on 9/11, and living today

Morning, by Maxfield Parrish

On this 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, much of the media is covering and paying tribute to the horrific events of that fateful day. My husband has been watching these programs over the past couple of days, and I've been hearing the painful accounts of people who were right there on the scene, or who had lost someone that day.

I don't have the eloquence to write sufficiently on how sad I am for all the people who were affected, devastated, in some way, by what happened. I can imagine how ten years just pass for many of these people and the hurt and heartache are still as strong as ever. Many of us have our own thoughts and feelings about what happened, what it all means, but most of us share the grief.

The latest issue of Real Simple has a feature entitled I Will Remember You; in it, ten people pay tribute to the loved ones they lost, and the ways in which they celebrate their lives.

One lady lost her son in the collapse of Tower Two. She tells of how his mantra had been, "Do what you love, love what you do", and how it has become her mantra too. And she tells of how she sees his spirit everywhere: "Recently I saw a black butterfly with yellow markings that looked like a smile -- as always, I thought of him" (p.206). My heart aches for her and the many, many others who have suffered, or are still suffering, such pain and sorrow -- in the 9/11 attack, yes, but also around the world, every day.

The New York Times published a commentary written by Robert De Niro, entitled From downtown NY to Doha: How a film festival helped revive NYC and its international spirit. On 9/11, Mr De Niro was about to fly to Los Angeles when his son called to say that a plane had hit the World Trade Centre. He immediately returned to his apartment, from which he could see the towers nine blocks away.

It's a very articulate, well-written piece; one line that I found especially powerful was: "I didn't lose a relative or close friend when the towers fell, but after the attacks, whatever I had done, whatever I was striving for, had no meaning: it all just stopped".

Or, as my husband said while watching TV, "I'm watching this because it puts things in perspective. Every day could be one's last. All those people, they were just going to work like they did every day".

I think of my post Rejoice Today, where I quoted Dr Osler: "Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day absorb all your interest, energy and enthusiasm. The best preparation for tomorrow is to live today superbly well".

"Yesterday's a memory, tomorrow's a dream," wrote Robert J. Hastings in his poem, The Station. "Yesterday belongs to a history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.

So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough".

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you, dear reader.

The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;

The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually) (Num 6:24-26).

loving today

1. Hand porcelain ring by Anna Ruby King
2. Felted brooch in pumpkin rose by Baymut
3. Resin bangle with Amazon parrot feather by Rosella Resin
4. Orange tagua nut bib necklace by Veronica Riley Martens
5. Lovely - pillow cover by Olive Handmade
6. Vintage coral necklace by Niniville

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Procrastination Mama

Tracey of Procrastination Mama was so kind as to mention Leo and Flossey on her blog! Thank you Tracey!! Procrastination Mama is chock full of lovely design, decor and home ideas and pictures -- just have a look at what she did with her sweet baby's nursery here:

a very powerful prayer, and more lookie-look

Well, you remember you-know-who. I was finally compelled, because of Paypal's claim deadline, to lodge a "dispute". At the dispute stage, buyer and seller are theoretically supposed to communicate, and ideally, resolve the situation amicably.

Well, almost needless to say, the seller did not respond. Then, five days later, yesterday, she cancels the transaction and refunds me -- including, for Etsy's benefit I suppose -- the following explanation: "I have sent emails discussing my situation. Buyer was not understanding under my unusual circumstances. I issued a full refund" (italics mine).

Below this, Etsy tells me to contact them with regard to the "accuracy" of this. And so, while what I really wanted to do was just forget about her and her item and the whole stupid transaction, I was compelled to explain my side of the matter.

I explained how she had described the item as "ready to ship", how three and a half weeks passed and the item never arrived, how I finally wrote to her asking about it, and was told only then that the item wasn't even sewn up yet, that she was in the middle of moving and doing shows, and would ship my order out "the next day".

Note: That was her only email to me.

Note 2: The item was clearly not shipped out "the next day", since a week and a half later it still hadn't arrived. Interestingly, even with this refund, no mention was made of the item having already been shipped. I guess it never was.

Now, while I was writing my explanation, a whole bunch of things were buzzing heatedly through my head. Like, for instance, I think most buyers would be perfectly understanding of one's "unusual circumstances" if they were told of those circumstances before making their purchase (and, under "unusual circumstances", it's best to avoid terms like "ready to ship").

Honestly though, I'm not sure how many buyers would actually buy something if the fine print read, "Yes, this item is described as ready to ship, but it's actually not, and I'll keep you waiting and wondering for over a month without any explanations or updates".

And then I was also thinking, DON'T keep your shop open -- just shut it up, put it "on vacation" -- if you are so busy that you can't even answer convos, update customers, or be responsible and conscientious about your orders.

Honestly, I felt frustrated, vexed and indignant. I guess what was really bugging me was the seller's accusation that I was not understanding or reasonable. I mean, I thought I was being pretty understanding, all things considered! Why couldn't she just quietly refund me, for a purchase which she had yet to honour, and leave out the blatantly inaccurate, fallacious comments?

False accusations -- slander -- can really get one's goat, can't it. In the immediate, I wanted to rant and rave and say biting, vociferous things, and it was only the power of the Holy Spirit that helped me keep my thoughts and words in check. I literally had to stop and pray about it. And the conviction rose in me to just let it go, and I heard in my spirit then that the most important thing was the pursuit of peace.

Proverbs 14:29 says, "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exposes and exalts his folly". Throughout the rest of the day the phrase "God is my vindicator" kept crossing my mind, and while I was still a little troubled because I hate any sort of strife, I was no longer upset or indignant. I mean, who knows what that lady is going through, what sort of life she has, or has had.

And I prayed for her, that God would bless her, and that His power and peace would smooth things out in her life, and between us. And I asked also that God would help me be patient and forbearing.

Remember, Col 3:13 says, "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]".

"Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord" (Heb 12:14).

And lo and behold, what do I find as my devotion for this morning? Matt 5:44 in the King James Version: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". Yep.

My book of morning devotions is Hearing from God each morning, by Joyce Meyer. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to start every day right, and keep growing closer to God.

In this morning's devotion, entitled A Very Powerful Prayer, Ms Meyer writes: "One of the most powerful prayers you can pray is a prayer for your enemies... I believe that God blesses us tremendously when we intercede for those who have offended or betrayed us...

"Praying for someone who has hurt us is so powerful because, when we do, we are walking in love toward that person and we are obeying the Word of God...

"When you think about the people who have used you, abused you, harrassed you, and spoken evil of you, bless them; do not curse them. Pray for them... you don't do it because you feel like it; you do it as unto the Lord" (p.251).

In the meantime, more lovely options for carrying loads of things -- help me choose!

1. Alfred shopper by Lisa Stickley London
2. Little Edie Ride Free canvas tote by International Birds
3. No. 175 tote in waxed canvas by Artifact Bags
4. Stripe knit bag by Hansel From Basel
5. Content (20 oz Canvas) shoulder bag by Herschel Supply Co.
6. Canvas 1963 denim tote by Lands' End Canvas

loving today

>

1. Ebony arrow cocktail ring by With Care
2. Ivy necklace by Foxy Originals1
3. Vintage ibis/spoonbill ring from Lura Jewelry
4. Sequin beaded cocktail dress from FatRabbit1
5. Phlox subulata beaded crochet necklace by Irregular Expressions
6. Woven pink tourmaline brass earrings by Mireille Lagow

Behemoth

There's a new Behemoth in the shop, just in time for Halloween! He really is a happy fellow who just loves lounging about on things and saying "Raaagh" :)

loving today

1. Sweet dreams leather wrapped bracelet by Kuzu Accessories
2. Royal blush pink bouquet earrings by What The Funk
3. Peach jasper and rope bracelet by Ampris Loves
4. Golden bloom Fifi clutch by Bagatelles And Co
5. Custard cream felt food sculpture by British Cream Tea
6. Organic skirt with bow and pockets by Makool

virtual seller ethics and a little lookie-look

So. In the past month alone I've had to deal with not one, but several sellers who were not honourable, or at least decent, in their dealings.

For instance, there's this one Etsy seller from whom I purchased a fairly expensive tote over a month ago. Her listing described the item as "ready to ship". But, since three and a half weeks passed and there was neither hide nor hair of the thing, I finally decided to write to her.

She did not reply till some days later, and then it was to tell me that the item wasn't even sewn up yet. She said she would ship my order out "the next day", and even added something about checking if Fedex could get it to me faster. Note though, that she was not prepared to pay more for expedited shipping to make up for the delay (is it just me, or would not paying for expedited shipping have been the decent thing to do?).

Anyway, that was on August 22nd. Can you already guess where this is going? On the 31st I wrote to ask her to please just cancel my order and refund me. Can you guess what happened next? She did not reply, has still not done so, and the item has still not arrived.

I generally have very positive, straightforward transactions with sellers on Etsy. It's certainly a much nicer environment than, say, eBay I think. But I guess once in a while... Unfortunately, it was only after the fact that I checked out this seller's feedback, and found a bunch of neutrals, as well as a negative from someone who had a vaguely similar experience.

I absolutely hate leaving negative feedback for anyone. That probably doesn't help my feelings of frustration or annoyance. Do you think, because you don't have a physical, brick-and-mortar store where you have to deal face-to-face with the actual customer, that you aren't bound by rules of honour, service, and plain courtesy?

Do miles of land and sea create a comfortable intervening distance, perfect for avoidance and dismissiveness? Does the fact that you can literally "switch off" your customer by ignoring electronic communication allow you to shirk responsibility, and avoid dealing honestly, with integrity and consideration?

My husband would ask, why am I even surprised? People behave badly, it's just human nature. Being honourable, just, conscientious, thoughtful, upright -- it just doesn't come naturally. Well perhaps he's right -- I do believe that anything truly good that we humans do, or are capable of, is inspired by God. It can only be the Holy Spirit working in you that makes you keep your word, behave fairly, put others first, do your best.

I wrote a somewhat related post earlier this year. I referred to Matthew 5:37, which says, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one", and I wrote:

"It's funny/sad how people often say things they don't mean, commit to things they never intend to see through, are double-minded, unreliable and dishonest beneath a veneer of friendliness, benevolence or magnanimity...

"WHY do people do this? Why say one thing when you mean another, why say you will when you won't, why put on (in this case) an "image" of sincerity and bubbly affability, when the reality is an insincere hollowness? And if one can be like this in even small, simple things, how does one deal with bigger issues, matters of importance that require unshakeable integrity, commitment or trustworthiness? It strikes me as I write this however that it really doesn't matter whether something is small or big -- we should mean what we say all the time, be honourable and dependable in all our dealings".

Well well, will I get my money back? Who knows? At any rate, I guess now I shall have the fun of choosing another tote -- any suggestions? In the meantime, take a gander at these wonderful recent purchases I made from some very nice, decent Etsy sellers :)

1. Feather leather headband in black by Thief & Bandit
2. Folium ring 2 by María Goti Joyas
3. Gidget black lace headband by Branchbound
4. Lace trimmed slip in black by A Slip Shop

more Totoro!

Ooh, this is so cool -- an actual replica of the Kusakabe residence in the forested area of Nagakute! Since the film is set in the late 1950s, the house was built using Showa era techniques and underwent artificial aging. The furnishings reflect the movie as faithfully as possible, and visitors can explore the house freely, just like Satsuki and Mei!

Totoro!

In the late 1980s, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli released Tonari no Totoro -- or, My Neighbor Totoro -- a Japanese animated film about two young sisters and their interactions with the forest spirits living in the area.

I personally love the film -- the artistry, the pathos, the magic, the downright plain cuteness of it all -- and now my own kids are huge fans as well. Beck sees herself in the older sister Satsuki, and of course it's easy to see Ro in the younger, 4-year-old Mei, who is just a little older than Ro herself. Mei's gleeful fearlessness when she first encounters Totoro is perfectly portrayed -- she is all the confidence, faith, innocence and goodwill of unspoilt childhood.

As I saw Ro hugging my Totoro this morning, I thought it would be neat to see what crafty goodness Totoro has inspired. What a lovely lot I found! Here are just some super cool Totoro picks -- enjoy!

1. Catbus hat by Akiseo
2. My Neighbor Totoro print by Kannaya
3. Totoro nesting doll set by Heartfeltplay
4. Totoro messenger bag by Pinka
5. Totoro & moustache mug by Mr Teacup
6. Crochet Totoro hat in baby to adult sizes by AmiAmigos

And on a moonlit night he plays a magic flute in the sky
There you'll be with

Totoro, Totoro
Totoro, Totoro

You only see him when you're very young
A magical adventure for you
It's magic for you

loving today

1. Chalkboard clutch or pencil case by Eclu
2. Size 0-4 blue suede kid shoes by Mico Shoes
3. No. 442 - citrine beaded bracelet by Dinosaur Toes
4. Large beaded necklace by 604 Jewelry
5. Flight necklace by Sweet + Lush
6. Black feather earrings by Little Paper Crane

petit softies

It was pretty cloudy today, but never mind, the new Petit softies are in the shop!

Petits make conveniently sized companions and mascots, would look lovely on a shelf or dresser, or -- if you choose to have a pin attached -- would be a charming decoration on your coat or bag.

They really are petit -- not more than 3" tall -- and are entirely handmade and handpainted. At present, all Petit softies are in a purely softie doll state; I can affix a pin if so desired :)
* Apple Kitty has sold.

lookie-look

I love animals, I love old photographs -- it's only natural that I'd love Mari Lowery's work! The angles, expressions and colouring are perfect, and the combinations are just brilliant. You can find these and more of Mari's prints and collages at her Etsy shop, Frighten.

loving today

1. Pompom bun hairpins by Sew A Song
2. Best Friends printed tote by Sophie Parker
3. Jules pillow cover by Erika Sweeney
4. Love Song print by Mariam Sitchinava
5. LSAH Foster Series - #51, Cheek by Uberjoi
6. Christine pink opal necklace by Cities In Dust

Waiting to go outdoors for photographs. In the shop tomorrow :)

softie pins

Here's Little Monkey! She's one of a new series of softie pins I've been making. I paint each one directly on cotton and stuff them up nicely -- every pin is unique and a little work of art!

Softie pins look friendly and adorable on clothing and bags, and will work just as sweetly perched on a bookshelf or dresser. This one was a custom order, but I'll be putting other softie pins in the shop, probably starting tomorrow.

the audacity to hope

What a wonderful, wonderful sermon our pastor delivered on Sunday. Somehow I knew, when I saw at the start of service that the sermon would be on "Waiting in Hope", that I would be hearing from God.

The sermon was based on Psalm 42, a beautiful psalm I've always loved:

"AS THE hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.

My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?

These things I [earnestly] remember and pour myself out within me: how I went slowly before the throng and led them in procession to the house of God [like a bandmaster before his band, timing the steps to the sound of music and the chant of song], with the voice of shouting and praise, a throng keeping festival.

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, my Help and my God.

O my God, my life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]; therefore will I [earnestly] remember You from the land of the Jordan [River] and the [summits of Mount] Hermon, from the little mountain Mizar.

[Roaring] deep calls to [roaring] deep at the thunder of Your waterspouts; all Your breakers and Your rolling waves have gone over me.

Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock, Why have You forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

As with a sword [crushing] in my bones, my enemies taunt and reproach me, while they say continually to me, Where is your God?

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 countenance, and my God".

In his sermon, our pastor showed the beautiful Symbolist painting Hope by George Frederic Watts. In it, Hope sits hunched on a globe, holding a lyre with only one string left unbroken. Melancholy, poignant, breathtaking -- what a depiction of hope! Sometimes in life, we too listen, listen, listen to that last unbroken string.

Watts himself had said, "Hope need not mean expectancy. It suggests here rather the music which can come from the remaining chord". But -- always this wonderful hope -- we have God. We have God!

"Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God".

I shall yet praise Him. Our pastor asked if we could still say this in the midst of our storms. While we're going through them, they seem terrible and unending, and we become fearful and lose our hope -- but we musn't, we mustn't! Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him!

This is from a post I'd written about those stormy "middles". I was referring to Mark ch 4, in which Jesus and the disciples took a boat to get to "the other side". A furious storm arose, and the disciples started panicking; they woke Jesus up -- He was asleep in the stern -- and He arose and calmed the storm. Then he asked them, "Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no firmly relying trust)?"

In my post, I wrote: "And then -- after the stormy "interval" -- "They came to the other side of the sea"... God is always with us, He WILL see us safely through, and we WILL come out on the other side. We just have to have faith and press on with a good, bold attitude. I need God's grace to do so, and so I ask Him for it. Sometimes it seems like God is "asleep in the boat" and we start panicking, but we have to remember HE IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL and though we are not, it is enough that we know the One who is".

That unbroken string. Like Hope in Watt's painting, we can lean in and listen to that seemingly faint music, while waiting on God, patiently and confidently. As our pastor described it, that waiting in hope is essentially looking forward to the day when you will praise God for your deliverance. And this is not something apathetic and passive, but active, and full of expectancy. Our pastor referred here to Isaiah 40:31:

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired".

Trust God to bring you above your circumstances, to strengthen you and sustain you. Wait expectantly! God is faithful! Seek Him passionately, and, in the meantime, give others hope -- God will deliver you, in His time.

"My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.

He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.

With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God!

Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times... pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower)" (Ps 62:5-8).

While listening to the sermon, I thought of something I'd read by the late Anglican Canon T. D. Harford-Battersby:

"I cannot say that I have never for a moment ceased to trust the Lord to keep me. But I can say that so long as I have trusted Him, He has kept me; He has been faithful".

Interestingly, the American pastor Jeremiah Wright was inspired by a lecture on Watts' painting to give a sermon in which he said, "With her clothes in rags, her body scarred and bruised and bleeding, her harp all but destroyed and with only one string left, she had the audacity to make music and praise God... To take the one string you have left and to have the audacity to hope... that's the real word God will have us hear from this passage and from Watt's painting" (from Preaching Today, 1990).

loving today

Well you know how I absolutely love anything nautical (stripey and smiley is good too). I am so blessed to be living close to the sea. My eyes are always drawn to anything related to it, to ships, to water, to sailors, to marine life. I would have joined the Navy if my Mom hadn't objected -- honest!

Here's a "Loving Today" full of nautical goodness :)

1. Sailing necklace by Stavroula

2. White cotton monkey's fists by The Jetty
3. Glass sailboat and sterling silver necklace by The Sly Fox
4. Silver knot earrings by Sparklefarm
5. Mi Tierra knot bracelet by Under A New Light
6. Insignia necklace by Dandyrions

loving today

1. Vintage blush lace dress from Aged Treasures
2. Recycled eco vintage canvas shoulder bag by BreadandRoses2
3. Josie black leather and industrial hardware necklace by trees with knees
4. Classic wool knit spring sweater by Sew Moe
5. Vintage 60s velveteen bow pointy heels from My Sweetie Pie Pie
6. Nami wave necklace by Homako

Sailor Animal

There's a new fellow in the shop! Sailor Animal has joined the Bikbik & Roro clutch! Is he a cat? A dog? A bat? A fox? Sailor Animal is a little like the Rorschach test -- everyone has a different take on what he is :) He wears a striped sweater and scarf, and also has a little jingly bell in his body to provide hours of entertainment (well, if you like jingling things).

loving today

1. Hand-painted geometric necklace by Larka Designs

2. Summer Blue purse by Louise 35 Flower
3. Buttercreme vintage lucite necklace by Urban Legend
4. Poliedra sterling silver and polymer clay earrings by Marta Lugo Jewels
5. Leather triangle mobile by The Little Tiny
6. Shale Sunset summer tote by Mokuyobi

on being educated and a Mom

This chap was talking to me the other day; he's in his late 50s I suppose, and he started telling me about his daughter and how ridiculous she was being. She has a university degree in English and Psychology, he said, and she was wanting to be a designer! Shaking his head, he said, "Can you believe that? What a waste!"

For a moment I just stared at him. Then I replied, "I'm also a graduate. And I'm a fulltime Mom. Do you think that's a waste too?"

He looked at me in disbelief, and then he laughed outright. "Good grief!" he said. "What did you spend all that time studying for then?"

He then asked me incredulously if I'd ever "worked" at all (of course I had; perhaps he thought I was foolish and lazy). And again he shook his head, appalled that I'd given up my highfalutin corporate career for something as mindless as motherhood.

We weren't in the best of environments for any in-depth discussion, but I was seething. It wasn't the first time I'd heard this sort of thing, and I know he isn't alone in his beliefs. I still remember how, long ago, when my Mom told my aunt that I'd quit my corporate job to be with my kids, my aunt had said, "Isn't that a pity. Whole university education wasted".

Well, I don't know where to begin on this; I'm not the most eloquent of persons, and when it comes to something this sensitive, I'm apt to feel overwhelmed. But what I do strongly believe is this -- motherhood, or parenthood, is one of the hardest, most challenging jobs there is, and one can never be educated enough to be the best parent one can be.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying one needs a good education to be a good Mom. What I am saying is that a good education is never wasted on a woman who has chosen fulltime motherhood as her career.

People who say that education is wasted on fulltime Moms seem to have the idea that Moms don't necessarily need to be educated. That Moms don't need to have their brains and intelligence honed and applied the way a doctor or lawyer might. That motherhood is some sort of easy, mindless activity.

These are often the same people who think that climbing the corporate ladder and making heaps of money is the be-all and end-all of a successful life. That, to them, is the real point of getting an education. They don't value education for its own sake -- the cultivation and broadening of one's mind, the reaching of higher levels of understanding and insight, and hopefully the bettering of one's self.

And they're often also the ones who let other people parent their children.

I believe every parent has a moral obligation to actually parent -- to positively raise and mould the next generation.

Does spending quality time with one's child – playing with them; listening to them; disciplining, encouraging, nurturing; drying their tears; making their childhood as happy and fulfilling as possible; teaching them not only their letters and numbers, but their values and beliefs as well – does all this seem less important than what some banker or high-end executive does?

And does doing it 24/7 -- as opposed to 9am to 6pm, 5 days a week (not forgetting lunch and tea break, and every other occasion that allows for skiving or zoning out) -- seem less challenging?

I think every child deserves to be in the care of a parent who not only loves them and is there for them, but also isn't dumb. Raising a child to be an upright, caring, confident adult -- a positive addition to society and the world -- is not a job for dimwits.

I pray daily for God's help to be a good Mom, because goodness knows I've seen more than enough of what happens to kids who grow up without one. Am I sorry to have given up my highfalutin job, with all the perks and prestige? No, no, never. While certainly the most exhausting job I've ever had, it is by far the most rewarding.

The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6).

And again, as author and psychologist Dr James Dobson wrote: "What a price we pay for the speed at which we run. Most of us remember these last 12 months as a blur of activities. There is so much work to do, so many demands on our time. There is so much pressure. Meanwhile, what should have mattered most was often put on hold or short-changed or ignored altogether.

"Millions of children received very little love and guidance this year from their busy parents. Husbands and wives pass like ships in the night, and our spiritual natures languished amidst over-crowded schedules and endless commitments".

lookie-look

I'm loving the gorgeous jewelry by Grace at Mama Shea Shea. All her pieces look like they could be in a museum! Rough and tribal, yet modern and industrial at the same time. Lots of gold and unexpected pops of colour -- lovely!

loving today

1. Elpis - vintage flair floral headband by SchickiMickis

2. Aglio Amore 3-piece doily set by Dolce Crochet
3. Just Because greeting card by Sparrownestscript
4. Audry dress in purple and lilac by Shlomit Ofir Details
5. Emilia dress by Up The Wooden Hills
6. Champagne rose leather headband by Leather Blossoms

* Psst -- don't miss out on this giveaway, ending August 11th *

Custom order Hep Cat pin set, with a shining Swarovski crystal star. So sweet on one's Sunday best :)

God is faithful

O my goodness, how wonderfully, amazingly true are the words of this beautiful hymn!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be...

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

I'd intended to write about this in the morning, but my heart is so full now I can barely contain it. Indeed, earlier in my evening prayers, before I'd known about this, I'd told God that words are so inadequate for describing His greatness, and my love and gratitude to Him; suddenly these words just popped out of my mouth: "Heavenly Father, I cannot express how full my heart is for You". And the tears came to my eyes unbidden, for such eloquence is certainly not naturally mine.

The fact is, I'd been waiting some time now to find out about something; taking into account the weekend and the upcoming public holiday, I'd already resigned myself to the fact that I'd probably have to wait till at least Thursday or Friday.

Well, shallow "Christian" me of the past would have died a million deaths worrying every minute of every day till Thursday came, indulging in every form of negativity and self-pity possible. But o praise God, praise God! I did not.

He kept me calm and peaceful, confident in Him -- o God, indeed "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You" (Isa 26:3).

So instead, born-again Christian me spent time doing stuff with the kids, making fake food and dollhouses, shopping for a friend's birthday present, taking Kip for a long walk -- indeed, fully enjoying the present, and all the wonderful blessings God has showered upon me. And of course I had my prayer times as usual, which was what I'd originally intended to write about.

For the past couple of nights my devotions have been so accordant and harmonious, I felt certain in my spirit they were divinely-inspired messages for me. I read more than one book of devotions during my prayer times, you see; they are quite unrelated -- one book is meant for an entire year, so each devotion is dated. The other book isn't dated, so I just read a chapter each time.

Well really, I can't pretend that I was completely peaceful 100% of the time, for you know what they say about old habits, so imagine how I felt when I read in both books the following verses:

"Then Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord; he proclaimed a fast in all Judah.

And Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord [yearning for Him with all their desire].

... For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chr 3-12).

And then, last night, in the one book:

"You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust" (Ps 4:7-8).

And in the other:

"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" (John 14:27).

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33).

What reassurance, what encouragement, what lifting up! I went through my day serene and peaceful, marvelling at God's goodness. I was truly learning to say, whenever I was tempted to fret or worry: "However things may appear or seem, God is with me and He will see me through".

I said my prayers for the evening (where I told God "how full my heart is for Him"), and then casually glanced over my emails. And lo and behold, days before I expected it, there was an email just arrived, containing the information I'd been waiting for, telling me that all is well.

I cannot begin to describe how awestruck with gratitude I was/am, if such a phrase makes sense. In the immediate, I was almost speechless and all I could do was gabble, "Thank you Father, thank you thank you thank you".

And then I felt strongly in my spirit that I must share this with you, even at 3am, to cheer you and lift you up, to encourage you to keep your peace and press on, whatever it is you're enduring, however things may seem. God is good and faithful, He hears your prayers, He knows what you're going through, and He says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you" (Isa 43:2).

Press on, press on -- focus on the higher life and developing the mind of Christ, for we are already "more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us" (Rom 8:37).

"BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits --

Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;

Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!" (Ps 103:1-5).

loving today: dark silver

1. Pottery shard bird pendant with handmade chain by Moonfly Silver

2. Sterling silver jackalope pendant by Leslee Frost
3. Bird ring with green sapphire eyes by Miranda Chambers
4. Picasso hand earrings by Inkets
5. Set of any 4 vintage button pendants by Lynn Cobb
6. Succulent leaflet posts by Mani Designs

* Psst -- don't miss out on this giveaway, ending August 11th *

loving today

1. Animal hands original painting by Gennebra
2. Amazonite and agate necklace by Clā Contemporary
3. Turquoise knight candle by Shelter NYC
4. Vintage light blue dress from Jule’s Atelier
5. Ida bracelet set by A Little Dot
6. Porcelain bottle trio by Suite One Studio

* Psst -- don't miss out on this giveaway, ending August 11th *

sweets for my sweet

Clay goodies for R's confectionery shop.

Petit fours, sablés, tarts -- yum!

Berlingots and marshmallows (or maybe Turkish delight!)

* Psst -- don't miss out on this giveaway, ending August 11th *