Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder!

Last night Leah and I went on the Pineridge Hollow Christmas Home Tours 2012.  And as we drove up to each home, we had absolutely no idea what beauty lay within.  If you have never gone - this is what happens.  First you buy a ticket for whatever time of the evening, and which ever day you want.  I think this year they are running from yesterday, the 22nd until the 25th I believe.  Then once you have the tickets you mark your calendar and wait with excitement!!

When you buy your tickets you get a map to the houses.  Last night there were 4 houses to see, and then at the end you finish off at Pineridge Hollow where you can enjoy wine and cheese, and purchase any of the beautiful stuff that you have seen in the homes!

So last night Leah and I pulled up to the first home - actually the home of people we know.  It is always beautiful to see homes, their layouts, and their decor.  The fun thing is that Pineridge Hollow comes in an works their decor magic throughout the home.  Of course not all of the rooms are open for view.  You have to keep some mystery right!!  This year, the tours included "special events" at the homes.  So the first event was a demo on making flambe blueberry tea or Spanish Coffee.  Of course you could "sample".  The second home - was also very beautiful - and it was an event where one of the PH chef's made an appetizer.  (I think, we actually missed the turnoff and by the time we got there, the event was done, just some food was there to taste).  The third home, which belonged to the daughter of the owner of PH - I think this was my favorite.  It was so cozy and a cute layout and home.  Before we went in, we had our pictures taken outside! (it was a blustery night, so I really admire the dedication of the photographer!!)  I loved seeing the rooms all decked out.  The whole house was open for display.
Then we went to the Regehr's home (owner) as it is always a part of the tour.  An amazing beautiful home!  It puts the stuff from Pineridge Hollow at its finest display! At this house, we went into the basement and made centerpieces which we all got to take home.  AND THEN ... back we went to Pineridge Hollow (the store and restaurant itself) for appetizers and shopping for all who desired!

It was a fun night out with one of my girls.  Last time I went with Ashley and some friends as Leah and Josh's house was PART of the tour and they needed to be there to host.  Perhaps next year we can go again, the three of us - this year with Matti being born a week ago - it was just a little too soon.

The Christmas decor is almost overwhelming at times.  But absolutely beautiful!  It is amazing what people can think of, dream of, decorate with!  Each home just came alive with CHRISTMAS!

But there is a part of these home tours which I have not mentioned yet, and the part that when I heard - simply knocked my socks off!  As I was working with Jan on our furniture order (at Pineridge Hollow) Jan just nonchalantly mentioned that each year they give the proceeds from the event - to a charity - and she has chosen our ministry, Women Refreshed at the Well.  I was blown away.  I hardly could speak.
Not only was she giving me some amazing deals on furniture - her generosity was extended in this way.  And I was overwhelmed.

Last night as I heard Deb (from PH) speaking at the first house - welcoming people, telling her about the Home Tours and then about the chosen non-profit that will benefit from the proceeds - I could hardly stand there!  It seemed surreal that we were getting that much closer to the opening.  Leah asked me how I felt when I heard Deb speaking.  (Deb told me that I was "hiding" while she spoke) I think in some ways - it made me feel overwhelmed, and sort of scared!  Once again Lord - "you called ME?  REALLY ... Lord give me strength, energy, know how, and ability!"  This is SO NOT about me but about HIM.  Really and Truly.

So last night, as we drove to each house, as we chatted about what we saw and liked, as we talked with other women - we saw beauty in it all.  As I thought of this gift that Jan is giving to us - I see such beauty in her generosity.  It overwhelms me when I realize that other people BELIEVE in what God has called us to!  Absolute affirmation, and confirmation!

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.  Beauty is all around us.  The other day my little grandson Everett came into the house and looked at our Christmas tree - which was lit up but is not decorated yet and I heard him say, "Granny that is beautiful!"

Oh ... my heart is full of thankfulness, of song, of Beauty!  Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me - bless YOUR holy name!