Bliss

So I started the day with a plan.  It was a good plan.  Today my eating choices were all mapped out!  Oatmeal for breakfast, protein shake for lunch, chili w/veges for din din.  Sounds good, right?!  But then something happened after lunch as it always does.  I begin taking inventory of my pantry.  You know the routine, open the door and look for that certain something that says ah-ha!  Nothing speaks to you then you close the door.  Repeat 15 minutes later.  Meanwhile the fruit bowl is glaring at me as it over ripens!  O the tragedy of it all!
But then, but then, I opened the cabinet door again and HOT DIGGITY, there was a box of chocolates pushed to the back.  Now these aren't just any chocolates; these are from Havre de Grace.  These are made with love.  These are made with sweeter sugar!  These, alas, are made with smoother, darker chocolate.  Not all chocolates are created equal!!!  Say this outloud with me, "Chocolate is our friend!"
Do you know of Harve de Grace's sweet secret?   Hmmm, you're probably not interested.  You probably don't even care what chocolate passes between your lips.  Poor things!  For those few of you out there in cyber world I will share (not the chocolate) where your next destination stop is to be.

I made the picture XXX Large for you.  Notice there are some missing!  If you have not had the opportunity to visit Bomboy's candy shop, you have not yet thououghly lived.  Good news, it is not too late!
In addition, soon, very soon, the homemade ice cream shop directly across the street will be opening for summer.  SIGH.....  The candy shop takes you back to another time and place.  A place that is safe and young, and calories never, ever help you make a decision.
If I were truly a good friend, I'd share.  However, these were given to hubby and me so technically I already am sharing.  These are creamy peanut butter (his) and chocolate covered raisins (yours truly).
It's a happy, blissful day!

Nooks

I love old houses-the kind with character and nooks; window seats, alcoves and chunky moldings...sigh!  Clients will ask how to choose colors or ideas for a room.  If you have an 'inspiration piece'; that is the perfect place to start.  I found this vintage spice rack and knew this would jump start the flavor of my kitchen.  The walls became red, the curtains picked up the vintage flare and the layering began.  Sometimes an inspirational piece will be an Aubusson rug or an antique vase or a piece of heirloom furniture.  If you don't have a piece to start with, then think about what colors make you feel peaceful and happy.  Think about what style says; "yep that's me!"  Magazines are great for finding your style.  Our homes are an oasis from the outside.  I have no doubt that Proverbs woman number 31 had a lovely home that was warm and welcoming. 

It is well with my soul

My very favorite hymn is It Is Well With My Soul.  Do you know the story behind the song?

This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Horatio Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.



It Is Well With My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

I love the part highlighted in pink.  My old self, every part, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more!
I do not live under condemnation.  I am no longer who I once was.  The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in me and I am free of the sin that so easliy ensnares.  Praise God!
So when the waves are crashing all around, you can still say, it is well with my soul.
Blessings,
E.W.

The Letter

My parents gave my siblings and I a treasured hierloom this past Christmas.  My Grandmother would faithfully write her 3 boys, who were in the war, daily.  She would tell each of them what the others were doing, the goings on around home, and baseball score clippings cut-out from the newspaper.  My dad saved each precious letter he received from home.  I have been the benefactor of one of these letters.  My way-creative mom (she has more creativity in her pinky finger than I have in my whole body!) put together these hierlooms for each of us kids.  She framed a photcopy of the envelope and on the back of the picture frame she tucked the original letter from my Grandmother. 

These are the contents of my envelope.  Let me share with you a bit of this sweet letter...

Nelson Darling,

     We received your letter of the 26th today.  So glad you had a chance to go to Jacksonville.  You are some stuff staying at a hotel.  Bet you think you are a sport huh?  Just be sure you go with good company and don't go any place to get in any trouble.  We got a letter from Jackie today.  He said he is busier than when the war was on.  Said he was worried about you and Beanie said the same.  Try and write to them both.  Charles and grandma came out on the 10 o'clock bus this morning.  They are staying all night.  Dad got the car all back together today, finished about 1 p.m. he was all smiles...

She signs it:   Always your loving Mom, hugs and kisses  xoxoxoxo

Takes you back, hand written letters aged with time.  Thankfully some things don't change like a mother's love, and her constant concern for her children.  How precious!

Blessings,

E.W.

Quiet Time

Say Good Morning to the Lord!  Thank Him for a new day.  Before you jump into reading for your quiet time, acknowledge the One to whom you pray...

Lord I hold your Word in high regard because it is perfect, sure, pure, and clean (Psalm 19).  Father I delight in your Word.  I have a spiritual hunger to know you more.  Father I am willing to put forth a mighty effort to draw close to you.  Help me to deal with distractions that keep me from spending time with you.  Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who teaches me all the things you want me to know.  Lord thank you that when I walk away from spending time with you I am more radiant and joyful. 
I want to experience Christ as a versus' truth comes alive to me.  Use scripture to revive me, give me wisdom and discernment that I can apply what I glean to my family, my friends, and myself.  Fortify me to memorize scripture.  Open my eyes spiritually.  Shape my attitudes and spiritual perception.  Develop within me a spiritually receptive outlook.  Heighten my intellect so that I can understand the doctrines of the bible.  Holy Spirit illuminate the Word and guide me to apply the truths I learn.  Lord give me a genuine eagerness to study your Word daily.  Keep me teachable and obedient and diligent in studying your Word.
I praise you God for victory over deceitful , enslaving sins.  Thank you for Your promises and inner cleansings.  Thank you for your warnings of pitfalls to avoid.  Pierce my heart, show me my sin.  Help me to reckon with that which pulls me away from you.  May I live for an audience of one this day.
Stamp eternity on my eyes.  May I bless someone today pointing them to You.