Taking Inventory

 Inventory - To make a complete list.

There are 11 occurrences of the word Inventory In the Bible....

• Genesis 24:10
• Exodus 38:21
• Numbers 11:22
• Numbers 31:26
• Numbers 3:16
• 1 Chronicles 9:28
• 1 Chronicles 25:1
• Ezra 1:9
• Ezra 1:11
• Ezra 8:3 

One stands out to me - Job 14:16 (ISV)- “ Then you’ll certainly count every step I took, but you won’t keep an inventory of my sin.

This is comforting to know that unlike me when I inventory my thrift items and count them God does not keep a record or count. Each day is a chance to get it right. So you didn’t read your Bible, you didn’t pray  for someone or simply you didn’t treat someone nicely. Understand it is not the end waking up daily gives you another chance to do things differently or the same. 

God is not sitting somewhere writing down or taking inventory of your sins, failures or even your successes. what he is doing is waiting on you to accept and come to him with out reservations. He is wanting you to commit your life to him and live in the greatness of being in his family.

We should take personal inventory of our lives and look at how we are living . Can we say that we are living in  Gods words and promises to us? Can we say that we are spending time studying, and meditating on His word ? Do we treat others with the same love and compassion that God shows us? Do you extend Grace and Mercy to others? Use these questions to start your on inventory and begin to repent, repair and release those things that do not fall under Gods word.

https://www.dianagruver.com/blog/personal-spiritual-growth-inventory

The above Blog post was a great read and gives great questions to begin your Inventory Work.

Blue

"Blue represents both the sky and the sea, and is associated with open spaces, freedom, intuition, imagination, expansiveness, inspiration, and sensitivity. Blue also represents meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, heaven, and intelligence."Jan 15, 2011   www.bourncreative.com 

When I began this journey I thought it would be fun and a way to clear my head. I truly thought I would use this blog as a dumping ground for my vast thoughts about thrifting, decorating and how I feel it all has a spiritual connection.

What I have found is a peace and an enjoyment in discovering why I love a piece or why that color speaks to me. I am finding that I am not just arranging a pretty table or buying a random item but what I am doing is expressing a God given talent that must be released.

This tablescape was created because of a mix up of months and a certain holiday. It does not make it less special or meaningful but what it does provide us with is a glimps into a lot of things mentioned in the defintion given above. 

The weather was cool and silent almost melancholy I could almost see the color blue in my imagination. I had faith and believed this was the correct direction to take the table from a mistake to a masterpiece. 

I find myself dreaming about how to use items I have aquired to bring out the joy they bring me. To have others feel the emotions when they see a tablescape I have prepared. To me it is not just a bunch of pretty things out on display often there is a story or an emotion attached to the entire setting. Inspiration comes from what I see and feel when out thrifting or creating in my little notebook. Yes, I sometimes draw 

out a tablescape before it ever hits the table or I blog about it just to get the emotions out if my head.

There are times when I just want to use a color, or a certain piece to highlight. Often that piece was a great find or I feel a story or emotion attached to it. I often research an item to go deeper in to the feeling I have of being connected in some shape or fashion to the item. 

I feel God speaks to us when we are quiet and He gives us inspiration from things that others have discared.

Thrifting is my way of looking for items that deserve a second chance or at least to be displayed. 

Do we look for the good in others like that or do we often buy into the theory that their time is up and the usefullness has gone. Do we offer second chances when we have been hurt, disregarded or simply overlooked. Give the Grace you received from God to others extend that second chance and find the beauty often overlooked. 

The New Year

 This tablescape began with crystal clear tableware. The new year should be just as clear, it should begin with a time of reflection and discovery. It should have a clear and precise vision that includes specific goals and directions for growth. The new year should not be about setting goals that are unrealistic but about the desire to find your purpose and setting realistic steps to ensure your  success . Yes, we all have things we want to change, or learn but what if we just slow down and spend time reflecting, visualizing and meditating on where we see ourselves in the new year success is possible.

You can’t see clearly through a cloudy window or see your true reflection in a steamy mirror. The mind is just like that if we don’t take time to evaluate and access the previous year we will never see the clear and true vision God has for us. We have to spend time with ourselves and with the Father to get a clear vision of what are our next steps. 

 Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” 

The word “ordered” means to “make firm and to establish.” Each day is a new chance to start fresh or to continue on. If your steps are ordered by God and you willingly follow and delight in Him your steps are blessed. God is with you every step of the way he holds you steady and keeps you not from falling but ensuring you can get up in His name to try another step.

If 2020 was not a wake up call I do not know what else my God can do. This last year should have you focused on the present and what changes are necessary for you to live a happy and blessed life. What steps are needed for me to be successful in my job situation, relationships, my spiritual walk and my overall goal. Do I have a plan in place or am I just hoping for the best and letting everything fall where it will ?

Part of every success story begins with visualizing the end result and then begin the process of mapping out how you can achieve that goal. Having a clear and focused mind must include time spent with whom ever you feel is your higher power, be it God, Buddha or Mohamed. It matters that you start there to get your grounding and have your vision crystal clear and your steps ordered so there will only be success. That does not mean you will not fall, stumble or veer off course what it does mean is you can go back to the grounding and begin again and have the same support and the same spiritual guidance necessary to succeed.

The only word i will give you is be INTENIONAL in all you do this year. Clear your vision and path before beginning a journey. Map out the necessary steps to ensure success. But most importantly remember failing is not an option.