Michelle, Author at Camellias & Copper

More Than Just a Bathroom Remodel

August 7, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith 2 Comments

Today is Friday. Already a busy morning: the dog is at the groomers, the kids are at Little Gym, I’ve walked, showered and gone to check on a master bathroom remodel we are doing.

There were times at the beginning of the quarantine where I was bored to tears. Unable to do anything, go anywhere, see anyone, etc. And all I could do was hang out with the kids all day. Now, we are somewhat back to normal with routines, and camps and projects and plans. A few days I find myself wishing for just a little bit of the quarantine life with all its boredom.

On the other hand, in the wonderfulness of the Lord and how He is orchestrating all the things, I have had the opportunity to talk with the lady of the house where we are doing the remodel. A lady I was familiar with as we go to the same church and I’ve had some interactions with her. But now, on a much closer level – I get to talk to her just about every single day.

(Maybe she won’t see this post…)

Some of my favorite days are when I go over to check on the project and then I end up sitting at her kitchen table with her, just talking. She tells me stories of when her kids were little and asks me about our kids. When I tell her about the things that drive me crazy or where I’m struggling as a mom, she offers shrewd advice and prayers. And I know she prays for me. Most days her Bible is still open on the table, papers strewn around it – all her notes of things and people she prays for…

She’s not that much older than me, but her kids are grown and moved away. And she has some of the sweetest things to say, and she pours into me, whether she realizes it or not. Though I’m sure on some level, she does know what she’s doing.

I cherish it.

My mother isn’t around for me to sit at a kitchen table with her. To talk about all the things of motherhood. And yet this woman, who doesn’t have a daughter or daughter-in-law, has acted in so many ways as a mother to me.

And here I was thinking I was just going to be helping her with a master bathroom remodel.

Yes, the Lord is sovereign and yes he is good. And he brings people into our lives right at the most opportune time. Who has he put in your life today? How will you be a blessing to him or to her? Will you allow the Lord to use you in such a way that they may go home and think about what a blessing you are to them?

Lord, may I be as much or more of a blessing to someone today as this woman is to me.

Have a great weekend y’all…until next time,

We Got to go to Church!

July 12, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith 1 Comment

Today was the first day our family got to go back to church. We were all so very excited to be back in our house of worship, because though we have been able to watch our services via all the ways technologically: tv/Facebook/the internet, it just doesn’t compare to being there.

Of course, remarkably enough, a familiar song started playing just a few blocks from our turning into the church parking lot:

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that’s in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they’ve seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

I turned the dial up and sang it out loud! We were getting to go to church!!! This called for windows down, head hanging out the window screaming at the top of my lungs {no, I didn’t…but I wanted to. I had, after-all, washed and straightened my hair AND put on makeup!}. How many weeks and days had passed when I had heard that song and lamented that we couldn’t go to church…and how great it would be to sing that song and be able to go back. Well, we sang and we went!

Thank you Lord.

For the place that feels like home

For seeing the beautiful faces of the people that we have come to depend on {for an encouraging word, a prayer, a laugh, all the things}

For our preacher, Wes, whom you have gifted to bring Your Word each and every Sunday

For the love I had at first – for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Oh, yes. Thank you so very much that we got to go to church today.

How was it? you may ask… It was everything wonderful and more. Two of my absolute favorite songs were sung – I could have cried if I hadn’t been so completely overjoyed. Pastor Wes even said that it sounded like our whole choir was there today, when it was only a fraction of the singers. I imagine Heaven sounds a lot like our church when we get our worship on 🙂

The kids were mostly well behaved – many thanks to crayons and coloring pages. Today was even Emory’s very first Sunday morning in ‘big church’ and he did quite well.

We did wear masks until we sat in our pew…everyone was socially distanced.

To say we’ve missed being in the building…the place where I know without a doubt the Holy Spirit shows up every Sunday is an understatement. To worship with other believers, the ones with hands and heads lifted high, praising the Lord with everything they have, it was glorious.

Many friends from church have been posting this verse and when I read it again today I couldn’t help but shake my head and smile, indeed.
Very much indeed, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'”

God, may we not take for granted the fellowship we have with other believers, especially in Your house.

Though she looks grumpy in this photo, Eliza Jane was actually very glad to be back in church…she just wanted Skittles instead of M&Ms… Who can blame her, right?

If you haven’t been able to go back, I hope you get to go to your church, soon.
Until next time…

Monday Muse

June 22, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith Leave a Comment

Sometimes I wonder if my thoughts are worth sharing. Am I wise or thoughtful enough. Will I chose the right wording or possibly hurt or offend someone.

So then I say a prayer, and write what’s on my heart.

Yesterday we had the great privilege of attending a Solemn Assembly service at our church. However many weeks have passed since we last stepped into our great sanctuary, and yet, it seemed like yesterday that we were there.

The day had already been full of Father’s Day-type activities so there wasn’t much time to ‘prepare’ to be there, but the kids were dressed {Reynolds wore his suit!} and we were excited to be back in the place we’ve called our church “home”…where we’ve met with Jesus so many times.

Greeters in masks…pews marked off with ‘okay to sit here’ type flyers…
It was hard to tell who was who, but in the back, I saw a friendly face – Emily and her family. What joy. I wanted to run over and squeeze her neck, but I refrained and simply gave her the heart symbol with my hands and smiled, big.

We took a pew in the back, sort of away from everyone else {a 3.5 yr old in tow doesn’t make for a quiet row}. The praise team was singing a beautiful song, “Heal Us”. The words go like this

Heal us, Emmanuel, here we are
We long to feel Thy touch
Deep wounded souls to Thee we fly
O Savior hear our cry

After a few times singing the chorus, we had a beautiful time of prayer. Pastor Wes led our time of confessional praying, by following the 10 Commandments. He read the commandment and the idea was that if you had broken or offended that commandment, to confess it to the Lord.
And then the hope seemed to be that one would repent and turn back to God.

Which brings me to a thought I had while sitting on our pew, trying to keep our kids from being so loud, so often ‘Christians’ get caught up in the rights and wrongs, do’s and don’ts… Are we/you/I doing what we do or don’t do because of religion {in the name of…}, or because of a relationship with Jesus?

What’s your motivation? Or even lack-thereof? Is it just because of a book or list of rules you read somewhere or is it because you’ve met with the Savior of the world and accept the grace He has freely given to you?

I think there are days and moments where I do or think because “that’s what the Bible says”. But ultimately, it’s because of a man. A man who suffered temptations and yet, was able to stare the devil in the face and tell him to get lost. And because I am not able to do the same, He bore the weight of my sin on His back. He took the blows to His hands and feet so that I wouldn’t have to. Because of HIS sacrifice for me, I can call upon the Maker of the universe…whenever I want.

And because of His sacrifice, I want to be a better person. I want to love better, more sacrificially. I don’t want to be petty or jealous. I don’t want to be mean or hurtful. I don’t want to covet the life or things that others have.

{chuckling} – I am certainly not perfect in any of this. Most of my struggles are daily, but praise be to God that His mercies are new every morning, great is HIS faithfulness {to me}. When I am weak, I call out to Him. When I am failing as a friend, a wife, a mother, a-fill-in-the-blank, I call upon my Savior for help.
I even take my ridiculous thoughts to him. The ones where if I said them out loud, I would be scoffed or chastised…

Anyway, if you don’t know Jesus, and do things just because you “should”, there is a better way. An easier way. All you have to do is take a leap of faith and trust in Him to be your everything.

Big thanks to Emily for taking our family’s pic 😉

until next time…

Tuesday.March 17th, 2020

March 17, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

It’s early. The kids are still sleeping. Andrew is in the office working (and has been since ~4am). I rose early to spend some time in prayer and my Bible study, that was just recently started with the sweet group of ladies I’ve been able to study along with on Thursday mornings. Things are different now. No more Bible Study with my ladies…..

As I sat at my little desk in our living room with hot latte in hand (homemade), I closed my eyes to pray. Lord, heal our land. Lord, heal the thousands of people who have contracted this virus. Lord, give strength to the medical professionals that are tirelessly working to help those who are sick. Lord, give YOUR wisdom to those who are desperately seeking a cure or vaccine for this disease that has our world turned upside down. Lord, humble Your people. YOU are the only one who can ultimately heal. YOU are the only one who can fix all that is wrong in this world. Lord, if this is what you are using to turn hearts to you, may your Spirit move quickly among those who know you, in order that others may come to know you in a deeper way.

There are thousands of things and people to be prayed for no doubt. Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our hearts to Him. What do you need? Grace to get through another homeschooling day when you never signed up to be a homeschooling momma? All joking aside…tell Him, ask Him to fill you up with what you lack. Pray Jeremiah 33:9…Lord, may your renown be known, may your joy, praise and honor flow from our lips and Lord will you provide abundantly for those who are lacking. Whatever it is…go to Him. He hears your cries for help…He is your Father and He knows your voice, He created you after all – He will come to your aide.💖
Romans 8:28

Standing Firm

January 1, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Life Leave a Comment

As 2019 came to a wrap I was reminded of my word for the year, Peace. You may recall I wrote a post in February {read it here!} about my word of the year – and how odd I found that my word was ‘Peace’. We don’t always know the answers going into something new, like a new year, but we remain steadfast and joyful, and jump in with both feet, hopeful and expectant.

Well, 2019 was full of trials and moments of distress among happy and joy-filled memories with family and friends. The peace that I wasn’t so sure I needed, or even wanted at the beginning of the year, was showing me how deeply I craved it.
The Lord knew, of course. John 14:27 sums it up pretty simply: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

The world and what she has to offer doesn’t lend the peace I desperately need, only Jesus can give it; it can only be found in Him.

Resting in His sometimes in-explainable peace, I move forward into 2020 with my new word for the year, based on DaySpring’s quiz…Stand.

Another seemingly odd word for me…I giggled a little when it showed up on my screen, wondering what in the world… What would this mean for 2020. I shrugged my shoulders and opened the email that I received to further encourage me with this new word. I found enclosed in the email several verses of scripture in the form of wallpaper for my phone and shareables to…well, share.

This is the one I made my home screen on my phone. It ‘spoke’ to me in several ways:
1. Be alert – 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He nearly got me in 2019.
2. Stand firm – not just stand, but stand FIRM. Know in whom you believe and don’t just stand, but stand firm, determined, steadfast in what He has done for you/me.
3. Do everything in love – read those words slowly. Do.everything.in.love.
Do everything, not just a few things, not just when I feel like it, but rather, do everything. In love. In serving. In being 51% of every relationship. Out-doing the other person in the relationship. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” And not out-doing as in some sort of competition or for a reward, but out of love for the other person and of the Father.

While I am realistic in knowing there isn’t some magic potion to make all of this just happen – to change me to be the person I want to be, I know by God’s grace, His strength, His might, I can do all things in Him. It is my desire to be joyful and content in Him. To stand firm in my beliefs of who He is, who I am in Him and where He calls me.

I have no idea what 2020 holds for me, but I am expectant and joyful in knowing Who goes before me and prepares me for His good works, Ephesians 2:10.

My prayer for you in this new year is that you find whatever it is you need, in Him. He is better. <3

Happy Birthday Momma

December 11, 2019 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Life 6 Comments

I talked to my best friend, Ann, yesterday…she knew that today is my mom’s birthday. Through our conversation, she asked me which day is harder, the day she passed away or her birthday? The two days are so very different.

The day she died is a hard day because it’s re-living those moments, those last moments with her, holding her hand, wishing for her to wake, or just squeeze my hand – something to let me know she was there. And then the conversation with the doctor, about her state and the awful reality of what was. The tears cried over our impending loss of this woman we loved and adored, and then watching her fade into the arms of Jesus. Yes, that day is so very hard.

Her birthday is a difficult day in a different way. There are memories of calling her in the mornings of her birthday to sing happy birthday to her – hearing her laugh in response and tell me of all the things she would do for the day. {She had the best laugh!}
Even the surprising celebration we had for her when she turned 60 – gathering some of her closest friends together at a little dessert place in downtown Macon. She had no clue about it, and it was so wonderful to see her face light up – the hugs, laughs and even happy tears that flowed from the love shown to her by the ones who loved her so deeply.

>Sigh< Yes, her birthday is hard because it’s so very different…I cannot call her, my kids cannot call her to tell her happy birthday – and what a joy that would be to hear – them ~~yelling~~ singing happy birthday to her!

This past weekend we were in Macon, to celebrate the wedding of my cousin’s daughter. It was a great time of being with my extended family – and hearing sweet memories from a couple of cousins about my mom. She was thoughtful and kind…she made these sweet little cross-stitched ornaments – my cousin Brooke talked about how much hers mean to her – how her girls even knew this year, while decorating the tree, that these ornaments from Aunt Mary were a must to go on the tree. We all have them – and my how precious they have become to us. This is one she made for me…

We went by her grave before the wedding to visit and also change out the flowers on her grave. The store we went to didn’t have any Christmas flowers so we opted for a wreath, and a fun necklace that would have surely made her laugh. The kids asked questions about her, Reynolds and Eliza Jane spoke of how much they missed her and I just stood there thinking about what it’s like now that she’s gone.

Not to make this post sad and depressing, but just to share with you about this day and to also make note of a few things: life is precious. Your life is precious. You are a part of, and touch the lives of so many – more than you realize, and when you are gone, there is emptiness in your place.

This is her 3rd birthday spent in Heaven, and while I do rejoice that she is with Jesus, I sure do miss her. Life is so very different because she is not here. Our family isn’t the same without her – she was the glue that held us together.
Mom, you are loved, you are missed and we thank Jesus for the time we had with you. “You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

One of the last photos I took of her <3 – July 2016

Eliza Jane’s Princess Party

August 31, 2019 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Decorating/Remodeling, Events, Life, Party Ideas Leave a Comment

“A dream is a wish your heart makes…when you’re fast asleep…”

These are the first words of one of my favorite songs from ‘Cinderella’ my favorite princess from my favorite fairy tale, my favorite movie.

When Eliza Jane and I talked earlier this summer about her birthday party, I asked her what kind of party she wanted for her FIFTH birthday.
First of all, can we pause for a moment together and say, ‘how in the WORLD is she FIVE!?’ Remember when she was born and I shared her birth story? Seems like last year… I can hardly believe we’re now using a whole hand to tell her age. It’s so weird.

Okay, back to princesses and dreams and parties.
When we talked about her birthday, I had all sorts of fun ideas – fairies in a garden, a ballet with a small group of friends, all sorts of fun things were stirring in my mind, but when I asked her she had one, very simple response: PRINCESS!

Princess. We did a princess party last year.
I pondered it for about a day; How could we do another princess party this year, that would be different from last year, and certainly a GOOD party because it is her FIFTH.

What if….and my wheels started turning.
What if we created a castle. What if, walking into the living room, it was like walking into a castle.
I threw the idea at Andrew and shared some initial thoughts with him…I think he smiled and tossed his head back with, “This is going to get out of hand real fast, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Yes it is.” I said with a laugh. “She only turns 5 once…and last year her brother threw out the first pitch at a Fireflies baseball game, so…”

I got online and made a reservation for two princesses to join us for her party. This part would remain a complete surprise to her and her friends. I told a couple of moms, and swore them to secrecy. {I may have even threatened death to one…}. I was giddy with my secret…I knew my sweet girl would be over the moon to see two of her favorite princesses show up at HER house.

One night at ballet practice, my sweet friend Dana and I perused Pinterest, looking for ideas to help me figure out how we would bring this vision to life. The dream I had for her castle centered around a chandelier and canopy hanging over a beautifully set table, with golds and pinks and greens. Slowly, but surely I started collecting items that we could use for the party and to be completely honest, the outcome was so much more than I ever dreamed.

A few points I’ll make before you see the pictures: Eliza Jane LOVED her castle. She called me an artist the day I put up the castle…NO ONE has ever called me an artist {for good reason!}. The weekend before the party Reynolds came up with the idea to be a knight, to greet the princesses, so of course I ordered him a knight costume!
The princesses are from Once Upon a Princess and they were simply amazing. Completely in character the whole time, they told stories, sang and danced, and played games with the sweet girls at our party.
To say everything was a dream…it was a beautiful, beautiful dream.

The canopy belongs to our friend Brynn, who let us borrow it for this sweet party.

This tablescape was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest and was able to find all of the paper products from If It’s Paper; the flowers came from Lowe’s Foods and the chairs were rented. The chandelier came from a house we recently renovated!

The castle was created from craft paper purchased from Lowe’s (the hardware store), and I spray painted the bricks. The sconces are made from black construction paper and the fire is tissue paper.
These yellow wingback chairs were my grandparent’s and I had them reupholstered a couple of years ago. The fun hanging elements are from Michael’s (3 different party packs) and are hanging by fishing line, attached to the ceiling with clear push pins (my thumb is so sore!).

A big thank you to my sweet friend Dana, who dripped sweat with me yesterday afternoon trying to hang this canopy. We were absolutely determined to find a way to make it work, and succeeded! You can create amazing things with pushpins and small strips of ribbon!

This sweet little cupcake display was GIVEN to me by the manager at If It’s Paper. I went in one day to buy the envelopes for the birthday invitations and ‘happened’ to tell the lady at the register about our princess party. The manager overheard me and asked if I wanted this display…and she gave it to me stating she had been waiting for someone to come in for princess party ware, that she could give it to. Lucky me.

This small pink cake stand is from Anthropologie a couple of years ago and Publix did our cupcakes this year.

My sweet Reynolds being a complete gentleman. The princesses called him ‘Prince Charming’. His costume was ordered via Amazon.

“If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true”

We also had a small dress up area complete with several princess dresses, necklaces, bracelets, rings, wands, princess shoes and makeup! You can imagine the fun these girls had. We had several wardrobe changes, trading shoes and jewelry. It was such a joy watching these girls have so much fun today.
I’m so thankful for the friends who were able to come and celebrate with us – it was a day I won’t forget for a very long time.

Until next time sweet friends…

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