Told and illustrated by Rena Oynes from her Journal pages of “The Doll Within Me” from Sara Craddock’s Doll Book. I hope all that read this book will write their story and share.
When I was young my Dad would always wait until Christmas Eve to get a doll for each of his little girls. As I have thought about it there was never really enough money for the dolls so the last minute shopping meant the dolls were at a much lower price. There was no getting the doll everyone else had, but at least it was a doll. Later as time went by he would place the doll under the Christmas tree to remind him of us as we sometimes did not come home for Christmas. How precious. My own Mom would make dolls for people who needed a special touch. She was drawn to people who had children with cancer and would make dolls with their clothing for them. One little girl was buried with her doll. My mother made dolls for her future grandchildren and made one to be baby Jesus when Christmas pageants occurred. Recently one was used to tell the story of baby Jesus at a BSF Children’s meeting. Somehow dolls seem to grab hold of our emotions.
I was so fortunate for so long to work with children in the public school setting. With retirement I find myself going back to my roots with a Mom who had a love for children of all ages and loved to see them happy with each doll given. A few years ago Dorothy who was a Lily and I designed a pattern for a doll that we liked that was put into Samaritan Purse Christmas boxes. Many wonderful Lilies participated and we all had great fun doing a project that we knew would touch the lives of the children who received them. I even saw a husband of one of the wives who was deligently working on a doll sit in the floor listening and observing his wife’s delight over the little doll. At that time I never thought I’d be making dolls again. Here I am and when the call came, I thought yes Lord, I like my Mom, would love to touch another with a special gift of a doll. My mother crocheted hers but I can sew and paint so as you see this little creation is sewn and painted to bring about her character. I pray the woman who receives will be so excited as I was to see her take form in my hands. Poor thing had to take many a scissor and needle, plus globs of paint, cloth, lace and yarn. Yes this is a new season of my life. I can say honestly that God has something for every season of our lives. What a precious God we serve. I would have never guessed that God would have moved me to Alabama and used my love of HIS children of all ages, sewing and painting to bless his people. Thank you God. I LOVE YOU.
thedailylily.com 
Dawn Collins, artist, brought this video to my attention today. Not sure if all can open or not but worth the try to see love in action. Reminds me of so many of you as you share your doll story.
I was able to open and view the video. The video sure speaks for itself…..”love in ACTION”.
Thanks, Dawn and Sara, for sharing it. 🙂
Say! How touched I was by the video! Beautifully depicted. Thanks Dawn & thanks Sara for posting. I will share with my students in some form or another…perhaps by telling its story to them.
I enjoyed the video Dawn and Sara! Good reminder that it only takes a spark to set a fire in someone else. Everyone doing their one small deed has a mighty chain reaction.
Reach out an touch someone in LOVE. This is thedailylily.com Thanks for sharing.
Seasons of Life becomes a thrill when I read your story, Rena. So many dread retirement, age, moves and changes. But, not our doll, Rena. She “Stays Awhile,” listens for His Voice and acts with purpose and becomes hope and love not disappointment and bitterness. Love your doll! Our doll book, “The Doll Within Me” is growing in volume, chapter and style! As each story is written and given out the heavens rejoice just as the earth rejoices. YEA, at the sound of the water fall, “I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.” Psalm 42:7 and vs. 8 the song continues; “… each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.” God’s love imparted to his children as they work together brings a mystery that cannot be explained but felt.
Good story and great artistic work, Rena.
Rena your doll is so beautiful! I love how your artistic eye, sewing handiwork and skillful hands combine to produce such a work! The pink roses say that Love is in full bloom! I really enjoyed reading your story and can tell that the heartfelt beauty you put into creating this doll comes from your own heart’s experiences. May the recipient be blessed and may you be blessed as you continue these great works for HIm!
Dear Rena – what a beautiful doll and heart warming story. And yes! God does have something for every season of lives.
Miss you.
Linda Scaife
Dear Linda,
So glad you have come on thedailylily. You certainy know about seasons of life. You have changed with the seasons helping others. Hope you will tell your story as it is seasoned in LOVE.
Rena,
Thank you for sharing your doll story. The doll is beautiful, and I know whomever receives her will be blessed. Thanks for embracing and sharing the season of life God has provided for you. God bless you, Rena.
Thank you all so much. It was so wonderful to see her develop. I can’t wait ot hear her new name from the wonderful person God is about to touch through this ministry.
Rena! She is most lovely! She almost reminds me of what I picture in my mind when I read in the Book of Revelation about how the Bride of Christ is depicted by the Apostle John, coming down from Heaven adorned in all her glory for our precious Lord Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom. Great work…great inspiration….capturing the Spirit of God.
I saw this prayer in my devotion today and thought of your genorosity, Rena, as well of your Mother and sister. Sounds like someone was praying this prayer for you! “O GIVER OF LIFE, neither wealth nor status can rescue us. We cannot affect the outcome of our lives. We can only rest in you, who blesses us so that we might bless others. Give us a heart that longs not for wealth but for you and your upside-down kingdom alone. Amen.”
– Rueben P. Job, Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God
Beautiful prayer. Thank you so much!
Beautiful doll and touching story. You are an example of excitement for life and living God’s will!
Oh Dale thank you so much. I take it as such a complement from one who sews so beautifully herself. God walked me through each step even the placement of the roses. The face and eyes were given to me in the night as I prayed. God is so wonderful to help us when we call out to him, especially when the project is for someone He loves. Pocket full of blessings to you today.
Some of the most coveted words from God’s Word are found in John 15:15 NIV
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Dale, sounds like your friend, Rena, has been diligently working on her relationship with Jesus and He is responded through the loving words/works of Dale, her long time friend and Dale, a friend of Jesus.
Rena told me about your fig preserves, (my very favorite) but not a taste have I had yet! 🙂
Ah, it sounds like, “Jesus and His children as we’re coming through!!!!” [Hebrews 2:13]