Beautiful Things: Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

It has been so much fun to share ideas about faith, in our real lives; being in the world and not of it! I love that so many of you respond, and I am so encouraged by your enthusiasm, as we walk this journey together! (You can go to the blogspot, and hit comment, or reply to email) Clearly even when our journeys are different, there are similar themes that touch us all. One that seems to have struck a cord with so many of you is the way we chose to think about our lives and the ways we chose to walk out that life! Sometimes it is not as much what happens to us, as how we choose to let it affect us, or our thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 is an amazing filter for our thought life. I discovered its transforming power when Justin (now 14) was about 3 months old and I began to suffer from anxiety. Long story short (NOT my talent or gifting) I recovered quickly because I dove into tons of books written soley on the subject of Phil 4:8. I began with a (non-Christian) book that taught you to turn your thoughts around, with a bunch of silly concepts, however the bones of the book were excellent. I then, decided, I couldn't sink my teeth into a concept that wasn't from scripture, so I searched Christian books and Scripture for the closest I could find, then filled in the gaps with my own take on turning your thoughts around.

So, if we choose to seek what is: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy in every situation, conversation, relationship, work or school issue, etc... we almost never get into a battle of the will (pride), and almost always can put ourselves last. When applying Phil 4:8 to people, it allows us to look lovingly to our loved one/friend as a creation of God, by HIM. When applying to health, it causes us to emphasize the positive. When applying it to life in general, we begin to look at everything as half full, not half empty. It is always the same glass of water, half full or half empty, but the way we think of it changes it tremendously.

I choose to focus my non family time on focusing on what is lovely (and often beautiful), especially in the home. My dear friend Joy recently returned home from visiting her precious mother, Ernestine, in the hospital after a cancer surgery. By the way Ernestine is a lesson in the Phil 4:8 power of seeing joy/God's peace in even seemingly dark moments, perhaps that will be it's own post one day soon! Joy said upon returning home to her beautiful and warm home (which I helped her to decorate) , where her husband had turned the fireplace on and Christmas lights, as well, she felt warm, enveloped and loved. I love that her LOVELY home encouraged her upon entry, after a very emotional and draining day. She has that calming effect on me, and I was so thankful a little designing could have that effect on her! Friendship & lovely things; what excellent things to think on! Merry Christmas & Happy Thinking!

Philippians 4:8 Way to Think

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Inspired 31's Cornerstone verse is Phil 4:8! Inspired 31 encourages our young women to use that verse as a "filter" for life/thoughts about life.

At our Inspired 31 Christmas Dinner as we went around and shared how God was doing an amazing work with Inspired, we shared specifically what we each were learning, and how God is at work stretching us! The various responses ranged from (God seemingly) supernaturally creating time, where there literally wasn't any... in some of the homeschooling moms schedule's, stepping out of our comfort zone, as moms thus modeling for our girls doing what we are sometimes uncomfortable or embarrassed to do. A few others were amazing surprises at how our giftings are being used, God answering specific prayers to step out in faith, and how Inspired 31 provided that opportunity, & lastly our unanimous agreement on how powerful Phil 4:8 is to women.

Because the Inspired 31 steering women are cheerful & encouraging & positive during our gatherings, and so truly gifted (oh through trials, not in pride) :) at practicing the point of view of Phil 4:8, we wanted to make sure we were clear that that is something we have learned, through the trials of life. We decided as a group that as my next blog entry I would share that it is through difficulty we learned that looking for the true, pure and excellent and praiseworthy aspects were what got us through our various different trials. We wanted to make sure you and your girls knew, that although our lives aren't all pure joy, we look with pure faith to our God to turn it into pure joy, and use everything to HIS good. (Of course, you know, but it's always good to communicate that :)

Life, here on earth, can be messy and complicated. I think this is what makes our relationship with God, specifically Christ, essential for joy. Joy in trials is something we Christians thoroughly understand, but only after a trial. There is joy in the peace that surpasses ALL understanding, not because we understand it, but because it is offered to us as a gift. It is in the not knowing the details necessarily, but in the knowing that God is in control and someday we will know fully, what we only know in part, here on earth. Even in our small steering committee discussion there was discussion of what had been overcome through our God! (Rape, Death-Loss of Beloved Ones, Illness, Disappointment, Rejection, Lack of Relationship (with parents, children, or beloved friends), Divorce, Financial Woes, Mean Kids, Child raising Issues, Drugs, Unforgiveness, Bitterness, Depression, Anxiety and more)

WE cannot overcome these earthly-life trials on our own. We overcome, because God is victorious over evil/Satan, always, as is promised in God's word. Through diligent prayer & reading of the bible God molds our character, with time. As in any relationship with no time put in....there is no REAL relationship. Relationship is authentic, and comes from time, both quality and quantity. (Godly council is crucial-when necessary-and following it as well!)

Our cornerstone verse Phil 4:8 is the cornerstone to what we are teaching our young women: Life is not perfect, but through your relationship with Christ and focusing on your blessings you will indeed survive, thrive and hopefully be instrumental in a younger believers journey to do the same.

My hope for your this Christmas Season is that you are thinking what is: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy!

Today/Wednesday: ....Another Hour of Shopping? Come by for an hour...literally!

Ok this will be my shortest blog ever!

I have had about 10 of my wonderful boutique goers inquire about what is left! Well, lots of goodies. So, some will be coming by Wednesday at 1:00 for an hour or so (til 2:30ish)! So, come on by and bring any friends again!

Perhaps I will see you then!

Oh, and thank you girls so much. We raised a very great amount to Inspired 31, which is crucial to the ministry continuing :)

God Bless,

Roxanne

Boutique: Dec 7th 11am-3pm, or by apt.

I'm so tired from putting all the almost-finishing touches on our Christmas Boutique that this is going to be short. Judy just went home, exhausted, because we have been putting all kinds of love, and attention, on the items that will be for sale on Tuesday.

All proceeds go to Inspired Design, so prices are not negotiable, but they are so inexpensive, I can't imagine you'd even ask :)! (except for the large furniture) Please bring exact change for cash, or check, but no credit cards!The items include new & old, antique goods. The new items consist of candles($10-$20), soaps, fragrant potpourri($12-$18), tiles with quotes and scripture on them ($20), "Chicken Marbella" Silver Palette Cookbook, with ingredients, and white french ceramic baking dish....

lamps $20, beautiful twin headboard and footboard $200, lampshades all $40, which is less than the labor we PAY for....

Antique items include many pieces from my buying trip from france! From antique pickle jars small ($75), large ($100), pharmacy jars $175 for pair, pair of antique, french, white chairs: with Lee Jofa Fabric ($1200 pair/a steel), chairs $200-$500), end tables $200-$1200! Federalist style mirror which was $3 or $4,000ish new, for $600, iron chandalier $400 and so much more.

A "garage sale" room with mostly $20 items! Including a treadmill and homeschool books, and lots of Christmas ornaments, decorations from when my home was on the Camarillo Home Tour and I overbought Christmas decor.

Beautiful NEW, and sample, table linens all sets $40! Some 16 piece sets....

Tableware sets for amazing prices.....

Scones, tea and Christmas music, roaring fireplace & Friends! (In my family room, away from the sale)

11am SI VOUS PLAIT/NOT EARLIER :) to 3pm

We know it will be really busy as our responses have been wonderful! If you are looking for something particular, let me know :) via email!

Looking so forward to seeing you!

Roxanne and Judy!

Celebrating: Family Design!

Wow, I am still on an emotional high from the amazing night, at Bausman (Recently featured on Housewives of Beverly Hills-ugh), in Los Angeles, a spectacular bench-made(made by one craftsman from start to finish, no factory lines) furniture company, made locally in Ontario! The people there (Wendy Kneedler & Derik Schmidt, photographed) are the most amazing showroom people! Bausman is the ultimate in fine product & customer service, but I digress.....(shockingly)! Danny had some pieces he had just made. I think what makes him so incredible is his humility, just like my Grandpa Allan. Oh, Grandpa how we all miss you. You were so loved.

Having my stunningly talented mom Linda, who did PR & Marketing for Allan Adler/Sunset Strip Shop in it's heydey, my daughter, Hannah, my cousin Danny and his lovely wife Diana there was the most amazing part of the evening. Danny, trained by my Grandpa Allan, and having recently purchased the family business, and his adorably kind wife Diana now handling the PR & marketing of Allan Adler Design. We had fun with the crowns my Grandpa Crafted for the very 1st Miss. America and Miss. Universe, in 1953. Some of the pieces photographed on this spectacular Bausman table will be featured at LACMA, for the California Craftsman exhibit!

Not only was our design-obsessed family in our element, but we were surrounded by other designers, writers and experts who appreciate the captivating spiritual aspect of beautiful design. The editor and publisher of CALIFORNIA HOMES magazine (who have published stories on our family design, both of my Grandpa Allan, and a home my sister, mom and I designed for my parents in Mammoth) were there and such a lovely mother-daughter team, family design-yea! They are working on some amazing things for the upcoming year, including a special tribute to craftsman from California. A wonderfully passionate man from the beautiful showroom Kneedler-Faucher, Rocky!, speaking of the trend towards handmade, artisan crafted furniture and accessories as our country moves towards embracing family, friends and gathering at home, after a horrific economy begins to recover.

Although we don't have a perfect family-does anyone? We love to celebrate what God has given to us, our gifts. What a blessing my daughter was there to sing books, meet amazing design people and just...celebrate: design, friends & life!

Favorite Quote: After moving west to California in 1923, Great-Grandpa Blanchard was instrumental in founding the Arts and Crafts Society of Southern California. Porter’s philosophy was simple. He defined craft as “that thing in industry which is good and beautiful and worth doing for its own sake as well as the money made from it.” He said that a craftsman was “a man who has been trained in the practice of some craft with a ‘home influence’ of love, honor, and respect.” His favorite expression, “With my hands alone,” showed the pride he took in his work.

Note: You can comment on these! You also can hit the envelope at the end of the actual blog, to forward to friends who might be-inspired! Blessings To You!

Making Memories, food & other christmas joy!

Happy Christmas Season!

This is my all time favorite time of the year, and I hope you enjoy the more frequent blogging!

I am including Christmas' past pictures of favorite traditions in our family, including: Yearly Gingerbread House Making, Matching Flannel PJ's, Matching His/Hers (now, no way! so says my teens) Christmas Outfits, Christmas Tea's, and of course, my favorite all time recipe Chicken Marbella. Recipe to follow tomorrow! It is from the Silver Palate Cookbook, my all-time favorite cookbook, and the most beautiful, fragrant and tasty dish I have ever made. I am highlighting this because at our recent CCC women's treat, at my "Setting the Table" demonstration, I was asked to share this recipe. (I was asked to share because although I enjoy cooking about half the time, I am not one of those women who love to be in the kitchen-all the time) The ladies were asking me what did I serve at these beautiful tables? This is hands down the easiest (although numerous ingredient) and most delicious recipe I own! I will be selling beautiful white baking dishes, with all of the non-perishable ingredients, wrapped beautifully at the boutique, next tuesday. (See following)

Christmas Boutique Tuesday, December 7 11am-3pm Proceeds: Inspired Design What better way to do some Christmas shopping? @Roxanne’s home (Reply yes, and I will forward my address)Roxannepackhamdesign@yahoo.com Scones, Tea & Christmas Music*** ~There will be a “warehouse” element, with amazing deals, homeschool/school books etc. ~Plate & dish sets, at a fraction of the cost ~Christmas gifts from $12-$35 ~"Amazing gift baskets, unique & with a twist" ~Antiques from France, Scotland, Wales & England (to treat yourself ???) ~Inspired Design books, to be signed ****Best Part: Wrapping table, where the darling teenage girls from Inspired 31 will wrap up all the gifts you purchased, while you have a cup of tea & the best scones ever made, in front of a roaring fireplace with Christmas (not Holiday) music :) !

Happy Thanksgiving: Thankful for my children

I am so

thank-ful for

my entire family!

This thanksgiving I'm going to highlight the kids when they were little....for I am so thankful for that time, home with them.

My friends and I were chatting the other day about how during the diaper stage it seemed like the days were so long, and that sometimes I didn't get a shower until 4pm! How quickly it goes, and wow, how old do I sound?

I snapped my fingers (actually I didn't even have time) and suddenly Hannah is 17 and looking into what college she will go to! I am so thankful for all of those years I have had with both my kids, and how thankful I am to have been at home with them, for all those memorable and ordinary moments. Sometimes when I have been working down in my office, and one of the kids has needed me and showed up to my desk with tears in their eyes, I am so cognitive of how much I love them and how much I would love to protect them from any pain. As the "mother bear" instincts can come out at any time, but especially when the kids have been hurt, I realize if I love my kids this much, how much must God love them?

I am so tremendously thankful for my children and their faith. I am thankful that God is watching down on my children, minute by minute, and loving them, even more than I. I am thankful for my faith that allows complete trust that God has a plan for them, and that prayer will lead them to that path! The more I concentrate on those truths, the more thankful I am, the more peace-filled, the more joy-filled, the more God-focused I am.

My faith took another "step-up" I call it (You know when you are climbing up a water-fall sized staircase with really tall steps?, like when hiking? ) (Yes, I do hike) when my daughter got her drivers license and drove to school with her 13 year old brother, a 25 minute drive. Ok, God, they are your kids and I trust you! I am so thankful, this Thanksgiving for that trust!

May your thanksgiving be filled with the peace & joy that comes from that trust!

God Bless You & Yours,

Roxanne

From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If your heart is full of love, you will speak of love. I want you to fill your hearts with great love. Don’t imagine that love, to be true and burning, must be extraordinary. No; what we need in our love is the continuous desire to love the One we love. Mother Teresa, No Greater Love, p. 27-28

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. Karl Barth

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) (Guard your heart & home)

Thankfulness: Blessings of Friendship

Since I look to my dear friends, some pictured on this page, as an example: I'd have to say: Celebrating each others gifts, and overlooking & forgiving weakness. I am thankful that my friends truly celebrate me, yet forgive (and more importantly forget) my weakness. Not having to be the best at everything allows friendship to flourish. Competition kills the intimacy needed in friendship. I love when my friends are good at something.

Courtney, my friend since my USC days, and I can not see each other for months, but talk and text frequently, and pick up like college was yesterday. The blessings of friendship are incalcuable to me, and I think God gives you friends as a huge gesture of love and mercy and grace. (Proverbs 17:17, 18:24)

My "playgroup" friends (you'd think we'd come up with a better name, as there are probably millions of playgroups across America) have been friends for almost 18 years, and currently make up a large part of the steering committee of Inspired 31. Deana, Kathleen, Me and Nancy (just back from a 3 month RV trip), Lorianne (In Nashville), Camille and Joy!

Joy is how I am finishing this post! (See:http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/oct/23/why-take-tea-and-not-eat-a-treat/) She is our "Inspired Cuisine", probably known to you as the "Scone lady", and such a dear example of unconditional & sweet friendship, always celebrating others success and talents/gifts. The article if you cut and paste the http above ( I tried to copy the article but this blog would not let me) highlights her and her amazing talents and gifts for baking. "Cooking is a way I show people I care about them. When else will you or your family spend time together if not for a meal?" says Joy. I cannot count the times when I pop over to her house for tea, and she pops in a scone, and just stay a minute (in my world, that is an hour)! She is a treasured friend to me, and the steering committee, and now to Inspired 31.

I am blessed to have old friends, and I'm so happy to have all you new ones! (Inspired 31 etc...)

Inspired 31...

Teaching girls to find & follow God's path for their life, unique and one of a kind, and a place for encouragement, inclusiveness, grace and joy for ALL women & girls!

Wow, "Ministry of Giving: Kindness, Acts of Service and Gifts", was a real blessing for all involved. Gushed Kathleen, one darling mom, "The entire flow of the day was perfect!!! What Debbie Marshall (Director of the Heart of Hope Ministry, Intl.) said flowed great into what Jill Foster, author of Creative Cakes Anyone Can Make spoke on. I think the idea of "giving to others" was communicated wonderfully! Many moms and young ladies came up to me and said they apprieciated the "different examples" that showed how they found God's will for their lives. To God be the glory, that He can use each of us, with our different gifts, on this earth!!! :-)

Our mission at Inspired 31 is to show girls (and women) that it isn't what you have that matters, but that you use what you have to give to others. Our hope is that through all our different speakers it will touch each one differently, to use your gifts "heartily, as unto the Lord".

I was profoundly touched on Sunday, with the spirit of joy that permeated the room. Each person seemed to love one particular aspect of the day. Jill Foster, one of our amazing speakers, commented, "Your ministry Inspired 31 is amazing. First off - you have a fantastic team. It is really remarkable how fast the tables were set, decorated, along with the program detailed down to the minute. What a testimony to the girls of what it takes to make something really great! My sister and I had a great time meeting everyone. We went out for Sushi afterwards and just shared how fun and nice everyone was."

Part of the reason the atmosphere was so joy filled, is because each speaker, and mother daughter team truly is using her gifts. While creating the "Steering Committee" of Inspired 31, we emphasized that we wanted each person to use their giftedness to honor others. It took months for that to fall into place, with great dedication to prayer in order that each person was tailor made for that position, by God and his wisdom. It was a long process, but beginning and ending with prayer is sure a perfect start!

Another element of the atmosphere is the Cornerstone Verse: Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. We believe, as a steering committee, that if we as women/girls run everything through the mental filter of this verse that sometimes typical "girl" stuff is eliminated. Offense, negativity and gossip is eliminated when asking God, Is it true? Is it pure? Is it lovely?

The last element is deep, lasting, God-honoring friendship. Some of the steering , have been friends for almost twenty years. (I know we look much younger :) Deana, Kathleen and I have been friends from MOPS and playgroup 17 years ago. We were nursing mothers, at home, getting used to this new thing "motherhood" together. Melissa knew Deana and Kathleen at MOPS. Wendy and I, forged a friendship over 10 years ago while I was designing her home! Many other of the girls (yes us over 40 crowd :) have been attending church together for years. Trust is one element of friendship and knowing the faithfulness of these girls makes it so easy to work alongside one another, easily.

Here are some wonderful friendship & thankfulness verses!

Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:9, Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24

Here's to new friendships, and wonderful old ones, one is silver the other is gold! Always be open to new friendships, God often times has the best friends in mind for you. It may be sitting at a table, at Inspired 31, where you don't know anyone. Some of the best blessings come when you least expect them!

Inspiring November: Thanksgiving and Christmas Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies

I am so excited to share with you the delightful "Write Way" method of cake, cupcake and cookie decorating of author/baker Jill Foster. Not only has Jill authored, "Creative Cakes anyone can make", published by Thomas Nelson, but she is a devoted mom and Christian who gives God all the credit, not only for her talent, but for her success, in her terms. Her favorite scripture is Colossians 1:10-14, as noted in the preface of her book, with the prayer that her tips/book etc. makes life sweet and simple.

I became aquainted with her on the Westlake Kitchen Home Tour where she and I shared a space in the home of my lovely client and friend Karen Armstrong. Karen's darling daughter Grace, and my daughter Hannah were so enthralled with the decorating process that Jill demonstrated that it was hard to pry them out of Karen' lovely kitchen, where Jill was showing techniques to make lady bugs out of red M&M's, roses on a pencil, and darling cupcake flowers.

What cinched my friendship and admiration for Jill was her lovely spirit, and her humble way of giving credit to God, for her success, her talent & ability and her gracious ability to bless others with her "Write Way: Using instinctive ability to write". She hopes to take the stress out, and give the joy back into decorating for occasions.

She is the next speaker at Inspired 31, where we will have items available for purchase as well! We are auctioning off Cakes, Cupcakes and More.

Check out her website as well: SweetArtFactory.com

There will be tons of items available at Inspired 31 for purchase, if you love frosting and decorating. Who doesn't!?

oxox

October 17th Inspired ThirtyOne

Inspired 31

October 17th

We'd love to hear your thoughts about the day, so today I left an option for comments!

Mark the next one on your calendar, we can't wait to see you there!

Topic: Giving to Others In Various Ways

Debbie Marshall, Missionary/Heart of Hope in Romania

&

Jill Foster, Author Creative Cakes Anyone Can Make

Sunday, November 14th

3:00-5:00 Casual Tea & Scones

No Cost, Donations Welcomed