.true faith.

To enter to win an envelope journal go here... you have until tomorrow to enter.

Verse of the week:
"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."
James 1:22

.true faith. True faith comes from listening to God's word and acting on it. This is beyond true. Many of us, Christians, say that we are believers, we say that we follow Christ, we say that we believe. But do we? Do we believe with our whole heart? Do we show others that we care? Do we act out our faith? We should, we are called to, we must!

.... read more at: faith.hope.love.

.true faith.

"But don't just listen to God's word.  You must do what it says.  Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."
James 1:22

"If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
James 1:26 - 27

.true faith.  True faith comes from listening to God's word and acting on it.  This is beyond true.  Many of us, Christians, say that we are believers, we say that we follow Christ, we say that we believe.  But do we?  Do we believe with our whole heart? Do we show others that we care?  Do we act out our faith?  We should, we are called to, we must! 
To say that we are Christians and then live a life filled with worldly things is not acting out our faith - it is us being hypocrites.  No wonder many people look at so called Christians and do not believe.... because we don't truly believe ourselves.  If we did we would act different from the world.  We would put people above money, wisdom above popularity, we would act like Christ. 
I did not fully believe this until a year and a half ago.  I believed that I could have both, I could live the way I wanted and also call myself a believer.  I thought I could get drunk when I wanted, I could talk poorly about others when I felt like it, I could swear.  This is not Christian living.  Christian living is acting out our faith, it is making wise decisions in both our actions and our speech.  Christian living calls us to repent and no longer live in ways of this world.  When we are truly living for Christ we need to only walk towards Him - we can not do both, we cannot have both Christ and worldly possessions, or we are being hypocrites.  Are you truly living for Christ?  Are you walking with Him?  Or are you living for things of this world? Have true faith & walk with Him. Repent & be Saved.

.change.

If you are here to enter the give away go here.

If you would like to read an story on forgiveness go here.

*this is my favorite*

.changes are upon us. This week marks my last at my work, tonight is my final night.  This is really scary for me but also a bit exciting.  I have felt for some time now that I need to quit, I have felt God telling me to quit & although I have no clue what is next I think it will be good. It's change, and it's needed.

This week flew by again & I feel like I actually took a million photos this week.  I am probably making up for last week.  It was hard to choose just one... so of course there are more of my changing, growing little one.  She is getting so big, so smart, and as always is providing more love. change isn't always bad.

today marks change. Today we get to see Aunt Alyssa, who after spending the summer at camp is starting school, change.  We also are getting a new converter box, because our broke - this is not really change but a fix, change.  And of course my last night at work, change. change isn't always bad.

top photo: Sunday with Grandma - petting Sammy, the smallest of four cats. Lydia loves Sammy - the other 16 pounders not so much.

pool: Sunday afternoon - well, you can see how much she loved that.

park: feeding the ducks & Lydia's reaction.  this is her. I love it.

with mom: last night on our walk - she looks so stinkin cute in that hat.

  

.forgiveness.

.this is a story on forgiveness. This week I have been captivated by this womans story.  I don't know why I was so drawn in, I don't know what made me go back and read more, but I do know it was for a reason and I see that now.  Truth be told, the first day I read Sarah's story I thought to myself, how could anyone do that?  How do you cheat on your husband? How do you sin that bad? But, sin is all equal, it is all the same, it is all wrong.  and I know that. 
I thought this for a while and then told myself I was am worse then she is, because she told her sin, she admitted her wrongs, she opened up her life to take lashing from people she didn't know.  And she didn't do it to make herself look good, definitely not to make herself look better, but to point people to the one who forgives, to point people to Christ. So I am worse because I far to often hide my sin, many of us do, in order to look better.  This makes us worse, it fills us with pride, it makes us judge, when in fact we are the same, all of us, we are all sinners.
This woman, Sarah, tells her story on adultery.  If you choose to read it, which I encourage you to do, I warn you now it is not a pretty story at first.  It is a story that shows how we all need to take every choice we make seriously, every little action heavily, and it shows that every decision will impact our future.  This is a story that shows how low one can go, how lies can come easy, how Satan can ruin.  This is a story that shows how God can heal, how others can forgive, how love can be saved.  This is a story that ultimately points to the Lord, the one who saves, it shows how only through him we can be restored. So I send you now, go and read, and then pray.  Pray that your marriage will stay strong, that whatever your hiding will be shown, that whatever pain you have can be healed, that whatever sin you have will be forgiven, and in turn you will forgive. go, read, & pray.

This story is in five parts: one, two, three, four, five.

.look forward.

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.  And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need..."
NLT Hebrews 13:14-16

.look forward.  We are called to look forward.  These are the words that strike me, that stick out, that I need to remember.  We can so often, I can far too often, get wraped up in things of this world.  I need to remember it is not my goal to store up my treasures here, I need to store them up in heavenly things.  So, how do I do this?  I need to spend daily time with God, I need to praise his name, I need to share what I have & do it with a thankful heart, I need to pray - more.  Remember these words today & praise the Lord for what he has given you.  look forward.

.a Fathers love.

"And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?" He said,

'My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline,

and don't give up when he corrects you. 

For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.'

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treatng you as his own children.  Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?  If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.  Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the dicipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?"
NLT Hebrews 12: 5-9

.i need to listen. These verses make it clear that I need to be more in tune with what God is trying to tell me each day.  I often feel like God is speaking, yet I choose to ignore the words he said, I ignore his dicipline, I ignore his direction.  I can not do that anymore. I need to listen to the Lord, he knows what is best in my life and is correcting my behavior, my thinking, my words for a reason.  I need to do this so that my example will bear fruit, so that my behavior may cause others to think towards the Lord, I need to listen so that others will see the grace of God.  listen to Him today.

.back to school.

go here for the envelope journal give away.... you have until September 1st!

.back to school around these parts. Today I thought I would show you some back to school love.  Even though I no longer have to get school supplies for myself or Lydia, yet, I still love to look.  I found these lovely items that would be a must if I was going back to school, they look great.

UsefulBooks $30.00

SewFantastic $12.00

ginia18 $6.00

PolylyMingzyBb $64.00

.comment box. .fixed.

.so i realized that its broken.  I will try to fix my comment box soon - so that the give away can continue.  I will extend the give away & there will be more details to come as soon as its fixed.  I am truly sorry for this inconvienice.

.i am so sorry.  I am really sorry that my comment box was broken.  Yikes - guess I should have tried it first.  I realized today that with no comments up and a give away I am handing out, something might be wrong.  I am sorry.  Go here for the giveaway - comment box will now pop up :)

PS: The give away is now going to run through September 1st.  Winner will be picked and announced September 2nd at noon (Central Standard Time).

.envelope journal give away.

.give away. Alright, I said I would have a give away & here it is, an envelope journal. I have been working on these over the past month, and I love them. You can fill them with memories from a trip, put pictures in it & use it as an album, use it as a journal, to tell a story, whatever.
.the journal. This inspiring journal is made from neutral colored textured card stock and printed paper. It holds one signature containing 5 pages (front and back), plus front and back cover pages, waiting for your memories. 22 total places to document and add photos to make it yours. The front and back covers are made of two 5 ¾” x8 ¾” ivory envelopes. Signature is then punched and tied into cover with ribbon. Pages are detailed with likewise color tabs ready for an adventure. Use it as a journal, notebook, mini scrapbook, or photo album. Tell your story and share.

.color combination/printed pages: yellow, red, white, black, blue design print, red design print, blue & red decorative floral print, and red design print with critter.

number:006 -because that's my favorite number

.here are the rules.

Leave a comment this week, August 24th through August 30th September 1st, telling me something new you have been working on in your life. I will select a winner on Monday August 31st Wednesday September 2nd & post by noon (Central Standard Time).
*due to my comment box not working - the give away has been extended. so sorry for the inconvience*

.faith.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Hebrews 11:1

This is the verse of the week, and it has so much meaning. Hebrews 11 is all about faith and gives numerous accounts of people who have walked in their faith. It is extremely important that at the end of the chapter we recognize that many people accomplished great victories and others suffered. Its easy for us to see that when we have faith we can accomplish great things, and thus by accomplishing great things we Thank the Lord. But when we suffer many of us turn from our faith, when God may be allowing us to suffer in order for us to lean on Him more and learn from Him & about Him. If you are suffering or going through a struggle in your life turn to God and ask Him - Lord, what do you want to teach me?

I hope these verses in Hebrews help you to live out your faith every day.

.family friday.

.ahhhhhh what a week. I felt like this week flew by, we were jam packed with activities and work & this and that. Luckily, last night Aaron & I got to drop off Lydia and have quality time to ourselves. We had a great time eating at Texas Roadhouse + getting coffee, our whole time was filled with yum.

For a while now we have been looking at houses, always not finding the right one - our budget is low and therefore we come across SCARY looking houses. I mean REALLY SCARY. Aaron said, "I feel like were doing something wrong". But, I assure you, we are not. Later, as Aar was talking about football & sports at the coffee shop I zoned between listening and just looking at him. I didn't care what he was talking about, he was happy and so was I. If we are doing something wrong all this happiness & love would not be there. It was so right. He is so right. We are so right. So, Aar, I am fine with our little apartment if it means more coffee dates and staring at you till my heart can burst. I love you. Everything will come in time. Thank you for a great night.

.today is filled with more. I have lots to do, cleaning, finishing more envelope journals, dropping off a gift for a friend in need, work.... lots. Happy Friday.

*family photo of the week is of Lydia & Aunt Hill, it was taken after our IKEA fun*

.whimsical wednesdays.

• .fancykstudio - $3.75.

• .ravenscraving - $14.00.

• .bluecitrusart - $25.00.

.ikea.

.i love ikea. Yesterday, my sister Hilary & I went to Ikea. She had never been there and I wanted to take her. We ended up spending 5 hours there - it was awesome. I did not buy much but I did get some new glasses, nice ones - ones that don't have a packer or brewer logo on it, anywhere. and I love them. I also found the perfect work space that I would love to have - and someday will have. someday, not soon, but someday. Although I did not get much, I got so many creative ideas and I loved the inspiration that flows from every set up they have. I could probably spend my life in that one store. I hope you like the inspiration too, *pictures up top*.

.today is going to be a day full of cleaning, cooking, and working. I still have to finish all the paper products for my next shop update (sep. 9th) - I gave myself until Friday - and as a reward to all of you (the two that probably read this) I am going to have a give away next week -sometime.

.monday.

.what a weekend. this weekend my husband + friends played in a frisbee tournament. - the cooler classic. 6 games in 2 days. i am exhausted and all i did was watch. they sadly took 12th place out of 12 - but they had a lot of fun doing it. and as a reward we got buffalo wild wings :)

*the picture is my workspace* someday... someday, i will have a bigger area.

.today i am cleaning up around here. i am working on projects for my sep. 9th shop update. there will be new products - sewing ones, so stick around. + i am thinking about having a giveaway sometime between now and then.

.week in review.

.cedarburg. .paper. .caramel apple. .family. .grill out. .presents. .pop cake.
.birthday. .26. .ice cream cake.
.shop update. .house hunting.
.new blog layout. .walks. .unexpected bath for little one.

.a blog I like.

.last night I was pondering about switching to another blog site - simply because I could not find & didn't know how to find & use a template I liked, while using blogger. Well - upon reading this blog today I have made many changes. and I think I finally have a blog I like. Of course I will continually edit & update - but I found a template I can work with. wonderful.

.shop update.

Shop has been updated! Check out all my new products. Thank you for all the support.

.birthday boy.

.Happy Birthday Aaron. We love you. Today Aaron is 26! yikes - closer to 30 than 20. - its alright though aar - I will be there in may.

happy happy happy birthday :)

today: knitting, laundry, shopping for groceries, making chicken tetrizinni, getting b-day cake (the ice cream kind), watching a frisbee game... while celebrating!

don't forget: shop update tomorrow!

.five months.

wow. This weekend blew by like the breeze, it was incredibly fast. I also think Lydia is growing too fast. This weekend she turned five months! It seems crazy to me that she is already five months old. On one hand I feel like she has been a part of our lives forever and the other feels as if she was just born. Happy five months Lydi - we love you :)

on tab today: staying home & finishing projects for the shop update (August 12th), watching another baby - first little play date :), and celebrating Aaron's Birthday! Looking forward to a fun day & a better night (it has to be... there is cake)

.spa day.

.spa day. .spa day. .SPA DAY. I am so overexcited for tonight. I get to go have time to myself, yay! I am going to get a massage and then my hair cut - about 4 hours to just chill. awesome. This is definitely needed, especially after my yesterday.

.yesterday. I watched my friends little girls - ages 3 &1- and although I love them, they plus mine can be a handful. The plus mine was the major handful, fussing because we were somewhere new and teething - ouch on both of us. I had plans to get some quiet time in and crafting done when they were all *suppose* to align their naps and give me bliss. However, this lasted for only ten minutes and then the crying came. Followed by more. Upon arriving home I still had a little one that only managed to get an hour total sleep all day - and when she wouldn't sleep on her own I layed down with her. Needless to say we were out in two seconds flat, at least I was. Aaron took this photo upon arriving home - we slept (I slept) for 50 minutes (and it was so needed).

.so overexcited for tonight. and today. we are having lunch with Kira & its always fun & great & awesome to hang with her. especially when its at john harbors with their great sandwiches and coffee. .yay day.

.more about me.

.i wear chapstick. i do not like lipstick. lip gloss is ok. chapstick is better.

.i am a jeans and t-shirt girl. i never wear shorts. unless there pajamas. and i am at home.

.i am the girl you see tapping on the steering wheel and singing, when your at a red light or stop sign.

.i drive without shoes on whenever possible. it just feels better.

.i listen to christian music almost all the time.

.i believe that jack johnson music should be in every ones ring tones.

.i make lists. i cross things off them when i am done.

.my toes are almost always painted.

.i love to walk on the edge of the sidewalk as if it were a balance beam.

.brown is my favorite color. and i don't care that that is weird. i love it so much i made my bridesmaids wear it.

.i have the names of my boys picked out and hope i have two because i have two perfect names.

.i also have another perfect name for another girl. so that would be fine too. not for a while though - this one little girl is enough for now.

.i am not up with the latest trends or fashions. funny because i work in a clothing store. last year when people asked if we had argyle i had to look up what it was.

.i could do crafts all day.

.i like to think i don't drink soda. but the truth is i love diet dr. pepper. root beer. diet coke. and sierra mist with cranberry juice.

.i went to Liberia last year. i still miss it. and i miss seeing mandie everyday. i still believe it was a miracle we only got into one fight. we spent over 40 days together. and only 3 hours apart. total.

.i don't like to capitalize my name.

.this is me. who are you.

.oh what a weekend.

This weekend was simply fabulous. We stayed home and hung out with friends - and it truly was wonderful. Saturday we walked down to John Harbors and had us a great breakfast and amazing coffee (seriously their autumn latte is delicious). There we ran into the Denny's and Lina. How awesome to finally be home to hang out with great friends - even if it was by coincidence. I then worked. After we shopped :) And then had Lina over. The great thing about this girl is she makes us laugh, we play games, reminisce, laugh more, and the time always fly's right out the darn window. Lina this is a call to hang out more. Lots more.

*we don't drink often - but these beers were great too* *yum - all around*