Tag Archives: reflections

Little Miss Sunshine

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Sharon ت

“…This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…

..don’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…”

My first memories of church are when I was about seven-years-old. I vividly recall my Sunday School teacher telling another adult that I was her little ray of sunshine. Does that make me the original “Little Miss Sunshine?”

Not to go off on a tangent, but if you didn’t see that movie, I highly recommend it. If you look past some of the language and subject matter, there’s a beautiful story of unconditional love and acceptance.

Okay, let’s get back on topic. As a little girl, I was bubbly and joyful. I was very friendly; didn’t know a stranger. I loved everyone with all my heart, especially Jesus. My light shone so brightly.

But, with time, life started to cause my light to flicker. Read the rest of this entry →

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my first love

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Sharon ت

Circumstances as of late seem to be leading me to share my story with y’all. I think I will start with the present and then flashback to earlier days.

I really don’t enjoy talking about myself, but I do enjoy pointing people to Christ. I am not a bible thumping, hell, fire and brimstone kinda Christian. So, I hope I don’t scare you off with all of this Christian talk.

I may offend some people here, but in my opinion, what you see on t.v. and the media does not represent Christians well at all. In fact, if I were not a Christian and that public persona is all I had to go on, I most certainly wouldn’t want to be a one.

If you have been hurt or burned by the church, I am so sorry.

It is easy, even as a Christian, to be discouraged in the faith. I’ve been there. I was there for quite some time until recently. Read the rest of this entry →

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wrestling with contentment

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Sharon ت

I thought I would share a bit on how I’m doing with my “word”. You may recall that I chose the word contentment.

I was anything but content last week. Sad, lonely, confused, disappointed, angry, but not content. I rolled around in the mud of that pit for a while with the exception of last Tuesday when light, both literally and figuratively, shone on my darkness.

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I loved last Tuesday because it went according to plan. It was the one day in a stretch of days, past and future, that was forecasted to be sunny and warm. The perfect day to work in the yard. I was invigorated by the sweat, the progress and the promise of a new season.

As you may have seen in the first post of my Making a House a Home series, our household has gone through a lot of changes in the last couple of years. Just when we were at the brink of seeing the desires of our hearts realized, the plan started unraveling. So, I’ve been left to question… whose plan was this? Ours, Gods, both, no ones…? Are we where we are supposed to be? Are we at the end of the journey or at a crossroad? Do we keep hoping for the original plan to eventually fall into place? Are our current circumstances a “no” or a “wait” answer from God?

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I don’t have any of those answers. I just know that I’m weary from being in transition. I want to grow roots, settle down and nest. My husband says I’m to do that regardless of expected change. He’s right.

Why, after 43 years, would I expect or even hope for a life without dark days? I know better. I am intimately acquainted with trials, tribulation and dark nights of the soul. As all of us are. We are not promised a trouble free life.

But I have such a hard time embracing this season in our lives. I am disappointed in the dull, dreary days. So, I’ve asked God this past week, what is this Winter season for?

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Well, wouldn’t you know it? I was flippin’ channels late last night and found myself watching Oprah at a Tony Robbins event, and Tony Robbins happened to address the very topic of the winter season…that we all have them in our lives…it is a season to be expected. One that we should take advantage of by spending time cuddled up with our families and recharging for the coming Spring.

I don’t know anything about Tony Robbins, and I’m not all that thrilled at how such a multitude of people look to Oprah as a spiritual mentor, but I do think that God used that particular program to give a voice to His answer to my prayers.

And the answer was this: there is nothing new under the sun. There are seasons: seasons in nature and seasons in our lives. It is my prayer that I will be able to find peace and contentment in this season of my life. That I will appreciate it, find the beauty in it and learn how to recharge.

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God has continued to answer me and encourage me through sermons, scripture and even other’s blogs. I’m very grateful.

How are y’all doing with your Word of the Year?

Until next time,

Sharon

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If You Give a Girl a Pop Tart

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Sharon ت

How many of you are familiar with the Laura Numeroff series of If You Give A Mouse, Moose, Pig, etc.?

I feel a bit like one of her characters tonight. I was pinning in the wee hours of the morning and felt a little hungry. So, I reached for the pop tarts. I ate both of the pop tarts that come in the shiny, silver wrapper.

And of course, as I’m munching and pinning, I’m dreaming of projects. Future ones, half-finished ones, posted ones…just projects. And as I thought about the plethora of projects, I grew frustrated. I just can’t keep up! I have soooo many half-started, hmmm, does saying half-started make me a glass half empty or glass half full kind of girl?

Anyway, I decide I’m definitely ADD. Now that I’m self diagnosed ADD, I have an excuse for my mind wandering in a million different directions. But, I stop myself and think, “Sharon, you’ve gotta focus. Organize your week, your days…make a plan.” Well, if you’re going to organize, you need a calendar. So, I opened up my calendar app on the Mac and mapped out my week of blog posts.

This led to ideas for future posts and some additional thoughts to add to unfinished drafts. The unfinished drafts reminded me that I still have soooo many unfinished projects. Now this girl wants another snack to take her mind off of things…

What I’ve really been trying to take my mind off of is discouragement. It’s been a busy week with decorating, posting, linking up to parties, visiting blogs, commenting, etc. You know the drill. Anyway, somewhere in the midst of all that, I noticed my mood start to sink. I’m a bit hesitant to go into another week of blogging. Truthfully, I’m intimidated. It’s a BIG, BIG world out there filled with talent. I started to question my own talent and whether or not I should even be blogging about decorating. I talked to Mr. Hines, and he asked me if I enjoy blogging. I answered yes. I shared with him about my fears and insecurities. Then, he encouraged me to keep pressing on, and I will do just that. I have several posts lined up for this week including a delicious recipe for chicken and dumplings.

I will also be featuring link ups to my first ever link party that I hosted this past week. The Show & Tell party closes on Tuesday. It’s not too late to link up!

It is going to be a good week. Have a restful, peaceful Sunday!

Until next time,

Sharon

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Peach Poplin Shorts and Parfaits

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Sharon ت

Who remembers 8th grade homemaking class? I sure do. My teacher used to play a motivational tape by Zig Zigler in the background as my friends and I worked together to cook and create. I remember learning to make funnel cakes and parfaits. I was so excited about the parfait that I served it to my parents for dessert one night. They were good sports. :) Right around the end of the class period, we would be finishing up, and The Zig Zigler tape would come to an end. We’d chime in with him as he declared, “I’ll see you at the top!” My fondest memory, though, has to be the peach poplin shorts.

After days of laboring over the pattern and finally stitching the last seam, I was ready to take my pretty peach shorts up to show the teacher. I’ll never forget her encouraging words, “They look like you bought them at Foley’s!”

I went home with a smile on my face that was bright enough to light up the state of Texas. I couldn’t wait to tell my mom the good news! Of course, mom agreed.

After reflecting over my experiences in homemaking class, I’d have to say that’s where it all began. The feelings of joy as I prepared meals, exhilaration after a completed project, and pride in my newfound abilities were all such positive experiences. I think this is why I get such great satisfaction from homemaking even today.

There were many times over this past week that my thoughts kept coming back to, “I’m so happy!” Being home again has been truly fulfilling. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take care of my family, tap into my creativity and pursue dreams. For the first time in my life, I’m okay with not knowing what my future holds, and it’s because I’m truly enjoying the journey.

Until next time,

Sharon

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Whoooo Are You? Who,Who…Who,Who (tune: “The Who” from The Who)

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Sharon ت

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about our identities as women. Who here couldn’t wait to get married and become Mrs. So & So? I know I couldn’t. And I love the ring that Mrs. Hines has to it. Like I mention in my about me page, I do love being called Mrs. Hines.

When I hear or say Mrs. Hines, this is the image that comes to mind. Me, Sharon.

Not me, Mrs. Hines.

I love taking care of my family.

I enjoy serving them by creating a clean, cozy home with the comforts of home-cooked meals. It’s the top priority on my list, and I believe being a mother is the highest calling in life. My daughter is thirteen, and it is a crucial time in her life. I’d be full of regret if I weren’t here for her when she needs me the most.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: (Proverbs 31)

The Proverbs 31 woman’s life is neither weighed down by the demands of caring for her household, nor did she abandon her family to her career. Instead, she was a dignified, multifaceted woman who had a strong sense of her individuality. (Source ) I use her as an example because I believe that THE best way to serve my family is by being a strong woman who sees my value as a person. It is so, so important for women not to get lost in being Mom, Mrs. So & So or our job titles. Before you had those roles, you were you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV)

Today’s lesson is this: While maintaing joy, dignity and value in the roles we serve, be careful not to let those roles identify you. Seek your identity in Christ first, then the rest will follow.

Until next time,

Sharon

Photography by Aubrey Ramsey

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Keeping it Real

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Sharon ت

That’s what my thoughts keep going back to as I reflect on last week in blogland. It can be soooo tempting to get caught up in having the perfectly decorated house, craftiest projects, and the best blog. Traci over at Beneath My Heart posted more about that last week. Click HERE to read it. I kept thinking about Traci’s post after I read it, and I felt a tug on my heart to follow suit. So, today, I’m going to bare it all …my messes and misplaced belongings, because, I’m not perfect.

Here is a picture that I posted of the coffee table I refinished; complete with a cute basket to keep it clutter-free,

and this is a picture of what my table looks like during the day as I work on my blog. (A girl’s gotta have her home dec magazines, USB port and to-do list handy.)

This is my breakfast room by day,

and by night. I call this the “after school” look.

As long as I’m keepin’ it real, look at this faux pax. Even though it’s temporary, it bothers me.

As if that’s not enough embarassment, take a look at this. My sink looks like this more often than not. :(

To my family and friends who think that my house is always clean, are you relieved? This is today’s “lesson”: as you go about life, please keep from comparing yourself to others, whether it’s in your work, appearance, salary, cars, or homes. Guard your hearts and minds, loved ones.

Until next time,

Sharon

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Post-Op Update

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Sharon ت

This has to be short and sweet and picture free. I had surgery on Friday….I’m okay. It was elective, yet medically necessary. Let’s just say that once I recover, I’ll be shopping for smaller sized tops. Looks like I will be laying low for awhile…apparently I shouldn’t be lifting anything heavier than a dinner plate for the next several weeks. Well, I’m a bit drowsy from the pain meds. I just wanted to update y’all. I’ll try to keep ya posted.

Until next time,

Sharon

Lessons in Decorating

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Sharon ت

Earlier this week, I posted Birds of a Feather and in that post was a picture that ended up “speaking” to me.

This is what I wrote about this photo, “My camera is peeking in through the back of the birdcage to the open door on the photo below. For some reason, this scene makes me think, “I’ll be dadgum. She really did it. She’s gone. She’s free.” Then, I smile knowing “she” is out stretching her wings…soaring to new heights.” Then, later this week, I was replying to a comment on my T.J. Maxx Treasure post, excerpt below: Read the rest of this entry →

The Decorator

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Sharon ت

~I’ve been “documenting” and showing my decorating to the world ( a little world of 2 followers) on my new blog. It has been so fun! I guess cause I feel like a part of a community where everyone shares similar interests and goals and just “gets” each other. It’s also fun because I’m learning and sharpening skills that I’ve been wanting to put to good use for years: writing, designing, and photography. It stirs my creative passions, and I feel like I’m pursuing my dreams. That’s what really keeps me going on this blog thing. It’s the photography aspect that is a thorn in my perfectionist side. I keep reading on Funky Junk Interior’s blog that a point and shoot camera is all you need, and I believe her. It’s just that I’m not sure she means the $40 kind. I have been following her tutorials on taking better photos with the point and shoot, and I have to say, my pictures are getting better. (Thanks Funky Junk Interiors!) One of her tips was to read the camera’s manual and learn how to use its features..my $40 camera didn’t come with a manual. Anyway, I realized that this camera problem is getting bigger in my mind than it really should be. Then, I was reminded of something I wrote a couple of years ago about being a perfectionist. I found it, but I think I’ve shared it with y’all already. I started scrolling through other writings and stumbled across “The Decorator.” The entries are all a couple of years old, but they made me laugh out loud or LOL, if you prefer. I hope you get a laugh out of it too. Read the rest of this entry →