Handcrafted Key Chains

May 14, 2012

Since the last story I told you began “once upon a time”, let’s continue the trend with another.  I promise this one won’t be nearly as cathartic.

Once upon a time I was very crafty.  If you have only just met me in the last 10 years you will be amazed to know that I used to sew and even bake fresh breads on a regular basis.  Something about living the life of ministry and birthing four babies who all play sports effectively did away with any free time I had to do such things.  I packed away my sewing machine during one of our moves and there it has remained in the corner of the attic along with my inner-Martha for all these years.

A couple of weekends ago I had the joy of teaching at a retreat hosted by the women of Hull’s Grove Baptist in North Carolina.  It was hands down one of the best organized, coordinated, and thoughtful events I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of.  Someone asked me why it stood out and I would have to say the attention to every detail.  It was spa-themed and so the staff ministry wives raided Pinterest and hand-made several gifts and favors that were both inexpensive and needful.  There were four teaching sessions and before each one the girls would bless the attendees with another “gift” at their table before they arrived.  Loved it and I love them.

The retreat even included a “craft” which intrigued me because I’ve not seen that in a very long time.  I envisioned painting clay pot pilgrims or something of the like.  But no, once again the girls came up with an adorable necklace from Pinterest that I’m completely in love with.  And yes, I even used to make jewelry so to say this little retreat awakened the craft bug in me is an understatement.

Before I left, one of my new friends blessed me with a fabric keychain she had made from webbing and ribbon.  One of the teaching points for the weekend suggested that a woman who is Living the Good Life is easily satisfied when she is first delighted by God.  In other words, it doesn’t take much.  I have been absolutely obsessed with my keychain for it’s practicality, the scripture reference, and the heart of the darlin’ woman who made it.  It truly is the little things, girls.

That parting gift just did it for me.  I was coming home and getting my sewing machine back out if it killed me.  I dug into the far recesses of the attic, set it up, bought a few supplies and have been on a keychain-making binge.  And then it occurred to me that a little cottage industry would be a nice way to make some extra money for the summer when “work” is slim and the kids are home eating and eating and eating some more.  Anyone who ever complained about the cost of school lunches never had to feed my four when they are home 24 hours a day. School is cheaper.  Much, much cheaper.

With that said, I have keychains for sale!  Here is what is currently available…

 

 The Aqua Paisley and Red Paisley are coordinating fabrics.  Each of these keychains is backed with the other.

 

 

 

This chain is ribbon with a webbed backing.  Hey all you Hornet fans, these colors are for you!

 

 Sydney loves all things owl so couldn’t resist this one.  It is also ribbon with a webbed backing.

 

I don’t know if toile is still “in” but I will always love it.  This chain is made from 2 fabrics and is backed with black/white gingham.

 

Each keychain is approximately 6″ long and slips easily over the wrist. This has literally changed my life when I’m lugging things around at the ballfield or trying to wrangle groceries into the car.

If you would like to purchase, you can do so easily through Paypal. Simply use the secure order form in the right sidebar. There is a drop down menu to make your fabric choice. All are $10 with $1 added for S&H.

Also, if you have colors, etc. you would like to see let me know and I’ll see what I can come up with. I’m currently on the hunt for SEC school ribbon to get ready for football season.   And of course, if you order anything at all, I will be ever so grateful!

 

Questions?  Leave a comment or email me through the contact page.  Also, if you do order please leave a comment so I can be certain the order notification is working correctly through the PayPal site.

Y’all are awesome.

 

 

 



6 Comments
|
Filed Under Cottage Industry
 

Ever After

April 26, 2012

Once upon a time a man had an inspiration. He would build a home for his family in a little pine thicket where calamity could not find them.

And so he bravely blazed a trail through the lovely woods…..

 

 

….where at path’s end he would lay a cornerstone upon deep bedrock.

 

 

Daily he walked this small piece of earth feeling the acceptance of the trees.  In return for his love they offered shelter.  Refuge.

 

 

As the house took shape, the forest embraced the man and through every window whispered a promise to his family: We will be your peace.

 

 

 

And then the unthinkable happened.  The calamity from which the man had hidden found him and paid a furious visit. The Gentle Wood resisted this unwelcome guest but the swirling disaster proved too great.  The pines crashed to the ground with great regret.  We are sorry we weren’t stronger.  

The man and his family grieved.  The green was gone.  Refuge had given way to vulnerability.  They were now exposed.  Unsafe. 

 

 

A few lone sentinels remained on the other side of the glass in honor of those too aged to bend.  A remnant. 

 

 

Gone was the shelter.  The man’s peace was stolen…or so it was believed.

As the man worked to restore the much greater loss of those around him, purpose replaced self-pity.  Pain loosened its choking grip.  Though justified, his disappointment kneeled at the feet of perspective.  It bowed upon hallowed ground.

 

 

The man surveyed his own home place, searching for new covering.  It was not to be found.  Rather, his awareness was drawn downward.  Underneath.   To the foundation.

The foundation had saved his family’s life.

Though invisible, unbending.  Though unlovely, stable.  Because the wise man chose well his building place, when the winds came and blew and beat against his house, it proved steadfast.  Though trees swayed, though the earth gave way, the cornerstone remained.  The family found refuge until the calamity was overpast. Not in the trees, but in the Rock.

Deliverance.

Though saved, this season of unnatural disaster threatened a cruel epoch for the man.  Time, however, came to his defense and did not stand still nor give destruction rule. Time destroyed evil’s intent by doing nothing more than what it knows best -  it passed.

And days grew brighter.

They are bright.

It is with joy the man treasures his fruitful vine, his olive shoots.  With deep respect he regards the remnant whose budding branches embrace the return of the singing ones. It is with hope the man repairs, rebuilds, and places new growth into his beloved ground.  It is in faith he finds true refuge in Who lies beneath.

 

And it is in this manner the man and his family continue to dwell.

 

Happily, safely, ever after.

 

 

 

In honor of those lives lost and changed forever on April 27, 2011 and in deep gratitude to those thousands who have come and continue to come to the rescue.

 

 

 

 



21 Comments
|
Filed Under Tornado
 

The Week (And It’s Recap) That Keeps On Giving

April 23, 2012

First I want to say thank you for those who took time to read through and share your reactions to the book introduction I posted.  They were so helpful and as soon as I finish a couple of tweaks I will post the first chapter. Like I said before, it may never make it to publishing but considering the fact my fetal position will become more pronounced with each rejection,  I am compelled to work out my issues through the story of Leah and Rachel for my own sake if for no one else’s.

The week was a whirl in all the best ways.  Monday I taught in Fort Payne and ate desserts that changed my life.  They were all delicious but one was a lemon cheesecake tartlet of some sort and as of now all other sweets are dead to me.  Except for my beloved Key Lime Pie from Sweet Mama’s on St. Simon’s Island, GA but I must allow that the cheesecake was a contender for Best Food This Side of Heaven.  For those of you who know me, well, you know that is a monumental if not slightly hyperbolic statement.  (And if my sweet friends from Ft. Payne FBC are reading please know I am only assuming it was a cheesecake.  It may have been a pie. I am no sweet genius.  Either way, I didn’t ask because why bond with something I may never have the joy of tasting again?)

Tuesday we played baseball where I have been drafted as the official bookkeeper for the team – a position for which I am ill-qualified.  Each game I study the inside cover of the book in an attempt to record information that is somewhat meaningful later.  Let’s just say there has been some creative symbolism aka caveman drawings taking place and it will be a miracle if Coach can determine what stick men with cartoon “oops” balloons coming from their mouth is my symbol for “Error”.  My friend Robyn told me about a fabulous app she uses to keep book for her daughter’s softball team.  It sounds heavenly but here’s the reality:  She lives in Birmingham and they are slightly more advanced than we Sand Mountain bookkeepers.  I am confident we will not be making the electronic leap this year.  Or in any year that begins with 201_.  But I do appreciate your trying Robyn.  I want to be cool.  And live close to a Target.  And have pizza delivery and internet service that doesn’t have “Boonie” in the title.  But, these are the things we sacrifice for simplicity.  Have I mentioned lately I adore my small town?

I should also mention Tuesday was Tax Day.  If you are a minister’s family, then you understand why I spent the day finishing up with our accountant and then weeping silently.  Ministry Tax Code is a contemporary flogging of the Lord’s elect.

Wednesday night was church.  For the past several weeks we have been in a series Luke has simply entitled, “The Testimonies”. Each Wednesday one of our adults has agreed to share their story of faith with our combined youth and adult classes.  We weren’t sure how the youth would respond but they have been captivated and hit the door each week wanting to know who is next.  After each testimony, Luke has been sharing the gospel in a way relevant to what they have just heard.  This week, the atmosphere was so thick that I didn’t even close my eyes during closing prayer because I was confident in spirit that someone was going to be saved.  I was not wrong.  A darling 14 year old girl who we have loved since she was a child gave her heart and life to Christ.  It was beautiful.  What’s more is this week I’ve had contact with a mom saying her child wants to be born again but was just too shy to come before the crowd.  There is also another girl who wants to have more questions answered.  The Lord is at work in our church and He is certainly at work within our youth.  And that from the faith stories of the adults.  My point in all this?  TELL YOUR STORY.  They want to know it.  They need to know it.  It changes them and it changes you.

I don’t know what we did Thursday night.  As in, no clue whatsoever.

Friday night I travelled to Hokes Bluff to serve the precious women of the FBC at their annual women’s night.  I had the privilege of speaking there last year as well which consequently was just 2 weeks before the tornado.  I really hadn’t thought about how much had happened since my last visit with them and so I may have been just a wee bit emotional.  What a dumb cry baby.  I truly don’t know why you suffer me but I’m glad you do.  Because you are adorable.

Saturday Luke, Sydney and I went to the wedding of darlin’ RiLee.  She is a young woman special to me for many reasons that I won’t expound upon here.  Let’s just say I’ve rooted for her for so very long and believed the Lord had a hope and a future for her when perhaps she didn’t.  To see her beautiful self draped in white and that smiling face walking into the sunset with her cutie pie husband was joy fulfilled.  At several points during the ceremony and afterward Luke told Sydney not to even think about getting married. I can’t even imagine what  basket case he will be when his baby girl walks the aisle.  May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Dumb Cry Baby.

Sunday we had a great message at church where Luke preached on the Sadduccees and the Scribe whom Jesus told, “You are close to the Kingdom”.  Unfortunately, really close might as well be a million miles away where relationship with Jesus is concerned.  How heartbreaking to think we were right there and didn’t step across the line. Or maybe we did step across it but didn’t venture further up, further in.  I am going to resist elaborating here because I’m a good 1000 words in and I’m guessing you are wanting this to wrap up like I am.  However, I can not conclude without saying Happy Birthday to our little buddy Casi who just turned 13 and invited us to his awesome birthday party Sunday afternoon.  The Lord is going to use that boy mightily for the Kingdom, of this I am confident.

Wow, if you are still with me then you must be easily entertained.  This is what a post looks like when a girl should have written daily but didn’t.  If you have forgotten half of what I’ve blabbered on about then allow me to suggest talking points for comments:

1. A dessert that changed your life.

2. The sports your kids play and if you’ve ever gotten roped into being team mom, scorekeeper, coach, etc.

3. Ideas for relating with church youth. ( HELP!)

4. If you’ve ever cried in front of a crowd of people.  Awkwardly.  And….

5. ….the best message your pastor has preached lately. 

 

Let’s hear it!

 

 

 



14 Comments
|
Filed Under Uncategorized
 

Next Page »