Petals from the Basket

Blog

New Devotional Book!

The baskets of our lives are filled with petals from work, family, special events, hobbies, and much more! I believe that each petal—even the wilted ones—can represent blessings that God gives us through each season of life. My desire is that as I open my heart and transparently share ideas and resources for everyday Christian living, I will be able to point to the fact that the baskets of our lives are lovingly woven with the Weaver’s touch! 

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

When I started my blog in 2012, I thought that it would be a short-term solution for sharing updates with my family and friends regarding my journey through a major life change. Gradually, the readership began to grow outside the sphere of that initial group, and the purpose, scope, and reach of the blog grew as well.

My new book, Petals from the Basket: Devotional Thoughts for Women, is comprised of some of the favorite devotional blog posts from this site. The posts are in no specific order, because life happens in that same way: we can’t categorize everything into neat little compartments; and as much as we would like to, we don’t always move forward.

Each devotional (52 in all) is followed by a few blank lines on which you may wish to write your own thoughts on the subject or to write out your own prayer of response. However, if you’re a perfectionist like I am, you will feel the need to fill every line and to use perfectly shaped handwriting to do so. But I’m giving you permission to leave some (or all) of the lines blank and to simply use them if and when you wish to write in your own thoughts! If I’ve learned anything from writing these blog posts, it’s that nothing is accomplished when it’s merely done to “appear perfect.” Without sincerity and the freedom to acknowledge our weaknesses, it’s difficult to grow stronger.

So as you read through these devotionals, you’ll see that I posted them at various times of the year, from different locations, and for different reasons. But my heart’s desire is that the thoughts that point you to the unchanging, reliable, consistent truth of God’s Word will encourage you, strengthen you, comfort you, teach you, and meet a need that you have at that given moment.

Thank you for walking this journey with me! [Click the cover photo to read more about the book and to order your copies!]

(I would be honored and grateful if you would share this post with your friends and family by using the “share” buttons below!)

 

Just in Time for Christmas!

Petals from the Basket: Devotional Thoughts for Women is comprised of 52 of the favorite blog posts from Petals from the Basket. Each devotional is followed by a few blank lines on which you may wish to write your own thoughts on the subject or to write out your own prayer of response.

Available now on Amazon (130 pages, paperback)! (Click photo to see more information and to order your copy!)

Who I Am

I was reading a short devotional this morning as part of my God-and-I Time, and the final phrase stuck out to me: “May who I am glorify You!” It wouldn’t leave my mind, and it has, in these few short hours, become the prayer of my heart.

“May who I am glorify You.” Not who I was or who I wish I were or who I plan to be—but who I am. Each day, each thought, each action—who I am.

Not when I’m retired, when I’m financially settled, or when I’m married—who I am.

When I’m famous, when I have time, when I achieve a desired status? No—who I am.

When I’m thinner, when I’m able to control my desires, when I’m able to live a disciplined life? Again: no—who I am.

Lord, hear and help me to live out the sincerity behind this prayer: “May who I am glorify You.”

So He Made It Over

“But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him” (Jeremiah 18:4, NIV)

The Amplified Bible says, “So He made it over.”

“So He made it over.” I am not disposable to God! He has placed a value on me (through the blood of Christ) that will never diminish! So when I am  “marred,” He chooses to remake me: perhaps for a different use or purpose or with an updated design or function, but He doesn’t dispose of me!

Oh the blessed intermingling of grace and hope!

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Christmas is Coming!

What better Christmas idea to go with today’s challenge than a pottery wheel for kids. Order early and help/let your children make their own handcrafted pottery for relatives, teachers, and friends! No baking necessary!

Click here to view Discovery Kids Motorized Pottery Wheel

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Survey Prize Winners – And a Surprise!

This was too much fun! I couldn’t wait! So I’m announcing the winners today! But first, I am sending many, many, many of you a huge shout out for taking time to participate in the survey this past week. The number of responses far exceeded my expectations and hopes!

It was good for me to see that while some readers dislike certain elements, the majority said that they like those same elements. In other cases, the majority didn’t favor some elements, while others wanted more of them! But that’s what made it worthwhile! Your comments and ideas were helpful and insightful, and I will take them to heart as I continue to focus on sharing my heart, my failures, my blessings, my life, and my God through Petals from the Basket. So thank you!

The winners were completely selected through a random drawing process through a third party. (In other words, I had no input on selecting the winners!) Oh how I wish I were able to give every survey taker a prize, but alas, I am not. And yes, I have once again used the word alas in a blog post! So let me announce the winners forthwith (that one was for you, my Friday night friends)!

Grand Prize – EMMY P.
1 But God necklace (purchased from The Vintage Pearl) and
5 copies of the But God Bible study
Value: $84.95

First Prize – ANITA C.
1 But God necklace (purchased from The Vintage Pearl) – value: $45.00

Second Prize – DAR S.
5 copies of the But God Bible study – value: $39.95

Third Prize – ELIZABETH K.
1 copy of The Best Yes, by Lysa Teurkeurst – value: $15.95

Fourth Prize – JEAN H.
1 copy of the But God Bible study – value: $7.99

*Total value of all prizes (not including shipping and handling, which we will pay): $193.84

CONGRATULATIONS!

E-mails have been sent to the prize winners. Please contact us via reply e-mail us before November 30, 2014 with your shipping address!

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And now for a big SURPRISE!

I have contacted several of the companies whose items I will be sharing as Christmas ideas this month, and there will be
more giveaways (no surveys this time) during the months of November and December! I’m tickled pink! This is way too much fun! Stay tuned!