Mercy

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows
Are more felt than up in Heaven;
There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kindly judgment given.

There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior;
There is healing in His blood.

There is grace enough for thousands
Of new worlds as great as this;
There is room for fresh creations
In that upper home of bliss.

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of our mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

It is God: His love looks mighty,
But is mightier than it seems;
’Tis our Father: and His fondness
Goes far out beyond our dreams.

But we make His love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify His strictness
With a zeal He will not own.

Was there ever kinder shepherd
Half so gentle, half so sweet,
As the Savior who would have us
Come and gather at His feet?

Song: ‘There’s A Wideness In God’s Mercy’
Words: Fred­er­ick W. Fa­ber, 1854
Music: Well­es­ley, Liz­zie Tour­jée, 1878
Click here to listen to this hymn

Saying ‘Thank You’

Thank the Lord because He is good.
His love continues forever.
Psalm 106:1

Worship is when you are aware that what you’ve been given is far greater than what you can give. Worship is the awareness that if it were not for His touch, you’d still be hobbling and hurting, bitter and broken. Worship is the half-glazed expression on the parched face of a desert pilgrim as he discovers that the oasis is not a mirage.

Worship is the ‘thank you’ that refuses to be silent.

We have tried to make a science out of worship. We can’t do that. We can’t do that anymore than we can ‘sell love’ or ‘negotiate peace’.

Worship is the voluntary gratitude offered by the saved to the Savior, by the healed to the Healer, and by the delivered to the Deliverer.

from ‘In the Eye of the Storm’
by Max Lucado

Comings And Goings And A Handmade Chair

Autumn days are flying by. The leaves are falling from our big maple tree just outside my front window and the chilly nights signal the soon arrival of winter. Thoughts of Christmas have begun to swirl in my head and plans are being made for holiday celebrations with those dear to my heart. Nights are chilly but the last few days have been unusually warm – and gorgeous! The weather has begun to change and soon our clocks will change, too! I love this time of year – it’s a time of change and time to bring out special things carefully packed away for the last months.

Today was my weekly trek out and about with my dear, little mother and my cousin. We headed south a ways to one of my favorite places. A visit to Historic Deepwood Estate to share the joy of seeing my yellow depression glass on display with my sweet mom, lunch out together (joined by a sweet friend) and a bit of thrifting along the the way added treasured memories of time spent together.

Tomorrow morning I will return to the gorgeous mansion for a photo-shoot. I am excited and feeling a bit stretched and challenged with the task at hand. The ladies who ‘do’ the teas through the year at Deepwood will all be there, dressed in vintage and vintage-reproduction gowns and I – yes, that’s right, ME – I get to do the photography that may be used on the website, in advertising and perhaps on the hoped-for blog that may begin in the near future. In a couple of weeks I will return to the mansion to take photos as this wonderful, old home is decorated for the holidays. I will watch as this special house is transformed into a place of holiday beauty. I’ll be sure to share with you, my friends – don’t worry about that. I won’t forget you!

I thought you would enjoy this little hand-carved chair we saw at a historic site in the eastern part of our state earlier this year. It’s a bit rough and I’m sure not too comfortable. Perhaps the lady of the house made cushions – perhaps not!

I hope you take time to slow down and ‘sit a spell’ this weekend. And I hope – oh, how I hope - you find a soft place to sit!

The Source

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:1-4

Around The House

Yesterday I told you about the displays of my yellow depression glass at Historic Deepwood Estate and I promised to show you a bit more of the stately, old mansion. My time there was rather limited by my own schedule so I took photos of bits and pieces - here and there. As we walked through one of the side gardens on our way to the front door I couldn’t believe the size of these hydrangeas – they were huge!

This tiny yellow rosebud seemed so delicate as it wandered along the fence.

In the entryway, near the front door, this basket of dried hydrangeas caught my eye.

I loved this little tea tray that seemed to be set just for us. The beautiful yellow dishes caught my eye and wished I could sit down and enjoy the special treats that were waiting to be served.

A table was set in front of the fireplace. Three pieces of my yellow Florentine pattern depression glass were part of the setting. The yellow plates with yellow roses in the center are Spode. Would I ever love to find a set!

Some of you have commented on the gorgeous yellow quilt. I loved it the moment I saw it. Wouldn’t it be fun to make a reproduction and have one that looks just like it?

I loved the way the sun filled the bathroom. It seemed to highlight each special thing that had been placed there.

Vintage clothing is one of the things I enjoy. I spied this pretty, old gown in the shower!

And the rows of lace at the hemline on this gown caught my eye.

The bustle frame on this one intrigued me. My cousin and I decided we wouldn’t enjoy carrying it around with us. But we would because we would want to be in style!

Look at the lace hanging above the adjoining bedroom door. What a great idea!

Across the hall we loved seeing a display of old quilts and sewing machines.

Every time I visit Deepwood I am intrigued by this beautiful stained glass window above the upper landing on the staircase.

This exquisite window is just above the lower landing!

One peek into the butler’s pantry and I had to go inside to see more. (I couldn’t find the light switch to add enough light to photograph more.)

Fresh flowers added a touch of color on a sunny day.

I love to spend time in this old mansion – it’s one of my favorite places to visit. I know I will return again and each time there will be more to see. As we stepped outside and stood on the porch I was thankful that we had come on a sunny day. The leaves on the big, old Oak tree in the front yard had begun to turn yellow. It glistened in the sun!

On our way back to the car we stopped often to notice and enjoy more flowers in the garden. And I had a bit of time to talk to two of the gardeners. They were busy at work with Fall maintenance to assure that the gardens will stay beautiful all year long.

As I drove away I knew this would be a day that will stay in my heart for a long time to come. I will go back to visit again and when I do I know I will feel right at home. I can’t wait to return. I wonder what adventures are ahead in this great, old historic place. It’s a home with a story – a past, a present and a future. I would love to be part of that future – and maybe a bit more of the present. You will see the old mansion here again. Perhaps someday soon!

Follow The ‘Yellow Glass’ Road

A few days ago my dear cousin and I went on an excursion. A much-anticipated day away together. Girls on a mission! We left fairly early in the morning and headed straight to Salem, a short distance from my home. Our first stop was at a big Goodwill store where we took our sweet time. I’m sure we must have looked at everything there. Our next stop was down the road a bit – it was the exciting focus of my day. Destination: Historic Deepwood Estate! In the past I’ve shared about this wonderful Victorian mansion here and here.

It was a gorgeous Fall day in our part of Oregon. We parked and walked through the side gardens, on our way to the front door. The tour guide greeted us at the door. ‘Oh, yes, we’ve been expecting you.’ Then we were cheerfully ushered inside and told to help ourselves – go ahead and wander wherever you want. Take your time.

What was the reason for our visit? Why were they expecting us? Why were we given full access to the mansion? Anywhere we wanted to go? Without a tour guide? I was treated as an honored guest because some of my yellow depression glass collection is on display there! My glass is on display in a gorgeous, historic mansion! The thought just makes me swoon! How did this come to be? Simple – my dear friend, Mrs. B. of Sammy Girl fame, coordinates all the displays at Deepwood. I was not prepared for what I was about to see. There’s no way to tell you what I felt when my eyes first caught sight of my lovely pieces on display. Words can’t define it. Each of the chosen pieces is displayed in ways that accentuate its beauty and brings out the details.

We started upstairs. Oh, my! It nearly took my breath away! Not to complain – the bright sunshine made taking photos most difficult at times. Not to be discouraged - I forged ahead. Near the top of the stairs we found a china cabinet full of my collection. And I couldn’t believe what I saw!

(The beautiful, little set on the upper left does not belong to me. I would be very happy to have just like it!)

I don’t think my collection has ever looked more beautiful!

Suddenly I fell in love with each piece all over again and I knew why I have loved it from the beginning.

On top of the little cabinet – an upturned bowl, topped with my yellow hen-on-the-nest dish.

Around the corner – oh my! The yellow quilt was the inspiration for the ‘yellow’ display.

As I entered the room I immediately saw one of my biggest yellow bowls that was layered on top of one of my favorites.

Turning around, a closer look at the mantle made me smile. The yellow and white cream pitcher and sugar bowl are mine. And the swans are mine, too. The big swan is a little vase – the smaller swans are candleholders. Look at that teapot! Wonder why it’s not mine. Hmmm, I’ll have to keep my eyes open for one just like it.

So many other things to see upstairs. I will show you some of them tomorrow. Then, down the stairs and into the dining room, we found more of my collection.

I saw my yellow glass collection through ‘new’ eyes – and I appreciate what I have more than ever before. You might be surprised to know that all of these pieces have been stored away, packed in boxes, in my garage. I didn’t take anything that is on display in my home. I don’t have room for it all in my little house. I know – how can that be? How can I pack it away where it can’t be seen? Something needs to change here! I have the perfect solution – a mansion. I need a mansion – a big, old, beautiful, Victorian mansion! Yes, I believe that’s what needs to happen. When it does, you will be the first to know! And you will be welcome to visit anytime.

Song Of Thanksgiving

The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28:7