What Do You Expect?

I spotted the sign and thought, why not?

An estate sale was in progress and since I found a parking spot on the street, I decided to see what treasures the house held.

As I entered, the women conducting the sale greeted me with a smile and told me, “There’s something in every room.”

The kitchen cupboards held casserole dishes and stemware. Silver pieces covered the dining room table. The pantry shelves contained rows of cookbooks. All were reminders of days gone by, reflections of a household no longer needed.

 

Did the owners move to a senior living residence? Did they expect to leave their belongings behind? Did they think they would stay in this home until their last breath?

The upstairs closet contained only women’s clothing. Had she passed? Or had he died years ago, and she passed? Or were these clothes the woman knew she’d never wear again in her new residence? The wardrobe boasted attractive and stylish clothing of the past; classy and classic. I speculated she used her silver pieces and dressed for fancy dinner parties.  I tried to imagine life once in the home. Now strangers passed through the house, evaluating, considering, picking up treasures, or passing by. Are the children disposing of the property and contents? I had questions, but no answers.

My curiosity kept me moving through the large house. When I entered another bedroom, I paused. Two wedding gowns were hanging on curtain rods on widows. Large gold gift boxes that once held the gowns, rested nearby on the floor. I read the label: “Preserved for a Lifetime of Loveliness”. Did the gowns belong to daughters? Why didn’t they want them? And…have the gowns have lasted longer than the marriages? Was the marriage not preserved for a lifetime? Is that what the brides expected?

Expectations: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

We all have expectations. Some are more dramatic than others. They may be dreams, hopes, or common-sense practical anticipation. Some expectations are realized and bring joy and success; other expectations fail and yield disappointments. Some are minor, some serious.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

(Proverbs 13:12 NLT)

Rain keeps us from enjoying a day at the beach.

Writers hope to have an article or book published but they are rejected by editors.

A young woman thinks her boyfriend will propose but he has cold feet and they break-up.

My cheesecake flops when I take it from the oven.

A teen goes out for a sports team and doesn’t make the cut.

A husband dies and retirement dreams are extinguished.

My connecting flight is delayed and I miss most of a reunion.

The deal on a dream house falls through.

A friendship disintegrates.

A diagnosis changes the trajectory of life.

The marriage isn’t preserved for a lifetime.

Expectations come in the form of time, relationships, dreams, emotions, and success.

How do we manage unrealized expectations? What keeps us moving forward in disappointments?

Can you offer words of wisdom and encouragement from your experiences? Join the conversation to guide us. Don’t we want to be preserved for a lifetime of loveliness?

Framing our Pictures…The Treasure of Telling Our Stories Part 2

When we bought our first house, we needed furniture.We were on a tight budget and interested in antiques, so we often went to estate sales. One sale in particular was in an upscale neighborhood. There wasn’t much that would fit our décor, but my husband spotted an old chest in the corner. It would be perfect near our fireplace. The price was right; we bought it, returned home, and carried our bargain into our family room. 

As I dusted and began to polish the surface of the old wooden trunk, I saw black marks. With a little more effort, a printed name emerged.  Who was this person?  I called the local historical society. As information unfolded, I became intrigued with the owner’s biography. It would be quite a prize to local antique collectors.  We merely wanted an old trunk to store wood for our fireplace, but we began to appreciate it on a different level. Somehow, I just couldn't use it for wood storage. It became a coffee table and I stored magazines in it. Once I knew the story behind the trunk, it had a different value.

That’s the way it is with our life stories. We may think they were for just us, or even insignificant, but they have value often unknown that may not surface for years.

Last week we looked at frames for our pictures. What did you find as you turned pages in a photo album?

     Did you see an answer to prayer in a photo of a bride and groom? Would that story encourage a young single person waiting for a mate?

     Did you see perseverance behind a smiling face of one receiving an award? Would that story encourage someone who practices hours to reach a goal?

     Does a photo of a family gathering include stories of traditions?

     Does the photo of a young woman showing her college acceptance letter tell the story of prayer behind a decision?

 

Like my old trunk, photos have stories. Our life stories shape us. Our stories influence others and have value.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 
Psalm 145: NLT

Will your stories touch someone? Yes, only if you tell them. Can you start today with a single photo and tell the story behind the photo?

Picture Perfect: The Treasure of Frames

Scrolling through our Facebook News Feed reveals a change of status, a few ads, and a variety of photos. The photos range from vacations, scenic spots, special events, food, babies, humor, links to articles, and selfies.

Our phones provide an instant camera, so taking pictures is convenient. Documenting moments has become easy. We store photos on our phones and perhaps upload to a computer. We may choose to print pictures and arrange in an album.

We take more photos now than in any other time in history but how do we frame them?

Oh yes, we may write a caption on Facebook or place a date on a photo.

Still photos don’t tell a story, but capture one moment. How do we frame our photos to convey the real story?

Frames, as we know them are borders or cases that surround a picture or document. An obsolete definition of frame is to manage.

 How do we surround our photos?
     How do we manage them?  
          How do we frame our pictures?

     Does a photo of a moving van show more than a departure and a destination, but perhaps the faithfulness of God in providing a new job?

     Does a family photo show God’s grace after years of waiting for a baby?

     Does a milestone birthday celebration show the loyalty of friends and love of family through the years?

     Does an adult baptism show the return of a prodigal?

     Does a photo of a trip to the mountains tell about the last Fall shared with someone?

     Does a photo of a tombstone show more than dates but tell the struggle and legacy of immigrants?

Sort through your photos and think about managing your frames and surrounding your pictures. Our frames can encourage others and show the grace and faithfulness of God.

Can you show more than a moment, but manage and frame to tell a story?

Comment and share your discoveries with us.

What are You Missing? The Treasure of Longer Days

“The longer you sleep, the less you live,” my Dad often said smiling. I heard him, but I wasn't smiling. Like most teens, I enjoyed sleeping in on Saturdays and school vacations. My Dad often encouraged to me to rise earlier.

I didn’t grasp his concept then, but I do now. Sleeping less does yield longer life-our years aren't extended-but our days are.

Ironically, now that I am retired, I am an early riser. When I say early, I mean before sunrise. This morning, I headed to the kitchen, turned on lights, made my coffee, and spent some quiet time reading. Ready to pour my third cup of coffee, I glanced out the window over my kitchen sink and spotted the beginning of a beautiful sunrise. Once again, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. The sun rises every single morning. The shades of pink and orange were breathtaking. I took my camera and headed outside to capture a better view. I was awestruck. No two are ever alike in timing or color.

I know I see a treasure few see. They are missing it.

More hours, more life--a treasure. My Dad would smile, I'm sure.

Missing treasures is not unusual. On an Alaskan cruise a few years ago, a lecturer told us to enjoy the natural treasures. “Some are sleeping, or in casinos. But you will see treasures.” He was right. My husband and I stood on the deck; the scenery was beautiful, and the glaciers, magnificent. It was unlike anything we had ever seen: treasures.

In a Hallmark movie, Love at the Shore, ten-year old Ally enjoys taking her neighbor’s dog on a morning walk. The owner insists his pet isn’t a morning dog or a trick dog until Ally shows him otherwise. As Ally shows the dog has learned how to sit, shake, and give a high-five at her commands, the owner is speechless. Ally proudly proclaims, “He didn’t know what he was missing.”

I wonder how many treasures we miss.

We enjoy our circle of friends and fail to make new ones. Is a treasure waiting?

Fear keeps us from new experiences. Are we missing a treasure?

We insist on our way, rather than listen to the prompt of the Holy Spirit. Did I settle for what I think is a good treasure while missing the best?

I choose tasks over people. What am I missing? 

Unclaimed treasures wait to be found. Is it time to think about what you might be missing?

Perhaps one place to start is to set your alarm clock just once this week and take in the treasure of a beautiful sunrise. I guarantee you will smile.
 
Comment and share a treasure you have found this week.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. 

Psalm 113:3 (NIV)

The Extraordinary Treasure of a Heavenly Scent with Award-Winning Author Cathy Baker

 I'm delighted to have Cathy Baker as my guest blogger today. Check out her bio following her post. You'll see links to her books, and an opportunity to subscribe to her blog and receive a free gift.

"It smells good in here!"

Our six-year-old granddaughter, Piper, recently spoke those coveted words. Why coveted, you ask? Because I have scented memories from my childhood that bring me much joy and I want the same for my grandchildren.
One whiff of a gardenia and I'm immediately transported to my paternal grandparents’ concrete walkway where the fragrance from these heavenly-scented stark-white flowers led the way to their front door. And, rarely do I bring a steaming cup of coffee to my lips without thinking of my maternal grandmother and her home, where the scent of roasted grounds greeted you with a warm hello at the back door.

The gift of our senses is an extraordinary treasure from God.

Scientists agree that the sense of smell is the most powerful link to our memories. Equipped with this knowledge, I try to create present opportunities for my grandchildren to draw upon in the future. I often have a particular vanilla candle lit when family and guests arrive (hence the comment from the granddaughter!). This fall, Piper and I will crank up the cherry-red mixer and bake together.
While I hope these experiences will create sweet memories, they are meaningless without the most important scent of all.

"Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God."

2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT

I can burn countless candles. I can bake pound cakes until I'm a finalist on The Great British Baking Show, or plant acres of lilies and enjoy their fragrance and beauty, but if my life lacks the vibrant scent of Christ, all else is for naught.
We all know what happens when we're hugged by a person who splashes on perfume like bath water. We carry their scent on our skin and clothes the rest of the day. (That is, unless you're allergic to perfume like me. Then, you go straight home and shower!)
But isn't that what we want to happen with our children and grandchildren? To live our lives in such a way that the fragrance of Christ in us can't help but rub off on them for an eternity?

Now that, my friend, is an extraordinary treasure.

What about you? Comment about the scents you share in your home. Have you had treasured moments with children or grandchildren that spread the fragrance of Christ?

Bio: Cathy Baker is an award-winning writer and author of  Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Beach as well as Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Mountains As a twenty-five year veteran Bible instructor, she's led hundreds of studies and workshops. She's also contributed to numerous anthologies and publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. In addition, her poetry can be found in several popular anthologies. She and her husband, Brian, live in the foothills of the Carolinas where she one day hopes to have her very own Goldendoodle.

Subscribe to Cathy’s blog and receive a free e-book, “Praying In Every Room of Your Home”. http://www.cathybaker.org