As distant lightning sliced the sky one pre-dawn morning, my friend Jan heard sparrows singing. When sheets of rain blew across the yard, she could still detect the birds’ melody until the rumble of thunder crept closer and muffled their notes. Inspired by her observations and knowledge that song sparrows sometimes sing in a rainstorm, Jan designed and created the beautiful coaster pictured below and painted an entire set. She explained, “I painted these sparrows as early morning silhouettes because of the birds I heard that rainy day. They reminded me of how the four of us encourage each…
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Extreme Makeover: Heart and Home Edition*
Ugly, black spider-like mold and wet floor joists dampened our enthusiasm. We had no idea destruction lurked behind the sheetrock until my husband removed the kitchen cabinets. Now, instead of creating the beautiful new decor we envisioned, progress halted as we assessed damage from an old pipe that had been secretly leaking. We budgeted for new countertops, paint, and cabinets but elected to keep our ceramic tile floor to save money. Did you know that removing floor joists under cabinets can trigger cracks in ceramic tile? Yep! One problem led to another. A hidden issue had damaged a vital part…
Three Ways to Bless Teachers as a New School Year Begins
Vacation time has ended and back-to-school sales fill newspapers and websites. Arms laden with newly-purchased supplies, teachers are scurrying to prepare for a new school year. As a retired teacher, I know well the level of energy educators require, especially in August and September. The work of preparation (lesson plans, family needs, bulletin boards, classroom design, data entry, meetings, committee work, and more) must take place BEFORE students arrive. Most teachers work long weekday hours and on weekends to ensure a smooth beginning and successful year. Prayer is the most powerful way to influence the lives of educators and students.…
Back-to-School Teacher Support
From the moment our son played on the playground and noticed the bright yellow doors, he was ready to start school. Chocolate brown eyes danced with excitement as he entered Mrs. Tippett’s kindergarten class. Memories of a second-grade homework assignment make me smile. Not understanding that his teacher meant essay, he wrote a summary of his summer activities and titled the paper “My S. A.” (I didn’t say a word knowing it would give his teacher a smile.) Our daughter, never one for the ordinary, chose either sparkly silver pencils or those with a Strawberry Shortcake motif for her school…
At Home with Winsome Words
Come on in the house. I’m glad to see you. You’re such a blessing to me. I’m thankful you’re my friend. God bless you. You did such a good job! Good night, sweetie. Words matter. In fact, they can encourage, enlighten, and edify a person’s heart. Winsome words stir warm memories, make us think, inspire us, and extend welcome. Those are the ones I want to speak and display in my home. Join me for a brief tour of our house to see some words I’ve chosen to display. Well, y’all, I’m Southern and that’s what we say here. Doesn’t…