Unseen Moments from Our Autumn House Tour Capture

Episode Sixteen: Episode Details

Behind the Scenes of Our Fall Home Tour Photoshoot

This podcast installment is brief at just 7 minutes! It shares the background of the unique camera used to capture the visuals for our recent Fall home decor tour blog post.

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The Tale of a Cherished Camera

Truthfully, I had no intention of releasing a podcast today. However, while drafting a brief newsletter accompanying the new Fall decor home tour, a heartfelt narrative unexpectedly emerged.

I shared it with my husband for his feedback, and during that reading, I became overcome with emotion, experiencing tears and sobs. It is clearly a deeply personal and tender account.

My husband listened completely and his initial thought was, “This deserves a podcast episode. But, you must gather yourself first!” So, I believe I am ready to attempt it—here it is!

Press PLAY on the embedded player to hear the story, or consult the complete transcript below.

Reflections on Seasonal Blogger Tours

I ceased presenting seasonal “home tours” some time ago. This wasn't due to self-consciousness about my home or decor failing to match Interior Decorator blogs, but rather because there was simply nothing novel or stimulating to present!

I have become more content with the streamlined decor I adore, merely rearranging it in various setups to evoke a different 'mood' each season.

It seemed unexciting for devoted readers like you, who have followed my blog for many years. Do you truly wish to see the identical vintage pitcher in a different bookcase spot than last year?

Nevertheless, this season brought a shift.

An Unforeseen Gift

Nearly one year ago today, a family relative passed away. I recall knowing him only once, yet he left a profoundly positive mark on my spirit.

His name was Richard, known to us as Rickey, and he lived a peaceful life as an exceptionally intelligent man. His profession involved research in nuclear physics, a field I do not fully grasp (I like to joke he was a real, life rocket scientist, but I am uncertain?). He lived alone; when he passed away quietly at home, all his immediate family members were already in heaven.

I only discovered his passion for hobby photography after his passing.

He owned numerous cameras and lenses, and through a fortunate coincidence, a family member offered me one.

I struggle to convey how deeply grateful I am—the sheer significance—of now owning one of his cameras.

I have always wished for a camera of 'professional quality' for this endeavor but have maximized my older starter camera from years past. It likely possesses more features than I utilize! Furthermore, I have coveted a specific lens for many years, yet the cost always prevented me from clicking purchase; it felt like an unaffordable luxury...

Searching for Divine Intervention

I have spoken about this connection before, but money and my spiritual journey are deeply entwined. Spending years relying on missionary funding had me frequently on my knees, petitioning the Divine for our most essential requirements like nourishment and apparel. Yet, I witnessed extraordinary interventions fulfill those necessities.

Then came a defining moment when uncertainty gnawed at me regarding whether the Higher Power would indeed provide for us. I was candidly frustrated, and the thought crossed my mind that I needed to rely on my own resources since I presumed He had abandoned us.

We engaged in a spiritual tussle for roughly seven days. Subsequently, He performed a feat so extraordinary and wondrous that I could not refute that extraordinary interventions stem solely from the Divine…I often remark that it altered my entire perspective. It was a concrete experience that cemented in my core the realization that He was indeed overseeing the minutiae of our daily existence, and continues to do so.

Years of vigilantly seeking and observing Divine interventions on a daily basis have enabled me to identify them more swiftly nowadays.

Acquiring this "dream" camera feels like another miracle to me as well. It is an arrival of blessings "far beyond what I could petition or conceive," coming to me in such an unforeseen and remarkable manner.

Hence, I took it out for the first time recently – alongside the sophisticated lenses I never imagined owning – and captured images of our modest abode dressed in Autumn splendor.

While snapping photo after photo, my thoughts drifted to that benevolent soul now in heaven whose camera I now possess.

My intention is to utilize it to uphold his memory and bestow blessings upon others with this present bestowed upon me.

Please listen! Our dwelling likely wouldn't qualify as a "showstopper." Moreover, I am still mastering the operation of this new, sophisticated camera – so do not anticipate this entry to be breathtaking. However, I trust the post will offer concepts that will assist and motivate you in the routine, mundane aspects of existence – such as how to incorporate elements to make your abode snug for Autumn. Here is the blog post link.

Keeping you in my thoughts today, Companion

And, one additional note. I am aware that some of you are enduring exceptionally difficult circumstances at present, and you are seeking your own Divine interventions. Can I urge you to converse with Jesus regarding it? Cry out to Him. Prayer is as straightforward as addressing Jesus as you would your closest confidant. He will listen. Request His assistance and insight. Request Him to reveal His affection for you in your existence. Seek Him and the appropriate individuals to aid you, and observe with anticipation to witness what He will accomplish. I cannot promise what the responses or results will be. Yet, I am certain He is concerned. He loves you profoundly. And, so do I.

Thus, that concludes today's session, Dear Friends. A brief and pleasant podcast to commence your week. Until we meet again – farewell!!

Further details regarding our Podcast

The Bildirimlerim podcast is presented by Rita Joy, writer of the Bildirimlerim blog. With cheerful dialogue and a narrative approach, Rita Joy will impart advice and techniques to aid you in taking steps to ensure your home appears and feels its finest. Anticipate new episodes arriving on Mondays.