The Grocery List

I received a forwarded e-mail from my dear sister Amy this morning.  Amy doesn't usually send forwards, so it immediately caught my eye.  I read top to bottom and was very moved.  Thanks Amy for sharing with me!  Now in turn, I want to share with you!  I hope your grocery cart of life is overflowing with love, faith and abundance!
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SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.
 
She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once…

Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'

Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries…

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.'

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store.... The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs…

THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer… That's all you have to do.  Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives.

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I very rarely share forwards or send forwards.

But this story reminded me how in these trying times, be greatful for what you have,and for who our lives are blessed with every day!

I am greatful for your friendships and the inspiration you provide me every single day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Hugs!}  

8/2/2007 - Taken on the way home from visiting Chris' Dad after SUCCESSFUL heart surgery!

 

Pictures of Christmas

Thanks all for the Christmas wishes yesterday!  LOL  We had a DANDY lunch... full of laughter and catching up on all the latest juicy girl talk... you know the drill!  So despite the 38 snowflakes we had (which was just Mother Nature's way of reminding us she's still listening) we had a great time!

Before I show you a photo of the jewelry I made for Angela, I want to share a bit about her.  Angela is an RN that works in a rehabilitation facility down in Rockford.  Her specialty was helping patients that had serious spinal cord injuries that permanently changed their lives.  Fast Forward... She had a serious accident a few years ago that resulted in her becoming a spinal cord patient receiving the therapy she had been giving.  Life can change in an instant.  I admire Angela's spirit... she lets NOTHING get in her way or keep her down.  After much therapy, she's still working at the facility, but her job duties have changed.  She has a new level of respect and admiration for her patients as she's been in their shoes too!  They all relate to her and often form friendships and a support team for when they go back home. 

As a way to supplement her income and surround herself in positivity as she healed, she became a beauty consultant with Mary Kay.  The way the women pick each other up is inspiring.  Plus being able to share beauty with woman across the globe brings out a glow in women that nothing can compare with.

So as I thought of Angela, I wanted a piece that demonstrated natural beauty, strength and elegance.  Something that she could wear to a professional function with Mary Kay, or at work on the days she's doing administrative work.  SO without further adieu... here's my interpretation of Angela in jewelry form!

Hope you take a moment today to tell a dear friend how special they are.  Friendships and life are priceless, so cherish those that are close to you.  Life can change in an instant!

Peace & Love to you!
~Dawn

It's Still Christmas Somewhere

Right?  I have emerged from the depths of quickbooks... I can still see, I'm breathing and I am not yet committed to a rubber room... BONUS!  So today, I'm getting together with one of my very best girlfriends ever for our Christmas celebration.  DON'T LAUGH!

Every time she and I plan on getting together, it snows.  Well there was no snow in the forecast for today (however as I glance out the window... sure enough, it's snowing.)  But look at the radar and it shows nothing... can you believe it? 

So today is our Christmas and I'm so excited to get together with A.  She & I have been dearest friends since we were 14 years old.  We've gone through so much together and always been there for each other.  Laughter, tears, loss and joy.  She actually participated in my open house last November (to see a photo from then, click here).

Tomorrow I'll have a photo for you... but for today, I'm just wishing you a boatload of sunshine and love!

Hope your day is superb!!!
{Hugs!}

Thank YOU... really, Thank You!

As our feast of greatfullness approaches, we're all readying ourselves to share love, laughter and a wonderful meal with loved ones. (Beginning as soon as I'm done with this post, I'm going to start the baking - cherry pie and Aunt Noreen's Corn Casserole!)

One of the people I am so thankful for is YOU!  Without your comments, feedback and friendship I wouldn't be the person I am today.  Everytime I get a comment on my blog, I know that someone took a little extra time to read my post and share their thoughts.  In a world where it seems we're running 90 mph and never really getting our whole "To Do" list done, the fact that you chose to spend time on my blog sharing your feedback with me is really special.  And I sincerely appreciate your efforts!

I want to share my thankfulness with you.  As my token of appreciation for your friendship and feedback, I have marked one of my favorite pieces of ALL TIME on Sale... it's only on sale through Friday.  So... if you're not going to brave the crowd at 4 a.m. have fun doing your shopping online. This piece features one of my very favorite focal beads from Juls Beads (that girl makes magic with glass!)  She named the focal Lady Godiva and I think that's the most regal, royal name on the planet.  So for you, treat yourself or to treat someone you love - here's Lady Godiva on sale!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, cherishing all those you love, never forgetting to say "I love you!" and remembering those families that can't be together for the holidays.  For those overseas and serving our country, I send you my greatfulness for your unending selflessness.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Giving Love

Last week, if you read my post about my October "To Do" list, you'll know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... but rather it's been a really good, busy few weeks here.  I wanted to share with you a moment last week that just makes me glow.  My mission in life is to spread love and happiness.

For the Open House I did at a friends house last week, I always make a special little something to say "Thank you for sharing my jewelry with your friends."  Well at this particular party, there were two hostesses and they invited both of their circles of friends.  As a showing for my appreciation I made them each a bracelet - different and representing each of their personalities.  Upon opening their gifts together, I hear a squeal and "Oh my gosh - it's so beautiful... Look, I have goosebumps!" 

Just being me, those moments are what I live for.  This was of course followed with big hugs and happy dances all around.  I appreciate it so very much when people believe in me enough, and love my designs enough to want to share me with their friends.  It's a personal referral that means the most to my heart!

I'll get pictures of my open house and such posted after I get them off my camera.  I also received the most amazing two packages last week from my friends which I can't wait to share with you as well.  I've got so much to say, but first, I must get my fur babies out for a walk.  They are both giving me that look - and if you have fur babies, you know the look I'm talking about! :)  Of course they get cookies when we get back and I just might dive into a piece of leftover birthday cake from our party yesterday... just maybe!

Make it a terrific day!
Hugs!

Dawn