Right Now

Staring at a blank screen. Yes, it has been over a year since I've written on my blog. What happened? One word...LIFE! Days only speed up, not slow down as time passes. I can't believe that over 365 days have passed since I last posted.

Well, now that my unbelief has been revealed, I guess I need to move on, and ask for grace and understanding from myself first, and my followers second.

Even though my days have been full of running a business, running a house, and running after a granddaughter, I do feel blessed to be able to have such a plentiful life.

My business is growing, and keeping me very busy. My house is getting smaller, or maybe it just that I need to clean and remove clutter more than I am. And, my granddaughter is sprouting as a well watered garden, full of life and energy.

With each and every day that has passed, I am thankful. This whole past year, I've been trying to be more mindful of giving THANKS! Giving thanks not just for one day (Thanksgiving Day) out of the year, but as a "way of life".

None of us really knows what will happen in the next minute, hour, or days; so what we do have is RIGHT NOW!

Right now to be happy. Right now to be thankful. Right now to live.

So, with that, I will move forward today being thankful. Being happy for opportunities to share my life with others, and have them share their lives with me. I will thank God for RIGHT NOW!

Canning Season Is Here

I've been busy in the orchard, and in the kitchen this last week.
Picking apples before the deer eat them all is an never ending "chore" around here.

Once we picked the organic apples, then "putting them up" is the next task on the list.

Thankfully, I've had the best kitchen help possible...my foodie fanatic daughter. Well, I must say, that is "fanatic" in the very best way! She keeps me sharp in my kitchen skills, and mostly, we just have a lot of fun together.

No wonder women of yesteryear, did things in groups. Sewing circles, quilting bees, and even preserving the harvest together. I've decided that together is the best way to accomplish what other wise may seem like a chore.

So, if you don't seem me around much on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, or Etsy, just know that I'm in the kitchen, laughing and perspiring, and savoring the sweet smell of cooking apples.

Canning 2012

Anniversary Sale!

I can hardly believe it myself, but Pear Creek Cottage is celebrating their one year anniversary.

You too can be part of this celebration by receiving a 10% coupon on all items in the shop from now through March 10Th! Just check in at the shop to get the coupon code.

A big thank you to all my customers who helped make my first year such a great experience! I learned so much from all of you, and I appreciate your feedback and comments as they continue to help me strive to do better.

Having this shop has been very rewarding and also lots of hard work! I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made along the way, for truly the relationships that one has is what makes their life rich and successful. So a big hug and thanks to all of you; you know who you are!

Please come by and visit.
Thanks so much~

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