The Narrow Path

A heartsy kind of day...

2012-02-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

A day of celebration. The celebration of love.
May this be a day to dwell on family, friends and most importantly God's love. His grace and mercy toward us. Let us turn our hearts to our Creator, to remember the blood He shed for us. The pain He bore for us. We are white as snow because of our loving Savior.

Entering this one in Shelley's giveaway.

Inspiration for decor from here and here.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:5-6

Happy Valentine's Day!...

Heeding God's Word...

2012-02-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
Psalm 119: 9-16

Say Hello To My Lil' Friend...

2012-02-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

Had a candid photo shoot with a little friend of ours. Isn't she darling?!

Which one is your favorite?

S'mores...

2012-02-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

I love s'mores. Especially toasted on a campfire. But sometimes weather, mess, and hassle can not permit such a treat.
There are of course other alternatives. Here are a few very simple tips for s'mores.
-You can bake them in the oven or in a toaster oven.
-Chocolate chips can be used in place of chocolate bars.
-You must smoosh both sides of the graham cracker together to fully enjoy your s'more. ;-)
-They taste great when cooled, too. You can even keep them in an air tight container and eat at your leisure.

As you can see this sophisticated treat is quite unique. You can't go wrong with chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers!

How do you like your s'mores?

Starting fresh each day

2012-02-03T18:29:00.002-05:00

Although spring begins in March, the past few days have been pleasantly warm. I was cleaning the outside of the front windows, reflecting on spring. (pun intended) When life grows and God's glorious creation blooms. A time when the term "spring cleaning" is heartily used.

It makes me think of our own lives.We ourselves need to spring clean- soul and all. To clean the grime and dust from our hearts and refresh our souls with fresh air. Warm our souls with golden sun. But not only this... We should be daily cleaning through all seasons of life. Brushing off all manner of sin. Taking every thought captive. Breathing in each truth. Renewing our minds.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4: 7,8,10

"Smile!..Say Cheese!"...Please?

2012-02-01T23:04:00.000-05:00

*Snap, Snap,Snap*
"Smile!" I say.
*Click, Click, Click*
"Just a few more," I say reassuringly.
"We're not gonna get any prettier," a lady joked.
. . . . . . . . . . . .

"Can I take your picture?" I asked a few people once.
"Don't break your camera," the older man warned.

Ah, yes. The beginner photographer. That's me.
I was walking around at a home school group taking photos (I'm part of the yearbook staff) when a lady walks up and asks,"Are you on the yearbook staff?" I proudly say yes, and glance at my prominent yearbook staff name tag.
"Could you take a few photos for my class?" She asks.
I get sweaty when someone asks me to take a photo. Almost every time. I look at all the people and my mind just goes blank. How do I pose all these people?
"You go here..and..uh...you stand there...scoot that way a little bit...oh, sorry...move here."... And so on.

Taking photos has made me step out of my comfort zone more than a few times. Oh the difficulties of grumpy kids, non-smiling people, and poses...
If you want to be a good photographer you must be good with kids, an artist (AR-teest), and a joker.
As Donald O'Connor sang in Singing In The Rain: "Make 'em laugh!".

You've heard it from an amateur. So.. will you? Smile? ...Please?

Cookies

2012-01-28T15:42:00.001-05:00

My sisters and I made cookies. We used a new recipe out of my new cookbook that I got for Christmas. Every one thought they were great, But who can go wrong with chocolate chip cookies? (Or any cookie?)

My family bought a 50mm lens this week. It's very nice. I like how it does in low lighting and the image quality is nice. I am getting used to the no-zoom aspect quickly.

What kind (or kinds) of cookies do you like best?

Too wet to go out, too cold to play ball...

2012-01-27T13:05:00.001-05:00

So we cooked in the house on that cold, wet, wet day.
With a few pounds of apples, ( 45 pounds to be more exact ) a few canning jars, we made apple sauce and filled 16 quart jars.

It's fun to work together in the kitchen with my sisters and mom. Cooking in the kitchen is especially satisfying on a rainy, cold weekend.

I did some sewing, too. I'm catching up on very belated Christmas gifts for my sisters and mom. (Hopefully more on that later...)

Ahh...Rain makes good homey days.

What do you like to do when it rains?

What's in a year?

2012-01-25T16:00:00.001-05:00

Photo source:Pinterest

Seventeen is sort of an in between number. It's stuck in the middle of what they call "sweet sixteen" and the big eighteen when you're "officially" an adult.
When I was younger I never really thought about one day being a teenager. I still can't fully grasp it.
My perception of teenagers was always warped. I used to think they knew everything. With their cell phones, their cool cars, bad attitudes and privileges.
And although being a "teen" is different than being a kid, it's not what I expected.
Being mature is more than I thought it was. Having privileges takes responsibility- that is if you want to be productive. Sure, many people have freedom. It's what you do with that freedom. You have to back up that freedom with morals and values. Or your freedom will be taken away. And in the real world, that could even mean jail. An age is more than just a number. More than just another year. It's time we have on earth, and lived wisely, could be used for good. This is more than just my seventeenth year. It's a year of learning, growing, discovering- and impacting.

Camera musings...

2012-01-20T18:22:00.000-05:00

Last year was the year I really tried to learn about ~~my camera~~ --our family's camera. I read many different photography books and even did a research paper. BetterPhoto Basics is my favorite photography book. It's helpful, informative, easy to read, and fun to read. I got it from the library and was very pleased. It has great information on camera modes, many inspiring example photos, and well, lots more.

I didn't know how much I didn't know about photography! I've experimented a lot and am hoping to expand my camera gear soon. I used to use just auto mode on my camera. From there I've learned how not to use my flash and have experimented with a few modes. I haven't plunged into manual mode yet though. Just reading my camera manual helped a lot too. One thing that I really try to add to my photos is light and clarity. Having that as my goal has really helped me take better photos.

Do you have any thing you'd like to share about photography? Any favorite books, camera tips, camera dilemmas, favorite camera brand?

Beauty

2012-01-10T18:12:00.000-05:00

Source: Pinterest

Again I write on appearance. It's something I struggle with. I find myself thinking far too often if only I had so and so's nose or so and so's eyes, then I'd be beautiful. But honestly beauty is not just on the outside. You can't measure it. You can't buy it. There is no definition or equation that makes somebody necessarily beautiful on the outside.

I keep coming to grips with the truth. Beauty is more than skin deep. And most importantly, God creates true beauty.

Battling the lies of false beauty

1. God created me and you. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Even my freckles, eyebrows and nose. Beautifully made outside and inside. My heart, my lungs. The breath I just took. Who but God could create something so complex as humans?

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

2. Beauty is more than lipstick and eyeshadow. It's a quiet spirit, a humble spirit. It's inward. It's selfless. Beauty is pure. No matter how hard we try to dress up our appearance, a grimy, neglected heart can't hide.

Only by cultivating our inward spirit, our heart, and our relationship with God can we find real beauty.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3: 3-4

3. Why do we feel inadequate, not pretty enough, and maybe a little ugly?

Well, it stems from sin. We're selfish---I'm selfish. We want to feel good enough and worthy. We want praise and acceptance... for the wrong reasons. Instead of being sufficient in Christ, we've taken it upon ourselves to try and feel accepted. But without Christ we can't be adequate. We fail. Then we may try and blame it on things that can't be changed, like appearance. (And if you think about it, we're really blaming God for making us the way He did) So instead of trying to stand out by ourselves, we need to lean on Christ, examine our hearts, and take a step backward from our sinful motives.

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

As a side note, I do not have anything against makeup or looking pretty. I am merely pointing out that we can get caught up on only the outward. Thanks for reading!

................................................................

What does beauty mean to you? What are your thoughts?

A splash, a glimmer

2012-01-07T10:35:00.001-05:00

Though the cold (and the wind) have been frightful, the sunshine has been quite delightful!
It's amazing how cheery the sun can be to any day. Gleaming through the windows and brightening up each room in the house. Ah... So refreshing. I love sunlight.

......

What cheers you up?

Making History

2012-01-01T00:44:00.000-05:00

Source: agoodyarn.net via C.j. on Pinterest

It comes once every twelve months. The beginning of a year. The end of the previous. Memories, adventures, many experiences, lessons learned. It makes me realize... everything that I think, every action, every word that I say, effects the future.
It might sound scary in a sense. It might sound exciting. Every choice made, makes history. That's why it's so important to take every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) captive. (Because a thought becomes a word, and then an action.) So my question to you is...
What do you want history to say about you?

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3: 20-21

...Happy New Year!

Winds-day

2011-12-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

Birthdays are so much fun. Spending time with family and a few special privileges.(Like not changing diapers and cleaning dishes) I had a birthday the other day filled with lots of birthday-y enjoyments.

Coffee drinking. Book reading. A little journal writing.

Present opening. Uninterrupted sewing. (More on what I made later...)
Candy munching. Pandora listening.

Cheese-burger bliss. Sunshine. Sister time.

Screaming for ice cream. Movie watching. Photo credit: My sister

I am so happy to be alive! Another year has gone by filled with so much to reminisce on.
I am looking forward to another year to grow and learn.

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

Holiday musings...

2011-12-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

Only three more days...until Christmas...!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

Romans 5:1-2

What are your Christmas plans this week?

A Special Girl...

2011-12-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

My sister turned fourteen on the December eighteenth...!

Dear Sis,
Happy Birthday.
You're a beautiful young lady,
an inspiration, a joy.
You can make me laugh.
You can make me think.
You make amazing music.
You create stunning art.
Thanks for being there when I'm not the big sister I should be.
Thank you for being... you.
Much love,
Leah

•Crocheted Tree Tutorial•

2011-12-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

With a little time on your hands you can make a cute last minute gift. This crocheted tree can be an ornament, applique or even a cleaning scrubby. You can experiment with this pattern to design your own original tree shape. I will start by showing you how to make the tree and then I'll show you how to make a tree trunk and how to stuff your tree (optional).

You'll need two balls of yarn, crochet hook, large needle, and stuffing or felt.

Begin with 12 stitches and crochet three rows.

Then decrease one stitch and crochet three rows. Decrease one more stitch and crochet one row.

Decrease one and crochet a row again. You should now have nine stitches.

Keep on decreasing one stitch and crocheting one row until you have one stitch on your hook. Now cut your yarn and finish off.

If you want to make a stuffed tree repeat the above steps to crochet two tree pieces.
If you'd like to make your tree a stump begin with two stitches on your crochet hook and crochet about four rows. You should have a rectangular piece. Now roll it up and stitch it closed. It should look like a cylinder.
Put your stump aside for the moment.

Now take your stuffing and sandwich it between the two pieces. Start to whip stitch with yarn on one side of the tree and stitch your way to the top and down the other side.

Take your stump and put it in the middle of the open end. Stitch one half of the opening and stitch the stump on all the way around.

Now stitch the other end closed. Tie off. You can decorate your tree with ribbon, buttons, and anything you like.

I crocheted a few little "ornaments".

I hope this all makes sense. If you have any questions just comment!
Have a blessed holiday season...

Rolling by...

2011-12-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

When ever December rolls around, I tend to ponder a lot of things. Sweet and sour thoughts. Fond memories of the year's events. But I also get to thinking about the purpose of the year. How much did I accomplish? Did I doddle through a whole year? Did I grow in my relationship with Christ? It makes me realize how precious time is. How every minute can be used and should be used productively. The end of the year makes me realize how short life is. How short my life is. The way we spend our short life truly does effect our eternity.

As the days pass through the 12th month of the year, There is one thing that I want to have accomplished. Growth. Most importantly spiritual growth. I look back on the past events of the year and see how they've effected me, sanctified me, and stretched me.

I've become more aware of faults, realized how to deal with them, I've realized the great need of God's grace in my life, which truly changes my perspective and actions here on earth. I've learned, and learned and learned. I've realized more and more that I don't know everything.
I've become aware that a year is short compared to eternity, but long in the way it impacts life, -how it impacts my life.

What did you learn this year?

Coffee. The End.

2011-12-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

Little Pitchers Have Big Minds

2011-12-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

It was one of those days.
Everything drags. The house is a mess. And an ominous gray cloud floats above my head.
I was in a sour mood. Grumpy at best. I had a few chores left to do and I wasn't pleasant.
Not that I mind chores...Usually. The anticipation of work is the worst of it to me. But when you get down to it it's not bad. (It's amazing how much thinking time you have while cleaning)
I got the vacuum out.
I plugged in the vacuum and was getting ready turn it on.Then my four year old brother walks over and asks, "Can I help?"...
I smiled. How could I be angry with the best brother in the world?
Not only did he help me, but he basically did the whole job. (Of course with a little supervision.)
Not only did he do the whole job. He did a great job.
And best of all? He asked to help. He enjoyed it too.

It's amazing how unexpected little children can be. And very observant. One thing we've been striving to do is making helping fun. Encouraging work, encouraging help, encouraging learning.
Work can be fun. With the right attitude.
Kids notice an attitude. Sometimes I am not in a good mood and my two year old brother will look at me and ask, "Are you happy?" They notice when I don't want to do something. And when I change my attitude they often do the same. If I put on a smile they get excited about the task ahead.
The main point: attitude counts. Not just that though. Attitude and our heart. Putting a smile on is important. But making that smile come from our heart is even more important.
I'm learning sincere gladness:

Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:11

I'm learning that work by itself may be tedious, but with a friend, -even a four year old, it can be enjoyable and rewarding:

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Both of these lessons I'm learning from little children.

At that time Jesus answered and said,

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent

and have revealed them to babes.

Matthew 11:25

What are you learning from children?

Necessities for any holiday...

2011-11-24T23:35:00.001-05:00

A holiday would not be complete without yummy food, family, laughter, and at least one amazing dessert.
Sigh...I love my life. I'm so blessed!

By the way-- The picture is hair glistening in the sunlight. Congratulations to Annie for being the first to correctly answer the guessing game!
Everyone that commented guessed correctly. Did y'all know you are very smart?

Have a memorable thanksgiving!

A little guessing fun...

2011-11-18T22:10:00.001-05:00

What is it?

Do you know?

Maybe it's easy,...maybe it's not. (evil grin)

We shall see.

I'll tell you on the Thursday, November 24th!
All guesses will not be published until then. Whoever guesses correctly will be congratulated and will have the satisfaction of winning. ;-) (Sorry, no prize. But guessing is the best part...Right?)

Have fun commenting! I am looking forward to seeing what y'all come up with.

Winter is in the air.

2011-11-11T21:08:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed the nip in the November wind? I have.
As autumn packs up and takes a vacation to the beach, winter makes itself comfortable.
Winter is one of my least favorite seasons.
Plants begin to fade, cloudy days seem to multiply, maybe even a few more sniffles and coughs.
But like any season it has it's good side.
Holidays, birthdays, hot cocoa, scarves and slippers, baking, snow and many other blessings to look forward to...Speaking of blessings I've really been enjoying the give thanks! challenge.

I know there are quite a few different thankful challenges going on. Especially as thanksgiving is coming upon us. It really has been making me appreciate the blessings in my day to day life.
To name a few: sunshine, quiet moments, family, spice muffins, music, fun new fabric, health, home, laughter and....

...Bread. Simple gifts like daily bread are a blessing I take for granted.
Credit for this lovely bread goes to my talented Mother.
Mothers are a huge blessing, too! :-)

Have a lovely weekend!
What do you like best about November?

Doors Knobs, Keys, and Roots

2011-11-09T19:17:00.002-05:00

I begin this post with a (sort of) thrown together title.

In a hope that I'd draw your attention.

Although what I write in this post has most likely been said before,

what I am writing is something that I am learning and discovering.

I sit on a hard, rough bench. The room damp and dark.

I see the door that is keeping me in to this room.

The door is marred with dents and scratches. I rattle the door knob. Only to find it is locked.

I rest my ear on the door trying to hear what is on the other side.

I look through the key hole on the door knob.

I can only see a faint, but bright light.

I pound my fists on the door, hoping it will open.

This is how I feel sometimes when looking for an answer....

...We all have flaws.

I often try hard to overcome, and correct my own faults. I struggle to let go of selfishness, impatience, pride and anger. To unlock the answer to overcoming. They can all be stitched into a web.

A web that I wage war with.

Some days it’s easy to win the battles.Patience, humbleness, joy overshadow my struggles.

But some days it takes so much work (and battling) to get my anger and other faults controlled.

So, I ask myself over and over how to win the battle...

The desire to keep fighting my sin is there. (Sometimes more than other times)

However sometimes I miss the real reason that I am trying to fight my sin.

One thing that God emphasizes many times in His word is love.

I might want to be a better person. But love should always go hand and hand--

---or rather be the center of my goals. Love for God. Love for my neighbor.

It might seem a simple concept. (It might even be easy to ignore.) But, it might be hard to follow through.

Always loving. Kind. Never hating. Not boastful, not selfish.

³⁴ Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40

Did you skip that verse? You should read it.

I never truly took this verse to heart until a few years ago as our pastor preached on it. All the commands of the bible are connected to loving God and loving our neighbor. If we love God, we’re not going to have any other gods, we’re not going to have idols. We’ll keep the Sabbath. We’ll honor our parents. We will not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie or covet.

That’s an amazing concept. Love is the root to obedience.

It’s the key.

Your thoughts?

The Ocean's Beauty

2011-11-06T18:27:00.000-05:00

Here are only a few of the numerous photos from our family's vacation. Fond memories.

The ocean and the tide pool.

A happy flock of seagulls.

One of the very unique and intriguing starfish I saw.

(Or sea stars. They're not really fish.)

Star fish are truly amazing little critters. They feel funny on your hand.

A silhouette of palm trees. Love it. So many colors.

This was a fun photo. That's my sister. She has a lovely profile.

Our sand castle. My sisters and I had one shovel and one bucket as tools.We had a lot of fun.

There was lots of giggling involved, a lot of creativity and some failures.

(Our original plan was to build an igloo.) ;-)

We didn't have time to decorate it before the sun went down.

The beach houses were picture perfect.

Look at that blue sky. Amazing.

A cloudy beach.

I realized after photographing this little guy that he only had one leg.

He( she?) was very good at keeping still.

All I can say is God's handiwork is incredibly intricate, beautiful, and awing.
I only edited photos 5 and 8. Truly inspiring and perfect.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

As a side note I bought some more photo space. So, I'll probably be posting more photos soon.
Maybe a few interesting posts. ( I hope)

What did you do this weekend?

Reflections

2011-11-02T16:08:00.001-04:00

I'm back!...
I have been having an amazing break. My family and I drove to the beach three Saturdays ago and stayed for a week. We were able to walk to the beach every day. We rented bikes for the week and enjoyed riding by the ocean. We made sand castles, slept late, ate cereal, dunked oreos in milk, and my sister found a huge whelk shell.
I took pictures.(You can see a couple pictures here.) Almost five hundred pictures. Pictures of the beach when it was windy, when it was stormy, when it was sunny, as the sun set. Even a few photos of our family in front of the ocean.
I saw sea shells, star fish, sand dollars and seagulls.
I read "happy baby colors" many, many times through the car ride.(Not to myself, but to my baby sister.)
Through the adventures of following a GPS that can't seem to tell us where to go, I am happy to be home.
Vacations are such a blessing.

I've been working on school, coming up with Christmas gift ideas, taking pictures, writing, getting ready for hand bell and violin recitals/performances, and finishing/performing a reformation skit with my two sisters yesterday. My sister wrote most of it. She's a great writer.
We helped tweak it here and there. My sister is so creative. It went well. Although I accidentally skipped one of my lines.

Also, the picture space on my blog is full. So, I am thinking of either paying for more space or transferring my blog to it's own URL. Do you have any ideas as to what I could do? Has this happened to you? Any help would be appreciated. :-)

I love blogging. I have missed it. But, I am really trying to focus on life. And most importantly on God. It's amazing how nice it is not to be on the computer so often. I do have some posts up my sleeve. But I will be posting fewer and especially since I don't have any more picture space.
You all and your blogs are a blessing. I've loved hearing what you've been up to. I've been reading all that you've posted, but not been commenting very much. (I've done many mental comments mind you.)

Before I sign off I thought I'd share the Give thanks! challenge.
You can click the link if you're interested in learning about it or joining.
The holiday season is almost upon us! Cold weather, hot cocoa, and celebrations.

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Have a great day!

A Hopping break

2011-10-14T18:44:00.000-04:00

Cold rainy days. That's what the past few days have been filled with. The sunshine today was a cheering sight.
My sister and I are taking a blogging break starting tomorrow.
A time to focus on other things at hand.
I've been dealing with laryngitis. I feel like frog and toad. Coughing, croaking, and squeaking. I was reading my brother a book yesterday. Really trying to get through it. My sister walks in and starts laughing. I did sound hilarious. It was funny at first but now it's annoying. So I've decided to only whisper today. I am temporarily mute. I guess you could say my blog will be temporarily mute with me for a few days, too. Don't worry it's not contagious. At least my blog isn't. ;-)
I've been working on school work, reading, crocheting, babysitting, and just a few of the common, wonderful things of life.

It will be quiet around here for a little bit. Stay tuned. I'll be back soon!

Don't hesitate to hop by and leave a comment. :-)

So...what have you all been up to?

Hello Autumn

2011-10-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

Hello rake

Hello golden leaves

Hello apples

Hello sweaters, jackets, boots

Hello early sunsets

Hello camp fires

Hello s'mores

Hello chilly breezes and cinnamon spices.
Welcome fall.

What do you like best about autumn?

Life On Hold

2011-09-23T21:08:00.000-04:00

{via}

The adventures of life are so numerous. The memories are too many to ponder. I am learning that every minute of the day is a minute to serve God. It might seem simple. But my mind seems to wander from the big picture far too often. Other things seem to take up my motivations and goals. I have to constantly retrace my steps. Remembering who I am, where I am, and why I am here. God teaches so many lessons if we'll only listen to them. My desires and my thinking get in the way of God's perfect plan. I am learning how important it is to take God's word to heart. Ponder it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Taking away all the distractions and living life all for God. One verse that I am constantly turning to is:

...The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.... 1 Corinthians 7:34

It's a steadfast reminder for my life right now. Singleness. This time in my life is not just for waiting around until life suddenly unfolds. My life is for God always. For His glory only am I living here at home. Serving my family through the hands of my Maker. My life isn't just on hold. I am not waiting for life to pick up the phone. It's already started. If I truly want to be active in a God honoring life, I can't miss the adventures happening right in front of me.

Your thoughts?...

Good bye summer.

2011-09-18T16:27:00.000-04:00

Good bye daisies

Good bye bare feet

Good bye golden corn

Good bye marigolds

Good bye caterpillars

Good bye butterflies

Saying my farewells to summer. Awaiting the arrival of fall.

What are you going to miss with summer's departure?

Family

2011-09-14T18:27:00.000-04:00

I love my family. I love to be with them, I love to talk about them, and I never get tired of them.

My family is special. The little things and the big things make them special.

The chatter that is never is ceasing in the background. The kazoos blaring in your ears. (Sometimes literally)

The very capable bug killers in our home.(They can even squish them with their bare hands)

The unity when my baby sister is crying in the car and nobody minds breaking into song and singing until we get all the home to keep her happy.

The fact that our two dogs and cat don't mind sharing one water bowl.

The laughter that can randomly get started and the jokes that always cheer me up.

The cute little brothers and sisters that keep getting cuter and make it all worth it at the end of the day.

The long talks before bed.

The endless vivid dreams that my sister tells me in the morning. A mom that's cooking couldn't get any yummier. Brothers that don't mind playing with tomato cans in the grocery cart.

Trading a book in for watching a baby. Making curtains with my mom.

Sticky water melon juice on the floor and foot prints of spilled water.
An artist for a sister that inspires me with her beautiful watercolors and colored pencil drawings.
Being able to be myself and not worry that my family won't like me. Knowing they'll always love me.

What do you love about your family?

Bees. Friend or Foe?

2011-09-08T22:20:00.001-04:00

The bees were buzzing crazily in the yard. Happily landing on the plants in our yard. They all looked so cute. And very picture worthy.
The only problem is... I am sort of scared of bees.
They might be cute, but I am not to fond of them. Their buzz always makes me on edge and the carpenter bees keep me on my toes. But I keep telling myself that I need to conquer my fears. I haven't accomplished that so far. They make me nervous. I have a fear on my mind that their out to get me. Ever since I got stung by a yellow jacket and... alright before that too... I haven't really enjoyed their company.

So, out I went with my trusty camera hoping to get a few good photos. I held my head high and tried to act courageous as I carefully dodged a few bees flying around. I got a few photos and stood a few feet from my enemies. They watched my every move, laughing at me. They eyed my nervous figure suspiciously. Their evil buzzing ringing in my ears. A few bees ( Probably killer bees by the look or... maybe bumble bees) flew by me trying to scare me back inside.

By this time my sister had come outside. She tried to assure me that they couldn't really sting. They were only the male ones flying near me. A bee flew by her and she swished her arm toward the bee. The bee quickly flew away.

I was feeling a little better. There were a few bees flying in the air fighting one another.
I tried to ignore them. Then to my horror they were over my head. My sister yelled. "Leah, it's in your hair!" I wasn't sure what to do. So I instinctively started shrieking. I screamed and squawked. Should I try and shoo it out of my hair?
It seemed to be stuck.In.My.Hair. After about 10 horrible seconds it flew out. Ahh... I got out of shock and gave a somewhat sheepish look. "I am going inside." I told my sister. She smiled. We both chuckled a little, as we quickly scurried inside.

And thus ended my story of the bees and me. The enemy still lurks out there somewhere waiting to attack.

A few of my favorite things...

2011-09-06T18:32:00.001-04:00

Mina is having a photo contest!
The theme is your favorite things...

...Sewing, crocheting, music and photography. :-)

Click here to enter...

The first page of a journal.

2011-09-03T18:32:00.000-04:00

Do you every get excited writing on the first page of a fresh, new, journal? A journal is the starting of thoughts, ideas, events, and life all written in a single notebook. It's the joy of writing what's on my mind and the art and learning of penmanship. I always anticipate the events that will be documented and the ideas that will be charted. How much will I learn through the pages that will be written? How much will God have taught me in a single journal?

It's a novel waiting to be written.

It's an adventure waiting to be lived out and recorded.

Do you like to journal?

A little blogging fun...

2011-09-01T13:43:00.000-04:00

To start off I am entering my sister Abby's photo contest. You should see her neat prize!
Here's my entry:

You have to go enter!

Next I am entering Julia's giveaway.

She's is giving away five pairs of earrings to celebrate the opening of her blog design blog.

She has some very cute designs!

Kelsey is having a black and white photo contest!

My entry:

Last but not least... I now have a tag page which will hopefully help me get all of my tags done. ;-)

I hope you all are enjoying your day! I am working on a research paper today.

...What are you up to?

Content In A Greater Plan

2011-08-28T19:14:00.001-04:00

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

I can never focus too much on contentment. Being content is an important part of my life. It's something I'm working on; something I am continually trying to be. Not just being content with the blessings God gives me, but striving for it in the hard times of life. While moving, while waiting. Being content.
Often I think too much about the future. Ten years from now... where will I be? What will I be doing? How can I prepare for the future without knowing where God will be leading me in the future?
My mind races with thoughts...when God clearly says to trust in Him. Not to worry.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

To be content in Him.Christ will provide! His plan is far greater than any plan I could create.

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
Proverbs 21:30

And that should be something to be content in. God's word is such a comfort.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Your thoughts?

Giveaway At Accordion To Kellie....

2011-08-25T13:53:00.000-04:00

Click to enter for a chance to win a 15 dollar gift card to mod cloth! I love their jewelry.
Kellie's blog is so inspirational, too. Cute and darling...

The Winner...

2011-08-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

....The winner for the summer apron is....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....................Kristin!

Congratulations!...

Please comment with your e-mail address (which will not be published) and I will contact you and send your prize as soon as possible. :-)

Many thanks to all who have entered!

An Afternoon At The Park With A Kite

2011-08-22T17:29:00.001-04:00

♫"Let's go fly a kite! Up to the highest height!"♪
I had a great time two Saturdays ago with my family when we went to a park to fly a kite. I took so many snap shots ( 95 photos to be exact) and enjoyed the picturesque fields that are on either side of the park. My daddy got the kite up twice which was surprising with how little wind there was.

My favorite tree at the park...

Here's my Daddy and the happy kite way up in the sky.

One delighted kite enjoying the fresh air...
Our trusty kite has flown on the beach, in our front yard and even been stuck in our neighbor's tree.

A rickety fence...

Beautiful flowers wrapped around a tree. Tree hugger!

There was also access to the river from the park. In the background are only a handful of the many inner-tubers we saw enjoying the refreshing, cold water.

An old bridge.

Do you like flying kites? :-)

My Messes {and how I'm cleaning them up}

2011-08-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

Sharing a sewing machine with my sisters consists of numerous spools and bobbins of thread exchanges.

As the story begins it happened to be my turn with the machine.

“Where’s the white thread?” I asked my sister.

“In the thread box.”

“Where’s the bobbin thread?”

“In the thread box.” She answered again.

Of course it was. I was hoping it wasn’t.

On the shelf was a tornado of fabric scraps big and small piled high on top of the thread box. The tornado of fabric I created. I wondered how my sister had gotten the thread inside.

I leave a mess where ever I go… There's my project basket piled and stacked to the brim with yarn, papers, thank you notes, letters, odds and ends as much as can fit… Then there’s my shelf in the office. Papers galore. Little notes with scribbles and doodles, ingenious ideas and music lyrics, music sheets and blog post ideas. If I have a paper I just stack it with the rest… There’s my sewing box...Filled with pins and needles, fabric scraps and a spider web of thread.

So, I pulled out all the fabric; the sewing manual, lonely papers, piled them on a chair and got out the thread box. Well, now the mess was on a chair. I couldn’t just put that pile back on the shelf. That would be… irresponsible. So I brain stormed! I cleaned it all up and put everything back in it’s place! *Chirp, chirp*… I am so smart... Right? ;-)

I am disorganized and a pack rat.

Many people out there are wonderful at keeping things organized. Neatness seems to run in their genes.

Either I didn’t inherit the gene or I’m just sloppy. Don’t misunderstand me though.

I shouldn’t feel sorry for myself and imagine that I am just not gifted with neatness.

No. The truth of the matter is I’m lazy. It began when I purposely didn’t put something away, then I gradually began not putting things away with out realizing it and now it has become habit. The first step for me to get organized is realizing and accepting the fact that I’m lazy. I have to become responsible for my messes.

The next step is diligence. I’ve been trying to get things cleaned out. It’s surprisingly satisfying. Getting the messy shelves, boxes, and baskets of mine cleaned out is actually somewhat easier than other steps. The hard part for me is keeping it clean.

That takes discipline. Which is the hardest thing I am struggling with. It’s one thing to admit that I am messy, but harder to start improving. I need to stop myself if I walk away from a mess. Pick up the pencil, put the scissors in the container, throw the spider web of thread away. Once I get a system down it’ll become easier. But diligence and discipline need to be put in place. It might be painful to have to put every thing away. But it will pay off the in long run.

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Proverbs 10:17

So, how clean are you? Do you have any tips for staying organized?

Antique books and flowers

2011-08-17T11:23:00.000-04:00

I had a lot of fun entering this giveaway/photo challenge! The theme is flowers.
Hop on over and enter a photo! (Click the button)

Summer Apron Giveaway...

2011-08-09T23:33:00.002-04:00

*Giveaway Closed*
I have been blogging for two memorable years.
Through two years of writing, sewing, cooking, reading, two more siblings, music, learning and growing in Christ. I have blogged through struggles and happy times, through snow and sunshine. I have learned a lot and met many new friends.

Thank you for your constant response and feedback!

To celebrate two years of blogging I am going to have a giveaway...

The Prize:

Ready to enjoy some baking and cooking?
An apron is an essential accessory when in the kitchen. Keeps you clean...and stylish!

To enter to win this apron...

Mandatory entry
-Please comment on this post saying you'd like to enter.

Extra entry
-Spread the word about this giveaway...! (You have permission to use these photos on your post.)

This giveaway ends August 23rd. I will plan to announce the winner on the August 24th.

(Please comment each entry separately.)

(This giveaway is open to anyone in the United States.)

Have fun!

Choose Life

2011-08-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30: 19-20

I'm it!

2011-07-30T14:33:00.004-04:00

Abby tagged me and as I am terrible at remembering to finish tags am doing it right now!

1. Favorite Sport: Basketball is about the only sport I know how to play. Does capture the flag count. :-)
2. A Good Name for a Dog: I am terrible at naming animals but if I had to name one, probably... Hot dog.

3. Favorite Animal: Cats or Dogs. I used to be an animal person, but now I am a people person. I love babies. When I have my own house I am going to have a house full of children. ;-)
4. Favorite Subject in School: Art, Music, Language arts. A combination of artsy subjects. I don't have one favorite.
5. Favorite Drink: Water. So refreshing!
6. Last Song You Heard: I don't even know. My brothers are always singing!
7. Do You Like to Make People Laugh?: Yes. Usually when I do it's when I've done something embarrassing.
8. Favorite Color: I like them all. I think I like lavender the best.
9. Favorite Hobby: I love photography, to write, make music, sew. Mostly sewing is my hobby though. Writing and making music are musts! I can't live with out relieving stress with writing and music.
10. School Grade You are in: 10th grade. 11th when the school year starts.

I am tagging:

Kelsey
Rebekah

Also, A Bright Light in A Dark World is having a lovely giveaway for an apron! Click here.

A Batch of Homemade Soap

2011-07-27T19:19:00.001-04:00

My two sisters and I made our first batch of soap a few weeks ago.
It was a very good learning experience and we've been enjoying our fresh bars of sweet soap.

Nothing better than being able to use something that you've made.

I am sure you can tell their homemade... and No, we don't recommend that you cut the soap bars from our example, but we are happy how they turned out anyway. :-)

Good enough to eat right? ;-)

Don't forget to scrub behind your ears!

We used Homestead blessings recipe on their The Art of Soap Making DVD.

Do you like liquid or bars of soap better?

Dreams of a mediocre musician

2011-07-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

Music soaring through the air,
Breathes of joyous song,
Notes like baby giggles
and bird chirps,
The player,
the violin,
become one.
Strings laughing,
Fingers flying
Hearts dancing
Echoes of vibrato
and strings filled with sunshine.
Musician's bliss.

Sometimes I get carried away with a dream.
A dream to be an accomplished musician.
A dream of being one with the song; being one the music I try to perfect.
A dream to one day find the utter joy of music.

Music has been a part of my life since I was six. When my dad first started giving me lessons on our upright, player piano.
I appreciate music more than I did when I first started and have grown to enjoy it rather than dread it.
...And even though I've played piano for quite some time I am not as good as I hoped I'd be. Although I can hear some thing and probably play a few notes of the main melody, I'm not as good as my dreams.
...Although I love the violin and the thrill of putting bow to string, I am only on Suzuki book two and am only starting to learn vibrato. I am not as good as my dreams.
...And though I love to sing and I can carry a tune, my voice can't- for the life of me- sing a solo. Though I practice and love music I am not what I dream. I love to listen to music, I love to sing, I love to dance, I love to play violin and piano, but my dream, has not come true.

But, I have another dream.
A dream of singing and playing not for a crowd, but singing solely for Jesus Christ my King. This dream, far better suits my abilities where ever my level of skill. No matter how well I sing or how many times the strings of my violin squeak, there's someone who will always be there to listen.

God.

As long as I am singing from my heart, as long as I am playing through the joy of the Lord, as long as I am dancing with a smile, God doesn't care whether the music doesn't come out just right. As long as I'm giving Him praise He's always there to listen to the song of my soul.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3: 16

------

What's your dream?...

Raindrops and Sunshines.

2011-07-21T18:52:00.001-04:00

Rain brings the promise of green; the promise of sunshine.

Brightening all around,

Giving an awing glow,

Vibrant streaks of shine,

And cheerful splashes that warm my hands and face.

I am capturing the sun through the lens of a camera and soaking in the greatness of the unfathomable glory of the Son.

Romans 5:21
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Isn't God's grace a billion times as amazing as His sunshine?

Short and Sweet Sunday Blessings

2011-07-17T19:27:00.001-04:00

Sundays are such fun!

Going to church, praising God, fellowshipping with other believers and getting worship songs stuck in my head.
I love Sundays.
We also went to our dear friends' house today. We had fun swimming, getting sunburn, eating yummy food, fellow shipping together and laughing together.

This song is stuck in my head. It's beautiful, isn't it? A great one to being humming over and over again.

How have you spent your Sunday?

Pulling out the thesaurus...

2011-07-12T11:22:00.002-04:00

I've had to learn the hard way that there is more to good writing than a thesaurus at hand. I find sometimes that it's the only thing I focus on when writing a story or a blog post. I seem to always be looking through that thesaurus!
It's my best friend. I admit it!
Some times I don't even realize when a post is just a bunch of adjectives and nothing else.
(The lovely, beautiful, radiant shape of elegance, danced gorgeously by the luminous, inspiring, peaceful sunset......)

Using the perfect description is not the key to a being a good writer.
No one's going to die if you use only one word to describe something.
(That's what I have to tell myself or else my post would turn into a bunch of fluff.)

There's a lot more I need to learn if I ever want to be a good writer.

-You can write a sentence plainly or you can dress it up.
(The dog walked down the hill. -or- The frisky dog romped down the lush green hillside.)

-How you write counts, too. Is it first, second or third person?
(The girl picked up a book, sat down and started reading.-or- I picked up my favorite book and anxiously sat down to read the compelling story. )

-Having a goal to your story or subject helps me as well. Maybe dwelling on a certain aspect.
( The joy in the room was clearly seen through the songs of praise and happy prayers of the peaceful church. The devotion to God was transparent on the faces of the Christian people. )

-What's the mood or feeling?
Is it sad? ( Billy slumped in his chair, put his hands on his face and let out a moan. Tears trickled down his cheeks as he remembered the day his mother died. His head ached from the strain of sorrow.)

Is it happy? ( Kate giggled as she raced through the summer yard. All the children shrieked with happy smiles and sweaty faces. Their family's lively game of tag made the sunny day's cheer twice as cheerful.)

These are a just few things I use when writing. Asking lots of questions to myself helps keep my writing straight. Sometime I begin writing something and am not even sure where I'm going with it. Then it turns into a complete mess! (Although some times just writing what's floating in my head does help clear my mind.)

There are so many inspiring writers out there. So many good writing techniques to learn.

Do you have some writing tips you'd like to share?

I'd love to hear them! If anyone needs writing improvement... it's me! :-)

The Reflection in the Mirror

2011-07-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

Often times I'll look at my friends and try and copy what I like in them. Maybe their magnetic personality, maybe their quiet calm voice, maybe their vibrant smile, maybe the way they dress, maybe the way they can tell a joke ( And I can't)... or whatever it may be. I sometimes do it blindly with out stepping back and realizing how wrong my thinking is.

God made me the way I am.
My freckles, my smile, my laugh, my temper, my nose, my voice. He created me the way He saw fit.
And yes, He expects me to improve on my character, my flaws and my quick temper. But what ever is left in my personality He created it there for a reason. I can change my attitude, but I can't change the way I look or even the way I laugh.

It's sad that I should try to copy the people around me when God wants me to turn to Him for the example. He wants me to learn from the scriptures. Although their is nothing wrong with admiring my friends and learning from them, I need to look at my motives and turn my gaze to my Savior. I need to be happy with the way God created me.

Because in all I do, when I look in the mirror, I need to reflect Him.

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What are your thoughts?

A Post of Sorts...

2011-07-06T22:46:00.001-04:00

I love to celebrate. How about you?

On Sunday, the third, we had our dear friends over for a very yummy dinner and went to the county's fireworks display. Yummy food, good friends, and fun fireworks.

Did I mention that our friends make beautiful, delicious cakes?

Waiting for the fireworks to begin

The best part about fireworks is anticipating them before. :-)

We tried our best to make the fourth a productive day. So, we organized the garage.
Sounds fun, huh? :-)
Yes. Depends on your perspective, but fun none the less.
We made a lot of progress for a much needed clean.
For dinner we went out to eat at the Italian restaurant where our uncle works as manager. It was very nice. After dinner we were surprised to see more fireworks from the restaurant windows.

So, life has been very celebratory.

I thought I'd share a few other things, too. So here it goes.

One. My sister has the voting up for her poetry contest and every one has done a great job on their poems. Maybe you should head over and vote, too. :-)

Two. Lots of giveaways over at Ashley's blog! So many beautiful prizes...

Three. One of my favorite photography blogs, just has the most inspiring photos! This week their showing holiday photos. Would you like to see? (Click here)

Four. Doing a little CAT testing. Sharp pencils and crisp test papers. Fun.

Five. We had some thunderstorms move through. Before the storm descended yesterday evening, upon the whole sky, the clouds looked very much like cotton candy. God's creation is awing!

What have you been up to? How did you celebrate Independence Day?

Sisterhood Lessons...

2011-06-29T22:54:00.002-04:00

Early in the morning my three sisters and mother went to run some errands, while I stayed at home with three of the littles in our family.

I relished the time today while my cute two year toddler brother stood perched, craning over my shoulder watching every move I made, babbling on observing me, ( And giving me an occasional kiss or hug) as I sat working on my school work.

Sweet sisterhood!

It was one of those moments when the house is...quiet, when your twin brothers are getting along, playing nicely and peacefully, and your handsome, dreamy, smart, big blue eyed, ball of energy, love bug, tough two year old brother is... behaving, and life seems...orderly.

Serene. Still. Calm.

Oh, and then the next moment everything seems to fall apart...

(Like the dogs start to bark at nothing, the phone rings, your brothers don't want to share, and... well you get the picture.)

But moments of quiet (and rowdy moments,too) make me so glad to be in the family God's given me. They make me never ever want to trade a day of my precious life. The one that God lovingly gave me.
Even the juice spills and the toddler feet scampering into trouble, children shrieks and boisterous giggles, the toys on the floor and the dents in the door.

The life that teaches me patience, love, endurance, self sacrifice, joy...and some many needed lessons!

My Mom's birthday

2011-06-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday!
She is very practical and doesn't make a fuss about her special day.
She has sacrificed so much for her children.

It was awful seeing her in so much pain when in labor with my sister and hard to watch when her uterus ruptured. Before she was rolled out for an emergency c-section I was holding her hand, she was squeezing as tight as she could. As my dad and I waited in the waiting room, I could not help but wonder if it would be last time I would see her and hold her hand.

But she made it through.

My mother is strong and determined and I am grateful to God to still have her today. She makes wonderful meals, plants beautiful produce, cleans rigorously, and shares wisdom daily.

She a wise mentor, teacher, mother and best friend.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Steak Salad

2011-06-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

Lettuce+Steak+Onions+Dressing= Pure yummy-ness on a hot day.

What did you have for lunch?

Ever Wanted To Be A Poet?

2011-06-23T21:56:00.000-04:00

Now is your chance!

Click on over here to enter my sister's poetry contest!

Not my photo

Here's my entry:

Fire Fly

Flashing flicker,
Small and bright.
Eyes delight.
Splashing shine,
Radiant divine.
Glowing brilliance,
Happy shimmer.
Luminous twinkle.
Flying fast.
At night you dash,
Sending glimmers
To my eye.
Wondrous as lightning;
You make me smile.

The First Day Of Summer

2011-06-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

How did you spend the first day of summer?...

My Daddy...

2011-06-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

Today is a day to praise the Fathers in our lives and I wanted to take some time and brag on my Daddy.

My Daddy has the best sense of humor. He never fails to make me smile and laugh.
I didn't get many spankings when I was growing up. ( I am not saying I never made trouble! Honestly, I did!) Instead He'd sit us down and explain why what we did was bad. He gives us words of correction which have blessed me more than any other punishment.
My daddy makes me feel needed and makes sure I know that I matter.
He is supportive in my endeavors.When ever I have a question, He is more than willing to give me an answer.
He has not only been a great Father to myself and my siblings, but a strong provider for our family.

Throughout my childhood and now I’ve had heartfelt support and continued wisdom poured into my life.

The just man walketh in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7

Do you have a special Father in your life...?

Battle of the Swimsuits

2011-06-18T16:53:00.000-04:00

{via}
I know I am not the only one out there, though oftentimes it seems like it...
I find that it's very difficult to find a decent swim suit. ( And might I say the cost is ridiculous!)
Do you have the same problem? Although I don't go swimming that often, I do find it frustrating seeing how the culture handles swimming apparel. Many prefer to swim around the pool wearing the latest colored underwear... :-P

I thought I'd share a few helpful links and ideas to dress modestly for the glory of God even at the pool.

Here are some options I've tried and discovered. Click the links to the websites. All photos are from their websites.

Land's end

They have a selection of swim suits, rash guards and swim skirts.

( Sorry the photo is so small. Click the link below for a better view.)

{via}

Swim Modest

They have a selection of swim suits.

I have bought a swim dress from them and it has held up very well. It's well made and comfortable.

{via}

Dressing For His Glory

They have a selection of clothes as well as swim wear, swim skirts, swim shirts, and swim skorts.

Their swim skirts are about the same price as land's end's skirt, but are a quite a bit longer with leggings sewn in.

{via}

Simply Modest Swimwear

They sell swim suits, leggings, swim suit patterns, and swim fabric.

{via}
I bought a swim dress and leggings from here. They were well made, but the fabric hasn't been as durable as others.

Fresh Modesty

Olivia sells a very pretty, stylish swim suit pattern. I haven't used her pattern before, but it looks very nice.

{via}

These are just a few ideas and I am sure there are other solutions, depending on how much you prefer covering. I am not judging any one for what they swim in, but I hope that we'll all consider what we wear for the glory of God.

Do you have any suggestions on where to find or make a swim suit?... :-)

Blessings

2011-06-16T16:39:00.000-04:00

Blessings

by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

This song really spoke to me and I was able to relate to the beautiful words.
It reminds me of when my sister was born. When my mom was raced to the emergency room and my dad and I were left to sit in the waiting room.
It's was a long sleepless night; and a rainy night.
But it was a night filled with blessings. God was near, telling us to trust in His will. His blessings come in different ways and I know that things would not be the same if God hadn't intervened. We would have taken for granted the precious life of my Mom and sister. You have to have a different perspective sometimes, when defining blessings. I know my definition of the word has changed.

How do you define blessings?

Just a note to say...

2011-06-14T22:22:00.001-04:00

Click here for a neat giveaway that my sister's pen pal Mina is having!

Color.

2011-06-13T18:07:00.001-04:00

Where do you find color?

Coffee Cake

2011-06-11T16:50:00.000-04:00

Saturday mornings would not be complete with out a yummy, filling, breakfast...

This morning my Mom and I made coffee cake. The best way to kick off a productive Saturday!

I thought I'd share the recipe we you all:

Cake ingredients

4 cups freshly milled flour

2 Tbs. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 cups milk

1 cup oil

1/2 cup honey

Topping ingredients

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup sucanat (or white sugar)

8 Tbs. butter

3 tsp. cinnamon

Stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center.

Add egg, milk, oil, and honey. Stir just until well mixed. Spread batter evenly in a greased 9x13 pan. Combine walnuts, sucanat, melted butter, and cinnamon; spread over batter.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until it comes clean with a toothpick.

Shield with foil if getting too brown.

Altered from The Bread Becker's recipe.

Hope your having a beautiful Saturday!

What did you have for breakfast?

Giveaway...

2011-06-09T19:36:00.000-04:00

Click here for a neat giveaway!

Summer Sewing

2011-06-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

After buying some fabric on Memorial day I had it all planned out what I was going to sew.
So, with my free time I sewed a cheerful summer dress.

I used this pattern again...

It's made out of turquoise patterned cotton, which I bought at Joann's.

Sewing is so much fun! :-)

{Photos taken by my Sister.}

What have you been up to this summer?...

Pins & Needles...

2011-06-01T22:33:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a little crafting lately. I got out my patterns, pins and needles and went to work.

Can you guess what I made?

Quotable Quote

2011-05-27T19:00:00.001-04:00

(source)

"The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of christian,
But the fact that I am a christian does make me a different kind of woman."
-Elisabeth Elliot

I thought I'd share my most favorite quote.
I am always inspired when I read her undeniable words.

I know I have been rather quiet here on my blog.
I've been enjoying my days learning, planning some sewing projects, growing, laughing, writing, playing music on my violin, spending time with family, and Yes, doing school through the summer. :-)

I hope you all enjoy your weekend and memorial day!

What have you all been up to?
...Do have a favorite quote to share? :-)

Almost A Century...

2011-05-20T19:02:00.000-04:00

My great grandma and our sister are almost one hundred years apart in age. What a blessing to capture the generations. My grandma was born in 1911 and Essie is born in 2011.

In a few months our great grandma will have lived a century.

It's beautiful to be able to know my great grandma. To be able to talk to her and ask questions.
She has obviously been through a lot.
Seen so much. Lived through so many monumental years.
She's a beautiful and ambitious woman. I think that's one reason she's lived so long.
She sets her ambitions high and doesn't like to slow down.
She's our bananagrams champion and our human dictionary.
She has an exciting life story and is a fountain of history.

And to see my sister Essie. Her life is so precious and tiny. She has so much to learn and is going to grow and mature so much. Even now she is learning. I look forward to seeing how her treasured life will unfold...

Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
Psalm 119: 90

Some of My Favorite Movies.

2011-05-14T14:41:00.000-04:00

I am really excited about the Courageous movie.
Christian movies are always a rare, refreshing, treat; especially the Sherwood productions.
I have really enjoyed Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof.
( And then Courageous? Hmm... Where did the 'F' theme go?)
It's going to be very hard to wait until September 30th to see the movie. We almost never go to the movie theater and usually only go once a year depending on the movies out there. ( Last year we treated ourselves to the Voyage of the Dawn Treader.) So I am trying my best to suppress my excitement.

Are you excited?
Are you planning on seeing it?
Are you planning on going to the theater or waiting until it comes on DVD?

Wordless Wednesday : Swinging Barefoot

2011-05-11T17:31:00.001-04:00

A Garden

2011-05-05T17:41:00.001-04:00

Once there was a garden. It started with the deep rich soil, the seeds and the water.

Buds began to sprout, plants began to grow. There were flowers of all kinds, there were vibrant fruits and cheery vegetables, small thin trees and thick strong oaks. There were neat rows of beautiful plants.

This garden was not like any other. Much of the garden was healthy and wise, but outside of the garden there were thick ugly weeds and bulky hideous trees. Outside of the garden were patches of fenced up ground and dirt surrounded by sharp barbed wire.

The garden and outside the garden was the mind of a person.

The glorious garden was taken care of by a skilled caring Gardener who shared His love for the person by giving beauty and wisdom to the fruits and trees. Outside the garden, the person had shut out the gardener's love and locked out the health within the garden. The Gardener longed to care of all of the plants and trees, but the vile roots had dug so deep that the person could not let go of the locks and chains.

Are you letting God take care of all of your garden?

Sometimes I feel that I haven't given my whole garden to God. Parts of my mind are locked up, chained and fenced off. Some of my garden is being cultivated. The more I give over to God, the more will be grown and pruned and trimmed to His image. It's a beautiful picture. The master of our garden shaping and caring for us with His ultimate love. Pouring out His wisdom on our fruits, vegetables, flowers and trees. His roots are digging deep into our mind. He's pulling out the harmful weeds and roots that are holding us to our sinful heart.

John 15:1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

I am reminded of my Gardener every time I plant a seed or water a sprout.

Knowing that every second I'm here, He's growing me.

Fun On The Line.

2011-05-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

Praying...

2011-04-30T11:41:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking about my circumstances more often of late.
I am so blessed to have a happy, comfortable home and people to love me.
My heart aches for the the people that were hit by the tornadoes recently.
Losing their homes, their friends, their families. It brings tears to my eyes hearing the countless stories of devastation. It gives me hope when I hear the miracles.
It makes me thankful for all that God gives me.
It could have been my home.
It could have been my friends.
If could have been my family.
It could have been my life.
I should never take for granted what God blesses me with.
I'm counting all of the miracles I have to be thankful for. I am praying for the strength of those who have lost so much.

I'm praising God for the lives that were saved.

( My miracle sister Essie is doing great! She is healthy and happy and very cute.)

2 Corinthians 1:5
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T17:10:00.001-04:00

...Tissue paper flowers.....

....and bright colored eggs are such fun to create,
but not compared to the price that our dear Savior payed.

On Easter we remember and celebrate the rising Christ our Lord. His awesome acts shine bright and we praise His glorious deeds!

See what a morning

See what a morning, gloriously bright,
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
Folded the grave-clothes,
Tomb filled with light,
As the angels announce Christ is risen!
See God's salvation plan, wrought in love,
Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, for He lives:
Christ is risen from the dead!

See Mary weeping, 'Where is He laid?'
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb;
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name;
It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!
The voice that spans the years,
Speaking life, stirring hope,
Bringing peace to us,
Will sound till He appears,
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit
Who clothes faith with certainty,
Honour and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned
With power and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won,
Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!
Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2003 Thankyou Music

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:8-11

Skirts.

2011-04-22T13:04:00.003-04:00

If you know me in person you'd know most often, I'm wearing a skirt.
Some people live in jeans, I live in skirts. :-)
And most often the only place I buy my skirts are thrift shops. Buying used saves a lot of money and often you can find some very stylish clothes for half the price.

Rarely do I find a skirt cheap enough and pretty enough anywhere, but thrift stores.

But I can dream.

I just recently discovered J.jill apparel and have window shopped online, sighing over their clothing.
With summer on the way they have added some of the cutest outfits to their store. Despite the price of a lot of their clothing I can't help but at least look at their outfits... and share a few with you!

One of my favorites... The floral pattern is beautiful.

They have this in several colors...

The length of their skirts is also a plus. Modest and pretty.

Sigh... I love the ruffles.

Darling hat!

Window shopping is so much fun...!

...In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel...
1 Timothy 2:9

Where do you window shop?...

Esther is Home!

2011-04-13T12:32:00.000-04:00

Esther Joy

We found out the results of the MRI yesterday and her brain looks normal with no problems! She came home yesterday.We are so thankful to God to have Esther here at home! She is eating and doing very well. She is a little miracle. Only when your holding her do you fully grasp the gift she is. She is beautiful in every way.

Some of my family came down with a stomach bug this morning and we're praying, praying, praying that Esther does not get it. We're resting up and will hopefully feel better soon.

Thanks for your constant prayers. We are so blessed and amazed that just a week and a day ago Esther came into the world. It has been an amazing week with tears and joy. God is has been so good.

Praise God!

Baby Esther is Born!

2011-04-09T12:33:00.001-04:00

Our baby sister was born on the 5th! ( Our Dad's birthday!)
Unfortunately the birth had to be an emergency c-section. Our mom was induced on the 4th and she was having contractions and then (we think) she had a uterus rupture. She was in a lot of pain and had to be given 3 units of blood after and surgery.

Esther was without oxygen for about 16 minutes after the uterus ruptured and because of that had to be given oxygen and went through cooling treatment for 72 hours.
The cooling treatment helps reduce any brain damage that might of occurred, because of the lack of oxygen. Her treatment went well and we are praying that there is no serious problems.
Esther is breathing on her own, she is moving all her limbs, sucking on a pacifier and at this point we can't tell if and how much damage was done.

Our Mom was able to try breast feeding today with Esther and within twenty seconds Esther latched on and started sucking! They will be doing a MRI, Monday on her brain. (Later on an ear and eye exam.) It has been a difficult, faith growing, experience and God has given us much hope and comfort. Our mom was in a lot of pain and is slowly recovering from the rupture and surgery.

God has been so good to us and we are so blessed to have our precious baby Esther!

Our friends and family have given us lots of support and prayers, which helps so much.
We keep counting all the beautiful blessings God has showered upon us through this trial.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5

This bible verse has been a great reminder to our family. This is a true statement of our faith.
With every situation we should commit to Him, trust Him with the results, and He will help us.

A sheet, a saturday, some sewing, and a skirt

2011-03-31T16:53:00.001-04:00

I once again I used a bed sheet-bought of good will-for my sewing project. My inspiration once again came from Marie-Madeline.

A skirt this time.

I didn't have the pattern and decided to make up the design, with lots of gathers and ruffles. :-)
It was some what a challenge, but very fun. I sewed most of it on Saturday and was able to finish the same day. It was rainy and some what gloomy, so it gave me lots of time to stay inside and do some happy sewing.

It is constructed of three very ruffly ruffles, three panels underneath and an elastic waist band. The only difficulty was coming up with the measurements. It came out almost as I had expected. I was actually surprised how poofy it turned out.

Definitely a learning experience and very enjoyable. I have to say the fabric was not the most ideal pattern for a bed sheet, but it worked out well for a skirt. :-)

The weather has been very gloomy and I was happy for today's beautiful sunshine.

How is your weather?

Made Alive With Christ

2011-03-27T18:41:00.002-04:00

Colossians 2: 13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made youalive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

What a beautiful passage.
This is an awing picture of what Christ has done for us.
We were dead in our sins and God made us alive in Christ.

I, for one, often take life for granted too often; but when I step back and see how dead I was,
it makes everything I've ever lived for fall to the shadows.
I see the light Christ illuminates, and I know He's is my true life and light.
All that I am looks so small compared to the greatness of our Savior.
What a precious life He has given us.
We need to live it well.

Saturday Mornings.

2011-03-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

This is what we had for breakfast....

Saturday mornings are when my mom makes a special breakfast treat. She's made oatmeal, cinnamon rolls, donuts, coffee cake, and most often : pancakes.
I usually get up after she has the batter made and then we cook them.
The smell is wonderful.
And the taste...
Even better. :-)

What did you have for breakfast?

Brightening a home

2011-03-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

There are so many ways to make a home brighter and homey-er.

When blooms start to bud find a jar and bring spring inside.

Cute little jars and fresh flowers....

A perfect table accent.

Put your jars of flowers near a window, on a table, in a bathroom, a bedroom, anywhere!

My mom finds so many cute little jars at thrift shops.

They really are darling.

Organize with stylish baskets. Our house is filled with baskets!

They look nice and are practical.

Colorful dishcloths add so much fun to your kitchen.

Dish cloth making is also a great way to practice crocheting when just starting out.

Even in the cold months of the year adding tissue paper flowers to a room can spark up a home.

Making them is so much fun. I have been making these flowers ever since we had a party last year. It is a wonderful way to pass the time. They are an easy craft, beautiful table decorators, and fun gift decorators.

Do you have any tips for making your home brighter?

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-03-20T17:29:00.000-04:00

After my Mom found a sale on strawberries, and bought 8 pounds, she asked if I'd make strawberry shortcake. I have never made a cake from scratch. (Only the occasional cake mix)
I looked up shortcake recipes on this website and found THIS recipe and decided to try it.

It was not as difficult as I thought it would be, but still some what of a challenge. I am not what you would call an experienced baker and cook. :-) It was a fairly simple recipe and very yummy.

It is even better with a more than generous amount of strawberries and whipped cream.

The cake was consumed and only one piece remained after all my family had their fill.

It is somewhat healthy...right? It does have strawberries!
Okay, okay.
Not that healthy.
But a recipe that is definitely worth a try.
My sweet tooth was content with the semi-healthiness of it.

Do you like strawberry shortcake?

A Wedding...

2011-03-12T14:42:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my dear Aunt got married. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. It was held outside and the reception was in a large tent.

Friends and family arriving...

I was able to play a few songs on my violin with my teacher while every one arrived.
My teacher played for the ceremony. She did a wonderful job.

My aunt walking down the "aisle".

After the vows...

The table settings were beautiful. We were at "table two".

The happy couple.

The yummy cake.

Click here for the full post on the family blog.

Silhouettes

2011-03-08T19:05:00.001-05:00

Unique branches.Elegant limbs.
Trees' beauty is obscure, artful and....

...even more beautiful when flowers starts to bud and bloom.

The graceful silhouettes of each tree compliment each bouquet of blossoms.

Don't you just want to grab your camera and snap a photo, every time you see a glimpse of spring?

Well. I do any way. :-)

Has spring sprung where you live?

Peanuts and Chocolate.

2011-03-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

A handful of nuts and chocolate chips. Blissful.

...What is your favorite snack?

Here's How I Used My Inspiration!

2011-03-01T12:48:00.002-05:00

After being inspired by THIS. I decided I wanted to create something, too. The Marie-Madeline bloomers look very practical, comfortable and feminine. I don't have the pattern, so I decided to test a couple things out.

First, instead of using fabric I took the West ladies advice on their sewing DVD and bought a bed sheet at Goodwill. It was some much cheaper than regular fabric! $2.60 for around 2 yards of fabric.

My grandma bought this pattern about two years ago and I decided to use the shorts pattern and gather the pant legs to create something similar to the bloomers.

And another plus? The bed sheet is Utica J.P. Stevens and I think it might be vintage. :-)
I found this vintage bed sheet on etsy and several other utica sheets. I think mine might be vintage, too.

So, a fun project done. My little experiment worked. Using a bed sheet, part of a pattern, a little math, some elastic, a sewing machine, and a whole lot of inspiration, you can make a cute pair of /gaucho/pants/skirt/bloomers. Perfect for a spring day. :-)

What is inspiring you?...

In the midst of a storm

2011-02-28T18:26:00.001-05:00

Through a storm and through a non-literal storm, things can shake and rumble and it seems that things are coming crashing down. At times I feel I am in a storm not knowing if I'll make it out. But, it's a constant reminder that not only is there blue sky behind those dark angry clouds, but a God behind us and keeping us steady. Through rough situations God has a plan for us. Blue skies are at the end of all the rain and thunder. Although fear might grip us we have the comfort of a strong shield.

Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm.
Matthew 8: 26

Better late than never?

2011-02-27T14:09:00.001-05:00

Do you remember this project? Well I never did tell you what I made. After I had finished all the gifts I made, I wanted to give all my gifts before telling you, because I wanted to make sure no one saw their gift on the blog before I had given it to them. :-)

Any way... I made a bunch of scarves! Red, white and brown.

I started with a long, straight, piece of fabric, cut with the stretch of the fabric going length ways. Than I hemmed the scarves on both the sides and because of the stretch of the fabric, it ruffled!

So that's what I made in December.

I meant to share this with you all earlier, but better late than never!

I haven't been using a scarf very recently. It has been super warm. I hope it doesn't get cold again, but at least I'll have a cheerful scarf to brighten the weather. :-)

Inspiration...

2011-02-26T09:43:00.001-05:00

... is an unique topic.
Often when I am trying to find it, inspiration seems to hide and cringe in a corner. I struggle to see it and usually end my search by giving up.

When busily going through out my day is when I am caught by surprise with a new found joy, a new word of happiness, a musical note of color, an unexpected rhyme. Inspiration sneaks up on you with new fresh vigor and give you constant ideas, exciting reflections, abundant knowledge that greets our ears and eyes. It is always when you aren't looking for inspiration you find it; and it seems to find us at the perfect time. {The word inspiration in it's self is inspiring.} :-)

My sister and I picked some weed flowers in our yard. When bunched into a bouquet, weeds don't seem as out of place. The henbit flower can be very lovely bundled together. Even weeds can sweeten your creativity.

Never underestimate the inspiration that God brings our way.

Job 32: 8
...There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

(emphasis added)

What has inspired you lately?

Amazon

2011-02-24T17:19:00.002-05:00

Yep.

That's right.

Amazon.

I won a 25 dollar gift card to amazon when I entered a " Find the differences in the two pictures" contest. I didn't expect to win and I am pleasantly surprised to have 25 dollars to spend. The only problem is I am not quite sure what to buy... :-)

Amazon has a lot of possibilities. Electronics, clothing, jewelry, furniture, books, and so much more!
I'll probably end up saving it up for a bigger purchase. Maybe a camera lens. ;-)

I thought y'all might be able to help me out.

Do you have any suggestions? (Books suggestions?)
Do any of you have any craft book suggestions? I thought this book looked nice.

I am all ears! :-)

Driving.

2011-02-22T18:21:00.001-05:00

Driving has recently been taken off my back burner and I've tried to be a little more systematic. Thursday was my first time on the high way. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and I haven't crashed in to anything or anyone. ;-)

Driving reminds of our steering wheel of life. I often think that I am in control of the accelerator and brake and the steering wheel when I'm driving on through my life, but at times it seems I am not really in control at all. It seems are seat at the wheel is not ours' to drive. Because God is right there guiding our car of life. We're inadvertently in the back seat, watching God drive our life. When life moves by quickly...God is with us. Carefully shaping our minds and helping us on the fast roads of life. Pushing down the brake, making us slow down, building patience in our hearts and shaping our emotions. God is steering and guiding through the twists and turns, crossings, the bends, and curves of our road. Sometimes we drive at a 100 miles an hour down distant, narrow roads, other times long stretches go by as we sit stopped at a red light.

God is with us every mile of the way and is steering our life with overflowing care and love.

To me that's really comforting. I don't think I am a very practiced driver of my life and I make so many mistake. Knowing that God is guiding my path is such a relief. :-)

For such is God,

Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.

Psalm 48:14

Are any of you driving, learning to drive or wanting to drive?

Crustless Quiche

2011-02-20T18:02:00.000-05:00

This delicious meal is easy and simple to make and very yummy. There are so many meals I'd like to share with y'all and this recipe is only one of my favorites.

Crustless quiche

-Six eggs
-1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
-1/2 cup minced onion
-1/2 minced green pepper
-generous amount of cheddar cheese
(salt, pepper & basil sprinkled to taste)

Grease a 9 in. round casserole with butter. Cover bottom of dish generously with cheddar. Break 6 large eggs into a bowl add parmesan, onion, green pepper and mix. Combine egg mixture into 9 in. dish.
Add salt, pepper and basil to taste. Sprinkle top with cheddar. Bake at 350 degrees, for 20 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean.

And a side note once again the pictures don't do the meal justice. I am not a very experienced food photographer. ;-)

Have a blessed day!

Carnations or Roses?

2011-02-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

The grass dies and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God will live forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Valentine's day.

2011-02-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

The fourteenth of February.
A day to meditate on. So much love is poured into my life and showered abundantly on my soul. Not only today, but on every day should I remember the love that is given to me by the Almighty.
His hands are lovingly holding my heart and guiding my path.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5 1-2

♥ Valentine Card Inspiration ♥

2011-02-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Valentine's day is a great holiday to celebrate the love we have for our family and friends, with card making and card giving and a perfect time to meditate on God's love toward us.

Here are several tips to making cards.

Make sure to use a different types of scissors to make your cards unique in their shape.

Stitch cut outs on to your cards with your sewing machine.

Add lots of hearts!

Use a pen to customize your cards with simple doodles.

Use creative paper for the theme of your cards.

Craft stores sell the cutest paper!

Use stencils for elegant designs.

Hearts make cute valentine-y flowers. :-)

Use paper animal cutouts to make your cards more friendly.

If you don't seem to have any inspiration, find some by
searching through magazines and online.

When all hope seems lost, make your cards simple & have fun!

Add lots of love to your cards and let your family & friends know you care about them. :-)

Making memories...

2011-02-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

Do you ever stop and smile when you know your making a memory that you'll look back on later in life? I thought I'd share some of my memory making.

The joy of making rice crispy treats with my sisters. Sticky, gooey, fun.

It's double the fun when made at night... :-D

Giggles, laughs, and smiles. Yes, a memory made.

All three of us together making a sweet treat.

The best part?

Hearts...!

What other memories have been made recently? Why, an inside winter picnic!

Spreading out a blanket, and eating with my family.

My little brother.

And yes. Eating our treats. We all love 'em.

A cute, sticky, toddler hand. Precious.

Having fun with the ones I love....

Have you been making some memories? What's one of your favorites?

Complete.

2011-02-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

When it was just my Father, Mother, two sisters and myself, my life felt complete. Our happy little family. I loved being together. And as our family has grown I feel the same way. Our family feels complete with my added siblings. And when my little sister is born I'll feel my family is still complete. Sometimes I wonder how I could and can feel that our whole family was and is complete when my whole family is still not born. I didn't expect our family to grow in size and neither did the the rest of my family. Since we didn't have any expectations of anything changing we were content.

This is how I often seem to feel. Empty. Unsatisfied.
Because I don't feel that I have everything in my life that I want. If only I were smarter, if only I had more stuff, if only I were more popular, if only I weren't introverted,if only I were prettier, if only, if only.
If I didn't know anything but the life I had and knew nothing of all the extras of life, I still wouldn't be happy.
I shouldn't be thinking of my life as a bunch of ' if only's that I am expecting. I need to think of my life as a bunch of once in a life time adventures, living out my life to the fullest in the completion of God each day.

I am... we all are, broken with out God and we can only be happy, content, satisfied, and complete with God.

God... is love. (1 John 4:16)
God... is truth. (1 John 5:6)
God... is light. (1 John 1: 5)
God... is life. ( 1 John 5:20)

Without God we are without love, truth, light, life.
If I truly want to be complete I need to turn my gaze to my Savior and not to my expectations of life, because God knows best.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

(Emphasis added)

Cold rainy days are an excuse for....

2011-02-04T22:22:00.001-05:00

Drinking several cups of cocoa.....

......With fun colorful mugs, mittens and gloves!

Crocheting with cheery red yarn....

Wearing fuzzy slippers and cozy leggings....

Wearing warm stylish jackets....

Having a flower photo shoot inside...

See, you can have fun on a rainy day... :-)

What do you do on rainy days?

Photo Contest

2011-02-02T18:39:00.005-05:00

Lydia at Reel Christian is having a winter themed photo contest!

....Hop on over and enter your best winter photo!

Light makes everything just a little bit brighter...

2011-01-31T18:36:00.001-05:00

The weather around here's been gray and dreary...
...other than Saturday and Sunday!

The weekend was so beautiful! Sunshine, warm temperatures; that light made the day so much happier. It's amazing what lighting can do to a day.

That's why my word for 2011 is Light.
Many people I know have captured their year with a one word resolution and goal.
(Most had decided theirs' earlier in the year, but there are still 11 more months to live through, in 2011.)

I decided on the word light, because it reflects God himself. He's the light of the world and therefore I want to reflect Him this year. In my attitude, my actions, my very being.

So my year goal is being pinned to the word...
light.

What's your word for 2011?