Changing Times

It is extremely sad when a church closes. Once thriving with a large membership and an amazing history, its rooms are now silent. Inside its walls are breathtaking images of beauty. 

I do not know what will happen to this building. Hopefully the stained glass windows, light fixtures, doors, and arches will be saved if it is torn down. I felt blessed to view the inside of this beautiful church.

Art Enjoyment

I recently bought this magazine just so I could visit the art spaces of creative women. It also contained excellent information about forming an art studio and making time for art.

 plastic egg tray for mixing colors

"Strolling Downtown"

Here is where I love to come...sometimes to just sit or maybe read up on art techniques or begin a creative project.

I hope your Sunday was peaceful and joyful. Whether large or small, churches foster deep feelings.

 We had Homecoming at our church today. It was wonderful to see all the pews full and additional chairs placed in the center aisle. Of course, the program of gospel music by The Finchers helped our attendance number. And what a blessing they delivered and we received at our small church! 

A Very Special Place

For years I have admired this church. It is located in Munford, Tennessee. I have passed it numerous times. I have never been inside, but the beauty of the exterior stirs my emotions. Its design and stained glass windows are stunning. I strolled the sidewalk in front and along the side to take these pictures. Hopefully this beautiful church will stand for years to come.

Three Front Views

Three Side Views

Thankfulness

Many are my blessings. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving that will long be remembered as the time when our nine year old grandson delivered the prayer before the meal and spoke in his own words, stirring emotions in those seated at the table. 

November is drawing to a quiet close at my house. The pumpkins and fall decor have been removed in order to begin Christmas decorating.



 Last night the church tree was decorated and given a new star.

Today was the first Sunday of Advent.

I want to pause and give thanks for every blessing.

I'm happy that you were here. 

Four Days

Some days are just busier than others. My focus on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday was Vacation Bible School.

Scripture lessons, videos, skits, lively songs with lots of movement, crafts, science experiments, recreation, and snacks were part of the schedule.  We had sweet kids who took part and seemed to have a great time.

I took Friday morning to go to Bartlett Antique Gallery for their summer sale.
Two round trips by all the booths proved super relaxing for me. No unique purchases...just these four everyday items. 

 5x7 green frame

 caddy 

 wood tray 

hardback book

Also that same day I stopped in at Tuesday Morning and enjoyed browsing. In the clearance section I came across this small green dish.

Saturday was another chance to browse and shop. Here's why.

For the time being son Jason is using the apartment next door. I miss my art studio space, but for now I'm using the art corner in my clothes closet. Pennee had given me this wooden box with four votive jars at Christmas, but I gave it another use. My closet space has received a makeover every few weeks as I try to organize my art supplies and other stuff. 
 

Thanks for lending an ear to my ramblings.

Summary

The start of a new year is already a blur. Truthfully I can't recall how each precious day has been spent. It's journal entries that help me out. Pen and paper assist my hazy memory.

I have written a lot about my visits with Mother. There are days now that she doesn't know my name. Time with her may be very short. Sometimes while she sleeps, I sit and watch her breathing and also stare at these items on her bedside table...my head a jumble of memories, my heart heavy and sad.

 

 

Reading about other people and their situations enables me to get away. Two recent escapes are

 

 

 Art is another tension reliever. I'm working on a mixed media piece. 

 

 Tonight's contemporary church service focused on this point: every breath comes from God...the first one at birth, the last one in death, and all the ones in between.  





Young and Old

For most of the day I enjoyed the company of this little guy. He will be in his kindergarten class every day starting tomorrow. I'll miss my little sidekick.

Later in the day I saw my mother. Although tired she smiled sweetly for me for this picture.  

I miss our long talks at her kitchen table, our shopping trips, our sharing of ideas, our years of close companionship.

 A few days ago I hung this note on her closet as a gentle reminder about her clothes and as a daily reminder that she is loved. 

We have such a short time here on earth. We don't realize that when we're young and healthy and carefree. We believe we have all the time in the world.

As we age we give more thought to the next life. Our faith in eternal life is put to the test. Yesterday at our small church it was Homecoming. We had a special song and word service by The Finchers, a well-known gospel group.  The message was like those I heard when I was growing up. Simple yet powerful. For the young and old.



Little White Church

My husband and I attend this little white church. He has been going to it since he was a small boy. Some of his ancestors helped establish it in 1896. We were married here on a sunny June day in 1989. Recently I was asked to help with the card ministry. Thus I've been doing a lot of cutting and pasting these past two days.