~~FEMININE MATTERS~~

WOMAN OF VALOR AND BEAUTY (guest post)

From Rob Young's Photos:

Look at this lady - Let us never forget! 
The world hasn't just become wicked...it's always been wicked. The prize doesn't always go to the most deserving.

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive'. She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German). Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.  After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

The Irony of it All:

Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. President Obama won one year before becoming President for his work as a community organizer for ACORN and Al Gore won also --- for a slide show on Global Warming.

In MEMORIAM - 63 YEARS LATER I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll consider doing the same.. It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated!

Now, more than ever, with Iran , and others, claiming the HOLOCAUST to be "a myth". It's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.

By: Rob Young

Patience Is A Virtue, Especially These Days

Well, I got a lot of writing done today.  Three devotionals.  Yet, not one chapter in my book.  However, it's only 11:30 a.m.  There's still time.  I haven't cleaned my house in months.  Serious as a heart attack, friends.  I look at my messes and cringe.  My back just prohibits that kind of movement.  It's so annoying.  Hence, the need for more patience today.

I get aggravated that I cannot play with my grandchildren like I once did.  No puzzles on the floor.  No trips to the park.  No lifting them on monkey-bars, no pushing them in swings.  It's irritating to want to do something but face such limitations.

I have to be patient with myself.  With my lot in life.  With the reality that I am limited.  With the annoyance that I must thrust the work I ought to be doing upon another.  I want to do more but simply can't.  And yet, I praise the LORD.  He is so good.  He provides for me.  He gives me strength to endure.  He fills my heart with joy so I do not get discouraged and depressed. 

He gives me my husband.  He pushes the swings.

I look at my dear sweet spouse who goes beyond the second mile with me.  Laundry, sweeping, mopping, scouring.  He helps me put together meals when I cannot stand long enough to wash the veggies, and cut them up for salad.  As soon as I get stuff on the stove, he watches it for me, so I don't have to stand.  He sometimes brings dinner on his way home from work. He puts up with my cranky attitude when I don't sleep at night.  

He's a jewel; his worth is far above rubies.  I count my blessings for his unconditional love.

It does get tough to sit back and let others do what I feel is my role as homemaker to do.  Even as my husband does what he does without complaint, I realize how often I complained about doing housework when I was able.  If not for the grace of God and His mercies, I could be extremely guilt-ridden.

Soon, my husband will be packing our belongings so we can move to a smaller, more convenient place.  He will take the care with the treasured items, because he cares for how I feel about the memorabilia.  He will paint new colors on my walls if I decide I cannot live with what I've picked.  He will unwrap my junk and place it for me.  Then he will move things around to appease my change of mind.  Patience is definitely a virtue.  And my husband has it.  Every day, but especially these days. selahV

For a devotional on patience:  The patience I'm daily devoted to learning, go HERE.

Cheetah "Love" Chairs

My granddaughters love these chairs.  I purchased them for my husband's office in his last pastorate.  To compliment their uniqueness, I did a marbleized paint technique on his walls which some folks begged me to do in their homes.  It was a pretty office.  Everyone who visited him loved them.  Since we left Kentucky about 8 years ago, they've sat in my living room as you see pictured here.  I love them; I have not tired of the statement they make in my eclectic decor.

The faux cheetah print whispers intrigue and mystery.  Slim-curved arms curl into a question mark at the end of their arms.  The smooth sleek design offers a gentle flow of feminine elegance on which to rest ones hands.  Metallic gold peeks out beneath fine lines of crackled, high-gloss, black-painted arms and legs to add a touch of "bling".  It sparkles like jewelry on a lady's wrist.   

My granddaughters do not want me to sell them.  Alas, there is no room for them in the efficiency space where I am moving.  Haylee, 7, begged me to keep them so she could have them when she grows up.  Their appeal tends to transcend all age groups. Even teenagers have loved them.  They add a classic Bohemian accent to any decor-- a bit of rogue and rebellion amid the traditional, contemporary theme.  

It's sad when we must let go of something we love.  But, my friends, it is only stuff.  Granted...it's pretty stuff.  And I am hoping they will find a nice home and fill an empty space for a person who will love them as much as I and others in my life have loved them.  Then again, maybe, just maybe they will find a spot in my daughter's bedroom.  Who knows?  Stranger things have happened.  For now I am holding onto them until November when my granddaughter, Bethany, comes in before the Airforce relocates them to Virginia.  I hope to have her dear hubby take a picture of all the ladies in our family standing behind them and sitting in them.  Keepsakes.  Pictures.  They take less space than chairs, don't you think? 

my ARTISTIC friend and Beadiful Soul

Victoria Gaines defined: Victoria Gaines dot com

 
Ah...yes.  Defining Victoria with very limited vocabulary is:

V ictorious

I nspirational, Introspective

C herishable Caring Christian Counselor

T rustworthy, Triumphant, Transparent

O bedient and Open

R efreshing

I nnovative

A mazingly Accepting

G iving and Grateful

A wesomely Artistic 

I nsightful, Intercessor

N eeded

E nergizing, Encouraging

S oulful, Sensitive, Sparkling, Stupendously Steadfast and Sweet 

How does she do it?  Uh...by the grace of God.

Victoria is a writer, a blogger, a business woman, an artist, a crafter, a baker, a loving friend, wife, mother and grandma.

She's full of life in the truest sense of the words.

Internet surfing led me into Victoria's life years ago.  I loved her sparkling personality and her love for Jesus.  She is an encourager and comforter.  She empties herself into the world and allows God to use her in every way under the sun.  She's a counselor and comforter.  She is an enigma to the world because her struggles in life are mountainous, and yet she remains steadfast and strong in the Lord.  I see her goodness in the midst of all she writes.  I feel the empathy in her heart from 2,000 plus miles away.  I call her friend.  She's my prayer partner and sister-in-Christ.

If you want to spotlight your femininity, I pray you visit her Etsy website, Beadiful Soul.

If you need a sweet gift for a friend, family member or co-worker, Victoria makes lovely jewelry as she battles chronic illnesses, struggles to help add income since her handicapped husband lost his job.  She spends a lot of time boosting the spirit of others.  I pray you visit her Etsy site, Beadiful Soul and see if there's anything there to strike your fancy.  Indulge.  selahV 

FOR A LITTLE WHILE

I'd like to be young again.  I'd like to run like I use to.  Play volleyball with the youth.  I'd like to swim, jump on the trampoline with my granddaughters.  I'd like to climb the rocks at Mt. Scott and explore the cracks and crevices.  I'd love to be able to, not only pick colors for my little efficiency apartment, but climb ladders and paint the walls and pack my belongings for our impending move. 

I know that's silly.  But for a little while...it would be nice.

It would also be nice if I could go back to December 9th, 2010 and leave my house just a little bit later, or earlier.  Either one would be sufficient to avoid the timing of Mr. Luna driving through a stop-sign and crashing into my car.  At least before that day, though I could not do all the things above, I could still paint pictures and enjoy doing puzzles with my granddaughters.  I could play more freely with Kinsey and Haylee.  I could bend a little farther, sit up straight a little longer.  I could make plans and carry them out; go to my Tuesday painting classes, and make commitments believing I could keep them.

Ironically...

God has used this physical trial to bring about another dream of sorts.  You see, when I first started blogging in 2006, I wanted to build a website where I could share thoughts with other women about common thoughts-- our faith, our love for children and grandchildren, recipes we like, and mundane miscellaneous chatter.  I wanted an online magazine-style site.  I can't believe that I am getting closer and closer to harmonizing the blogs I write.  Had I not been so limited (for fear of creating another agonizing twist in my neck), I wouldn't have been able to mesh my sites like I imagined.  I wouldn't have taken the time to learn all the things I need to learn to link each site together with various buttons and feeds.  I've still got a bunch of work to do before I'm satisfied.  It's kinda like my life in Christ.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 ESV

God began a good work in me.  He will bring that work to completion.  In His time.  And part of the completed work is what I do and what I dream to do.  It's nice to dream-- even "for a little while".  Can you relate?  If so, tell me the dreams you are dreaming in the comment box below.  What trial are you facing that's taken you to a place you had not expected?  I'd really like to know.  selahV for Today

ZANY is GOOD...Silly and Sweet...my Abby

 
There is a magical thing that happens to some of us when first we notice that we are being watched by another.

A bit of shyness, a tad of escape, a letting down our guard, an uninhibited zany rebellion.  Then, that quiet smile and picture perfect acceptance that Grama is not gonna go away.  Her eyes are blue as Texas bluebonnets.

I love my Abby-cakes.  She's a sweetie.  Full of love and hugs.  Bubbles filled with enthusiasm, and energizer bunny joy.  selahV

now THIS is a Tea-Party...WOW

I was surfing the more feminine blogs and came across a couple of the most delightful ones I have seen in a long time.  As most of you know, my granddaughters and I have lots of teaparties.  I've even taken special little cups to school and had teaparties at lunchtime with my grand-girls.

HOWEVER...

when I popped into CREATIVE HOME EXPRESSIONS (/link) today I found the most extravagant,

most stupendous,

most unusual teaparty I've ever seen!!!!

You just have to go visit to see her pictures and little captions.  It is precious beyond anything this old grandma will conjure up.  I sure wish I'd get an invite to one like this.  I'd pack up all four of my granddaughters and head for wherever she lives and even supply the petit fors for dessert!  What a "wonderland"!!!

Stay tuned for more of my blogging adventures.  No telling where I'll end up.  If you have a favorite Feminine Blog which celebrates motherhood/daughters/grandmothers and all things lace and wonderful, please leave the link in the comment box below.  selahV

Jocelyn's 1st EASTER

She's just 6 months old.  She's not interested in napping.  She wants to play Easter-egg hunt, too.  My first Great-granddaughter.  She's got blue eyes and the sweetest little blonde eyelashes and wisps of hair.  So cute....so sweet. selahV

BROOKLYN'S BENEVOLENCE BEADS

She has a dear friend.  Her friend's mom has cancer.  She wants to help.  She got an idea.  She'd make necklaces and sell them and give the money to help.  She asked me for help.  I researched various websites to ensure they were safe so she could create her own beads out of paper.  We worked all afternoon one Sunday, cutting paper, gluing it, and rolling it into these darling little beads.  She's now stringing them and selling them.  She's excited.  I'm excited.  And I am sure the Lord is excited, too.  And that's the best part of it all.  May Jesus gain all the glory.  After all... she's a Proverbs 31 lady:

"She...works with eager hands." (13b)

...sets about her work vigorously;

...her arms are strong for her tasks. (17)

....she extends her hands to the needy." (20)

Double Blessing Or More

First blessing is my precious 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn.  Secondly is what she shared on Facebook today:

"Its such a beautiful thing when your on the bus and all the little kids start to sing Jesus loves me! They are becoming my romodel!"  (that's role model).

And thirdly, it thrills my soul that while other girls her age are posting things on Facebook which are very unbecoming a young lady, that God is working in her life to see the most important things in life and then be bold and willing enough to share them with the world.

Such things cannot be taught.  They are caught from the Spirit of God.  I'm so grateful and so blessed.  hariette