True Beauty

True beauty is found in the simple things, like beautiful flowers spilling out of an old chair. It's found in the soothing rain covering the parched earth. Or the birds singing joyously in the early morning quietness.

We spend so much of our time trying to fill ourselves up with man-made things. We look constantly at our phones and miss the sunset. We are so focused on work that we miss sharing a laugh with those we love.

True beauty isn't manufactured with paint and style. It doesn't come from a bank account or accolades from the world. We find true beauty in the peace that faith brings.

Take a moment to breath deeply and open your eyes to really see. God's world is just so beautiful. Let go of the stress. Just rest for a moment. Blessings abound. We only need to see.

Love Binds Us Together

It's so easy to get so caught up in all our differences that we miss what's truly important. Love one another. That's what Jesus said to do.

We don't want it to be that simple, do we? It's just so much easier to get caught up in stuff and issues and things of this world. It will all fade away one day. Instead, focus on what is lasting and eternal.

Next week is a big election in our area. People get so upset about politics. Why? Is it really worth the anguish, the harsh words, the separation that comes when people disagree? Pray and vote as you are led. And trust God with the results.

Life can get complicated rather quickly. It doesn't have to be that way. Love everyone and trust God with everything else.

Yellow Folding Table

 

This table began life as one of those light wood-grain folding tables. You know the kind I'm talking about. They usually come in sets of four. Most even have a stand. This was a loner that had long ago lost its luster.

Sooooo . . .

I painted it. Of course. I'd planned to paint it lime green. That was the color of the spray can cap. Except it was really a yucky yellow. So I combined three different shades of yellow and created my own finish. Much better.

Then I drew a flower and painted it several shades of pink. It had to have a yellow center, with a little swirl for flare.

A green border, with polka dots and stripes in a deeper shade really frames the flower.

The legs also needed some flourish. Stripes and two shades of pink polka dots made all the difference. I added a few swirls for highlights.

What a difference a little color makes!!!

 

Flowers

This began as a rough piece of scrap wood. I drew out some flowers on thin plywood and cut them out with a bandsaw. Then I did the same thing with the leaves, stems and grass. A little paint and some glue and it was starting to look good. I added a few sparkles and some glittering butterflies. Then it was done!

Bright Green Table

I love putting together different elements to make something useful and fun. This table top began it's life as one of those pull-out drawers you find in kitchens. The legs came home with me from an auction several years ago. I just never found the right place for them -- until now.

Happy Yellow Table

This little table got a bad start in life. My parents found it in a thrift store and proudly brought it home to me. I was not impressed. The wood veneer was scrupped and had dabs of dried glue on top. The particle board was disgusting. And the pretty sides were plastic. I seriously considered throwing it away. But I didn't. It was just so sad. So I sanded the top and cleaned it all up. Then I put some vibrant yellow paint on it, making sure to use different shades of yellow. Bright pink flowers, orange stripes and swirls and some green swirls and highlights really made it pop. Now this sad little table is happy, happy, happy!

Pink Bedroom Furniture

This furniture started life as basic white. It's amazing what a little color will do! I added white flowers, all of which were individually cut out using a bandsaw. I love the effect of the white flowers and the yellow centers.

Purple dressers

I love painting for people who aren't afraid of color! These two dressers are for a seven-year-old who loves purple and pink.

Green Flower Chest/Hutch

Bedroom Hutch

My parents found this at a shop somewhere over in Georgia. They were quite proud of it. It was faded French Provincial that had seen better days. Well, things don't stay white -- or off-white -- in my world for long. Layered greens created a backdrop for fuschia, orange, yellow, purple and turquoise. It's so fun now! And functional too!