Jewells of Thought

Words cannot begin to express the excitement of decorating with these specific objects. The history in these books of various topics mesmerizes me. I’m baffled that some of these books were always within arms reach for me most of my life. Yet now as an adult I can truly appreciate the content and it’s worth.

Do books inspire you?

Decorating with books is much more than optics. Knowing that these books were used by my mom and her brothers is comforting. Actual history books and encyclopedias were touched by them growing up. These three sets of books were up high on a shelf in Grandpa and Grandma Alsmans shelf in the kitchen and living room area. Again though, I don’t ever remember looking at them or being interested until after Grandpa Freddy died.

Why does it take a death for things to become more precious?

Why does it take death for one’s possessions to become more precious for us? Or for me especially?

One of the blessings of being raised in a God-fearing family is how I have seen the teachers of my family at work. Grandpa Freddy and Grandma Betty in detail have written on bibles and on pads of paper different thoughts or outlines.

On the morning of February 6, 2005, Grandpa Freddy looked over his notes once again. Grandma Rosemary listened as he read from the story Ruth; it mirrored their love story. His notes were found in his bible. That Sunday morning the preacher had made a decision to have all the deacons give their testimonies at the beginning of each month starting with Grandpa since he was first according to the alphabet. It was the first one and no one thought to record what would become Freddy’s last words on earth.

The word eloquent was used in referring to my Grandpa’s speech. I missed it due to a really bad cold. It took me at least a decade of grief to actually realize I didn’t need to hear his last words at church. However, he did call the house before Sunday School that morning to check on me. His love was manifested in his every action for his family. We got to see his love in motion every day. He was the rock for our family that kept us together and plugged in to each other’s lives.

Is it ironic that I see bible stories come to life in every couple I get to know. Nearly every type of person was realized in the entirety of scripture. I see them because I continue to read bible stories like my elders did. God reveals different facts to the scripture each time I read a passage. It’s truly incredible when you have the Holy Spirit within you showing God’s Almighty power.