loving today

1. Black spotted feather stamp by Extase
2. Redecorated teapot Madeleine by Celinda Versluis
3. Custom OOAK fabric doll by Made By Agah
4. Bird and vines necklace by Iluxo
5. Hearts in flight soap set by The Charming Frog
6. Oatmeal pullover pattern by Jane Richmond

on John 5, and getting up!

Our hyper-vigilant, but thankfully always mistaken, fire alarm woke me up at 5:30am, and after rolling about for a bit I finally decided to just get up. What better time than this to consider John 5!

The chapter tells of Bethesda, and a miracle Jesus performed there. Bethesda was a pool with five porches at which sick people would wait for a miraculous healing:

“For an angel of the Lord went down at appointed seasons into the pool and moved and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was cured of whatever disease with which he was afflicted.

There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years.

When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]

The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come [into it] myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me.

Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!

Instantly the man became well and recovered his strength and picked up his bed and walked…” (John 5:4-9).

As I read that, I wondered if many of us go through life like that, just “lying there [helpless]”, having already “been a long time in that condition”. We mope about, wallowing in dejection and self-pity, perhaps even expecting somebody else to pick us up, to “put us into the pool”, perhaps thinking defeatist thoughts about how other people always get ahead of us.

We say we’re believing God for miraculous breakthroughs, and yet do nothing but keep a negative confession and a pathetic, negative attitude.

I thank God I’m no longer in that deep rut of depression, just “lying there [helpless]” and complaining, but I know I’m not where I need to be yet. Having occasional bouts of “helplessness” and negativity is very frustrating in its own way. In my spirit I know it is no way for a victorious Christian to act, and yet… “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”.

I think there’s a definite lesson for me in these verses. When the man had told Jesus what his problem was – and it actually did sound pretty bad to me – Jesus didn’t go, “Aw, poor you… yeah, you’ve got every reason to just lie there sad and depressed”.

Instead, He said, “Get up!” (note exclamation mark!)

“Get up!” Whenever I’m tempted now to wallow in useless self-pity and negativity, whenever I take a perverse pleasure in being dismal and pessimistic, I remind myself of Jesus’ rousing, energising command.

“Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

It’s interesting that Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]” It’s like He was asking, “Do you really want to overcome this? Or are you actually content to just stay stuck in your familiar, comfortable, miserable rut? Are you prepared to make a real effort and rise up in faith in order to see God’s power at work?”

It is an effort to pick ourselves up, to take those steps of faith, one after another after another… keeping a good attitude, and staying positive and peaceful all the while. Trust me, I know.

Jesus told the man to “Get up!” and the man did – he took that literal step of faith. He believed Jesus had the power to heal him, that Jesus was willing to, and had, in fact, already done so.

I believe God expects us to do our part, to do what we can. Then when we get up and walk in faith, He takes care of the rest. I know, through conviction and experience, that when I make that effort, suddenly I find that I’m on my feet, and that I’m well.

loving today

1. Wooden locket – Circles by So Little Time Co
2. Orchard - a modern design print by Finka Studio
3. Papertown house and ice cream shop by Neskita
4. Origami stars cake toppers by The Unbirthday Party
5. Sailor Boy print on wood by Petit Collage
6. Five paper necklaces with moveable parts by Ranzangel

eeBoo

Look what I found today! eeBoo.com!

eeBoo describe themselves as a boutique toy manufacturer that specialises in useful, beautiful and well-made educational games and gifts.

Their products are sold in both specialty toy stores and high-end gift shops, as well as museum stores, bookstores, art supply stores and other non-big box venues. eeBoo creates refreshing toys and gifts that are 100% original (no licenses) and commission their artwork from well-known and well-loved children’s book illustrators.

Just look at these goodies -- aren't they lovely!

1. Fairytale activity book
2. I Never Forget a Face matching game
3. Wildlife matching game
4. Pre-school Lotto game

I'm also digging the adorable flash cards :)

on John 3, and getting caught in the act

Well, I am happy to say that we are just going to quietly repair the roof. I am so much more at ease now. As Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good". So yay.

In other news, I have finished really reading the Gospel of John, but just didn't have time to share my thoughts on each chapter. I was in fact led to read the Gospel of Mark next, which I'm midway through now.

John 3 is a lovely chapter because it is full of verses describing God's boundless love and goodness. There's the famous 3:16 of course, but this chapter has so much more than just that.

"And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross],

In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.

He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation -- he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]

The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil.

For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved.

But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are -- wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him]" (John 3:14-21).

One thing I've definitely noticed about having a closer walk with God, it's that feeling of "coming out into the Light", having my works "plainly shown to be what they are" -- they're often far below the bar, unfortunately, but now I am far more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings and convictions, so that bit by bit I am overcoming them.

It's strange how, before I started having this closer walk with God, I was quite content to dwell in the darkness, and carry on there as if nothing was wrong. How often do we do our own thing, indulging our carnal desires, and ignoring the little nudgings in our spirit, the gentle promptings of God, that try to tell us that what we're doing just isn't right, and isn't going to bless us, or anyone else.

We think we're ok if we're not completely evil, and yet we indulge in daily little bites of meanness, cruelty, selfishness, ill-temper... and then get upset if anyone even vaguely points it out to us. We think we're ok if no one witnesses our compromises, our transgressions, our "lapses", if no one knows what goes on in private.

Now I feel terrible if I even have a mean thought, and if I actually do something I know grieves God, well -- it's like when Dr Evil has the searchlights turned on him as he tries to escape from prison. I'm glad of the Holy Spirit's convictions now, of getting "caught in the act" as it were; I know I'm being guided, led "into a level country and into the land of uprightness" (Ps 143:10).

"O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling" (Ps 43:3)

"Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]" (Col 3:12-14).

loving today

1. Begonia blouse by Kelsey Genna
2. Golden bronze half moon necklace by Round House Jewelry
3. Baby ballet bag by Opelle Creative
4. Pressed lace scallop necklace by Another Feather
5. Suspended Stars necklace by Sandi Carrico
6. Saddle belt in silver leather by Ayelet Shachar

loving today

1. Demoiselle, a ball-joint ballerina by Madam Edgar
2. Heartland cargo wrap skirt by Pyxus Passion Project
3. Miniature doll body parts from Theresa Hutnick
4. Flying Lessons necklace by Tell Tale Silver
5. Cat's pads in the book bookmark by Honey Case2
6. Chalkboard on a stick by Mister Mustache

little kid necklaces

I've got new charm necklaces in the shop now, for kiddos or grown-ups! They're simple, comfortable pieces that are perfect for everyday. Their cheerful colours go with anything -- my own kiddos regularly wear their fruit necklaces :)

loving today: dollhouses!

Inspired by happy homes and lovely neighbours :)

1. Emily's dollhouse - pop-up house with accessories by Sarabande Press
2. Green with Envy dollhouse by PlayPretend
3. Vintage Victorian dollhouse from Little Red Polka Dots
4. Dollhouse by Jackgar
5. Sun House by MamaMade Them
6. Modern dollhouse by Manzanita Kids
7. Birch wood Victorian dollhouse model kit by Phoenix Laser
8. Victorian dollhouse by Green Mountain Laser

on peace, and loving thy neighbours

They don't have these problems in Sylvania.

My in-laws have these neighbours who are real... not nice people. I kinda sensed it before, but now it's definitely confirmed.

It's hard to tell whether it's because they're uneducated, or uncultured, or plain selfish, or all of the above. But they're the sort of people who don't do anything about their house unless it's negatively affecting their comfort. If it's affecting their neighbour's comfort, well, it really isn't their problem.

This would be fine if they were living quite apart in some isolated, distant mansion, but unfortunately they're not -- my in-laws are their neighbours and they live in semi-detached houses, which means they are connected -- very much stuck together -- on one side.

I think their relationship soured ages ago when my mother-in-law finally felt compelled to tell them that dogs needed to be trained to obey their owner's command to stop barking, and that this required dedicated effort and consistency. These people were into dog breeding, if you can believe it -- and had several large-breed dogs in their home which they neither understood nor trained.

The dogs would bark non-stop at virtually anything that moved, and that included my in-laws -- despite the fact that they saw them more than once every single day. My in-laws concluded that although they were, to all appearances, intelligent, trainable breeds like German Shepherds and Labs, they were deficient in brains because they had been inbred. I suppose it didn't help that they were never taken out or played with, and were therefore bored out of their skulls.

Anyway, these neighbours have been having roof troubles for quite awhile now. However, rather than give their roof a complete overhaul, with quality materials and workmanship, they've just been patching it up here and there, wherever and whenever the leaks start affecting their home.

Almost needless to say, they don't choose the best kind of people for the job either, presumably in an effort to cut costs -- this was most clearly evidenced when, some years ago, during one of their little stop-gap patch-ups, their workmen damaged my in-laws' roof so badly that they could actually look up through their wardrobe at the stars.

You'd think, when they were told about it, they'd have gone something like, "O no! We're so sorry, we'll send the men over to fix it right away!" No. Instead, the husband (a retired Major! hello gallantry, honour, integrity, etc etc!) rudely told my mother-in-law that there was no way his men -- carelessly throwing stuff and clambering on my in-laws' roof -- could have done it, and that she was being difficult. She was forced to let him into their bedroom during a thunderstom so he could see for himself the water gushing into her closet.

So -- that's what Mr Major is like. His wife, a schoolteacher (!), the sort of lady who sits on the porch with her whole head in curlers, reading the papers while her husband does the housework, aids and abets him in his immaturity and boorishness.

About a year ago, my in-laws started noticing substantial leakage in their dining room -- on the side they share with their dear neighbours. They called their own roof fellow in, who found that the water was in fact being forced in from the Major's home, through some clogging in his roof drainage system.

However, on telling him this in the hopes that he would fix it, he said -- yep, you guessed it -- it wasn't his problem. So my in-laws -- anxious to avoid fighting with him -- put up with it.

For months they lined that whole area in the dining room with towels, and shuddered with worry every time there was a rainstorm. My husband was seething the entire time, but they told him to let it be. So he did.

Finally, whatever was clogged up in the Major's roof became so bad that it finally forced its way out into their home, and so then he really had no choice but to call in the experts. And lo and behold -- as soon as they fixed whatever it was, the leaking in my in-laws' dining room stopped completely. My in-laws were thankful, despite the fact that the wall and ceiling there are now damaged and discoloured.

Now, similar bad leaking has started in an upstairs bedroom -- yup, on that side -- and the roof guy has told my in-laws that it is again water being forced in from the Major's ill-kept roof. The damage is quite alarming -- besides the bad water stains, it has caused considerable warping in the ceiling. This time, my husband dealt with the Major. And guess what Mr Major told him? "I don't want to talk about it, it's not my problem" (and Mrs Schoolteacher on the side added, "It's hot. Let's go").

The especially stupid part about the whole thing was that when my husband said that he needed Mr Major's permission for the roof guys to go up on to his roof, because the problem was on his side, he actually said ok. He was basically telling us that it was our problem, that he wasn't going to do anything to help, but that sure, we could go ahead and fix his roof.

Kev kept his temper throughout, for which I'm proud of him, given his intolerance of bullying and idiocy. But he did rant about it to me, and I in my turn got upset. In fact, I continued being upset about it the entire day, and frankly, even now, days after, I'm still disturbed when I think about it.

On the superficial level, I'm disturbed that Kev got spoken to like that. I'm disturbed that the situation wasn't dealt with amicably and fairly. But on a deeper level, I'm disturbed that there really are such people in the world. Not outrightly evil people, but people who really are criminally unethical, dishonourable and small.

I'm upset that after all my efforts to be pleasant and courteous to them, the fact is they still hate our guts. I'm upset that they manage to make me think uncharitable thoughts about them. I mean, I actually find myself thinking, how can she possibly be a teacher? What school does she teach at?? Which poor children are under her mean, small-minded tutelage?

And I'm upset that they drive Kev to think of ways of effectively dealing with them. His brother says they are hoodlums and must be dealt with hoodlumishly, and he agrees; it's the only language such people understand.

Kev wants to pursue a legal course, and honestly, I'm more than half in support of that. But it's hard to reconcile it with my faith. I hate conflict, I hate strife; I am largely a "let it go" kind of person.

"You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also.

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles]...

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;

But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven... For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?

And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:38-48).

It isn't easy. One can't be a doormat, and yet I'm not at peace in my spirit with things like damage suits. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

The Bible tells us to "Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace" (Eph 4:3). "Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!" (Ps 34:14).

Am I striving earnestly enough? Am I craving and pursuing peace enough?

Trust me, I know where Kev's coming from. I feel the injustice of it all. I feel indignant for him and for my in-laws. But I've told Kev that we must not act in anger; we must be scrupulous and fair, not malicious or vindictive, and of course he agrees. He says he simply wants a disinterested third party to authoritatively see that justice is done. That is roughly what justice systems are in place for I suppose. Human justice systems.

Peter asked Jesus, "How many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times?" And Jesus answered him, "I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!" (Matt 18:21-22).

Well so far, Kev is not into the forgiving or loving thy neighbour thing. I mean, he does have to pay for the repairs. So I've been praying about this, for peaceful resolution and healing of relationships. I've been praying for Kev, because really, you need a certain wisdom, inner peace, and strength of character to deal with the likes of Mr Major and his wife. And I've been praying for myself; I definitely need divine help to keep "a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men" (Acts 24:16).

little kid satchels

I've got new little kid satchels in the shop now! I made this messenger-style satchel especially for young children. I based it on the satchels I made for my own kids to carry their stuff in when we go out, or to keep the things they pick up along the way -- like bank brochures! I prefer having the bag carried across the body so that my kids always have their hands free. And isn't it so much better when they help carry some of their own stuff??

R and a couple of her own satchels.

lookie-look

High Priestess necklace by Bones And Things

loving today

1. Buckaroo concho pet tag by Urban Puppy
2. 1940's milk chocolate bow pumps from Prance And Swagger
3. Desert copper and brass segment necklace by Fail Jewelry
4. Luella in pablo weave by A Rebyc Design
5. Hibernation journal by Catwalk
6. Goldmann leather messenger shoulder bag by Chic Leather

John 2, and just doing it

Just do this.

I am happy to say that I have been keeping up with my real reading of the Gospel of John! Honestly, I now find so much that is noteworthy and of value in every single chapter. It obviously makes a lot of difference when one consciously chooses to read, indeed study, with sincere concentration.

I'm doing two chapters a day, as each chapter is fairly long, and I don't want to feel overwhelmed, and start cutting corners.

In Chapter 2, Jesus performs his first miracle, turning water into wine:

"And when the wine was all gone, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no more wine!

Jesus said to her, [Dear] woman, what is that to you and to Me? [What do we have in common? Leave it to Me.]...

His mother said to the servants, Whatever He says to you, do it" (John 2:3-5).

Wasn't Mary great? She didn't get all negative, or freak out. She knew who to go to when there was a problem. And she had no doubts that Jesus could, and would, take care of it.

"Just do it". That's supposed to Nike's nifty tagline right? The line, coupled with images of powerful athleticism, basically implies that with Nike's products, we average folk can be as awesome, overcoming odds and opponents, emerging triumphant, whether in sports or in life -- we just need to "do it" -- no questions, no reasonings, no fear or dread.

How wonderful if we really lived our lives like that -- following God's directions, without questions, reasonings, fear or dread, holding fast to our faith and confidence that God can and will help us overcome all our odds and opponents.

There'll be times in life where we're out of wine, or hope, or joy or peace -- but thank God we have a Saviour who cares about us and wants to help us. It may not always be in the most expected or conventional way -- Mary might perhaps have just expected Jesus to pop out to the nearest store -- but He will help us.

"For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]" ( Heb 4:15-16).

Isn't that wonderful?

Truth is, I've been facing some things lately and, unfortunately, have not been having a "Just Do It" attitude. It's been more along the lines of, "O no, this is terrible, there's no wine, my whole party is ruined", embellished with, "Poor me, why don't I have wine, do I even have water, how will I get through this".

Writing this now, I feel the Holy Spirit reminding me again of all my blessings, and how God meets all my needs, without fail.

"Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God" (Ps 43:5).

Like the servants who obeyed without question, who exerted and applied themselves and filled the stone pots with water, I will keep pressing on in faith.

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "... humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully".

When we're out of wine (or hope, or joy or peace), it's easy to fall prey to discouragement, despair, hopelessness and depression. But verses 8 to 9 remind us to resist the devil and be firm in faith.

"Whatever He says to you, do it". Thank God for your party, thank God for your water and your orange juice and your coffee and your hot chocolate, even if you don't have wine. But don't forget too -- through conviction and real experience -- that God works miracles in your life continually, that He cares about you, and His plans for your life are good.

loving today

1. The Perfect Match handwoven baskets by Tipico
2. Nights pale khaki pillow cover by Knife In The Water
3. Geometric blue triangles canvas tote by Little Bright Studio
4. Vintage German glass bead necklace by Porterness
5. Sailors ocean blue geometry necklace by The Polkadot Magpie
6. Victoria wraparound turtleneck shirt by Tangente

good day!

One of a batch of custom-order Hep Cat pin sets. I think I'd like to do some with him quoting Shakespeare :)

on B's nose, courage and joy

So poor Beck's cold descended into acute sinusitis and otitis media, and she finally had to have a nasopharyngoscopy. She'd had horrible nasal congestion and a bad phlegmy cough for pretty much the entire June holidays, and had already been to see two different GPs (which honestly just tells me that you shouldn't see a GP except for the most basic of ailments -- the kinds which you could just as soon get treated by the nearest pharmacist).

In case you don't know, nasopharyngoscopy is a procedure which enables an ENT specialist to examine the internal surfaces of the nose and throat. A local anesthetic is squirted in the nose, then a fiberoptic nasopharyngoscope is used. This basically involves inserting a tube through the nose and down the throat (because the tube has its own eyepiece and light, you can actually follow its movements on a TV screen). Yep.

Well, if you've ever had this procedure done, then you'll know that the things they use look like torture devices. They're big and long and metallic -- B was definitely not relishing having to have them pushed up her nose. But -- though she was clearly afraid -- she just gritted her teeth and went through with it. And for that I am so very proud of her.

The whole thing took quite awhile, because the goop in there also had to be vacuumed out, but B kept her head still, and her spirits up, the entire time. And at the end of it, she joyfully declared, "I feel so much better now!"

That's the wonderful thing about Becks -- her unfailing joy; her positive, upbeat attitude. Though she was very uncomfortable, and hacking a great deal throughout the holidays, and had to, as a consequence, spend her vacation largely at home, she remained her usual lively, cheery self.

Part of her aftercare now includes rinsing out her sinuses twice a day; this involves squirting an entire bottle of saline solution up her nose. While she prepares for this process with dramatic groans and laments, she goes through it with good-natured patience (the rinse was apparently developed by a "Dr Mehta"; for some reason there is a duck on the box declaring this. B says that's Duckter Mehta).

Like Kipper in her collar, B does not let circumstances get her down.

Not too long back, we saw the emergence of one of B's first adult teeth -- while her baby tooth was still in place. Double-rowed shark teeth aren't really what you want in a human, so we kept a watch on that adult tooth pushing its way up behind the baby one.

After awhile, because the baby tooth showed no signs of coming out, or even being a little bit shaky, I told B I'd have to bring her to the dentist to get the situation evaluated. The mere thought of tooth extraction can strike fear even in grown men, so it was no surprise that B got really anxious and fearful.

What was a surprise was that she told me that her school has a resident dentist, and that she would go see the dentist herself. And you know what -- she did. The dentist told her to keep shaking her baby tooth, and to go back for weekly reviews. And Becks faithfully did (of her own accord, for which I also applaud her). But the baby tooth was stuck firmly in place.

Then, after about three or four weeks, B came back with her baby tooth in an envelope -- she had gone to the dentist herself and had it extracted.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear", said Mark Twain. Better yet, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control" (2 Tim 1:7).

I am so very glad that Becks has that. And I am so glad too that she has that innate joy and good-naturedness, that ability to truly live in the now, and be peaceful and positive in spite of circumstances. May I never ruin -- or even weaken -- that wonderful, sunny nature with negative, critical, harsh or belittling words or behaviour.

Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it". I pray that B will always guard her joyful heart, all the days of her life, and that I will faithfully help her do so.

The way a joyful heart looks after having their nose vacuumed.

Great Balls Of Fire and loving today

There wasn't anything much to watch on the movie channel last night except Great Balls Of Fire, the "biographical" Jerry Lee Lewis film from 1989. I thought it a fun, frivolous sort of movie, nothing really in-depth, but the music was great naturally, and of course -- Winona Ryder looked adorable as Lewis' cousin Myra (who was 13 when he married her).

There's one particularly inane scene where Dennis Quaid, as Lewis, drives over to Myra's school; somehow, the song "High School Confidential" starts playing really loudly -- presumably blasting from Lewis' state-of-the-art car stereo -- and all the kids start dancing outside the school, on the stairs, on the pavement, and even around the car (some of them even pop open the hood while dancing; not sure about that). Well, one can't really analyse such a scene too much, but gee -- the clothes sure were cute!

Here's a Myra-inspired "Loving Today" -- enjoy :)

1. Sheer buckle blouse from No Carnations
2. Scalloped snowflake cardigan from I Love Swift
3. Bobbie Brooks sweater cardigan from Ms Golightly Vintage
4. Creating Drama skirt from Strawberry Koi
5. Black and purple plaid cotton skirt from Plastic Tags
6. Gray and white Gor-Ray wool skirt from Poor Jean
7. Mint green lace dress from Posy Power
8. Wool plaid sleeveless day dress from Double Rainbow Vintage
9. Fred Perlberg eyelet linen dress from Awesome Town Vintage

on meditation and the Gospel of John

(Yep, that's baby B meditating. Unfortunately no pictures of me doing so!)

Increasingly through my devotions over the past few days, I've felt myself being led to meditate more on the Word of God. And by that I mean really read the Word of God -- really meditate -- not just skim through the words without any real thought or understanding.

Psalm 1:2-3 says, "But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]".

And Psalm 119:15, "I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]".

So I've decided to really meditate on the Word in a committed way as part of my dedicated prayer times. Of course I do think of God's Word randomly throughout my day, but obviously that is not meditating. So while praying this morning, I considered what it was in my walk with God on which I should concentrate. And the answer came quite simply: "Jesus Christ".

I realised that when I pray, I largely address myself to "dear Lord", or "heavenly Father", and often just, "Father". I noticed that I don't say Jesus' name a great deal, except when I'm asking something, like "I ask all this in Jesus' name" (I think I do that because when I'm asking something, my feeling of unworthiness really comes to the fore).

And so I talked to God about this. I realised that sometimes I have this tendency to actually start "reasoning" about Jesus, even while praying. I definitely do believe that Jesus is the son of God, that He is in fact God -- but therein's the mystery right? I believe this, but it really is a conviction in my heart, a knowledge in my spirit. It can't be head knowledge, because really, one just can't wrap one's head around this.

How is Jesus the son of God, and also God? And let's not forget the Holy Spirit of course. One God in three Persons, with each of these Persons being distinct and separate from the others, while at the same time being completely united. The Holy Trinity is one of the great mysteries, and I think you only "get" it through God-given revelation, through the God-given gift of faith. And then it's up to you to keep growing it, like a seed.

I am "more than a conqueror" through Christ remember? Christ lives in me! I want to be living a victorious Christian life -- a truly bold, joyful, peaceful, positive life.

And so, I realised that I need to know Jesus more. I picked up my Bible and sort of flipped through it in a vague way, wondering where to start, when I felt led to read the Gospel of John.

I know from previous reading that this Gospel is quite different from the other three Gospels. But reading it again this morning, with the consciousness of really meditating, really reading, with new eyes as it were, the words really had a greater depth of meaning and revelation for me than ever before.

The very beginning of this Gospel gives one so much food for thought:

"IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

He was present originally with God.

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]" (John 1:1-5).

Then verses 12-18: "... to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name...

... For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.

... No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known]".

Wow. There's a lot to meditate on, and that's just the first chapter. I've prayed for the discipline to keep to this meditation, and would like to share my readings of this Gospel with you as I go along. Perhaps you shall feel led to really read something in the Bible too, with new eyes and understanding.

"My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh" (Prov 4:20-22).

lookie-look

I've decided to have this new feature thing in my blog! It's sort of for when I want to share something right there and then, rather than wait to put it in a "Loving Today" montage (which takes a fair bit of work, let me tell you). It's like how, when you're walking along the street, you see something that just catches your eye and you go, "Hey look!"

And I'd like to keep it more for "undiscovered" talent and clever, inventive artistry, not those who've sold 10 million reprints of things.

Enjoy :)

Pompom carnation headpiece by On Your Head

loving today

1. Storm in a Teacup tea towel by HelloWilson
2. Twin Sisters Gemini art print by LouisestArt
3. Marimo sea glass pet by Wendiland
4. Handmade sewing caddy by BingoBox
5. Stacking bubble rings by Studio METHOD(E)
6. Verity handmade leather shoes by Fairysteps

more than conquerors

The past couple of Sundays I'd been feeling like I just couldn't go to church. Not that I didn't want to, but I was so tired and sleepy the night before, I'd thought I simply wouldn't be able to get up in time (8am). So I'd not even bother setting my alarm.

Yet somehow God would get me up, and exactly on time too. The previous Sunday morning Kip suddenly barked, which she never does (she sleeps in my room), and I woke up to find it was exactly the time I should get up. Then this morning, I just opened my eyes, and found I was actually early -- I still had five minutes to loll about in bed.

And you know, each time I was SO glad God kicked me in the butt and made me go. I really needed today's message. We had a visiting pastor, a very well-spoken, humourous man, and his sermon was entitled More than conquerors.

The line comes, of course, from that wonderful verse in Romans 8 that reads, "... amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us" (v38).

Romans 8 as a whole is a beautiful chapter, rich in teaching, hope and encouragement; do take time to read and meditate on it in its entirety:

"THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit...

... Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]...

... But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]. And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you...

... For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!...

... the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance...

... We are assured and know that God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose...

... What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?...

... Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?...

... Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v1-39).

I cannot of course repeat the worthy pastor's sermon, or do it any real justice. It is enough to say that it spoke to me so profoundly, that I kept repeating in my heart, "Thank you God, thank you God, thank you God".

For I had been going through a bit of a challenge, and had been crying out to Him the past few nights, and each time He would remind me -- or try to remind me -- of how faithful He has always been to deliver me, and that I am more than a conqueror through Christ. I just needed to wait on Him, in faith, and with a good, positive attitude.

Needless to say though, my attitude had been far from good, or even acceptable. I was aware of it, and the feelings of guilt and condemnation just added to my depression. So how wonderful, how uplifting, to hear the Word today: "[There is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus"!

And to know that, as the pastor put it, I had Jesus helping me to "complete my prayers". For indeed, I was starting to worry about the quality of my prayers -- I had sunk to such a state that all I could do was cry out to God to help me, and even that wasn't very articulately done. I was praying the sort of prayers that he described so well as "praying to our own hurt".

But o, how wonderful to be reminded that "if God is for us, who [can be] against us?". God loves us, sinners though we are! God loves me!

It was an uncanny thing to hear him say that it was no coincidence that any of us was there in church that morning, listening to that particular message. Neither, I'm sure, was it a coincidence that my different devotionals for the day highlighted God's love for us, and the blessed victories that are ours when we keep seeking Him, turning to Him in all our circumstances, and waiting on Him.

One devotional quoted Isaiah 30:18: "And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!"

Another quoted Psalm 40:1: "I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry".

Aren't they lovely? I declare in my prayers continually, that God IS my heavenly Father, my rock and my salvation, my faithful deliverer, my healer and the lifter of my head.

He gives us "beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit" (Isa 61:3). So don't don't don't bow to negativity, fear, worry, whatever -- remember that God has already given you the victory. Wait on Him, trust in Him, and know that you will be fine, whatever it is -- we are more than conquerors.

Or, as that worthy pastor said more prosaically, quoting a line he uses frequently in his daily conversations: "In the end, it will be ok".

loving today

1. 1930s-inspired topper cocktail hat by Mi Amore Hats
2. Victorian faux diamond and seed pearl gold ring from Victorian Spirit Rings
3. Tindra headband in black and gold by Branchbound
4. Bark ring by Carrie Bilbo
5. Vintage Victorian revival 1940s locket from Jean Jean Vintage
6. Vintage 1940s black ruched fabric handbag from Bess Georgette