Grace in Goodwill Hunting

I enter the thrift. My path set before me, I know exactly what I'm looking for. I know exactly where I am headed and you cannot pull me to the right or the left. I'm focused. My eyes are on the prize.
My eyes scan up and down back and forth, bottom to top...I'm looking for the ever elusive vintage retro ugly pretty unchipped uncracked pyrex glassware.

Many trips end with disappointment.
Some end with a nugget...maybe a coffee mug or canister.
And some end with me smiling from ear to ear...pretty pyrex wrapped in newspaper tucked in bag.

This weekend was all of the above. Friday, nothing. Saturday morning, a pyrex canister that I wasn't thrilled about, but was happy to find, some crazy daisy mugs...mostly Corelle Livingware and two Pyrex ones. But Saturday night was my score. I dragged Mr ToddlerWhisperer to one more thrift while we were on a child free excursion. And on a cart...they hadn't even made it to the shelf...3 beautiful Woodland casserole pieces. The prices were not amazing, but I was so happy to find pretty, shiny pieces. When I got to the register, the lady surprised me and gave me such nice discounts on each piece...I think she couldn't believe the asking prices for ugly ol' dishes...so I paid only about $3 each piece.

So, how can I find grace in  my Goodwill hunting?

I think I need to look at my walk with Christ as I do my treasure hunts to the thriftstore. It's exciting, a thrill, I'm on the hunt! I can go to the thriftstore five days a week, and you know what? There's always something different there for me. I almost always find something new there. A nugget...or the grand prize, it's about perseverance and returning. And seeking. Had I not made the choice to turn into the parking lot on Saturday night, I would not have walked away with the treasure I was seeking.

Now, if I can approach my morning Bible time with that same enthusiasm!! Thrilling over insights that the Holy Spirit reveals in the Word. Seeking Him with a fervor that can't be swayed to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 55:6 says, "Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near." A little more insight into this verse is found in Wesley's notes on this passage:

55:6 Seek - Labour to get the knowledge of God's will, and to obtain his grace and favour. While - In this day of grace, while he offers mercy and reconciliation. Near - Ready and desirous to receive you to mercy.

It's not always easy to seek. There may be obstacles that are in the way of making it a daily habit. But press on, do the work. He's present. He's offering his mercy and reconciliation. Receive it.

This post is part of a link up to my friend over at Gracelaced. We're finding grace in the every day...and you can too.

Quick 'N Easy Lucky Clover Free Crochet Pattern

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Happy Friday!!
I have a fun pattern for you. I need a couple lucky four leaf clovers for a pair of slippers I'll be making this weekend and decided that I didn't feel like looking for one all over...so I wrote a pattern up while watching Bambi....and wouldn't you know it, there's even a scene when Thumper is being scolded for not eating the clovers and only eating the flowers!

It's cute, huh?? Depending on how tightly you weave the center, it will kind of pucker...I kind of love it that way.

Quick 'N Easy Lucky Clover

Supplies Needed G hook worsted weight yarn yarn hook Skill Level Easy Abbreviations ch  chain sc  single crochet dc double crochet sl st  slip stitch cluster: sc,3dc,sc 3dc in same stitch Directions Ch 5 join to form ring ch 1 sc 12 into the ring sl st in 1st sc. ch1 sc in same stitch as join, 3dc,sc, 3dc in that same beginning stitch  (this is all in the same stitch that joined the last round)  sc in next, sl st in next, cluster in next st, sc in next, sl st. in next,  cluster in next, sc in next, sl st in next, cluster in next, sc in next, sl st in last stitch. Ch 6, sl st back down the chain, join w/slip stitch in the last st.  Finish off and weave in ends Copyright Jennifer Kaye 2012 you may make and sell products from this pattern,  just don't pass off the pattern as your own.  A link back would be appreciated for online selling of finished products.

Thanksgiving Thursday

61. husband making a beautiful dinner from what he found in the pantry (when my brain couldn't put anything together)
62. clean rooms
63. nutella sandwiches
64. power of prayer
65. warmer weather
66. promise of spring
67. grocery store fried chicken
68. short lines at the post office
69. matching socks for the tots
70. talks on phone with long time friends
71. new mercies
72. light in darkness

Found-Peace in a Clean Room

There has been so much stress tied to this room being so messy. Today, no tv. Just me and the 3 yr old hanging out in her room...making it pretty. Felt so much peace when we were finished.

I'm linking up to Beautifully Rooted and their "found" link up

More Than Enough

Have you found Him to be more than enough? He's been so faithful to me, my entire life, and even "more aweesome than I know"

From protecting me, to comforting me, to providing for me. He is so Good!!

Yet, why is it so hard to trust Him. Is it unbelief? After all I know He is? 

my prayer this morning: "Father, thank You for loving us, and caring so much about us. For calling us your children, because of the sacrifice Christ made for us. Lord, help each one of us who struggle to pick up the shield of faith, and stand strong against the attacks of the accuser. And through our Thanksgiving to You, for all You have done, teach us to let go of any doubts about you. In your Gracious name, Amen"

Ephesians 6:16

Jeremiah 17:7 NIV But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

He provides for us, through my crocheting...so many many times.

He keeps our bellies full, even when I'm not sure what we'll be eating.

He enables me to see and recognize beauty

He gave me such a sweet little family 

Oh I feel encouraged already! (and I hope you do too)

All of You is more than enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply

My breath of life

And still more awesome than I know

You are my reward

worth living for

And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough

You’re my sacrifice 

Of greatest price 

And still more awesome than I know 

You’re the coming King 

You are everything 

And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want

More than all I need

You are more than enough for me

More than all I know

More than all I can say

You are more than enough for me

-Chris Tomlin

this post is part of an awesome link up called Gracelaced Mondays. Please click on the button to see other stories of Grace laced in the lives of women across the country.

still thankful

44. little girl tracing dotted letters, spelling name
45. little girl writing the sweetest song with daddy
46. little boy's smile making whole face smile at bedtime
47. gf marshmallows...and crispy rice for gf rice crispy treats. :)
48. inlaws bringing lunches
49. finding thrilling vintage at the thrift store
50. making plans with best friend's family
51. fridays
52. poaching eggs perfectly
53. memories of our sweet doggie while watching Marley & Me
54. walking to the drugstore for conversation hearts with my two tiny Valentine's
55. scheduling son's interview for kindergarten
56. easy crock pot chicken breasts with salsa
57. dreaming of spring
58. discussions of grace with hubby
59. sunshine through the windows making for great picture taking
60. finishing up a large order

My Sweet Valentine

Well, on Vtines Day, I woke up early and poached a couple eggs for Mr.Toddlerwhisperer...he was shocked because I am usually fast asleep when he leaves for work, but I was inspired by Lucy over at Attic24 to try poaching eggs her style. Which happens to be quite fabulous.

I mentioned to Mr.TW that I didn't need any chocolates or flowers, but if he really had to get me a gift to go to the thrift store and find me some Pyrex. You laugh? I was serious.

He was late coming home, so I knew he was out there, "junkin'" as he would say...and I was pleasantly surprised when the door finally swung open...and...there he stood with a bag from Trader Joes. Um...that's not pyrex. He handed each munchkin a chocolate toffee bar, and a box of Cocoa Truffles he bought for me, along with a bottle of the most amazing(ly cheap and tasty) bubbly pink wine. (Boy was that DELICIOUS with the truffles) and I loved that he only spent $9 for the champagne bubbly wine AND the melt in your mouth truffles.

But the best part was when he went back out to the car and brought in a couple bags from Goodwill!! Pyrex!!! No...even cooler!! He found this set of four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four soup bowls looking for a new home for only$9.99. I've taught him well. :)

And try as I may, I cannot find anything like them on the web. I've looked at Anchor Hocking glass, at Federal Glass, Indiana Glass...If you happen to know this pattern or glassmaker will you leave me a comment?

It looks blown and the edges are uneven.

So, my sweet man did really well for me. I couldn't have asked for anything more! :) How was your Valentine's day? Get anything interesting?

He Knows My Name

So I've been kinda in a funk lately, but God used my little kitty to show me love.

She never ever ever gets on my bed (not allowed) but when I went to bed last night, she begged to come up...she cuddled right up next to me, put her little head on my chest and purrrrrrrrred. Reminds me of Israel Houghton's song a few years ago "I Am Not Forgotten"

This blog post is part of Gracelaced Mondays

thanksgiving

31. providing care for a sweet boxer dog
32. snuggles with my little white cat after boxer doggie goes home
33. business, slippers, and the ability to complete them
34. silly silly songs with the little lady
35. vick's vapor rub on little footsies
36. parents arriving home safely from long journey
37. more pyrex finds for my collection
38. strong dark coffee for mornings
39. bedtime tea for nights
40. first two sales in vintage store
42. discussing grace with many
43. finishing application process for the children to school

Collectables

Grace Greater

Overwhelmed by the free gift He's given me.

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss;

Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

What can avail to wash it away?

Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,

Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

Words: Julia H Johnston, in Hymns Tried and True (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: The Bi­ble In­sti­tute Col­port­age As­so­ci­a­tion, 1911), num­ber 2.

Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1910 

This post is part of Gracelaced Mondays Linkup

Free Crochet Pattern Football Embellishment

For Printer Friendly Version (CLICK HERE)

Materials Needed:

G hook

worsted weight yarn in brown

worsted weight yarn in contrast color 

yarn needle

Abbreviations:

SS Slip Stitch

SC Single Crochet

SC2tog Single Crochet two stitches together (decrease)

Ch chain

To Begin:

Ch 2 

SC in 2nd ch from the hook. Ch1 Turn

2 sc in first sc, sc  ch1 turn (3 stitches)

2 sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc; ch 1 turn

2 sc in first sc, sc in next 3 sc; ch 1 turn

2 sc in first sc, sc in next 4 sc; ch1 turn

2 sc in first sc, sc in next 5 sc; ch1 turn

sc in each sc across ch1 turn (7stitches)

2 sc in first sc, sc in next 5, 2 sc in last; ch1 turn (9)

sc in each stitch across; ch1 turn (9)

sc in each stitch across; ch1 turn (9)

sc2tog, sc in next 5, sc2tog; ch1 turn

sc in each stitch across; ch1 turn (7)

sc2tog, sc in next 5; ch1 turn

sc2tog, sc in next 4; ch1 turn

sc2tog, sc in next 3; ch1 turn

sc2tog, sc in next 2; ch1 turn

sc2tog, sc; ch1 turn

sc2tog

DO NOT CH1 or TURN

SC in each stitch around entire football joining with a slip stitch

With needle and contrasting color, embroider the stitching and then the end circle parts (i am so not a sports girl. LOL) and i'm obviously not the most awesomest embroiderer...I would love love love to see your finished footballs, so shoot me a link to yours, and I am going to have this project on Ravelry...so upload your projects there!!

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Kaye

you may make and sell items from this pattern, you may NOT pass off this pattern as your own. Please link back to this pattern if you are selling your items online. :)

Leftovers Lunch for Two Tots (in Pyrex)