Wishing you wonderful times with those you love, bounty at your table, gratitude in your heart, joy for the journey, and a love that is all surpassing in the gift God has given you. Blessings to you this Christmas.

A story to be told

It’s raining. It’s pouring and no I am not snoring. I am actually home – which is rare. Perhaps my errands can wait for a while, my running here and there and seeming always to end up at Walmart. But today is different, perhaps it’s the grayness or the sound of rain that has kept me in or perhaps it’s the need to be where I can look through each room, each pile, each paper, and recall that I am blessed. I have a place to which my children love to be, where my husband comes home to each week after being gone, where I feel safe and loved.

I stopped in the middle of my “cleaning” and thought I would write a bit…it’s been awhile. What really prompted me was Presleigh’s room. Some might see her room as a bit full...full of stuffed animals that have been lovingly chosen, full of trinkets from places we’ve been such as London, Florida, California and of course those wonderful garage sales and treasure stores. They may see an abundance of papers, pictures, notebooks, that they may think to throw away. Believe it or not, I do think that at times but today as I was picking up little bits of paper and such, I read one of the stories that Presleigh had written. A treasure to be kept not a scrap to be tossed.You see, she is a creative soul, always looking, thinking, dreaming, writing, asking, searching, and believing. Believing in her abilities, in her imagination, in the possibilities, the limitless nature of God. Of course, she is only nine. My older children at times, want to shush her or at the very least, just roll their eyes and look at me. My response has and always will be – “You once were like that.” But then I think to myself, “ I once was like that.”

What changes? What happens to us as we leave those wonder years where everything is a wonder, a dream, a possibility. What is it about a child that captures the essence of who we should be?

As I ponder these thoughts and so many others, I can’t help but think that like Presleigh, we have a story that is waiting to be told…A story that encompasses so much more than we realize. Our story is of one who was lost and has been found, a story of limitless possibilities to those that believe in the Mighty One of Jacob, the Lord. “For with God, nothing is impossible." (Luke).A story of pure redemption, where nothing in our past is held against us, for those that have received forgiveness. Our future is bright – for the one who lights our path, lights the day with the sun and the moon and stars by night. Our story can be new each day just as his mercies are new.

Presleigh writes several stories a day. They are inspired by what is happening at school, what she is reading, what she is experiencing, even where she is in her walk with the Lord. Her stories give me a glimpse into her very being. Her writings are so precious to me…she is precious to me. It is almost time to get back to her room but I do have just one question for you, for me........What is your story? Remember, you are precious in his sight....Go ahead dear one and begin writing your story as you live in the daily. Your story is worth reading.

Happy Fall!

Hope this day finds you enjoying your may blessings...I wanted to share with you that I am still here, still grateful, still reflecting, still seeking the direction and purpose that God wants to show me. I am creating, crafting, decorating, cleaning (always because when you create, craft or decorate..cleaning must follow, right?), loving and taking care of my family. We are getting in the spirit of seasons of celebrating. Really shouldn't everyday be a reason to Celebrate?!! Until next time,

Blessings

Taking a break...but first pictures of T&T2

It is time for me to take a little break from the world of blogging (not that I am very faithful at it) but nonetheless, it is always on my to do list and I become anxious over not having posted or forgot to take pictures of certain things....so for now I am going to sign off for awhile - I need a little time of reflection, direction and a dream---But I did want to show you pictures of our wonderful day at my home for Tidbits and Tassels 2. The weather was beautiful, the ladies were wonderful and the weekend was memorable...So here are some pictures of this wonderful time of gathering, creating, laughing and well just having fun!! (these are in no particular order!!)

I'll be back soon....you can find me on facebook--just ask to be my friend and of course I will accept. Until next time....Blessings,

Quick trip to Abilene...

Whirlwind week...Tidbits and Tassels 2 was awesome! I had planned to post earlier this week after I had caught up the daily as I had been creating with some wonderful women during the weekend....but instead of catching up on the daily, I needed to head out west (no problem for me.. I love the wide open spaces, the big Sky, the great people) to ACU to move Morgan from one apartment to another one (back on Campus, YEAH!!) So I returned last night after being gone for several days...So now I need to catch up on the daily.... I promise I will post about our awesome weekend!!! And there will be pictures, Savannah took over 200 (My friend, Jodie, advise --if you take a bunch, you're bound to have a few good ones).

While in Abilene, I met with one of the most awesome women, Roxanne. She is one of the gals putting together a most wonderful weekend in Abilene - High Cotton Art Camp Please go check it out. Registration is ending September 15th!! Hurry and join us as we celebrate all things creative!!

Tidbits and Tassels 2 post and pics coming soon! Until then,....

Blessings

**Here's a glimpse of downtown Abilene

Tidbits and Tassels - just around the corner.

Finishing final touches, gathering goodies, preparing treats, cleaning (better finish this post so I can be ready!!)....I can hardly wait for our Art Retreat this weekend!! It is coming up in just 4 short days. There are such wonderful, talented and most definitely, fun ladies who are coming from as far as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana and as close as Dallas and all points in between! It will be a great time of creativity, fun, food and friendship. Be sure to check back for the post- T & T pics and stories.!!

**** Don't forget to register for High Cotton Art Camp in Abilene in October. Check out their blog for more details . I am looking forward to teaching and speaking there. It will be an incredible weekend...Hope to see you there!!***

Until next time,

Blessings

High Cotton...

I want to share the exciting news about High Cotton Art Camp (for grown up girls). I will be one of 8 teachers teaching during this fabulous weekend. I am also honored to share this time with 7 incredibly talented women. Our weekend takes place in the fabulous west Texas town of Abilene. It is an awesome place. Just 3 hours west of Dallas, you will see wide open spaces and a sky that goes on forever. There are 3 awesome godly women who are putting this whole art retreat experience together. They give all the glory to God for their creativity and then want to encourage women to pursue their creative talents. There will be workshops, shopping, dining, and just a whole lot of goodness. Check out their blog by clicking on the button on the side bar and then ...Please Join me October 15th and 16th for a Cotton Pickin' good time...(couldn't resist that one)

Blessings,

Chantal