
My Missionary Vase
Isn’t this a pretty vase? Or is it rightly called an urn, since it has the arms on it? I’m not really sure… but it’s the perfect size for long-stemmed roses, so that’s what I use it for when my husband brings me a wrapped bouquet.
In 1996 I was awarded District Missionary President of the Year for the Kansas District of the Church of the Nazarene. I hadn’t even known there was a such an award, so I was completely blown away when they called my name. My pastor had nominated me. Apparently the award is usually something beautiful from one of the mission fields, and this brass vase comes from India.
What is unique about it is that when I first got it, it was all one color, the gold. Over the years the background part has darkened, while the etched part remained gold. I have often wondered why.
And that’s my Show & Tell for this Friday! Visit Kelli’s House to tour more Show & Tells.

19 Comments
Farrah
What a neat post, Karla! Love both the “show” and “tell” parts! Very interesting about the color changes.
cherished*vintage
Hi Karla! What a beautiful gift. I love the patina from age. It’s very pretty.
-Karoline
Jennie
What a lovely vase/urn. It’s nice to have a special vase to use when you’re given flowers – and it brings back happy memories too.
Hootin' Anni
I can just picture a deep red long stemmed rose in it! Very dramatic and romantic I’d think!!!
My Show n Tell is bargains I got this week. Do drop by and say hi!!
Happy Friday, Happy weekend.
Denise
What a beautiful vase! I, too, can just imagine how beautiful red roses would be in it. That is so neat to receive an award for something you were doing out of your heart. You are one special lady and naturally caring for missionaries. I can say that with authority since my family and I were some of the recipients of that love and care!
Thank you for sharing and have a lovely weekend!
Kindra
What a beautiful vase! And a great story to go with it. But there’s a problem…I don’t see any roses. I guess it’s time for you husband to make a trip to the flower shop. 🙂
Simply Heart And Home
Lovely vase! I can imagine red roses look beautiful in your vase.
MyJourneyBack
What an amazing gift! Wow. I love the idea of the award and how they used the vase. I know it is a total treasure to you. And amazing how it has aged. Really cool. Thank you so much for Blessing us by sharing it.
Linda
Your urn is just beautiful, what a wonderful award. I can just see it full of lovely roses from your husband. Linda
Counting Your Blessings
I love these show & tells. I’m doing one on Sunday that is old millinery items. Beautiful vase/urn =) Blessings… Polly (p.s. are you planning to do the Friday Flea Market? If not, I’ll remove your link. Just let me know)
Toots
I always enjoy your show and tell posts. What a pretty vase!
Penless Thoughts
How lovely!! I bet it’s prettier with the 2 colors since the decorations stand out more.
Susan
Martie
I love your vase. It is very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
~Martie
Sondra
What a great piece you have! Very pretty.
MammyT
It is beautiful. And a very meaningful award. You’ve got my curiosity going now, about why it turned color.
Nancy
Carole
You are blessed with a beautiful vase, Karla, and also a husband who brings you roses!
As the mother of a soon-to-be missionary in Germany, I’m sure the work you do means a lot to missionaries and their families.
Kelli
It’s really pretty, Karla! A lovely gift!
~Kelli
The Apron Queen
What a beautiful vase. It must be even more beautiful with flowers in it.
For your daily dose of vintage goodness & a bit of silliness, stop by Confessions of an Apron Queen, the home of Vintage Thingies Thursdays.
Carrie
Belated congratulations on this award! I am sure it was well deserved.