Old Christmas Cards

I opened the cedar chest to look for a gift I had stashed away for my friend Jane.  The gift was lying on top, but before I knew it, I found myself engrossed in examining all the items I had stashed away.  Piles began accumulating on the bed as I found a bag of old Christmas cards, Shirley Temple paper dolls, Victorian paper ladies with dress-up outfits, a new blue Snuggie wrap, a pair of baby shoes, 2 pair of small moccasins my mother had made as a hobby years ago, a round red velvet box of cast-off jewelry my granddaughters played with sometimes, lots of picture frames, old vacation catalogs for Nags Head, books, old family photos in big brown envelopes, and in the very bottom, two boxes of our love letters.

My betrothed made that cedar chest for me as an engagement gift in 1966, and someday I will take the time to read those old love letters.  But this day, my intention was to rearrange the items neatly and throw away what I didn't want to keep.  I put the paper dolls in the toy closet for the grandchildren, and threw out the old vacation catalogs.  I picked up the bag of old Christmas cards.  I hesitated.  Do I throw these away?  Do I keep them?  They were so pretty -- but of what use were they?

I remembered my grandmother Olive saved old Christmas cards, covered each card with plastic, cut it in a slight fan shape, punched holes around the edges, and crocheted them together to make pretty baskets.  She used them to display new Christmas cards she received, and made some baskets to give away.  I remember we had one in our house on the farm.

I decided to go online to see what to do with old Christmas cards.  I found lots of ideas!  I even found instructions for making Grandma Olive's crocheted baskets!  One idea was to make placemats and coasters with self-adhesive shelf papers for the back side, and a clear piece of Mac Tak for the top so the pretty Christmas cards can be seen.  Another was to make gift tags, using a hole punch and a bit of ribbon.  Some people cut the card in half and use the pretty side as a post card at Christmastime.  Cheaper postage.  Use them to decorate plain brown paper bags for gift-giving.  Other ideas were table place cards, tree ornaments, jewelry, donate them to schools for craft projects, use them in scrapbooking, make small gift boxes to fill with treats, or make book marks.

Perhaps I'll get even more mileage out of those old cards:  have a craft day with my daughter Deb and granddaughters Alissa and Nicole and make some of those items.  We have a tradition of making a gingerbread house from a kit before Christmas, and that's always a highlight.  Maybe this year we'll use something old to make something new, too!

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Punctuation Marks

Life can get in a rut; don't you agree?  Someone once defined a rut as "a grave with both ends open".  : 0)  The sameness of each day that yawns in repeated fashion.  Much of life is a necessary routine; indeed, without it we would lack structure and meaning.  But sometimes that sameness can seem like we're on a treadmill, plodding along, focusing straight ahead and missing things along the way.  In the morning, you get up, go to work, come home, go to bed.  In the morning, you get up. . . You get the idea.  Each day is like shampooing your hair:  lather, rinse, repeat.  It occurs to me we could all do with a bit of punctuation in a life that threatens to become one long, run-on sentence.

Families can get in a rut. Wouldn't it be great to have some fun and lively ideas to break out of boredom and sameness?  You know it. Like bread that turns dry, hard, and stale if not properly stored, so couples and families that aren't wrapped in fun and joy get stale, hard and dry, too.  Surprise your mate; make plans for a romantic dinner or get-away, even a short one.  For ideas on spicing up family life, I recommend the small book, "199 Fun Family Activities", by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 2009.  You'll find oodles of wholesome ideas there. 

I love the scripture in John 10:10 where Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full!" (NIV) 

I like to think of a full life as having punctuation marks.  The exclamation point can symbolize "party time!"  A period says "stop here".  I like to think of it as meaning ,"stop, get off the treadmill, and do something different".  Perhaps for you, that means stopping to make time for others, like keeping your promise to visit that neighbor you befriended.  A question mark may symbolize learning something new, like taking painting or piano lessons.  Carving out an afternoon or an evening for something fun for yourself can be symbolized by brackets or parentheses.  The apostrophe shows your ownership and responsiblity to break out of your rut.  Punctuation marks that may seldom be used, such as the ellipsis and dash, can symbolize the surprising, the unusual and interesting things in life.

I wrote a poem today that I hope will bring a smile to your face and help you think of the importance of punctuating your life instead of living it in one long, "run-on sentence" that loses meaning.

      Punctuation of Life

Exclamation points are "Wow!"
Fun times make good glue.
Stop the run-on sentence now;
Put a period, too.

Semi-colon, hyphen, dash --
Parentheses and comma,
Apostrophes and question marks
Will add a punch of drama.

Brackets and quotation marks
Make merry out of life.
The colon and ellipsis too
Will help to sound the fife.

So on the treadmill of the same,
Don't forget to party.
As you step from day to day,
Please live hale and hearty!

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Bring Back Family Dinnertime

The importance of eating one meal together as a family each day cannot be overstated.  It takes extra effort and scheduling to pull it off, but the rewards are great.  I'm reminded of the Scripture Galatians 6:7 in the Bible that says, "Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."  This applies to the positive as well as the negative sowing and reaping.

Do you remember the wonderful TV series "The Waltons"?  Olivia and John, the parents, set great store by having all their children seated around the table at suppertime.  I love to see how the family prays before the meal, and even the children take turns praying.  Blessing the food and praying together is an extremely vital part of eating together.  Children are greatly influenced for good when they hear parents pray for them by name.

In my family of origin, my parents set an excellent example of eating together, and praying before mealtime. Many familes today may desire to implement this pattern, but face the daunting challenge of eating together in the evening.  Parents may even wonder if it's worth the effort.  I've put together an acrostic with the word S E A T E D to help identify the benefits of eating together.

• S ave money!  It's much cheaper and more nutritious to prepare and serve family style meals. 
• E tiquette and manners can be taught when eating together.
• A tmosphere:  keep the mood light, pleasant and loving.  Lead by example; try not to be critical. 
• T alk to each other; share the days' news.  Give extra attention to children and teenagers.
• E motional security is formed by eating in a pleasant atmosphere.  Stability and structure are created.
• D estructive behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and illegal drugs are curbed.

Even if you say you aren't a very good cook, the important thing is that you give your children and teens the important elements of eating dinner together.  Opening a can of soup and making grilled cheese sandwiches is fine fare when you show your children you love them and value their company.  Obviously, the earlier a family initiates this practice in the home, the easier it is to solicit the cooperation of everybody.  As you communicate with one another, you bond, plan, learn and connect as a family.  Value the opinions of every family member, really listen to what is said and insist on politeness.

Eating together also helps teach your children to become self-sufficient.  They can learn to help plan, shop, and prepare meals with you, the parent.  Some Dads are very good cooks, too.  Studies have shown that children do better in school and have better grades when they eat with their families once a day.  Sharing dinner together gives everyone a sense of identity, of belonging, of being cared for.  It helps ease the day to day stresses for everybody, especially for your kids because of the many challenges they face in school.

It may seem that the family dinner hour has slipped from American society, but I say it's time to bring it back. You will establish traditions and make memories that last a lifetime.  Families that eat together and pray together stay together.

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Nature's Cue

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease".  Genesis 8:22 (NIV)

            Nature's Cue

Rustling leaves beneath the feet
Of squirrels that scamper to the beat
Of urgent winter storage plans,
Blow about by wind's commands.

Withered now the flower's head,
Naked trees with leaves now shed,
Indian Summer skies of blue,
Geese that follow nature's cue --

These all signal summer's end;
Winter's just around the bend.
Nature sleeps in white array
To burst awake on distant day.

           By Elaine Beachy
           November 11, 2011

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Those Shoes

Yesterday I returned a pair of unsatisfactory tennis shoes to Foot Locker and searched diligently to find a pair I hoped wouldn't cause pain in my legs, knees and ankles.  I call myself "the Queen of Returns", but honestly, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! :)  (Ever have buyer's remorse?)  I couldn't wear those useless tennies more than half a day, so they sat in my closet most of the summer.   

I came home from the mall and put those new puppies on my feet.  Woo-hoo!  I wore them the rest of the day and now today too.  I am so happy with my new tennies; they put a spring in my step, and I actually enjoy walking!  No pain.  Want to know what they are?  Sure you do.  They're Sketchers Tone-Ups.  Gray and hot pink, with 2 sets of laces to match.  Woah, Mama!  Can you tell I'm happy with my find?

This morning I put my new shoes on again and thought, "How peaceful to be able to enjoy walking!"  The words "shoes of peace" from Ephesians 6:15 came to mind:  ". . . your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (NIV)  Those shoes are part of the Christian's spiritual armor to stand firm against the attacks of the devil, the enemy of our soul.

How painful when we don't walk in shoes of peace!  Some wear old shoes of anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, covetousness, pride, resentment or guilt.  Those shoes have painful pebbles or bits of broken glass in them.  Instead of making the humble effort to bend down, take off those shoes, and exchange them for peaceful shoes, pride keeps those old shoes on our feet.  We can't stand and resist the enemy.  It's a crippling and painful existence.  Those shoes pinch the joy out of life.  Those shoes keep us from living a life of victory.

Do you have shoes you need to exchange for peaceful ones?  (And it's okay if you're the Queen of Returns!)


P.S.  If you have lower back, hip or knee problems, I wouldn't recommend Sketchers Tone-Ups.

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

44th Anniversary

Forty-four years ago today, Dave and I became husband and wife.  Our lives have been seasoned and preserved by the love, grace and mercy of God.  We have a great marriage; Dave is my best friend on this earth.  I know I can share my feelings and thoughts with him without being judged or made to feel insignificant.  I am so comfortable with him.   But I never want to get "sloppy comfortable" so that I fail to see him with new eyes and appreciate the gifts and leadership in him, or disrespect him. 

When he tells me about his job as a Superintendent of Commercial Construction with Caliber Construction, I get glimpses of how others view him as the leader and authority on the job, and his role in handling difficult people and situations.  And my estimation of him rises even more.  Dave is a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather.  I am firmly convinced that when a husband and wife keep their relationship with the Lord Jesus fresh and meaningful, they will draw ever closer to each other with love and respect.

Speaking of love and respect, Dave and I highly recommend a DVD seminar on marriage by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs who wrote a book titled "Love and Respect".  His website is http://loveandrespect.com/ .  Our life group at church did a small group study with his materials, which include a workbook and DVD.  Dave and I have taken advantage of attending several marriage seminars over the years just to keep a fresh perspective on our marriage.  We have not been disappointed.

I am reminded of a poem I wrote shortly after Dave's father passed away. In honor of Irvin, and as a celebration of our marriage today, I offer this poem publicly.

             Legacy of Love

Patiently, he waits as Mother arranges us
Around the table; and when we're seated
He asks that we sing together.
Eyes closed, hands clasped together,
He begins to sing: "God is so good,
God is so good, God is so good,
He's so good to me.
Then he prays a blessing
On his children, grandchildren,
And on the food,
Praying in hushed tones
To the Savior he loves so much.

He slowly reaches for another piece of celery
As we still sit around the table
Busily chattering like magpies.
Mother has finally seated herself
To enjoy her piece of pie
After serving the rest of us.
His blue plaid flannel shirt
Faintly echoes the softness of his smile
As he reaches over to stroke Mother's arm.
His heart, too, is warm and soft
Like that flannel shirt.

At the door, his tender "good-bye"
And warm hug is coupled with
"God bless you, my daughter;"
I feel as loved and accepted by him
As if I were his own daughter.
Little do I know it is the last time
I will look into his "Jesus eyes",
The tender-hearted eyes of a soul
We called Irvin.
I am richer for having known him,
And I am doubly blessed to have his son
As my husband. 

                By Elaine Beachy
                November 29, 1994

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

A Bump In The Road

The early morning light teases my senses awake.  "Holy Spirit, I give myself to You anew today.  Work through me in all I do and say." 

I roll onto my back and stretch, feeling the joy down to my toes.  The day stretches before me too, like a road of smooth, satiny candy at a taffy pull. I know that with each step I take, I shall not walk this way again. 

As I lie in cozy comfort between flannel sheets and a blanket, thoughts begin coming to me about that devotional book I am to write.  I brave the chilly room to throw back the covers, turn on my lamp and pick up the notebook and pen I keep at my bedside.  I write down a few ideas, turn off the light, and go back to bed.  More fertile thoughts spring to the surface of my mind; the light comes on again, and I write some more words.  This happens a third time, and I decide to stay up.  I rejoice at what the Lord has put into my heart.

I make the bed, do my exercises, shower and get dressed.  I take a load of laundry along with me and put it in the washing machine before I go to the kitchen and eat breakfast.  After breakfast, I mix a batch of bread dough and set it to rise.  I put the wet clean clothes into the dryer and set about cleaning the sink, stove, microwave, breadbox and countertops.  I shake out bathroom rugs, answer more e-mails, then hang up the now-dry, clean clothes in the closet.  I eat lunch.

My bread has risen, so I punch it down, shape it into loaves, place them into glass loaf pans, and prick the tops with a fork.  I set them aside to rise for baking.  I reply to a comment addressed to me from a woman in my poet's group on LinkedIn who believes all paths lead to God, no matter by what name we call Him.  She has written in response to correspondence related to a poem I submitted titled "Reunion", which tells the story of creation, the fall of man, and his redemption.  I spend a lot of time crafting my reply.

The microwave timer beeps, signifying it's time to heat the oven.   Soon the satisfying smell of baking bread fills my senses and the house.  I am feeling very gratified by the smoothness of the road I'm walking, that road that stretches on like a pull of taffy.

I sit back down to my computer at 1:15 and my eyes fall on an e-mail from my friend Jane who lives an hour away in Stephens City. "I must have written the date down wrong," she writes.  "I thought we were to meet at my place at 11:30 to have lunch today".

Oh no!  I can't believe I have forgotten such an important date as lunch with my friend and prayer partner, Jane!  I reach for the phone to apologize, to ask her forgiveness.  The answering machine is the only contact with her.  I send an e-mail to connect with her, knowing she probably has gone out somewhere.  I realize I had forgotten to transfer the anticpated appointment from my calendar to a sticky note on the fridge. 

I am surprised by the calm I feel -- I don't wallow in self-incrimination or guilt.  And I realize how much I have changed from a year ago -- maybe even less than a year ago.  It feels good, and my road once again is smooth beneath my feet.  It was just a bump of forgetfulness in the road.

Jane e-mails me back and says she's not upset, for which I am thankful.  We make plans to meet next Monday.  Jane is a real friend; we have confidence in each other, believe the best of each other -- bumps and all. Thank you, Jane.

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Territory for God

Thanks to Johnese Burtram, Director of the Northern Virginia Christian Writers Fellowship, of which I am a member, I joined the professional network of LinkedIn several months ago.  Just a few days ago, I joined six groups on LinkedIn which are proving to be tremendously helpful and enjoyable for me.  I joined Books and Writers, Creative Designers and Writers, Poets Group, Writer's Cafe, Women's Memoirs, and Self-Published Authors. 

I've had a lot of interaction with the Poets Group.  I submitted two poems of mine to the forum:  "Paradise Lost" and "Reunion", which express what happened after the creation, the fall of man, and what God did to remedy the situation.  A contributor named Robert commented on both of them.  I sat here at my computer and cried as I read his words.  I'll copy one of his comments here:

LinkedIn Groups

Group: Poets Discussion: Would you please share one of your poems with us? Dear Elaine: Thank you for your preciuos comment on my work. You have a real job ahead as your work is very much needed. Have you given a thought to devotions, or poems that when published help others to be strengthened by your words. There are publishers waitng for you. Posted by Robert

I felt like I had received a word from the Lord through Him.  So I am prayerfully considering writing a devotional book which includes a number of my poems.

I feel like God is answering the prayer He reminded me to pray a few months ago -- the prayer of Jabez in the Bible.  I Chronicles 4:10, NKJV, records this prayer:  "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.'  So God  granted him what he requested."

My territory is expanding even as a result of joining the various writer's groups.  Next week I will be involved in the design of my website through Wine Press, as the illustrations are finished now. The cover, done in color, is just beautiful.  The chapter illustrations are beautiful too in black and white.  The book is now in the typesetting department.  I am so eager to have the book completed; so many of you have been patiently waiting. 

Please pray for me that I will be able to do all that is required of me to have my website.  It feels a bit intimidating, because it will be a new step for me.  Would you agree with me in prayer for God to enlarge my territory even more for His glory? 

Love and hugs -- I appreciate you!

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Making Memories

Last evening my granddaughters Alissa, age 14,  and Nicole, 10, had a sleepover at Grandma's house.  When my daughter Deb came to pick them up around 11:30, she brought with her some muffins she'd made and said, "I think it's tea time".  Between my comments and hers, a cup of tea turned into a simply delightful, impromptu tea party for the four of us! 

As Deb found the small, shiny royal blue cellophane bag that held her favorite Cherry Rose loose tea, she asked, "Do you have a tea pot big enough to hold our tea?"  I filled my tea kettle with water, set it to boil, and thought for a moment.

I opened a kitchen cabinet door and pointed to the topmost shelf that held my porcelain tea service.  "Let's use my white porcelain tea set with the pink and yellow roses and gold edging."  It was Wawel fine porcelain with the Rose Bouquet pattern made in Poland.

Alissa and Nicole squealed with delight, and my daughter and I found ourselves delighted with our impromptu plans.  We clapped our hands and laughed like we'd found a treasure.

"Grandma, do you have a white tablecloth?" Alissa asked.  She clasped her hands as though she hoped I did.

"I do indeed," I answered, and scurried off to pull my heavy white restaurant-quality square tablecloth from a closet shelf.  Alissa and I made the kitchen table small and covered it with the tablecloth.

Using a chair, Deb climbed up and carefully lifted down the porcelain tea pot with warmer, serving tray, cups, saucers, plates, tiny gold spoons, sugar cubes, gold tongs, sugar bowl and jelly dish.  Deb gently wiped each piece, in case any dust had collected., and Alissa helped set the table.  I went to find some pretty napkins and a tea light candle to put in the warmer under the teapot. After Deb filled the tea ball with the loose tea, closed it, then lowered it into the teapot, I poured in the hot water. 

Her mother instructed Alissa to place the muffins on the serving tray, then added a few slices of my homemade wheat bread.  Seedless raspberry jelly was found in my fridge and Deb filled the crystal jelly dish.  Soon butter found its way to the table, and we were ready for our "high tea".   Alissa ran to raid my scarf drawer to dress up a bit, then decided against it.

After I blessed our tea time, we engaged in conversation in British brogue as Deb served the rich amber- colored, delicate tea.  The sugar bowl was passed, and we helped ourselves to cubes of sugar using the golden tongs, then stirred the tea with our tiny golden spoons.

We held our tea cups between thumb and forfinger and sipped tea most daintily without elbows on the table.  We dabbed our mouths with the tea napkin between sips, broke off bites of cranberry or chocolate chip muffins, and savored tiny bites of homemade bread with butter and raspberry jam.  Alissa fetched a lacy Victorian folding fan I had stashed in a drawer, and we all took turns using it.  And took turns photographing one another with said fan held in proper position. 

We talked of sophisticated subjects, such as the Red Wall series of books Nicole is reading, and the accompanying cookbook.  We engaged in high brow topics of interest such as the squirrels that continuously managed to empty Deb's suet feeder in a tree outside her kitchen window.  We spoke of when my husband should next be deer hunting.  We ventured into the topic of fox hunting on horses, and Alissa informed us she would love to go on such a hunt herself.  Her grandmother was properly shocked!  We talked of our eldest son who would love to have a horse and go riding.  With delightful British tongue, Deb replied that she, too, had always wanted a horse, and perhaps one could pursue the option of boarding a horse at a riding stable in the area, or some such thing.  "Yes, dahling, that would be just loovley!" Deb cooed.

Speaking normally again, Deb looked at Alissa and quoted a beautiful phrase to her from the book Gentle Passages -- guiding your daughter into womanhood by Robin Jones Gunn.  I had given Deb the book when Alissa was about ten years old.  As suggested in the book, Deb presented Alissa with a single fine china tea cup and saucer that was given special meaning.  Today she reminded us of those words she spoke to her daughter as she discussed sexual purity with her that day. "You're God's fine china, set apart for God's special purpose."  (from the Living Bible, 2 Timothy 2:21)

We truly had a treasure today -- a treasure of making memories!

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy

Decorating Tips

Home Interiors & Gifts.  How many of you remember that wonderful comany started by Mary Crowley?  She made training and business opportunities available through home parties for women who needed extra income. Home Interiors brought us beautiful artwork, florals, greenery, figurines, candles, even small furniture.

Many women became decorating consultants, overcame shyness, and blossomed into personal and spiritual growth as a result of Mary Crowley.  Today, that company is no longer with us, but has been bought out by Celebrating Home.

I used to be a Decorating Consultant with Home Interiors & Gifts for about 10 years before they were bought out about 8 years or so ago.  I was in many homes, giving women decorating tips.  I talked about the value of a clean, orderly home, and how making the home beautiful greatly influences the atmosphere that is felt by husbands, children and guests.  You as a homemaker have more serenity if at least one room in the home is tastefully decorated. 

I showed women how to use what they already had and rearrange it so it looks better.  I also helped them find new things to add to their decorating.  I'd like to offer you some tips to perhaps give you some ideas.

The outside entrance to your home should be decorated with a wreath on the door, year 'round, or something on the porch next to the door.  I used to teach women how to make wreaths with the florals I sold.  Perhaps you can take a class on making them, or just buy them ready-made.  It doesn't have to be elaborate; even some grapevine coiled together with a big colorful bow added would suit your taste.  Your decorating style may be country, shabby chic, romantic (Victorian), or contemporary.  Decorate according to who you are.

Every room should have a focal point, such as a piece of artwork or mirror above the fireplace or on a wall.  Such a focal point is called a "grouping", and included sconces, swags of florals or greenery, candles or figurines arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically.  Symmetrical just means you equally space a sconce on either side of the artwork or mirror.  You can also place sconces asymmetricaly by placing them on one side of the artwork, one above the other, slightly to the right or left.  A good rule of thumb is to space the sconces not more than a generous hand-width away from the frame.  Floral swags/greenery above the artwork should touch the frame.  Choose accessories such as candles, that bring out a color you like in the artwork;  use a figurine or display a coordinating item that is in the artwork.

One important thing to remember is not to hang your artwork or mirror too high on the wall.  This is a common mistake.  The best height is for the bottom of the frame to be 8-10 inches above the back of a couch or chair.  If the artwork doesn't have furniture below it, hang the center of the picture at your eye level and put a shelf a hand-width below it to "anchor" the piece visually.  Decorate the shelf by laying a floral swag on it, or with greenery, a candle and/or figurine.  Place the candle/figurine to the left side of the shelf.  Elevate one of the accent pieces on a decorative box to create visual interest.

When decorating seasonally, it's not necessary to decorate every room in the home.  It's enough to do the front door, foyer, dining room table, and main bathroom. 

Greenery brings the freshness of the outdoors inside.  Candles add ambience and scent to the home.  Smells can trigger good memories and give feelings of warmth and romance.  Using accent lighting such as lamps and candles at night creates a warm, enjoyable atmosphere.  If you have allergies, burn unscented or soy candles.

There are many stores from which to purchase decorating items.  But like I always told the women at home shows I held, "Where are you going to find someone who'll tell you how to use the piece in your home, or decorate properly?"  That's why women loved Home Interiors so much.  They gained help and confidence in their decorating.  I've heard stories of lives being changed for the better because the wife began to take an interest in how her home looked.  Some women became very successful and made Home Interiors their career.

If you wish to have the advantage of such help, I'm sure you can find a consultant to come to your home, even on a personal appointment (I did those, too), at http://www.celebratinghome.com/ .  This is not intended to be an ad for Celebrating Home, and I don't hold parties anymore.  (I quit the business in June of 2009). You may also wish to have a "party" at your home and invite your friends. Attending decorating parties with other women builds community and is good for our society.  It's part of hospitality, too, and can be a lot of fun.

Happy decorating!

Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy