Be Thou My Vision

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,

naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

Thou my best thought by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word,

I ever with thee and thou with me Lord;

Thou my great Father, I thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

Be thou my breastplate, sword for the fight;

Be thou my dignity, thou my delight;

Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower:

Raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:

Thou mine inheritance now and always;

Thou and thou only first in my heart;

High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O Bright Heaven's sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

~Irish hymn written by Dallán Forgaill, 8^th Century

I can never listen to the above without tearing up. So rich. 

Hope you enjoy the lyrics! They blessed me yet again this afternoon!

Finding Sabbath

The whole concept of observing sabbath is a rather new one for me. It shouldn't be. I've been a christian for quite some time. I've read the Bible. I know that it has been practiced since God created the world in Genesis. Yet, sunday (which is my sabbath day) had unfortunately become yet another day of work; one in which I wasn't receiving a paycheck. Sunday had become catch-up day, laundry day, a grocery shopping day, and oftentimes, when it was my turn to sing in the praise band* (which required arriving at 7 a.m. and leaving at 12 p.m.) a very much exhausting "on-day." 

Then, I quit.

For 24 hours each week, I quit output, I quit my frenetic schedule, I quit my speedy pace, I quit my endless striving.

And thus far, the rewards have been abundant.

On sabbath, 

I stop. 

I rest.

I pray. 

I read.

I read the Word.

I bake for pleasure, not just purpose. 

I walk to think, dream, observe and listen rather than to mark miles. 

I drink my coffee** with leisure, not in quick gulps between hair blow-drying and bed-making.

I avoid Facebook.

I sleep, not waking until my body dictates, sans alarm clock. Sometimes this means 5 a.m., sometimes 11.

I write.

I write letters.

Sometimes I blog.

I pray for the upcoming week. 

I spend intentional time alone and then engage in community at our 5 o'clock worship service. 

I can do all of these things because I know my Father holds the universe in His hands, and my very small world will not suffer if I rest for one day each week.

The ladies at Redeemer are reading Mark Buchanan's The Rest of God, Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath. Buchanan reiterates my point in the following:

  "Real Sabbath, the kind that empties and fills us, depends on complete confidence and trust. And  

   confidence and trust like that are rooted in a deep conviction that God is good and God is sovereign. 

   There's no rest for those who don't believe that. If God works all things together for good for those

   who love him and are called to his purposes, you can relax. If he doesn't, start worrying. If God can

   take any mess, any mishap, any wastage, any wreckage, any anything, and choreograph beauty and

   meaning from it, then you can take a day off. If he can't, get busy. Either God's always at work,

   watching the city, building the house, or you need to try harder.

   Either God is good and in control, or it all depends on you."

Thankfully, for my sanity and everyone else's, I've finally come to grips with the reality that God is indeed in control. And because of this, I can rest.

*This doesn't mean that you cannot sing in your praise band (or serve in another capacity at your church) and not observe sabbath. It just means, for me, serving in this capacity had become work, not all worship, and I needed to relocate this time in service with rest elsewhere.

**On Sunday mornings you're likely to find me tucked away in a local coffee shop. On this blissful morning, I found respite in the sunshine and among the birds on my parent's back porch. My mother spoiled me with the following. Oh happy sabbath day!

When Life Gives You Pears...

Make a pear tart, and serve it with vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip!

Very much On.a.Whim, I decided to attempt pulling off this fruit pastry in time for home group last night. Let's just say that my kitchen had a come-apart, I was 30 minutes late to home group and was in such a fluster when I finally arrived on the Kling’s street that I went into the wrong house, two doors down!

The result was a not-completely-done crust and pear slices that looked more like scalloped potatoes rather than delicately sliced and arranged pears. However, I was inspired, and when I have more time and another opportunity, I’m going to try my variation of this Sunset magazine recipe again:

Ingredients:

1 sheet (about 10x12 in.) frozen puff pastry, thawed

2 or 3 firm-ripe pears

½ cup orange marmalade

1 egg, beaten to blend

1 TBSP brown sugar

1.    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter baking sheet.

2.     On a floured surface with rolling pin, roll out pastry to 16 x 18 in.

3.     Cut pastry into fourths.

4.     Core pears and cut into thin wedges. Arrange delicately, slightly overlapped on pastry rectangles.

5.     Warm marmalade in on stove-top over low heat, stirring frequently.

6.     Brush marmalade then egg wash over entire pastry.

7.     Sprinkle entire pastry with brown sugar.

8.     Bake until pastries are richly browned, about 25 minutes.

9.     Serve warm or at room temperature with Cool Whip or ice cream.

*A special thanks to the precious one who provided me with a plethora of pretty pears.

The Gospel: A Reckless Sinner's Perspective

My True North - photo captured in Chapel Hill, NC by On.a.Whim.

I'm moving my church membership to Redeemer Community Church, and part of the membership application involves writing down what the gospel means to me. In recording my thoughts to paper, I am overwhelmed anew by God's grace and my unworthiness.

The gospel, to me, is a story (the greatest of non-fiction) of a perfect, sinless Being, who left paradise to wear flesh and dwell among sinful humanity. It’s the story of how this God-man was convicted of sins not His own, was accused, found guilty, was crucified, died and was buried. It’s a story of His resurrection, His ascension, and His now and future redemption of the world. 

This story began long before the cross, long before the times of the judges, farther back than the patriarchs. It was first visible in the garden with the trampling of the serpent’s head and will not be completely fulfilled until Christ returns to claim His people and create His new earth.

It’s actually more than a story. You see, it’s my only hope, my greatest joy, my reason for living. It crushes me; appropriately humiliates me and stirs my soul out of complacency. It rings truer than my greatest thought, surpasses any human act of greatness, and displays its glory in all of creation.

It’s why I love my fellow sinner; why I have hope in the midst of great devastation; why I can smile when the world is overcome with sadness. It's my only way. The gospel of Christ is my everything.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; 

We have turned, every one, to his own;

And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” 

~Isaiah 53:6

Feather Pen Craft

Apparently feathers are this season’s accessory of choice. I’ve seen them entwined in jewelry, clothes and even hair. They were also the inspiration for this very easy and fun On.a.Whim craft project.

My sister wanted to use a certain brown, felt-tipped pen for their wedding guestbook. When she asked me to make the exterior of the pen pretty, I was happy to acquiesce her request.

Jen's feathers of choice: Classic wedding-day cream. I bet bright peacock feathers in vibrant shades of blue and green would make for a nice special occasion pen. You can find feathers at any craft store. These were purchased at Michael's. 

Trim to desired length with a handy set o' pliers.

OR 

Tightly wrap excess wire around the base of the pen. It's up to you whether you want to cut or wrap the wire stem. I finally decided to keep and wrap it so that the feather would be more secure. If you have a feather without a long wire stem, just make sure the feather is firmly inserted into the top of the pen with the floral tape + hot glue.

Click play to watch next step of the process. Beginning at the top of the pen, where feather inserts, firmly wrap floral tape around and around the pen to cover and hold.

Glue a couple dots of hot glue on the top of the pen.
Insert craft rope at top. Let dry for a few minutes. 

Firmly wrap craft rope around and around the pen. 

Still wrapping! Cut and tuck end of rope at bottom of pen.
You may want to use hot glue to fasten snuggly.

And voila, you have a handmade feather pen in minutes!

Why I Love Birmingham #1

Only in Birmingham...

Can you be sharing birthday lunch (Potato Chive Pierogi) with a dear friend at Urban Standard and look out the window to see a mounted police officer riding by while talking on his cell phone.

I love this city.

Happy Birthday Dana! I hope this is the best year yet!

Dana's "Lady in Red" Birthday Basket courtesy of On.a.Whim

I also had the pleasure of sharing dessert with one Madoline Markham, managing editor of The Homewood Star, 280 Living, and Village Living. I'm foreseeing the start of a beautiful friendship!

Grilled Zucchini in Moments & Other News

As a true southern woman, I considered dipping, battering and frying these miniature zucchinis which were served alongside homemade burgers. Then I remembered my oath to eat healthier and headed to the grill. I was surprised with what ease was required in turning the raw veggies into a flavorful, healthy side dish.

Rinse 

Chop off ends.

Slice in half length-wise

Sprinkle with salt, and then it's show-time!

Set face down on top shelf of grill.
Grill on low heat 10 minutes or to desired doneness. 

*******************************************************************

In other news, I’ve been tucking away some fun post ideas that will be cranked out in the coming week (end). Get excited about the following:

• Womble/Keller Wedding Follow-up Post (Here’s a sneak peek photo of Jen and I):

• Feather Pen Craft How-to:

• Attic Antiques Shelbyco teaser

• Rit dye: transforming spring/summer clothes to fall/winter with just a couple drops of dye 

• Slumber party with this little wild man:

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY FOLKS!

And They Are...

Going to the Chapel.
And They're Gonna Get Married!

My Everything

We sang this at church Sunday night, and for the first time I really heard the lyrics. I’m trying to get to a place of stillness in my life where I can turn off all the frenetic activity around me and hear the things that need most to be heard. This song, I believe you will find, is truly beautiful. Enjoy!

My Everything

Tim Hughes

God in my living

There in my breathing

God in my waking

God in my sleeping

God in my resting

There in my working

God in my thinking

God in my speaking

Be my everything

Be my everything

Be my everything

Be my everything

God in my hoping

There in my dreaming

God in my watching

God in my waiting

God in my laughing

There in my weeping

God in my hurting

God in my healing

Christ in me

Christ in me

Christ in me the hope of glory

You are everything

Christ in me

Christ in me

Christ in me the hope of glory

Be my everything

My Cup Runneth Over

"In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others." 

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Letters and Papers from Prison)

Do you ever feel like your guardian angel is smiling over your shoulder? There are days that I just get tickled pink about all the precious people in my life. My family and beloved friends with whom I share this beautiful life - a life full of hurt and disappointment as well as great hope and joy.

This past week has been really full, and I apologize, but I'm just going to have to share with you some snapshots of my sheer joy. In the below, you will find a bevy of shameless shout-outs.

SUNDAY:

This couple blesses my heart - it's been so neat to watch their relationship unfold, from his passionate pursuit, to their marriage two months ago, to today. The Turners have a new addition to their family, and I AM IN LOVE. I got to meet Shepherd, the Golden Doodle, for the first time Sunday evening after church. I've even been asked to puppy-sit in the near future.

Speaking of - you don't ever have to ask me twice to dog sit....

Mr. and Mrs. Kling, I think I may have to PAY YOU to go out of town so that I can spend some time with my underbitten, smiley friend Mollie!

Profile of Miss Mollie Kling - though she appears to be growling, this is actually what she looks like when she's very, very happy.

MONDAY:

Kathryn and I fifty years from today. We will be swimmers then. Our knees will have finally given out from our running days.
Thank you Kat for this lovely pic.

There's nothing like kicking off a new week AND a new month marking miles on an early a.m. run with Kat. This, we have decided, is to be our new Monday morning ritual. We plan to run silently in prayer during this time, preparing for the week ahead and offering it up to the Lord. That is if we can keep our mouths shut for the first time ever and not blab the miles away. Lord, please help us!

Really funny and icky picture of Kat and I post Country Music Marathon.

The Borlands shared sweet friendship and figgyliciousness with me Monday evening at their beautiful new home. I am so happy for this couple and their kitty Lucky. I also had the opportunity to share "family dinner" with some new friends at Homewood Park. Sweetness!

TUESDAY:

Sar and I kicked off the day E-A-R-L-Y with a tough Muscleworks class. I've been soaking up every last moment I can with this sweet lady before she heads to Uganda for three years. She's driving out to Colorado today for a 3-week training session, and I cried like a baby when she dropped by Thursday evening to say goodbye. Father, please protect this beautiful, courageous woman.

The Brooks hosted a newcomer dinner for Redeemer folks Tuesday evening, low-country boil style. 

I'm hardly a newcomer, but managed to slip in somehow.

I have been truly blessed by Redeemer Community Church over the past six months and am eager to officially join. It is amazing how the Lord uses certain people and circumstances to draw us closer into community. I've been freshly reminded of how much we, as sinful, hurting, complicated people, desperately need the perspectives, wisdom and fellowship of other believers to breath life and truth into our lives.

WEDNESDAY:

After conducting two-a-day workouts two days in a row, my Wednesday got off to a very late and sluggish start. Imagine my excitement when I got the following text from my sweet, thoughtful friend Kelly Mc:

Hi Laura! I'm going to get an iced coffee from O'Henry's and thought of you. I'd love to bring you one at work!"

Um, YES, please!

Such a sweet treat. Thanks for making my day Kelly!

Wednesday evening was our first Home Group back after the July summer break. We caught up on our summers and enjoyed delicious grilled cheese dogs and other yummy summer foods.

Me, Barnabas and Kate. Don't worry, the little furry one's okay.
Barnabas actually likes it when I cram my fingers in his mouth.

Our Fearless Home Group Leaders: Mom and Pop Kling with Mollie.

I probably slept three consecutive hours Wednesday night because I became violently ill (could have been the two-a-days or the cheese dogs or a combination of the two!) and was back and forth to the bathroom all night. So, in order to practice "mental toughness" and make it through one very long night of misery, I mentally wrote out my speech for Jennifer and Zach's rehearsal dinner. I CANNOT wait to be a part of this very special occasion and am overjoyed for the two of them and their future together!

THURSDAY:

Most of Thursday was a blur as my stomach nausea carried on throughout the day. 

Bradley, a very dear and longtime friend, sent me an encouraging text first thing in the morning  referencing 2 Corinthians 12:9,  and I was reminded that no matter the situation, struggle or sin we endure, God's grace is sufficient. I responded that these are beautiful words for a broken world. And, at that moment I was feeling very broken down indeed.

My wonderful co-workers carried me through with their concern and babying until I left early to pass out on my couch. I am so blessed to work for the organization and with the people that I do. I simply love my job. I love the work we do, the people we serve and the camaraderie we share with one another. 

As my favorite president Teddy Roosevelt (thanks for this SP) said: "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."

FRIDAY:

Today was much better physically. Christen and I kicked off the weekend with a 5-mile run/walk right after work. I am so happy this lady is back after serving as a missionary in Mexico. It's been precious to reconnect and see how the Lord has carried us through and grown us the past two years.

Please do not get mad at me for posting this AWESOME pic of you Christen.
I'm pretty confident that it's a framer!!!

I just cannot get over how good the Lord is and how much He blesses us with the relationships in our lives. I pray that you, wherever you are today - either surrounded by love or feeling very much alone - know that you are loved and that the Lord has a plan for you. I pray that you will find "traveling companions" to walk alongside you. Have a great weekend On.a.Whim friends!

From the Whimsical Living Consultant: Summertime + Herbs

THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE OF SHELBYCO IS HERE!

This issue features photographer Kat Jones and gardening expert Mrs. Jenna Jones.

Grab your personal copy today at Barnes & Noble or Books a Million! 

Make sure you check out Shelbyco's website and become a fan on Facebook!

And here's a sneak peek at what all is involved in the giveaway (project) for the September/October  issue. Don't worry there will be an August giveaway to hold you over until then! :)

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SHABBY CHIC FINISH

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Stay tuned.....