Sunday, February 13, 2011

My Valentines

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I hope this finds each of you very well and beginning your week full ohope and peace. I am doing well, enjoying a quiet night with my dear family. Growing up, Momma always blessed and spoilt us children by making every Christmas, Easter, and Valentines Day special. Some of the special and memorable things she (and Daddy!!) would do were: give us new pajamas on Christmas Eve, always (for my last 21 years!) decorate eggs and hide them on Easter morning, and bring us a special "foo-foo" coffee for our birthdays. For  Valentines Day I have fond memories of helping pick out my siblings balloons and candy from Fred Myers; and I can remember waking up to find Valentine themed trinkets and goodies hand-picked for each of us kids on the table . . . no wonder I love holidays--I have a wonderful mommy who made them extra special for me!! I learned so much from my momma and one of those things is this: it is worth the effort to bless others and make their day special. {I LOVE YOU Mommy and Daddy!} :) 

This year I am very excited because I was able to make a few valentines. In my yonger years I would try to give out valentines to various people ... but that was during schooling years which were full of insecurities and fears. So often I felt that I was on the bottom of the totem pole (and perhaps I was :), and so most of my efforts, thoughts, and actions were aimed at my some how climbing the social ladder and into popularity. :) Needless to say, some of the valentines I handed out were simply for selfish, vain reasons and thereforethey never meant much to me. But this year has been different; this year I was able to make just a few valentines and the dear people I want to give them to are people who I love and that makes a world of difference from my schooling years. For my twenty-first birthday Daddy and Mooma bought me a Cricut and I have been having a blast working with it!! :)




Aren't they cute? I am so excited to give them to my family members tomorrow . . . fun!! Lord willing, we will be having heart shaped biscuits and gravy too.

 I hope that you all have a blessed day tomorrow.
With much love from your sister in Christ,

Photo Credit: The lovely valentine seen above is from graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Homemade Chandeliers


Greetings dear one!

I never fully understood what dear Anne meant when she said, "I think I would probably come to the conclusion that I'd like it for a while ... but in the end, I'd still prefer the sound of the wind in the firs across the brook more than the tinkling of crystal." --Anne of Green Gables

However, once I caught a glimpse of God's homemade chandeliers (the above photo), I knew that I may enjoy a palace with golden lights, fine linen, lovely gardens, and pretty dresses for a while ... but in the end I would prefer ice on trees reflecting like Christmas lights at night, wildflowers on the side of the road, creeks to play in, and the life Christ has given me. :) 
May the Lord bless you as you find joy in what he has given!!
With love,

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Being Single

   Greetings friends! I hope this finds each of you very well and rejoicing in the Lord; "For the joy of the LORD is your strength." Much has been going on lately, but I wanted to share a story with you. I hope that you are blessed. :)

Abigail Henry eagerly opened the letter her brother brought home; she loved receiving letters from her dearest friend Lacy. Often the treasured notes held bits of godly encouragement and humor as the two early-twenty cousins shared stories about home, siblings, missions, sewing, and other girlish adventures. With vigor Abigail flipped open the floral stationary and began to read. But today Abigail's brown eyes came across something different, something delightful ... Lacy was beginning a courtship with a godly young man in her church!

Emotions of joy and excitement bubbled up inside Abigail's heart, yet another emotion also rose to the surface--sadness. But before she could address this unwanted feeling Abigail quickly left her room to share Lacy's good news with the rest of the family.

The next morning, beautiful with sunny skies and spring temperatures, found Abigail spending most of her time serving around the house. But while the day spoke of joy, Abigail's heart ached with sorrow. It was not until she jumped into her little car and left for an errand that Abigail began to discuss her troubles with the Lord, something she often did in the privacy of her own car. Out loud, the young woman shared her heart ache with her loving Saviour and Creator.

"Lord, you know I am excited for Lacy ... she deserves a godly husband and the blessing of having her own family. She will be a wonderful wife--but, Lord, why is it that I am still single? Why is it that no one has asked for my hand? Father, am I even worthy of love? Will anyone ever find me lovely and worthy enough to be his wife? Jesus, I feel passed over and forgotten. Am I?"

Dejectedly, Abigail let out a loud and helpless sigh. At that moment, her Lord began to speak to her heart. And Jesus said, "My dearest daughter, I love you (Rom. 5:6-8). I find you beautiful; I hand-made each of your freckles, every strand of your hair, and I chose even the features you dislike so that you may know and love me and that I may be glorified (Ps. 139:16,17). These hands of mine formed you in the womb, they stretched the heavens, and bled on Calvary so that you may have life ... and these very hands hold you safely now (Ps. 104:2, John 3:16). I know you feel forgotten but I have a perfect plan for you, a plan which will bring so much beauty and joy from your life (Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:28). A plan which will bring others to Christ and glorify my Father's name--if you will only accept it (Isa. 49:5). Abigail, part of that plan is for you to be single right now. I know you want to be a wife and mother, but Dearest, if you cannot cheerfully and obediently accept my the plan I have for you now you will struggle to accept it later. Remember, being single is a gift from God; it is a time for you to 'care for the things of the Lord, that you may be holy both in body and in spirit:' (1 Cor. 7:34) . It is a time in which you can have the freedom to serve others ... do not waste it pining over day-dreams and in self-pity. Only after you accept single-hood as a gift will you be able to truly enjoy and fulfill the calling of marriage. Daughter, remember that I am the Giver of Good Gifts (James 1:17). I have given you the time of being single, therefore, this time is a good gift; I would not give it to you otherwise. And finally, my Beloved, know that you are loved; draw nearer to me and you will realize that I can meet your every need (Ps. 37:4)."

A few moments silently passed as Abigail took in all her Saviour had spoken. It was difficult for her to accept the idea that being single equated a gift. And yet, the teary eyed girl knew her Father was right.

Later that night, Abigail sat nestled in the couch across from her dear parents. The three were spending a few moments before bed visiting and sharing the events of the day. After gathering her bravery, Abigail spilt her tale to her wise counselors. She shared the sorrow that came from Lacy's jubilant letter, the discouragement that over-whelmed her in the car, and the sweet response the Savior gave. Smiling, Mrs. Henry spoke, "Abigail, your desires for marriage and motherhood are good desires ... something for which you ought to be thankful. But you are right in that they must be met in God's timing and way. Trust in Christ to meet your every need. Resting in Christ will not always be easy and you will still struggle with feelings of sadness and loneliness. When those times come, turn to Jesus and know that your obedience will help change your emotions." "Remember,' spoke Mr. Henry, 'to allow Jesus to fill your heart with joy over Lacy's happiness. Your contentment in being single will enable you to bless and encourage others."

As Abigail climbed into bed that night, she thoughtfully recalled all that she had happened that day. Quietly she prayed, "Dearest Lord, by your grace I want to accept and delight in the gift of being single. Be my Joy and Companion and according to Your will prepare me for all that you have planned ... whether that be marriage or not, I will delight in you." 

Dear friends, if you are a boy reading this {I congratulate you!} you may not relate to the main character of this story. If you are a girl, I believe you may have understood  some of the fears and doubts which went through Abigail's heart. Sisters, let us learn to be content in the here and now; let us allow Christ the righful place in our live's and He will ease the pangs of lonliness and worry. 

May the Heavenly Father bless you as you press heavenward!

Monday, February 7, 2011

A New Look plus A New Home

Dearest friends,
Greetings I hope this finds each of you well and rejoicing in the love, victory, and grace of our Savior. As you can see someone has been busy working away at Authentic Virtue and I must tell you that that someone was not me! :)  My dear friend Sonja from Girlish Musings recently opened up her shop of talent and love and is now creating blog layouts for free! She recently finished mine and did'nt she do a lovely job? I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Sonja. Her work radiates an artist's eye, diligence, and a desire to bless and meet the desires and expectations of those she is blessing. Thank you sweet friend! Please visit Sonja's blog--she is truly a fellow daughter of the King who will be a blessing to you. :)

Just recently, my dear Daddy and Momma bought a home. We have been so excited for this home because it included land and was more private; in so many ways it reminded us children of our beautiful and most-loved home in Alaska!! Daddy (and dearest Momma) have been busy planning, tearing down, and building up our new castle and below are just a few pictures of the tearing down/building up process.

The stairs. A dear friend of the family has been working on these; much progress has been made seeing the orignal stairs were on the other side of the house! :)

The kitchen/living room area.

Right of the kitchen peeping into the hallway, bathroom, and laundry room  (also peeping in on helpers!).

Taking a break for some photos. :)

Sweet Siblings.

Or not so sweet. :)

May the Lord bless your week friends!
Your sister in Christ,  

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Did I Forget Something?

Greetings friends!! I hope you all are having a very blessed day . . . I don't know about you but it is quite lovely outside. Crisp, newly fallen snow adorns everything--a reminder of Isaiah 1:18 which reads,

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."


How kind our is Savior to spend the time and energy to reason with us! And I know I myself can be very difficult to reason with (sadly).  I praise Jesus and my Heavenly Father for seeing me worthy of His time!! 

As my title hints I forgot something! and that something is another lovely give-away hosted Kendra from Ismikendra. She is give away several lovely pieces of jewlery which you may like to check out!! {P.S. make sure you wish her a blessed birthday!!} :) 


Well, I must run! We are remodling our new house and so I get to go help Daddy!! :)  May the Lord bless your day friends!!

Frannie



Friday, February 4, 2011

Tis the Season . . . for Lovely Give-aways!

Hello friends! I hope this finds you very well and resting in Jesus Christ's everlasting love. Lately, I have been trying to catch up on various blogs I read and while doing so I discovered a couple of very neat give-aways such as . . .

Kelsey from Butterfly Dreams!
Due to the excitment of writing her 200th post {Congratualtions!!} Kelsey is giving away a full
blog make-over designed by Lulu. To see some of Lulu's work visit this link.

As Lilies Sewing
In honor of opening their etsy store, As Lilies Sewing {who, by the way, sell lovely and modest clothing} are giving away a sweet home-made doll.
{Isn't she such a doll?} ;)

 Sonja from Girlish Musings
My dear friend Sonja is giving away a home-made, sweetly feminine half apron. This apron is truly a piece of art. Please, go and see for yourself!!


I hope each of you have a blessed day! I have two hungry boys asking for macaroni . . . I had better be off! :)

With love from your sister in Christ,
Frannie

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Beauty of Christ

Greetings friends! I hope this all finds you very well and safe during our big winter storm. This morning in my Bible reading I came across one of the most beautiful Bible passages to me. While it is not new, or surprising, it teaches me so much.

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done in strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made of himself no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2

Oh, there is so much for me to learn from this small section. First, the love that Paul (and Christ) describes . . . do I have that love?  Do I have a love that does not strive? So often I end up striving with my dear siblings without even realizing it; it simply happens unexpectantly when I am a bit moody and say something to them in a sarcastic, unloving tone. Is my love focused on the other person, or is it focused on self (vainglory).  Oh the trickery of vainglory! It also catches me unawares . . . it simply happens when I think a little to much on self. But this heart condition is so opposite of my Lord and Saviour. He, who was God, took the form of a servant. Have you ever tried to break down the word "serv-ant?" To serve one of the lowliest and smallest of creatures . . . an ant. :) Do I serve others--the esteemed and the humble?  My Lord made no repuation for himself and became obedient even unto the death of the cross. What a good Savior we have; what a good example too!

Dear friends, let us press onward to Jesus. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and He is able to make us what we ought to be!! I know it!

With much love from your sister in Christ,
Frannie

Picture Credit: "The Pet Dove" was painted by Daniel Ridgeway Knight. It can be found at this link: http://www.rehs.com/virtexdrk.htm
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...