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 
• Job 14:16

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.

The Christmas Nutcracker

Nutcracker dolls, also known as Christmas nutcrackers, are decorative nutcracker figurines most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. In German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits. ... Nutcrackers are also a part of German folklore, serving as protectors of a house. 

I love this quote from a fellow blogger #Krystal D’Costa 

“At first glance, the story of the Nutcracker doesn't seem to really tie into the Christmas season other than its setting. But there are elements that seem to suggest a stronger connection. At its core, this is a story of the triumph of good, of acceptance, and goodwill. The celebration of Christmas also contains these elements in the story of the Nativity: Christ is born in adverse conditions—it is a triumph in the face of the corruption and malevolence. He, Mary, and Joseph count on the acceptance and goodwill of those who offer assistance and come to welcome the child. “

When I found most of the Nutcrackers they were like us broken, cast out, in need of attention/love and waiting for a place to belong.  We spend time, energy and excessive amounts of money during Christmas looking for all those things when really they are free. God offers a forgiveness for the broken, open arms for the cast out and a eternal home for the lost and weary. It does not cost anything to except all He has for us just a willingness to follow Him.

Each time I look at my Table I will be reminded of the Goodness and the many Blessings found in God. Remember  to keep the reason for the season first and enjoy all the blessings that follow.

The Gift

Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary character originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts on Christmas .

Jesus is the Son of God and our loving Savior. He lived to teach us, and He suffered and died to save us from sin and death. Because of Him, we can be forgiven, we can overcome challenges, and we can live with God again someday.

 We spend 11 months living freely in and out of right and wrong. We don't concern ourselves with the outcomes. But, the last month of the year we remind everyone that you must be good in order to receive a present on Christmas Day.  

The day we celerbrate as the birth of our Savior is lost in the waiting on Santa Claus. God wants to give us the biggest gift which is Him. We waste months not seeking,studying or desiring a relationship with God. But we  miss opportunities to receive all the blessing God wants us to have. We trade a life of being in His presence only to wait on temporary presents. 

This tablescape is a idealistic portrait of Santa with a full sleigh of toys. It displays what we look forward to on December 25th very few of us spend that day thanking God for all our blessings and the forgiveness we have received during this year.

This tablescape reminds me to be thankful for the birth and death of my Savior Jesus Christ.it reminds me to be thankful daily the entire 12 months not just when we receive things asked for. The reason for the season is what we should be excited and waiting for not Santa. We should want everlasting life that God offers not just presents bought by Santa one day out of 12 months but His presence for eternity.

 

The Grinch vs What is the true meaning of Christmas

“Maybe Christmas “ the Grinch thought doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.  

Dr. Seuss

This weeks Tablescape features my favorite CHARACTER for the Christmas Holidays . The Grinch represents so many of us who have truly forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. We spend so many days through out the year with a hard heart and unforgiveness festering in our spirits. We approach Christmas not with reverence but with worldly expectations. Not with what should i be thankful for but what will i receive.

Christmas should be a opportunity for us to reflect and look at all that our Lord has done for us through out the year. We should be offering the good news of Christ and the true reason for the season. Offering the love of Christ, the beauty and joy that joining the family of Christ should be our focus.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16 -17 is a great expression of this.

“ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

When we focus on the true meaning we find gifts that have always been there. The smile of a happy child, a hug from a friend, a call to just say hi. These are gifts available all year not just at Christmas. What we should offer this time of year is the gift of true fellowship with God and tell his story.

Ask yourself what does this Season mean to me ?

 

Vintage or Old

vintage denoting something of high quality, especially something from the past or characteristic of the best period of a person's work.

old  belonging only or chiefly to the past; former or previous.

When deciding the difference between vintage and old you would consider age, quality and value or desirability. When i was thinking of this weeks Tablescape i pulled out a pattern i fell in love with years ago. Now it would be considered Old but not Vintage because it is not of great quality or value. But it is ironically called The Magic of Santa which features a Vintage Santa by #Sakura and it was a desired and sought after pattern by some. 

This reminds me to look at the people in my life who i would consider Old or Vintage and why. People come into your life for many reasons some bring joy and add to your life, you have others who only come to destroy or steal your peace and happiness. 

When we look at relationships we should really value and nurture the Vintage relationships. Those are the ones that weather storms with you, ones that have stood the test of battles and worn the scars proudly. The vintage people are here to stay and bring value and quality to your life. They are there through all the tears, the joy and all your ups and downs. They don’t fold when it gets tough. They enhance your life with joy and peace. Hold on to your Vintage people .

When we step back and examine the Old people what we find is yes they have been there a while and brought nothing to the relationship added no value to your life. They have been the storm and caused much  confusion surrounding people and your life. They have been absent in the midst of a crisis but they have often known you longer than your Vintage people. Release your Old people.

Keeping and releasing people in your life requires you to decide between length of knowing a person and quality of what knowing them has brought into your life. Remember Vintage people bring quality and value, they desire to see you live your best life. They are willing to work and fight with you to greater. The amount of time you have known someone does not and should not be the only reason they are still in your life. Those old people that are holding space and causing nothing but heartache and confusion should not be allowed to remain.

Nurture the Vintage people and watch your life grow , notice how peaceful and joyous you are when they are near or just calling to check on you. Those are the people who love you inside and out ,flaws and all, rich or broke. Vintage people are required in your life for balance. Hold on tight to your Vintage people and live a full and complete life.