I want to introduce you today to a young lady that I have never met, but have read about and seen on the news.  This is nothing more than to share with you a story of courage from a young lady named Hannah Lawson.  Read her story here: Hannah’s CaringBridge site.

Additional Link(s): Hannah’s Army Angels

As we begin a new year, I wanted to start it with this thought for the day.

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Happy New Year!

This week’s links of interest are of the artistic nature. These are great places to purchase Christmas gifts or something for that special someone.

Tin Woodsman Pewter Company
http://www.tinwoodsman.com/
The Tin Woodsman Pewter Company combines artistry and function to create pewter gifts that add beauty to the home. Tin Woodsman Pewter was born in 1985, when Jim and Deborah Chapman’s closest friends decided to shut down their pewter studio to pursue other interests.

Jim Shore
http://www.jimshore.com/
Jim Shore grew up in rural South Carolina, the son of artistic parents who instilled a love of the traditional values expressed in American folk art. His grandmother was a master quilter who taught him an appreciation for the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life. Jim drew inspiration from these roots. When immigrants first arrived in this country they brought with them a rich and varied history of Old World decorative techniques, creating beautiful and functional items for their new home. American folk art has its roots in this history and combination of forms. From German quilts to Scandinavian decorative paintings to English appliqué, the New World became a new stage for centuries of artistic tradition. And as these traditions developed, the energy, the opportunity and the character of this new land put its own stamp these European traditions. The unmistakable “Heartcrafted” style of Jim Shore draws its inspiration from these traditions, creating authentic new interpretations of our shared cultural heritage.

Sticks, Inc.
http://www.sticks.com/
Sticks was started by Sarah Grant in 1992. Since then, Sticks has received national acclaim for our distinctive line of furniture, accessories and object art. The company began by designing smaller items such as ornaments and candlesticks, and has evolved to feature larger items such as dining sets, beds and armoires. Each piece is handcrafted within Sticks’ award winning studio in Des Moines, Iowa. All pieces are finely crafted from birch, poplar and driftwood. The pieces are further designed with hand drawn imagery, etched contouring and vibrantly blended paint. Pieces can be embellished with 3-D wood components, metal, leather and fabric. Their line is constantly evolving due to the imagination of our design team and the many talented craft artisans that we employ. Every piece that is produced can be personalized to feature themes, imagery or colors that you desire.

I have tried to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself regarding the upcoming elections.  However, as we grow closer to electing a new president and local government officials, I just had to share my thoughts.

Regardless of who wins, I am very thankful and blessed to be an American.  To live in a free country where I have a responsibility to vote for my elected government officials.  To vote for amendments that I agree with and vote against those I don’t.  To have the right to have my voice heard.  Regardless of who wins… there has always been someone worse and there will always be someone better.

O.K., so it is not a photo I’ve taken, but I think you get the point.  Enjoy!

Government

Well, this is my first attempt at a blog.  Several of my friends have blogs, so I thought I would give it try as well.

As for the name of my blog, “better than I deserve”; that is Dave Ramsey’s response when asked how he is doing.  Those of you who listen to Dave’s radio show know what I’m talking about.  And, the more I hear that statement, the more I realize many of us are much better than we deserve.

According to Webster’s dictionary, mercy is defined as “a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion”.  Mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.  Grace can be defined as approval, favor, or “disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency”.  You see, we have all seen God’s mercy and received His grace.

So, why “better than I deserve”?  Because God has chosen to bless me with all I have and more than I will ever need.  Not because I deserve it or want it, but because He loves me and wants the best for me.