Renew

I have like the word RENEW for a long time.  Back when I had my antique booth I "named" it {ReNew}.  I also blogged a little bit about it here.  Well, this year I have been hearing a lot about people picking a word for the year.  Something with meaning.  Something to focus on for the entire year.  I really hadn't planned to pick a word for myself.  Kind of like resolutions, I figured I would soon forget about it and feel like I had failed. 

But RENEW just kept coming back to me and I had to admit there might be a reason.  My mind needs renewed so that I can focus on joy and not sadness.  My body needs renewed.  Boy does it ever!  And most importantly my spirit needs constant renewal.  I'm going to do my best to focus on ways to RENEW throughout the year.  I even bought this charm as a visual reminder. I love it!

Something else that needing renewing was my ancient Bible cover.  It was a high school graduation present and was looking just a bit dated.  I decided to embellish a small canvas tote bag to carry my Bible in.  This was a fun project.

I really didn't have any plans when I started.  I just went through my "stash" and found some things to work with.  I believe butterflies are a beautiful example of renewal.  The one above was taken off of an old, battered pillowcase.  I left the top of the teal fabric unstitched to form a large pocket.

Isaiah 40:31 has long been a favorite verse of mine.  "....but those who hope in the Lord will RENEW their strength."

Here is the other side.The stitching is far from perfect, but I enjoyed working with my hands to create this.

There is my word again!

No project is complete without a few vintage buttons.

This butterfly is especially meaningful because it is one that my Grandma made many years ago.

The quilt block was from a thrifted bag of fabric.  It makes another nice pocket.

I love this piece of an old collar.  Again, I left the top opened to form a small pocket for a pen, pencil and highlighter.

And with that I am out of time.  Sorry to end this post abruptly, but I need to go get kiddos from school.  Then I am off to a women's retreat with some gals from church.  Looking forward to some good RENEWal there!

{"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:1-2}

Purity From Heaven

The morning sky is veiled with

the promise of snow;

cold settles peacefully amongst the trees

as the earth awaits the purity from heaven.

As I looked out my window on Sunday morning, the above words just came to me.  In the stillness of the dawn, I was reminded of God's goodness.  It was a wonderful way to begin the week.

The barren trees really aren't very beautiful.  My heart isn't always beautiful either.

pu-ri-ty
1.  the condition or quality of being pure.  2.  freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.  3.  cleanness or spotlessness.

As the snow fell from the heavens,

the dark and dirty earth was covered. 

Pure.  White.  Clean.      Just like my heart needs to be.

I am thankful for the snow

that transforms the earth with its purity;

and I am thankful for a God

who transforms my heart and soul with His purity.

Even the birds are refreshed and nourished.  The silence of the snow was broken only by their songs.

Thank you, Lord, for these reminders of your goodness.

{"Teach me your ways, O Lord,that I may live

according to your truth!

Grant me purity of heart,

so that I may honor you."  Psalm 68:11}