A new linky party: Grace Imparted

I was privileged to attend a spiritual retreat last week, a time of teaching and reflection that was like water for thirsty souls. As we spent time enjoying the beauty of our surroundings and time devoted to prayer and fellowship, one of the speakers reminded us that everything--every good thing that we see, enjoy, and benefit from--is a gift from God. Everything comes to us as grace from God.

We use the word "grace" a lot, and when asked to define it, we usually say something like "Grace is unmerited favor." And while that definition is true, I think maybe it's not quite enough to reduce our idea of grace to a four-word definition.

I think we should talk about grace. I think we should share our awe and our wonder. So I'm asking you to join me in talking about it.

Starting next Monday, I'll host a new linky party called Grace Imparted. I want to hear about any grace you've received. Perhaps you've been moved by a special message from God. Maybe you've taken a photo of something that stirs your imagination. Perhaps you've received a special gift. Or maybe you've received a very ordinary gift, but you've been touched with the understanding that it's from the hand of God. Maybe you've been working on a project and everything has fallen neatly into place. Perhaps you finally finished something that's taken you a long time to accomplish. Or maybe you've just been given the eyes to see something that's been true for a long time. Whatever the grace imparted to you, I'd like to know about it.

Will you join me? Will you share with all of us your stories of the grace, large or small, you've been given? I hope so!

I'd love for you to take this button and help me spread the word. The party will begin next Monday, July 18, at 6:00 A.M. I'll keep the linky active for several days, so that you'll have ample time to join. Whether there are three or thirty of us, we'll share our stories of grace and celebrate the fact "every good and perfect is from above" (James 1:17).

**I'm joining Amanda for Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now**

Dealing with the heat

July in my hometown of Durham is hot. And humid. And really kind of miserable.

As I long for the cool weather and try not wish summertime away, I find it comforting to remember:

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

How about you? Do you love the heat, or do you long for cooler days? What do you do to appreciate all the seasons for the beauty they bring?

Beverage dispenser

I love the beautiful beverage dispensers I've seen in catalogs like Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. They're always pictured with some luscious looking drink, ready to fill your glass and assuage your thirst. Only problem is that they're usually accompanied with a hefty price tag.

So I was very happy to find this one at Target:

And the price? Regular retail $19.99; currently on sale for 20% off. Not bad!

But beverage dispensers present a problem: either they have to sit on the edge of a counter or table, or else they need to be elevated, so that a glass can fit under the spout. This $16 dispenser is lovely, but it doesn't come with a stand.

So I thought and I thought, and then I remembered an old DIY project. Last year Alison at House of Hepworths inspired a lot of us to find a cheese dome at Goodwill, remove the feet from the cheese board, and glue the board to a chunky candlestick. I followed her instructions and painted mine Heirloom White.

As I was searching for something on which to elevate my new beverage dispenser, I caught sight of cheese-board-turned-pedestal, and I put the two together:

Voila! An elevated beverage dispenser!

There's plenty of room for even a footed glass to fit beneath the spigot now. I love the way it looks all together.

Perfect for a party tabletop!

I'm joining these fun parties:

Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A to Z

Tips and Tricks at Homebody

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life