Bookmarkin’

THANKS so much for the great “getting-things-done” ideas!  Just when I thought my system was rockin’ and rollin’, I’m introduced to even cooler ways of organizing.  It’s always a treat when there’s a new comment to check on the blog…and I especially enjoyed reading your homemaking tips and tricks. 

Every so often, an extraordinary website or blog crosses my path that is worth a bookmark: a recipe to try, a room that’s inspiring, an encouraging word on wife/motherhood.  Yesterday, I revisited my collection and thought I’d share a few of my favorites.  And maybe you can benefit, too.

• This apple pie looks very tempting.  Scott loves an apple pie.  Maybe I’ll surprise him.
• These will be great for Sam this summer.
• For a playroom or {possibly} homeschool room, this wall map would be perfection.
• Scott and I reread this the other night and were reminded why we love JP.
• That leftover block of cream cheese in the fridge just got assigned to these, except made with chicken.
• I refer back to this tutorial when I change my blog header once a week.
• This website makes mine and Scott’s hearts beat a little faster…with a particular interest in this country.
• I’m new to this site but already in love.
• This post is helpful when indecisive about paint colors.

There you have it.  What a hodge podge!  Any particular bookmarks you’re diggin’ lately? 

Today

Today was one of those days that’s a blur. 

(My mother is snickering to herself right now. Most all of her days are a blur---she’s Super Woman.)

It was a delightful day full of sewing, playing, exercising, visiting, cooking, voting, and reading.

About a month or so ago, I happened upon the book A Gospel Primer for Christians, and words can’t express how good it’s been for my soul.  It’s primary.  It’s basic.  It’s simple.  And it’s exactly what this desperate, depraved mind of mine needed.

Here’s an excerpt from today’s reading:

When my mind is fixed on the gospel, I have ample stimulation to love others.  For I am always willing to show love to others when I am freshly mindful of the love that God has shown me.  Also, the gospel gives me the wherewithal to give forgiving grace to those who have wronged me, for it reminds me daily of the forgiving grace that God is showing me.

Doing good and showing love to those who have wronged me is always the opposite of what my sinful flesh wants me to do.  Nonetheless, when I remind myself of my sins against God and of His forgiving and generous grace towards me, I give the gospel an opportunity to reshape my perspective and to put me in a frame of mind wherein I actually desire to give the same grace to those who have wronged me (page 24-25).

Also on today’s agenda was to try making a potential Christmas gift.  Literally, this little makeup bag has been stitched on all. day. long.  It wasn’t just a one naptime kind of project. 

I have a whole new respect for zippered satchels and will take utmost care for this one here.  Me and the zipper---we wrestled all day.  Needless to say, my skills will need some refining before I declare this project a Christmas gift.  It was fun, though, and satisfied my sewing itch.

One last picture: Sam was the cutest, most adorable, precious, and beautiful scarecrow for Halloween.  I wanted to squeeze him in that hat---which, by the way, he never even attempted to take off.  Good grief, he’s cute.  I can’t help myself sometimes.  Can I possibly be anymore of a new mom?! 

Hope you’ve had a lovely day, too.  Enjoy this incredible weather!