The Old Violin

 

'Twas battered and scarred,

And the auctioneer thought it

hardly worth his while

To waste his time on the old violin,

but he held it up with a smile.

 

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,

"Who starts the bidding for me?"

"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"

"Two dollars, who makes it three?"

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three."

 

 

But, No.

From the room far back a gray bearded man

Came forward and picked up the bow,

Then wiping the dust from the old violin

and tightening up the strings,

He played a melody, pure and sweet

As sweet as an angel sings.

 

The music ceased and the auctioneer

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, "What now am I bid for this old violin?"

As he held it aloft with its' bow.

 

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"

"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"

"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,

Going and gone," said he.

 

The audience cheered,

But some of them cried,

"We just don't understand."

"What changed its' worth?"

Swift came the reply.

"The Touch of the Master's Hand."

 

"And many a man with life out of tune

All battered and bruised with hardship

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd

Much like that old violin.

 

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,

A game and he travels on.

He is going once, he is going twice,

He is going and almost gone.

 

But the Master comes,

And the foolish crowd never can quite understand.

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

By the touch of the Master's Hand."

 

~by Myra Brooks Welch

 

Our dear friends sang this song in their concerts years ago, and it moved me to tears every
time I heard it.  Thanks Bob and Patty, for this special memory, and for reminding me again,
of the real difference "The Master's Hand" makes in lives.  I know that for a fact.

On a cloudy, cold Saturday in January, my husband and I took

a 2 hour drive to visit our good friends in a neighboring state.  We were blessed by a

kind, gracious invitation to their home for dinner.

 

As we drove, we remarked about the many and rapidly changing cloud formations

before us.  But, despite the somewhat dismal and overcast weather

conditions, we were eagerly looking forward to our visit.

We knew the hospitality would be warm and the food would be

most delicious!

 

 

You see, this dear blogger friend, is an outstanding cook!

 

I am telling you right now, if you want to try a meatloaf recipe that is

moist, flavorful, and exceptionally good, you might want to visit

her here;

www.gratefulprayerthankfulheart.com/search?q=meatloaf-recipe

 

I did notice, that she has two meatloaf recipes included on her blog.  If I remember

correctly, it was the first recipe that she served us, but I can almost guarantee

that either one would be delicious!

 

Meatloaf on noodles...the perfect comfort food dinner for a

get together with friends!

Joining us at the lovely dining room table, were their daughter and their grandson.  The
conversation was most interesting, as we found ourselves learning many new facts about
robots, movie animation, and various other fascinating topics.  For both my husband and
I, "table talk" with old and new friends is one of our favorite ways to pass time.

After dinner, we moved into the family room, where we were so fortunate to share in our
hostess's newly acquired skill of making crème brulee.  What an extra special treat, along with
cups of hot coffee, and more conversation. 

Quietly, this beloved family pet joined us, during our visit.  He has been with them for
many years, and appeared to be right at home in our midst.

Life is short!  Time with friends adds so much to making it all better.  We treasured the
memories of our moments here, and look forward to more times together during our
remaining years ahead.

Yesterday's small blessings...

A view from my window.

Warmth inside and beauty outside.

One handsome snow remover working outside.

A snow blower machine that actually started, and did a great job!

A carefully designed snowman, created by some very special little ones!

Warm coats, hats, and mittens, that make it all possible.

An idea for them, when they found out school was cancelled for the day, and came to
spend time with us.

Spread out a layer of softened vanilla ice cream on parchment paper, and return to
the freezer until firm.

Give the children, heart cookie cutters, and let them cut out the ice cream hearts,
decorating them as they wanted.  Simple, small desserts for their lunch.
After all, Valentine's Day is coming soon:).  They put them back into the freezer until
it was lunch time.

 

 A fun, easy way to pass the time, after their morning sledding adventures.

Hearts show that we love each other:).

 

Last of all, I am thankful for the artistic way, a gifted lady painted out the words of one of
my very favorite verses, on a small wooden chalkboard.  I like how it is displayed along with
morning candlelight, on my kitchen island.

 

Early morning weather alert...an icy rain is happening outside now. 

 

This is what I saw out my window early today, along with the sleet that is falling.

 

So many interesting weather conditions lately.  The sunsets and the

 

sunrises have presented some breathtaking beauty in the midst of

 

all the snow, wind, and ice.

 

 

Happy Tuesday to each of you!

 

Wishing you some of your own simple blessings today!

 

 

Early this morning, as I sat looking out my window, I wondered to myself, "would they like
to see snow pictures or not?"  It was so quiet and gorgeous, the scene before me.  A true,
very windy, winter wonderland!  But, you've seen my snow pictures before, and snow
pictures can get old to some.  I decided to share them anyway.  You can leave now if you
wish:)

Consider the fact that they are calling for the snow to end, tomorrow morning. 

Remember, I was the one who was sharing roses growing here, in the month of October.

This tree outside my window, is providing a huge feast for the birds.

Especially the robins and the cardinals.

 

Every tiny twig and branch is covered with snow.

It sure has been years since I have seen so much snow!  I cannot imagine how it will all look
when it finally stops.  I am so grateful for the warmth of my home, because we still have
electricity.  I am also grateful for all those who are out working in the rescuing, in the
medical field, and in whatever capacity they are needed.  I can't help but think of all those
in Kentucky, who have been sitting on the Interstate for the last 15 hours, in a massive
traffic backup.

Most of all today, I am so thankful that God blessed me with another daughter, 31 years
ago today (in the pink).  "Joy" is her middle name, and it fits her perfectly!  Happy
Birthday Dear Daughter!  I hope you stay warm where you are!
(pictured here with her older sister and her baby boy).

 

Young, inexperienced, but "so happy" dad embarks on the journey of parenting, many
years ago. 

It was through...
~trial and error
~some sleepless nights, and some very long days
~lots of smiles and yes, some tears
~times of not being able to understand, and times of being too puzzled to even try to understand
~lots of laughter, and
~at times, moments of emotional upheavals( especially with a wife and three daughters in one
household )
~much prayer...short prayers, long prayers:), and heartfelt prayers and prayers when you had
no idea as to how to pray.

Before he knew it, she grew up, is now an adult, a wife, a mother of her own little ones. On Wednesday evening, she cooked and served him a delicious dinner...

All on their family's "special birthday plate".  He was so blessed by it all!

So you see, all you new dads out there, it does happen.  Before you know it, they grow up
and you are the "older" guy. It might have left you with less hair, and your face may be a
bit more weathered, but without a doubt, you would say it has been worth it all!
Looking back, it seems like only yesterday on one hand, and hundreds of years ago,
on the other:).

What a gift our children are to us!  And, yes, the prayers are still ongoing.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

"A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey inside."   ~Winnie The Pooh

"Friends find the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together."  ~Unknown

"True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable."    
~  David Tyson Gentry

"Sometimes the perfect gift is a cheery smile."  ~Unknown

"Sometimes, being with your best friend is all the therapy you need."   ~Unknown

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live a day
without you."    ~Winnie The Pooh

Sharing the journey of life with this guy, is one of my life's greatest blessings.  Tomorrow
he will celebrate his 64th birthday.  He continues to teach me about true friendship with
others, as I observe how he treats his friends.


Thank you for stopping by today!  Your friendship is a treasure to me.  Speaking of
friendship, my new banner picture above, was taken at my friend's table this week.  I
thought it was such an unique and beautiful winter centerpiece.  Thanks Ruthie!

You might have them in your attic.  For sure you've seen them at the Salvation Army stores.
The many old tins, in all shapes and sizes.  You especially find them in abundance, at
Christmas.  Most times, if you are like me, you are looking for ways to get rid of
them.  Not so, my friend Judy.  No, she is a "recycle queen".  Here is proof of my claim.

She made this for my desk, at Christmas.  Every time I walk past it, or pull items from it,
I think of her and her artistic skills.This is what she wrote on the card that
accompanied this gift;

"The 3 tiered "tray" was lovingly made by Rick and me.  It used to be Christmas tins
with lids, from Goodwill.  I explained what I wanted to make with the tins and Rick
got the hardware and helped me with it.  I pictured it on your desk filled with the paper,
stickers and stamps that you use to create gift tags and cards for people".

It makes me like recycling even more than I did before:). 

It makes me feel more organized now.  I need help in that area.

I like how they placed the old, stained, Clark's wooden spool, on the top of this tray.

While I am sharing their creativity, I want to show you this date keeper, that they
made for me last year.  This piece also sits on my desk, and helps me keep track of
the days, as they rush by.  Behind this metal, are a stack of the printed months of the
year.  If I remember, I change the months, and the days.  Most of all, I like the way it
looks on my desk.

I've always admired the skills of these two, and now you all will agree with me.  By the way,
this is the same friend, who did the craft involving her flip flop photo book, that I shared in
one of my old posts.  Like I mentioned, she makes the "old" look good again.

Speaking of the "old" and the "younger"...here is my husband and his adoring little namesake,
spending time together.  I love that they both have the same name.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Never forget, there are lots of ways that "old" is good!
I shared some great examples of that here.  Maybe you will reconsider what you want to
do with your stored tins.

My first ever "chocolate cake decorating class", with a gifted pastry chef, took place on Saturday.
It was interesting and so much fun!  We each got to decorate our own small chocolate cake.
Reaching the milestone of "60" is something big to celebrate. My friend, shown above with her daughters, reminded me again that aging can be fun, especially when it involves friends and chocolate all in one place. 

My cake is the one with the strawberry:).  I must admit, it has presented me with quite
a predicament..... every time I open the refrigerator door!  I know how scrumptious
this cake is, but, on the other hand, I know of my resolution to not consume much sugar this
year:).  You might understand my predicament.  My solution...I've been cutting it
up into tiny slices, and sharing it with my friends, or who ever stops by.

In the midst of daily life, it is always good to have moments to celebrate.  Another one of
those very special moments for my husband and I, was on Sunday afternoon.  So unexpected,
and so exceptionally beautiful! 

 The most brilliant rainbow that either of us had ever seen!

 

It was so close, and cars were stopped everywhere taking pictures, as were we.

And then, before we knew it, the rainbow was gone, and this breathtaking sight appeared.

Just a few of the things that brought a sense of joy to my weekend happenings.

Thank you for stopping by today!  I'd love to share some yummy chocolate cake with you:).

 

It was an cool, sunny Sunday afternoon, and we were spending it at the
home of our middle daughter and son-in-law's home.  It was a perfect day for a walk
around the lake.

It seemed more like a Spring afternoon.  The joggers, the dog walkers, the geese, and the
boys playing baseball on the grass field, all were taking in the beauty of the day.

 

 Our two little grandchildren, their dad and their dog, also took in the blessing of

a day filled with sunshine.  We walked, they ran.  I love the vitality

and vigor of young children.

 

There was time for basketball.  The little ones, with great enthusiasm, attempted
to show their skills:).

We stopped by the lake shore, where stones were in abundance.  They quickly retrieved all
the stones they could find, and took turns casting them into the lake.  I thought it was a
perfect time to give a simple life lesson.  Grandmas do that, right?

I showed them the "ripples" in the water.  With each small stone thrown, ripples happened.
I told them, that one little stone, can create endless ripples, and that even though they are
small, their lives can cause ripples in their daily lives.  I am not sure they comprehended
it, but I do know that they learned a new word.

I've thought about the "ripple effect" since that afternoon.  I thought about what I
read in the last few months that said, "Never underestimate the valuable and important
difference you make in every life you touch.  For the impact you make today has a powerful
rippling effect on every tomorrow."  ~searchquotes.com

"Just as one drop of water creates countless ripples, so does one gesture of kindness
or love change countless lives."  ~Randi J. Fine

I know, without a doubt, that these precious little ones already make a big difference
by their words and actions each day, especially in my life.

And, in the midst of our walk, I discovered this pretty flower, still sharing it's beauty, even
though it was the month of January.  Another tiny blessing, in our afternoon walk.

Our weekend visit with this family, was an unexpected visit.  One of those, when you get
the call, you step into action, and all because this little guy (our youngest grandson ), was hospitalized, due to RSV.
It is a virus that can be critical to babies. 

Thankfully, he is back home and recuperating nicely.  We are so grateful!

I'm grateful that you stopped by today, and remember, "you" can make a difference
in other's lives.