Thursday, April 5, 2012

Quite Brilliant, Really



No matter what the

 color

tumblr

growing habit

via

or placement 

among the rest



via


via


via


via

everything

under the sun

finds itself

under the mercy


tumblr


and gift


via


of

amazing grace.


Quite brilliant, really


because the days of our lives
are impossible without its 

overflowing abundance.


pinterest

 
Happy Life Eternal.

pinterest via


134 comments:

Sandra van Doorn said...

Oh Anita, Happy life indeed; i hope you feel that way after making your choice to be and live as an artist?
To be true to yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself.
and don’t worry about that crazy inner voice that tells you "what was i thinking...”. it’s just a crazy voice.

helen tilston said...

Hello dearest one

Spectacular!!!

The music and the post are in harmony
and dance together.

I love your message.

Happy Easter to you and to Rubin

Helenxx

Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

Truly AMAZING indeed, Anita! May your days be overflowing with ABUNDANT GRACE forever more!
Happy Easter and God Bless!
~ Wendi ~

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Beautiful message my dear friend!
Love the music and images..
Wishing you and Ruben a blessed Easter.
Love, Penny

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Thank you...once again, Anita, you brought me a moment of inspiration and peace amidst chaos...Oh where would we be without GRACE...Happy Easter!

Christel said...

Beautiful post Anita, and so true, without grace, we are lost souls. May this Easter find your soul completely filled with his grace, and your happiness. xoxo Christel

Ivy Clad said...

You have so beautifully touched the heart of my core beliefs, dear friend!

I wish you an Easter filled with His grace, peace and inspiration!

xo Keri

Peeters Liliane said...

Lovely Anita,
What a beautiful post as always!!! You are an artist in heart and soul and you have to created my friend! Do not be worry and live your live as a writer and artist en be happy.How is your easter vacation?
I wish you a lovely Easter weekend ,
Hugs,
Liliane

Rattus Scribus said...

This is beautiful, Anita. Truly uplifting. And it doesn't hurt to have Curly, Moe, Larry, Shemp, and Curly Joe to put a smile on one's face.

Love
Ruben

1 said...

Beautifully said Anita. Your grace comes through so clearly in your blog...I can only imagine the impact that you have on the lives of those that you in to contact with in person. Have a lovely Easter holiday!

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

Awwwww the little lambie at the end is adorable!

Fete et Fleur said...

Happy Easter to you and Ruben!

That center photo in your banner took my breath away.

Love you both,
Nancy

wendy said...

ahhh...what can I say but this is just really really lovely.

C'est moi Claudette said...

Happy Easter SWEET HEART of a friend of mine.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweet little lamb. Might have to borrow that one : )
Love you Anita
xoxoxox

Loretta Castorini said...

As always, I come to your blog to find beauty and serenity. As always, I am overwhelmed by how your images are so much more than what I could have expected. Happy Easter, and as you so wonderfully stated, Happy Life.

Arda

Nella Miller said...

Dear Anita, you leave me speechless, no breathless, most of the time!!! But this was touching and meaningful for all of us who believe in that most amazing Grace which creates such profound beauty all around us ! Wishing you the happiest of this special season of joy and promise.. Happy Easter..N.XOXO

Blessed Serendipity said...

There is such beauty that surrounds us. True gifts that must be appreciated. Thank you for sending me a hug with your images and your words.

blessings,
Danielle

Red Rose Alley said...

Anita,
There are so many beautiful flowers on your post today, and I was so surprised to see the sweet delicate birds. I am in love with flowers, and here you have some colorful looking ones just in time for spring and Easter. Isn't Amazing Grace a perfect gift? Happy Easter, my beloved friend. Can I please have that little lamb now??
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

erin's art and gardens said...

i love your voice.
happy easter, my friend,
erin
xxoo

Maria said...

I pray for God's Grace every day, Anita ~ I am oh so in need of it ~ daily ♥
Have a blessed, blessed and Holy Weekend and a Glorious Easter Sunday ~ God bless you always,
*Maria

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

So much beauty.

Sending you Easter Wishes

Lorraine

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

Wonderful to talk to you today.
Wishing you and Ruben a lovely Easter... xoxo

The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RY said...

Dearest Anita,
So TRUELY said!! So thankful for His GRACE
Happy Resurrection Day!
I hope you and Ruben have an extra LOVELY one ;-)
Many many Blessings and Hugs, Linnie

Oh how I love those birdiepies! Hee

"Create Beauty" said...

Yes, His Grace is AMAZING! Thank you for the glorious beauty you share!!!

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing, Christ is risen ...

Happy Easter!
Love,
Violet

YONKS said...

This is such a positive post Anita! There is a lightness to it as it seems a weight has been lifted. Go forward dear friend!
Di
X

Sharon said...

Oh Anita! I love Easter time, perhaps because it is so vital to my faith! Happy Easter to you and your family. May the Lord reign bountiful grace upon you :)

Palomasea said...

And you walk in GRACE every day, dearest friend. You really show me how it's done :)
This post is so gorgeous and pure. Do you know that I am reading a book titled "You Are You Choices"! That first quote gave me chills...oh yes:)
Connection upon connection. All because of that very AMAZING GRACE, dear sister.
Many beautiful blessings to you, most talented poet and friend...
Love to you,
- Irina

Pura Vida said...

What precious little birds and the rest is just so beautiful! My daughters name is grace so I am reminded often of grace and how amazing it really is. Your blog is just the best!

Elderberry-Rob said...

What a beautiful post, you have given a lovely feeling of calm and beauty, thankyou.

:)) ...Вика said...

Замечательные фотографии!

BirgitW. said...

ma Chère,

tu as publiée des photos merveilleuses - j `aime les couleurs - le petit jardin agricolaire avec les tulips...je pense, j `aime TOUT.

JOYEUSE PAQUES pour toi et ta famille - bonne chance à Minnesota!

Je t `embrasse... Birgit

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Amen mon amie! Joyeuse Paques!

mille bisous, Sherry

Mapi said...

Wishing you a wonderful Easter dear Anita. Happy Blessings to you and your man !
Fijne Paasdagen
Liefs
Mapi

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post to start the day on Good Friday..

Deborah said...

Amazing Grace.....just beautiful Anita!
Love to you this Easter weekend!!!

Deborah xoxoxooxoxoox

mermaid gallery said...

so true! such a pretty pastel sense of calm here...and i love the little birdies best!

L'Elégante said...

Chère Anita, quel plaisir de voyager dans ton blog. Je t'embrasse. Fine.

Ines said...

A Happy Day, Dear-

every single pic makes me happy. Especially the one with the birds- soooo lovely!

You are able to charm people with your stories here in your blog...

My daughter is in love the orchids in your header- a fantastic photo!

Enjoy that day, Anita-

a big hug- Ines

It's me said...

Wowwww....amazing post darling......love from me happy easter ....xxx....

The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RY said...

Hi Anita,
HubbyBear just viewed your post and wanted me to tell you:

"What a wonderful POST!! I Love the the Birds under the Hand of GOD"!! "Wow"!
Blessings and LOVE, Linnie

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Just found your blog. I love all the wonderful photos and how you put them together is a real talent. Love this post. Would love for you to share on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Happy Easter! New Follower.

Jody

Leslie said...

Anita,

I've had one of those crazy-nuts-stressful weeks and this post is a wonderful way to start my day .. so thank you for that! I just love those little birds, the blue treats and the precious little baby that you close with {how precious!!} Have a wonderful Friday and Happy Easter!

leslie

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a gorgeous post, Anita. Happy Easter, I hope you enjoy celebrating all that Easter has to offer, most of all the grace of our God. xo Lidy

Jen Beaudet said...

What a beautiful post Anita! The video of the birds is amazing! I have to share that with my daughter who loves birds more than any other animal. Have a wonderful weekend!
Jenniferxox

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Another amazing post Anita!!!!
I love the Tiffany jewelry box cookies!!!
Happy early Easter!!!
How are you? Did you have a good week?
My husband & I are in St. Louis- we are in Chicago a lot too; my parents live in the NW suburbs. I grew up there.
My husband works in St. Louis. I really love it- the severe storms get a bit scary but besides that- it's a great place!!! We're major Cardinals fans!!!
I bought some amazing vintage coats- a 90's Searle black boucle coat with black Mongolian fur collar & cuffs and a 90's Yohji Yamamoto pinstriped jacket- they are really cool. I always admired Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's minimalist style and she wore LOTS of Yojhi Yamamoto designs- I want to imagine the jacket I bought was hers!!! I think I told you about the 1960'w Nan Duskin multicolored coat I bought too- It's really unique.
My friend Mary Jo of "Trust Your Style" featured me in her "Eye On Style" section!!! The link to my interview is on my new blog post. I was so honored to be asked.
I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!
Happy Easter!!!
Luv & Hugs!!!!!! :-)

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

Yes, His grace is Amazing! And never more available than in this week of constant reminder of His love! Just read your email, and here I am! Have a wonderful Easter with Ruben. We will go to a Sunrise service and then to really joyful service at another church, then home for a big family dinner and egg hunt! And now I'm going risk bandwidth and pin that "choices" sign to my board!!
Love you!
dawne

Sylvia said...

My dear friend,
This is so simple, yet profound! It reminds me of something I read long ago, but wrote it down in my notebook; the author Frederick Buechner, in his book Wishful Thinking, puts it this way: "The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too."
You are gifted , precious Anita!
Have a bright and peaceful Easter!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Happy Easter Dear Anita
I can see you are getting into the spirit of spring!!! We have been having better weather now in autumn than we did during summer.. but I'm sure it won't be for much longer..

Have a very happy and safe easter!!! ciao ciao xxx Julie

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

How beautiful dearest Anita...choices making us...never had thought of it that way. You will be flying soon with your choice...Enjoy!!! Happy Easter to you...I hope you are having beautiful Spring weather...I'm with Julie here...our Autumn is having better weather that we had in Summer...Cheers to you, Dzintra xox

marielle said...

Un peu de douceur, de jolies couleurs, je viens rêver chez toi... Bon week end de Paques

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello Anita~hopping in to wish you a joyous Easter.
At this holiday I'm always flooded with memories of wearing fluffy dresses and petticoats with fluffy hair to match.
Seeing these beautiful small glimpses of spring has me craving a weather change.
I'm more than ready to welcome a fresh season of color.
Sweet wishes,
Sara

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

P.S.I've added you to my friends who inspire list.
Sweet wishes,
Sara

Kerri said...

Easter Blessings to you my sweet friend! I love this post, so beautiful :)

xoxo
Kerri

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Lovely Anita...your posts are always so inspirational...both in words and images...always a joy to visit!
I hope you have a wonderful Easter,
Susan x

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous post. Love the little lamb. xo

Woolytales Miniatures said...

My dearest sister, friend, and artist!!!grin
Nita, yes, it is brilliant and you are too. I have yet to meet a person like you.... Your gentleness makes me want to be a better person, love you!
Have a blessed Easter!
Today, the girls and I will be preparing a feast.. Including many yummy goodies from Hersheys milk!
Lovingly,

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Thank you so much dear Anita...many Blessings coming your way for this Easter Season xoxo

Christmas-etc... said...

Oh...but I love your poetry and the images you put with it!!
Happy Easter dear Anita!
Blessings,
Ann

koralee said...

Sending you ooodles of Easter blessings my sweet friend...may you be filled with the joy of God's promise to us. xoxoxox

jerilanders said...

Anita, what can I say? Your words always touch the heart, and hearing Amazing Grace this morning just gave me chills. What a glorious morning!

PS, Yes, we do have twin ducklings, aren't they just darling?

Unknown said...

Happy Easter sweet lady. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Let's get together and craft!!!

Karen

desde my ventana said...

Lovely post and words Anita, have a happy Easter time.
Muchos besos

Cecilia

desde my ventana said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Tale of Two Cities said...

Amazing grace-how sweet the sound! I love the photos of the thatched cottages--wish I could stumble on one just like those in my out of London day trips....

Happy Easter!

virginia said...

Exquisitely Beautiful. Completely inspiring. Your blog catches my throat, grips my heart, fills my eyes. Happy Easter mon cheri. Virginia

Jade said...

Thank you soooooo much, for this wonderful inspiration, my sweet Anita!!!! And HAPPY EASTER to you and Ruben.....enjoy this weekend!!!

With love, Jade

Apple Blossom Barn said...

Anita

Thank you for your message it is always so uplifting to hear from you

What a beautiful sentiment, and such amazing pictures,

Wishing you and your lovely husband a wonderful Easter

Lots of love

Denise

Deana Sidney said...

Happy Easter to you, lovely Anita. I have to work tomorrow which does put a crimp in the holiday, but I hope you have a lovely dinner with friends and family and share the blossoms of the season and the early 'petal storms' we are getting. My friends lawn was nearly pink yesterday!!

Deana Sidney said...

Happy Easter to you, lovely Anita. I have to work tomorrow which does put a crimp in the holiday, but I hope you have a lovely dinner with friends and family and share the blossoms of the season and the early 'petal storms' we are getting. My friends lawn was nearly pink yesterday!!

Maria said...

Let His
Amazing Grace
find our hearts
and souls
ready


Peace and Joy to you always, dear Anita
Happy Easter! Happy, Glorious Easter to you and Ruben !

*Maria

Unknown said...

He loves us extravagantly...beautiful. beautiful.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

Beautiful images and words and we do have to make the right choices that will be the best for us.
Do hope that you are having a wonderful Easter weekend.

Sending hugs and many blessings
Carolyn

La Petite Gallery said...

Anita, this is sooooo beautiful.
The song was perfect. The close with the Lamb of God was enought to get me off the Church. Happy Easter. Love to you and all your loved ones. Yvonne

Susan said...

Happy Easter, dear Anita!
Blessings!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post! Anita, wishing you the happiest of Easter time, may all your wishes for the year come true!
I am glad to know you in my life!
xoxo
Victoria

Floss said...

How beautiful - firstly, I think I have seen that little Breton cottage with the blue door, and secondly, your words say it all. I've just done a week of posts using the idea of Amazing Grace and it's lovely (but not surprising, I suppose) to find the same theme here. I came over from Betty the Wood Fairy's blog because I really appreciated the comment you'd written there. Happy Easter!

mati said...

Félicitation pour ton nouvel aventure!
joyeuse pâques
bethenais

Martina said...

Happy easter dearest Anita! Thanks for this lovely post - yes, cheers to amazing grace and overflowing abundance. Isn't spring a miracle every time? It looks beautiful outside here - trees in bloom, tulips, daffodils, fresh green leaves and, after chily rainy days today: SUNSHINE! We had a lovely brunch with family and a long walk along the river which was so nice. Am sure you and Ruben are having a fine and splendid day, am thinking of you! xoxoxox

hi-d said...

Amazing Grace indeed! Happy Easter to you & Ruben, Anita!!! How have you been? So are you finished with school or are you going until the summer?

I have been a horrible blogger lately and hope to do my best to get back at it more consistently with even some Kooky appearances as well.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I had most of the post written yesterday, but needed to finish it up. I dated it for yesterday, but posted it just today. ha!

Also, I just saw your comment from about a week ago yesterday. I have it set up that on older posts, I have to go into my blog and actually "click" to post comments and I JUST saw it yesterday.

Have a wonderful day! :)
Heidi

Gem said...

Ooh that lamb is gorgeous! Reminds me I must find a farm nearby to take the children lambing. One of my fave pastimes!
Hope you are both having a wonderful Easter. Continue to be brave with the decision you have made. Seize the day!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxx

Suz said...

Beautiful images. Beautiful song.

michelle said...

Good evening dearest Anita. This is beautiful and to know that we live eternal is the greatest gift we could ever imagine but while we are here, to make the most of our lives would be a gift to Him.
Thank you for all your sweet visits, I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break and a most blessed Easter.
much Love
xoxoxox

koralee said...

Oh sweet friend...thank you for the Easter visit! Hope your day was filled with oooodles of blessings and your life collided with God's love!
We had the best family day ever! Church...brunch...egg hunting and walks...a huge dinner...now we are all in a food coma! It is wonderful!

Love to you for a great week...xoxox

koralee said...

Oh forgot to ask you about your shoe making? Sounds wonderful...off to peek into your shop! xoooxoxo

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Dearest Anita .... Happy Easter to you and Ruben..... I hope you have a wonderful peaceful break and happy life indeed. It is all remarkable and the fragility of life is like an eggshell ..... something which we should all cherish and treat with the utmost delicacy and respect! It is fragile but it nurtures the new life within. best wishes
Frances xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Your post never cease to blow me away! LOVE it! Hope your Easter was just perfect, Anita!! xo

Kim said...

Beautiful. You are still an amazing teacher ... look what you are teaching us?! And an artist without question. Thank you for continuing to share.

Anonymous said...

awh...little lamb
dear and sweet...
you are on your
way...you graceful
spirit you!
ps...thank you for
your notes dear friend!
xoxo

Cobalt Violet said...

I didn't think anything could be cuter than those birds (which I could stare at all day) but lamb comes close. Beautiful post!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Anita:
I'm in and out of the blog world for a few weeks, but just have to send a coment on his one. If ever God has gifted someone with the ability to reach our hearts and express what we can't do like you CAN... it's you. I am beyond excited to see what God has ahead for you!! Just keep walking and follow your own heart, HE has put this gift within Anita's heart, to share with so many.

And the lamb... ofh my goodness, I did NOT miss the significance and it is so like you, to tie the whole thing together is such a precious way.

I will be praying for what is ahead for you, and I am so excited!

xo

Barbara said...

Absolutely perfect, Anita.

DolceDreams said...

Happy belated Easter Anita, what an absolutely exquisite and inspiring post (as always!)...
May your creativity abound in your new life!(no more school!)
xo
nathalie

Kirsten Steen said...

Hope it was a wonderful Easter for you, Anita, and that your decision from your last post is sitting well.
Love how you spread beauty around.
A happy week to you!
Kirsten

Unknown said...

Your blog is just beautiful! So glad I found you via Shannon! Love so many of your gorgeous images!

xo Mary Jo

The Dutchess said...

A post made with amazing grace..thank you..:)

francis said...

Beautiful post Anita
an artist you are !
I am so glad you chose to take another path .
Only by thinking of the gift of your future my heart fills with so much joy .....
The joy in the life of some-one you deeply care about is so much more than joy It's JOY to the highest !
Kind of magic.
Me ...in Holland ,,,,, thinking of you and what's to come and SMILE on my face and joy in my heart ....
Happy new week Anita .

koralee said...

Happy New week to you my friend...off we go but I know the week will speed on by. Our weather has been delightful...I have started my walking once again...my book is done! You really do not know how happy I am...now I will have time to enjoy life once again.
So off I go to enjoy...hugs and oodles of love to you. xoxoxo

c. Joy said...

Your posts always ALWAYS brighten my days.

Anonymous said...

school...so you are teaching maybe...good...the world needs good french teachers...yes, i was scribbling something and thought..hey what if...and the more i wonder the more my pen moved...it is going to be really fun...these letters we make...we are at 22...won't be long now!

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

I don't know how you find such wonderful, compelling, beautiful pics...you have an EYE! I hope you are fine :)

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest Anita
One of my favorite songs.. Truly touches the soul..
Thank you for visiting dear one.. I am blessed to have you in my life.
amour mon ami,
Penny

scrapbookertink said...

Simply divine, take care, Doreen x

hi-d said...

Hello my Dear Friend!

I hope this finds you well. Thanks so much for stopping by...I hope that Maximus enjoys reading too when he gets older.

This is such a beautiful post. That cottage with the yellow door looks so inviting. Perhaps the 3 Little Bears live in there? hee hee...

I hope you have a lovely day.

xoxo
Heidi

koralee said...

A HAPPY morning to you my friend...I am having a lovely slow morning as I don't start work until 9am today. Wish every morning was this way...so much time when you are an early riser my ourself.
You asked me what I will do next now that my book is done....REST!!!!! Get my life Back!! Oh happy day! Oh happy day! I have been waiting for this moment! Have nothing on my plate for awhile will be pure heaven..I am going to enjoy every minute of not having to worry about not working on my book! It does feel good. We even have a little holiday planned in May! San Francisco here we come!
How has your week been so far? Life is crazy busy at school...so much is going on already...I know June will be here before we know it.
Have a great day...the sun is shining brightly here.Hope it is there for you too. xoxoxo

Burlap Luxe said...

You my dear friend are Grace of Amazement!

Beautiful post, we are all the lambs of God.

I hope this day finds you with peace and beautiful thoughts of inspiration.

xx
Dore

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh.
The birds.

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, just want to say hello and wish you a lovely day! Since some work has to be done on my computer today at work, i came home earlir and enjoy some lazy time around the house. So many projects are waiting to be done, but sometimes, just watching let the things grow, just inner listening - seems to be the right thing! Still cold here, but nature looks wonderful. Hugs from germany!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anita,
Je ne comprends toujours pas pourquoi je ne reçois plus rien de ton blog! Je ne peux même pas me réinscrire!
Tes photos sont toujours sublimes!
Dommage j'ai perdu le fil!
Have a great evening!
XO

Rae said...

Oh Anita, I do hope you and Ruben had a most happy Easter day! I haven't heard from you and I don't know how I missed you, but here I am to say...
Bless you sweet friend!
Lovely post, I like the birds being affectionately petted! Cute!!

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Hi beautiful Anita!!!!!!
How is your week going?
My parents arrive here from Arizona tomorrow. They have been in AZ for 4 months and are now on their way home to Chicago.
It's my birthday on Friday the 13th this month!!!!
I love all the horror shows so I plan to make my mom watch them with me!!! She always buries her face in her hands to avoid seeing the TV!!!
We are going to a fondue dinner to celebrate- at this point I just say I'm "27" again (wink, wink)....
Then my husband's birthday is May 8th...
When is your birthday? I think we both have April birthdays!!!!
Sending lots of love & hugs your way!!!!!
Shannon :-)

Bring Pretty Back said...

Anita , You are a woman that had discovered her " thing"... and it is SOOOOOOO PRETTY my friend!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Spotless and without blemish...Happy life eternal to you to sweetie. 'Just think of the party we can have when we meet in heaven!!!

As always, this post truly blessed my heart!

May God richly bless your day my friend!!! :o)

Ivy and Elephants said...

Oh, Dearest Anita,
I am so thrilled for you that you are taking this first step, this leap of faith. You know that our Dear Savior will never let you fall! Your spirit is so strong and so beautiful; use that to share your gift with the world. Know that you have the love and support of so, so many!
Blessings to you, and God Speed!
Hugs,
Patti

Christine Wallace said...

You have such a beautiful blog, I am so inspired and uplifted by my visit. Thank you for the inspiration!!!!

Aldy said...

Oh Anita, so beautiful to read. Simple and powerful words- Another amazing post :) I hope you had a nice Easter weekend. It has been raining here,the cold weather is starting - we're on autumn season down here:]Have a wonderful day!

Hugs <3

A Magical Whimsy said...

Well, Anita...this one gave me the chills...that baby Lamb of God...innocent from the foundation of the World...chosen before man ever stepped foot on the ground God created him from. Chosen to be our sacrifice. I have been thinking of what we do for those who aren't kind to us...perhaps they need the mercy from us that God gave us which set our souls free. 'God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance'. Maybe God puts us together with some people to save them, if we use the same kindness God bestowed upon us in our sinful state...do we have the same mercy on an unsaved person that God had on us in our unsaved condition? These thoughts have made me want to be more of a sacrifice in order to save others from themselves, with me not rendering evil for evil... blessing people when they do wrong to me. It is God's perfect way that saves souls. This is what Jesus did, he died for us while we were yet sinners. Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves, in spirit, mind, and body in order to bring just one soul to Christ? I had a friend who did just that when she was 27, pregnant with her second child in her marriage, she told her own brother's unsaved mother-in-law 'I would die for you, if it would bring you to Jesus.' Little did she know, the Lord took her at her word, and one week later, collapsed on her kitchen floor to go home to be with her Lord. AND, wonder of wonders...her brother's mother-in-law was saved! With such sacrifices the Lord is pleased! 'There is no greater love than for a man/or woman to lay down their life for a friend.' April, the sweet young wife, who laid down her life for a friend to save her from eternal death, (one week from having her baby and the baby did not make it either) was one of my best friends. There were over 500 people at her memorial service way back in the year 1980. So, in order to save someone from themselves, is that what God wants us to do? To keep plodding along, sacrificing our own peace-of-mind, in order for them to possibly, finally SEE that Christ is who makes us who we truly are?
Thank you for this dear post.
May you have a blest rest of the week.
My oldest son is getting married this weekend. He is a blessing and so is his sweet, sweet Christian fiance.
love to you,
Teresa

Karen said...

Hi Anita, your blog is simply a haven of inspiration and loveliness and truth. I'm grateful to have discovered it! Easter blessings and best wishes for spring transformation and happiness to you xo Karen

Peeters Liliane said...

Hello sweet friend,
How nice that you visit me, and thank you for your compliment!!!
We are nearly on the end of ouer easter vacantion, how was your vacantion? I did nice things ( making an Alice in wonderland)pssst do not tell! :0))
Hugs my friend,
Liliane

Rae said...

Sweet dear Anita,
You must be the kindest blogger on earth!Getting up so early to respond to ALL your readers! I know you are with us, and you care so deeply, please take care of yourself! No need to respond back to this, I know you care, I'm so excited about what's coming next for you and I'm just thankful we found each other!!
Much love,
Rayanne

vicki archer said...

Heaven as always Anita... beautiful thoughts photos... xv

Apple Blossom Barn said...

Dear Anita

I hope you have had a lovely Easter holiday, have you left your teaching post yet? I can not wait to see your dreams unfold before our eyes!

Best wishes

Denise
xxxxx

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

Always happy to have a visit from you, sweet friend many thanks.
Love the new photographs on your blog header.
Do hope that you are having a lovely week

Hugs
Carolyn

francis said...

Oh my dear friend
I am thinking of you all the time
Are you more and more happy with your new future ?
I wish you sunny springtime days filled with joy !
hugs to you !

Karena said...

Anita you have truly graced my life; thank you!! Adore your Etsy shop by the way!!

I hope you will stop by and see my new Annie Sloan Projects Revealed!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

myletterstoemily said...

i almost feel guilty adding the 125 th comment,
but that sweet lamb was too good to pass up.
He is risen!!!!

koralee said...

Evening sweet friend.....tomorrow is Friday..oh happy day.
My daughter has a sweet friend all the way from Sweden visiting us for a week...oh how much fun we will have. She wants to visit the US {she has never been} so we will take her down to Seattle on Saturday...she is so excited and so are we. Lots to look forward to...may your weekend be filled with happy times. xoxoxo Hugs

Sylvia said...

Hi dearest,
Thank you for your always inspiring comments on my blog and encouraging words about my images ....it's uplifting and heart- warming. I hope life is treating you kindly. Your new creations on Etsy are amazing; I like this enchanting fairy slipper that tells so much about the artistry of a wonderful women...
Have a lovely sunny weekend !

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Happy Friday My Beautiful Friend!!!
Oh, Anita this is GORGEOUS!!!!! so very gorgeous!
This time of year is my fave! The blossoms, ah sigh!

And yes Happy Eternal Life, well said!
Grace and Mercy ..... does it get any better?!

Again, sorry it has taken me so long to get over here!
I can't seem to get into a bloging groove! I have been trying to do better at updating my photography blog1 I have been so far behind!
I did mamage to get a few posts of my girls (looking so cute, I might add :)
Anyways, I do hope everything is wonderful in your world!
I bet you're anxious for the school year to finish up!
Sending lots of love your way!
gi gi

Anne said...

oh, my heart is melting looking at the sweet lovebirds! what an especially fabulous collection of images in this post!

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

All I can say is " absolutely gorgeous"!
Ciao,
Mary

Unknown said...

Hi Anita,

Oh, what a wonderful thought, to celebrate the girl that you were and now with the promise of what you will become.

Your shop looks wonderful, and I especially love the bride dress. Mark you tags on that one, etsy wedding.

Have a beautiful day,
and daydream until dusk,

Karen

Aurelia said...

love all images here, I truelly love your words......
http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com/

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest!
Were you able to access your blog?
How does it look.. I am not thrilled about bloggers new look.. I was fine with the old format.
Bisous! Penny

Presépio no Canal said...

Happy Life Anita! In fact, we should embrace the grace and the gifts that God gives to each and every one of us!
So true!