LIFT Banquet and A Give-Away (Everyone Wins Something): Table #1

Last night was our LIFT Christmas banquet.

It stands for Ladies In Fellowship Together.

 I have decided to do a giveaway.

I started to say that I'm in the Christmas spirit, 

but really I'm just enjoying the Joy of Jesus.

I have been to Bethlehem.

I'm giving away an ornament 

made by one of our ladies.

(I hope she'll make me another, HINT-HINT)

I will feature one or two tables every day for a week.

1.  Be a follower of White Lace and Promises
2. Visit and leave a comment on Facebook 

or White Lace and Promises. 

(any suggestions or comments are welcomed)

3.  Share my blog with a friend. Let me know you shared.

Your name will be entered twice.

If your friend follows me and comments, she will be entered too.

She must be a new follower.

4.  On the last day, vote for your favorite table.

Everyone who enters, comments, shares or invites a friend

will get a special little (I say little) gift from me

just to say thanks and Merry Christmas, 

so be sure to send your address by email.

Our speaker tonight is a close friend of mine. 

Oh my goodness, she is so full of Jesus.

HE just oozes out all over her and gets me gooey too.

Do you hear me?

She talked to us about The Table of Jesus.

We are all invited to the table.

At His table, there is more than enough.

As Bob Benson would say, 

enough fried chicken for everyone,
and still we hold on to our balony sandwich on stale bread
and say, "No, I'm fine."

Table #1

Blue Christmas

Sparkly, blue bows for napkins holders.

The hostess of this table gave each of her guests a cross.

Hilda asked if we had met Jesus at the cross.

I know my need to go to the cross daily.

The cross...

The place where we find

redemption and restoration.

Some call it the GREAT exchange,

the place where we exchange

our sorrow for joy,

our hurt and resentment for forgiveness,

our pain for peace, 

our rejection for His acceptance, 

our sin for HIS grace and mercy.

She asked that we meet Jesus at the manger,

the place of worship where we may sing as the angels.

"Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men."

It takes my breath away to understand that He loved me 

enough to give up Royalty, and to become a servant,

that I may be adopted into His family.

He is the King and that makes me a princess.

To me Thanksgiving should be every day.

So, I think it's perfectly alright if we put up our trees in November. 

Jesus died on a tree.  He is what Christmas is all about anyway.

This is a busy time of year.

Many people have more on their plates than they can digest. 

During this season, I pray for you, my dear sister 

that you will not let the hustle and bustle make you miss Jesus.

Tonight I noticed as each lady tried to decide where she wanted to sit.  

So many pretties, but ladies who didn't feel pretty.

Ladies who came not feeling that they belonged at any table. 

I too have felt isolation at times.

We ladies are like that aren't we?

I invite you to just pull up a chair and sit at HIS table. 

There's room enough for all and as Bob Benson would say

there's plenty of potato salad, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken.

Just throw the baloney sandwich in the garbage

and let's ask the blessing and EAT.

God's table is full and He always has enough for everyone, 

enough grace, enough peace, enough love, enough joy.

He has more than enough.

Join me at the table. 

Bonnie:)

Don't forget to enter.  Everyone wins!

I am linking up the Cozy Little House this week
for Tweak it Tuesdays.
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/

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:)

"Key" Words

Ever had a word come and

take up residence in your mind?

The word "key" has been rolling

around in my head all week.

What is the deal with me and keys.

I am continually losing or misplacing keys.

It's crazy.

I can't tell you how many times 

I've been locked out of

the car...the house.

As a result I've had 

bruised ribs, wounded pride and

and a frustrated Mr. H.

Can I get a witness?

This week the students' assignment

in Language Arts was to circle 

the "key" words in the paragraph.

Yelp!  "Key" words.

"What is that???"

That's obvious isn't it? It's an important word? 

-Typically a phrase of two or three words that is

 the "key" to understanding what is being said. 

I read one time, 

"You can't open your house with someone else's key."

You hold the key to your own success.  

If you think you can, you will.

If you think you can't, you won't.

There are keys to a successful life.

"Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith opens the door."

"Appreciation is the key to unlock hard work,"

God has placed within each of us

treasures that are waiting to be discovered.

You and I hold the key.

Will we unlock the box?

Bonnie:)

Teach Your Children Well

WARNING:
LONG POST
NOT ADVISED FOR THE ADD OR ADHD ADULT.


I love the line in Hook when the little girl tells him,

"You're just a mean old man without a mommy."

I think that goes for children too.

When my children were little and they were picked on
by the "bad" kid in class, 

I'd say, 

"She just needs a mommy to love her,"

or

"He just needs a Daddy."

The relationship that a wife has with her husband 

is often a reflection of the relationship she had with her dad.

In the College/Career Class we have been learning 

The Five Love Languages 

by 

Dr. Gary Chapman.

The Love Languages are:

Affirmation

Quality Time

Gifts

Acts of Service 

Physical Touch.

Child psychologists affirm that every child has certain

emotional needs that must be met if he is to be emotionally stable.

Children who feel loved by their parents, whose parents 

have invested time and energy and are involved 

in the activities of their lives are more likely 

to succeed in their adult lives.

I've often heard it said,
"What we expect our children to be, they will become."

When a child hears from his parents,
"You will never amount to anything,"
most often, the child will meet that parent's
expectation and will live with an unhealthy view of himself.

Word are Important!
Words are Important!
Words are Important!

The important thing about a father playing ball
with his three-year-old, is not the activity itself,
but the emotions that were created between
the father and his child.

Some simple ideas for quality time with your child
may cost little or nothing.
But without quality time, it may cost everything!

Ride bicycles together.
Throw the football.
Shoot baskets together.
Walk together.
Have a picnic in the park.
Put a bed sheet over the kitchen table,
add some pillows, a sleeping bag,
grab a flashlight and camp out together.

I was once asked,
"How did you manage to have such well-adjusted children?"
Oh, there were some tough years.
Ask my children.
Our home was far from perfect.
However, doing some things didn't hurt.

First, we kept them involved in an active children
and youth ministry.

Second, we did everything together.
As youth directors,
we sacrificed money and time, but never our children.
The youth were made to feel like they belonged to our family,
not that our children belonged to them.

Last, we sought out their talents, believed in their abilities
to accomplish anything they wanted to accomplish
and were involved in everything they did.

You know, we can do our best and our kids may
walk a different path than we have chosen for them.
They may walk away from the very values that
we built our lives upon.

But when we know that we've done our best,
we can give the results to God and rest.

One Christmas morning we were up
early going to Grandma's, when we noticed
what looked to be a homeless man walking the streets.

In his drunken stupor, he fell on his face.
Tears rolled down my face and
my daughter said,
"Mama, he's just a man without a mommy."

We must teach our children well.

“If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn . . .
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight . . .
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive . . .
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself . . .
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy . . .
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel envy . . .
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty ... 

BUT

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient . . .
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident . . .
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative . . .
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love . .
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves..
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .” 
― Dorothy Law Nolte, Children Learn What They Live

Sweet Aroma Soy Candles

More and more people today

are going back to homemade naturals.

I have a friend who is making 

her own soaps, detergents and body creams.

The scents are made with essential oils.

They smell delicious!

I love the sweet smell of lavender.

Research is finding healing in the natural.

When I worked in the nursing home, 

I used lavender to calm an agitated resident.

My sister makes her own body scrubs 

with sugar, while some use salt.  

The soy candles that she makes 

smell yummy.

She calls her line, Sweet Aroma.

We were trying to think of a name 

and we remembered the verse, 

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among

those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

2 Corinthians 2:15

The Message Paraphrase says, 

"Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.  

Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God,

which is recognized by those on the way of salvation."

2 Corinthians 2:15

You can't put the sweet aroma of Christ 

in a jar.

We must smell sweet in a world that is rotting.

I love soy candles. 

Unlike regular candles, they continually

fill the house with lasting fragrance. 

The Message goes on to say, 

"But those on the way to destruction

treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse."

So we must offer LIFE and not death

that others may desire the sweet aroma of Christ

leading others to salvation.

"This is a terrific responsibility.  Is anyone competent to take it on?

No, but at least we don't take God's Word, water it down, and 

then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. 

We stand in Christ's presence when we speak."

The Message

My sister's candles have not sold well. 

The large candles are $8 and the small ones are $5.

The owner of the shop says she is selling them too cheap.

People want to know that we are selling something 

that is real and that lasts.

I pray that I am

leaving a sweet fragrance to all I pass by-

not a cheap imitation of what is real.

Are you smelling sweet today?

Bonnie:)

Blogger Header: Should I Change or Keep the One I Have?

Friends come and go, 

but God always gives us something in return.

The past 5 years have been the hardest years of my life. 

I think of the song, "Blessed Be the Name."

I've posted a link to the You Tube video.

I so much appreciate my blogging friends 

who have supported me and prayed for me 

and encouraged me.

You know who you are!

You are a blessing!

I'm showing some of my collage blog headers 

from the past couple of years. 

Christmas

This and That

Milk Glass Hobnail

A Fall from Pinterest

White Lace and Promises

Ironstone and Clocks

Can you tell me, 

Which is Your Favorite?

Should I change or keep the one I have?

Bonnie:)

Stacks: When is Too Much, Too Much?

I like stacks...

stacks of books,

stacks of magazines,

stacks of baskets,

stacks of dishes.

When my children were small, 

we'd stack blocks.

We'd stack block 

   upon block

       upon block

            upon block

               until

                     they

                         all

                                  came

                                           crashing

                                                     down.....

It was a fun game.

My cupboard is much the same.

I squeeze as much in one place as I possibly can.

After all, I like to show off my wares.

Don't we all?

But sometimes more is too much,

and less is more. 

We stack and pray that the pieces don't topple.

I like activity, 

always did.

Shoot!  I even made a career out of it, 

Activity Director.

Before the children left home,
we rarely had an evening alone.

There was a men's softball game two nights a week, 

often followed by a youth game,

church league volleyball 

and recreation basketball,

 baseball practice and games, 

theatre practice and plays, 

youth choir practice and concerts,

vocal competitions and literary

Wednesday night youth meeting.

Those were the every week things

depending on the season, of course. 

Not to mention summer youth activities, 

children's camp, youth camp, Six Flags, Stone Mountain, 

Braves Game, Gross Food Night, Game Night, Fundraisers, and Retreats. 

Throw in teaching on Wednesday nights

and Sunday School, morning worship and

Sunday night service. 

We stack one activity on top of the other

on top of another, on top of another 

and there's no room to squeeze in one more thing

and wonder why we crash.

But, we like to show off our "wares."

We want perfect children who look smart and achieve much

 look good, and behave well.

When is too much, too much?

We fill our lives with so much 

and pray nothing falls apart. 

I wanted my children to have what I didn't have

encouragement, affirmation, goals and dreams.

However, in the process I wonder if I pushed too hard.

One Summer, I had a near breakdown.

I just couldn't do it anymore.

I was in major burn-out.

I quit my job, 

took a year off

to regroup and prioritize.

(Sometimes we can get too busy even in the church)

It was the best thing I ever did.

  

Martha and Mary were sisters. 

They had planned a dinner for Jesus.

Martha couldn't get Mary to do a thing.

Not to mention that she was sitting at the feet of Jesus.

"GET up and HELP me!"

"Lord, don't you care???"

"Martha, Martha, the Lord answered,

"you are worried and upset about many things, 

but only one thing is needed.

Mary has chosen what is better, and 

it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:41-42

I must confess, 

sometimes the clutter in my cupboard

and the magazines on the counter

and the books on the desk

becomes overwhelming.

And so does LIFE.

Is Your Much Too Much?

God's Purpose Will Be Achieved

My heart is anxious today.

Therefore, I seek comfort in God's Word.

My neighbor's flowers

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish, 

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 

so is my word that goes out of mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

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