Have you ever been standing, gazing into thin air, as if you were asleep?  You were very much awake, but in a trance-like state, focused on the enormous task before you and how little you felt you were accomplishing?  Possibly, you wonder why you ever began!

That’s where we find Zerrubbabel (now that’s a mouthful!). He had been having a conversation with an angel, and apparently, he had to take in what all had been told him….

“Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep.  “What do you see now?” he asked.

The angel and Zerrubbabel continued their conversation of what had suddenly become visible to the eye, and what it all meant.  Zerrubbabel had been given divine direction to build the Lord’s temple.  He must have become a bit discouraged that the work was extensive, and that he was laboring alone (or so he thought) to do the work set before him.  But the angel spoke to him….

“Zerrubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it…..do not despise this day of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin….” (Excerpts from Zechariah 4)

Wow.  My take-away?  Don’t despise what the Lord has given you to do no matter how small it looks to you in the beginning.  He is surely working His purpose out in and through your obedience to Him.  And that is key….obedience.

So with that in mind, I have decided to focus on “smalls” in this blog….those seemingly insignificant pieces that adorn your home and work spaces.  The fact is, without those small pieces, the rest of your very large space would appear dull!  (Boy, that could preach too!)

At least once every day, you and I take an article of clothing from a hanger.   But how often do you and I use silk hangers???  These beauties are a thing of the past, yet every closet/home should possess at least one!  Why?  They absolutely will not wrinkle your freshly ironed clothing, they have nothing on them to snag or tear the fabrics you place on them, they work for any item because you can slip a pin into the hanger to hold a skirt in place….I could go on and on.  And oh yes, they’re pretty!  Suffice it to say, these are new and fabulous.  You should take one (or two) home with you!  Oh, and did I mention that they make great gifts?!

Let’s talk tissues….what has become of putting those much-needed items in a pretty shell to hold them?  These two are beauties for sure.  I really like how the one on the left shows through the color of the box!  But oh, those roses on the right….

Who doesn’t need more storage?   These floral canvas tote boxes are ideal for the car, the closet or to put by a chair.  Guess what?  They will also hold a tissue box!  Just sayin’….

 I admit I’m missing my granddaughters more than normal today.  I’ve had several “Mimi”s come in today with their grandchildren.  These little enamel cups and bowls are the perfect size for them to enjoy “baking” or having a tea party with.  And the good news?  They can’t break!

Need a small gift to let that special friend know you are thinking of her?  This may be just the ticket!

These zipper bags come in four sizes and just as many patterns.  Perfect for carrying a cell phone, credit cards and keys in, or makeup in the largest size (it’s lined to wipe clean!).  Lightweight and pretty….the perfect combination!

 I keep a bottle of olive oil on my kitchen counter for easy access.  This holder would be a gorgeous accent instead of a plain bottle!  And I love that Biscuits Tin!  I had to ask my English friend what our equivalent to biscuits are….any idea?  How about cookies!

These etched sherbet dishes are the perfect size for a taste of dessert!  Lovely, yet practical….again, a great gift idea or a wonderful addition to your own kitchen collection!

Who remembers these potholders?  These particular ones are quite special because they are hand-crafted locally by a 13 year young man.  This young man’s grandmother saved old socks from when her children were small, made the dye herself and then crafted the loom for her children in their youth to use in making potholders themselves!  Her grandchildren are now reviving this past art with their grandmother’s help while having fun “going vintage” with me this summer!  Don’t miss that each one of these crafted items has a uniquely different design woven into it!  (And my personal testimony is that I have taken one home to use and wash…..all of which worked beautifully!  They are made from socks so of course they launder well!  Thicker than most, they also won’t allow a burn to the hand when using them.)  And again, a great gift idea for anyone on your shopping list!

The season is ripe for picking flowers to bring indoors.  Choose from a collection of vases and allow the beauty of the buds to enhance the use of the vessel.  And don’t let your imagination wane….anything can become a vase!

I often marvel at how well-thought-through were the older household items.  Take these silver encased glasses for instance.  The silver is not only attractive, but it holds the chill of the beverage!  The glasses remove for washing.  Yep, I’m tempted to take these beauties home with me!

Some small things are just plain cute!  Love all the vintage planters, and succulents are hard to kill so I’m liking these even more!

Thanks for considering the “small” things this week.  Drop by sometime and I’ll show you a few more of my favs!  Until then, remember that obedience to the “small” tasks God has given you matters.

~ Blessings,

Connie