thankful for inspiration {and creativity}

Thankfulness does not even begin to describe how I have been feeling lately! What started out as uncomfortable and sickness everyday, has finally grown into what I remember most about being pregnant. Joy! Complete Joy! And I am finally there-enjoying every moment! Anticipating the time that is coming soon enough when I can feel a little foot and little hands kicking me from within. One of the greatest joys, for me, of being pregnant!

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside." ~ Author Unknown

With the return of  joy and energy comes my need to be inspired. So much inspiration can be can be found in various places-from books and magazines to just sitting and looking at the world around us. It's euphoric, really. Finding happiness in the littlest of things. From yarns and fabrics to books and magazines. It all inspires in one way or another. I have yarn and fabric bins overflowing with inspiration and a bookshelf bursting with wonderful books. And I have had the chance lately to enjoy a little of it all! Going from weeks of pure exhaustation and feeling just ugh, I am thankful to have the desire to be creative again and getting back to doing the many things I love.

While God's hands are at work, weaving together the beautiful parts of my unborn child, who is already loved and cared for so much, my hands have been busy weaving together wonderful little knits full of love and anticipation for the next bundle to grace our home! Each of my children have handmade items made with love by mama, and of course, this child will be no different. And seeing that completed project, so tiny, handmade with so much love, I can barely contain my excitement! {and the huge grin on my face!} I am bursting with anticipation, not sure I am going to be able to wait 25 more weeks to slip my newest blessing into my woven, works of love.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:1-14

When looking for inspiration, nothing inspires more that the Words of Jesus Christ. Changing me in ways I never knew I needed changing. Every time I open the Greatest Book, I learn something new. Even in the stories I read as a child, new things are revealed to me. And that is how He intended His words to be-living, breathing, and just as real and meaningful today as they were thousands of years ago.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17        

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Starting a little late, but determined to count out my thankfulness this year, again-to reach 1000!

 

January 22-29
{1-21}

Freshly fallen snow
Hot cup of tea
Ephesians
Library full of books
Finding a new challenge
Basket full of yarn
Tiny baby booties
A growing middle
Sisterly love
Love's strong embrace
Being inspired
Old movies
Old books
Taking His direction
Encouraging Friends
Laughter
Soft, warm, wool socks
My sons sweetness
My daughters energy
My husbands humor
Love of family

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ~ Colossians 3:9-10

In which I know He is talking to me!

I've been trying to slow things down a bit and not "do" so much. I have a "must keep busy" nature about me and it is just not good. I need to just...be! And breath. And listen-taking heed to what is being said to me. Not ignoring it or thinking that "it can't be the answers I am looking for because it is just not making sense and I need more." But taking what I believe He is trying to tell me and applying it, everyday, to my life!

So, I am reading this for a review and it is opening up my mind and heart in so many more ways than I anticipated when I first said yes to the review. Then, I see this in my Twitter stream and how can I deny God's speaking to me? They both are discussing the importance of Bible memorization and that same sermon on that same Mount. And my next step was of course to download it and print it out and I am now in the process of memorizing that ever popular Sermon on the Mount! Praying as I go along to hear what God is trying to say to me through the verses in these chapters. God is so real in my life and I need to show appreciation for that realness more often than I do instead of feeling like He is just not listening anymore and that He gave up on me and my concerns and this crazy life that I love so much!

And I know that is not true-that He would ever give up on me. It is just the selfishness within me that is wanting God's direct plan and answer right now when I am ready for it-when I think I need it most and when I think it is most vital-instead of patiently waiting on Him and His perfect moment in time to show me what I need to know. To answer my questions, thoughts, and concerns, the way He deems fit!

And it is in the moment-when I finally surrender and sit still...in the quietness that is Him...and have it all revealed that true peace is found. It all makes sense and I am willing to sit and wait on Him...however long He may take! Because in the end, it will be right. It will be perfect. It will be His Will and His Plan, for me!

"For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 

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If you would like to join in with me and many others who are determined to memorize the complete Sermon on the Mount in a year with memorizing just 2-3 scriptures a week, then head on over to Ann's amazing blog and download the scripture cards for yourself!

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31

Adopted into the Family of Christ

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ~ Ephesians 1:4-5

This verse in Ephesians has been on my heart and mind since reading it last week! God had our lives planned out before He even created the world! Talk about love and a Father who knows our heart and cares about our every need and want and desire! Then...not only did He plan everything out for us, He adopted us into the Family of Christ through sending His Only Son Jesus to die a sinless death for us, who are so full of sin! 

There is truly no greater love; no greater sacrifice! If you do not yet know Him, my prayer for you today is that you get to know Him-for He loves you with an everlasting love! He does not care about your past, for He has come to deliver you from it and make you a new being in Him!

My life was forever changed the day I gave my life over to Jesus Christ! It was the best decision ever made and I am a proud Daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Photo Credit {editing mine}


The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. ~ Romans 8:16-17

Lately

Lately I have been admiring the beauty that is my little girl. It radiates from within and shines all over her face. Her love for others is already so prominent in her littleness and her compassion is astounding!

She has a huge heart for animals and babies...just like her mama! I even think she may have been praying for a new baby brother or sister longer than I have! And now those prayers have changed into, "please, Jesus, can I have a baby sister?" And oh how I pray that for her, for I am afraid her little heart may be crushed if she hears she is getting another brother! She does make one great big sister, however, and Caleb has said it many times how much he just loves Emma! And he too prays for a little sister, I believe because the one he already has is so wonderful!

I am learning through her that I need to embrace my children for who they are and not try and make them into what I want them to become! God has a plan laid out for their lives and my job is to nourish, protect, teach, and show love...lots and lots of love!

I will spend these little days playing and pretending and encouraging the love that radiates from her. I will allow her to love all animals and encourage her talks of wanting to grow up to be a Veterinarian. And I am anxiously awaiting the day when this new little one arrives and to see her mama instincts kick in and watch the love she already has for her new little sister {or brother} just light up the room!

Self taken potrait!

I am truly blessed! I cannot say it enough!

Linking up at The EO for Just Write


For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. ~ Ephesians 1:4-5

A Jane Austen Devotional {review and giveaway}

When I was contacted by PR by the Book about reviewing A Jane Austen Devotional published by Thomas Nelson, how could I say no! I was so happy to recieve this beautiful, hardcover cloth, devotional. The cover itself is worth putting on display on any bookshelf. {i just love a pretty book cover!}

A little about the devotional-

{from cover} For decades, the beautiful and classic works of Jane Austen have transported readers to a world of grace, wit, and simplicity. In this unique devotional, her writing is newly illuminated by showcasing the biblical insights on living and loving.

Through these pages, you can revisit timeless Christian values and reflect once again on the true meaning of love, honor, and godly character. It all begins with a stroll through the garden with Jane.

What I love most about this devotional is each day you read an excerpt from some of Jane's most popular novels like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma...just to name a few. Then, each excerpt is paired with a scripture reference and discussed in a way to show the reader God's love through Jane's beautiful and often times, witty, words!

This devotional is done beautifully, like only Thomas Nelson can do. It would make the perfect accompaniment to any library of a Jane Austen fan!

Now for some fun news...especially for that Jane Austen fan! PR by the Book has offered one copy of A Jane Austen Devotional for one of my readers to win! To enter, leave me a comment stating that you would like to win! {simple, right?} Giveaway open to US residents only and ends on Tuesday, January 24. Winner will be chosen via random.org.

**Giveaway closed! Winner was Stephanie! Thank you to all who entered!**

I was provided a copy of A Jane Austen Devotional from PR by the Book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Linking up at Hip Homeschool Mom Giveaway Day!


He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy. ~ Titus 3:5

The 2:1 Conference {and why I want to go}

Ever since learning about the 2:1 Conference last fall, I was determined to go! I was new to homeschooling and knew it would be beneficial for me to go and learn all that I could about the homeschooling way of life. I was interested in hearing all of the fabulous speakers, speak, and share what they have learned along this amazing journey! I immediately contacted my friend Aurie and begged asked her to come with me! She agreed and we decided to make plans to attend, carpool, and room together. She went ahead and ordered her ticket. I have yet to order mine!

Christmas arrived and I took a break from homeschooling. Like I mentioned yesterday, I have yet to return to it and am not sure we will. {on a side note, my daughter is only 4 and I was using this year as a test run to see how much we liked it before we put her in Kindergarten in the Fall} When Aurie asked me after Christmas if I was still going to attend the conference, I told her I wasn't sure. Would it be beneficial to me if I was techinically no longer homeschooling?

I have been praying about the conference and Homeschooling in general. I really want to have my children home and be the one teaching them and guiding them on a regular basis, but, if I am being honest, I do not want to do all the prep work that homeschooling requires! {that sounds awful!!}

This is why I have come to the conclusion that attending the 2:1 Conference may be beneficial to me after all! I mean, I can't be the only one who has been in this same situation, right? And what about the demands of a newborn baby. How am I going to attend to the baby's needs as well as the needs of the child I am homeschooling? I have many questions that need answering. I am sure that there have been many who have been exactly where I am at at this very moment! Maybe I will get to meet some of these exact women at the conference and get some answers and encouragement that I have been needing.

So, I have written up this little post in hopes to win a ticket to the 2:1 Conference. Thanks to the wonderful people at 2:1 and The Homeschool Classroom for the chance to win!

And may I ask you, faithful friends, for some prayer as I seek God's guidance in this decision?

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. ~ Psalm 25:9

In Where I Am Completely Honest

I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. The Holy Spirit was speaking to me and I knew I needed to obey and just let the thankfulness, the repentence, the pure joy of knowing Him and experiencing His blessings in my life pour from my soul. It was Sunday morning during worship and the song being sung was How Great is Our God. And He truly is Great, is He not?

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Pregnancy is a miracle in and of itself. Knowing that a person is being formed inside the delicate womb of a woman is truly astonishing. Only God.
So why is it when you make the announcement of being pregnant with your second, third, fourth, child, people tend to say Wow, really? Congrats! in such a monotone way with no real joy in their tone whatsoever? You hear things like You really want to bring another child into this world? Like the world just all of a sudden became this awful place. It has always been awful and full of sin, since Adam and Eve. It has never been a perfect place to live and never will be. Heaven was made for that! My response to these types of questions and ignorances is Why would I want to stop the blessings of God being poured out on my life? as I rub my belly and feel my heart fill with joy and pure excitement for the little blessing being molded and created by the hands of the Almighty Creator!

photo credit

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I started on fire for homeschooling, now I am not so sure it is for us. We took a break over the holidays and never returned. Quite frankly, I feel like a failure! I was scared and embarrassed to write it out here and admit that I just do not know anymore. I like the idea of being a homeschooling family, but haven't felt like doing the work since before Christmas! Prayer is what I need in making this decision which is why I have spent time Being Still.

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I love this little space where I get to share my thoughts and feelings with, well, complete strangers. But the friendships I have made are overwhelming and a true blessing and I wouldn't change a thing!

Linking up for the first time with Just Write!



The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The LORD is clothed,
He has girded Himself with strength.
Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.
~ Psalm 93:1

Being Still

Be still and know that I am God; ~ Psalm 46:10

I am in a season where I am needing to be more still.
More still in His presence listening for His direction and guidance.
I need His discernment; More time spent in the here and now.
To worry less and enjoy more!
To truly live a faith-filled life knowing that He is in complete control and already has it all taken care of!

Linking up at:

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. ~ Psalm 4:3

When A Princess Invites Buzz to a Tea!

What started out as an ordinary Monday morning filled with baskets of laundry and school books yet to be opened, quickly turned into a party fit for a princess (and prince).

She asked for a tea party and I couldn't say no. This little girl who is growing into a little lady, too quickly, right before my very eyes! I put the over-flowing laundry basket down and grab a piece of fabric from my ever growing pile and turn it into a stunning table cloth for her "guests". I pull out my better china tea cups and begin to set the table...transforming a small, wooden, table, into a table suitable for a Princess Tea!

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Delicious fruit and yummy "tea" adorn the table while she rushes to get dressed for her party. Her guests arrive and I begin to serve. Tea is first, followed by the most delicious of all fruits in the land.

She comes down the stairs and into the "ball room" to join her guests dressed in the most prettiest of green dresses. Light conversation begins to fill the room and little girl dreams are whispered into the air.

Not long after the party begins, Knight Buzz arrives and she invites him to join them. Her guests are thrilled at his arrival. They enjoy his conversation and silliness. He is always sure to bring a smile to just about anyone's face!

They continue eating, sipping, and laughing, while listening to some friendly and fun music, which then leads to dancing and singing of their own.

Giggles erupt from the room and this mamas heart is about to explode!

Princess Emma's guests decide it is time to go and thank her for a lovely party. She tells them that they must do this again.

Buzz retires to his room for a nap, filled to the brim with laughter and good company. Sweet Princess Emma helps the waitress clean up after her guests and retells the most memorable parts of the party.

It was a lovely tea; Princess Emma thanks the waitress and heads off to do what little Princess girls do!

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This mamas heart is overflowing with love and much joy this morning. Seeing my children play together in this way is what makes it all worth it. The memories made this morning are ones that are sure to last a lifetime.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am not sure, Lord, what I did to deserve these amazing children; this amazing life; but Thank You! I am forever grateful and truly, truly, blessed!!

*linking up at the Hip Homeschool Hop



For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21

My Hearts Desire

"For this Child I prayed;" ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  ~ Psalm 37:4

I have been blessed far more than I deserve by a Gracious God! 

Linking up at:

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:9

Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge

New Year! New Challenges! And some of my favorite challenges reside in reading. It is no secret that I love books and reading. And I am excited for the day when my children are reading on their own right along side me!

This is my second year joining in on my friend Carrie's Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge. I was introduced to Anne Shirley in sixth grade. I still remember reading all about her quirkiness as one of our Literature selections and how much my teacher loved her! I have been hooked ever since. In fact, I still own that same copy of Anne from sixth grade!

I have decided to make Anne of Green Gables my selection for this challenge. I haven't visited with her in quite some time and could use a dose of her quirkiness to start off my New Year! If I get through the first one in the next week or so, then I am hoping to move onto the second book, Anne of Avonlea. However, my intention is to read it to enjoy it, not just to get through it and check it off my list.

Also, aside from my reading of Anne, I am going to head to the Library tomorrow to pick up the Road to Avonlea series Season 1 to hopefully enjoy as much of it as I can. {thanks to Carrie for this suggestion!}

This is such a fun start to a new year of  great reading! If you have yet to enjoy any of Lucy Maud Montgomery's works, then I urge you to take part in Carrie's challenge! She makes it easy and oh so enjoyable to indulge in some timeless pieces of fiction!

Thank you, Carrie, for once again hosting this fun challenge! Happy Reading!

You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~ C.S. Lewis

He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ~ John 1:2-3

A New Beginning

It has been awhile since I have visited this little space of mine. Too long, in fact! I apologize for the silence! But, if I am being honest, I have to say it was quite wonderfully unexpected!

With all the joy and excitement of Christmastime, I was able to enjoy every minute of it with my little ones. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year...especially with tiny, smiling, faces filled with wonder and awe!

We had a wonderful Christmas, as I hope all of you had as well! It is the most beautiful time of the year, celebrating the birth of our Saviour with the ones we love! And now a New Year is upon us, {can you believe it!?} and I am ready to get back into the swing of things and our normal routine!

Much has taken place in the past month or so and I cannot wait to share it all with you in the days ahead. New goals, new direction, all for the New Year! But, I will leave with you today this bit of exciting news...

We are expecting our third blessing this summer!!!  

God is so, so, good! How I have prayed for this child. And God has given me the desire of my heart! {Psalm 37:4} What a loving, faithful, God we serve!

I am happy to be back in this little space and am looking forward to reconnecting with all of you again! Many blessings to all of you in this New Year!


"For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 29:11