Getting Ready for 9.11.11

I've been waiting months for this!
Anne Graham Lotz and Joel Rosenberg will be simulcasting A Wake up Call for God's People on 9.11.11 at 6:00 PM CDT. Go to Anne's website, AnGeL Ministries, for all the details.

We will be able to watch the simulcast from our home computers and Anne's website has very detailed instructions, even for download dummies like me. Also I discovered that if you are a DIRECTV HD Access subscriber, you will have the opportunity to view the Simulcast LIVE on GOD TV, which is channel 365 on DIRECTV.

A Wake Up Call will consider the times in which we live, refocus on Jesus as our Hope for the future, and ask God to re-ignite such an intense longing for His return that we live the rest of our lives with no regrets. This is already speaking to my heart! Joel Rosenberg will deliver an informative opening message - a 50-minute teaching on biblical prophecy and current events that point to Jesus' return. Anne Graham Lotz will give a stirring, 50-minute challenge from Isaiah, urging the church to get ready for the return of Jesus by repenting of sin, returning to the Cross, and recommitting to the proclamation of the Gospel. Selah will lead in worship throughout the program. A DVD-based, 9-week follow-up Bible study, which supports the Simulcast message is available.

A Beautiful Bargain

These are the days for great bargains and this is no exception! Next week I am traveling to Chattanooga to Northgate Gallery to pick up my grandmother's mahogany corner cupboard. It has been in two of their auctions, both right about the time the bottom fell out of things. The price was high (appraised at 5K) and it did not sell.

I am taking it to Railroad Station Antiques and have drastically lowered the price. The only reason I cannot keep it is because of the size. It simply will not fit in my house - my ceilings are not high enough. For one week only the price for the corner cupboard is $1,750; once it gets to Railraod Station the price jumps to $2,250.

Note Northgate Gallery's description below. Please send this link to anyone you know who might be interested. Thanks, friends!

American Chippendale mahogany bow front corner cupboard, c. 1840.
58 inches wide
27 inches deep
93 inches high
36 inches from corner edge to the center back

Completely authentic
Gorgeous finish and most unusual shape and design
Beautifully designed antique glass cabinet doors
Original locks on drawer and upper and lower cabinets
One felt-lined drawer and two-shelf bottom cabinet
4 scalloped gold leaf edged upper shelves

Holds everything! A stunning piece for a dining room. The corner cupboard is in two pieces; the top glass cabinet fits securely onto the bottom cabinet with an additional center foot for sturdiness.

Last Days of Summer

Hey, I am preparing for fall and I have found a cool blog experiment that I am dying to try. Trouble is, I would have to write almost every day. Yikes! Don't know if I'm up to that, but just in case I take it on, what would you like me to write about? Do you like Bible studies, recipes, paintings, family events, the grandchildren, prayer requests, other ministries, inspirational stories, random stuff, pretty pictures... in general what I'm interested in? All of the above or something else entirely? I need a little feedback here, so please direct my fingers!

A Mama's Heart

Okay, I just have to say it - I am carrying around a lot of mamas in my heart this week. Lots of goodbyes, lots of tears, lots of angst... whether it be off to college or off to kindergarten. Did I do enough, was there time enough, do they have faith enough, do they know enough? I am praying for you all. Empty nests as well as the first fledgling out. I'll never forget those days with each of my children - my goodness, I'll never forget those days my very own self! When I went to first grade I left my best childhood friend sitting in her driveway. When I went to college my dad cried and told me I was getting what he never had. He said if he could have his way about one thing it would be to go with me. Memories. See what I mean? Some things, lots of things, they will never forget.

Jesus is enough. He is supremely sufficient. He is holding your child and carrying them to the next step. Many mama prayers this week and next.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 22, 29-32 NLT

STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST.

For those of you who know about my painting blog, Blessings in Brushstrokes, I am saying goodbye. Not to painting, but to a blog about painting. I have had 8-10 dedicated weekly readers, and I want to thank them for following a blog with a new post every four months or so!

I simply cannot write two blogs, and my heart is in this one. I plan to increase posts as well as broaden the scope of Coffee Tea and Thee. I will cover my painting news when I have it, right alongside Bible studies, family events, and God things that bring refreshment and restoration.

Painting news... as you might imagine, I've taken at least a six month break due to Sarah's wedding. Yet with a little time on my hands my brain has started pumping and I'm yearning for that creative voice. Today I dug in my old closet and pulled out paints, palette, a big box of photographs for ideas, and clean, white, blank canvasses. I'm back.

While searching the internet looking over some of my favorite artists and what they have been doing while I've had the lead in planning a wedding, I found this. I am such a list person. August is the month for lists - school supply lists, clothes lists, last days of summer lists, reading lists, fall trips lists and more. I can get so wound up trying to find a fresh look - something that has never been done. This reminds me there is nothing new under the sun. Just get going and give it to God!Btw... In keeping with #6 on the list, I'm looking for a tiny inexpensive studio space downtown or near. Someplace to paint, someplace to have you over for coffee, someplace to light in between things. If you know of anything please email.