3 January 2011
Reflecting on the past year, rejoicing in the Lord and His goodness, and resolving to nobler things in the coming year.
R e f l e c t i n g
Reflect: To throw or turn back the thoughts upon the past operations of the mind or upon past events. [We reflect with pleasure on a generous or heroic action; we reflect with pain on our follies and vices; we reflect on our former thoughts, meditations and opinions.]
Looking back at this past year and seeing how the Lord has changed me and given me new life in Him, what and how He has taught me, what goals have and have not been accomplished, what my strengths and weaknesses have been, where I have visited, who I have met, etc.
It was most certainly a wonderful and blessed year.
And in all of the reflecting I am reminded that “only the things done for the Lord will last.”
R e j o i c i n g
Rejoice: To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult.
Rejoicing in God’s goodness, law, faithfulness, grace, love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, restoration, sovereignty, perfect time and plan, joy, strength, peace, . . .
God has shown me great mercy this past year and I am so thankful for His salvation, His mighty works, and His forgiveness. I am indebted to Him, and my life is His and His alone.
R e s o l v i n g
Resolve: To fix in opinion or purpose; to determine in mind. [He resolved to abandon his vicious course of life.]
We are to be always reforming. I want to always strive for higher, nobler things – things that bring honor and glory to my Lord and Savior.
I have several lists for this coming year, but I know that I would like to make this forever true in my life: “for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). I want there to be less of me and more of Him. I want to faithfully serve in the domain that He has placed me, to joyfully submit, to use my time wisely, seek to bless others, to be prayerful in all things, and to wait on the Lord.
Semper Reformanda! Soli Deo Gloria!
(Definitions courtesy of Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.)
30 December 2010
When I grasp a good book in my hands and read words that edify, my heart sings; it is a breath of fresh air, a lovely breeze on a warm summer’s day.
The books that inspire, uplift, and encourage are such rich blessings, but they are not always easy to come by.
Recently I was able to read such a book – or, listen to one, I should say. The book is a collection of letters written by a sturdy, godly woman in the 1700′s. Although she was imperfect in an imperfect world, she was a hard-worker who diligently sought to improve her skills, and delighted in the Lord and His sovereign plan.
At the age of sixteen, her father left her in charge of his plantation in South Carolina. She was responsible, put her mind to her work, and took pleasure in caring for her father’s property. A rigorous schedule she made for herself and followed, looking out for the well-being of others and ways to help the economy in the state she lived.
Her name? Eliza Lucas Pinckney. She was an inspiring woman, and God has used her legacy to continue to impact lives today.
Would you like to listen to her story, and know more about this amazing woman of God?
“The Letterbook of Eliza Lucas Pinckney” is a part of the series “Voices from the Past: American Heroines in Their Own Words” read aloud by Victoria Botkin.
Each book in the series is encouraging, inspiring, challenging, uplifting, and shares about the beauties and hardships of life and the women who lived before our time – women whose examples we can learn from.
With period-fitting music composed by her daughters, Mrs. Victoria Botkin captures each story in a way that imprints on hearts and minds. Her voice is soothing, with meaning behind each word . . . I believe I could listen to her all day long.
Through the end of the year you can receive 25% off these audio books from the Western Conservatory (and all the products there), plus free shipping! Use coupon code “ENDOFYEAR” at checkout to receive the discount.
27 November 2010
A tree in a room seems to bring attention to itself. Those who first have a glimpse usually turn their head to have a second look. Hm, how interesting . . . they think, but their thoughts quickly wander off.
But take a tree and give it a name, a purpose. Those who notice will take a gander to see what is so special about said tree. Why looky there! Notes on a tree – I wonder what they say . . . and on they think, and take a peak to see the other side of each note hanging on the branches.
What they find may stay in their minds and even bring a smile to their face. What could that be, listed on each piece of paper?
Why, notes of thankfulness, don’t you see?
Because the tree was called “The Thankful Tree” and on it hung reminders of grateful hearts, declaring their glad praise to the One who blessed them.
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4 November 2010
What is your focus? What are your goals? What do you wish to accomplish? What do you have on this earth? Where does your hope lie?
These are questions that we must ask ourselves . . .
. . . and answer in the light of God’s Word.
It is only when we understand that all is His and all is by His grace; only when we love Him more than anything; only when Christ is at the center of our all, can we truly say,
“Whom have I, but you?”
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward You will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
—Psalm 73:23-26 {emphasis added}
28 October 2010
We are delighted to present our latest paper dolls from the Daughters of His Story series. We have had a wonderful time this summer working on the next three collections which feature Martha Washington and Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Mary Anna Jackson and Susannah Spurgeon, and Elizabeth Prentiss and Anne Bradstreet.
These ladies have become so dear to us as we studied their lives and legacies. We hope that they become as dear to to you, and that you are blessed by the Lord’s goodness radiating from their hearts. We want young ladies to grow up knowing that the Lord cherishes purity and holiness, and that He changes the world through those who are faithful to His Word.
Noble Rose Press is having a grand sale for the announcement
of the latest paper dolls! Click here to see the great prices and read a
little more about these godly women from history!
It is not only possible to remain unstained by the world, by the Lord’s strength, but it is imperative that we be proactive in glorifying God in our lives. These women from the past are shining examples of dedication to the Lord’s work as wives and mothers who changed the world.
13 September 2010
The potato found in the shape of a heart.
Warm coffee and refreshing iced coffee.
Beautiful colors for the covers of our upcoming products.
Boiling grapes to be turned into jelly.
A sleepy dog who can be very cuddly.
The recipe holder my dear mother made for me.
Lemon Scones made gluten-free. It was so nice to have scones again!
Fellowship with very precious friends.
A completed project sent to the printers . . . and a few more well on their way.
“This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”—Psalm 118:24
19 August 2010
The latest design I created was for the dear Mrs. Stacy McDonald of Your Sacred Calling.
In both the header and menu is the scan from a blank page in one of my old books. (There are so many uses for scans of old books!) Two lovely fonts make up for the header text as well as the sidebar titles, and the creamy background pulls all the warm colors together in one smooth and gentle stroke.
Inscribed in the sidebar is this beautiful quote:
“What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in Heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well pleasing to God, not on account of the position or work, but on account of the Word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow.” —Martin Luther
You might want to head on over to Your Sacred Calling and look through some of the wonderful articles written there and maybe even leave Mrs. McDonald a note!
P.S. At this time I am not taking on any new clients for blog design (Mrs. McDonald has been on the schedule for quite a while), but if/when I do start offering design services again, I will be sure to post about it here on my blog. (You can subscribe here.)
14 August 2010
. . . and many things to learn that can be found between the covers of books.
There is something very refreshing and satisfying about sitting down with a good book to read and study. With a long list of books to read, as well as a good deal of research to do, we will be enjoying many books over the next few weeks.
A book that I have been reading is “Beloved Bride” by Bill Potter. It is a collection of letters from General “Stonewall” Jackson to his wife, Mary Anna, with snippets about their life sprinkled throughout.
After the death of his first wife and their baby, General Jackson wrote the following in a letter to his sister, which is a wonderful example and depiction of his trust in the Lord:
“I have been called to pass through the deep waters of affliction, but all has been satisfied. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. It is his will that my Dearest wife and child should no longer abide with me, and as it is his holy will, I am perfectly reconciled to the sad bereavement, though I deeply mourn my loss.
“Oh! The consolations of religion! I can willingly submit to anything if God strengthens me. I have joy in knowing that God withholds no good things from them that love and keep his commandments. And he will overrule this Sad, Sad bereavement for good.“
What good books you have been reading lately?
9 August 2010
. . . in unbelief, but grow strong in faith, giving glory to God, and be fully assured that what God has promised, He is able to perform.”
{Based on Romans 4: 20-21}
