Thought for the day...working.

Welcome to...Thought for the Day.

It comes from my study of the Bible and things I'd like to share.

I hope you follow along each Friday.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."    

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

When I read these verses today, they really struck a chord. 

I have a quiet life, minding my own business (except for blogging, Facebook, Instagram - well maybe I need to work on this...) and working with  my hands. 

It was the last part about being independent that made me think twice. 

What exactly does that mean?

I'm basically independent, however I like to be dependent at times too, is this wrong?

But after reading the "explanation" in my Bible it stated:

"...some of the Thessalonian Christians had adopted a life of idleness, depending on others for handouts. So Paul told them to work hard and live a quiet life. You can't be effective in sharing your faith with others if they don't respect you. Whatever you do, do it faithfully and be a positive force in society."

So, it's really all about personal responsibility.

Needing help isn't what this is referring to, 

rather it's being idle 

and

 expecting people to do things for you.

And it's about sharing our faith.

There are so many people who don't really know Jesus 

and I believe it's part of our mission to tell/show others about Him.

I don't feel I have the gift for actually ministering to people, but I can certainly show people through my actions that I am indeed a Christian. And maybe someone will see those actions and think, "...she must be a Christian, I want to be one too."

Perhaps that's what this verse means.  

Hm...just a thought for the day.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I use the Life Application Study Bible, New International Version (NIV) printed by Zondervan

Click here for more information.

A New Adventure!

It's been in the works for a while,

and now the time is finally here.

Yes,

my sister and I have opened our own little business,

Sharlotte's Reflections.

We're very excited!

It's an Etsy style business

selling handmade,

vintage,

and

repurposed items.

We've had so much fun making and finding really neat things in

building our inventory.

Here is a little sampling:

We are swooning over this gorgeous swan...

she's perfect for the holidays.

This Cowgirl tassel is such a fun addition to your home.

It's cute hanging from a cabinet, a lamp, or a special hook!

What about this idea...

Table-in-a Basket!

These precious cups, saucers, and teapot are a great little hostess gift,

don't you think?

And finally, we have little gifts for teachers, babysitters, or for that special friend. 

Here's an example, a vintage planter filled with succulents.

Cute!

More of our items are listed on the page tab above, 

Sharlotte's Reflections Shoppe,

or you can click here.

Our booth is changing all the time, finding what our clients like is part of the fun!

And more good news, we're adding a second booth soon!

So, take a look and let me know what you think?

Do you have a favorite?

Happy Fall Y'all!

I know, it's not really Fall, but I just couldn't help it.

I'm feeling a bit of a cooler breeze in the air

and since Fall decorations (and Christmas too) are out everywhere,

I thought I'd go ahead and kickoff Fall in my home.

Aren't these dishes just the cutest?

I know, I usually go for a neutral look but I just couldn't resist

these polka dots!

Plus, the yellow is perfect for Fall.

Add a bit of denim fabric, a watering can from the garden, and sunflowers...

we were set!

Coming up a table for these cuties was so much fun and super easy!

Polka dots are just plain fun, aren't they?

The place mats  and striped napkins add a little more whimsy.

But wait, there's more!

Can you even believe it?

haha...

These cutie plates can also serve as the background for these really cute plates:

I have four, they all have different images.

So darn cute!

I like need to step out of my box and try new colors.

I think yellow is my new favorite...

Or maybe green?

Or blue?

Oh good grief...

I'm joining Kathleen over at Cuisine Kathleen for her Let's Dish

and

Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Drop by both parties for loads of inspiration!

Labor Day 2013

Happy Labor Day!

This holiday, the first Monday in September 

celebrating the economic and social contributions of workers,

began in 1894.

It's been a longstanding tradition for barbeques and family gatherings 

as well as an official end to summer vacations.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful day!

See you Wednesday with a Fall tablescape!

Thought for the Day....It's a New Year!

I'm beginning a new post series...Thought for the Day.

It comes from my study of the Bible and things I'd like to share.

I hope you will follow along each Friday.

I know...it's not January...

but I was a teacher for a long time and as each August rolled around,

it always felt like a new year;

new students

 new routines

new schedules

new friends.

I was reading my devotion this week and the verse of the day was:

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The message in the devotion was, "... that each day God gives us a new beginning. Because of Jesus'death and resurrection, our sins are forgiven and we have a shiny new day before us.  This day is special - it will never come again. This day gives us another chance to praise and glorify God in all we do and say."

And...if you don't feel like rejoicing today, talk to God about it and I'll bet He'll give you a reason 

because 

He loves you.

Have a blessed weekend!

The above devotion is from "Living: The Gospel Life: daily devotions for Christians on a mission". You can learn more from: livingthe gospellife.com or 1-800-325-9414

My Bible is the Life Application Study Bible, New International Version (NIV) printed by Zonderan

Click here for more information.

Fiesta!

A few weeks ago, we took a couple days off and stayed at a friends cabin down by the water. 

It's a wonderful place...quiet and comfy with all the necessities of home.

I was planning on working on a few projects and didn't plan on much more,

until I took a second look at these dishes:

Fiestaware!
I've known about these dishes for a while, seen them around,
but truthfully, I just haven't given them much thought.
However, during the quiet, relaxing time by the water, I took a second look,
a good long look.
And I was smitten!
They have a good weight, classic simple lines,
and they're made in the USA!

Just look at these colors:

So, if one was to purchase a set of dishes, ahem, how in the world would one be able to choose?
Would one base their decision on these cute, cute pitchers?

Hm...I just don't know...that would still be a hard decision!
I'm kinda liking that yellow one, or the coral one, or the blue one.
Oh, good grief!

 Well, I did finally pick out my favorites,
want to know which ones?
I loved the soft yellow and the bright peacock blue,
well, and the coral ones too.
And the blue...
now that I'm thinking about it,
they would match perfectly with another set that I have.
hm...
Well, thankfully, I was able to use all of them, mix them or match them for a few days.
Adding colorful napkins and cute polka dot glasses we dined in style!
A HUGE thank you to our special friends for a restful and colorful few days down by the bay.
We love you guys!


I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday
and
Kathleen over at Cuisine Kathleen for her Let's Dish.

Little Dresses

My husband and I raised two boys so everything in our home was boy, boy, boy.

Needless to say, when I saw these precious little dresses, I was hooked!

Isn't it the cutest?

If you have little girls in your world, 

you've probably seen these or even made them for your little ones.

But for me, they were something new.

Now for the neat part...

guess what they are made from?

pillowcases

Yes! Pillowcases.

These little dresses are easy to make, you only need a few materials:

pillowcase

seam binding

elastic

thread

and of course:

scissors

sewing machine

The pattern and directions are from Nancy's Notions, you can find it here.

Her directions are very easy to follow...and the sewing is basic.

Once I made the first one...I wanted to make another. 

And after I got the hang of it, it only took me about 30 minutes per dress!

The possibilities are endless!

I think they are so sweet and perfect for warm summer days.

However, I'll bet a little blouse or t-shirt would be cute underneath on cooler days as well!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday.

Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

Now, what am I going to do with the dresses I've made?

Glad you asked!

At the top of Nancy's Notions pattern (link above) it mentions an organization called:

Little Dresses for Africa founded by Rachel O'Neill.

It is a non-profit organization that sends these dresses to little girls in need. 

They mainly are sent to regions of Africa, 

however they are also sent to needy children here in the states.

For loads of information, see Rachel's site here.

And by the way, they also have Britches for Boys!

You can find that pattern here.