Glimmers & Bursts

God is so good! 

Can I get an amen out there somewhere?

Our precious Lord is always giving us something marvelous to celebrate, isn't He?  Sure, when times are tough we might just have to look just a wee bit more diligently, but there's always a glimmer, a sweet blessing or two waiting to be discovered and claimed as our own.  Each burst of joy so undeserved comes etched with our very own names, a priceless unique grace-gift straight from His loving heart. 

I can't help but think it gives Him pleasure when we spread the word of what He's doing in our lives.  Even if the gifts are quirky.  Not especially jolly.  Or seemingly not all that important in the grand scheme of things.

I found my name on these graces this month . . .

1.  More than ever, making memories with my parents has been sheer delight.  Yes, even if we sometimes make each other crazy!  Thanks for your prayers for my Mom and for our family as we walk together through her illness.  No pity parties or tales of woe around her neck of the woods.  Her positive attitude and deep-rooted faith brims up and spills over, touching the lives of all who cherish her. 

She's still knitting an array of wonderful little hats for Operation Christmas Child.  Enthusiastically trying new recipes in her trusty crockpot.  Bravely breaking in a brand new computer like a seasoned pro.  And even when weak or weary, she's continues to be intensely focused on the everyday details in the lives of each family member and friend who gathers 'round to visit.

If I ever grow up, I want to be just like her.

2.  A rarity? A grown-up movie that you can take your kids or your parents to, an offering that's not cringe-worthy, obnoxious, or crude. The Hundred-Foot Journey was beautifully crafted, charming, well acted, and more than a bit thought-provoking. You'll walk away smiling, with your borders enlarged, and a fresh appreciation for the creation of a very fine omelet.

 

video

3.  I finally got an e-reader.  I've downloaded a couple of books, a Bible, and a few games but haven't done much with them.  I still want to handle a paper-paged book that smells faintly of library.  I want to sit with my 25 year old Bible held together with layers of packing tape and crammed with margin jottings.  And the real life Bananagrams with wood tiles that you pull out of the scrunchy yellow bag and spread all over the table is so much more appealing than the slick screen version. 

Meanwhile, the man is ecstatic because he won't have to lug a huge tote overflowing with 50 pounds of books whenever we travel.  {He hopes.}

4.  If you've been around here for any length of time, you know I'm a big 31 Days fan.  {I penned these 4 reasons why last fall ... and showcased The Nester's brand new barn yesterday.} But this year, I've had to pass up that invitation to write each and every day for a month.  Instead, I'll be pulling together a little house party, an autumn nesting delights series that will run two, maybe three weeks.  Whatever.  The posts will be short and sweet, some a bit reflective and others just a tad challenging. 

And in honor of 31 Days, I'll be giving away two copies of Myquillyn's serendipitously creative book, THE NESTING PLACE to a couple of readers who celebrate the season's delights with me!  Consider this your official invite to join us.  Please?

5.  My friend Beth just welcomed home her man from his service to our country.  Grab your tissues and celebrate with her.  Because sometimes there .  are .  no  .  words.
 

 video

 

 

>  sharing life with  Kristin  *  Holley  *  Leigh  *  Emily



Sharing Their Gorgeous Manes

They've been growing out their beautifully thick heads of hair for months years. 
Just for Locks of Love.  And today was the day to finally say good-bye . . .

 

When all was said and done, the energetic, joy-filled blonde prayed

for the little girl who'd be 'wearing her hair' in a couple of months . . .

And when they returned home, the other two sweethearts just had to join in the fun. 

So dad cheerfully wielded the scissors in the driveway.

 

Like mother, like daughters.

 

 

*

 

PIN IT    *    TWEET IT   *    SHARE IT

the links are below

SUBSCRIBE TO IT

right here

/  championing Locks of Love at Kristen's  /

Cherished Books 4 Little Ones

Hands down, reading has always been my favorite pastime.  I have comforting memories of my childhood years, snuggling close to my sister and cousins and Grandma as she read those wonderfully creased and worn Little Golden Books.  And then there was that moody sullen teenage era, when I closeted myself away in the sanctuary of my room with my own miserable company, escaping in the endless pages that captured my attention.

Along the way, the library was a second home.

As I made my way through the routine dailyness of mothering, cuddling up and reading with my girls was a relaxing way to spend the hours in our little house high on the hill.  We made our way through shelves and bags of books over and over again.  And visits to the library became part of our weekly routine.

During the seasons of education and lengthy periods of solitude that have followed, a growing variety of books have been steady, nurturing companions.  And these days their importance continues as a perfect way to quiet and soothe and refocus our six oh-so-energetic grandkids.

I love reading to my grandchildren.

The nuts haven't fallen far from the tree, as they say.  So I when I asked my oldest daughter what books mesmerize her two cherubs most, she gave me these favorite go-to choices.  For Christmas, a birthday or shower gift, or a donation in honor or memory of someone?  Here you go!  Snuggle close with your favorite little person and enjoy ...

If the fun little Amazon Carousel isn't spinning in your view of this post,
here's the list!

I Love You: A Keepsake Storybook Collection - Baker

The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories - Pulley

My First ABC Board Book - DK

Elmo & Friends - Sesame Street

Peter Pan - Luske

Numbers 1-10 - Disney

Buzby, the Misbehaving Bee - Lucado

The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books - Eastman

The Little Engine That Could - Piper

Moo, Quack, Roar and More! - Miller

*

sharing good reads with Kristen & Anne

Beautifully Past Their Prime

Yes, the week of windswept, hard-driving rainstorms just about did them in, these oh-so-fragrant frilly-petaled pink orbs.  I clip the damaged stems.  And tuck the cuttings into a crock spied deep in the back room of the basement back in Ohio, its discovery a delightful surprise back in the saddest days of last October. 

Filled right to the brim, the old container with the black wooden handle takes on new life and purpose.  Because even though these former beauties have seen their day, their softly fading fragrance is still strangely potent.  And the crockery holds them strong, giving full permission for these pale pastel gems to gain a bit more life, their perfume sweetly melding with the freshly mowed grass in the sunstrewn breeze ...



Yes, there's still an alluring attraction, a surprising purpose, an untold elegance to blooms that are languishing just a bit.  This, yet another lesson tucked away deep in my soul.

==> meet me at Courtney's!

The Unfolding of Springtime

 

 

Against all odds, a few distant trees in the woods are budding.

 

       Here and there, the golden daffodils have already popped up and out, refusing to be silenced.

 

And those deeply hued crocuses are determined to make their arrival known. 

 

A huge extended family of energetic robins have made their debut, en mass, across a wide expanse of lawn.

 

And the yellow finches flock to the feeders with great zeal. 

 

Winter's final blanket of snow is no match for the fragrant hyacinths that are pushing their way toward the sun, which tentitively peaks out at the most random moments.

 

Yes, the Teacher was wise when he penned, 'there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven ...'

 

 

 

Debby's Quilt

The only thing that's almost as delightful as enjoying the comfort and beauty of this quilt is to view the creative steps in designing and crafting it!

Do check out Debby Brown's 4 Spinning Like Crazy posts!

Thank you, Debby, for touching so many hurting people along the way with your creative artistry.  Your quiet, lavish giftedness is truly a warm blessing! 

Appreciatively ~

Linda

Burden-Bearer ... or Armchair Observer?

"Awake, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Rouse Yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do You hide Your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of Your unfailing love"
- Psalm 44:23-26.

Who among us hasn't been moved by the images and stories we've viewed in recent days? Are we content to sit and sadly observe? Or are we ready to rise up and help carry the load?

1. BE INFORMED. Do keep up with what is happening. But also keep in mind that Haiti's tragedy and recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. Put some parameters around your TV/radio/internet usage so that you won't become overwhelmed.

2. PRAY. We're so quick to say we'll do this, but how many of us are passionately faithful intercessors? Keep a pen and paper by your remote control, and write down specific people or situations that touch your heart. Ask God to use this tragedy to turn you into a prayer warrior.

3. GIVE. There are many organizations that are dedicated to bringing relief and hope. Choose an established one that has a proven track record of service. We at Creekside Ministries are honored to be connected to Samaritan's Purse through the ministry of our colleague, Brent Carl.

- A NY congregation bears burdens -

So don't be content to be an armchair observer. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" - Galatians 6:2.

Interceding with you ~
Linda

"I'll Be Home for Christmas ... If Only In My Dreams"

"Often, family members who can't make it to a holiday celebration feel left out, even resentful. They may think, 'The rest of the family's together and I'm not there.' 'I'm overseas in Iraq' or 'I'm away at college' or 'I'm elderly and away from home.' It's very isolating.

If possible, use technology to stay connected, such as conference calls, instant video messaging, webcams or mailed video greetings. Think, too, about sending distant relatives packages containing traditional foods and photographs of past parties. Dig out that picture of you with that person at the holidays, celebrating when you were children or from a few years back.

Gifts are another way to bring together people who are apart geographically. Early on, have people draw names for a gift exchange, including those people who won't be able to attend the later celebration. Then mail the present to the person in time for the holiday, thereby including him or her in the family's festivities." (Note - it's not too late ... get on the phone today and set it up!)

~ Linda

Quoted in Poughkeepsie Journal

December 9, 2007

Mid-Summer Food Drive

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"
- Luke 6:38.

It's time for our 2nd food drive! We're collecting the following items for a woman in need ~

> Healthy canned, bagged, or boxed food

> Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.)

> Cleaning supplies

Please drop off your donations by Wednesday, July 30th. May you be blessed as you give generously ...
Pastor Bob
Linda

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat ..."
- Matthew 25:35.

Postal carriers will be collecting non-perishable canned and boxed foods this Saturday, May 10th, for the 14th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. You can leave your donations at your mailbox prior to mail delivery.

Check out your cupboards for unused goods with plenty of time til expiration. Make a note on your shopping list. Be generous.

http://www.helpstampouthunger.com

And if you live in the Poughkeepsie area, we will be collecting non-perishable food and gift cards for local supermarkets to give to one of the families in our world. We'd love to have both "old" and "soon-to-be" friends drop by and place their donations in our basket under the orange tree, take a tour of Creekside, and chat for a bit! (We're only 3 minutes from South Hills Mall.) Please give us a call to be sure we're in - we'll be collecting food until Saturday, May 17th.

"Give as 'twas given to you in your need" ~
Linda

"Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary ..."

Well, I don't know about your garden (and I do hope that being contrary isn't part of your character!), but the gardens at Creekside are beginning to come alive ... truly a delightful blessing after the long days of winter.

We still have quite a bit of space that needs some life and color and we'd like to fill these areas with perennials. Having our friends share plantings from their gardens would mean so much to us. As new life springs from the earth each spring for years to come, a little bit of you would join with us in providing a tranquil, colorful setting for hurting people to savor as they come down the staircase and walk across the stone path to Creekside's entrance.

So, as you're out there working the soil and discover that you have some perennials you'd like to share (or discover some annuals at the garden shop that you'd like to donate), please do contact our master gardener, Dot (doteck@optonline.net or 298-0464).

Thank you for your investment in the ministry here. And for other ways to invest, visit http://www.CreeksideMinistries.com/.

Blessings as you participate in the joy of giving ~
Linda

She Challenges, "Bake & Take"

Apparently, March is BAKE & TAKE month! Back in 1972, a Kansas wheat promotion organization began encouraging people to share baked goods with those in need in their local communities.

Who's in need in your world? Ill, lonely, overwhelmed, elderly, financially strapped, or in crisis?

What's your specialty from the kitchen? (And, by the way, I know lots of men that make a mean pie, out-of-this-world chicken, and yeast bread that you'd never, ever forget!)

One of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received was from an elderly woman who brought me some homemade soup. The delicious simplicity of the gift - and the kindness of the giver - made a lasting impression on me. In this fast-food world, a home-created gift of food is always a true treasure.

Leave a comment and let us know what you gave ... or what you received ...

"... whoever is kind to the needy honors God" - Proverbs 14:31.

Linda