• 01.15.2010 Hope for Haiti
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    It’s difficult to wrap our minds around the devastation in Haiti. I rarely watch TV, don’t get the paper, and mostly use the internet for communication…and have only wrestled with what has happened in Haiti in the last day or two (and that, only after reemerging after a family bout with a stomach bug.) My heart is grieved, as is yours, I’m sure. How do we process what has happened in Haiti in the light of our understanding of a good God? Al Mohler helps us wade through it all: The earthquake in Haiti, like every other earthly disaster, reminds us that creation groans under the weight of sin and the judgment of God. This is true for every cell in our bodies, even as it is for the crust of the earth at every point on the globe. The entire cosmos awaits the revelation of the glory of the […]

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  • 01.15.2010 Using What You've Got–The Trusty Console
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    I’ve often said that my favorite way to redecorate is to shop in my own home. There’s something super satisfying about using what you’ve got, and finding ways to recycle, repurpose, and reinvent…without spending money. You may remember that I made-over the family room before baby No. 4 arrived a little over a year ago. I love this room; it’s where all six of us wrestle hang out. It’s neutral palette just does my heart good when the noise and energy levels around here are so high. Nevertheless, as families grow and needs change, rooms get shuffled as well. My computer had been residing on the kitchen counter, but with all my Chinese culinary endeavors, ardent breadmaking, and dangerous mishaps, (not to mention my need for better working space)…I knew it needed a safer, more functional home. It seems that whenever we move things around in our house, our trusty […]

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  • 01.14.2010 Trinkets
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    Three new accessories have been added to the shop.

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  • 01.13.2010 Wordless Wednesday
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  • 01.11.2010 Totes for the Moms
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    I recently had the joy of making handbags for both my mother and my mother-in-law. The best part of creating, is creating for someone special. Picking out fabric, designing for her needs, keeping her personality in mind. These are all the privileges of custom handmade. And, the privilege for me, is the joy of giving it. For my mother-in-law: An elegant little tote for her Bible and study notes. Amy Butler “Love” fabric in periwinkle “Bali Gate.” A crimson trim on the gathered front pocket adds an unexpected pop of color. Everyone who knows mom, knows she never wastes a thing, and therefore, favors using pencils down to little stumps. So, a little matching pencil case was made for her assortment of mini writing utensils. For my mother: My mom is a writer, and never leaves home without journal, pen, ink, Bible, and a myriad of other bibliophilia paraphernalia. Utility […]

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  • 01.07.2010 Worry and Rest
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    It’s a new year, and while many of us are starting afresh with new goals and a fresh outlook, some things have inadvertently followed us into the new year. If worry is one these uninvited tag alongs, listen to what Paul David Tripp reminds us from Psalm 4 and Matthew 6: Worry and rest always reveal the true treasures of your heart. You will rest the most when what you treasure the most is secure, and you will worry the most when what you treasure the most is at risk. What does your world of worry reveal about the true treasures of your heart? In the cave, David had it right when he said, “For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). It’s as if David is saying, “My peace isn’t found in locations, relationships, or circumstances; it is found in the Lord. Because it is, I […]

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  • 01.05.2010 His Early Late Thirties
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    My husband turns 37 today. I overheard him say to someone recently, “Roughly half of my life is over; and, it’s the long half that has passed.” I think he is right. We all rush and hurry to get here…and then, we can’t wait for it to slow down. Life moves too quickly to not take notice of the blessings, the answered prayers, the nuances, and the details…all of which are represented in this tribute that grows each year on the day of his birth. 37 reasons to celebrate my husband today. 1. He shows his love for Jesus in practice. 2. He gives THE best massages. 3. He reads The Chronicles of Narnia to the boys even when he’s tired. 4. He helps with dishes even when he’s tired. 5. He listens to my concerns, even when he’s tired. 6. He honors his parents, and my parents too. 7. […]

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  • 01.04.2010 Posy Pin Tutorial
    Posy Pin Tutorial
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    Flower pins, flower barrettes, flower necklaces, flower headbands…they are everywhere! Here’s one version of the handmade flower accessory that can be used in all sorts of ways. So, get your supplies together, and give it a try. You will need: silky, polyester fabric (ie. satin, organza, etc.) beading, or super fine needle pearly beads hot glue gun felt pin or clip backings, barrettes, or headband tealight tongs or clothespin   1. Cut roundish petals of various sizes from your fabric. The circles don’t need to be perfect–they look better when they aren’t! 2. With your tongs, carefully hold each petal just close enough to the flame of your tealight to slightly melt the edges of your fabric. Turn, and seal all edges of the petal. The edges of your petals should curl up slightly as they melt. If your fabric is bubbling and looking gnarly *technical crafting term,* you’ve gotten […]

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