Vintage Bowls

It's good to get those vintage bowls out of the cabinets and make use of them. This 100 year old English bowl is one of my favorite finds. The realistic appearing berries have almost fooled some people! Also, I decided to put onions in a vintage bowl on my countertop until they are used.

Grandma's Picnic Basket

My grandmother's picnic basket isn't used for its intended purpose anymore, but fits this space perfectly as an attractive decoration.

What "goods" do you have in your "picnic basket of life" that you share with others? Are you bringing out encouragement, a kind word, patience, understanding, a listening ear? Sometime you will be in need of one or more of these. The Bible states you reap what you sow (Galations 6:7). Are you utilizing the special gifts and abilities (Romans 12:6) you have been given by your Creator or are they laying dormant?

It is important to be on guard to the negative things that try to creep in and taint and spoil our "goods" -- offense, unforgiveness, jealously, envy, being judgmental, arrogance, self-pity -- to name a few. We lose our effectiveness when we let any of these negative emotions take over. If we allow these negative emotions to take up residence in us, we risk damaging our "goods."

Also, we should try to keep our "goods" fresh, not stale. Have an open mind and do something differently once in a while. We all have varied styles and gifts, and your way may not be the only way. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) with the word of God and keep your prayer connection with Him strong.


This post is linked on Spiritual Sundays - http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

The $1.00 Desk

This small desk was found at a garage sale for $1.00. The seller really liked it, but decided to part with it due to her husband's procrastination of several years. A board needed to be replaced on the right side to stabilize it and, obviously, it needed a paint job. I felt the board would be too plain and decided to add the barley twist legs for more pizazz. Some vintage trim was added to the sides (by the drawers) and old moulding was added at the bottom of the sides (not easily visible in the photos) to cover some chips. Wood appliques from Lowe's were put on the drawer knobs and another wood applique was placed at the bottom. After the paint dried, a water based stain was applied to age the paint and give it a slightly dirty look. (The piece will become "dirtier" as more stain is applied.) I only wanted a subtle aged paint "dirty" effect. Adding trim and appliques elevates the charm element.