The MOST Important Thing ~ My Daddy

You ~ my blogging friends are more special to me than you will ever know.

I have gleened so much wisdom, joy and inspiration from your writings, creative work, family pictures and bumps along the way.

Though I have shared so many of the important parts of my life with you ~ it occured to me recently I havent shared the MOST important thing ~ My Daddy . 

I have always known my precious Jesus.
I remember at age 4 ~ being the only person I knew who did not have a father.
Then my Sunday School teacher said God was my Father. That's it (!!!) I thought ~ everyone else has an earthly father but mine is God!

I spoke to Jesus always ~ but my fondest memories as a very young child are speaking to him in my Pop-Pop's garden and while swinging on my swing.
His voice is soft and true ~ as real as the ground below and the sky above.

Even at 51 ~ I know I am still His little girl!


In 1979 ~ I was at a Jimmy Swaggart Crusade in Greenville, SC.
My Mom's church was ushering and I attended with her.
I was living in Aspen,Colo. at the time and doing things I knew conflicted with my faith.

During the crusade ~ I experienced the sensation of being lifted off of the ground.

My Mom's friend Marge Hill brought me backstage in this little hallway behind the stage and began to pray for me.

She said "Terri ~ say the first thing that comes to your mind."

All I kept seeing was the word ABBA written across my brain like a huge banner.

I was embarrassed to say it because that was the name of a famous rock group at the time.

Mrs. Hill kept insisting so finally I said "Abba "

It was at that time she told me the meaning of that word in Hebrew ~ Dear Father or Daddy.

We both collapsed in tears and wonder ~ no word could have ever been more meaningful to me.

As we drove home from the conference that night  ~ a heavenly prayer language began to flow through my mind. The term "speaking in tougues " that I had read in the Bible became a reality.

It was this night that I learned about a new and powerful dimension of being my Father's child.

 

I have failed and fallen short countless times since then but He never leaves me ~ never walks away.
 
He will do the very same for you.

 

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions ~
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentation 3:22-24 (King James Version)

My Michael Jackson Memories

My Micheal Jackson memories ~

I had just moved to Conn from Maryland. It was the early 1970's and I was 11 or 12.
Where I had grown up, everything was segregated. Whites and blacks lived in different areas, shopped in different stores. I always hated prejudice but it was intertwined in the very fabric of life there at the time.

When we moved to Ct, I went to an inner city Parochial school.
For the first time in my life,I had African Americans not only in my school but in my class.
I remember one by one, the silly things I had been told to believe fell away.
However, I still felt shy around my black classmates.
Then ~ the last day of school before Christmas break came.
It was a half day so the teacher let us have a party and play records.
We started playing Jackson 5 albums and my black classmates and I each pretended we were each one of the Jackson 5, singing our hearts out ~ "ABC... it's easy as 123."
I remember looking in their eyes, laughing hysterical as my heart lite up knowing we were all the same.

Micheal Jackson and The Jackson 5 were the bridge that I walked over to find my way to truth about prejudice.

Update of Yesterdays Post

Here is my beautiful tattoo I promised to post today. I am still so excited about it ~ I am probably driving everyone around me CRAZY!

This is the Sea Glass the seagull dropped on the beach next to me.(you'll have to read the post before this one for the full story :)
I have it taped in my journal but wanted to share it with you.

Okay ~ I promise no more tattoo talk! No matter HOW Giddy about it I still am!!!!

ME??? A Tattoo?

Where do I begin?
I have never been a fan of tattoos. I think what has always turned me off are the young girls I see on the beach with what appears to be a black blob on their adorable figures. For that reason I always encouraged my own kids not to get one. (3 of my 4 listened ~ soooo far)
Then a few months ago I felt so driven to get the name of my dear Jesus tattooed somewhere on this almost 50 year old body. All of my life ~ folks would ask me "Why are you SO happy?" Usually strangers. I never want to appear preachy but it is my Dear Lord that has given me joy unspeakable and peace in times of such darkness.
Last year I put a quote about the Lord on my checks thinking when I pay ~ they would know the source of my joy ~ but I felt a longing for something more.
I asked the Lord to be specific with me about this tattoo. Then I waited to hear from Him.
About a month ago ~ I was in a completely mindless state on the beach when suddenly the verse from
Isaiah 49:16 went rolling through my mind ~
" See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands ...." (New International Version).I remembered sending the verse to my sister in law when she got her tattoo many years ago.
I jumped up and knew that I KNEW that was it! At first I thought I would have JESUS tattooed on my hand but then choose my right wrist. I could picture it clear as day , I was filled with such excitement it is hard for me to explain.
As I sat there on the beach ~ a seagull landed beside me ~ dropped what appeared to be a piece of green sea glass down and flew away. NO ~ it just couldn't be! There on the bone dry beach was a tiny puddle of water with a piece of green sea glass sitting there.
I was STUNNED! Say what you will but my Lord KNOWS his child! Green is the color of my eyes and one of my fave colors ~ sea glass has been my obsession lately.
TONIGHT ~ I got my tattoo! I can't tell you the joy I feel! I have thin bony wrist and it felt like razors slicing every which way. I thought of what our Lord went through on the cross. This was nothing!
I knew as I drove home that this was the beginning of a new season in my life. Old thing's are quickly slipping behind me ~ all things are becoming new.
Thanks to my sweet kid's who were so supportive of me and my Father in Heaven who has always celebrated me for who I am!
He celebrates YOU too!



This was the font I choose from the computer at the tattoo shop. They make a template and print it.

It was then placed in position and tattooed right over.

Notice I was squeezing the artist hand the whole time!

I somehow managed to take these pictures JUST for my blogging friends!

Filling in the letters with ink. When the bandage comes off tomorrow ~ I will an "After" pic to show you.

" One will say , "I belong to the Lord; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write the name on his hand,

"The Lord's", and will take the name of Israel." Isaiah 44:5

What Has Been Sitting By My Bedstand This Summer ~ Book's In Review

This is the book I am currently reading. I was intrigued by a recent interview I heard on this book and noticed it had been on the New York Times best sellers list for some time. I started reading it last night and got a third way through. I hope to finish it at the beach tomorrow.
It takes you out of "the box" we so often experience God through. You know ~ the one that says our Dear Jesus is a most assuredly a white man confined within the walls of a church experience.It's all about relationship friends ~ one that is free and open to all and most certainly not dependant on 4 walls. This is a story about a real man with real feelings, anger and not able to trust God ~ and how God comes to find him.
Note (8-28-08) ~ I finished this book and let me say ~ it was something. It's one of those books that really "bring it on home " at the last 2 chapters. I am a BIG believer in relationship with God verses the idea of needing to go through another source to reach Him. Here is a quote from the book I love ~ words that Mack felt the Lord was saying to him.
"Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I (Jesus) give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and serve in every situation, and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful.
Because I am your ability to respond, I have to be present in you. If I simply gave you a responsibility, I would not have to be with you at all. It would now be a task to preform, an obligation to be met, something to fail."
and a quote by A.W. Tozer
"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children.
He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part,
but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others."




This is a really well organized book that gets right to the point. It is one you will want to keep in your studio/craft room and reference often.

OH WOW! One Thursday this summer I was walking through Borders on my way to pay and this book jumped out at me. I never listened to Korn, had never heard of Brian "Head" Walsh, and couldn't guess for the life of me why I was buying this book. I started to read it after dinner ~ never dreaming I would not be able to put it down. It is a raw , not for the lighthearted but powerful story of how this rock star ~ addicted to crystal meth ~ was able to turn his twisted mess of a life around through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. It didn't come easy ~ Brian often had shouting matches with the Lord ~ said he was sorry by day and did more drugs by night. God never turned His back on Brian and carried him step by difficult step out of his private hell to a joy he had never known before. I loved hearing Brian's point of view as he does not come from a church background so his point of view is real and not immersed in anything but the raw direction of God.

I finished this book at the beach on Fri. I drove home completely washed through and through with the glory of God and the joy and thankfulness that God sees such beauty in all of us ~ no matter how ugly we feel.

When I got home I got the news that my sweet cousin had died in her sleep. It was the afterglow of this book that helped me through this awful news.

NOTE ~ Brian's New York Times Bestseller book " Save Me From Myself " is the same book with more pictures. "Washed By The Blood" has less pictures but contains discussion questions after each chapter. It is geared to his fans who question why he left the band "Korn" and gave his life to Christ. Since I grew up in the drug culture of the 70's ~ I was able to handle the beginning chapters where he describes his experiences with drugs etc.

I will be 50 in March and this book still spoke to me. Some others may find it offensive.

I just LOVE this book! It came in the mail just this week and I can almost taste the new DMC thread I spotted at Joann's Fabric last week. It is perfect for the simple, easy patterns in this book. Nothing fancy here ~ just refreshing and peaceful. It would be a fun challenge to do each season they picture in the book!

I MISS YOU!

I've missed YOU something awful!!!!!
This time in my life has kept me from doing some of the things I love the very most such as blogging, sewing, fussing over my home and spending mindless days in my garden. It has also carried with it many treasures that would have been left undiscovered otherwise.
In the midst of chaos ~ I feel such amazing Peace in the deepest parts of my heart ~ and such joy.
I wish this same Peace and Joy to you my Dear Friends ~ a free gift to all who ask.

"My own Peace I give to you."
John 14:27

"For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Genesis 41:52

"As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing"
2 Corinthians 6:10

"He delivered me, because He delighted in me."
Psalm 18:19

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

If He Cares for the Sparrow ~ How Much More Will He Care For You?

Early Fri. morning ~ I heard a huge THUMP on my bedroom window. I looked out and saw nothing. When I went downstairs to let my dogs out ~ I saw a lifeless baby bird lying on my deck. It was pouring rain and he was soaked. I wrapped him in paper towels and held him in my hands ~ asking God to put life back in his body. When he appeared dry ~ I placed him in a dry paper towel in a cup on my deck table. I went in to get breakfast and when I went to check back on him ~ his eyes were starting to open. As I prayed ~ he began to "wake up" ! I went out to take his picture ~ just after this shot ~ he flew off to a tree on the far side of my yard!

Matt. 6 : 25, 26 ~ Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.........Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?

Sweet Heaven On Earth

I can't stop taking pictures this time of year. It's the simple things that move me so much. The blue sky and pear tree blossoms as a backdrop behind my garage ~ forsythia bright as sunshine ~ a fern plant unfurling ~ and a sweet as pie daffy. If you only could have heard the bird's singing as I was taking these pictures ~ honestly ~ it was heaven on earth : )

(oh please do supersize the photo of the daffy ~ look at the amazing center of the flower and also the fern ~ it is breathtaking up close!)

Me and Jesus spend the week-end in New York!

I spent the most wonderful week-end in NYC......me, Jesus and 2999 other people from around the world! I attended the Benny Hinn Conference at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. It was like heaven to me ~ Fri night and all day Sat. till 2am in the morning ~ praising my dear precious Lord with 3000 plus other folks. Witnessing miracles ~ basking in the glory of our Lord~ and being with every race , creed and color praising one God. It was a week-end I will never forget!

Fri. when I got there ~ I had less than 2 hours before the conference began ~ just enough time to hop a cab over to Paron Fabric (206 West 40th Street ) for a very quick browse. I purchased some beautiful dupioni silk before I headed back. The rest of the week-end I was immersed in the conference. ME ~ Ms I LOVE NEW YORK CITY ~ had no desire to hit the streets. NOTHING ~ not even New York City ~ could compete with the glory of God that filled this conference.

I did want to share pic's of my wonderful room! It was spacious for a New York City room and just LOOK at the view! To the left I could see 42nd street ~ to the right the beautiful buildings and the Hudson River. Notice the round papers ~ they were at the bottom of all the stainless steel ~ spotlessly clean garbage cans in the room. I KNEW my blogging friends who enjoy a cozy nest would think this was a sweet idea for a guest room. You could use doily's instead.

Also pictured is Bryant Park ~ my favorite park in NYC. The bike on the street post broke my heart. It was I think on 6th street and about 37th street.The person who rode that bike was killed there by a car and this was in memory of him.......so very touching.

Living in Ct. ~ I have always hopped a train home never bothereing to stay in the city overnight. This was a dream come true !

Safe Haven Womans Shelter ~ Great Oaks From Little Acorns Grow

I remember one day when I was little ~ my Mom reached down and placed this charm in my hand. She explained that "from little acorns ~ great oak trees grow." I have applied this thought to many areas in my life and it is what came to mind when this project was born.

My friend Pat Winter http://gatherings100.blogspot.com/ had a "tiny acorn of an idea" to send "Comfort Dolls" http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com/ to battered woman's shelters. Myself and so very many others jumped aboard and it is quickly growing to "great oak tree status" reaching worldwide in a fairly short period of time. I noticed one of the shelters she sent to was just one town over in Waterbury, Ct. I work in the Mayors office in Naugatuck and he encouraged me to put out a call in our Naugautck Town Hall and take a collection for our local shelter ~ Safe Haven in Waterbury. The folks I work with generously donated cases of TP, paper towels , diapers, food and personal items, and new clothing. I embroidered "YOU ARE LOVED" on enough blankets so that if they are at maximum capacity ~ each woman will receive a blanket with warm, cozy socks attached.

I thank you all from the very depths of my heart for letting the Lord use your beautiful hands as a vessel to reach these woman He loves so dearly. These shelters are often the last hope for many woman, mothers and their children who are suffering from abuse. There is nothing more hopeful or more powerful ~ than woman lifting up woman. Be FILLED with all the Love that you have shared with others. Pat may your Oak Tree grow Mightier with each passing day. Always remember ~ beautiful ones ~ that YOU ARE LOVED.

Birthday Party for Jesus!

Join the birthday party for Jesus! Visit Creative Call Studios Blog http://creativecallstudios.blogspot.com/.


Praise His Blessed and Holy Name!

I Love This Kind Of Morning!

My day off ~ and I woke up to fresh fallen snow. My daughter was still fast asleep so I filled my biggest mug with hot tea and gathered my oatmeal, glasses and bible for a quite time of hearing from the Lord and giving thanks. " If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You, it will be enough," M. Eckhart "Let your thanksgiving for all that is rise above the disappointment ~ opportunities lost, mistakes made, the clamor of all that has not yet come." S.B.B.

What a Wonderful Way to Spend A Sunday Afternoon!

My day is New York was a joy. I didn't get to the city till almost 1:30 so had to rush right over to the theater. I took Madison Ave. to 34th and all the bead and trim shops were closed.I did pass a Payless ~ a store I don't like here in Ct. but the ones in New York are set up more like a boutique! Each shoe is spot lighted on a nice display ~ no funny plastic smell when you walk in.I bought 2 pairs of shoes ~ one black and grey high heal with a cute bow on the side and a sensible brown suede walking shoe (all for $39.00!). I decided to wear the high heal until I got blisters and then switch to the walking shoe! Paula White, Darryl Strawberry and Vicky Winan were SO inspiring. I was seated in the VIP section ~ a sweet example of my dear "Daddy" in heaven giving me a little nudge and "I love You" wink! I felt as though my feet weren't even touching the ground as I exited the Hammerstein Theater and walked down 34th towards Macy's (now in my sensible shoes).It was dark and the holiday windows were in all their glory. As I looked up in front of me ~ the Empire State Building stood proud and strong.There was a feeling of excitement in the air.... and of goodwill. The closed theaters on Broadway have not kept the crowds away.As I headed towards Grand Central to catch my train ~ even the side streets were comfortably filled with people for a Sunday night.I am in awe of the magic I feel in the City ~ especially there alone. I can enjoy every sound,smell and taste ~ without distraction. Please enjoy the pictures ~ some are a bit fuzzy because of the glass, a bit of drizzle falling and my excitement! Included are pic's of The New York Library, Macy's & Lord and Taylor holiday windows and Times Square.I will be headed back for the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall on the 27th and will try to catch more magic to share with you then! (enlarge the 7th picture down on this post and see if your name is on Santas list!)