Oh Where, Oh Where Did I Go?

Here I am!  So much has happened since I last posted.  It was a rough summer and I just couldn't find the inspiration to blog.  My husband's job in Arkansas ended on July 1 and we began the journey into unemployment.  We had no idea how long the journey would be and we prayed that God would provide.

Provide He did!  We felt so loved and cared for by our church family during this humbling experience.  We also had great "family time" that we never would have had otherwise.  There were days that we got discouraged, but we always knew that God's plan would eventually be revealed.  Let's just say, when He decided to reveal, He did so quickly!

Phil had an interview in South Dakota on July 30 and an interview in Missouri on August 2.  On August 3 he was offered the South Dakota job and the next day he was notified that he was not chosen for the opening in MO.  We really felt like this was God's open door and we stepped right through.  This is when things really started to get crazy!  The very next day we hopped in the van for a 15 hour road trip to South Dakota.

House hunting began.  Really it started out as a search for a rental, but again, God provided the unexpected.

We made an offer on this house and, after a "counter," we had an accepted offer.  This is much more house than we ever dreamed we would get, but our payments will be about the same as we would pay for a small rental house. There is much more to the story, but I will save that for another blog post.

Of course, our short time-line posed a bit of a problem.  It was now August 9 and we needed to be living in South Dakota by August 19 so Phil could start his job and the kids could start school.  Yikes!  With that in mind, we headed back to Arkansas.  The entire house was packed in boxes, arrangements were made with the moving company (Thank you, Lord, for paid moving expenses - the first time ever!), good-byes were said, our two vans were loaded with "essentials" and we were heading north again by the 16th!

Sorry....I forgot to warn you that this would be a long post!

On the second day of the trip, and with only about 100 miles to go, Phil's van drove its final mile.  After giving us over 180,000 miles, it just couldn't give any more.  After a few phone calls I was connected with a distant family relative (by marriage, sort of...) who just happens to have two jobs:  1.  He owns a towing business and 2.  He works for a salvage yard.....in the town where we were stranded!  Yes, God does certainly work in mysterious ways.  In the rain we re-packed; taking the "essential essentials" out of the dead van.  We left it behind to be towed to the salvage yard and went back the next weekend to get the rest of our belongings.

It was a long two days, but we arrived with one day to spare before the kids started school!  We don't have our house yet, but the university is allowing us to stay here:

A brand new apartment complex for students.  So, it is not ideal, but it is a place to live while we wait for a closing date on our house.  Hopefully that will be in the next week or two.

Okay, I will try to wrap it up here.  Phil is enjoying his job and keeping very busy with the start of the semester.  The boys like their new schools and are both playing football.  Sweet Girl has done remarkably well transitioning to a new school and has already stolen the hearts of her teachers.  I am playing chauffeur (especially since we only have one vehicle) and getting things figured out with insurance, utilities, new doctors, etc.

So, that was a really long post to let you know that I am now "blooming" in South Dakota!  I can't promise regular posts any time soon, but I will do my best to keep you updated. 

{Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.  I Timothy 6:17}

A Glimpse of Goodness

I recently purchased this wooden step stool at an estate sale.  It was almost entirely covered in mustard yellow paint when I brought it home, but some peeling places intrigued me.

As I pulled away some of the paint I got a glimpse of the {goodness} that was underneath. Oh, just look at those wonderfully chippy layers!  The more I peeled and scraped, the more layers I revealed. 

It got me to thinking about the layers I have in my own life. There is the thin layer of self-confidence that is easily chipped away to reveal the insecurity.  Sometimes the "super woman" peels away and exposes the "I can never measure up."  Then there is the layer of forgiveness that covers over a multitude of hurts.

Layers build up from each place I have lived; new and old friends adding color to my life.  Some areas are more chippy than others.  Thankfully, the joy and hope are strong layers and only occasionally begin to peel.

Each layer in our lives builds character.  It is up to us to decide which layers to keep and which areas to let peel away just a bit.  Is there something "unattractive" in my life?  Perhaps it is time repaint.  Do I miss an old friend?  Maybe I can peel back time and reconnect.  Life getting rough?  Get out the sandpaper and smooth things out.

Yes, I am going to leave my step stool in all its chippy goodness.  I will do a bit of cleaning, a little more peeling, just a touch of sanding....and it will be a beautiful reminder of life!

{How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.  Psalm 31:19}

I am linking to:

Where Hope Grows

Where HOPE grows, miracles blossom.

I'm still here.  Just really haven't had the heart to blog lately, but I did want to pop in and say "hello."  Hopefully I still have a few followers who haven't forgotten about me!  I did have the start of a decent blog post floating around in my head this afternoon.  Unfortunately, there are still bits and pieces floating around beyond my reach.  Maybe in a few days all the thoughts will be captured and put in order.

Isn't that a great quote I put with the picture?  I thought it was fitting for my blog and for my life right now.  Oh, things aren't horrible.  They could be much worse.  But still, I am holding onto the hope that things will be better soon.  My husbands job ends here in less than two months.  He has applied for other jobs in the past year.  He has had interviews.  He has been a "top candidate" more than once.  Oh, the heartache when he finds out he wasn't "the one."  I believe in him and am praying that a new employer will also believe in him soon.

For now we are waiting and praying; wondering where God will plant our family next.  We are ready for a new season of blooming!

{So each generation should set its hope anew on God,not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.  Psalm 78:7}

Rusty Treasures

Well, maybe someday I will get back to a regular blogging schedule.  Other things just need to come before this blog.  It is funny, though.  This past weekend we had a mini family reunion down in Louisiana.  When someone would tell a funny story or there was a "photographic moment" my uncle would say, "Hey, Vanessa, are you going to blog about this?"  It was a great weekend, so I suppose I should work on a post about it.  For now I will just share some little things I've been selling in my antique booth.

This is an old bed spring.

It is fun to look for old, rusty items that most people would consider trash and then search for a scripture to go along with each item.  I use Bible Gateway to find my scriptures.

I realize this isn't a real exciting post, but it is all I have for you tonight.  I need to get my Sweet Girl ready for bed, fold about four loads of laundry, make a grocery list and pull out the corresponding coupons, load the dishwasher......  The fun awaits!

{"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal..."  Matthew 6:20}

His Eye is On the Sparrow

Yes, I am still here.  I know it has been awhile. Life has just taken priority over blogging, but I thought I would pop in real quick tonight. 

Spring is here!  Well, sort of.  As I am typing this many people are still receiving snow.  In fact, here in south Arkansas we have snow in the forecast for tonight.  Craziness!  But I am still going to talk about spring.  I love waking up and listening to the birds singing outside.  What a wonderful sign of spring!  The birds singing brought to mind an old hymn the other day.  "His Eye is On the Sparrow" is such a beautiful song.

I put together this little collage using a cover of an old book as the base. The "egg" in the middle of the doily is some sort of button.  I was going for the look of an egg in a nest.

I sing because I'm happy.  I sing because I'm free.

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Aren't those wonderful words?  God is watching out for that tiny little sparrow singing outside my window and He is also watching out for me.

This little scripture cards says, "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and His children shall have a place of refuge."  Proverbs 14:26  One more reminder that we are safe in Jesus.  I hope wherever you are tonight, that you feel His comfort surrounding you.

{"So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:31}

Thomas Edison Junk

I love this quote by Thomas Edison. My "inventions" aren't quite the same caliber as his, but our minds must work somewhat alike. Right?!

This is going to be a quick, simple post. Too many things to get accomplished today.
My "invention" this week started out with a cabinet door almost identical to the one above. It was purchased for $4 at the antique store.
This is what I ended up with.
The cheese grater was a $1 thrift store purchase and the button magnets were made from my stash.
This is heading to my booth, but I think I will make one for myself with the other cabinet door. I could have sanded and painted the "frame", but I really liked it left as-is. What do you think?

{Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Romans 12:11}

I'm linking up to

Be sure to head over there (click the box above) to see many great ideas!

My Afternoon Agenda

1. Eat this.....

picture from hersheys.com

2. Take care of this Sweet Girl..... She's not feeling well today.

3. Read this.... So excited to find it at Walmart today!

And the Reese's Dark may or may not already be eaten. I'm not telling.

{When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick; And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up. Proverbs 25:16}

Can you believe I found the word "chocolate" in the Bible?! It is from The Message translation.

Scarf Love

I've been loving scarves lately. Here in the south I find it rarely gets cold enough for my winter coat. Most days I will just throw on a jacket or sweater and wrap a scarf around my neck.

Before Christmas I decided I wanted to find some scarves for Sweet Girl. Because of Rett Syndrome she drools quite a bit. I hate for her to have to wear a bib - she is 7 years old. I decided a scarf would help keep her shirt dry and be stylish at the same time. Unfortunately, when I started looking for scarves it was hard to find much that was cute, easy-wash, soft.....

I wondered what I could make so I did a little Googling and came across this T-shirt Memory Scarf. Perfect!

Here is my version for Sweet Girl. (She isn't mad. She just refuses to ever smile for the camera.)

This scarf works great for the intended purpose. It catches the unfortunate drool. It keeps her warm and dry. And it is soft and easy to wash.
Sweet Girl gets lots of compliments when she wears it and people enjoy looking at the "memories" from the shirts.

I recently made a fun scarf for myself. Last week I was sorting some things to put in my antique booth when I came across some old quilt squares. I was about to tag them and try to sell them when I had a thought - "These would make a unique scarf." Off I went to my sewing machine.

I cannot believe I am showing you this picture. I absolutely despise pictures of myself. To make matters worse, this one is blurry, off-center and just plain yuck. But I did want you to see what the scarf looked like "in action."

All I did was sew the squares end-to-end, fold the whole thing in half, right sides together and stitched - leaving one end open. I turned it, pressed it and stitched the end closed. I probably should have (and may still) top stitch around the whole thing.

There are so many colors that it goes with just about anything. I also like that it is light-weight and will still work on cool spring days.

I'm linking up to Make Your Monday over at Twice Remembered. Head on over to see what others are making today.

{Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck. Proverbs 6:20}

Fingerprint Friday - Snow Day!

I am linking up to Fingerprint Friday over at The Rusted Chain.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?
We currently live in South Arkansas. Snow is rare here, but yesterday God sent us snow!

I actually heard on the radio this morning that there is snow on the ground in all 50 states right now. Isn't that amazing?!

Oh, how refreshing it was to hear the squeals of delight as the children played in the snow. School was closed today "due to inclement weather." We probably don't even have 2 inches. And, actually, most of it is melted already. It is a snow day, nevertheless!

I know that many of you are probably praying that God would make it quit snowing. You have had enough. But down here we are enjoying every bit of it. I am, anyway.

God's fingerprints are certainly evident in each tiny snowflake - intricate, unique, creative, beautiful!

Thank you, God, for this snow day!

Be sure to head over to The Rusted Chain to see other's interpretations of God's fingerprints.

{He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, He broadcasts hail like birdseed - who can survive his winter? Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter—suddenly it's spring! Psalm 147:16-17}

Repurpose

re·pur·pose (rē-pûr'pəs)
tr.v. re·pur·posed, re·pur·pos·ing, re·pur·pos·es
To use or convert for use in another format or product

Today I wanted to show you a couple of my recent repurposing projects. Please forgive the bad photography. I know that most of the issue is me, the photographer, but I really do need a new camera. Mine is just worn out, I think.

Several months ago I bought this old aluminum lunch box at a garage sale. I wasn't sure what I would do with it, but for $1 I figured I could come up with something.

It is now my new recipe file box. Before, I had my recipes in an ugly plastic file box that was overflowing. I like this so much better. Inside the little jar with the "quilted" top I have some paper clips, mini post-it notes, etc. Handy for when I need to mark a recipe or make notes about it.

The tab files are some I had picked up from Target's $1 Spot a long time ago.

I love my new recipe box and it looks really cute sitting on top of my refrigerator!

One more repurpose project before I go....

Did any of you see these in the Christmas section at WalMart? I spotted them before Christmas, but didn't want to pay the price. But I immediately thought of all the fun things I could do with that container.

• a picture frame and photo storage
• a gift tin filled with handmade cards
• a fun display piece filled with a collection of buttons, marbles, etc.
• a gift tin filled with homemade goodies
• craft supply storage

After Christmas there were a lot of these left. There were also other varieties with plain tins (without the "window"). It took WalMart awhile to mark these way down. Even 50% off was too much for me - and everyone else, obviously, considering how many were still on the shelf. Finally, they went to 75% off and I snagged several. I think they ended up being around $1 each.

Okay, I have to admit that the snacks inside were worth the $1. Yummy!

For now, I have two of them holding some Memory Makers foam stamp sets. Eventually they may be repurposed (again) into something else.

What is your most recent or favorite repurpose project? I'd love to hear about it!


{Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21}

Bloom....please!

Hmmmm.... I wonder if God finds it humorous that I named my blog {Bloom Right Here!}? When I chose that name I was in a good spot; growing and thriving in my comfortable little world. How many times since then have I found myself withering instead of blooming?

Sometimes I think God is saying to me, "This is where I planted you. Bloom....please!" If only I were a better listener. I am trying.

In turn, I hope my bulbs grow and bloom. I have paper whites in the milk glass pedestal and the boots and an amaryllis in the other white container. Paper whites are new to me and I am not sure how quickly they usually grow. Have you ever grown an amaryllis? Especially if you have children, you really should try it. They grow so fast! It is fun to put a ruler in the soil beside it and check the height each day.

I always buy my bulbs on clearance after Christmas. Of course, these containers came from the thrift store. The itty-bitty black boots were my boys'. When I came across them recently I started to get rid of them, but decided I couldn't part with them. Do you know how many pair of these "muddy boots" my boys have had? They have been a wardrobe essential for them since they were toddlers. At 9 and 12 they are still wearing them.

Just before Christmas I received a package in the mail from Jill of Jill Ruth & Co. Inside was this beautiful piece of art. I wish I would have taken a better picture. Hand stitching. Free-form machine stitching. Old buttons. Bent wire. It is absolutely wonderful!

Jill also sent these little "word nuggets." So fun!

Thank you, Jill, for reminding me to bloom! And thank you, Lord, for sending me friends to remind of this!


{...the desert will bloom with flowers. It will be very glad and shout with joy. The glorious beauty of Lebanon will be given to it.... Everyone will see the glory of the Lord. They will see the beauty of our God. Isaiah 35:2}