Perspectives | Uniquely Yours Craft Journal

Walking on Water

23 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Walking on Water

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives, Product Review Tags: boat, fear, Ortberg, walking on water

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Have you ever read a book that you knew had changed your life? For me, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat” by John Ortberg is such a book. It profoundly changed the way I look at my relationship with God and the relationships in my life.

The reference to “walking on water” comes from the Biblical account of Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. First Jesus had to get the apostles’ attention Then, because He wanted them to do something extraordinary, He told Peter to “Come” and “Do not be afraid”. Wow, now that’s what is called a tremendous opportunity!

Ortberg goes on to explain about water-walkers and we discover what our boat represents. He talks about the fear of leaving our comfort zone, of the challenge of risk, of “seeing the wind”, of learning to wait, and finally, our response.

For those of you, who are wondering why I would recommend a “religious” book, well, I’ll tell you. The author, without being “Preachy’, takes you on a great adventure. He invites you to pack your bags and take a risk. I had always been shy around people I did not know. If attending a meeting, I always scanned the room for someone I knew first. I hardly ever volunteered to do something out of my comfort zone. My “boat” was fear. After reading this book, I became more assertive, friendly and I took on assignments at work and church that had once terrified me. I now recommend this book to everyone I meet.

‘Til next time,

~Sallie

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

Summer Camp Blues

16 Jul 2014 Comments Off on Summer Camp Blues

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives Tags: growing up, Library, Summer Camp

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Below is another great post from MaryBeth. Enjoy!

~Sallie

Dear Mommy and Daddy”. I knew in an instant what the letter I was reading would be about. Our son, “T” was at his first ever summer camp and a long (on my part) 2 weeks had passed when the letter arrived in the mail. “T” is our oldest and the idea of time away from home seemed like a great adventure when he first broached the subject with us.

I remember the brochure promised safety, well-trained counselors, art and sport activities and a chance for our boys to be on their own. “T” was very excited when we told him he could go. Thank goodness, my husband helped him pack, as everything would have disappeared into his duffel bag if it had fit! “He’ll be fine”, my husband told me as we watched the travelers drive away.

I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, that he needed to spread his wings and fly away (at least for a month!) and that he’d have a wonderful time. But oh, I missed him! The summer days were long without him and my “helper” was, temporarily his younger sister. Car trips to the library weren’t the same and neither were the sun-dappled days of playing catch or lemonade coloring days on our deck.

“I’m having a great time! T.J. (his best friend from home) and I won the fishing contest!” Well, I thought as I continued to read. It was good that T.J. was with him as he knew someone at least. “Yesterday, we had macaroni and cheese for lunch, but it didn’t taste as good as yours, Mommy.” Here it comes, I thought…… but the next sentence really surprised me. “This is really a great place and I hope you’ll let me come again next year.” Ok, I’ll admit it – I lost it!

My husband was perplexed and then said some words that I heard in the shelter of his arms. “Mary Beth, he’s having a wonderful time. He’s learning and laughing and being a boy. He has to grow up sometime. You’re a great Mom and he loves you as we all do. I think you have a case of the Summer Camp Blues. How about we gather up the kids and head over to the diner for dinner?”

Summer Camp Survivor,

Mary Beth

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

Celebrations

30 May 2014 Comments Off on Celebrations

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives Tags: breakfast in bed, celebrations, french toast, Nancy Drew, teen

Dear Fellow Journalers,

The following Random Thought is a post from Mary Beth. It is rather long, but I think well worth it!

Celebrations

My parents were big on ceremonies. They devised celebrations for everything from lost teeth to good grades. As the oldest of 6 children, I had witnessed a lot of celebrations but the one that stands out for me, was the year I turned 13.

My parents told me that the next morning I was to remain in bed because a surprise (celebration) was going to happen. So the next morning I awoke to balloons tied to my bed posts! Promptly at 8 am my Dad poked his head into my room and with a verbal drum roll, marched into my room carrying a breakfast tray. My Mom arranged pillows behind me and after instructing me in the finer art of eating in bed, left me to my french toast and Nancy Drew mystery. When I finished my breakfast, I rang the bell as I had been previously instructed to do and my parents entered my room. My Mom explained that since I was soon to become a teenager that age came responsibilities but also some new privileges. Above all they wanted me to know they loved me and were looking forward to my new teen celebrations!

How cool! You’re thinking – right! YES! and how loved!!

MaryBeth

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

Friendships

28 May 2014 1 Comment

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives Tags: friendship, memories

Dear Fellow Journalers,

This post entry is about friendships. I’m glad that “G” is my friend!

~Sallie

Dinner with a Friend

Remember that movie from years back called My Dinner with Andre’? I do. In fact it’s a favorite of mine.

I must confess that there are some people who I love having dinner with. Not lunch, dinner. Lunch somehow speaks a hurried meal, a “I’ll fit you in” kind of thing. Dinner alone, just the two of you, is different. Dinner says “come linger, spend some time, and let’s really talk” kind of thing.

There are only a few people I like having dinner with. They are usually old friends (some exceptions) and people I really don’t see that often. It always happens the same way. I’ll call them, or they’ll call me, and the words are: “Hey, let’s catch up.” Each one of these friends has their favorite restaurant and nothing ever has to be said about where we’ll meet, only what time.

On the appointed day, who ever gets there first places the drink order. With some friends, we meet in the bar, and migrate into dinner. With others, we just start in the dining room.

What’s surprising is how fast the conversation starts. After the exchange of pleasantries, we somehow almost seem to pick up where we left off X number of months ago. And away we go.

Sometimes, also surprisingly, the conversation “dies” after a few hours. But more often, we end up closing the place. Sometimes we even end up heading to a bar to finish our evening. It really doesn’t matter which. All that really matters is re-establishing the “connection.”

I REALLY enjoy these times, and always look forward to them. Often, I find myself looking at them mid conversation, and asking myself ‘Why don’t I see this person more often? They are fabulous!” Of course, there are also those rare occasions where you end up saying, “Time has passed on this friendship”, and you mentally “scratch” them off. Such is life!

So, who haven’t YOU had dinner with in a while? All you need to do is pick up the phone! Do it now, before you forget.

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com

Mom’s Day

09 May 2014 Comments Off on Mom’s Day

by uniquelyyourscraftjournal in Perspectives Tags: chocolate, downtown, Mother's Day

Dear Fellow Journalers,

The following is an excellent post from “G:

This is not a piece about Mothers Day. It’s a piece about a special Moms’ Day, and my Mother.

Growing up as a kid, life centered on the Family—Mom, my brother, sister, me and Dad. Time alone with Mom was rare, and short. The exception was if there was an errand that centered on you. That meant a trip to downtown , the then center of the world, and that meant time alone with Mom.

Between the ages of 11 to 13, I had a “growth spurt” that was the fore-teller of the big gazoo I am today. I outgrew everything at an accelerated rate. That meant more trips to downtown.

On the designated day, Mom and I boarded the bus for the trip to the old Thom McCann shoe store (no longer in business) to buy me a pair of shoes. Completing the task, Mom hit a few other stores for things the household needed. Then we started to walk to the bus stop for the trip home.

Walking down Main Street, Mom was drawn to the window of Mandy’s Candies. (also no longer in business) Being all woman, Mom LOVED chocolate ! Now Mandy’s was a fine, hand-made, fresh, excellent candy store. You didn’t go there to buy Hershey bars or M&Ms. Of course, their prices reflected that fact!

Mom looked longingly through the window. She suddenly motioned that we were going in.

Mom perused the delicacies vigilantly. I saw her look at the expensive top row, but quickly diverting her eyes to the more reasonable bottom row. With a sigh and resignation, she began to say: “I’d like a quarter of a pound of—“.

I stopped her mid sentence. “Mom, please get what you really want, never mind the cost. You do so much for us, you deserve it. I’ll contribute part of my allowance each week to make up the difference.”

Mom quickly looked away, intending to ignore me, but surprised me when she said, with total abandon: “I’ll have HALF a pound of (her favorite).

Stepping outside to the street, Mom opened the box, smelled the aroma, and of course offered me the first piece. ‘Mom, it was cookie day at school today, and I’m really not hungry.” (I lied, but am positive God forgave me before the words left my mouth.)

Mom savored the morsel and the look on her face was a look of total joy. Mom finished her piece, again offered me one (I again declined) Mom carefully put the box in the bag with the days other treasures, and off to the bus stop we marched.

Settling in on the bus, I said to her “Mom, I think you should hide that candy and eat it all yourself. You can eat it while we’re at school and Dad’s at work. You deserve this Mom, please do it!”

The look of shock on her face turned to something else, and the tear ran down her cheek. ‘Thank you dear. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live.’

Know what? As far as I know, she never did.

My Mom has been dead for over 34 years now. Truth be told, after such a long time, I seldom think of her anymore, EXCEPT for those few, special Moms’ Days that I can never forget.

So if your Mom is still with you, call her up on Mothers Day. Start the conversation with “Mom, do you remember the time—– “ ? I bet you a piece of candy she will!!

P.S. If you’re a Mom, call up those rotten, no good, selfish children of yours and tell them, like all Mothers, YOU WANT CHOCOLATE for Mothers Day! If you’re not a Mom, or even if you are, do the same for your Mother if you can.

P.S.S. In my wife’s kitchen, there remains a sign, of many years past, that says:

GIMME THE CHOCOLATE AND NOBODY GETS HURT!!

Good advice for all men anytime!

“G” 5/09/14

Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given

To Sallie and uniquelyyourscraftjournal with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You may reach Sallie at uniquelyyourscraftjournal@outlook.com