Tuesday, August 30, 2011
"We Encourage" - I Love Hannah
Well I's assuming that most of you have "met" my lovely friend Hannah over at Happy Days. If you haven't...I don't know what you are waiting for! Hannah is one of my favorite things about blogging! She always has an encouraging word for me and a great piece of scripture. What a gift!
She also had one of the best ideas ever, Pen Friends. Remember what it felt like to get a hand written letter in the mail from a dear friend? Or someone you were just getting to know? I love that feeling, but in this day and age {I know, I sound like a senior citizen, like a really old one} it doesn't seem to happen much.
In jumps Hannah to save the day with this amazing idea to pair up women to be Pen Friends! Brilliant, I know. The best part is I get to be Hannah's Pen Friend. I realize it seems like that was rigged but I assure you Hannah is much too honest for such shinanigans.
So today I want to encourage Hannah.
Hannah,
You are a ray of sunshine. I am blessed to know you and pray that this post will help others be blessed by the wonderful words you share on your blog.
I love you!
PS: I've had a letter for you done for 4 days but haven't gotten my booty to a mail box. Feel free to scold me.
Go check out Hannah's fabulousness!
Grab a button, link up and spread some encouragement!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Made with Love
I have slowly been accumulating items to use in my girls' room. I will be redecorating it soon. I will confess that a couple of the things I've found have actually made their way into my room. Oops! You won't tell them right?
These things however, I cannot wait to lay on their beds.
This quilt was made with love by Lora at Eager Hands. You must go check out her shop! She lovingly sewed vintage sheets onto this beautiful quilt. And my favorite part? The note she sent me describing the way she prayed over my girls as she was sewing. Praying for their relationship and their purity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome and Lora's hard work means so much to me.
Thank you Lora!
I just adore the girls wearing bonnets and the hearts she sewed onto the areas that needed a little extra TLC.
And as if this wasn't sweet enough...a few days after purchasing this quilt my oldest daughter and I went perusing a local antique shop and found this...
I couldn't resist this beautiful quilt! The same type of square pattern and the ladies with their hats an umbrellas? It was calling my name. I need to have a few repairs made to it but it's going to be perfect.
I'm so excited to get started on their room and cover their beds in these lovely finds.
These things however, I cannot wait to lay on their beds.
This quilt was made with love by Lora at Eager Hands. You must go check out her shop! She lovingly sewed vintage sheets onto this beautiful quilt. And my favorite part? The note she sent me describing the way she prayed over my girls as she was sewing. Praying for their relationship and their purity. I couldn't be happier with the outcome and Lora's hard work means so much to me.
Thank you Lora!
I just adore the girls wearing bonnets and the hearts she sewed onto the areas that needed a little extra TLC.
And as if this wasn't sweet enough...a few days after purchasing this quilt my oldest daughter and I went perusing a local antique shop and found this...
I couldn't resist this beautiful quilt! The same type of square pattern and the ladies with their hats an umbrellas? It was calling my name. I need to have a few repairs made to it but it's going to be perfect.
I'm so excited to get started on their room and cover their beds in these lovely finds.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Beyond Blessed
As I write this post I am feeling beyond blessed. What a wonderful day it has been!
Off they went to 1st & 3rd grade. And no, I obviously don't have the kids who are nervous for the first day of school. They were so exited!
We spent our morning watching "The Letter Factory". That's counts as school for a 3 year old right? I thought so {and so did he}.
During nap time I went through all my worship songs for church this week. Can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon.
Baby C woke up from her nap like this...enough said.
After school we got to make one of these for his math book. Hello? Can you say flashback? I hadn't made one of these grocery bag covers since high school! I pointed out to W that my last book cover had " I Love Bill" written all over it, to which he replied, "gross!" I think it worked out pretty good 19 years later.
Ending my day by cooking dinner with my little helper and then off to worship rehearsal.
There are days I am overwhelmed by God's goodness. Overwhelmed by the little ways he blesses me each day. Grateful doesn't really begin to describe it. I am humbled.
Off they went to 1st & 3rd grade. And no, I obviously don't have the kids who are nervous for the first day of school. They were so exited!
We spent our morning watching "The Letter Factory". That's counts as school for a 3 year old right? I thought so {and so did he}.
During nap time I went through all my worship songs for church this week. Can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon.
Baby C woke up from her nap like this...enough said.
After school we got to make one of these for his math book. Hello? Can you say flashback? I hadn't made one of these grocery bag covers since high school! I pointed out to W that my last book cover had " I Love Bill" written all over it, to which he replied, "gross!" I think it worked out pretty good 19 years later.
Ending my day by cooking dinner with my little helper and then off to worship rehearsal.
There are days I am overwhelmed by God's goodness. Overwhelmed by the little ways he blesses me each day. Grateful doesn't really begin to describe it. I am humbled.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Happy Shopping!
One of the best gifts of this blog world is the handmade shops I have found. I love discovering new things to wear or decorate my home with. My pocket book{yes, I'm 80} may not agree, but buying something I know someone has made with their own two hands using the talents God has given them is a blessing.
This first set of pics are items (or versions of items) I have actually purchased and LOVE. Please go check out these ladies and their shops.
1. camera strap cover from Mel {V} designs
2. fabric necklace from Beaux Bijoux Jewelry
3. fabric earrings from Picking Blueberry's
4. Jeremiah 29:11 print from Naptime Diaries
5. wooden quote sign from Barn Owl Primitives
6. yarn and felt wreath from Sugar Money. *bonus: all proceeds from these wreaths go towards this family's adoption.
Now here are some of the things on my wish list, or as I like to say, soon to be in my hot little hands.
1. mini patchwork bunting from the merriweather council
2. Miss Lyndsi necklace from Sunshine and Carousels
3. i love my bed wall art from Three Red Apples
4. fabric flower headband from The Olive Tree Boutique
5. poetry frame trio from The Mandolin Goose
6. custom name pillow from in His grace
Happy shopping!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
"We Encourage" with Laura
Today's "we encourage" post is coming to you from Laura at Splendor. I asked her to guest post because I want to encourage her to keep doin what she's doin. She is a beautiful sister in Christ who writes openly and honestly on her blog. Thanks for hosting Laura! You are a true treasure. I'm thankful to call you friend!
PS: She also makes AMAZING jewelry! Go check out the Splendor Shop.
Grab a button and link up, then go leave some love to encourage others!
One afternoon, after we'd been swimming for a while, we got out of the pool to grab a snack. Mia was fussy so I turned my attention to feed her. I looked up to check in on Bella. In a split second, I realized Bella had walked down the stairs of the pool and into the water without her floaties on. She was kicking her little feet as fast they could go, not able to reach the bottom. Gasping as she struggled to keep her head above water. It felt like my body wouldn't move fast enough to get to her. My mind racing, my mouth yelling out to her, but my body wasn't going fast enough. I jumped in the water and grabbed her. She was shaken up, but fine. I held her and told her it was ok. I wrapped her in a towel and sat her on my lap as she calmed down.
She was quiet.
A few minutes later, she asked me, "Mommy, why didn't Jesus pick me up out of the water?"
I told her he did. Cause mommy was there and saw her quick enough to get her out of the water before anything happened. That her angels were protecting her and helped mommy see her.
Later that night, after I tucked her in bed, she asked me that question again. Wondering why she didn't see Jesus protecting her. I reminded her that her angels and Jesus are always watching over her and keeping her safe, even though she can't see them. That they did save her. Even though it didn't happen the way she thought it should. They did protect her.
I loved that she asked that question. I loved that she challenged what I've always taught her…that God will always be with her and protect her.
She's only 3 years old. She doesn't fully understand the concept that even though we can't always see God in situations, and even though things don't happen the way we think they should, He's there. Protecting us, guiding us, directing and loving us. Always with the best for us in mind.
But I think a lot of us still don't understand that concept. We wonder why bad things happen to good people. We wonder why He doesn't answer a prayer right away or in the way we think He should. We think maybe He's not listening. We wonder, maybe we did something wrong. Something to deserve the bad. The trials. The struggles.
I once had a friend ask me if I thought that what has happened to me, losing my 2 sweet girls at 20 and 24 weeks, was because of something I had done. She wasn't accusing. She wasn't implying. She was honestly seeking answers. Grasping for logic. Why bad things happen to good people.
I was happy she asked me that question. I was happy to tell her what I believed, because it's come from deep conversations with God. Some real searching.
For some reason I think we're quick to place blame. On ourselves. Our actions. Decisions. Whatever it is. We think it must be something we did. We must have deserved it. We pray so hard for a certain outcome. A job. Healing. A baby.
It didn't happen the way we thought it would or when we thought it should. We must not have deserved it.
But I don't think that is true. I think….no I know, that I serve a God who loves us. Who wants only the best for us. I did battle with questions and accusations after I lost our babies. It was almost easier to grasp the first time we lost a baby, Grace Anne. We could believe the Dr.'s term of calling it a "fluke"-- something that just happened with no real apparent reason. We could blame it on chromosomal abnormalities. On her being sick. That was a little easier to take.
But when it happened again, when we lost Faith Marie. That was hard. Heart breaking. Earth shattering. It rocked my world. My ideas, thoughts, and perceptions of everything I'd ever been taught.
I had to ask God some very real questions. And I had to get some real answers. I knew deep down, that it wasn't anything I did. That I didn't deserve any of it. That we live in a fallen world with loss, tragedy and suffering. That there is an enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
I knew these things. But I think God still wanted me to ask the questions. I think he wants us to dig deeper. Not to settle on the cliche's or general answers that we've been taught all of our lives. To challenge them. To challenge Him.
Because thats when our relationships get deeper. Stronger. We have a real, personal understanding of God and who He is. A loving God. Who doesn't do things to us to teach us lessons. Who doesn't take or withhold good things from us. Thats not the God I know and serve. And with that knowledge, I'm OK with not knowing the answers. Not know fully understanding the "why's."
Because in my seeking, I found something more priceless than any answer I could have received.
PS: She also makes AMAZING jewelry! Go check out the Splendor Shop.
Grab a button and link up, then go leave some love to encourage others!
We went swimming a lot this summer. By the end of the summer, the kids had become little fishes. Bella still needed her floaties on, not 100% sure of how to swim without them. She got used to them being on. They were her security.
One afternoon, after we'd been swimming for a while, we got out of the pool to grab a snack. Mia was fussy so I turned my attention to feed her. I looked up to check in on Bella. In a split second, I realized Bella had walked down the stairs of the pool and into the water without her floaties on. She was kicking her little feet as fast they could go, not able to reach the bottom. Gasping as she struggled to keep her head above water. It felt like my body wouldn't move fast enough to get to her. My mind racing, my mouth yelling out to her, but my body wasn't going fast enough. I jumped in the water and grabbed her. She was shaken up, but fine. I held her and told her it was ok. I wrapped her in a towel and sat her on my lap as she calmed down.
She was quiet.
A few minutes later, she asked me, "Mommy, why didn't Jesus pick me up out of the water?"
I told her he did. Cause mommy was there and saw her quick enough to get her out of the water before anything happened. That her angels were protecting her and helped mommy see her.
Later that night, after I tucked her in bed, she asked me that question again. Wondering why she didn't see Jesus protecting her. I reminded her that her angels and Jesus are always watching over her and keeping her safe, even though she can't see them. That they did save her. Even though it didn't happen the way she thought it should. They did protect her.
I loved that she asked that question. I loved that she challenged what I've always taught her…that God will always be with her and protect her.
She's only 3 years old. She doesn't fully understand the concept that even though we can't always see God in situations, and even though things don't happen the way we think they should, He's there. Protecting us, guiding us, directing and loving us. Always with the best for us in mind.
But I think a lot of us still don't understand that concept. We wonder why bad things happen to good people. We wonder why He doesn't answer a prayer right away or in the way we think He should. We think maybe He's not listening. We wonder, maybe we did something wrong. Something to deserve the bad. The trials. The struggles.
I once had a friend ask me if I thought that what has happened to me, losing my 2 sweet girls at 20 and 24 weeks, was because of something I had done. She wasn't accusing. She wasn't implying. She was honestly seeking answers. Grasping for logic. Why bad things happen to good people.
I was happy she asked me that question. I was happy to tell her what I believed, because it's come from deep conversations with God. Some real searching.
For some reason I think we're quick to place blame. On ourselves. Our actions. Decisions. Whatever it is. We think it must be something we did. We must have deserved it. We pray so hard for a certain outcome. A job. Healing. A baby.
It didn't happen the way we thought it would or when we thought it should. We must not have deserved it.
But I don't think that is true. I think….no I know, that I serve a God who loves us. Who wants only the best for us. I did battle with questions and accusations after I lost our babies. It was almost easier to grasp the first time we lost a baby, Grace Anne. We could believe the Dr.'s term of calling it a "fluke"-- something that just happened with no real apparent reason. We could blame it on chromosomal abnormalities. On her being sick. That was a little easier to take.
But when it happened again, when we lost Faith Marie. That was hard. Heart breaking. Earth shattering. It rocked my world. My ideas, thoughts, and perceptions of everything I'd ever been taught.
I had to ask God some very real questions. And I had to get some real answers. I knew deep down, that it wasn't anything I did. That I didn't deserve any of it. That we live in a fallen world with loss, tragedy and suffering. That there is an enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
I knew these things. But I think God still wanted me to ask the questions. I think he wants us to dig deeper. Not to settle on the cliche's or general answers that we've been taught all of our lives. To challenge them. To challenge Him.
Because thats when our relationships get deeper. Stronger. We have a real, personal understanding of God and who He is. A loving God. Who doesn't do things to us to teach us lessons. Who doesn't take or withhold good things from us. Thats not the God I know and serve. And with that knowledge, I'm OK with not knowing the answers. Not know fully understanding the "why's."
Because in my seeking, I found something more priceless than any answer I could have received.
Peace.
That only comes from knowing Him. Truly knowing Him.
I hope Bella doesn't settle for the answers I gave her. I hope as she grows, she continues to challenge them. That she matches up the word to them. Seeks and finds them on her own. Because I know that is when she will fully know that even when we don't feel him lifting us up out of our struggles, He's there. And He always will be.
I hope Bella doesn't settle for the answers I gave her. I hope as she grows, she continues to challenge them. That she matches up the word to them. Seeks and finds them on her own. Because I know that is when she will fully know that even when we don't feel him lifting us up out of our struggles, He's there. And He always will be.
Much Love,
Laura Caddell
Laura Caddell
Monday, August 22, 2011
My Lovely New Room
You know that one room in your house? The one that is so peaceful you could just stay in it all the time? I'm pretty sure this is the first time I have had one of those and I'm feeling so blessed!
Our master bedroom has been a 10 year project. And by that I mean we've been in our house for almost 11 years and I have redecorated our room I don't know how many times. I know for sure that every time I was about to have a baby I made hubby repaint the whole room. Which obviously lead to new bedding and lamps. Don't ask hubby how many sets of lamps we've had...it instantly causes more gray hair.
I know this all sounds very wasteful {probably because it is}, and I'm not normally ok with that but I was just never quite "happy" with the room. I was never "in love" with it.
Well I am pleased to report that although there is still a bit of decorating to be done, our bedroom is now my favorite place! It's peaceful and bright and I could spend all day in there. It even makes folding laundry more fun!
I still have some walls to fill {oh and I need to order carpet} but I couldn't wait to show you what we've done so far.
Here we go:
Here is my lovely fluffy bed that I love! Did I mention I LOVE it! ok, moving on...
White bedspread:Target
Throw blanket. yellow pillow, button pillow & lamps: Homegoods
"keep calm" pillow: Little Miss Momma
Cross Painting: Casey Wiegand
One of my pet peeves is having books and things stacked on our nightstands. Mostly because my 3 year old loves to just knock everything over. So I turned these...
into these...
I realize they still need a little styling but now we both have somewhere to put our daily reading.
My curtains are literally fabric I bought, clipped up and hemmed with iron on velcro. This girl does not know how to sew!
And here is my new spot to keep my jewelry. Easy access, and so far none of the kids have destroyed it. I'll let you know if that holds up.
I couldn't be happier with it and I can't wait to complete the other ideas I have for the room.
The winner of the "literally Inspired" giveaway is Cerrisse. Congratulations! Email me so I can get you hooked up!
Have a lovely Monday!
Our master bedroom has been a 10 year project. And by that I mean we've been in our house for almost 11 years and I have redecorated our room I don't know how many times. I know for sure that every time I was about to have a baby I made hubby repaint the whole room. Which obviously lead to new bedding and lamps. Don't ask hubby how many sets of lamps we've had...it instantly causes more gray hair.
I know this all sounds very wasteful {probably because it is}, and I'm not normally ok with that but I was just never quite "happy" with the room. I was never "in love" with it.
Well I am pleased to report that although there is still a bit of decorating to be done, our bedroom is now my favorite place! It's peaceful and bright and I could spend all day in there. It even makes folding laundry more fun!
I still have some walls to fill {oh and I need to order carpet} but I couldn't wait to show you what we've done so far.
Here we go:
Here is my lovely fluffy bed that I love! Did I mention I LOVE it! ok, moving on...
Throw blanket. yellow pillow, button pillow & lamps: Homegoods
"keep calm" pillow: Little Miss Momma
Cross Painting: Casey Wiegand
One of my pet peeves is having books and things stacked on our nightstands. Mostly because my 3 year old loves to just knock everything over. So I turned these...
into these...
I realize they still need a little styling but now we both have somewhere to put our daily reading.
My curtains are literally fabric I bought, clipped up and hemmed with iron on velcro. This girl does not know how to sew!
And here is my new spot to keep my jewelry. Easy access, and so far none of the kids have destroyed it. I'll let you know if that holds up.
I couldn't be happier with it and I can't wait to complete the other ideas I have for the room.
The winner of the "literally Inspired" giveaway is Cerrisse. Congratulations! Email me so I can get you hooked up!
Have a lovely Monday!
Friday, August 19, 2011
In the Minority
As I've been browsing blogs this week there have been many about starting school. Lots of posts that lead my eyes to well up remembering my eldest's first day of kindergarten. Believe me, I get it.
I realized I may be in the minority...I am very excited for school to begin. Don't misunderstand, I will miss my two oldest kids terribly. It's always a little hard to get used to half of the crew being gone most of the day.
I will miss my girls' being able to spend all day together playing...
and I'll miss the long leisurely days outside.
My son is starting 3rd grade and my daughter is starting 1st so I'm an old pro at this. I anxiously check the mail every day to see who their teacher is and I can't wait to hear about all they learned.
In my eager anticipation for the adventures they will surely have I've been getting ready.
I'm practicing my chocolate chip pancakes...
I've started cleaning off their bulletin boards so they can display their new work...
I've cleaned out the closets and their uniforms are hanging and ready to go!
We are blessed to send our kids to a school who's motto is:
"At Trinity we are pressing on to fulfill our mission to produce young scholars who can read well, write well and speak well and who are imbued with virtue, wisdom, purpose, and courage. We care deeply about raising up this current generation to become dynamic, humble, Christian leaders who will help shape the future. "
I can't wait see what God has planned for them this year! My heart is full of excitement!
I realized I may be in the minority...I am very excited for school to begin. Don't misunderstand, I will miss my two oldest kids terribly. It's always a little hard to get used to half of the crew being gone most of the day.
I will miss my girls' being able to spend all day together playing...
and I'll miss the long leisurely days outside.
My son is starting 3rd grade and my daughter is starting 1st so I'm an old pro at this. I anxiously check the mail every day to see who their teacher is and I can't wait to hear about all they learned.
In my eager anticipation for the adventures they will surely have I've been getting ready.
I'm practicing my chocolate chip pancakes...
I've started cleaning off their bulletin boards so they can display their new work...
I've cleaned out the closets and their uniforms are hanging and ready to go!
We are blessed to send our kids to a school who's motto is:
"At Trinity we are pressing on to fulfill our mission to produce young scholars who can read well, write well and speak well and who are imbued with virtue, wisdom, purpose, and courage. We care deeply about raising up this current generation to become dynamic, humble, Christian leaders who will help shape the future. "
I can't wait see what God has planned for them this year! My heart is full of excitement!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Play Skillfully
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:1-4
Don't forget to enter the Literally Inspired "love" necklace here.
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:1-4
Don't forget to enter the Literally Inspired "love" necklace here.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Giveaway - Literally Inspired
I don't know about you, but I love jewelry and hair accessories! Can't get enough. I'm excited to introduce you to Ginger and her beautiful shop! Literally Inspired. You are gonna LOVE this!
"Hello y'all! My name is Ginger and I am your everyday kind of girl with a slight obsession for reading, crafting, thrifting, and loving my family. I started the blog "Literally Inspired" earlier this year to chronicle all of my crafting and reading adventures {sound exciting? I promise it is fun}. I slowly caught the blogging bug and soon realized that it is something I would love to do full time. The blog led me to opening "Literally Inspired" the shop on Etsy a month ago. It is slowly becoming the shop and dream job I have always wanted. Literally is a play on the word "literary". Words are so powerful and meaningful. I am often influenced by books, quotes, songs, poems, etc... and you will see that in my jewelry."
Here's watcha gotta do...
1. be a follower of Call Me Blessed
2. visit Literally Inspired and leave a comment telling me what your favorite piece is
additional entries:
1. follow me on twitter
2. follow Ginger on twitter
3. {heart} Literally Inspired on etsy
4. tweet this giveaway , include @callmeblessed31 & @litinspired
5. follow Ginger's blog
6. "like" Literally Inspired in FB
Winner will be announced on Monday, August 22nd. Good luck!
"Hello y'all! My name is Ginger and I am your everyday kind of girl with a slight obsession for reading, crafting, thrifting, and loving my family. I started the blog "Literally Inspired" earlier this year to chronicle all of my crafting and reading adventures {sound exciting? I promise it is fun}. I slowly caught the blogging bug and soon realized that it is something I would love to do full time. The blog led me to opening "Literally Inspired" the shop on Etsy a month ago. It is slowly becoming the shop and dream job I have always wanted. Literally is a play on the word "literary". Words are so powerful and meaningful. I am often influenced by books, quotes, songs, poems, etc... and you will see that in my jewelry."
Beautiful stuff right? Ginger has generously offered to give one lucky reader this amazing "love" necklace. Oooohhh how I want one! You can also get 15% off with code "blessed31".
1. be a follower of Call Me Blessed
2. visit Literally Inspired and leave a comment telling me what your favorite piece is
additional entries:
1. follow me on twitter
2. follow Ginger on twitter
3. {heart} Literally Inspired on etsy
4. tweet this giveaway , include @callmeblessed31 & @litinspired
5. follow Ginger's blog
6. "like" Literally Inspired in FB
Winner will be announced on Monday, August 22nd. Good luck!
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