This week, my first week as a stay-at-home-mom, has been one of the most productive weeks. of my life. Seriously, let's take a look:
(not listed in order of importance)
1 Obviously you in the blogging world have had some attention. Although most people would say that time on the computer is not always productive, I'm glad to be able to have some time (albeit a little too much time) to spend doing computer-y things I love: blogging, pinteresting, facebooking. You can't honestly be mad that I'm back. Or maybe you can.
2 I have gotten to cuddle, tickle, kiss, hug, kiss, smooch, poke, kiss, touch, SOAK IN my baby... in ways that I was never able to before. Before I returned to work she was still a little too young to really be playful and enjoy my presence, and once I was at work, I barely had time to get 2 words in with her. But now, oh now, I am overwhelmed at the possibilities of time we have together. I could just talk to her for eternity and be completely smitten. [However, I really do want her to keep her ability to play by herself on the floor, so I have to remember to put her down and leave her alone every once in a while.]
3 I have spent time with God. Honestly, this was lacking. a lot. I kept on making excuses about how busy I was with work and the demands of home. And probably a lot of it was true, because I was seriously busy, but no excuse is good enough. And I have loved being refreshed with time in prayer and time in the Bible this week. I can feel myself getting closer to the heart of God. I am so, very thankful for the opportunity to sit in silence (when Nora decides to nap) and meet God in my very home. It. feels. great.
4 I ran three days this week. Before this week, I had only ran once since Nora was born. Running wasn't easy this week, but it was really good. I was in so much pain for a lot of it [obviously my lungs didn't get the memo that they should be able to last more than half a mile] but afterward, when I took my cold shower and stretched out, I knew I was doing something awesome with my body. I am so excited to be able to get back into running. (And thankfully, Nora doesn't mind the jogging stroller... one day she even slept for half of the run.)
5 Remember those cloth diapers I started back in... July 2011? Yeah, it's almost July 2012. But guess what: yesterday I finally finished them. A set of 20 cloth diapers are done (praise the Lord) and ready to be washed today...and if they dry overnight, worn tomorrow. Our baby is going to be a convert!
6 There has been so much "housework" that I'm sure I was able to get to before when I was working, but I can actually feel like I have a handle on it now. I got ahead in bill paying, wrote a letter to my grandma (a little late on that one), crossed off many of the eventually-to-do list items (that had been piling up over the past month or so), and am going to get a new laundry/cleaning schedule started today that will have me doing little things everyday (rather than one Saturday a month I do absolutely every chore in the house and hate myself afterward for letting it get that bad.)
If you couldn't tell, I am overjoyed to be at home. Even if it was just for this one week, I would be thoroughly satisfied to enter back into the working world. But I have the blessing, as I wait for a teaching job to find me this fall, to stay where I am and live fully in this moment, in this house, with my beautiful daughter. And I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. (Although, wouldn't it be just grand if Mr. Allen could be home with us all day too? :])
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
decision
Warning - this post is a bit personal... even for me.
I'm sharing something secret, something close to my heart right now. But
I feel the need to share it. Maybe I'm sharing it for me -- just to get
it out into the world and to be held accountable to it, or maybe God is
having me share it for you -- to challenge and encourage you. Whatever
the reason, here it goes.
[taken from my journaling this morning]
On
Sunday I made a decision. For months now I have been waiting for my
Christian walk to come to me as a fresh encounter, a new vibrancy, and
that's all I was doing -- waiting. I thought maybe reading a new book
would do it for me or maybe just listening in church the Holy Spirit
would boldly, clearly tell me, "Hey, listen up! This one is for you.
This is the message you've been waiting for; the one to change your
life." Well, none of that has happened, and I kept on craving a
freshness.
Then
on Sunday, I realized -- all I am doing about this "craving" is
sitting, waiting. I'm not pursuing it. I'm not chasing God. I'm not
surrendering my life. I'm just holding onto my life, waiting for God to
show up on my terms.
And
so, I've given up on waiting. I'm moving on the pursuit. I'm hunting
down this freshness I desire, and I'm doing it by being active and
intentional.
No
longer will I avoid reading my Bible because "it's a drag sometimes" or
"I'm stuck in the Old Testament and none of it matters to me/my life
anyway." [I told you I was being honest, didn't I!?]
No longer will I refuse time in prayer because "I don't know what to pray for" or "I just prayed about that yesterday."
No
longer will I avoid talking about real, spiritual matters with
unbelievers, worried about what they will think of me. Because, more
importantly, their souls are on the line!
There
are two people who I know will read this post that I need to have those
conversations with. And it's not for my sake, it's for theirs. I will
seek out those conversations and I will be bold with my witness, because
I want them in heaven with me someday.
Yes, I will stumble. Yes, I will falter. And, yes, I will definitely fail. But this time, I'm not waiting; I'm moving - I'm seeking - I'm pursuing. And I will grow.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
la sencillez de Sunday [window decor]
A quick side-note (or two) before I begin: Just this week I was becoming overwhelmed with the idea of the commitment I had made to my blog with this series. Not only do I have to post once a week (which can be a challenge for me in itself) but I have to be constantly on the look-out for new post ideas of simple-somethings to share with you. I was thinking about maybe quitting the commitment while I'm ahead, only having the series for a few weeks, so I can go out with a bang rather than ending by forgetting to or failing to post because of no new ideas.
However, this week, as I was reading the blogs I subscribe to, I found another project. And it was simple, and it was perfect. And I thought, 'You know, I think I can do this after all. ...that is -- if these ideas just keep falling into my lap.'
But better yet, yesterday, Shane and I had such a wonderful date-day, filled with lots of outings. [Maybe I'll post about it this week. It was just that good... well-worth a post.] One of our outings was to the Urban Folk Circuit, a dual-duty craft show for artisans to sell their work and venue for upcoming local musicians to play their music and start a gathering. [It's like going to a live version of etsy.com while listening to Spotify. ...aka Awesome!] Anyway, at yesterday's event there was a "make and take" craft for visitors (read:kids), and I decided to take part.
So today's simple craft is coming to you from a lovely lady I met yesterday, the blogging-face of Urban Folk Circuit's website and her own crafting blog-loveliness, Hands Occupied, Heidi. [Thank you, Heidi, for letting me share your craft idea!]
Simple Craft: Pin Prick Art
Supplies needed: cardstock (or paper), thumbtacks (push-pins), cardboard (thicker than cereal box-type), marker
Step one: Make (draw) or find (print) a template for the art piece you want to create. Heidi provided her crafters (seriously, read:kids [under 10] and me [obviously not under 10, but still very much a kid at heart]) with simple outlines of a mitten, a snowflake, or a snowglobe to choose from. Draw or print your template onto a piece of paper, making sure the lines are thick enough to fit a thumbtack into.
Step two: Pile your cardboard, piece of cardstock, and template (in that order from bottom to top) and secure with an extra thumbtack.
Step three: Use a thumbtack to trace/poke the design of your template dot-by-dot along the lines (which, since it is piled underneath, will transfer onto your cardstock piece.)
Step four: Reveal your wonderful design on your cardstock. Tape to a window and, as the sun shines in, enjoy your wonderful, simple artwork.
Here are some other examples of pin prick art that I found online which might inspire you to get creative. [By the way, I was totally going to call this artwork piece "light-up window decor" until google revealed its real name, Pin Prick Art. I deemed it much more appropriate.]
However, this week, as I was reading the blogs I subscribe to, I found another project. And it was simple, and it was perfect. And I thought, 'You know, I think I can do this after all. ...that is -- if these ideas just keep falling into my lap.'
But better yet, yesterday, Shane and I had such a wonderful date-day, filled with lots of outings. [Maybe I'll post about it this week. It was just that good... well-worth a post.] One of our outings was to the Urban Folk Circuit, a dual-duty craft show for artisans to sell their work and venue for upcoming local musicians to play their music and start a gathering. [It's like going to a live version of etsy.com while listening to Spotify. ...aka Awesome!] Anyway, at yesterday's event there was a "make and take" craft for visitors (read:kids), and I decided to take part.
So today's simple craft is coming to you from a lovely lady I met yesterday, the blogging-face of Urban Folk Circuit's website and her own crafting blog-loveliness, Hands Occupied, Heidi. [Thank you, Heidi, for letting me share your craft idea!]
Simple Craft: Pin Prick Art
Supplies needed: cardstock (or paper), thumbtacks (push-pins), cardboard (thicker than cereal box-type), marker
Step one: Make (draw) or find (print) a template for the art piece you want to create. Heidi provided her crafters (seriously, read:kids [under 10] and me [obviously not under 10, but still very much a kid at heart]) with simple outlines of a mitten, a snowflake, or a snowglobe to choose from. Draw or print your template onto a piece of paper, making sure the lines are thick enough to fit a thumbtack into.
Step two: Pile your cardboard, piece of cardstock, and template (in that order from bottom to top) and secure with an extra thumbtack.
Step three: Use a thumbtack to trace/poke the design of your template dot-by-dot along the lines (which, since it is piled underneath, will transfer onto your cardstock piece.)
Step four: Reveal your wonderful design on your cardstock. Tape to a window and, as the sun shines in, enjoy your wonderful, simple artwork.
 |
| Obviously the sun wasn't really shining in for me. But you get the idea. :] |
 |
| source |
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| source |
This craft would obviously require supervision if you were to do it with children, but it could be really fun for them to display their art in the windows and enjoy it on sunny days. And, I once worked in a kindergarten classroom where the students were each responsible for putting on their own nametags using safety pins. So children of even 4 or 5 could definitely handle this craft, if they are responsible. [Why are safety pins uncannily called safety pins anyway?!]
¿¡Sencillo, no?!
[I told you that a simple-something idea fell into my lap this week from the blogs I read, which means I am already idea-set for next week! That means I will keep on with this series for at least one more. ...and some, I'm sure.]
Simple Truth: Today, I'm going to do something different for the simple truth portion. Instead of writing out a devotional-type essay and feeding you all my thoughts on Scripture, I'm going to leave you with a verse and some lyrics from a song that touched my heart today with its truth.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
You are God, You are God;
of all else I'm letting go.
(from Forever Reign by Hillsong Live)
The message is sencillo. And yet, I challenge you to -- at least for a moment, for an hour, for a day -- let go of all else and hold onto and know the truth that He is God.
linking up:
Sunday, January 15, 2012
la sencillez de Sunday [a better grilled cheese]
Simple Recipe: Mozzarella Pesto Grilled Cheese
Ingredients needed: bread, pesto, tomato, mozzarella, butter [optional: turkey, ham, etc.]
Step One: Butter one side of each piece of bread. [to prevent sticking to the pan]
Step Two: Spread pesto on the other side of each piece. [this gets a little messy: pesto on one side, butter on the other]
Step Three: Slice and add tomato to each sandwich.
Step Four: Add mozzarella cheese and close the sandwiches.
Step Five: Put on skillet, fry pan, George Foreman, etc. And when grilled, ENJOY.
I like to call this recipe "a better grilled cheese," because I don't think I will ever go back to the original. :]
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
Simple Truth: Today's simple truth comes from the sermon this morning, titled Love One Another. As a church, we are studying through the "one another" commands in the New Testament. I think this series is going to be good. Anyway, today's: love one another. Often we find it easy, even effortless, to love those one-anothers that are most like us and those that like us. But God's command (not merely a recommendation) to love one another is to love all people as He has loved them. It's not easy. It's not really supposed to be. We are all broken people who are self-absorbed, yet we are to be selfless and reach out, meeting other people's needs. You may wonder why this is so essential. [You may really wonder why it's important when it seems so impossible.] It's not about you or your personal spirituality or personal growth. It's not about the other person you are trying to love. Guess what, they would survive (probably) if you didn't love them the way you are supposed to. It's important because God's important. His glory, His name, His reputation is on the line when we choose to love or not love others. 1 John 4:12 says, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." It's all about the glory of God, and providing opportunity for it to shine through us by loving those one-anothers, each and every one.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
[Well, maybe the message is simple, but the putting-into-action is not so simple. Try it this week. Find someone new to love. Find and meet a need in their life; not for your benefit, nor for theirs, but for the glory of and spread of God's great name.]
linking up with:
Ingredients needed: bread, pesto, tomato, mozzarella, butter [optional: turkey, ham, etc.]
Step One: Butter one side of each piece of bread. [to prevent sticking to the pan]
Step Two: Spread pesto on the other side of each piece. [this gets a little messy: pesto on one side, butter on the other]
Step Three: Slice and add tomato to each sandwich.
Step Four: Add mozzarella cheese and close the sandwiches.
Step Five: Put on skillet, fry pan, George Foreman, etc. And when grilled, ENJOY.
I like to call this recipe "a better grilled cheese," because I don't think I will ever go back to the original. :]
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
Simple Truth: Today's simple truth comes from the sermon this morning, titled Love One Another. As a church, we are studying through the "one another" commands in the New Testament. I think this series is going to be good. Anyway, today's: love one another. Often we find it easy, even effortless, to love those one-anothers that are most like us and those that like us. But God's command (not merely a recommendation) to love one another is to love all people as He has loved them. It's not easy. It's not really supposed to be. We are all broken people who are self-absorbed, yet we are to be selfless and reach out, meeting other people's needs. You may wonder why this is so essential. [You may really wonder why it's important when it seems so impossible.] It's not about you or your personal spirituality or personal growth. It's not about the other person you are trying to love. Guess what, they would survive (probably) if you didn't love them the way you are supposed to. It's important because God's important. His glory, His name, His reputation is on the line when we choose to love or not love others. 1 John 4:12 says, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." It's all about the glory of God, and providing opportunity for it to shine through us by loving those one-anothers, each and every one.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
[Well, maybe the message is simple, but the putting-into-action is not so simple. Try it this week. Find someone new to love. Find and meet a need in their life; not for your benefit, nor for theirs, but for the glory of and spread of God's great name.]
linking up with:
Sunday, January 8, 2012
la sencillez de Sunday [love light]
Simple Craft: Love Light
Supplies needed: paper, markers/pens, clear cylinder or rectangular prism vase, candle
As I was reading the blogs I subscribe to this week, I saw an idea and instantly thought, 'That's what I'm making this week for la sencillez de Sunday.'
I know you might think it is too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day decor, but this is something simple and little, and it just might get you in the lovey-dovey mood. Valentine's Day is only a month away, so it's not really that early.
Here is my version of the love light:
It really is a simple craft; maybe the simplest of all. Take some paper (I used lined paper) and draw, doodle, or write things that seem Valentine-y to you. I chose to write a bunch of reasons I love my Mr.
Seeing the lamp in sepia makes me wish it was even more simple looking, just black ink on white paper. But I really do love this little decoration, because (as always) I need a centerpiece for my dining room table and I like to keep them seasonal.
Simple Truth: Today's simple truth is taken from my own personal Bible-reading/journalling time from this week. I was reading Zechariah 8 (I'm working my way through the end of the Old Testament) when God is telling about His promise of restoration for His people in Jerusalem. He promises children joyfully playing on the streets, bountiful harvests in the fields, celebratory festivals, and that people from all nations will travel just to be a part of what He will be doing. Then in Zechariah 8:6, God says, "All this may seem impossible to you now, ... but is it impossible for me?" Sometimes when we are amidst adversity, the promise of a time of peace and joy seems impossible. We don't think that anything positive or uplifting can possibly come from or after what we are going through right now. But God promises up rebirth after death, beauty from ashes. He is a God of restoration and redemption.
One of my old favorite bands, Switchfoot, writes:
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
...
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
...
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Although you might be in the middle of the shadow right now, and darkness clouds everything around you, that very shadow that seems to be holding you down is proving that the sunshine (God's glory and promise of new life) is standing right behind that darkness.
linking up with:
Supplies needed: paper, markers/pens, clear cylinder or rectangular prism vase, candle
As I was reading the blogs I subscribe to this week, I saw an idea and instantly thought, 'That's what I'm making this week for la sencillez de Sunday.'
 | |||
| click for source |
I know you might think it is too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day decor, but this is something simple and little, and it just might get you in the lovey-dovey mood. Valentine's Day is only a month away, so it's not really that early.
Here is my version of the love light:
It really is a simple craft; maybe the simplest of all. Take some paper (I used lined paper) and draw, doodle, or write things that seem Valentine-y to you. I chose to write a bunch of reasons I love my Mr.
Seeing the lamp in sepia makes me wish it was even more simple looking, just black ink on white paper. But I really do love this little decoration, because (as always) I need a centerpiece for my dining room table and I like to keep them seasonal.
Simple Truth: Today's simple truth is taken from my own personal Bible-reading/journalling time from this week. I was reading Zechariah 8 (I'm working my way through the end of the Old Testament) when God is telling about His promise of restoration for His people in Jerusalem. He promises children joyfully playing on the streets, bountiful harvests in the fields, celebratory festivals, and that people from all nations will travel just to be a part of what He will be doing. Then in Zechariah 8:6, God says, "All this may seem impossible to you now, ... but is it impossible for me?" Sometimes when we are amidst adversity, the promise of a time of peace and joy seems impossible. We don't think that anything positive or uplifting can possibly come from or after what we are going through right now. But God promises up rebirth after death, beauty from ashes. He is a God of restoration and redemption.
One of my old favorite bands, Switchfoot, writes:
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath
...
Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way
...
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine
Although you might be in the middle of the shadow right now, and darkness clouds everything around you, that very shadow that seems to be holding you down is proving that the sunshine (God's glory and promise of new life) is standing right behind that darkness.
linking up with:
Sunday, January 1, 2012
la sencillez de Sunday [stationery]
Welcome, officially, to la sencillez de Sunday (the simplicity of Sunday.) As I expected, with the holiday craziness, trip home, lack of sit-down-computer-time because of too much enjoy-my-families-time, last week I didn't get a post. But here we are, the first of the year, and the first official post for this series. [If you didn't get a chance to yet, check out the preview post to the series to get an idea of what it's all about.] Let's get started!
Simple Craft: Bubbly Stationery
Supplies needed: paper, envelopes, straw, water (1/2 cup), sugar (1 teaspoon), dish soap (1 teaspoon), food coloring (10 drops per color)
My inspiration came from this book I got for Christmas, which I absolutely LOVE! I also got the Home Decor version, and I'm sure that I will bereferring to obsessing completely about here on the blog often.
Mix together the water, sugar, and soap until the sugar dissolves. Add your coloring (feel free to play with colors, since most food coloring comes in the primary colors,) and be very generous about the coloring.
Stick your straw in the bottom of the glass, and blow some bubbles. When the bubbles overflow over the top of the cup, lay your paper (and/or envelope) on top of the bubbles, causing them to pop. Repeat blowing and popping stages over and over until you have the design you like.
Be prepared to make a mess, because those bubbles will get all over the table (and your face.) This would be such a fun craft to do with kids, especially those learning to write, so they could create their own stationery for writing to a grandparent, friend, etc.
Here are my final pieces:
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
Don't worry, I had some failure pieces too that were too lightly colored (which promptly went into the recycling.) The trick is to add lots of color so that the bubbles rising to the top as you blow keep the color of the water mixture.
The pink and green set I transformed into a birthday card for my adorable, wonderful niece who celebrates her 5th birthday this week and weekend. This bubbly paper idea could also turn into some really cute artwork for a kid's room, playroom, or classroom!
Simple Truth: I'm taking my simple truth from a personal devotional time I had a few days ago, while reading the book of Micah. If you've read the minor prophets (or any of the majority of the Old Testament,) you'll know God's frustration with the disobedient chosen people, the Israelites. Well, as always, God is telling of the coming destruction and punishment if His people continue in their disobedience. Then in chapter 2, verse 7, God says, "...if you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting." How often am I scared about living life according to God's plans (which always win out, by the way) and instead I selfishly follow my own agenda? I struggle with the fear that I am not obedient enough, and that I'm not spreading the Gospel boldly enough, knowing that I can be held accountable for those in my sphere of influence's salvation. If I was really living life in and by faith, following God's leading, I wouldn't need to have these fears of punishment and wrath, I would know that His words are from a loving, compassionate heart. When I act in obedience, His words, rather than being threatening to me, would comfort and encourage me.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
linking up with these parties:
Simple Craft: Bubbly Stationery
Supplies needed: paper, envelopes, straw, water (1/2 cup), sugar (1 teaspoon), dish soap (1 teaspoon), food coloring (10 drops per color)
My inspiration came from this book I got for Christmas, which I absolutely LOVE! I also got the Home Decor version, and I'm sure that I will be
Mix together the water, sugar, and soap until the sugar dissolves. Add your coloring (feel free to play with colors, since most food coloring comes in the primary colors,) and be very generous about the coloring.
Stick your straw in the bottom of the glass, and blow some bubbles. When the bubbles overflow over the top of the cup, lay your paper (and/or envelope) on top of the bubbles, causing them to pop. Repeat blowing and popping stages over and over until you have the design you like.
Be prepared to make a mess, because those bubbles will get all over the table (and your face.) This would be such a fun craft to do with kids, especially those learning to write, so they could create their own stationery for writing to a grandparent, friend, etc.
Here are my final pieces:
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
Don't worry, I had some failure pieces too that were too lightly colored (which promptly went into the recycling.) The trick is to add lots of color so that the bubbles rising to the top as you blow keep the color of the water mixture.
The pink and green set I transformed into a birthday card for my adorable, wonderful niece who celebrates her 5th birthday this week and weekend. This bubbly paper idea could also turn into some really cute artwork for a kid's room, playroom, or classroom!
Simple Truth: I'm taking my simple truth from a personal devotional time I had a few days ago, while reading the book of Micah. If you've read the minor prophets (or any of the majority of the Old Testament,) you'll know God's frustration with the disobedient chosen people, the Israelites. Well, as always, God is telling of the coming destruction and punishment if His people continue in their disobedience. Then in chapter 2, verse 7, God says, "...if you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting." How often am I scared about living life according to God's plans (which always win out, by the way) and instead I selfishly follow my own agenda? I struggle with the fear that I am not obedient enough, and that I'm not spreading the Gospel boldly enough, knowing that I can be held accountable for those in my sphere of influence's salvation. If I was really living life in and by faith, following God's leading, I wouldn't need to have these fears of punishment and wrath, I would know that His words are from a loving, compassionate heart. When I act in obedience, His words, rather than being threatening to me, would comfort and encourage me.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
linking up with these parties:
Sunday, December 18, 2011
la sencillez de Sunday [preview]
I'm going to be starting a new weekly series called "la sencillez de Sunday" [the simplicity of Sunday,] and I have two objectives with these Sunday posts: provide you with a simple craft/project/recipe and a simple truth. I also hope that I can be diligent enough to actually locate and create a simple craft each week, then blog about it. The simple truths will come from the pulpit at church each Sunday.
This is the first week or preview week, and next Sunday is Christmas. I still plan to have a post go up next Sunday morning for the series, but you'll forgive me if not, right!? The series officially starts with the new year.
I hope you will enjoy the simple crafts I share. As always, I'm sure the majority of my inspiration will come from pinterest, but I promise to give creative credit where it is due.
To keep my crafts "simple," here are the rules I will follow:
1) There will be less than 5 steps, start to finish.
2) Minimal craft supplies will be needed. If I suggest a craft supply that I don't think you will have at your house already, (like if I find modge-podge to be absolutely necessary for the project) I promise to re-use that supply in later projects so that if you are crafting with me, you are getting the best bang for your buck. [Let's go in with the goal of no bucks being spent. I don't have very many free dollars floating around; don't know about you...]
3) The crafts will either be seasonal to the time of year we are currently in or multi-use, where then can be used over and over and loved over and over.
So, here is your preview:
Simple Craft: Magazine Christmas Trees
Supplies needed: old magazine
(That's it. Seriously!)
Optional supplies: paperclip, scissors
Here is my inspiration:
I just stumbled on this project via pinterest, and, as I scooted around the blog, I absolutely love what I found. [Their projects may become many of my simple craft inspirations.]
Here is my version:
I decided to take it a step further and create three sizes. My largest tree is made from just one magazine (and it is a little bare in the back, so I would recommend using two magazines if you want more fullness, as was suggested on the blog). My two other trees are both made from the same magazine. I cut the magazine with scissors (optional extra supply), making one section about 4" tall, and the other about 7".
¡¿Sencillo, no?! [Simple, no?!]
Here there are in their "home" in our home, on the table next to my sewing machine:
Simple truth: Today's message was take from Matthew 1, the birth story of Jesus - more specifically Joseph's reaction to finding out about Mary's pregnancy. Because Joseph understood that his life was a part of God's story, He understood the need to honor God with his reaction. So, originally he chose that he would not embarrass Mary anymore than needed and would quietly end the engagement. Instead, God stepped in, sending an angel to tell Joseph that this was all part of God's plan being put into action. Because Joseph believed and acted upon his faith, he was able to have a role in bringing baby Jesus to Earth. When we believe and act upon our faith in obedience, we can have a role in bringing Jesus' story into our world. People talk about how their family or friends or neighborhood need Jesus [and that's true!], but if you are believer, you are the Jesus-in-flesh that God has put in your family, friend circle, and neighborhood to share the Gospel.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
That's is for the preview week of la sencillez de Sunday. I hope you enjoyed! Leave a comment, let me know!
Be sure to enjoy this week-before-Christmas. Enjoy your family, you friends, and the truth of this season - a sacrificial gift, a King.
linking up with these parties:
This is the first week or preview week, and next Sunday is Christmas. I still plan to have a post go up next Sunday morning for the series, but you'll forgive me if not, right!? The series officially starts with the new year.
I hope you will enjoy the simple crafts I share. As always, I'm sure the majority of my inspiration will come from pinterest, but I promise to give creative credit where it is due.
To keep my crafts "simple," here are the rules I will follow:
1) There will be less than 5 steps, start to finish.
2) Minimal craft supplies will be needed. If I suggest a craft supply that I don't think you will have at your house already, (like if I find modge-podge to be absolutely necessary for the project) I promise to re-use that supply in later projects so that if you are crafting with me, you are getting the best bang for your buck. [Let's go in with the goal of no bucks being spent. I don't have very many free dollars floating around; don't know about you...]
3) The crafts will either be seasonal to the time of year we are currently in or multi-use, where then can be used over and over and loved over and over.
So, here is your preview:
Simple Craft: Magazine Christmas Trees
Supplies needed: old magazine
(That's it. Seriously!)
Optional supplies: paperclip, scissors
Here is my inspiration:
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| click for source |
I just stumbled on this project via pinterest, and, as I scooted around the blog, I absolutely love what I found. [Their projects may become many of my simple craft inspirations.]
Here is my version:
I decided to take it a step further and create three sizes. My largest tree is made from just one magazine (and it is a little bare in the back, so I would recommend using two magazines if you want more fullness, as was suggested on the blog). My two other trees are both made from the same magazine. I cut the magazine with scissors (optional extra supply), making one section about 4" tall, and the other about 7".
¡¿Sencillo, no?! [Simple, no?!]
Here there are in their "home" in our home, on the table next to my sewing machine:
Simple truth: Today's message was take from Matthew 1, the birth story of Jesus - more specifically Joseph's reaction to finding out about Mary's pregnancy. Because Joseph understood that his life was a part of God's story, He understood the need to honor God with his reaction. So, originally he chose that he would not embarrass Mary anymore than needed and would quietly end the engagement. Instead, God stepped in, sending an angel to tell Joseph that this was all part of God's plan being put into action. Because Joseph believed and acted upon his faith, he was able to have a role in bringing baby Jesus to Earth. When we believe and act upon our faith in obedience, we can have a role in bringing Jesus' story into our world. People talk about how their family or friends or neighborhood need Jesus [and that's true!], but if you are believer, you are the Jesus-in-flesh that God has put in your family, friend circle, and neighborhood to share the Gospel.
¡¿Sencillo, no?!
That's is for the preview week of la sencillez de Sunday. I hope you enjoyed! Leave a comment, let me know!
Be sure to enjoy this week-before-Christmas. Enjoy your family, you friends, and the truth of this season - a sacrificial gift, a King.
linking up with these parties:
Saturday, November 19, 2011
my first bunting.
This morning I got started on my last Thanksgiving project. I'm now done with the November-touches in our home, and I am [more than] ready to welcome December and all the festivities and decorations.
Here's the latest project, a thankful bunting:
I always want to share my inspiration for projects with you because I think the designer should get the glory, but it seems I saw my inspiration, forgot to "pin" it to my pinterest boards, and now it has completely escaped me. I searched for it amongst the blogs I read, but just can't seem to locate it. The original design was a printable bunting in blue lettering on white cardstock. I loved the simplicity of the design and decided to implement that simple look even more so by free-handing the letters and sticking with just pencil.
I started by cutting triangles out of cardstock. My little secret: we have way too many leftover thank you notecards from our wedding, and, although I've been using them lately to send out notes, I don't think my recipients really love getting a card that says "Mr. and Mrs." on the front when really it's just a note from the Mrs. So I cut the triangles out of these notecards to reuse them, and [once again] create a free project. Then I drew the letters lightly with pencil and filled them in darker when I was satisfied with all of them, using pencil again.
It was my first time stitching together a bunting, and I sure was nervous about it. I let the sewing machine catch a few stitched (5-7) between each triangle, then fed in the next piece. Make sure, if you try a bunting, to pull the feed line before and after your pieces to make sure you have string available by which to hang your banner.
I was going to place my bunting over my thankful tree, but decided, since it makes me so happy, it needed to be more prominently hung. So it found a home right over our TV to make me smile and remind me of what I've been trying to work on all month.
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (NASB)
I could have been anxious this month. We had a lot of questionable variables in our family and life happen, but I chose to be thankful instead. I chose to concentrate upon what God has blessed me with as I brought the issues on my heart before Him. It was not an easy thing to do, and I often wanted to worry or have a spirit of fear, but I knew [and I know] He had a plan. He has control.
And so with this in mind, I will choose to remain thankful, even outside of this Thanksgiving season. I will remember how special this month was to me because it brought me trials, but it also brought me a new perspective on life.
with peace.
linking up with:
Here's the latest project, a thankful bunting:
I always want to share my inspiration for projects with you because I think the designer should get the glory, but it seems I saw my inspiration, forgot to "pin" it to my pinterest boards, and now it has completely escaped me. I searched for it amongst the blogs I read, but just can't seem to locate it. The original design was a printable bunting in blue lettering on white cardstock. I loved the simplicity of the design and decided to implement that simple look even more so by free-handing the letters and sticking with just pencil.
I started by cutting triangles out of cardstock. My little secret: we have way too many leftover thank you notecards from our wedding, and, although I've been using them lately to send out notes, I don't think my recipients really love getting a card that says "Mr. and Mrs." on the front when really it's just a note from the Mrs. So I cut the triangles out of these notecards to reuse them, and [once again] create a free project. Then I drew the letters lightly with pencil and filled them in darker when I was satisfied with all of them, using pencil again.
It was my first time stitching together a bunting, and I sure was nervous about it. I let the sewing machine catch a few stitched (5-7) between each triangle, then fed in the next piece. Make sure, if you try a bunting, to pull the feed line before and after your pieces to make sure you have string available by which to hang your banner.
I was going to place my bunting over my thankful tree, but decided, since it makes me so happy, it needed to be more prominently hung. So it found a home right over our TV to make me smile and remind me of what I've been trying to work on all month.
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (NASB)
I could have been anxious this month. We had a lot of questionable variables in our family and life happen, but I chose to be thankful instead. I chose to concentrate upon what God has blessed me with as I brought the issues on my heart before Him. It was not an easy thing to do, and I often wanted to worry or have a spirit of fear, but I knew [and I know] He had a plan. He has control.
And so with this in mind, I will choose to remain thankful, even outside of this Thanksgiving season. I will remember how special this month was to me because it brought me trials, but it also brought me a new perspective on life.
with peace.
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