Progress.....on the new shop!

Do not have pictures to post of the shop! Slowly getting things moved over there. Looking forward to some "muscle" to help with the big stuff! I have had such good feedback from everyone that I have talked to about doing this....very encouraging for me as this is very scary! I will be 49 in November and finally, I feel as though I am realizing a dream....

I've learned a long this road of life, especially lately, to start facing my fears. Taking time to examine what my fears are (ugh, as there are so many), God has mercifully walked me through and still showing me slowly what I need to look at in my life, what to face, what to cry over and what to wipe away, blow my nose and get on with it! Have faith. Extend grace and know that all my strength has to come from Him.....everyone else will fail us at some point in our lives, that is just the way it is (my fairy-tale bubble got "bursted" a long time ago - I wrote "bursted" on purpose, a childhood thing).

Anyway, still have a lot to learn....journey doesn't end, the last chapter not read so I will move forward even when I don't feel like I can. God is my strength, my source. My dad told me once, "Deb, you hold on to faith too much (like it was a crutch). Didn't realize until later, "Wow, that was a real compliment, spiritually speaking!" Since then, my faith can waver like a roller-coaster ride....not good. But God is ever so loving, patient and keeps extending this lady so much grace!!! I need to work on doing the same for others, don't we all.....

Blessings and thanks for all your prayers.....debbie

Catching some rays?!

No, I am inside working today at the antique store! Always enjoy the people that come in to look and those that just come to visit! Hope this finds you all having a great day!!!!!

deb

Flowers in the Black Hills of Spearfish, South Dakota!!!

Hope is the best part of our riches.

What sufficeth it that we have the wealth

of the Indies in our pockets,

if we have not the hope of heaven in our souls?

~Bovee

Happy Day to you all!!!

Here's wishing you all a good day,

a great day,

a blessed day.

~deb

Spring almost officially here!!! in South Dakota!!!

It has just been a lllooooonnnnnngggggg winter here. We should never be surprised as far as South Dakotans go with the weather. It is what 95% of the conversations are about with the farmers and well, the other 5% comes with great variety!!! Now, we will have to worry about flooding issues, hoping the farmers will be able to get out in the fields and that basements won't get filled with water! In the midst of all that, always remembering God shows Himself through all of this and we choose every day how to handle it, how to perceive it and how we will let it affect our day!!!

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I have so enjoyed reading others' blogs and seeing what everyone has been up to with the shows, spaces at flea markets and when you all share inside your craft rooms and family. I have been inspired and encouraged through some difficult stuff lately, so want to say thanks for that.

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Looks like a great movie is coming out called "Soul Surfer" based on Bethany Hamilton's true life experience with a shark. Do not know if the movie will touch on how much she loves the Lord as she states in personal interviews. I hope it does.

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Well, my 14 year old is needing my attention. Hope all is well outside of my little town of Redfield, South Dakota.....deb

Ended on a great note!!!

So hard to believe that we are into 2011. I remember like yesterday when we were concerned about how everything was going to be once we entered the year 2000! A lot has happened in the 11 years since and I wouldn't begin to even try to recap for you! Just didn't get our picture sent out for the Holidays so here we are minus Melody. Am giving you both as you can see either Joe looks like someone just gave him a wedgy or Isaac is being goofy. Josh is in the gray shirt, Jacob in the blue, Jenae with her fabulous hair is behind her dad. I in my flannel....forever in flannel and blue jeans!!! May the Lord richly bless you in Spirit and in Truth for 2011....

~deb

True Joy.....what really matters.....

I am at the library so this will come without pictures....

Just need to share this about joy because sometimes, even doing crafts doesn't give me all that I need. I am in a bit of a shock as I have just learned that our pastor's wife, Marly just lost her baby....she was due this coming Saturday. We were just laughing after church yesterday as we were preparing for a Ladies' Retreat next month about her having this baby while family members come in a few days.....having her jump on a trampoline or something! We all had already fallen in love with "Charlie" and were looking forward to meeting him soooon. It is times like this.....nothing that I thought meant so much really means anything and I read this about joy in my upcoming Sunday School lesson this morning and I can only hold onto what I know is true at this time and certainly not what I feel. It shows me once again that faith is not a feeling, it is knowing the Truth and one cannot know the Truth unless they are in the Word daily and building a personal relationship with the One who creates us.....One who so much wants to be a part of our lives. So, I share this on joy even though I don't feel much joy at this moment....

"Most people mistakenly believe that joy comes from fulfilling their every desire. But in reality, joy is a byproduct of obedience. God meets His people when they are obedient to Him, and His very presence fills them with His joy."

~Patty David

I am holding on....
Thanks for letting me share. Those of you who pray, please pray for Marly and her husband Josh and Jack who is 22 months old and was waiting for his new brother.....thanks,

debbie