Anne of Green Gables Layered Butterflies

 

 

Each matted and framed set of SIX tri-layered butterflies is going to come with 2 gift tags ~ one will have this lovely butterfly quote and the other will have the Anne of Green Gables quote about kindred spirits ... just in case they're being given as a gift :)

 

 

Does What I Believe Make a Difference?

Until Then Sweet Rose by John Waterhouse


Our conduct has a direct influence

on how people think about the gospel.

The world doesn't judge us by our theology;

the world judges us by our behaviour.

People don't necessarily want to know

what we believe about the Bible.

They want to see if what we believe

makes a difference in our lives.

Our actions either bring glory to

God or misrepresent His truth."

~ Mrs. Carolyn Mahaney ~

"Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

~ Matthew 5:16 ~

Abounding Treasures Shop Busy-ness!

I am happy to be back and to send my very best wishes to everyone once again!!

When I began crocheting dishcloths and handmaking cards, I had no intention of ever doing anything with it ~ most were for myself or family and friends.

A few blog friends suggested I open an Etsy shop and after considering it and praying about it, I did so in February of 2009.  I had my 1st sale the very day I opened and don't think I had another sale until MANY MONTHS later :o(

Somewhere along the way, I changed direction and began creating what I called whimsical collages and 3D art featuring butterflies and baby elephants and that has expanded to include so many others. 

Since May of last year, I've had 61 sales and I thank the Lord for each and every one and often wonder what He has in store with all of it.

This past Tuesday, I took some of my creations into a fairly new kids' store and they kept the 4 that I show in the collage above *on consignment*.  If they sell, we'll split the price 50/50 . . . of course, they may hang on their walls for quite some time or they may not sell at all.

Previous to that and since Christmas I've done quite a bit of custom pieces including a 16" X 20" canvas.


I've also been creating a new website, a Facebook page and updating my other blog to reflect more where my creative interests lie at this time, since the only handmade cards I create now are for family and special occasions.

Until April 27th, I'm holding a BABY SHOWER free GIVE-AWAY on Facebook for anyone who is expecting or knows someone who is expecting a Baby ANYTIME in 2011 -- drop by for a visit to read how you or someone you know could win FREE GIFTS :o)

I hope to post on this, the blog of my heart, a little more often than I have over the past several weeks as I've missed it and the dear ladies who drop by for a visit!!  I'll also try to visit all your blogs a little more often than I have over the past while ...

Blessings,

Caring for Hearth and Home

Daffodils by an Open Window by Stephen Darbishire

"The act of taking care of our homes
brings comfort and consolation
both in the enjoyments
of the fruits of our labor
and in the increasingly rare freedom
to engage in worthwhile,
unalienated, honorable work."

"No one is too superior or intelligent
to care for hearth and home."

~ Cheryl Mendelson ~

I am so blessed to be able to stay home, caring for our hearth and home and having the freedom to do as the Lord leads in my daily life.

Once our *children* were grown and gone, I often wondered how I would fill my days and now that I'm in the midst of that time of my life, I find that my days are full and often, I don't have the time to do or accomplish all that I'd like :o)

Blessings,

Wonderful Words of Life

This afternoon, I had the joy and privilege of sharing with a dying relative why I had peace in my soul while hovering at death's door almost 5 years ago.

I was able to share with him that the only reason I had peace about dying was that many years ago I had realized I was a lost, helpless sinner and that the Lord Jesus Christ had paid the penalty for my sins upon the cross of Calvary and I trusted in His finished work!

He thanked me for sharing my story with him and as his eyes closed, I told him that this was something that he could think about as he lay there and that I would be praying for him and his family.

I pray the Holy Spirit, in the still, quiet moments when he is awake, uses my faltering words to speak to his heart about his own soul ...

His time is very short now as the cancer has spread throughout his body and if the Lord ever brings this post across your heart or mind, prayer for him and his family would be gratefully appreciated.

Blessings to each of you and your dear families,

Summer Days

Summer Porch by Kevin Liang

My mom has been here 1 week already and it's been SO HOT that we've kept a low profile. I'm sure it's the same wherever most of you are and likely even HOTTER. I heard from one of my readers in the UK and they've been experiencing mostly rain!

I have relatives that love this heat and don't wilt like I do, but I am a *spring + autumn* kind of person :o)

We've been playing games in the evenings and sitting outside under the shade of the umbrella to enjoy the after-supper cooler breezes and it's been great!

We hope to go to our town's Farmer's Market this Saturday to buy fresh veggies harvested earlier that morning from the farmers' fields as well as see the crafts and homemade items that are always for sale ~ it's been about 2-4 years since either one of us has gone so it should be a special treat :o)

Blessings,

Brotherly Love

I had such a delightful time with my grandsons
while on my trip from early April to early May.

Blessings,

A Bright, Sunshiny Day

My Front Yard

My spirea is in full bloom, the grass is green and much healthier than last year and my bleeding heart bushes are delightful ... a bright, sunshiny day filled with pleasant errands and a barbeque at supper to top it off :o)

My antibiotics were never changed or added to last week, but I am feeling much better in relation to my infected sinuses ... I can breathe out of both sides of my nose now and after 5 weeks of NOT being able to, that's something I don't think I'll ever take for granted again :o)

I don't believe I ever had impetigo at all but rather cold sores because I also got 2 on my lip. When I noticed that, I decided to put some of my anti-viral ointment around my nose and that's the moment it started to heal . . . no wonder the antibiotics didn't help it at all -- it was not a bacterial infection like the sinus problem!!

I still have a couple more days of the antibiotics and then I should be back to normal once again, whatever that is!!

I was informed by the post-transplant nurse that *sometimes* people in my situation need STRONGER antibiotics for a LONGER TIME than non-transplant people because of our immune systems being suppressed ...

I'm on my way out the door to do a few errands and to buy my mom's early birthday present because she's coming to visit us at the end of July and it will be easier to keep it here for her than sending it across the country!

This morning, I put up a small strawberry hummingbird feeder in my front yard under our big maple tree and how it all came about is really sweet.

We have a couple of *things* hanging from the tree that I can enjoy from my kitchen sink window ~ one is a long red twirler and the other is a small wind chime that my husband repaired by adding a small red butterfly clip on the end of the string that would catch the wind and then help make the chimes tinkle.

As I was washing some dishes last week, I noticed a gorgeous emerald green hummingbird first try the red twirler and then actually try EACH side of the red butterfly clip to get something to eat!

She must have been so disappointed to find neither of them gave anything and I felt so badly that she graced me with her presence and I had nothing out there to offer. They must be attracted to red because she didn't try the other wind chime!??

Hence, the new feeder this morning :o)

Trust you all have a blessed day,

Sinus Infection PLUS :o(

It turns out that I was right all along and when I saw the Dr last Friday, he confirmed that I most definitely had a sinus infection and he prescribed a round of antibiotics ~ I take them 3 times a day for the next 2 weeks.

The sinus infection had in turn caused me to develop that awful childhood skin disease known as impetigo and I'm beginning to wonder if amoxicillin even attacks this kind of infection!

I took my 1st dose Friday evening and have NOT noticed any improvement at all and it's been 4 days already ~ this is not looking good and need I even mention how sore and crusty the right side of my poor nose is :o)

Usually having impetigo isn't all that serious from what I've gathered on the internet, but because of all the immunosuppressants I take as a result of my heart transplant, I'm open for all sorts of complications that could be quite serious.

Because of this, I'm going to phone later this morning for some expert advice directly from the staff at the post-transplant clinic that I frequent every year. They will have more experience dealing with this sort of infection with other heart transplant patients over the years and can tell me which antibiotics are the best to take. If they suggest it, I'll return to my doctor's as well so he can see how things are -- or should I say, *aren't*?!!!

I look forward to possibly feeling like myself again :o)

The painting is by Susan Mink Colclough from *allposters*

Home Again

I had a wonderful time with family and friends but I was so glad to get home ... to be reunited with my dear husband and to once again realize how blessed I am.

I spent a week at my son and dau-in-law's home and was thrilled to be a part of my grandsons' lives during that time. It gave me a much better idea of their little personalities and how much I love them.

We played, sang songs and my oldest grandson was delighted by the alphabet book that I took with me, just for him :o)

By the middle of that week, the two little ones and then their Mommy, came down with colds. Daddy missed it altogether and I only got a throaty cough out of it, that didn't seem to get any worse or better for the duration of the trip.

I spent lots of time here and there over the entire 4 weeks with my daughter and my mom; a little time here and there with my sister and a dear friend as well as snippets of time with my brother and other friends and an aunt and uncle! Needless to say, I was super busy most of the time and when I arrived back at my Mom's -- I was able to rest a bit :o)

Last Thursday morning, I awoke with a full-blown cold complete with stuffed up head, achy muscles, cough and sinus pain :o(

I am thankful that this didn't happen until I returned home ... I don't know about you, but I feel much more comfortable being sick at home!

I hope that I feel more like doing something this week than I did last :o)

As one of my commenters said, I have returned home with all sorts of wonderful memories filling my heart and I am so thankful that I was able to make this trip!!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Rainy Days and Mondays

Raindrops by Dratch and Beringer - All Posters

I can hardly believe it's only 9 days until I take my trip :o)

This last week is going to be very busy!!

In addition to my regular homemaking, I'm preparing additional cooking and baking to set in the freezer for my husband and son, driving a couple of people to their medical appointments and blood tests and a bone density scan for me later in the week.

Rainy days are my least favourite times to do grocery shopping but the hungry refrigerator is calling out for a refill of fresh fruit and veggies :o)

I finished my daughter's afghan last week so now it's a matter of hoping that my largest suitcase is big enough to hold the afghan and all the things I have to take.

My smaller carry-on case on wheels is going to have to hold enough meds for 30 days so it's going to be pretty full :o)

Tonight's menu is going to be simple and easy to prepare ~ baked macaroni and cheese with a salad on the side.

Have a great day!

What a Day!

This was me, just before supper!

My husband was going to do an errand downtown so the plan was for him to drop me off at Wal Mart to pick up my prescription and to return a purse that I'd purchased.

On the way to the car I decided to check our mailbox and as I was walking, my feet slid from under me and I went down just like this fellow to the left, with a painful thud :o(

Sand had been sprinkled on the icy driveway just the other day so I hadn't realized how slippery it still was. My son came out of the house and with the help of both of them, I was able to stand, thankful that I didn't have any broken bones!

But talk about swelling and a huge, very tender bruise ~ both probably made more intense by the prednisone that I've been taking for 4 years! The throbbing, burning pain in that area on the front of my right leg, just below the knee is constant as well so I'll leave it overnight and if by Sunday afternoon the swelling and pain haven't decreased a little, I may go to our Emergency Department to see if X-rays should possibly be taken, just to make sure.

Also, the nurse from the Transplant Clinic phoned to tell me the doctors have decided that I should decrease my prednisone from 7.5mg to 7mg tomorrow and then about 3 weeks before my annual check-up and biopsy, decrease to 6mg.

It seems that they want to be very careful with me in regards to this because my body in the past has apparently reacted more more than the average person to small changes. At least I know that they are taking everything into consideration and then are making the decision that they think is best and I appreciate that very much!

It's still not my personal goal, but I have to be realistic. I also rest in the comforting fact that the Lord Himself is over all of this and realize that perhaps 5mg is no longer enough for me . . . time will tell.

UPDATE: Because of the bruising and swelling, the soreness extends to ALL the muscles up and down my leg and it's VERY sore but there are no broken bones so I am very thankful for that :o)

Blessings,

A Few of My Favourite Things

I had great fun using Big Huge Labs
to create this unique mosaic
which shows just some of the things
that make my heart sing :o)

CLICK on it to get a better view :o)

A Change of Plans

I've got a few more minutes before heading out the door as the result of a change of plans :o)

I've known for several days that I had to pick up a friend later this afternoon and drive her to the hospital for a CAT scan and then get gas and drive her home again.

But, when my son got up this morning, something else got thrown into the mix!

The top of his right eyelid is extremely swollen and the eye is half closed as a result ~ it looks terrible :o(

Knowing that I had this other appointment and that he wouldn't want to sit virtually all day in the emergency department waiting to be seen, I phoned our family doctor's office and explained the situation and they told me to bring him in around 2pm! I was so thankful because it's not usually that easy to be seen the same day that you phone!!

He has another appointment tomorrow morning so I'll get the few grocery items that I still need afterwards.

I am now really glad that I decided late last night to put the meat, onions and carrots in my slow cooker with some water and a large can of diced tomatoes to simmer overnight!

Supper will be ready and waiting no matter what time we get back home ... all I have to do about 30 minutes before we eat is add some left-over rice and noodles to the green beans and diced potatoes that I added a couple of hours ago!

I pray that whatever is causing this swelling in his eyelid area isn't serious and the doctor will not only know what's causing it, but what to do for it :o)

UPDATE: The doctor isn't sure what is causing the red, extremely swollen eyelid but has prescribed an antibiotic eye ointment that should cause major improvement in about 2 days ~ if it doesn't, he's to go back Thursday!

An Opportunity for Honesty

An opportunity for honesty arose about 10 days ago when shopping at Wal-Mart.

I bought 3 identical scrapbooking items for only $1.40 each and by the time I arrived home, I realized that the checkout person had only charged me for 2 of them!

Well, being the way that I am, I was immediately struck with the knowledge that I would have to take them back and let them know.

I popped in a couple of days later when my son was in surgery and told them. The young woman said, "You're a very rare person!"

I wasn't sure what to say or how to explain it, but said, "As a Christian, my conscience would bother me! Knowing that I hadn't paid for the items, I wouldn't be able to enjoy using them!!

She proceeded to ring in the 3rd one and I paid her ~ she was still amazed that I would bother to come back for such a paltry sum.

I know what I said was a feeble explanation but I pray that the Lord might use it to speak to her, sometime down the road . . .

Blessings,




UPDATE: I only shared this experience to try to illustrate how wonderful it is to live one's life before the Lord and not before the world, not to *toot my own horn* as the saying goes.

For those who are NOT already saved by the grace of God, know that you may hide things from the eyes of others, but NOTHING is hid from the eyes of God.

Crown of the Aged

The Sweetest Flower by Alan Murray

The Grandchild

With strong pink fingers
Closed tightly around yours,
The circle becomes complete.

As you gaze adoringly
Into your new grandchild's eyes,
You can see your own child
And yourself.

You take a step back in time
To the day this child's parents
Was first held so lovingly
In your own arms,
And the love you felt then
Sweeps over you afresh,
Bringing a wave of nostalgia,
A mist of tears
And torrents of love and joy.

This child, your crowning glory,
Loved for itself and for the love
You have for own child,
Is a blessing from the LORD
And a crown of delight.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks, 1995

~ Dedicated to My 2 Grandsons ~

Heart Hugs by Kathryn Fincher

"Children’s children are the crown of old men."

~ Proverbs 17:6 ~

I fell in love with this delightful poem! I can't say that I'm aged just yet . . . but according to scripture, grandchildren are my crown :o)

What a blessing and privilege from the Lord . . .

May my heart be for their young souls and may I keep them held up before the Throne of Grace, as I pray for their salvation while young and tender in years and for their preservation as the years of their lives pass by!

Happenings at Home

My Mondays are for laundry and grocery shopping and whatever else has to fit in and as per usual, yesterday was a busy one!

I did 2 loads of laundry and tidied the bathroom and of course, washed all sorts of dishes, several times :o)

On Friday, we had barbequed 5 chicken legs and before they are put on the BBQ, I parboil them for about 20 minutes or so and add onions, celery and carrots and some low sodium chicken bouillon powder so I have a broth almost ready for homemade soup once they are ready for the BBQ.

Yesterday morning I skimmed off the fat and put the broth into my small slow cooker with a handful of long grain rice and left it on low while I went out to get gas and groceries. When I got home shortly before 1 pm, I made myself a small salad and was able to have a cup filled with hot, tasty soup before I divided the rest for tomorrow's lunch and the freezer.

Because it was a beautiful, sunny, breezy fall day, I decided to make spareribs for supper and parboiled them while I ate.

I removed them from the water and placed them in my small roasting pan, poured the honey-garlic sauce over them and placed the covered roaster in the oven with the timer on so could bake s-l-o-w-l-y while I drove my son to his doctor's appointment.

Once supper rolled around, I added broccoli, new buttercup squash, white long grain rice and tomato and cucumber slices and we had a tasty meal.

Today, I'm doing another load of laundry and then after lunch, it's off to the dentist ~ not my favourite place to go :o(

Because we have insurance coverage for it, I'm now going every 3 months for something called *scaling* which I think is when they scrape your teeth [sounds UNexciting!] and this was the suggestion of my dentist since it prevents more cavities!

Today's appointment is for a full-fledged bi-annual check-up so that should be loads of fun :o)

Because of my heart transplant, I'm supposed to be extremely careful about the care of my teeth so preventative maintenance is the only way to go!

To prevent possible infection when any bleeding occurs, I also have to take 2000mg of an antibiotic 1 hour before every single appointment that I have.

Tonight's our weekly Bible reading and prayer meeting night so that should be a blessing to everyone!

Have a fabulous day,

Individuality Shines Through Every Aspect

Being a keeper at home, with OR without children, is one of the most creative jobs in the world.

This is because my individuality shines through every single aspect of how I care for my husband and/or children or our home.

It shows itself in every room I decorate, every meal I prepare, each new skill I learn, every job I tackle, every project I undertake and I answer to the Lord Himself, One who is more interested in my family and I than we could ever imagine!

Even though there are tasks that have to be done over and over again, I can do them when I want to and in the way that I want .... a freedom I wouldn't enjoy were I on someone else's schedule in a place of business.

I have often heard it said that by being a *keeper at home*, a person is missing out on doing something really worthwhile with their talents and their lives.

I disagree!

• How is it more important to pack someone else's groceries into bags than it is to do your own grocery shopping?
• How is it more important to teach someone else's children to read, than your own?
• How is it more worthwhile to type letters for an employer than it is to write to those you love and share aspects of your lives or just encourage each other?
• How is it more meaningful if I go out to clean other people's houses while they're working than it is to clean and care for my own little dwelling?
• How is it in my children's best interests that I go out to work and let some other person take care of them daily and be rewarded with their *firsts* as well as their moment by moment joys and sorrows?

Since the Lord has enjoined me to and enabled me, I'd rather stay at home and work on behalf of those I love, than work daily for an employer who has no personal interest in me nor I in him or her.

ADDENDUM: It seems in these days of 2-income families, even amongst Christians, this is a subject that is very often avoided altogether for fear of treading on toes, but I have seen and am presently witnessing the damage done to families and marital relationships:

• when wives work full time and someone else cares for the children ...

• when wives sometimes earn more than their husbands and feel independant,

• when the Lord's teaching in Titus 2 and elsewhere is said to be old fashioned and out of date and just not possible, especially in big cities, because of the high cost of living.
  

It's really sad and there is virtually NO teaching on it from the pulpit because there seems to be a fear of stepping on toes or upsetting the apple cart so to speak :o(

As you can tell, it's a subject very dear to my heart and a matter of prayer in these latter days!

Blessings,




Teacups by Zoe Elizabeth Norman
China Cabinet by Susan Wheeler