A Time-out Bench

OMGoodness!

Everyone has been so sweet!

I am amazed by the generosity of so many people.

Many friends have told me, "I've prayed for this child to be."

Christy would call in tears and hurting so badly, and although I believed and never stopped believing. she and her husband's pain was tearing my heart to pieces.

I sent an email out to my church family and special friends and asked that they join me in praying for my daughter. It was a desperate cry for the body of Christ to intercede for us.  

They did.  One of my friends had set her clock for 9 am.  She asked a friend at work to join her in believing for this baby.  One sweet girl said she had fasted and prayed.  Another of my friends had a revelation that she would have a child.  So it wasn't a matter for me IF she would conceive, it was WHEN.

My sister called and said, "Did you get a delivery today?" To which I responded, "Yes, postal services sent two packages of things that I had ordered."  She said, "Look again."

This is what I found.

This note was attached.

I asked, "Am I supposed to keep it here or send it to Nashville."

She said, "It's Christy and Troy's."

To which I responded, 

"Good because there will be no time out with BonBon."

The bench will be used to hold other things

if it remains here.

As a shelf, it will hold books to read and

toys to play with, 

or a dresser used for playing dress-up.

No, time-out here.

That's for Mommy and Daddy to do. 

BonBon gets all the fun!

As you can see. I have got to get some girl toys

for my Cora and Harper.

I am full of gratitude and appreciation for all 

the people who stood in the gap with us.

For all the gifts and this treasure, 

words are not enough to convey what I feel.

I write this not without consideration of those
who have loved and lost.
I have a dear friend who lost her 6 month old
grandchild this week.  He is being buried today.
My heart is heavy as I have prayed for her family.

I have another family of friends who are
sitting at the bedside of a young man, a brother, a son, a friend.
He is on life-support as his life seems to ebb away.
(I still believe)

I have another friend who is alone and home-confined
lonely, wants to reach out and can't find the courage to do so.

I have another friend who has been chronically ill
and home-bound for over 20 years.

I have known loss too and it gets easier,
but the pain of loss and memories of Christmas' past are still there.

For these, I pray for comfort and peace.
For those who know love and family, I celebrate with you.

Bonnie:) 

The bench is hand-made and is made of cedar.  The aroma is already filling my house.  So much thought and love went into this special gift.

Thank You For Being A Friend

I'm just one blubbering mess today.  My daughter-in-love posted a video of Cora Joy's birth.  My heart is full to over flowing.  While I celebrate my family and my children, another mother is grieving the loss of her child. Our county has been mourning the loss of a 20 year old girl who was killed in a car accident last weekend.  I got to thinking about how fragile life is and like the flower, how quickly is blows away. Too much thinking today for sure.

I thought of friendships.  God gives us all friends for a season. Sometimes because of circumstances beyond our control there is distance. Sometimes it's just that life gets in the way. Sometimes we back away. Sometimes the other person backs away. Sometimes new people come in and older friends leave. Sometimes there is misunderstanding and trying to explain it would only make things worse. Sometimes we are at different places, raising children, no children, or children who are involved in other things than our own. Maybe children who were friends are no longer as close and different activities take each in different directions. It's important to treasure the times that we have shared and know that God will bring us back together at just the right time. Hold your friends with open hands and give them to God. Let him put in and take out what is best for you and the other person. Treasure what was and appreciate what now is.

This was my best friend growing up.  She was and is beautiful.  She grew up in a house of 11. She is from a family of 8 children, 7 girls and 1 boy, mama and daddy and grandmother.  The table was massive with food from one end to the other including two cooking sheets of biscuits, and two cakes at every meal.

This was my second home.  I could do things there that I couldn't do at home, like wear make-up and dress in shorts and halters,mini skirts, and tight jeans and go swimming with the boys.  Her mom and dad owned a grocery store and we always got free candy, chips and cokes after school.  Coca Cola was a luxury at my house, but there was always Coke at Michelle's.  Our mamas bought material at the local home owned and operated department store.  We had several outfits made out of the same material.  We rode to school together from the time we were little bitty and took turns driving when we got our first cars. In high school, she was popular and had boyfriends and we lost each other for awhile.

After high school school, she got married and moved away. Michelle is one of those friends who even though you don't see in 20 years and you just pick up where you left off.

This is my baby girl with her best friend.  Best friends for life even when life takes you in different directions.  They sang together from the time they were 4 and 6, in high school musicals, talent competitions, traveled in the college PR group, and again in a couple of other groups.  Lindsay has a very successful solo career in Southern Gospel music.  She is also a mother of a 2 year old little boy and my baby girl will welcome Harper Elizabeth in January.

Life has taken them in different places and still their friendship remains.

These girls traveled the southeast singing together in college and they will always be forever-friends. 

For these young men I prayed.  When Chad started high school, I told him, "At this time in your life you will have to make some choices.  One road will lead you in the right direction and the other road will lead you in the wrong direction."  I began praying that God would give him good Christian friends.  These guys were saved the same summer he was before high school.  Don't tell me prayer doesn't work.

Many of you are friends who came my way at just the right time.

A Gathering Place

I found Rebecca at A Gathering Place http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com when I was dealing with the grief of losing my parents and regrets and misunderstandings about the past.  We found out that we shared the same heritage as a PK and knew some of the same people who had shaped our lives.

All Things Home

Amy at All Things Home http://kinserhome.blogspot.com/ encouraged me during one of the darkest moments of my life.  She sent me a message one day that said, "I was washing eggs in the sink and God brought you to mind.  When I thought of you, I heard the word, "Light."  She had no idea the darkness that I was in.  God wanted me to know that He was going to bring light into my darkness.

 Blackberry Lane

Meet Mildred at http://maplelanehouse.blogspot.com/.  I was about to give up blogging when I got an email from Mildred at Blackberry Lane.  She had written a post and encouraged her friends to drop by.  She is a constant source of encouragement to us all.  I found out that she went to school with a family friend of ours.  She's a wonderful Christian role model.

Simply Linda

Linda at http://justsimplylinda.blogspot.com/ Simply Linda is the biggest hoot you will meet.  She and I connected through Mildred.  Like me, she is real, honest, authentic.  She always makes me smile, makes me giggle, makes me laugh, encourages me and even thinks I'm funny. She and I share private jokes and family matters and always walk away with a smile.

Got a Minute or Two

Wanda, http://gotaminuteortwo.blogspot.com/, is the spunkiest, most attractive 70+ lady I have ever known.  She enjoys life to the fullest.  She is a preacher's wife and is still helping others.  Love this lady.

My Favorite Things

Debby has become a dear friend.  We found out through blogging that our children graduated from the same Christian college, the same year and share mutual friends.  Debby expresses herself beautifully through her photos and the written word.  She sees God's beauty in all creation.  Her stories paint a picture.  http://debbysfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

My Little Corner of the World

Mari http://marislittlecorner.blogspot.com/ paints a beautiful picture through the lens of a camera. She is a nurse at a nursing home.  I was an activity director for 12 years. We share a love for the elderly.  She has a heart for God and is a source of encouragement.  

My Mountain Blessings

Patty is the wife of a preacher man.  I have fallen in love with her world of beauty.  She is an artist in word and in designing her home with simple touches of beauty.  She smiles big and loves with a big heart.  She encourages me in my Christian walk. http://mymountainblessings.blogspot.com/

Olive Out

Olive at Olive Out knows no introduction.  She has the little yellow house with the pumpkin door. She is a vendor and wakes up before dark every Saturday morning to hit the estate sales and yard sales.  She consigned with me when I managed the shop.  I bought almost everything she brought in.  I miss her. http://oliveout.blogspot.com/

These are a few of my friends.  This is getting lengthy so I'll feature a few more next time, like Sparky, Debbie, Kris, Donna, Doris, Beth, Diana, and Theresa to name a few.  Oh shucks!  I've never had so many friends before. 

Thank you for being a friend, 

Bonnie:)

Ball Jars and Chalkpaint

A couple of weeks ago, 

I bought a box of 9 Ball jars 

(clear, old, not new)

for $5.

I found this wire basket that I love!

So, you know what I've been doing.

I've been painting jars with chalk paint. 

I distressed them a bit like they do on Pinterest.

I found these dried whatevers for $2.

I photographed them on the vintage tablecloth

that I was told to "take and be blessed."

It's hard for me to receive so I gave her $1.  

I know, I know, I ripped her off. 

I kinda like them in the white room.

I think I'll stack some pretty white linen in the basket.

What do you think?

Keep or sell?

I hope your Sunday has been filled with love, peace and joy.

Mine sure has been. 

Bonnie:)

A Southern Elegant Wedding

In my last post, I mentioned designs made from cotton.  However, I didn't mention the designer.  The following post was written more than a year ago.  I wanted to share some more of her ideas.

Joy has a flair for listening to ideas, and creating just what the bride wants.  I love the old nail bucket filled with cotton and the cake atop four small bails of hay.

Her creations are magazine-worthy.  There's nothing that I can find on Pinterest that is any more beautiful.

Burlap chair covers for the Mr. and Mrs. Don't you just love?

This one could be linked to Good Fences Linky Party.  Another idea made beautiful.

I was unable to attend one of her most recent weddings.  It was actually another of my friend's daughter and granddaughter's wedding.  Joy can design anything from cakes to crates.

Even a rustic chalkboard can be elegant.

The mother of the groom is a floral designer and I'm sure she added a touch of her talent.

The bride's home was the perfect setting for the wedding.

Another view of the doors.

I don't know if I have ever seen a more beautiful backdrop.  The bride and mother of the bride were just beautiful.
Please click on the following link and see more.
A Southern Elegant Wedding


Also, please click on the following link and follow the link there to Sweet Magnolia Farms and pray for Ashley.
Praying for Ashley

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord,
Bonnie

For This I Prayed

For better or worse,
for richer or poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish
til death do us part.

When I was expecting my babies,
I lay my hands on my tummy and prayed for them.
I prayed for their friends and the one for whom they would marry.

I can honestly say for these I prayed...

This is my favorite photo of my daughter on her big day.
It was a very hot and humid day in August.
Her curls were loose and her shoulders were slumped
in contentment that her day had been a perfect one.
Can you see the sweet smile of joy?

For this I prayed.

She married her best friend.
When we dropped her off at college, six hours away,
I told him to take care of her, never thinking that he
would take care of her forever.

For this I prayed.

My baby boy left home to pursue a college career in baseball.
He met the girl of his dreams.
He brought her home to meet us the month that
they started dating.  I knew she was the one.

For this I prayed.

We didn't lose a son or a daughter,
we added two to our family.

For this I prayed.

My daddy performed Christy and Troy's ceremony,
but my parents never saw Chad marry.

Sometimes we don't get what we pray for.

A brother and sister who adore each other.

For this I prayed.

Nothing like sweet little flower girls.
The one on my right is my niece.
(Can you believe she's the same little girl on my mama's lap above?)

A little girl prays for a wedding like this all of her life.

In both weddings, we decorated with jars and milk bottles.

The little pot contained seeds in burlap

and was used as a place card.

Both couples continue to work through the best and the worse,
the rich times and the poor times, and
yes, there has been sickness and health.
I believe that through it all they continue to love and cherish each other.

For This I Prayed,

Bonnie:)

(My oldest followers have seen these photos before.
 However, I never tire of telling this story.)

Thankful for a God who Walks WITH Us

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to check in and read your blogs the past week.  I will be home on Wednesday to catch up.

I attended the most beautiful service yesterday at Providence Community Church in Mt. Juliet, TN. The United Methodist Pastor,  Jacob Armstrong is very personable and intentional about reaching out to those who are hurting.

I'll be honest, it's not been easy for me to attend a Mother's Day service since my mama passed away 4 years ago.  I am usually with my children at the beach.  I've tried to concentrate on the blessings of being a mom myself and enjoying my children and pushed away any thoughts of my mama.  It was just too hard.  The only reason that I went to the service was to stand beside my daughter who sat with an empty heart and hands and nervous anticipation of what was just around the corner.

The message was not the typical Mother's Day sermon.  After all, who are we really there to worship? It bothers me today how so much emphasis is put on everything else, from the worship team to the pastor, to the children, to the youth and to the recipients of those for whom we celebrate.
(I will share his message at a later day which was very timely for me.)

My daughter saw the carnations and thought, "Oh, no not another one!"  However, his approach was different.  He honored all women at the end of the service with first a reading by Amy Young. Two girls on the praise team read the following:

To those who gave birth this year to your first child-we celebrate with you.
To those who lost a child this year-we mourn with you.
To those who are in the trenches with little ones everyday and wear the badge of food stains, we appreciate you.
To those who experienced loss by miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away, we mourn with you.
To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears and disappointment, we walk with you.  Forgive us when we say foolish things.  We don't mean to make this harder than it is. 
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, or spiritual moms, we need you.
To those who have warm and close relationships with your children, we celebrate with you.
To those who have disappointment, heartache and distance with your children, we sit with you.
To those who lost their mothers this year, we grieve with you.
To those who encountered abuse at the hands of your mother, we acknowledge your experience.
To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood, we are better for having you in our midst.
To those of you who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children, we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be. 
To those who step parent, we walk with you on this complex path.
To those who envisioned lavishing love on your grandchildren yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you.
To those who will have emptier nests in the coming year, we grieve and REJOICE with you.
To those who placed children up for adoption, we commend you for your selflessness and remember now that you hold that child in your heart.
And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expecting or surprising, we anticipate with you.
This Mother's Day, we walk with you.  Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst.  We remember you.

Read more of Amy Young's blog at www.messymiddle.com.

At the end of the service, Pastor Jacob asked the ladies to come up and pick a carnation-red for those who still had their mothers and white for those whose mothers are no longer with us.  Those flowers were placed on the altar.  Afterwards, we were given the bread and the wine remembering the ONE for whom we derive our name, Jesus.  Pastor Jacob then prayed.  It was moving.  I looked at my daughter. Tears of comfort were streaming down her face as I looked with blinded, flood filled eyes.

My heart rejoices in a God who sees, who understands, who cares and a community who is willing to walk WITH us on whatever journey life may bring.

My son't birthday was yesterday,  We was my favorite Mother's Day present of all time.

I can still smell my mama's signature scent, White Shoulders.

Bonnie:)

Changes

Since I'll be making the trip to Nasvhille 

this week (YIPPEE)

I don't really have time to do a biggie post

with photos you haven't seen before.

I thought I'd just search through my old photos 

and see what I could come up with 

on the fly.

You girls who have mantles are so lucky. 

I've always wanted a fireplace 

and a mantle to decorate. 

Thus, I improvise. 

Spring

Winter

The cabinet that holds my ironstone is my pretend mantle.

I decorate it for all seasons and some in between.

I love to use old windows and shutters as back drops.

Fall

Once in a blue moon, I get tired of white 

and change things up a bit. 

It never fells, enough is not enough.

So I add something.

Summer

Nothing stays the same. 

I add this, take away that. 

Move this here, move that there. 

It would drive a crazy person insane.

 I don't know why I ever got rid of that arch!

Whatever was wrong with me!

Not quite finished, I add the textures and some height.

Another backdrop that I sold. 

Why did I ever let these pieces go?

As much as I love doing this, 

the clutter drives me crazy and on a whim I have 

a yard sale and sell it all!

Where is that small galvanized bucket???

This is one of my favorites. 

This was a fun one.

Christmas is always my favorite one.

It is never the same. 

Life is constantly changing. 

If we know this, why do we go kicking and screaming?

Lord, teach me to accept the changes.

Just as there is beauty in the change-ups, 

may I find the beauty in my seasons of change.

Bonnie:)