Learning

215. Bethany taught me how to sew using a new (oldie, but goodie) sewing machine from Grammy. I've actually had it in my possesion for a while but haven't had any time to actually LEARN how to use it. And I'm not one of those folks who can just read it and learn it. I need to experience it.

Have you learned anything new lately? Well, I forget how hard it is learning something. And my take-away is that it is tough learning!

But BLee (as I now like to refer to Bethany) was patient and knowledgeable and was a believer in making something as a means of learning the craft/art of sewing. Cool. What to make?

For as long as I've lived in this big 'ole house on the corner I've wanted curtains. Well, enter project one!

As couple of weeks back I purchased a greatly discounted shower curtain from Walmart that my fashion-less eye though might make a good curtain in our kitchen. So, with much help from BLee (especially with the pinning! There must be a trick to pinning.) I made my first curtain!

Wanna see?

Don't laugh.

Well, you can laugh. I won't know unless you tell me. Even then, I'm just so amazed that I was able to do it that I won't be bothered.

Here's my unfinished kitchen curtain. (I will add a valance... some day in the near future.)

Taa dah...

Lord, thank You for the gift of learning. You could've made us in such a way that we could not learn but not so. You, in Your mercy, kindness, greatness, and love, made us in Your image to create things. So, thank You for providing everything I needed to make these curtains. To You be the glory!

Silence

214. Silence. Lord, thank You for granting me this brief period of SILENCE. You provide me with ALL I need. Even the little moments of silence that I desperately need to "regroup" and prepare my heart for the rest of the day. Only You know exactly what I'm talking about so I thank You, O Sovereign One, for knowing me so intimately that You are giving me a few moments to hear the ticking of the clock. The clicking of this keyboard. The sound gentle hum of vehicles passing by our home as they travel on the wet roads. Oh it is good to enjoy silence!

Remembering

213. On our date this evening, Hubby shared with me some precious memories he's thought about recently. Lord, it is a gift from you being able to recount moments we've shared together. Thank You for our memories which allow us to remember just how faithful, kind, merciful, and loving You are.

Exhaustion

212. Thank You, Lord, for how exhausted I feel right now. That seems strange but it's really quite beautiful. I am exhausted because it has been a full day of doing the work you have set before me: grocery shopping, cleaning, training kiddos, cooking, changing diapers, folding clothes, more shopping, attending care group, and more. So I am exhausted but will climb into bed with a smile tonight. I can smile and be filled with joy because I am fully aware of your sustaining power. You, Father, have sovereignly given me this day to live, experience, teach, learn, be challenged, work, laugh and I thank You for it.

You truly are the Giver of all good things!

New Box, New Binder, New Journal

211. Empty big boxes! Lord, what fun kids can have with empty boxes of all sizes. Thank You for the gift card we received that allowed us to get a new highchair and a new big box! The kids have enjoyed creative play and I see my need for You more as I try to be consistent in training them to play in a kind way together.

210. My coupon binder is such a gift, Lord. Having an organizational tool that allows me to file and quickly find coupons to save our family money is such a blessing. Lord, keep me very aware of the fact that ANY money I save through this venture is simply and completely evidence of YOUR amazing kindness and grace in supplying all of our family's needs and so much more!

209. Beginning a new journal and looking over the one I just completed is a big gift from the Lord. It is a log of what the Lord has led me to read and learn about Him. This morning as I began copying my prayer list to my new journal I just marveled at the blessing it is being able to pray for other people.

Thank You, Lord, for such a tangible gift that allows me to see the many ways You've moved in my life and the lives of others. How can I not sing Your praises this day!

Couponing

208. Thank You, Lord, for growing me in the area of home managing and home making. The gift I want to thank You for tonight is for granting me energy, resources, and joy in trying to lower our our family's grocery budget. I pray that You would keep me on guard for my temptation to hoard and be all-consumed with this endeavor. You have so blessed me with a husband who supports me in couponing, far-reaching and surprising resources to obtain them, and even with the ability to learn how to do it. May You be glorified through this new thing of mine.

Circle Time

207. Circle Time is high on my "Gotta Do Daily" list. It's just after having my own QT on days when William works. When I make time (by the grace of God!) for Circle Time the Lord ALWAYS, faithfully, in His own way meets us. Today I read part of the passage in Scripture that I read during my personal QT (Matthew 6:25-34) and really was blessed by being able to share my own struggles with anxiousness with Joshua and Saraina.

Lord, You truly provide for ALL our needs. Thank You for helping me see my sinful anxiety and how it affects so many areas of my life (including my kids and hubby!). I am trusting You to help me put this sin area to death for Your glory. I need You, Beautiful Savior. Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness this day...