And the winner is....

AMELIA!!!!!

I only had two comments, which means either I'm not very popular since I haven't been blogging much, or y'all just aren't living the creative life at the moment. :-)

Marina, you didn't mention wanting to be part of the game, but if you do, let me know!

So, Amelia, do you want me to drop the birdhouse by, have lunch, go camping, give it to you when we pick strawberries...? :-)

Now I can't wait to see what Amelia does. If you've dropped by her place and seen the pictures of the girls' room, you know she is very creative. Might be smart to see what shows up on her blog because you might want it! And even if you don't want to be part of the game, you need to visit because she is a gifted writer whose inspiration is the Holy Spirit, and He gives her some powerful truth to share. It's good stuff, folks. Bless yourself and give her a visit.

CONTEST!!!

MONTHS ago I won a contest on Jan's blog. She made me a beautiful scarf that I have very much enjoyed. I gave up crochet and knitting, but I like to paint. In fact, I enjoy painting birdhouses. If you like birdhouses, or know someone who does, this could be the perfect contest for you!

Here's how the contest works. On March 27th, I will draw two names from the comments below. Each will receive a birdhouse similar to the one below (the background colors differ because I mix them when I paint them). In turn, if you win, you must make two handmade items (of your choice) and post it on your blog within a year (enclose a link leading back to this page). That's all there is to it. Are you interested? Leave a comment below and lets get started.

Note: The picture does not adequately display the decoration on the birdhouse. The snowflakes are covered in white and irridescent glitter, and the shingles drip "snow" in the form of glitter as well. The base also sparkles with the winter beauty. This is not an outside birdhouse as I could not find a way to protect the glitter and paint from the elements without damaging the decoration. It does, however, make a lovely decorative piece for the winter.

Enjoy!

Gratitude 18--Springing to Life

Spring has come in Texas. Granted, it's supposed to leave again Thursday, but it came and settled in like a much needed warmth in a chilly room. It wrapped around us, seeped into our hearts and spirits, and breathed life all around. It was as though God Himself stepped from Heaven to visit and wherever His robe touched, life exploded.

I have tried to intentionally look for such explosions. I have observed the fruit trees as they have gone from bud to blossom to green fluffy stoles wrapped high around them. I have inhaled deeply the fragrance of the hyacinths bright on our front porch, and just yesterday...

This is one of my favorite seasons, the season when promises that have been dormant and sometimes seemed dead suddenly come back to life and leave anyone with sense in wonder and amazement at the speed and beauty with which such answers come forth. It leaves me engulfed in thanks, and I'm thankful for so much, like...

1. Hyacinth and daffodil bulbs in pots "put out of the way because they are dead" that wave at me when I walk by, reminding me that things long buried can burst forth at the most unexpected--but such desperately needed--times.

2. Red tulips that shout, "Surprise! I'm here!" after the hyacinths have begun to fade.

3. Big eyes of wonder on little boys who love red tulips!

4. 190 peat pots sprouting with 27 different kinds of flowers.

5. God's preventing the germination of seeds which would produce plants with the ability to take over our whole garden and detroy everytihng else.

6. Google, that gives information on all kinds of plants--especially the only one that did not come up--and comments warning about its aggressive nature.

7. Empty pots at 8:00 am that are covered with a green carpet of Shasta Daisies by 11:00 am.

8. The awe of "suddenly".

9. Sunny windows where peat pots can be warmed.

10. Window seats that hold over 200 peat pots.

11. Husbands who think it is funny that I have 32 types of flowers and herbs growing but want to grow more, "just see what they do."
12. Good soil.

13. Information on earthworm farms.

14. Worm dirt.

15. That God only uses the BEST dirt.

16. Peat pots.

17. Good garden gloves.

18. Painkillers for my sore hands.

19. Grass snakes that don't mind moving out of the way so I can clean out flower beds.

20. Soaker hoses that soak the sod and make pulling grass and weeds easier.

21. Good shovels.

22. Children who run to see what life on the window seat is doing.

23. Phototropism.

24. Pink peach blosooms.

25. White plum blossoms.

26. Plum blossom fragrance.

27. Clothes drying on the line.

28. Iris bulbs, missed when the flowerbed was cleaned, that send up a happy leaf or two that says its happy to be here.

29. Sharing bulbs with friends.

30. Fall leaves becoming rich dirt in the yard.

31. The joy of wondering what else is coming.

Gratitude 17--Morning Gratitude

The temperatures are warm enough for quiet mornings on the deck. In the early morning light, I sit in quiet and seek the Lord. I find wondrous things...

1. Two trees intertwined to make one boasting of peach and plum blossoms.
2. Owls asking "hoo" else is enjoying the morning.
3. Birds singing praise.
4. Trees waving their arms in the breeze, rejoicing.
5. I raise my arms, too. Why should the trees have all the fun?
6. A comfy rocker.
7. Hot coffee.
8. Quiet solitude.
9. Enough light to journal by
9. A Bible in my language.
10. The ability to read.
11. The Lord desiring me so much He wakes me up early so we can be alone.