there's a day for that {Simple Card Tutorial}

 There is a day for everything.  Today alone had a good 7 different things to celebrate including Yom Kippur (A REAL holiday, folks!), National Strawberry Cream Pie Day (Yum!), and National Be a Good Neighbor Day (shouldn't we be doing this every day?). There were others, but you can google them yourself.  Sometimes it's just fun and games and honestly right now we may just need an excuse to celebrate because when you look at social media for too long it gets depressing.  This week, there is actually one made-up holiday that I thought we could all celebrate together.  Saturday, Oct. 3rd is National Make a Card week, so I thought it would be fun to make a card together.  This card is super easy, perfect to give a friend a small dose of fall.  Plus, it doesn't take much time or materials. 

I wanted to make this a simple card that you didn't have to go out and spend a bunch of money on supplies.  I wanted to give you options and inspire you to create something . . . even if it takes under 5 minutes.  But most of all, I just want you to be able to send a card to someone needing a snail mail surprise. . . I am sure someone in your life just needs a little note telling them they were thought about today.  

So, let's get our craft on . . . 

First step:  Gather up your materials.  This craft only needs cardstock or blank note cards.  I always buy a pack of blank cards from the dollar spot at Target when they appear. . . cheap and easy!   If you are cutting up card stock, check to see what size envelope you will send it in and cut your card to fit into that envelope.  

You will also need orange buttons, glue gun and glue gun glue, green and brown thin point markers (go snag some crayola markers from your kids if you need to).JoAnns has small packs of buttons for super cheap. . . and even cheaper if you check their app for a 40 percent off coupon.  Make sure to read to the bottom for non-button alternatives.

Step 2: glue the buttons on to the center of your paper.  Seriously easy peasy!

Step 3: Draw stem stumps and some curly vines and call it a day.

Step 4: Write a quick note, stick it in the envelope, address and stick a stamp on that baby. 

See, super easy!  If you don't have buttons and you're just not feeling a trip to the local craft store (I completely understand!), you can do fingerprints in paint or ink, cut out orange paper pieces, or anything else you can think of to make an orange circle.  

 Also, this is a great way to get your kids crafting, too!  Maybe their grandparents or some of their friends need some snail mail.  

 I hope that this quick card project gets your creative wheels spinning as well as gives you an opportunity to send a note (or two) to someone to say hi! 

 

Have a great week! 

 

 

Book Review: Proverbs 31 in 5 Minutes a day

 

 I fell in love with the words of Proverbs 31 in college.  At the time, I was living in a dorm with no prospect of a husband in site.  I was not a wife, nor a mom and the only thing I had in common with her was I am a woman of God. I spent my time studying, hanging out with friends, and staying out way too late (ahh. . . sometimes I long for the ability to pull all nighters once again!) Yet, something intrigued me at this woman that a random king wrote about long ago.  In so many ways, the bar seems  overwhelmingly high and at the same time so desirable.  Who doesn't want to be more precious than rubies, wise, generous, trusted, and fearless as she runs her household, provides income (a.k.a. she worked. . . hard!), and spent money wisely?

So often, she gets tossed aside as a mythical woman who does it all.  We give into current stereotypes of the "perfect" mom or even the appearance of a June Cleaver wannabe.  We go to war with words trying to justify our decisions of choosing the stay at home mom life or the working mom life (note: there is no wrong answer!).  We long for someone to tell us our way is the right way, when in reality, we are just looking for someone to tell us that we are doing okay.  And truth be told, we want someone to see us and offer us some praise like they do the Proverbs 31 woman.  

Let's be honest, we are all tired and worn out and now throw in all the stress this COVID life has bought us and we feel like we are running around like a chicken with her head cut off.  We probably are trying to get as far as we can away from the words of Proverbs 31 because we are seeing them as a set of standards rather than words of encouragement for our tired hearts.  I honestly was thrilled when my sweet internet friend, Mari, announced she had written a book about this passage.  Her book came out this week and it was perfect timing.  I am exhausted and sometimes overwhelmed and the words in her new book were so encouraging!

She wrote this beautiful book, called Proverbs 31 is 5 minutes a Day, for women like me (and most likely you!), who are struggling to find time to check off all their goals for the day and having a hard time finding time to read God's Word.  When she says 5 minutes a day, she means it!  Her words are beautiful, not long winded and so encouraging to my heart.  If we weren't currently doing distance learning, this would be the perfect thing to read while waiting for traffic at school drop off to die down or even in the pick up line.  There are even spots to journal and really challenge yourself as you really dig into what the words of Proverbs 31 mean. 

Mari does a great job breaking down the words of Proverbs 31 into an approachable and not scary way to dive into God's Word.  

This book takes you through each verse over the course of 7 weeks all while combining stories from other parts of the Bible.  This book is great for individual study or even gathering with some ladies for a weekly discussion of this beautiful & encouraging passage.  This a fantastic book and I hope you love it just as much as I did!  

You can buy this book over here.  

Happy Reading! 

Friday Favorites: Things that are bringing me joy

 Happy Friday everyone! I don't know about you all, but I am so glad for the weekend!  We are four weeks into distance learning and while there have been some frustrating moments, they have been minimal and the days are mostly smooth (I never thought we'd be buying internet range extenders but it's 2020 so I have stopped questioning things).  But, as with any week, the weekend comes bringing reprieve and rest. . . and I am ready (even though it was a short week).  

Any many ways, this week has been filled with both hard and good things.  I am still trying to find my groove in this new routine (working moms. . . I can't imagine the stress you are bearing right now, but I'm praying for you!).  There have been other things and well we're going to pile them into a category that is labeled 2020.  I heard someone say that home improvement projects were there way of grasping something they have control of and all I could respond with was a simple "Amen." I thought that because there are just so many depressing things out there, I would make a list of a few things that are bringing me joy right now.  Making lists of things that bring me joy definitely shifts my attitude!  So here's my list of joyful things.  I'd also love to hear what is bringing you joy these days, so feel free to post in the comments!  Also. . . no one is paying me anything to share these things. . .I really like them!

 My new sewing machine.

I finally got a new sewing machine and it has been a total game changer!  It sews so smooth and quiet that I just can't wait to sew again!  I am currently sewing whenever I get a chance.  I plan on doing a review on the sewing machine so I won't go into too many details.  But, just note that I really like it compared to my cheaper singer that I had from when I first started getting into sewing. In case you don't want to wait for the review, it's the Eversewn Celine. . . and she's a cutie!

New hair elastics!

I have been using the same elastics for my hair for years and I thought I really liked them. . . except they never lasted very long and they always pulled out my hair.  I started hearing all these instagramers talking about these and I won't lie, I was intrigued.  Plus, they were available on amazon which makes it a win-win since we aren't doing much venturing out these days.  I went with the thicker ones and might by the thinner ones later, but I love them!  My pony tails are so perky and they don't fall out or loosen when I am working out.  They are definite keepers.  I want to try the thinner ones in the more neutral colors next!  They work great for top knots and cute, perky pony tails.  They are perfect for day of adventure or working out and they are machine washable! Here's a link.

Flobody

I have to admit that one of the hardest things about 2020 is that I haven't been able to go to they gym (ours are all closed!), so I needed to figure some things out because I was not enjoying they way my body was feeling.  I am not usually one for clicking internet ads, but its 2020 and it happened and in this case, I am so glad I did!  I have had the best, most consistent workouts over the last month that even my best friend got herself one.  It is a yoga mat with a yoga bar zipped on that allows for resistance bands to go though and attach to weights or straps.  It mimics machines at the gym, allows for pilates/reformer-like exercises, and they have a ton of workout videos that leave me very sweaty!  The kids don't have school until 9 each morning, so it has given me plenty of time to get a quick workout in before they start. I am actually considering quitting the gym completely after all this because it is seriously the best thing ever!  Here's the website, but yesterday they posted they are almost out of stock until the holidays. 

Nail Polish

I broke down and ordered myself an Olive and June nail polish kit and well. . . it was not disappointing!  I bought the fall box with some of the most gorgeous colors!  I used the light pink one (HGC) and I love it!  I love neutral colors on my fingers so I think it is going to get lots of use!  In all honesty, I love them all!  The olive green one (WKF) is the one I was probably most excited for. . . is it too early to do fall toes?  Probably not, since we're all secretly drinking pumpkin spice lattes and dreaming of leaves changing.  Also, their finger nail polish remover is amazing and so is that poppy thing (I am no good at painting my nails and it helped tremendously!).  One thing that I love about Olive and June is that they are a 7-free nail polish. . . which means they don't have as much yucky stuff in them. (I still love my Ella and Mia and Essie. . . but this was just too much fun!).  

Creating and Reading

I am really trying so hard to have the best attitude about life right now.  There's a lot of hard stuff going on (one of them being our state is pretty much on fire, one being in an area we are not far from) and it's so easy to make a list and wonder where the heck is God.  I've been doing a She Reads Truth Study on God's Presence and it has been so encouraging.  I know that God never leaves me and that he gives rest and comfort.  He is here amidst the chaos and destruction.  That alone brings me joy.  There are many things that I could be complaining about, but each morning I have to make a choice to choose my attitude about things.  I can't dwell on all the bad things because too much dwelling in the negative allows the fear, anxiety, and anger to creep in and engulf my heart and mind.  Instead, I am praying (a lot) and focusing on what I can do in this moment (or just this year in general).  God is literally giving me rest because we aren't rushing around getting everybody to everything.  We are, in many ways, getting to enjoy entire church services instead of just partial ones because we are serving.  I am also getting time to read and create. . . things that often got overlooked because of the busy.  Right now I am working on a quilt top for Jon and soon a surprise for someone expecting and trying to catch up with Weston on Harry Potter books (he has somehow made it to year 6 over the summer!).  

 

I hope you have a great Friday and even better weekend!  If you are having a difficult time finding joy. . . it's okay.  Sometimes, it's really hard and digging deep for those joyful moments that bring life is crazy.  I am praying for you! 

Cultivating spaces that feed the soul

 

"...Friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious -- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not to curse." Philippians 4:8, msg

 I remember the day I read this passage.  Not just glanced at it, but really read it.  I was in college, living away from home for the first time with a roommate who spent the nights in her boyfriend's dorm.  I was lonely and so I read a lot.  I dug into scripture more than I had ever done in the past and I read all sorts of books.  I was reading through Loving God with All your Mind, by Elizabeth George (if you haven't read it. . . it's pretty on point!) and her thoughts on this verse really helped me truly understand what Paul was writing to the church at Philippi and how guilty I was of doing just the opposite.  This verse changed me.

Each day our minds are bombarded with so much information and "stuff." A few months ago, when summer was just approaching, Annie Downs had Carlos Wittaker on her podcast, That Sounds Fun.  He mentioned that when our parents and grandparents were growing up the amount of info they soaked in was about a a tenth of how much is filling our minds every day.  (let me be honest, I totally butchered that statistic and have no source, but I will link the podcast at the bottom).  Basically, the gist of it is that because of how accessible technology is today, we are constantly being bombarded with information.  Every day our brains are filled to overflowing and it mentally and physically drains us.  We are tired and running ragged. I think that the reason why is we were not created for information overload.  

When you think about all the information that you get each day, a lot of it is not true, pure, lovely, authentic, or even gracious.  I know many of you are ready to throw in the towel and turn off social media or even just crawl in a cave and hide for awhile.  It's okay.  I've been there too.  

I like pretty things.  I think I always have, but I think that this verse gave more meaning to the word pretty. . . I like lovely things.  Chasing sunsets along the beach, stopping the car to look at a grove of cypress trees or redwood trees, or even getting my hands on some rifle paper fabric to create something beautiful all bring me joy as I look for things that are lovely and beautiful.  When me moved into our home, I had a hard time looking for the beauty in the drab walls and ugly carpet, but soon found ways to create a space that was lovely . . . a space that brings a quiet peace amidst the daily insanity.  

I think even more than ever we need to be cultivators of beauty and goodness in a world that seems so harsh and ugly.  Taking the time to cultivate spaces that bring you joy will no doubt feed your soul as you find rest and peace in your day-to-day.  

But, how do we do this?  It's 2020. . . the year alone just screams ugly and depressing?  Friends, take a moment and just breathe deep breaths.  God is sooo much bigger than all that 2020 will bring us (or has brought us already!) and he never once leaves us alone.  We can get through this and we can find beauty and joy despite of the ugliness.  After all, if God is right here, holding our hand as we journey through the hard moments and He is filled with beauty and grace then we sure can find it we just take a look around.  

Here are my tips for cultivating those spaces in our lives to bring joy and peace.  

1.  Breathe.  Get out of the house and (safely) go on an adventure.  Trek through the trails, walk barefoot along a sandy beach.  Look for beauty in God's creation.  Despite 2020, it's still a beautiful world that God has created.  Even taking a moment to throw on your ear buds and blast some music while you walk around your block offers a chance to just breathe. 

2.  Guard your heart.  Proverbs 4:23 says to "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." We need to guard our hearts from things that are ugly and stir up feeling of disgust. Those things do not align with that verse in Philippians.  Look at your social media account.  I use mine for connecting with this blog and keeping up with my Bible study group, so getting rid of facebook just isn't something I am willing to part with, because it has so much good.  It's a pretty good way to stay connected through social distancing.  But, it doesn't mean you have to look at all the crap (just keeping it real, folks) that invades your facebook feed.  You have control over that.  Feel free to snooze those people who cause you to not think about true, lovely, reputable, and authentic things.  You don't have to unfriend them. . . but you can hide them from your feed for awhile.  You can also hide posts from certain media outlets.  Remember, not all news is actually news and depending on who's writing it the bias can be a little off causing truth to be twisted (this goes for both sides of the spectrum). 

 Just a quick note: I refuse to get political on this blog because there is just so much hateful division that it breaks my heart.  This blog will never be a place that causes division.  I want it to be a place that brings you joy, encouragement and inspiration as you navigate your life. 

3.  Follow people who bring you joy.  My favorite social media outlet is Instagram because I can choose who shows up on my feed.  I pay close attention to check if my feed is bringing me joy and encouragement or even inspiration.  

4.  Read the Bible.  Seriously . . it is filled with so many beautiful truths of God's faithfulness throughout the whole book. Go a step further and memorize a verse or two. It definitely helps me cultivate beauty in the daily.  

5.  Think about things that are true.  This one was a real eye opener because so many times I hear the voice in my head telling me things like, "you're not good enough" and "why even blog. . . no one's going to read it" or even "that idea isn't good" and friends, those are all lies that the devil send you to stop you in your tracks and prevent God from doing His work in and through you.  I know that not everyone will read this post, but maybe one person will and be encouraged and if that's true, then I know I was obedient to God's calling to write this post.  Fill your thoughts with scripture to combat those lies that fly your way.  

6.  Create something.  Look around.  What can you do to make something lovely?  Sometimes, just painting the walls or hanging up some pictures and putting a throw blanket down takes a space from drab to lovely in an instant.  Is there a new hobby you want to try?  Or are there some projects that you need to finish up that will result in lovely things when you finish?  

7.  Make a list.  I am a fan of a list.  But, why not this month keep a list of all the things that you find each daily that are true, lovely, good, noble, authentic and see what it does to your mindset. . . to your heart. 

 Let's fill our hearts and minds with the things with the things that Paul listed out in Philippians 4:8.  Let us embark on a journey to create spaces within our daily routine that feed our hearts and souls in a way that springs forth life.  Let us live abundantly!

Links:

Loving God with all your mind, by Elizabeth George

Annie Downs podcast with Carlos Wittaker 

my pinterest boards with all kinds of potential beauty 

my blog post on adventuring safely during COVID 

Also, I recommend reading this book