Friends, I'm so grateful to greet you today. . . and I can't help but think what a difference a week makes.
If you follow me on Instagram (and I'd love to see you there!), you might have seen this picture:
This is a 17th century bronze cross from Kyiv. It was given to me a number of years ago and is one of my prize possessions. It takes on new significance for me now.
I hardly know how to pray for all that’s going on in the world today. In the face of senseless violence and destruction I feel terribly helpless. But I trust that God is good, so I ask for help, especially for the most vulnerable. Be with them, Lord. And I ask that God will show us the way—the way to help, the way to respond to need, the way to think clearly and act faithfully.
Father have mercy. Jesus have mercy. Spirit have mercy.
And then this weekend I was stunned—although not surprised—by the news that one of my oldest blogging friends, Paula Skulina of Sweet Pea, died. I'm sure many of you knew Paula. You may have seen some of her projects featured here, since she was a regular participant in the Grace at Home party. I first "met" her online more than 10 years ago, and then we met at a Haven conference, where I found her to be just as kind and generous in real life as I knew her to be online. Here's a wonderful photo of Paula, from back before her cancer diagnosis:
I am grateful for this blogging community, where we support one another in countless ways.
Here are a few highlights from last week's Grace at Home gathering.
Are you ready to decorate your home for Spring? Carol from Blue Sky at Home can help you create a springy entry in 11 easy steps.
Looking forward to Spring Break with your kids? Dave and Jamie from PhotoJeepers have some road trip ideas for you.
If you're like me, you've noticed a real jump in food prices. I'm making a concerted effort not to waste food, so I was glad to see this post from Melynda of Scratch Made Food for Hungry People. I had no idea you could freeze celery!
Thank you to everyone who joined last week! Now for this week's party. Here at the Grace at Home party, you can link up any post you've written that demonstrates how you're filling your space with truth, goodness, and beauty. I invite you to link posts about
- DIY projects
- decorating
- recipes
- hospitality
- homemaking tips
- parenting
- marriage
- faith
- self-care
- soul care
Whatever you do to make your home or sphere of influence a place of grace, I'd like to hear about it. Here's what I ask of you. Please include the permalink to your post, not your blog's home page. Please let people know that you've linked up. No more than three posts per person, please. Note that if you link a post here, you are giving me permission to share your post, including a photo. And visit at least one of the other party participants--that's what really makes it a party!
Richella, I did see the beautiful 17th century bronze cross on your IG. I join you as we continue to pray for Ukraine. I am also praying for Paula’s family. She was a lovely lady and will be missed immensely. Thanks for hosting and for the daily prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful connection with Ukraine and poignant prompt to pray for them.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Paula, though I may have visited her site from here a time or two. I am so sorry to hear this dear lady is gone.
I love all the spring touches. And though we don't have plans to travel this year, it's so nice that options are more open now.
I have always frozen the celery I grow in my garden, because it all gets harvested at once and is overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteRichella, There are not many words that can be said for this past week. I too offer devotion and prayer for a healthy world and more importantly safety for all. I do want to thank you for the sweet feature of my post on freezing celery, and a thank you for hosting as it is the small routine tasks and connections that will see us all through these times. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cross! I can only imagine how precious it is to you. Like you, I'm heartbroken over what is happening in Ukraine. I'm praying for God to intervene in a miraculous way that will cause people to see that it could only have been Him. I'm also praying for justice and for Him to deal with those who are causing this horrible loss of life. I will pray for Paula's family, as well.
ReplyDeleteHow precious to have the cross from Kyiv! I join you in praying for the Lord's mercy. I can't imagine what all there are going through. :(
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Paula but I pray for her family. It's sad to lose friends in our blogging community.
Thanks for sharing my post on not being understood. It's a struggle for me still.
I love all the ideas, projects and recipes you share - love the tip to freeze celery! Thank you for the feature - and for the time spent putting this together!
ReplyDeleteRichella, thank you for the sweet feature of my spring entry. I really appreciate it. Thank you, too for sharing your thoughts about Paula. She was a dear friend and I will miss her. And, prayers for Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the party, Richella. And thank you for the encouragement to be praying for Ukraine. I, too, continue to mourn over the loss of my dear friend, Paula...but am also joyful to know I will see her again!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful words Richella. We need prayers and love all around us right now. Cherish that cross; what's happening in the Ukraine is unthinkable. Stay well. XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cross. Prayers for Paula's family - she was always so kind and positive.
ReplyDeletePrayers for Paula's family. I'm heartbroken over her passing. I've known her through her blog for many years and was thankful to have met her in person a few years ago. She was just as lovely as person as she was on her blog. So sad.
ReplyDeleteShelley
I'm sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
ReplyDeletexo
Thank you Richella, for hosting, for the feature, and most of all for sharing your thoughts in such a terrible time. I am praying for Paula's family and all who loved her. Such a terrible loss but I know she has gone home. I also share your horror with what is happening in Ukraine. It is just so heartbreaking. I have shared my spring printables here this week and it includes a special one for Ukraine. I've framed it because it reminds me during a busy day to stop and offer up another prayer each time I pass it. It's available if you want it. Thanks again, take care!
ReplyDeleteRichella,
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when I heard of Paula's passing..I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend...She was such an inspiration and put up such a strong fight...But now she is at peace...
Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful party each and every week!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links and choosing Features!!! Thank You!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Deb
Keeping Paula's family in my thoughts - she will be so greatly missed!
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