Finding joy in the everyday

If I had to name two famous women who dress modesty but elegantly, it would have to be Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and Australian born, Princess Mary of Denmark. Two women who will one day become Queens. Whilst none of us can afford the wardrobes of these women (or the volume of clothes they own!) but we can get lots of ideas by looking at the clothes they wear. Their clothes are timeless , some of these outfits would have looked just as elegant in the 1960s as they do today and these dresses could be worn in 10 years time and still look as beautiful and as graceful as they do now.  It means we don't need to have a wardrobe filled with all the latest fashions (that we need to keep changing) if we stick to classic designs. These ladies don't only look  graceful in their clothing, the way their carry themselves is one of grace and elegance. The designs are simple , nothing overly complicated. In fact many of these dresses aren't impossible to make yourself. ...

Recently I have been creating my own " finding joy " verses and quotes which I have been sharing on my Facebook page. I have enjoyed making these and many use photos I have taken over the years.  Please feel free to use these on your blog etc as a way of sharing God's wonderful Words — all I ask in return is to provide a link back to my blog.  ******

Have a go . . . try something new.  Be brave — don't be afraid Take a risk and do something you have never done before and see where it lead you.  What can happen? Not a lot! It doesn't matter if you aren't very good, the more you try, the better you become and suddenly before you know it, you are really quite good and then you are an expert! *** I wanted to learn to quilt. So I gave it a go. I am no expert, but I am giving it my best and I am slowly improving. I borrowed some books from the library, I bought some second-hand and I attended a short course. I found a quilting buddy and we have been learning to together. Its been fun.  *** I love homemade jam and even though I had watched my parents make it as a child, I thought it might be too tricky to make it myself, so I kept putting it off. One day I decided to give it a go. I spoke with my dad (who is a jam making expert), checked out cookbooks plus the internet and made stra...

Art Friday: Marina Dieul I LOVE this artist. There is something so adorable and sweet about each of these paintings — I  can't even pick a favourite among them, they are all so perfect !!  Whilst I have selected some of her animal art, she also paints children and portraits which are also very beautiful.   *****

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) The role of mother and wife is difficult and we all get discouraged from time to time.  Have you felt discouraged recently?  I have and I am sure you have too? However for some women, it can be a long running battle and one they find difficult to get out of.  And when discouraged, it can be so hard to get motivated and get jobs around the house done. Everything suddenly looks overwhelming and far beyond your capability - and this is when you are most likely to procrastinate as it is a way of avoiding doing the "need to be done" tasks.  So what to do when feeling discouraged: Firstly, you need to recognise the signs: are you feeling weary, defeated, tired, as if life is overpowering you, drained, snapping at your family, sad, self-pitying, feeling isolated . . . discou...

Fanny Crosby was talking to one of her neighbours, who complained bitterly of his poverty. “If I had wealth I would be able to do just what I wish to do; and I would be able to make an appearance in the world.” Fanny replied, “Well, take the world, but give me Jesus.” She was here inspired by her own words to write a hymn with that title. ( source ) What would you do - keep all your belongs and wealth or take Jesus? A silly question I know, but one we all should think about from time to time especially when we get bogged down in "life" and busyness. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what  is  that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) ~ Take the world, but give me Jesus ~ Take the world, but give me Jesus, All its joys are but a name; But His love abideth ever, Through eternal years the same. Take the world, but give me ...

We all love gifts. Gifts from our loved ones, little gifts that are hand-made, expensive gifts from a husband, tiny gifts found on a walk given to you by a small child, a gift to say thankyou, a gift of appreciation, a congratulations, a birthday, a gift for no reason at all.  Gifts are a way of say " I love you " without words. Gifts are special and bring us joy - however, could a gift also be a result of pain and suffering? " Cancer, she told herself, not without a note of wonder, was a gift " It wasn't until I read the most recent book by Joni Eareckson Tada ("Joni and Ken") did it dawn on me those nasty journeys  in our lives should also be considered gifts and we need to accept them graciously and with joy. Gifts are meant to be about love and kindness, how can a illness, loss of a baby though miscarriage or other troubles ever be seen as a gift? There would be few of us that would look at our health difficulties, our marriage...