jeremiah 29

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart....my favorite part of this scripture!

It is when I forget this passage and start thinking that God is somewhere else, that surely he has forgotten me,

it is when I stop seeking with all my heart, that I cease to feel JOY.

so I am praying that this is where the mighty work begins....

When we finally come to a place where the difficulties become so bad, where we've reached our limit, where we've tried everything and exhausted all our options, it is then that God begins a mighty work through us: "I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold" 1 Peter 1:6-7.

I pray us all enough!

In this Life

2009-07-23T07:59:00.006-05:00

“Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18b MSG).

My life became brighter almost 17 yeas ago, when this man entered into it. I can honestly say that he is more like Christ than any person I have ever met. Trust me, he is no God, he is a simple, sometimes goofy, normal guy who is devoted to his family and is proof that good and godly men do still exist! It is not his knowledge of the Bible or his strict beliefs or practices that make him Godly; it is merely the pure unconditional love he shows us that make him godlike! Almost always patient, hardly ever demanding, and absolutley never expects more than he is willing to give or do himself. He is dealing today with a crisis, something that may take all his strength and more. If I can only be that more! But he is handling it with the enormous strength, calm and resolve that I have seen in him throughout our years together. As our family depends on God for our future, we pray and trust that God will shine on him because he is truly a man after God's own heart! A man who fills my heart and life with, you guessed it, JOY!

JOY Personified

2009-07-13T19:37:00.002-05:00

Late May, for four days, I had this precious boy while his parents took an anniversary trip to New York. This picture is the true JOY that came forth at the sight of his parents after we had explained repeatedly to his two year old understanding that, "Mommy and Daddy had gone on an airplane and they would be back tomorrow". I started telling this little white lie on Thursday the first day in...as he had never been away from them for more than a night. And this GramB had never been brave enough to keep him for that period either. He sleeps through the night alot these days, but not always, enough said! Little did I know the adventure I had agreed to when I told my oldest son, Tyler that I would be glad to help keep him while they took a much needed trip together!

His other grandmother was out of town, so I was blessed with him for four nights and as many days. I can't express how much I enjoyed our time and finally being able to have my grandson spend not one night, but four. After a couple of sleepless ones, more me worrying about him, than him not sleeping, we made it...restful sleep from 9:30 to blessed daylight. It felt wonderful, an accomplishment only a new parent or an anxious grandparent can appreciate.

But the greatest of all was watching this precious baby light up at the sight of his parents in the baggage terminal at the airport. We went to meet them, merely thinking it would help him understand that his parents had gone on a trip and they were indeed returning, so he could wrap his little head around it. I never knew how watching him overflow with delight would overflow me! Joy personified!!

It did take him a few days to adjust, he hesitated at my door for a while, thinking his parent's might leave him for days again. I hated that, but this GramB is anxiously awaiting their next trip! Hmmmm, what creative inspiration might this bring! A security pillow with Mommy and Daddy's faces on it?????

Carol's Fork

2009-07-05T21:30:00.010-05:00

If you haven't ever heard the "keep your fork story"....you should google it! It's a wonderful story about anticipating Heaven like a great dessert. The kind of dessert you look forward to after a wonderful church potluck dinner or any dinner for that matter, enjoyed with friends and family, knowing the best is yet to come! This story was read at the memorial service of a dear friend who would be turning 55 this month if not for losing her battle with Cancer a little over a year ago. Although she did lose her battle, she never lost her fight or her faith in the midst of her trials. During the last two years of her life, with each test, treatment and transfusion, I witnessed a wonderful transformation. Instead of fading she became more brilliant. In her weakness God's strength could be seen, her thin face shown with the love of Christ, and she was filled with his spirit which carried her to the end. It was so painful yet so amazing to watch. In this month of July, I celebrate her life and a friendship that I will never forget, knowing she is now enJOYing her wonderful dessert and that yes, the best is truly yet to come! We should all be holding our forks with eager anticipation....b

Cherished Son(s)

2009-07-02T11:36:00.004-05:00

Luke 1:30-31
“And the angel said unto her,
Fear not, Mary; for thou has found
favour with God. And, behold thou
shalt conceive in thy womb, and
bring forth a son, and shalt call his
name JESUS.”

Imagine if all the women in the world
would trust God as Mary did…
the abundant blessings and joy we
could bring forth!

7th Joy, 2008

Six days into a vacation at home without my 13 and 15 year old boys in the house (they're hiking in Colorado with their Dad, the oldest of my four boys), I realize that their presence in my life is more cherished than I can express. The noise, the fights, the constant picking up of dirty socks and food wrappers is not such an annoyance....At my age, sometimes I think I should be an empty-nester by now, relaxing at a spa or taking romantic vacations with my husband. What was I thinking having more children so close to 40...And how old will I be, not to mention feel, when I get my last through college???!!!! But I realize today that they give my life such JOY, the joy that only God could give by entrusting us with his new creations. As I am reminded that my exceptional 27 year old son, soon to be a father of two himself, is nearing the age that as history tells us Mary lost Jesus; I can't fathom the short time allowed her to love and cherish her son. And I am extremely thankful for the many years that I have ahead of me to watch my boys grow and live wonderful lives, no matter my age, the noise, or the inevitable arguments. Motherhood, however difficult at times, is a true blessing, an opportunity to recognize that even dirty socks are a reminder of God's love.... NOW, Sunday when they return and I open the bags of dirty hiking clothes, food wrappers and you can bet, filthy socks, I'll need to reread this blog and remind myself of this love, without a doubt!!! b

Recognizing the Joy of Maturity

2009-06-29T12:31:00.007-05:00

They say that the dragonfly symbolizes the recognition of maturity, I'M THERE!!!! Walking along the beach with a cherished, almost life long friend this morning, I came to appreciate that maturity! It is now that I appreciate the years that have brought me here to this place, a half century old, but who's counting....a place where honesty with one's self is rejuvenating not devastating! I love this time but more than that, I love thinking of what the next half century (God willing) will hold! The deep friendships I have made to this point in my life, are few but so significant, that my JOY runneth over and my dragonfly wings lift me to new views of life everyday! Thank God for those beautiful views that can only be seen through a true friend's eyes....May your day be filled with such rejuvenation! b