30 Sunday Dec 2012
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29 Saturday Dec 2012
Posted in Journals
There’s nothing like being home with your family for Christmas. I love all of our traditions, both old and several new. This year we were able to bring out my favorite old tradition of waking up before the sun rises Christmas morning. A big thank you goes out to the little one who was added to our family! We have actually added a couple of stockings to our mantle the past few of years. It’s a blessing to be part of this family!
This was the beautifully wrapped gift my sister gave me. What’s inside is just as beautiful! It’s Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing. Get ready for some fun projects! You can find more information about Gertie on her blog: http://www.blogforbettersewing.com She has some great ideas and sewing patterns.
Meghan and Alex getting help from the little one with unwrapping. And the following picture is my Christmas tower that my amazing cousin, Jeff, put together for me!
The remaining pictures are some shots that I took with my new camera. I might have gotten a little carried away, but it’s something you really have to do with photography. I believe the photographer’s motto is: live and learn. or maybe practice makes perfect? Sorry I am far from perfect, but I hope you enjoy these. I also hope you had a wonderful Christmas, as well.
24 Monday Dec 2012
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Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house, just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago. He has brought salvation from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and remembered his holy covenant, the solemn pledge he made to our ancestor Abraham. He has granted that we would be rescued from the power of our enemies so that we could serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness in God’s eyes, for as long as we live. You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. You will tell people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, to give light to those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide us on the path of peace.”
-Luke 1:68-79
The King is coming! Seek Him, find Him, and rest in Him today. He promises to give light to those in darkness and guide you along the path of peace. Merry Christmas, dear friends and family!
21 Friday Dec 2012
Posted in Journals
I’ve wrestled for a while about how to write this post because it’s difficult to put words to the source of your inspiration. I’m not usually inspired to write. It doesn’t come easily for me. I’m inspired to go and to do, but rarely to write.
I have to force my students to write; telling them their grade hangs in the balance. There is even one boy who cries literally every time that I pass out a new writing prompt. That’s sort of how this feels for me, but I write, in large part, because of my students. I tell them that they have to practice their writing, and I regularly (don’t tell them that it’s not really so regular) practice, too.
So, I gave my writing practice place a title that is inspirational to me. The name Flowers Better Dressed comes from artist Jon Foreman’s song, “Your Love is Strong.” The lyrics are derived from Matthew 6, beginning with the The Lord’s Prayer, then followed by a command not to be anxious. I drew my inspiration from the lines:
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
It reminds me that, no matter what I have (or don’t have), I am clothed in the Lord’s righteousness. He has given me all that I need and if He has given so much care for the flowers, how much more will He care for me?
It’s hard to remember that promise day in and day out, but I pray for constant reminders of it. I seek it in community, in my sewing, in my reading, in my classroom. I know I will find it because He has proven Himself faithful time and time again. I choose to clothe myself in His love, which is all around us.
02 Sunday Dec 2012
I have really enjoyed walking around my neighborhood lately. There are so many little places to go and enjoy. This picture is of the sidewalk behind my place where I always begin my run. One thing I love about this sidewalk is the miles of the tree-lined paths it connects to. Way more than I can run at one time, that’s for sure!
Frequently, there will be live bands, which always draw a crowd. It is so entertaining to people watch on these nights. You should definitely come out and visit if you’re ever nearby!
I know these things are simple, but they are major reasons why I don’t want to leave this town. Part of me thinks it would be wonderful to try something new, but the other part of me knows that I wouldn’t be able to find anything that compares to what I already have. That sounds contrary to what most young, single women think. Maybe I’m scared, but maybe I really do have a good thing here…I’m thankful for it, that’s for sure.
Posted by flowersbetterdressed | Filed under Journals
01 Saturday Dec 2012
Posted in In the Shop
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I spent some time perusing (yes, perusing…I do know what that word actually means) Etsy this afternoon for some gift inspiration for Christmas. I came across a number of really beautiful items, so I decided to create my first treasury to better organize them.
Check it out here: Winter Wonderland Treasury
There are scarves, candles, boots, and other warm treasures to get you through the cold months of winter. I kept my color theme to reds and browns. I hope you enjoy it!
20 Thursday Sep 2012
Posted in In the Shop
I finally have something to show for my hard work from the summer. My friend, Morgan, took these amazing pictures of my aprons and I just posted them in my Etsy shop! I’m so excited to share them with you!
20 Monday Aug 2012
Posted in Journals
With the first day of school under our belts, signaling the official end of summer break, I thought it appropriate to share this poem that I found over on Debbie Diller‘s blog. She posts a poem every Friday, and I love it.
I’m thankful that the season of summer carries into the beginning of the school year. It makes the transition easier because we don’t have to give up on all of those wonderful things we love about this time of year. The afternoon rain showers and even the fresh vegetables at the market are comforting as they stick around just a little bit longer.
photo by: nikki.jane
Three Songs at the End of Summer
By Jane Kenyon
12 Sunday Aug 2012
There are just a small handful of places that I consistently visit, and Disney World is easily one of my favorites. Some of my fondest memories and even a few mile stones can be pinned to this magical place, including learning to ride my bike and my sixteenth birthday celebration.
Each time I step onto Disney property I can’t help but to think about how much has changed for me in the last 27 years; numerous events in between each visit that have created and shaped my personality. Because of that, this place is a symbol of growth for me. Yet, at the same time, seeing Tinker Bell fly out of the castle, watching movies with Chip and Dale while roasting marshmallows, and riding my bike all over Fort Wilderness will never cease to excite me, just as it did when I was a kid.
01 Wednesday Aug 2012
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Summer is special because of its simplicity. As much as I love teaching, I’m not quite ready to get back to school; almost there, but not quite. I’m thankful for a week and a half more of rest.
…and chalking in the driveway.
