I want to talk about some serious things at the moment—things that are definitely applicable to today's social environment. But first some eye candy images for you to use as you see fit. There are LOTS of ways to imagine using these images. Enjoy.
Everyone enjoys roses in their creations, don't they?
Everyone enjoys roses in their creations, don't they?
And these little paper dolls could be put to adorable use for school age children and valentines.
Getting ready for easter? Try these.
Lots of projects could be made with this one.
~*~My church has counseled us to avoid becoming preoccupied with the vain things of the world. "The vain things of [the] world include every combination of that worldly quartet of property, pride, prominence and power. We should be seeking the kind of treasures the scriptures promise the faithful: 'great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures'.
"In terms of preoccupation with self and a fixation on the physical, this is more than social insanity; it is spiritually destructive and it accounts for much of the unhappiness in the modern world. And if adults are preoccupied with appearance—tucking and nipping and implanting and remodeling everything that can be remodeled—those pressures and anxieties will certainly seep through to children. At some point the problem becomes 'vain imaginations'. And in secular society both vanity and imagination run wild. One would truly need a great and spacious makeup kit to compete with beauty as portrayed in media all around us.
"One of the greatest challenges we will face is to be able to live in that world but somehow not be of that world. We have to create Zion in the midst of Babylon."
Okay, I'm guilty. I've wanted and lusted for things. Oh, not jewelry. That doesn't entice me one bit. But I've wanted popularity and recognition for things I do. I've wanted a nicer, bigger house. (Yeah, I've gotten over that...maybe.) I've wanted to be able to have someone else's talent: playing the piano, making fabulous creations to sell, their sweetness or even their humbleness. I'm humble in many ways—humble meaning teachable, but not truly humble where I don't have pride. I work on this on a daily basis though and it's a struggle for me just as it is for many of you.
~*~
"In terms of preoccupation with self and a fixation on the physical, this is more than social insanity; it is spiritually destructive and it accounts for much of the unhappiness in the modern world. And if adults are preoccupied with appearance—tucking and nipping and implanting and remodeling everything that can be remodeled—those pressures and anxieties will certainly seep through to children. At some point the problem becomes 'vain imaginations'. And in secular society both vanity and imagination run wild. One would truly need a great and spacious makeup kit to compete with beauty as portrayed in media all around us.
"One of the greatest challenges we will face is to be able to live in that world but somehow not be of that world. We have to create Zion in the midst of Babylon."
Okay, I'm guilty. I've wanted and lusted for things. Oh, not jewelry. That doesn't entice me one bit. But I've wanted popularity and recognition for things I do. I've wanted a nicer, bigger house. (Yeah, I've gotten over that...maybe.) I've wanted to be able to have someone else's talent: playing the piano, making fabulous creations to sell, their sweetness or even their humbleness. I'm humble in many ways—humble meaning teachable, but not truly humble where I don't have pride. I work on this on a daily basis though and it's a struggle for me just as it is for many of you.
~*~
I know just what you mean... I use to be very hung up on looks and fashion and having the latest stuff... my upbringing was not quite that way with 3 older brothers I tended to be a little more boyish in my dress sense... these days my friend laughs at me as i strike up conversations in shops with complete strangers, I no longer covet that big house and the flash lifestyle... I am happy with my lot and I am grateful for the chance to have such amazing children and a loving partner... Life is perhaps too short to want what you haven't got.. I intend on teaching myself to enjoy what I have...
ReplyDeletelovely post
thanks for sharing
x Alex
Lol, I have been looking AND printing some pretty vintage paper dolls to use in crafts!! Coincidence???
ReplyDeleteHuhgs
Well Connie,
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of wanting the BEST
wishing for things. Now after my House burnt to the Ground Every thing gone at the age of 50 started over.
I have lost my loved ones and had Cancer I see the Light. ENJOY THE MOMENT.
yvonne
Some interesting thoughts Connie...it is indeed easy to see where our grandchildrens values are coming from. You only have to put on the TV or pick up a magazine. Conspicuous consumption is everywhere...the more you have the more important you are.
ReplyDeleteHow very sad it is.
G'morn, Connie ~
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better, myself. You always make profound points that really bring it home ... TY.
Have a beautiful weekend, sweet lady.
Hugs, Marydon
Thanks so much for checking out my blog today, I am glad that you liked it. I like your too! I am going to start following you!! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteOh Connie, Bless you for your honesty today. AND thank you for your sweet encouragement on my blog today. xo rachel
ReplyDeleteLove the images, especially the paper dolls. It seems the older I get, the easier it is to forget about a lot of my "wants".... but every now and then, my ugly side pops up again and I start coveting what others have. I'm learning to be content.
ReplyDeleteOh, I struggle with this, too, Connie. I want to balance an honest desire for something with wanting to have what others have. There is a difference, isn't there?
ReplyDeleteAnd as to the physical - I don't like my sagging jawline, etc, and couldn't afford plastic surgery even if I wanted it. But I don't want it. I really think there is such an obsession with what we think is physical perfection that we lose who we really are. I've earned every wrinkle, every sag. Don't like it. No way. But it is real.
Loved your post, my friend.
xo
Claudia
Dear Connie, We all have our stuff to work on. The honesty of your post just makes you sweeter to me. And where oh were did you find the adorable paper dolls? I'm a nutcase over paperdollies. Hugs to you my friend, Mollye
ReplyDeletewell after reading your post..I seriously have a case of needing to be more humble...but you are so right about it..and it is nice to be reminded...have a great weekend.:)
ReplyDeleteOh Connie thanks for the images. I love the girls! Thanks for sharing your church studies.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Leann
Hi Connie, I'm guilty of wanting things too but not as far as face lifts and changing my appearance..not even buying designer...more like wanting to be wealthy so we don't have to worry about if the sump pump needs to be replaced or if one of us gets sick the other will be able to take care of the sick one, things like that. I think we all could learn to be more humble and to count the blessings we do have, not the ones we don't. I love all the pictures! especially the roses!! Have a nice weekend friend! Hugs, Jennifer
ReplyDeleteOhhh brother, I mean sister, did you hit the nail on the head for me. I sometimes wonder if it would be better for me to leave my blog..If I do it for the wrong reasons, recognition, wanting someone to brag on my "good job"
ReplyDeleteOuch!! Forsaking who i really am to impress others. Oh, never mind, I have asked God to show me how He sees me..and it's going to be a bumpy ride...I know it is, cause I have done it before.
say a prayer for me, and thanks for your lil ole 'sweet' posts to challenge.
blessings,glenda
Ohhh brother, I mean sister, did you hit the nail on the head for me. I sometimes wonder if it would be better for me to leave my blog..If I do it for the wrong reasons, recognition, wanting someone to brag on my "good job"
ReplyDeleteOuch!! Forsaking who i really am to impress others. Oh, never mind, I have asked God to show me how He sees me..and it's going to be a bumpy ride...I know it is, cause I have done it before.
say a prayer for me, and thanks for your lil ole 'sweet' posts to challenge.
blessings,glenda
Very nice post Connie. I find as I get older that my life is pretty wonderful just the way it is.
ReplyDeletehugs
Sissie
You always give me something to ponder at great length with your posts.
ReplyDeleteI think the older we get, the more satisfied we become with what we have.
Now it's time to downsize as I find I can be happier with less. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Thanks for reminding me!
Hugs,
Bertie
Aunt May's Cottage
Shades of Old
You always make me "think"! I love all your pretties the cute doll cutouts are adorable! Grace xoxo
ReplyDeleteGuilty with a Capital G, but I learned in 2003 to take time and smell the roses and I not quite as bad as I used to be---constantly moving things around to make it look better. I humble myself to all of you and say that we live in a house that we paid $17,250 in 1990 and WAS valued at $80,000 until the housing market fell. I like my little cottage, even though the outside looks horrible right now and there is nothing I can do about it---very lazy man I left behind, even though I still love him. I used to have shoes and purses to match with all my clothes, but now I shop at Goodwill by choice and not ashamed to admit it. As far as changing what God created, the only thing I Need is a breast reduction because of my spine. We are all created in God's image and we should all look in the mirror and see Him looking back at us. You are such a sweet person for your honest and beautiful post. It took me waking from a comma to realize that I'm just as important as the person living in a huge beautiful, magazine looking house---no offense to anyone. I love re-doing someone else's trash and turning it into my treasure, well my second treasure. Love and hugs Connie, Pat:}
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Connie. I really do believe that until we become humble enough to have joy in everyone else's successes and triumphs, that we will not be fit to reside with our Lord, who is no respector of persons. I have become very comfortable with what I have in life and I attribute this contentment to the gift I have been given in this life.
ReplyDeleteNot to say that I wish my neck wasn't so wrinkled and that I wish my nose was different...and...and...LOL. I'm waiting for the hereafter for my dream home.
hugs
These are all so beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Pink Saturday. See you soon. Cheers, Lia
ReplyDelete