TRINITY HOUSE

Blessing or Curse??

2013-05-08T10:14:00.002-07:00

Blessing or Curse – you get to decide

Like most everyone today, I have been hearing a lot of examples of hardships this week. No jobs, no retirement funds, worthless stock, cancelled vacations, new violence and political unrest, and general uncertainty. Rather than trying to create something profound I’d like to share this old story.

Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, because he owned a beautiful white horse. People offered fabulous prices for the horse, but the old man always refused. “This horse is a friend, not a possession,” he would respond.

One morning the horse was not in the stable. All the villagers said, “You old fool. We told you someone would steal that beautiful horse. You could at least have gotten the money. Now the horse is gone, and you’ve been cursed with misfortune.”

The old man responded, “Perhaps. All I know is that my horse is gone; the rest I do not know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say.”

After fifteen days the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses back with him. Once again the village people gathered around the old man and said, “You were right – what we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us.” The old man responded, “Perhaps. Once again you’ve gone too far. How do you know if this is a blessing or a curse? Unless you can see the whole story, how can you judge?” But the people could only see the obvious. The old man now had twelve additional horses that could be broken and sold for a great deal of money.

The old man had a son, an only son. He began to work with the wild horses. Unfortunately, after just a few days, he fell from a horse and broke both his legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and said, “You were right. The wild horses were not a blessing; they were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs and now in your old age you have no one to help you. You are poorer than ever.” But the old man said,“ Perhaps. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. We have only a fragment of the whole story.”

It so happened that a few weeks later the country went to war with a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he had two broken legs. Once again the people gathered around, crying because there was little chance their sons would return. “You were right, old man. Your son’s accident was a blessing. Our sons are gone forever.”

The old man spoke again. “You people are always quick to jump to conclusions. Only God knows the final story.”

And so it is with our lives. What we see as a blessing or a curse may simply be part of God preparing us for what lies ahead. Be careful in seeing “disaster” in any change. Just recognize it as change – which opens the door for good as well as bad – for gain as well as possible loss.

What experience have you had – where initially what seemed a curse turned out to be the beginning of a blessing?

........Anonymous

Hope everyone has a great day!
Lisa

Imagination at Work

2013-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

These beautiful glass flowers are the creation on Mike Urban. It only goes to show what beauty can be created from simple objects when we set our mind to create something new.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2013-02-14T10:43:00.002-08:00

What is Love?

Ever have one of those days?

2013-02-11T20:25:00.003-08:00

I'm Back!!

2012-11-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out what I didn't know about my blog, if that makes any sense. More posting to come!

Blessings to everyone,
Lisa

The devil's in the details!

2012-09-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

The details of blogging that is, just when I decide to be a regular poster to my blog I can't seem to access it from home. I suspect it's a nasty little"bug" that is messing me up but i'm sending this from work and hope to have my home computer fixed soon.

For whatever reason my computer from work won't let me post pictures so it kinda stinks!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, we had fabulous weather!

Blessings,

Lisa

Happiness is a choice!!

2012-09-07T11:33:00.001-07:00

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that

commands your thoughts, liberates your

energy, and inspires your hopes."

- Andrew Carnegie

Wednesday's Wisdom

2012-08-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Catching Up!

2012-07-17T11:34:00.005-07:00

Wow! March, where on earth has time gone. Well, for me it's time to get back in the thick of it if i'm going to make this little blog/journal anything worth reading. Just reserved a room in Savannah, GA for a little Christmas vacation with my children. I've never been to Savannah at Christmas so i'm really looking forward to the trip. Planning on going on the river boad dinner cruise on christmas eve.

Hope you have had an enjoyable, cool summer!

Blessings,

Lisa

Silencing the Guilt Monster

2012-03-18T20:58:00.002-07:00

I have a small devotional book that my church passes out each month. For the women it's called Journey and I can't tell you how many times the morning devotional has hit home with me at a particular time in my life. I know, it's called God's perfect timing.

This particular devotional set off a whole wave of emotions and reminded me as the Nester reminds us on her blog, IDHTBPTBB!

______________________________________________

"Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really are free" (John 8:36).

"Kim sighed as she trudged upstairs toward bed. Her mind was still surveying undone tasks. She had also failed to have her quiet time that morning, so she needed to take care of that before trying to sleep.

Slipping away to the bedroom with her Bible and prayer journal, she settled in with her prayer list. She skimmed a few Bible verses and tried to remember some of the urgent needs that had come in from e-mails and Facebook. She didn't have anything insightful to record in her journal tonight.

Calling, "Good night, hon!" to her TV-watching hubby, Kim mentally recited her failures for the day. I didn't exercise. I certainly shouldn't have eaten that cake. I was probably too harsh with my sister. I'm behind on laundry and the house needs some heavy cleaning. I haven't mailed that get-well card or RSVP'd to the wedding invitation. What a disorganized, unproductive mess I am!

Suddenly Kim's guilty thoughts were invaded by the One who knew her best, the One who knew her heart and her flesh would fail, but He would be her strength and portion forever (Psalm 73:26). He was not pointing a finger and reminding her of her failures. He was crowning her with "faithful love and compassion" (Psalm 103:4). She thanked her Father and closed her eyes.

Christian psychologist and author James Dobson has said one of the things he loves most about women is that they try so hard. That is certainly true for most of us. Yet we tend to be very hard on ourselves, and many women are guilt sponges. We believe we never do enough and we never get it right. The Enemy attacks us at this place of weakness. We must recognize our accuser and reject his lies. Jesus reminds us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light and we can find rest in Him (Matthew 11:29-30)."

______________________________________________

I find that I am so guilty of these same self-condeming thoughts. And yet He so gracefully and graciously reminds me that He doesn't make junk. What he does is perfect and His plan is perfect. So on the days I let that guilt monster creep in due to my weaknesses, I am reminded that His love is perfect and that my life, and world around me, is perfect not because of beautiful "things" but because of His saving grace.

Blessings,

Lisa

Summer fun and...................

2012-02-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

..........the living means easy and sandals.

I know it's not warm weather yet but it doesn't hurt to think about the days to come. I've been seeing these around the net and will definitely try my hand at recreating my own version.

Makes wish I had a new summer dress :).

Blessings,

Lisa

Love.......

2012-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but everlasting life.

John 3:16.......what love is all about.

Happy John 3:16 day!!!!!

Dreams and Goals

2012-01-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a dream that turned into a goal?

Is there really a difference?

To me dreams are something you wish for and goals are something you work for, well today I turned my dreams into goals.

I have always wanted to have my own home decor business. I even have a name for it, Neutral Territory. I love neutrals, especially white, with splashes of color. Finishes that have texture and a history, one of a kind treasures that really make your house, your home.

My business would be all about neutral colored decor, one stop shopping for that perfect home accessory. Yes, it will take a while but baby steps turn into big steps. All with the direction and guidance of a loving and faithful God. He has blessed me so much.

The other part of that goal is where I want this business to be, Savannah, Georgia. The city is steeped in history, which I love. So much to see and do and be a part of the life there. Not to mention Tybee Island and a dream of having a little beach cottage near the water. I can feel the sun on my face now.

My favorite designer, Jane Coslick, is in Savannah and her designs always inspire me to follow that goal.

It will happen. In a little over two short years from now. Responsibilities keep me from Savannah right now but the time will come for my life there and I can't wait.

Do you have dreams or goals?

Have a blessed day,

Lisa

Personalized Certificates

2012-01-24T18:38:00.001-08:00

Thought I would share a little tutorial of sorts for a personalized certificate that was made for our single adult minister at church. We were having a costume party and decided that we would recognize her for all she does for the single adults.

Don't know that I would actually call this a tutorial so much but this is what I put together.

This is basically all you need: frame, scrapbook paper and clear translucent paper found in scrapbook section. I did try Vellum but the design of the colored paper behind didn't show up as well.

Below is a closer shot of the translucent paper. All you do is print on the clear paper and layer in your frame. You probably will need to cut down to size but it can't get any easier than that. Try different colored papers and test the color effect before you cut. I found the brighter the color behind the better the appearance in the front.

Below is a close up shot of the wording. You could do this for a wide variety of certificates and awards. Especially considering you could do any kind of font and color combo. You can put in a simple frame like this one or a fancier frame to suit the recipient.

Have a blessed day!

Lisa

I think I'm addicted!!!

2012-01-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

I never was the kind of person that liked having things tight around my neck but as i've gotten older I have started enjoying the ever versatile scarf. And i don't think i'm alone. There seems to be an explosion of scarf making and tying in blog land. Just go look at Pinterest.

This is how I figured out the best way to utilize my scarves for easy access. This is one of those towel racks you hang over the back of the door.

The two scarves below are ones i've made recently. The first one is for an exchange student from Poland that was visiting my aunt.

I was kinda pumped to think that something I made is in Poland right now. The second one below is for my little neice in the second grade.

Finally I leave you with some quick tips on scarf tying......

Found on Pinterest!

Blessings,

Lisa

Me ?? Distressed?? Really??

2012-01-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I hear that we are getting a Home Goods in our area which i'm really pumped about. Because we are also finally getting a Joann's Fabric and Crafts next month. I visited the Home Goods website and took this little test, Stylescope Quiz. I'm always curious about whether or not these things are accurate but to my surprise it was very accurate.

According to the quiz my style is Country Classic and this is what the results said, "LISA, you are a Country Classic

You have a naturally refined sensibility with an appreciation for tradition and history. You value beauty, craftsmanship, and family heirlooms, but you like to open things up with pretty, easy-going pieces like painted wood or distressed furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a breezy, relaxed feeling. You love unique finds, have a thrifty, creative side, and can make these things work together.

You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be."

Well, after that I looked around my house to see what I had that was painted and distressed, here's what I found.

Don't you just love that leaf on the floor! Keeping it real!

Chest I painted and distressed.

Old enamel and painted kitchen table from my aunt's house. Using it as sewing table right now.

Blanket chest made for my grandmother.

Brass plate on the inside of the chest. That date is 1943. The Jack Peterson at the bottom is my Dad.

Part of an old metal gate.

Keep magazines in these.

Window seat in my kitchen, a work in process.

These pictures aren't the best. I think it's time for a new camera as my little Nikon is warn out but you get the idea. So, how distressed are you? I'm distressed alot but in a good way :).

Blessings,

Lisa

Easy-to-Sew Bags for Every Occasion

2012-01-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Better Homes and Gardens is always a great wealth of inspiration. They have a slide show online for different bags to make, couple of them are below.

It's not too early to start that spring bag or two!!

Blessings,

Lisa

Pinterest Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of the pics that inspire me. All from Pinterest Enjoy!!

Per Websters........

2012-01-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

Intention-1. a determination to act in a particular way 2. purpose, aim 3. meaning, intent.

Intentional-done by intention; not accidental.

I've really thought about this whole thing of having a focus word each year. I see many bloggers doing it and many with great success. For whatever reason i'm getting on that band wagon. I gave alot of thought to what I wanted this year to be about and the thought kept going through my mind about all the things I have wanted to do but never followed through with. Wanted to do with good intention. See where i'm going with this?

So this year I have already turned 50, just 3 short days ago and today I decided that this year i'm going to be intentional about my actions.

Intentional about my health.

Intentional about my relationship with God.

Intentional about what I can do myself to make a fulfilling life.

Intentional about following a dream (more on that later).

Intentional about growing my blog.
Intentional about saving more for the future.

After all isn't life about purpose and meaning?

My prayer for everyone is that they find meaning in their life through purpose and intent.

Blessings,

Lisa

Wordless Wednesday(sortof)-May the Lord Grant you Peace!!

2011-09-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

And Love!

Lost in LALA Land!!!

2011-08-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, didn't think I would ever get signed back into my blog. I hate tachnology but at the same time it sure is convienent. Well, i'm back now with the plans to actually blog on a regular basis.

Lord willing and the creek don't rise :)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa

HELLO!!!!!!!!

2011-04-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Long time no post. I started a new job six weeks ago and haven't done much of anything else. Will be posting something new tomorrow.

Have a great day!!!!!!!

Lisa

~WHAT IS LOVE?~

2011-02-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

"Spread love everywhere you go; first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor...Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."

---Mother Teresa---

*MERRY CHRISTMAS***

2010-12-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Been out of the loop while job hunting but just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings,
Lisa

~CHANGES THEY ARE A COMIN'~

2010-10-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Long time no post! Lots going on in my little household. Since the lay off from my job i've decided to make a change that I had planned on doing 4 years from now when my daughter graduated from high school. We are moving to Savannah, GA. Savannah is a beautiful city and so close to the beach. I'm so excited. As soon as I line up a job i'm over there!!!!!

Blessings,

Lisa

TRINITY HOUSE

Blessing or Curse??

Imagination at Work

Happy Valentines Day!!

Ever have one of those days?

I'm Back!!

The devil's in the details!

Happiness is a choice!!

Wednesday's Wisdom

Catching Up!

Silencing the Guilt Monster

Summer fun and...................

Love.......

Dreams and Goals

Personalized Certificates

I think I'm addicted!!!

Me ?? Distressed?? Really??

Easy-to-Sew Bags for Every Occasion

Pinterest Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Per Websters........

Wordless Wednesday(sortof)-May the Lord Grant you Peace!!

Lost in LALA Land!!!

HELLO!!!!!!!!

~WHAT IS LOVE?~

*****MERRY CHRISTMAS*******

~CHANGES THEY ARE A COMIN'~

*MERRY CHRISTMAS***