Are You Blind?

I am joining a new group today.

Still Saturday

Come join others who are sharing on this Saturday.

Last weekend, I was in Dallas for a conference and stayed over to attend church with friends on Sunday.  As we drove through a crowded stretch of nice inner-city streets toward the church, we noticed a woman walking on the sidewalk with a cane - obviously blind.  And we said something like,

"Oh my goodness, look how fast that blind woman is walking on these busy streets."

My friend even said,

"I admire someone like that so much,"

and we all agreed.

And that was that.  We went on our way never giving this "blind person" another thought.

UNTIL .......

The passage for the morning message was John 9:1-41.  The story of the man blind from birth whom Jesus healed with mud made from His spittle.

The pastor explained that we see a blind person, but we only see that she is blind.

We don't see the person!

We see a homeless person and only see that he is dirty and suppose he has a mental or drug problem.

We don't see the person!

We see a young woman selling herself on the street, and see that she is living a life of sin.

We don't see the person!

In reality, we are worse than the blind person.  We see, yet we are blind.  We have vision, yet our heart is not sensitive.  Our heart is hardened and blinded.

We are not seeing what God would have us see!

God is "The Light of the World" and sees the person, not the problem.

He says,

"You Matter!"

Jesus sees the blind and loves but He doesn't concentrate on the blindness as we do.  He sees how He can fix that blindness - how He can minister and use the blindness to show Himself.

Not all blind persons are healed and given back their sight, but God desires to show His light into their life and circumstances.

Not all homeless people are given a job and a lovely home in which to live, but God desires to show them Himself and bring light and security into their situation.

Not all call girls are given an immediate healthy lifestyle and a stable family, but God desires to show His light with forgiveness and wholeness.

We are called to be the "Light of God" to the multitudes, to the hurting, to the homeless, the forgotten.  But how can we when we are more blind than they are?

The only way to see the "Light" is to acknowledge that we live in the dark.

God chooses to use our blindness, our destitution, our brokenness in order for us to see who we really are -

when we confess we are blind!

My friend told me that they had never seen this woman before on the Sundays they travel that route to church.

Is it a coincidence that God allowed us to see this blind lady in order to demonstrate in a personal way that we are also blind?

I think not!

All About April!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Volume 169

1. Since these questions are posting on the first day of April it seems only right to ask-when was the last time you did something foolish? If you can't answer that one, try this one-when was the last time someone fooled you?


I am going to have to plead the 5th on this one.
 
2. What's the last biography or non-fiction book you've read? Was it any good?

"To Marry an English Lord" by MacColl & Wallace.  Yes, I really enjoyed reading this book as it was a tale of "Wealth and Marriage, Sex and Snobbery" in the early 1800's to the early 1900's in America and England.  The dynamics played out in Downton Abby certainly make more sense now.  I did learn that Princess Diana was a 3rd generation heiress of such an arrangement.  All in all it was a very interesting history lesson.

I am currently reading "Hearts West:  True Stories of Mail-Order Brides on the Frontier."  It's interesting enough, but not compelling.  Stories of Heiresses and Lords are much more captivating, I'm afraid.
 
3. Garlic-friend or foe? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?

Friend!  I love Garlic Bread, but also like a bit of garlic in most dishes.

4. Several Spring flower festivals happen in the US during the month of April. Of those listed, which would you most like to see in person...The Skagit Tulip Festival in Skagit Washington, The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville Tennessee, The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington North Carolina or the Daffodil Festival Weekend on Nantucket Island, Massachussets?

Any and all of these would be wonderful to experience, but if we have to do just one, I think it would be The North Carolina Azalea Festival.  North Carolina is such a beautiful state and we just love our azaleas down in the south.  I am also thinking that either before or after enjoying the festival, I could do some sight-seeing through-out the state.

5. How do you choose which blogs to read?  What is something that will make you stop and read every time? Something that makes you say, 'eh, think I'll skip this one and move on to the next'?

I enjoy reading blogs that pertain to interests that we might have in common, such as decorating, fashion, art and of course favorite memes such as this one.  I also will read those who write devotional thoughts.  I usually pass on the ones that require more time to read than I have time to spend, or if it involves doing some crafty project.  I enjoy browsing all the blogs I have marked as favorites as time allows.

 

6. April is National Mathematics Education Month so tell us, when did you last use math?

A few minutes ago when a Mary Kay customer called for some products.  Yes Ma'am, I like doing that kind of math.  Ching, ching!

 

7. In honor of the A-Z challenge kicking off on April 1...choose one word beginning with the letter A to describe your yesterday.

Alertness!  Tuesdays are our Handbell Choir practice days.  As we will be playing for the church services the next two weeks, I needed all the alertness I could muster this morning.  I do enjoy playing handbells not only for the musical aspect, but it keeps my mind and eye/hand coordination  actively involved.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This past weekend I attended the Mary Kay Career Conference in Dallas.  We had a great time hearing inspirational speakers and seeing new products soon to be introduced.  It is always fun to re-unite with these beautiful Houston ladies.  Thanks Cele for being such a great hostess.

 On Sunday after attending church at Wilshire Baptist Church, we ate at a Mexican restaurant and because the day was so gorgeous, we ate outside in the courtyard.

I decided to try something new and ordered Sopas from the Brunch Menu.

Let's just say "Delicious!"

 

 Sunday afternoon, I got to spend a little while visiting with our daughter, Christy and granddaughter Ava Grace.  AG was practicing for an up-coming Children's Musical at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

It was so good to visit with them for a few minutes.

 

 And let me leave you with this thought:

Amen!

March Forward with Thoughts of Green, Music and Trips

Wednesday Hodgepodge Volumne 168 with Joyce

1. March is known as the windy month. Which of the following phrases best fits your March so far...'throw caution to the wind', 'three sheets to the wind', 'run like the wind', or 'see which way the wind blows'?

See which way the wind blows.  This does not mean, however that I leave anything to chance.  I believe the Lord has my life planned and my day orchestrated.  It's just that He does not always inform me ahead of time exactly what those plans are.  So, I am learning to wait and see which way He leads the wind to blow.
 
2. Your favorite green food? Your favorite dish made with your favorite green food?

Spinach!  I like it smothered, cooked good and tender, in a casserole or in my daily breakfast smoothy.  Canned or fresh, it doesn't matter to me.  I like it all.

3. Ever been locked out of your home-car-office-anywhere? Do tell!

Oh I am sure I have been locked out of all of the above, but really can't remember the last time, thankfully.

4. Yoda, Kermit, Shrek, The Wicked Witch of the West, Oscar the Grouch, The Grinch, or Mike Wasowski (Monsters Inc.)...of the green characters listed, which one's your favorite and why?

Shrek!  I like his gentle spirit.  We took our youngest granddaughter to see "Shrek the Musical" performed by students at the Richardson High School, Richardson, Texas, a few months ago and it was delightful to watch, but especially to enjoy it with Ava Grace.

5. "The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive."~Joe Batten Do you agree? Why or why not?

I think this is true.  I think this philosophy is one thing that made Ronald Reagan such a successful leader and President.  He gave the nation hope and re-enforced that through both his terms in office.  The opposite of hope is despair and that seems to characterize this current administration, unfortunately.

6. Share a favorite song with an emotion in it's title.

"Love is a Many Splendored Thing!"
This is truly one of the most beautiful songs.  It was this song that launched the Four Aces into success back in the 50's.  We saw the revived group sing this on PBS this past weekend.  Oh my, what memories it evokes!

Enjoy it HERE! 

It happened to be the favorite song of one of my high school English teachers, and occasionally he would ask me to sing it in class.  He was also one of my favorite teachers, so I never hesitated.  Besides, it might mean an "A" in his class.
 
7. What's a road trip you'd like to take?

I would love to take a road trip all the way up the Eastern Coast Line.  After that, we would go east, crossing the upper Mid-West and visit our family in Indiana for a spell.  Then we would continue west to Washington State where I would then go south along the Pacific Coast on Hwy 1.  At some point, we would go east, enjoying points of interest while winding our way back to the northwest corner of Louisiana.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If you are old like me and enjoy the music of the 40's and 50's you will enjoy this link:

Rock n Roll Super Hits

 

My Bowl - Because of His Love

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer and in Him I take refuge - I love you oh Lord.  I call upon You Lord who is worthy to be praised."  Psalm. 18:1-3

You keep me safe and bring me to the "broad place," where my footing is secure because you delight in me. Psalm. 18:9

 You are the "light of my life" to illumine the darkness around me, so that I can run without being afraid of tripping and falling.  I could even leap over a wall.  Psalm 18:28-29

 You have given me the shield of your salvation - Your right hand holds me up; and your gentleness makes me great.  Psalm 18:35

 You even make the steps under me larger so my feet will not slip.  Psalm 18: 36

 You have given me Your strength to stand strong, safe and secure when the way before me is steep, difficult and dark.

 "Therefore I will give thanks to Thee...,oh Lord, and I will sing praises to Thy name."  Psalm 18:49

 "Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song."

Philippians 4:4

 "The mark of a true Christian is found in his(her) personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Christianity is Christ. Christ is Christianity."  Billy Graham

 Thank you Susan Bass for honoring me with such a beautiful gift, picture of love, and the example of what Christianity really is.

See Susan Bass's story HERE

Does Your Jewelry Make a Statement?

Or, are you making a statement with your jewelry?

Yesterday, I paid a visit to one of my most favorite places not only for the delicious food, or to see one of my favorite people, but to look at some the prettiest costume jewelry in the city.

You guessed it!

The Glenwood Village Tea Room and Gifts

Recently, Sharon has opened space for a new Women's Clothing Boutique - 

L.B.D.

L.B.D. by design is owned and operated by a mother/daughter duo,

Kimberly and Alexandra Harris.

Sharon and Kimberly willingly combined their beautiful clothing and jewelry in order to demonstrate that the perfect outfit is the perfect combination of the two.

There are also lovely displays throughout the store.

 This gorgeous piece of "eye candy" is perfect with the Grace Kellyesk neckline of this basic black dress.

 The graduated deep emerald green jewels highlighted by the black, clear and amber stones create the perfect contrast for anyone's skin tone.

Is this lace top not delicious?

It takes on a Bohemian flair when worn over this flowing long skirt and draped with strands of necklaces.

Daughter Alexandra was also quite helpful in giving the more youthful interpretation.

And, I must thank my beautiful model, Elise Birmingham.  She was exquisite in everything she modeled.

Rompers are so in for the young set this spring and summer.

 Alexandra added this simple turquoise drop necklace to this fun little outfit.

Again, for the young set, Elise is showing off a pair of faux leather shorts with a lovely simple silk white blouse.

 To not overpower the delicate neckline, they added a double strand of small gold chains with interesting drops that add just the right interest to the V-opening of the top.
An idea when wearing simple necklaces is to bring bling to the wrists.  This combination is perfect for the outfit.

How fun and yet elegant is this collection of pearls and gold chains worn with a very simple white sundress.  This would be ideal for a summer tea party or wedding.

Do you have your summer Kimono yet?
The Kimono is the new must-have item for ladies of all ages this spring and summer.
Elise is dressing down this colorful, filmy piece by pairing it with a colorful silk camisole and jeans. 

 We added a long strand of green baubles to take the eye into the outfit along with a more chunky chain that drops perfectly into the decolletage.

 

2014 is the year for the jungle prints and this little knit leopard-print dress is adorable.

 When wearing large busy prints, it can be very distracting and over-bearing to add contrasting jewelry, so we went dramatic yet monochromatic.  This beautiful choker brings the attention to the face while the extended open chain adds a touch of glam below the bust line.

I wanted to show how one beautiful statement necklace is all one needs when wearing an open neck.  This aqua piece adds interest, whimsy and color to any basic color dress or blouse.  This piece also comes in coral which is gorgeous.

Sometimes a necklace is not necessary.  So to add color and interest around the face, a just-right earring is all that is called for.

This colorful dangle also adds emphases to a long elegant neck like Elise's.

Add a colorful shoe and you will be the bell of the ball.

Large statement necklaces don't always have to be worn for formal occasions.  They are so versatile and can be used to dress up and add bling to an otherwise very casual and simple outfit.

This absolutely gorgeous crystal necklace will be the show stopper with whatever it is matched.

 Here we have used this same casual skinny jean and tee outfit and added a glitzy belt and simple gold chunky choker.  We also added bling to the wrist with triple bangles.

   Don't forget about adding color to your otherwise monochromatic outfit with a bright purse or shoes.

 

By the way, after you have had lunch and tea in the Tea Room, and shopped at L.B.D. Boutique and all the lovely items Sharon has on display throughout the store, you may want to browse through the antiques section.  There is so much to see and do at
The Glenwood Village Tea Room and Gifts

 I thought I would add just a couple of my statement necklaces.

This copper bangle bedecked necklace is my color and added interest to the neckline of this leopard cardigan for my photo shoot with the ladies this week.

Now, I just have to show you my newest addition.  Sharon wore this one day when I was dining in the Tea Room with friends and I literally bought it off her neck.  I love the design and the orange stones in this piece.  Yes, it will go into my drawer of favorite statement pieces.

(Yes, since it's my blog I can photoshop myself all I want to.)

Is this not elegant and sassy at the same time?

You may recognize its sister necklace as the one shown above with the black dress.

Now, make a statement with your statement jewelry!

Please "LIKE"

L.B.D. by Design on Facebook 

Thank you ladies for such a great time playing dress-up with you this week.

Hodgepodging From Spring to Slavery!

Thank you Joyce for again giving us food for thought and pondering.

Join others as we Hodgepodge together at
Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  Thursday marks the first day of spring...to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?

I would love to take a walk in the woods.  Possible?  Not really as I live within the city limits and there aren't any real accessible woods suitable for walking near by.  But, it may be worth trying to find.

2. When did someone last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)

Daughter-in-Love, Michelle asked me a few weeks ago to help her with a presentation she had been asked to give on MIL/DIL relationships.  Her friends selected her because they find our relationship to be intriguing.  I guess you could say this was "sprung" on me, but it did give me an opportunity to reflect on and be ever so grateful for the special bond we share with each other.  She gave her talk on Tuesday, so I can't wait to hear all about it.

3.  We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings. What's something you'd like to start doing this spring?

Maybe sleeping better at night?  Or having my back feel better?  If I could accomplish either or both of those, it would be a good spring indeed.

4. Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?

Almost at the top on the end of the row.  Neither Hubby nor I can remember what we saw and it really wasn't that long ago.  Really made an impression!

5. When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?

I used to do Image Seminars and one of the things I would make a point of was that we make a first impression within the first 5 secs of being seen.  Therefore, we need to make those first few secs count.  I would want someone meeting me for the first time to think that I am an attractive, interesting person that they would like to know better.
  
6. March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what's your most often purchased frozen food item?

Frozen strawberries and blueberries.

7. What's something you avoid?

I try to heed the Biblical admonition to "Avoid the appearance of evil."

8. Insert your own random thought here

A couple weeks ago, we joined our long-time friends, Jim and Charlene Fleming to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  They and Hubby were college friends and graciously included me into their existing friendship back in 1965.  We count our lasting friendship with them as one of God's richest blessings.

This past weekend was our Sister's Get-Together at middle Sis's house in South Louisiana.

 We had a great time together, by the way, but I want to share something else with you.

On the way home on Sunday, I took a trip off the interstate and through the rural villages of Bunkie and Cheneyville.   It was in this area that the story of Samuel Northrup unfolded.  You will recognize this name from the movie,
"12 Years a Slave."

Northup was kidnapped and brought to Louisiana where he was sold as a slave eventually ending up on the plantation in central Louisiana of Mary McCoy.  The plantation house is still situated between those two small villages and marked as part of the Northrup Trail.

 An old slave house owned by Mary McCoy still stands along Bayou Boeuf in Cheneyville.

It is said that Northrup was a talented fiddle player and entertained Mary McCoy and her slaves at his last Christmas party in Louisiana in 1852. Mary was known for her kindness to her slaves.

The Epps House is another important stop on the Northrup Trail.  Edwin Epps was Northrup's owner for 10 years.  It was at the Epps Plantation where Northrup finally made the connection that ultimately resulted in his freedom.

 Northrup wrote of his experiences which were published in 1853 after he returned to freedom in his native New York.  Decades later a copy was given to Sue Eakin, sparking a life-long desire to learn more about him and to research the people and locations described in his writing.

The Epps House has been restored and moved to the LSU campus in Alexandria from its original site on Bayou Boeuf.  It serves as a public museum.

After securing his freedom, Northrup was released at the Avoyelle's Parish Courthouse in Marksville.  (Where my youngest sis lives incidentally).

About 1845

 Sue Eakin came as an English professor at Louisiana State University at Alexandria my last year there, 1965.  In 1968 Eakin co-edited a new edition of the memoirs and it was this account that caught the attention and interest of film director, Steve McQueen.

You may enjoy reading a full account at

Louisiana Professor's Life Work Provokes Interest in " Twelve Years A Slave."

Oh if these old, old Louisiana Oaks could talk, what tales they could tell!