Wednesday Hodgepodge - May 25, 2011

1. What is something about living in this country that you value?'This country' is whatever country you call home.

 I really love the freedom that comes from living in the US. I think we often take so many of our liberties for granted. Women have far more opportunities here than they do in so many countries. I also value the freedom to worship my God without fear of persecution. 

2. What is a favorite something you own that is red, white, and/or blue?

Our flag. It represents so many things. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and adored the flag.

3. Do you fly a flag at your house on patriotic holidays?

We fly a flag at our house every day. It's a pretty big deal to my family. It represents lives lost, freedom gained, sacrifices made and bravery. 

4. What ingredients do you think should be included in a great picnic basket?

First of all, I think one should have a picnic basket (and I do not). If I had a picnic basket and I liked to be outside with the bugs (which I do not), I'm not sure what I would put in it. I would be worried about food spoiling. OCD...what can I say?

5. What is one interesting piece of trivia you know? Interesting is of course a relative term.

Are you kidding me? Precious needs to answer this question. He's fully of useless information - uh, I mean, he knows a lot of stuff that no one ever needs to know - uh, I mean...ummm...he's smart! Me, however, I know nothing and if I did I've already forgotten it. Sad, isn't it?

6. Wednesday, May 24th is National Escargot day...have you ever tried them? Eww or ooh?

"Slippery little suckers..." Never tried them and that doesn't really make me sad at all.

7. What is one thing you know for sure?

I know that "No one knows the day or the hour..." - Matthew 24:36 

I know that the guy who predicted the end of the world this week obviously forgot to read that verse. Awkward. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Don't want to deal with this stupid bad weather. Tornado=BAD.

Prayer Monday - May 23, 2011

WOAH! I don't even know where to begin...

Some days are easy. Some days are hard. "You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life." I don't like it, but what's a girl to do? I'll tell you - she learns and she grows. She tries to get better at how she responds to the hard days. She tries to encourage others more because focusing on others needs makes the hard days not seem quite so bad. She finds something to express gratitude for even on the worst of days because she knows that God is a great big God and that he will use everything for good - even the sucky stuff!

Lord Jesus, COME. We desperately need You. We need to sense Your presence and see Your hand in so many situations. God, grant us discernment, especially in those difficult times when we are more likely to assume and react in the moment rather than respond in the manner You would have us to. Help us to focus on You and You alone. Draw us into a deeper relationship with You. May our hearts break over those things that break Your heart and may we rejoice when the heavens rejoice. Live in and through us this week. Your kingdom come. Your will be done.

Gift Wrap Embellishments

I'm posting this because I want to have a quick reference to it. I love to gift wrap and these embellishments are cute and cheap!

I found this on Martha Stewart's Whole Living site: 

Bows from Magazine Pages

Paper bags, old newspapers, fabric scraps -- you're probably already using them for eco-friendly gift wrap. But did you know you could create beautiful bows from the pages of our magazine?

You'll need a page per bow (best if mostly one color) and some double-sided tape.

Cut the page lengthwise into nine 3/4-inch-thick strips of heights shown: Three at 11 inches, three at 10 inches, two at 9 inches, and one at 3 1/2 inches. 

Twist each strip to form loops at both ends. Make a circle out of the smallest.

Secure the ends with a piece of double-sided tape.

Layer and stick, starting with the longest strips. End with the circle in the center.

From Whole Living, December 2010

I found these on a blog that I follow. You can access the tutorial here.

Projects

During my month long break, I sewed. For those of you who know me, stop laughing! I was looking for things that I could do that were not related to music. My granny and my mom have always sewn and I always didn't. So, I decided it was time to try my hand at it again. I'm getting married and I don't want to have to staple pants to hem them (crystal). Sewing was a good way to spend some time with my momma.

I made keychains...LOTS of keychains. I am going to have to set up an etsy shop. No those aren't the same ones. Those are 2 separate piles.

I also made a case for my new camera that Precious bought me for my birthday. This is the camera: 

This is my case! YAY me!

I also made a cover for my Nook Color! This required a LOT of help from momma. However, I think I could do it again mostly by myself now that I know what I am doing.

Next project? I have a pattern for a messenger bag. I have to wait until I have more time, though...maybe over the summer.

Created to Fly

Outside our kitchen window, you can see our back porch light. Above that light is a bird's nest. This isn't the first time and probably won't be the last. It is apparently a good place to build a nest. I enjoy watching the entire process. Momma Bird starts building.  Leaves, small twigs, grass - whatever she can find - are meshed together to form an adequate place to lay her eggs. She is faithful to tend to her eggs. She sits on that nest on bright sunny days and on windy, rainy, dreary days (which we've had a lot of lately). She knows that eventually, her faithfulness will produce the fruit of cute little baby birds. So she sits. She waits.

Finally the day comes that she's been anticipating - the day when the eggs break open, the day when life springs forth. This time, there were 3. The nest seemed quite adequate for the 3 tiny birds. Momma Bird would fly off and come back with something to eat. So cute to watch them. She would wait a little while and fly off again, only to return with more provision for the ones who couldn't currently care for themselves. As the days passed, the little ones became...well, not so little. Three half-grown birds plus Momma Bird in that nest made the nest look not quite so adequate anymore. Momma Bird knew that it was time. I watched her sit on the roof of the house, chirping away. I'm pretty sure she was saying, "Little ones, I love you so much, but you're not living to your full potential sitting there in that nest - you were made for so much more. You were created to fly. Come on now...spread your wings and SOAR!" And they did....eventually. One bird got to the edge of the nest and jumped back in. Mom continued to chirp and that same bird slowly went to the edge and sort of fell off....guess what happened? The bird flew. And so did the other 2. They played follow the leader. It was so fun to watch. Birds have been building nests there for years, but this was the first time I was able to see them fly for the first time.

As I think about how Momma Bird sat and waiting on those eggs to hatch I can't help but be reminded of Psalm 46:10 -- Be still and know that I am God... Patience is not something I possess and regardless of how much I hate it, there are SO many times when God's answer to my prayer at the moment is simply "be still and know that I am God".

Watching the birds brought so many things to mind. I couldn't help but think about how God takes care of us. He is faithful to provide all that we need - even through stormy seasons when we are incapable of caring for ourselves. (Isaiah 40:28-31 -- Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.)

While watching these birds I was reminded that we too were created for so much more than we often realize. We often want to stay in the nest, even though the nest no longer fits. However, when we decide to take a leap of faith He is there cheering us on as we spread our wings and soar. Remember, we were created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10 -- For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.) 

Wednesday Hodgepodge - May 18, 2011

1. What reveals more about a woman-her refrigerator or her purse?

her purse - other people can be responsible for the fridge contents


My purse says I'm prepared for anything. Well, I'm typically prepared (with the exception of when I want to carry my cute small Coach bag and I must down size - the last time I did that my Precious 'needed' everything that I had taken out of my 'prepared for anything' bag).
Right now, 3 sets of keys (don't judge. don't ask.), ipod, camera, coupons, sunglasses, cell phone, car charge, wallet, 2 checkbooks, 2 pens, 1 notepad, nook, comb, nasal spray, lotion, 2 lip glosses, lip balm, glasses cleaning kits, a bag with a little bit of everything (tide stick, nail clippers, nail file, band-aids, various medications, toothpicks), small tupperware container with random pain medications. I'm tired of digging through my purse...you get the picture - it's out of control!

2. When was the last time you went to the zoo? Where? What's your favorite zoo animal?

hmm...I think it was with kate for her birthday in 2008. We went to the St. Louis Zoo. (it was for her 27th birthday - oh yea, we know how to have a good time.

I like penguins and giraffes, but I think the polar bear is my favorite. Lots of personality. He loved to pose for pics.

3. What social issue fires you up?

Currently, education issues. I really want some of those people who are making decisions to have to teach for a few months before they even speak about education. I am not sure how they think they could possibly know what is best. Stupid government!

4. Are you a coupon clipper? If so, are you extreme?

Yes, I clip. Some weeks are better than others. I really like to see the total go down at the grocery store, but I don't carry shoe boxes full of coupons and I don't buy 27 bottles of mustard in a shopping trip. That's just crazy!

5. What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels?

I don't know that I have a favorite souvenir. In fact, I can't recall any souvenirs that I have...perhaps because my memory sucks or perhaps it's because I usually don't buy things on vacation unless I can use them later. I bought a shoe tree, storage containers, clothes, shoes...I really like to shop, but I don't like crap to just sit around. Then you have to dust around it and that's just crazy!

6. Lemon meringue or key lime?

YES?!? I am the queen of sweets and when I was younger I didn't care for either, but now I would eat both of them...probably the whole thing if I could get away with it. Great, I'm really hungry now. Is it ok to eat pie at 8AM?

7. What is the most beautiful word you know in any language?

beautiful because I like the way the word sounds: shalom (peace)
beautiful because it means beautiful: bonita

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I have been having a lot of 'squirrel' moments lately. Have you seen the movie UP? Remember the dog that was distracted by everything? Yep, that's me. Anyone else have frequent 'squirrel' moments?

Prayer Monday - May 16, 2011

Join us for Prayer Monday at A Life in Ordinary.

The last few weeks have been trying and I'm just working on keeping it all together.

Please pray for my family. We are going through a little bit of a rough patch. Pray for strength and healing.

I could also use a little wisdom when it comes to decisions for the future. House. Job. Church.

The end.

Cute Flower Balls

I LOVE this idea and wanted to share it!

Click HERE to access the tutorial...aren't they adorable?

The blog where I found them actually placed them on taper holders rather than hanging them:

In the Face of Adversity

ad·ver·si·ty

  

–noun, plural -ties for 2.

1.

adverse  fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress: A friend will show his or her true colorsin times of adversity.

2.

an adverse  or unfortunate event or circumstance: You willmeet many adversities in life.

What does one do in the face of adversity?

Cry. Pray. Cry. Eat ice cream sandwiches. Stand. Be still and know that HE is God (well, at least attempt to be still - not incredibly easy for me). Cry a little more.

I feel overwhelmed some days. Actually, lately, I feel overwhelmed most days. When it rains it pours (sometimes literally).

I'm trying to not miss whatever God's purposes are in all of the things that keep popping up, but honestly, there are days when I just don't know what to do or how to feel.

How do you deal with adversity? I'm open to suggestions.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - May 4, 2011

1. Have you ever been served breakfast in bed? Do you enjoy that? If someone were serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?

I have never had breakfast in bed. I think it would bother me. Eating in bed bothers me and its strange to have people serve you. I think women get used to taking care of others and it just seems odd to have someone take care of you sometimes.
On the tray? Well, I'm craving French Toast right now...

2. What is one piece of advice you would give a new mother?

 I have no idea. I don't have kids. Things my mom tells me when I question my ability to be a mother:

- consistency, dear, consistency...a strong-willed child needs firmness on a consistent basis (scared to death my children are going to be hard-headed and stubborn and I'm going to want to choke them)

- you'll feel differently when it's your own (in regards to vomit and poop - I'm a sympathetic puker and smells make me gag)

- pass the baby (clingy kids get on my nerves and so do clingy moms)

3. When was the last time you wanted to scream? Explain.

umm...right now? Flooding is causing some MAJOR problems where I live. People are losing their homes, having to stay in shelters, we haven't had school in a week and a half. I'm frustrated - glad it's finally stopped raining, but still frustrated and could really just use a good scream (or some ice cream).

4. Can you hula hoop?

I haven't tried in a long time. I think that I might hurt myself if I tried.

5. What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?

- People who pull out in front of you

- driving 15mph UNDER the speed limit. UGH!

- not stopping far enough back that someone can properly parallel park

- this list could go on and on - I'm a bit of an angry driver (thanks dad)

6. What do you do when people don't admit they're wrong?

I'm a teacher. This is an epidemic. 

Student who was wrong: "well (insert someone's name other than their own) did (insert some random action that student who was wrong feels make them do what was wrong)"

Me: "What did YOU do?"

Student who was wrong: shuffles feet. looks at ground. may or may not fess up.

Adults? Should be ashamed of themselves. If you're wrong, you're wrong. Just admit it, make the wrong right and move on with life.

7. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'fun'?

Singing and dancing like no one is watching with your best friends. Those girls sure do know how to have  good time!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Just wondering what God has in store...there is so much turmoil and hurt all around me right now. I think He is getting ready to do something BIG. Great big God. Great big plan. Requires great big faith....

Prayer Monday - May 2, 2011

Lately, I feel like everyday should be Prayer Monday. There's so much hurt, so much destruction, so many people feeling devastated...
Flooding continues in Southern IL. It's perfectly awful and I am SICK of rain! While I know God is not surprised by all of this and I know He's still in control regardless of how bad things look, it's frustrating to watch it all play out and not knowing what the outcome will be.

Prayer Requests
~ Please pray for Cairo. Pray for God's will to be accomplished. I firmly believe that God is doing something new through all of this flooding. I have no idea how it is going to play out. I have no idea if we will return to school or not this year. What I do know is that God will bring glory to Himself through this. Pray for the people to be changed - their hearts to be drawn to God through all of this.

~ My mom.

~ My Precious has a crazy week ahead. Please pray for him.

~ I found the 'be healthy wagon' and I'm going to try to get back on it this week. Please pray for me. I'm really bad at sticking with this stuff.

Prayer
Oh God, You are my God and I will ever praise You...I trust Your plan even when I can't see how it will all play out and even when it simply doesn't make sense. Each day this week, help me to know how You would have me use my time.  Grant me discernment (I seem to lack it quite often). Lord, this week belongs to You.