Redesign of the heart...

It's been a while...long while.  My mind has been dwelling on the greatness (not a big enough word) of God.  Nothing new you're probably thinking, but to me, the internal reality of His pervasiveness is expanding.  He is not only the Americanized version of the God we love.  In fact He is that but much more.  We naturally "remember " God as the one of the Old Testament, yet now we stylize a new version for our new culture.  Do not misunderstand.  I do not believe the way we love God through our style of, for instance, modern worship is wrong or misguided.  Seeking God through our parameters of lifestyle are within the framework of what Jesus would teach, I think.  However, that is true of other seekers of God's way around the world who live and think differently from us.  I am increasingly open to other ways to follow the truth which is Jesus Christ as our Savior, that being the cornerstone of our faith.  God did not change.  We have and He speaks our "language", but there are many languages.   Let the Bible be our guide, yet let us not be so quick to explain away the passages in our own "dialect."  God is God of the universe.  I reverently seek to know Him more.  I fervently want to seek His way.  God, redesign my heart to be like yours.  Forgive me when I try to make You more like me.

postscript:  I set out to put in words my feelings of faith and works, yet I totally redirected without meaning to do so.  Another time maybe.  Of course, the world can wait.  I hope someday my children, grandchildren will want to see the meanderings of my heart/head.

pps:  To my husband, Happy Day of our wedding 38 years ago.

What's next?

One thing I'm sure...God is on His throne...I am not.  And I'm not sure of what tomorrow, next minute even, holds.  Pain and suffering is all over the globe in unspeakable measure.  Waters crash, earth heaves, murderous despots create terror...and worse.  Here in our little haven, someone I love has a broken heart.  It seems insignificant in light of all the world's tragedies.  Actually, it is.  But for her, for us, for now it is wrenching and seemingly unbearable.  But just as sure as the pain is real, so is healing a reality.  It comes, leaving a bit of scar tissue behind as a reminder of things learned and of the investment that was made which always becomes a part of who we are.  So we go on, thrilled that it is God who is on the throne.  He is here and in the future.  He's not only got my back, He is clearing the path.

Midwest inspirations...

So my younger daughter gives me grief when she catches me watching PBS, but despite the harassment, it proved to be a serendipitously good choice the day I happened onto the show featuring Annie Brahler's home in Jacksonville, IL and her business known as Eurotrash.    I'd heard some vague mention of such a place from my friend Barb but never knew much about it or if the business still existed.  If you would like to have a feast for the senses, check here for the link to this fabulous find.  There are other links which showcase her home.  The  pictures seen here were featured in Country Living magazine.

Her home and business have been featured in a number of decorating magazines.  Her unabashed use of lovely treasures for everyday use is refreshing.  I know that a girls day out in J'ville must happen soon!  And...speaking of that area of the world, I had an amazing outing with the aforementioned Barb this past year when she took me to her sister-in-law's Civil War-era farmhouse, also near Jacksonville.  I drank in every inch of the house, trying to absorb the artful, yet quirky (and I mean that in the most praise-worthy way)juxtaposition of  possessions, from art to furniture and all things in between.  It was original and eclectic and absolutely charming.  It turns out that this same talented individual once lived in my house, which is quite different in style from her farmhouse.  I'd be interested to see what she would do with my house now!  I am in a momentary standstill but hope to be inspired soon.  IT WILL HAPPEN.  Anyway, inspiration is all around and nothing excites me more than to discover it again and again.



by design...

Those of you who know me best probably think the title refers to my avocation of decorating.  And you'd be partly right.  But in my desire to experiment with the idea of blogging, I readily admit that the idea of having enough to share in the realm of making spaces look attractive is a little scary.  And truthfully, most of my ideas come from years of  pouring over the creations and ideas of others to cultivate an adaptation for myself.  So maybe I'll share those ideas, but just maybe I'll delve into other thoughts and meanderings.  After all, there is design in everything...so be ready for tablescapes and "mindscapes".  Ultimately, this is something I'm doing just for me...by design.