Hi,
The fashions of the mid-1950's were fun. I enjoyed looking at websites for inspiration for the fashions in my fiction novel.
Short sleeved sweaters, pencil skirts, every day dresses had full skirts and fitted bodices, peterpan collars, full skirts, were a necessity for a lady's wardrobe.
The fellas wore suits and for every day wear, trousers with cuffs, sweaters, and casual button down shirts.
Click here to see more fashions.
Donna
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Counting Sheep
Counting Sheep
Read: Matt 25:32-33 (NIV) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"One for you, one for me." my sister counted, as she separated the bag of candy into two piles. We had bought the candy at the corner store, pooling our entire life savings of fourteen cents. The bag was as big as a small melon, and looked never-ending. As I watched her, however, something became very clear to me. She was putting the best candy in her pile, and giving me what she didn’t like. When I asked why she was doing that, she said "Because that’s what I like best".
Isn’t it the same with God? He knows what He likes best, and He knows what is best, and so that is what He will choose. God wants those who want to be with Him, those who will do as He asks, those who will be productive for the kingdom. Let’s strive to be on God’s right hand, a position of honor and power. We can do that by being obedient to His Word, living it out in our lives.
Father, show me how to be the sheep of Your hand, and how to let You by my Shepherd. Amen.
Additional readings: Ps 78:52; Ezek 34:12; John 10:27
Read: Isa 65:22 NIV
God is Like an Evergreen
Donna Schlachter
Read: Matt 25:32-33 (NIV) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"One for you, one for me." my sister counted, as she separated the bag of candy into two piles. We had bought the candy at the corner store, pooling our entire life savings of fourteen cents. The bag was as big as a small melon, and looked never-ending. As I watched her, however, something became very clear to me. She was putting the best candy in her pile, and giving me what she didn’t like. When I asked why she was doing that, she said "Because that’s what I like best".
Isn’t it the same with God? He knows what He likes best, and He knows what is best, and so that is what He will choose. God wants those who want to be with Him, those who will do as He asks, those who will be productive for the kingdom. Let’s strive to be on God’s right hand, a position of honor and power. We can do that by being obedient to His Word, living it out in our lives.
Father, show me how to be the sheep of Your hand, and how to let You by my Shepherd. Amen.
Additional readings: Ps 78:52; Ezek 34:12; John 10:27
Read: Isa 65:22 NIV
God is Like an Evergreen
Donna Schlachter
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Denver Mint
Hi,
The Denver Mint was a fixture in Denver in the 1950's. In fact the United States Government established the Mint in 1863 in Denver, after gold was discovered in the mountains nearby.
You can read more about the history of the Mint by clicking here.
Just a bit of fun trivia for my readers.
Donna
The Denver Mint was a fixture in Denver in the 1950's. In fact the United States Government established the Mint in 1863 in Denver, after gold was discovered in the mountains nearby.
You can read more about the history of the Mint by clicking here.
Just a bit of fun trivia for my readers.
Donna
Friday, February 17, 2012
Paid in Full
Paid in Full
by Donna Schlachter
The train conductor made his way down the narrow aisle of the passenger car. “Ticket, please.” he said to each person in turn, taking the ticket and punching it to validate it. Sitting in a back seat was an elderly man. Watching the conductor move closer and closer, he considered his options. He didn’t have a ticket, and no money to buy one. He scrunched down, pulling a blanket over him. Maybe if he looked like he was asleep, the conductor would let him be.
“Excuse me, sir. Ticket please.” he heard, as the conductor stopped next to his seat. He kept his eyes closed, wishing the man to continue to the next car. But the conductor reached over, shaking him gently, then a little harder, until the old man’s eyes opened.
“Ticket, please.” the conductor insisted. “If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll have to get off the train right now.”
“Please, sir.” the old man began. “I must get to Newcastle today. I don’t have any money to buy a ticket.”
“Can’t let you do that. You’re gonna have to get off now.”
The man sitting in the seat ahead was standing to retrieve his bag from the overhead compartment. He tugged on the conductor’s sleeve. “Sir, I’ll pay for this man to go to Newcastle. How much is it?”
The conductor looked at his train schedule, and said, “Forty two dollars.”
The stranger pulled out his wallet, counting and re-counting his money. Finally, he handed a wad of bills to the conductor. “It’s everything I have.” With that, he left the train.
The conductor moved on, and the old man stared in disbelief at the ticket in his hand. Someone who didn’t even know him had just paid his ticket. And the stranger had left so quickly he hadn’t thanked him.
* * * * *
This man had nothing that gave him the right to be on this train, yet a stranger paid his way. We have nothing that gives us the right to claim a personal relationship with a loving God. God reminds us that our acts of righteousness are as filthy rags to Him. (Isaiah 64:4) Yet Jesus has decided that although our sin deserves spiritual death, (Romans 6:23), we are worth the cost. Jesus pays the price for each one of us, giving everything He has. All He asks in return is that we give Him all we have - our lives, our love, our time. We allow Him to change us from the inside out, and then we show others how to be changed, as well. Getting to our destination is not our only mission - we are to also show others the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reflection: John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Donna
by Donna Schlachter
The train conductor made his way down the narrow aisle of the passenger car. “Ticket, please.” he said to each person in turn, taking the ticket and punching it to validate it. Sitting in a back seat was an elderly man. Watching the conductor move closer and closer, he considered his options. He didn’t have a ticket, and no money to buy one. He scrunched down, pulling a blanket over him. Maybe if he looked like he was asleep, the conductor would let him be.
“Excuse me, sir. Ticket please.” he heard, as the conductor stopped next to his seat. He kept his eyes closed, wishing the man to continue to the next car. But the conductor reached over, shaking him gently, then a little harder, until the old man’s eyes opened.
“Ticket, please.” the conductor insisted. “If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll have to get off the train right now.”
“Please, sir.” the old man began. “I must get to Newcastle today. I don’t have any money to buy a ticket.”
“Can’t let you do that. You’re gonna have to get off now.”
The man sitting in the seat ahead was standing to retrieve his bag from the overhead compartment. He tugged on the conductor’s sleeve. “Sir, I’ll pay for this man to go to Newcastle. How much is it?”
The conductor looked at his train schedule, and said, “Forty two dollars.”
The stranger pulled out his wallet, counting and re-counting his money. Finally, he handed a wad of bills to the conductor. “It’s everything I have.” With that, he left the train.
The conductor moved on, and the old man stared in disbelief at the ticket in his hand. Someone who didn’t even know him had just paid his ticket. And the stranger had left so quickly he hadn’t thanked him.
* * * * *
This man had nothing that gave him the right to be on this train, yet a stranger paid his way. We have nothing that gives us the right to claim a personal relationship with a loving God. God reminds us that our acts of righteousness are as filthy rags to Him. (Isaiah 64:4) Yet Jesus has decided that although our sin deserves spiritual death, (Romans 6:23), we are worth the cost. Jesus pays the price for each one of us, giving everything He has. All He asks in return is that we give Him all we have - our lives, our love, our time. We allow Him to change us from the inside out, and then we show others how to be changed, as well. Getting to our destination is not our only mission - we are to also show others the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reflection: John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Donna
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Spring Retreat
Good evening,
I wrote a post about the ACFW Colorado Spring Retreat for writers. It is so important to renew our spiritual energy with the Lord.
You can click here to read that post.
Enjoy,
Donna
I wrote a post about the ACFW Colorado Spring Retreat for writers. It is so important to renew our spiritual energy with the Lord.
You can click here to read that post.
Enjoy,
Donna
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Denver Union Station
Hello readers,
The Denver Union Station is an interesting architectural building. The station serviced many passengers from the beginning of the twentieth century to around 1950. By the mid-fifty's the passenger train service was declining rapidly as the trend of family owned automobiles became popular.
Click here to read more and see a picture of the trains and the station.
Enjoy,
Donna
The Denver Union Station is an interesting architectural building. The station serviced many passengers from the beginning of the twentieth century to around 1950. By the mid-fifty's the passenger train service was declining rapidly as the trend of family owned automobiles became popular.
Click here to read more and see a picture of the trains and the station.
Enjoy,
Donna
Monday, February 13, 2012
Fashions in the 50's
Hello,
The 1950's saw a trend in billowing skirts, stilettos heels, gloves, and a push to move women back into the home from the workforce of the 1940's.
The fellas wore suits and were influenced by Hollywood.
Click here to read more.
Enjoy more pictures from the 50's.
Donna
The 1950's saw a trend in billowing skirts, stilettos heels, gloves, and a push to move women back into the home from the workforce of the 1940's.
The fellas wore suits and were influenced by Hollywood.
Click here to read more.
Enjoy more pictures from the 50's.
Donna
Friday, February 10, 2012
Pieces of Glass
Pieces of Glass
by Donna Schlachter
Having grown up near the ocean, I’ve spent a lot of time walking along the beaches. I find the gentle rhythm of the sea to be a great comfort. And it doesn’t matter whether the water is so calm that it looks like glass, or the storm is raging all around – I still find solace in the sounds and smells of the ocean. The treasures to be found on an ocean beach are unlike anywhere else. I love to walk just above the high tide line, and see what the water has relinquished this time.
Perhaps the best lesson I’ve learned concerns those little pieces of glass that are washed ashore. These are pieces of bottles and such that ended up in the ocean for whatever reason, and then were pounded and beaten by the water against the rocks and gravel and sand, to end up on the beach. They are usually small, sole survivors of a harrowing journey. Depending on how long they’ve been in the water, they’ll have varying degrees of smooth edges, the ones with the smoothest edges having been in the water the longest. Sometimes they’re clear, sometimes they’re green, or brown, depending on the original color of the glass. The wonderful thing about these pieces of glass is that each one is unique. There are no two alike, because no two pieces have gone through the same circumstances.
What can we learn from looking at this glass? I saw myself. Beaten by the world, broken by circumstances into small pieces. Not worth a second glance. When you first see these small pieces of glass, they look like small jewels. But while they look perfect on the outside, hold them up to the light, and you will see small flaws and hairline cracks inside the glass. Just like me. I may look okay on the outside, but when I compare myself to the Light of the World, I can see my imperfections. But you know something? I am still treated like a treasure. Because there is none other created exactly like me.
That’s when I saw that the sand is not meant to destroy the pieces of glass, merely to smooth off the rough edges, and polish the glass to a satin sheen. In the same way, God intends the things He takes us through to complete the good work He has already started. It may not be comfortable, but it is necessary.
God knew me before the beginning of time. He created me to be me. Sure, I took a few detours along the way. I banged myself up against some pretty big rocks. I got worn down on some very rough gravel. But that doesn’t make me less desirable to God. In fact, it makes me more desirable to Him. And so I bring to Him all of my imperfections, my worn spots and hairline cracks, and ask Him to fix me. And He makes me whole. He is the only One Who can.
Come to Him with your cracks and imperfections. Ask Him to fix whatever is not perfect and complete, so that you can reflect His light and love to the world.
God, show me the Light of the World, Your Son. Show me that only through Him can I truly be made whole. Amen
by Donna Schlachter
Having grown up near the ocean, I’ve spent a lot of time walking along the beaches. I find the gentle rhythm of the sea to be a great comfort. And it doesn’t matter whether the water is so calm that it looks like glass, or the storm is raging all around – I still find solace in the sounds and smells of the ocean. The treasures to be found on an ocean beach are unlike anywhere else. I love to walk just above the high tide line, and see what the water has relinquished this time.
Perhaps the best lesson I’ve learned concerns those little pieces of glass that are washed ashore. These are pieces of bottles and such that ended up in the ocean for whatever reason, and then were pounded and beaten by the water against the rocks and gravel and sand, to end up on the beach. They are usually small, sole survivors of a harrowing journey. Depending on how long they’ve been in the water, they’ll have varying degrees of smooth edges, the ones with the smoothest edges having been in the water the longest. Sometimes they’re clear, sometimes they’re green, or brown, depending on the original color of the glass. The wonderful thing about these pieces of glass is that each one is unique. There are no two alike, because no two pieces have gone through the same circumstances.
What can we learn from looking at this glass? I saw myself. Beaten by the world, broken by circumstances into small pieces. Not worth a second glance. When you first see these small pieces of glass, they look like small jewels. But while they look perfect on the outside, hold them up to the light, and you will see small flaws and hairline cracks inside the glass. Just like me. I may look okay on the outside, but when I compare myself to the Light of the World, I can see my imperfections. But you know something? I am still treated like a treasure. Because there is none other created exactly like me.
That’s when I saw that the sand is not meant to destroy the pieces of glass, merely to smooth off the rough edges, and polish the glass to a satin sheen. In the same way, God intends the things He takes us through to complete the good work He has already started. It may not be comfortable, but it is necessary.
God knew me before the beginning of time. He created me to be me. Sure, I took a few detours along the way. I banged myself up against some pretty big rocks. I got worn down on some very rough gravel. But that doesn’t make me less desirable to God. In fact, it makes me more desirable to Him. And so I bring to Him all of my imperfections, my worn spots and hairline cracks, and ask Him to fix me. And He makes me whole. He is the only One Who can.
Come to Him with your cracks and imperfections. Ask Him to fix whatever is not perfect and complete, so that you can reflect His light and love to the world.
God, show me the Light of the World, Your Son. Show me that only through Him can I truly be made whole. Amen
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Ball Gowns of the 1950's
Oh readers,
Click on this link for some spectacular eye candy of gowns and styles in the 1950's.
The ball gowns are simply stunning.
Enjoy,
Donna
Click on this link for some spectacular eye candy of gowns and styles in the 1950's.
The ball gowns are simply stunning.
Enjoy,
Donna
Monday, February 6, 2012
Guest Author, Paula Moldenhauer
Good morning readers,
It is always good to share in the joy of fellow authors who get their first contract. We are there for each other when we first learn to write, submit to critique groups, and yes, even face another rejection letter.
Our Colorado ACFW Colorado Coordinator, Paula Moldenhauer, wrote today's post on The Inkwell. She shared a bit about her writing journey to publication. It is worth the read. Click here to read her post.
You can also find Paula over at her site by clicking here.
Enjoy,
Donna
It is always good to share in the joy of fellow authors who get their first contract. We are there for each other when we first learn to write, submit to critique groups, and yes, even face another rejection letter.
Our Colorado ACFW Colorado Coordinator, Paula Moldenhauer, wrote today's post on The Inkwell. She shared a bit about her writing journey to publication. It is worth the read. Click here to read her post.
You can also find Paula over at her site by clicking here.
Enjoy,
Donna
Friday, February 3, 2012
Lost and Found
Lost and Found
by Donna Schlachter
Read: Rom 8:38 39 (NIV) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When my brother was 3 years old, we went to a large flea market. I was told to look after him. Being only 13, and easily distracted, I let go of his hand, and when I turned back, he was gone! There must have been 500 people in this large arena, and he was so small. I searched everywhere, and couldn’t find him. I finally had to seek out my parents, tell them what had happened, and await the outcome. I was convinced someone had taken him, and he was gone for good.
As adults, we can be easily distracted by the things of this world. Our job, family, money, home, possessions, friends - all take up our time, and can keep us from seeing God. If we allow things to come between us and God, they will look bigger than God. The good news is we found my brother, unharmed. He said he wanted to look at the toys, and he lost me! Too often we think God has lost us, only to find we were the ones who wandered off. Nothing can cause God to lose us, but we need to stick close to Him all the time.
Father God, create in me a hunger for Your presence, so that I cannot wander. Amen
Additional readings: Rom 8:35; Matt 19:6; Matt. 14:30
by Donna Schlachter
Read: Rom 8:38 39 (NIV) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When my brother was 3 years old, we went to a large flea market. I was told to look after him. Being only 13, and easily distracted, I let go of his hand, and when I turned back, he was gone! There must have been 500 people in this large arena, and he was so small. I searched everywhere, and couldn’t find him. I finally had to seek out my parents, tell them what had happened, and await the outcome. I was convinced someone had taken him, and he was gone for good.
As adults, we can be easily distracted by the things of this world. Our job, family, money, home, possessions, friends - all take up our time, and can keep us from seeing God. If we allow things to come between us and God, they will look bigger than God. The good news is we found my brother, unharmed. He said he wanted to look at the toys, and he lost me! Too often we think God has lost us, only to find we were the ones who wandered off. Nothing can cause God to lose us, but we need to stick close to Him all the time.
Father God, create in me a hunger for Your presence, so that I cannot wander. Amen
Additional readings: Rom 8:35; Matt 19:6; Matt. 14:30
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Colfax Avenue in Denver
Hello,
Colfax Avenue is a main thoroughfare in the Denver area. Originally the street was named something else but was eventually named Colfax Avenue after a prominent congressman, Schuyler Colfax. Mr. Colfax was Vice-President of the United States under President Ulysses S. Grant.
During the 1950's, Americans were driving cars more and traveling across the country. Colfax was a very busy street with many businesses and local attractions.
Click here to read more information about Colfax Avenue during the 1950's.
Donna
Colfax Avenue is a main thoroughfare in the Denver area. Originally the street was named something else but was eventually named Colfax Avenue after a prominent congressman, Schuyler Colfax. Mr. Colfax was Vice-President of the United States under President Ulysses S. Grant.
During the 1950's, Americans were driving cars more and traveling across the country. Colfax was a very busy street with many businesses and local attractions.
Click here to read more information about Colfax Avenue during the 1950's.
Donna
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