I finished painting it, all that I have to do now is the stencil!! The blue is a brighter blue than it looked on the sample - but I still love it, and it is very close to the original color. I have a few little touch-ups that I can see, but . . . I'm finished with the paint. Don't you just love finishing up a project, especially one that is close to your heart? Each day when I step outside my back door, or look out the window, I'll think of my wonderful grandmother. I can remember sitting on this bench with my sisters, or my cousins, watching the birds in her backyard, sorting rocks, eating cookies, reading a book, but always, plotting our next wonderful adventure!
Today in church, we talked about being diligent in all things. The meaning of diligence is:
"A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work, exemplified by a decisive work ethic, budgeting of one's time, monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness, and putting forth full concentration in one's work."
We were asked to think of someone who was, in our opinion, very diligent. Immediately, my grandmother came to mind.
She was a school teacher and loved children, especially children who were not easy to love. She was patient and kind and tried very hard to make sure that we felt her love in all that she did. She loved to work - and I mean from the time you got done with the breakfast dishes, until the last supper dish was dried and put away. But, somehow she made it fun, always taking breaks and making sure that there was a teaching moment in there somewhere . . . after all she was a teacher! She was a wonderful cook and loved to have us help her in the kitchen. One thing that I remember so well, is that she loved to cream all of her vegetables - it didn't matter what it was, it somehow ended up with cream and butter on it! Grandma was such a good example for me - she loved the Lord, and she loved her family, and we all knew it - we never parted without saying "I love you". She passed away at the young, old age of 93 - I miss her and know that she will be waiting for me on the other side . . . with open arms, and probably a dishtowel over her shoulder!
I wish I could sit on my grandmother's blue bench with each one of you . . . just for a little while :0)
Have a wonderful and peaceful Sunday.
"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."
2 Corinthians 8: 7
Hugs,
8 comments:
The bench turned out great! I love things like that. I have some of my grandma's items too!
Hi, Barb!
Blue, blue...I loved the instrumental...I'll have to hunt that one up and listen to it again.
I just love your blue bench! It looks really good against the red barn with the pretty flowers on each end. I know you'll get lots of enjoyment from having it.
Hugs,
Cheryl
I love your blue bench. Blue is such a relaxing and peaceful color to me. How appropriate for your Grandmother's bench. Thanks for sharing a little about her with all of us. How blessed to have such a wonderful Grandmother and the memories she created with you. Nola
I love all of your posts, but this has to be one of my very favorites!!! I love both that blue bench and also grandma Howard. However, my memories are very different than those of yours. My memory of the blue bench is of your backyard. I remember you telling me where it came from, but I loved sitting on it pretending I was in church. It was always fun for me.
Those stories of grandma also were amazing. I wish I could have known her for longer and when she was younger. She is still one of my favorite people that has ever lived. She was amazing and such a great example to me. The stories made me feel closer to her. One of the only physical things I have left of her is a colorful broach that I got from her. I plan on somehow making a hairpiece out of it sometime and wearing it on my wedding day. I want here to be a part of it.
THanks for your amazing post and the wonderful memories!
That color totally screams Grandma! Whenever I see that color, I think of her. I think you nailed it! Can't wait to come sit on the bench.
That turned out so pretty. Love the flowers and the barn looks good too. Thanks for sharing some of your grandmother with us. I loved mine to. As a grandmother I remember what an impact mine had on me. Grandmas are important. It's wonderful that you have this tangible item from her that brings back such wonderful memories. Diligence, that's a good word. I like to look things up in the dictionary. I think the word I'd use for my grandmother is courage. Thanks for this posts. Linda
Hi Barb,
The bench turned out great! I love the color, and the flowers look nice with it. What a wonderful thing to have to remind you of your Grandmother. You wrote a lovely tribute. It's nice that you have so many sweet memories of her. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post.
Barb your makeover is breathtakingly beautiful - looks like the cover of a Country Living magazine :]
I would so love to sit awhile on your bench with you, sip tea and pass the time chatting.
Much love
Kimmie
x
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