What We Gaze Upon

What We Gaze Upon

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. 

Phillipians 4:8

 

“Well I did it now,” my future husband thought, as he climbed down off the mower and walked into the house to confess what he had done to his father. 

 

“Dad, I uh, hit the tree with the lawn mower….” 

 

“I see,” his father replied,”I’m glad you’re ok, but what in the world were you looking at??”

 

“I was looking at the tree, trying not to hit it!” 

 

Have you ever been there?? My husband had been trying not to hit the tree, but he was so focused on what he wasn’t supposed to be doing that he ended up doing it! 

 

What you gaze upon is what you will become.” 

 

We often think about the story of Peter, when we think about keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus. The disciples were out in a boat and a massive storm rolled up. They are frantically trying to keep from sinking, the fishermen among them probably throwing a comment or two about how useless retired tax collectors are in situations like that, then all of the sudden they see a ghost! Well, they realize it is Jesus pretty quickly and he calms the sea, and continues walking across the water. Peter, never one to miss out, asks to walk to Jesus and Jesus tells Peter to get out of the boat. Peter is amazed- never in all his years of being a fisherman has he seen anyone walk on water! He can’t believe that he’s walking on water too- like really can’t believe it! Once he realizes what he has done and that he could die, he instantly starts to sink! Peter started focusing on the wrong thing. 

 

In the old testament we have the story of Adam and Eve, their situation is a little different. They were told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We act like The Fall was a quick event; God created man, everyone rested, Adam and Eve finished naming all the animals, looked over, realized they still hadn’t sampled the fruit from that tree and walked over to test their will power.

I think it was a much more subtle process than that. I think Adam and Eve had been living in the garden for a while, and I’m willing to bet that there were children running around already too. They enjoyed perfect communion with God, and will each other.; I think this could be how the serpent “talked” to them. Not with words but almost a certain type of mental telepathy that people develop through being closely aligned and knowing each other well- like married couples who have been married for years! 

 

Then the serpent tempted them, and they started focusing not as much on their communion with God, but on how they mustn’t eat the fruit. Which made them more curious, and pretty soon, their focus was on the one thing they weren’t supposed to be doing. 

 

My young future husband hit the tree because he was so focused on what he was not supposed to do- hit the tree- that he stopped focusing on what he was supposed to be doing- focusing on the grass that needed to be cut! Have you had your own riding into the tree with the mower moments? Sometimes the key to not not doing the wrong things isn’t to think about not doing them- but to think about what we are supposed to be doing. I think that’s why Paul spells it all out for us in Philippians 4:8 where he writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.”  (NIV version) Focus on what you are supposed to be focusing on and I bet you’ll be shocked at how well everything else falls into place! 

Disclosure

Please remember that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!

 

Other Posts You May Enjoy: 

 

Who Are You Looking For?

Obedience 

Being Seen

The Importance of Defining Your Signature Style – Part 2

The Importance of Defining Your Signature Style – Part 2

In the last Homemaking post I shared how to find your signature style, (see that post here) and this post we are talking about the importance of defining our signature style. Why does defining your signature style even matter?? Why should you go through these exercises?

The reason to take time to find what styles, colors, and textures speak to you is so that you can create a home that inspires you and makes you come alive.

By doing these things you can create a curated home that looks like you and your style.

As to why you should define your style it is simple; if you never put a some sort of label on your decor style (you can make up a style name- we will talk about that in a minute) then you never have a guide for what makes the cut to bring into your home and what doesn’t. If you don’t have any sort of guide then your home will fail to look cohesive and curated.

Naming Your Decor Style

If you went through Pinterest you probably saw a wide range of styles including: 

  • Farmhouse; shiplap, chippy furniture, galvanized metal
  • Classic; Timeless elements, sleek lines
  • Maximalist; lots and lots of color, patterns,and lots of stuff! 
  • Bohemian; earthy tones and textures, woven materials, plants!! 
  • Midcentury; 1950s-1960s inspired furniture, often shades of pea green, yellow, blue and red.
  • Modern; somewhat minimal, very streamlined look.
  • Industrial; exposed brick walls, metal, less upholstered materials. 
  • Grandmillenial; antique store meets grandma’s house, more of a feminine feel. Lots of florals.

Now a thoughtfully decorated home should be a mix of your favorite parts of these styles; for example: I like elements of Bohemian Style, but it’s not my most favorite look, however I love the life all the plants that Boho style is known for, gives to a home. So I draw some inspiration from this style when it comes to my plant life in my house. 

 

How Do You Decide?

That is why Part 1- Finding Your Signature Decor Style was so important! What are the elements of these styles that make you come alive!

 For me, my signature style favorite elements include: 

  • Classic elements; I always want my home to have a timeless look.
  • Vintage pieces 
  • Pops of color
  • Art collected from craft shows and arts festivals. 

These elements all come together in a style I have named; Artsy Vintage Classic.

I could have also called it a hint of grandmillenial vintage with a modern twist. Despite what I actually name the end result is that I have a guideline for what my style is, and what comes into my home. When a friend was getting rid of their mid century buffet (originally from the 1960s) I could look at it and know that this mid century piece would fit in with other vintage pieces I have and work in my home. When I am at home goods and see a very modern piece of art that I like, I can assess if it fits into my home, and whenI decide that while I like it, I don’t love it, and it is a little modern for my style, then it stays in the store and just I come home!

 

Now if you, or I, see a piece we absolutely love, that makes our heart flutter and our palms get sweaty, but isn’t quite like the rest of the items in our home should we buy it? Yes!! If you love it, really love it, then there will be a way to make it work in your home.

That is part of the beauty of bringing only pieces that you really love into your home; your signature look comes to light because you are creating it out of pieces you really love and themes will emerge.

By taking the time to go through these steps; identifying and naming your decor style you will create a curated home that will always possess a timeless feel!

Disclosure

Please remember that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!

When the Laughter Starts to Fade

When the Laughter Starts to Fade

A cheerful heart is good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 ASV

I like to laugh; mostly at my own jokes, but I enjoy jokes from others,  funny situations, puns- I’m really not too picky! 

 

I consider myself to be someone who laughs pretty easily and frequently- but still over the years I have realized that I don’t laugh quite as much as I used to. There is that old saying, “We don’t stop laughing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing.” 

 

Unfortunately, I think that tends to be true. I think back to growing up and getting together with friends several times a week- at least- during the summer. We were always cracking ourselves up- and still do when we get together! But life is busy; we have kids and adult responsibilities and the laughter starts to fade…

 

My little one  just turned one last month and as usually happens around this age my son has started to figure out how to walk! He mostly has it mastered now but for several weeks before it really clicked there were lots of little quick steps, followed by him falling, catching himself, and his little rear wiggle up in the air as he tried to stand up again! 

 

I would hold my son, face him towards my husband, and my son would take one tentative step, then another, then a few quick steps. As he took those few quick steps he would realize that he was walking- then he would giggle! 

 

He would laugh at the joy of trying something new. At this point I don’t think he knew entirely what he was doing that created the magical results of walking towards his father, but nonetheless he was delighted! 

 

How little it takes at this age for children to be delighted. For them to laugh and smile, at any of the many things we take for granted.

 

 Our dog rolls on her back, legs up in the air with a toy in her mouth, my son laughs. 

 

One of our cats decides to go racing by for no conceivable reason- my son laughs. 

 

How many little causes for joy and laughter do we overlook in a given day because we are too busy to pause for a moment and notice the little things of life? 

 

How often do we miss glorious little miracles going on in the world around us do we miss because we have our heads down, focused on our to-do list, busily rushing from one thing to the next? 

 

God created laughter. He created joy. I think we get so busy focusing on the God of judgment, the Jesus of power and miracles, that we forget that in human form Jesus was a man, one that people liked to be around! How many people with no sense of humor do you like to be around? 

 

My prayer for us as we start a new week is that we take time to pause, and enjoy the world around us. That we revel in the little miracles unfolding before us everyday. I pray we don’t’ take ourselves, or the crumbling world we live in so seriously that we don’t take time for the simple, little silly things in life that can bring us joy, if we take time to laugh.

Disclosure

Please remember that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!

 

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

A Sense of Eternity

He Isn’t Safe

Our Real Home

 

Books to Read if You Are Visiting Virginia this Summer

Books to Read if You Are Visiting Virginia this Summer

There is something magical about getting to celebrate Independence Day from the back lawn of the man who penned the Declaration of Independence. This is how I was fortunate enough to spend many an Independence Day growing up. My parents, cousins and I would travel down to Virginia to spend the days surrounding July 4th at my Aunt and Uncle’s home. 

 

Every July 4th Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, would hold a bi 4th of July celebration! There were different artisans such as; blacksmiths, weavers, spinners, gunsmiths, and basket makers. There was a sword swallower, and a slack rope walker. You could take a paid tour of the house, or you could wander the grounds for a small admittance fee. It was a blast! 

 

Naturally though, I always enjoyed when I was able to line up some reading to coincide with these visits! If you are planning a visit to Virginia this year, or just wish to visit vicariously, here are some titles to pair with your travels! 

 

America’s First Daughter

If you go to Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s vacation home, then you will get to see where it was that Jefferson and his family fled in hot pursuit by the British During the American Revolution. America’s First Daughter is about Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson’s Daughter. Here was a book about the revolution, a closer glimpse into Jefferson’s personal life, told through the lens of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter. 

While this book starts off happily enough, readers should be aware that Martha did not lead an overly joyous life. There were happy times, but oh so many hard times too. This book accurately portrays the struggles of the day in the new nation as well as Martha’s personal struggles too. A turbulent childhood at times spent fleeing the British, gave way to a fairly happy adolescent spent abroad in Paris as a diplomat’s daughter, then giving way to a marriage colored by abuse. As a woman in the 18th and early 19th century Martha was no stranger to commonplace domestic violence, the loss of children, as well as financial struggles. This book offers a realistic peek into the life that was Martha Jefferson’s. If you are visiting either Poplar Forest, or Monticello this summer this is a must read! 

America’s First Daughter

 

Wolf By the Ears by Ann Rinaldi

Wolf by the Ears is perhaps Rinaldi’s best known work. This is a story of Harriet Hemings, one of Thomas Jefferson’s slaves, long supposed to have been one of the children between Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings. Harriet wrestles with the desire to know whether she is really a daughter of this man, a man who is opposed to slavery in theory, but who feels that “Slavery in America is like taking a wolf by the ears, you can neither hold it, nor safely let it go.” One thing young Harriet knows though, is that her skin is light, very light—light enough that she could pass for white. If she was offered this chance of freedom would she take it? To take it would mean a life of freedom, but it would also mean turning her back on her heritage and her culture, not to mention never seeing her family again. Could she take this leap? Should she? 

 

Wolf By the Ears by Ann Rinaldi

 

Or Give Me Death by Ann Rinaldi 

We think of Patrick Henry as a man who cried the immortal words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Henry wasn’t just a statesman and lawyer; he was a father with a family and a wife who was slowly losing her mind, just as our country was trying to gain its independence. Told from the eyes of his young daughter, Anne, we see what home life was like for this man, as he tried against the current of the time to care for his wife at home, while also being a public figure, championing the cause of liberty. 

Or Give Me Death by Ann Rinaldi 

 

In My Father’s House by Ann Rinaldi

If you are traveling to Virginia this summer, save time to visit Appomattox courthouse, where the south formally surrendered to the north, concluding the Civil War. For a reading companion, pick up In My Father’s House by Ann Rinaldi. Meet young Oscie Mason, the step daughter of Wilmer McLean, on whose property the Civil War started and, after moving many miles away, the War concluded- the treaty being signed in his parlor! 

 

Even if you are staying close to home this summer, I hope you might take this opportunity to check out one of these titles. Summer is a great time to take time to remember the history that built this nation.

In My Father’s House by Ann Rinaldi

Disclosure

Please remember that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!

Taking Off the Training Wheels

Taking Off the Training Wheels

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 

James 1:22

 

I had approximately zero interest in learning how to ride my bike growing up. I just didn’t care. I had training wheels on my little bike, and we had one of those tag along bikes that had a wheel and pedals for me, but that also attached to my dad’s bike when we went for longer family bike rides- why did I need to learn how to actually ride a bike??

 

My parents tried, but alas to no avail. I was dependent on my training wheels and I was happy with them. This lasted until I was around 7 and half years old. It was a beautiful summer day, my mom was out of town, dad was working, and I was spending the day with my grandparents. And they wanted to go for a bike ride. 

 

I told them I couldn’t because I needed training wheels and they were on my bike at home. I remember thinking that was it- end of story. There was nothing to be done, maybe we would go hiking instead. Then grandpa came inside and announced that the bikes were strapped onto the car, there was an extra helmet for me and …. We were going biking. I protested that I couldn’t bike and he told me sure I could. 

 

I don’t remember exactly how I felt, or what I thought on the ride to the bike trail; I think it was a mix of smugness, I knew I couldn’t bike- there would be no biking, and a mix of terror that he was going to sit me on the bike and expect me to bike! 

 

We got there and grandpa explained that I was going to sit on the bike and pedal and he would jog along holding the seat upright from behind, he wouldn’t let me fall. I got on and started to pedal and he encouraged me to pedal faster, so I did and after several seconds I didn’t hear him anymore. I glanced over my shoulder to see grandpa a ways back, jogging to catch back up to me. I was biking! 

 

I don’t remember if I fell that day, but if so I didn’t get hurt but I learned how to ride a bike. All it took was someone taking me outside of my comfort zone and telling me I was going to and not giving me the option to back out. It’s amazing what us humans can figure out when we are not given a recourse. It was time for me to be a big girl and take off the training wheels. 

 

In Hebrews 5 starting in verse 12 the author says that by now the recipients of this letter should be mature christians, teaching others and instead they are still mastering the basics- unwilling to move out of their comfort zones of old religious culture and into their new faith in Christ. 

 

Yet, how many of us sit in faith without maturing as we should? We are meant to be doers of the word- not just hearers. Just like I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and let go of my training wheels, so too comes the point in our lives when we need to step out in faith in roles that God is calling us to, take off our training wheels, and allow God to take us outside of our comfort zone. 

 

Disclosure

Please remember that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!