True Love

I just have to share with you a touching love story. I was contacted by a customer asking if I could make 365 hearts. It didn't take too much to figure out that the man wanted one heart for each day of the year.

What is he doing with all these hearts? Letting his special lady know how and why he loves her like he does.

It was heart warming to work with this gentleman to help make his wishes come true for the love of his life.

What did I learn? Really it's pretty simple; TELL that special someone you love them in as many unique and creative ways you can think of. We all long to hear and to know that we are loved and valued.

An example of what the gentleman did: He wrote on each heart things that he loves or is thankful that he was able to do with his special lady. The hearts are stored in a keepsake box, for his lady to visit often and be reminded of his love.

Here are a few pictures to show the finished product.

Canning!

This last week has been spent in a hot kitchen, with boiling pots of water, wonderful spicy smells, all surrounded by people I love.

My daughter and I were able to spend the week canning applesauce, peach jam, and apple butter! 36 pints of applesauce, 12 half-pints of peach jam, and 36 half-pints of apple butter! Whew!

It has been such a fun and rewarding week, seeing all our efforts pay off. From picking the apples off our trees, to slicing, cooking, and processing; to the finished product.

Reminds me that my Father's love for me is the same. He never gives up in the process. From "picking" me, to washing, cutting away the bad parts, putting me to the test in "boiling water" , and sealing me with the Holy Spirit. He never tires of the process, and I am forever grateful!

Grandma's Apron

I wanted to created a "modern" item to remember fond past moments; so I created my apron magnets. They signify a simpler time when mom's and grandma's started their days with a fresh new apron.
Do you remember your mom or grandmother wearing an apron? It has a homey feel and a comfort knowing you could bury your "troubles" in her apron.

Not only for Mother's Day, but for year round, why not place an apron magnet on your refrigerator to remind you of love and security and comfort. Or give as a gift to say; "Thanks Mom"!

Fun Free Treats

It's not too late to enter my Giveaway! Just go to :etsyfix.blogspot.com/
and enter your comments to be entered in the Giveaway! What better way to share love this Easter than with some freebies, that you can give away!

Thank you for all who have entered already. Your comments are so fun to read.
Blessings~

Grandma's Rocking Chair

I recently inherited my grandmother's rocking chair. A gift from my parents as I am awaiting the arrival of my first grandchild. What a treasure it has been to have my morning Advent devotional time sitting in my grandmother's chair and...remembering. I am so thankful for her faith in God and the times she sat in her chair, praying for me and the rest of her grandchildren.

As a new season and chapter of my life begin, I ask; "Father in Heaven" that I can be faithful to You as my Grandma was. Help me instill in my grandchildren Your unconditional love for Your creation.

I am so thankful for special memories of my Grandmother and her sitting in her chair. I remember sitting in her lap, I remember sitting at her feet as she would read to my sister and I. I remember playing "chase" around the chair. My grandmother would shuffle her feet on the ground as if to pretend to chase my sister and I, then when we were least expecting it, she would quickly reach out and grab us and hug us.

Now, the adventures continue with a new generation, but same chair. What stories will the chair have to add to it's already existing repitoires? It will be a pleasure to live the stories out!

On Purpose

We all long to have a purpose, to make a difference while we are here on this earth. We never know how long we have to live and make a difference..

Often I, in my own ways try to make my purpose happen. Do you ever do that? Being aware that you have a limited time, you try to rush, and make things happen, so you can feel satisfied that you have "done your purpose."

I am so thankful that God is very aware of this weakness of mine; and I'm so grateful when He reminds me that it is not about me "doing my part"...but Him. He is always present and active in my life. And you know what my purpose is?
To glorify Him.
Not try and get people "saved" from eternal destruction, not to help them overcome an addiction...and all the other ideas that we have of what our "purpose is".

My soul purpose is to love God.

He will decide how and when He will use me to accomplish His purposes...not my decision. That is so freeing. If only I could remember this truth. It would save me from a lot of worry and anxiety. But, I am so thankful that even though I can't always remember this on my own...my loving Father is patiently reminding me of it.

"Father God, when I forget this truth, please remind me once again that my purpose is YOU. Loving You, desiring You, serving You how You lead, living in fellowship with You."

I love this quote from Ruth Myers book: The Satisfied Heart

"Every soul is a vast reservoir from which God can receive eternal pleasure."

Ephesians 3:14-20