Monthly Archives: October 2014

Are You in God’s Hands?

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A couple of weeks ago as I was on my way home from church, I noticed a question written on the back of a white car as it was passing me: “Are you in good hands?” Allstate Insurance was also written underneath this question.

As I thought about these words, I began thinking about being in God’s hands. Jeremiah 18:5-6 says, “Then the word of the Lord came to me; ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” We are formed and shaped daily in the potter’s hands; created in His image and likeness.

There is a song by Kathy Troccoli entitled, “My Life Is In Your Hands” and the words of first verse and the chorus are as follows:

Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where you are
Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can’t see
That whatever comes my way
You’ll be with me

My Life is in Your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I’m never without hope
Not when my future is with You

What a wonderful testament to God’s faithfulness because our future is in the one who holds our hands in His.

Another insurance company’s slogan is a jingle: “Nationwide is on your side.” Along with being in God’s hands, we also have God on our side. He is our comforter, our protector, our healer, and our provider in our time(s) of need. His Word tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Just knowing that He is always with us as we go through various circumstances in our lives is comforting to the heart and soul. He is our hope, our joy, our peace, our confidant, our loving Father!

As we go throughout our day, let us remember that we are continually in God’s hands and that He is always on our side as long as we continue to trust in the promises in His Word.

Blessings,
Yvonne

Nana’s Corner: The Baby Shower

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On Saturday, October 4, we had a baby shower for my daughter at the Tea Mansion in Bellwood. The theme was whimsical woodland animals. For most of the summer months, I hand painted the flowerpot centerpieces, made up the tablet favors for the adults and animal masks for the children who attended, purchased various whimsical woodland animals to use with the flowerpot centerpieces, and created an art print for everyone to sign. When the guests arrived, they selected a victorian-style hat to wear during the three-hour event.

The menu consisted of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, two kinds of tea, white lemon-filled cake, and chips, nuts, and homemade chocolates in various baby shapes from MIDS Candies. Delicious!

Games and prizes were provided by my daughter’s enthusiastic sister-in-law. Everyone also had an opportunity to write down their well wishes to “Baby Bee” (my daughter and her husband do not want to know the sex of the baby until birth).

Gifts were unwrapped followed by lots of ooh’s and ah’s from everyone. Four additional baskets (candles, crafts, writing, and coffee/tea baskets) were awarded to the individuals who had the four special numbers called out during the opening of the gifts. They were all delighted at their selections.

Three hours passed quickly, but the sounds of laughter, excitement, fun, and just a time of relaxation of “getting away from it all” was a blessing to all who attended. The children definitely enjoyed coloring the animal masks and looking through the gift shop.

Yes, the baby shower is over but the memories from that time will live on as the beginning of what is to come with the birth of a precious God-given gift which is to happen within the next few weeks.

Today, I want to give thanks to my daughter’s mother-in-law, Cindy, and her daughter, Chelsea, for helping me put together a most blessed event. Thank you so much for all your patience, love, and support for the past 3-4 months while working on the details of the baby shower.

Blessings,
Yvonne

Book Review: “Breathing Room” by LeeAna Tankersley

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With so much stress in our lives today on a daily basis, LeeAna Tankersley, author of “Breathing Room”, emphasizes that we should not allow outside forces such as stress to control our lives, and that we need to take responsibility for ourselves.

With an upbeat and positive attitude, Ms. Tankersley shares that being at peace with your inner self and discovering your “soul voice” are very important components in finding your “true self.” Creativity is a big part of who we are; and when we are creative, it gives us a sense of being one with our mind, body, and spirit.

Straight forward, candid, and filled with personal stories of her own struggles from time to time on her journey in life, she encourages us to seek the Creator, the one who gives us grace throughout our life’s experiences.

“Breathing Room” is thought-provoking for anyone who struggles with feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacies. It is truly a breath of fresh air and a worth-while read.

Blessings,
Yvonne