Giveaways

Miss Jocelyn is soon to be posting a bunch of great giveaways. Click the link below for more details. (Then click on Home to see when she updates with the giveaways.)

Here are some (about half) of the things she will be giving away in her drawings:

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach by Robin Sampson

Easy Meals for the Domestically Challenged Mom by Cindy Rushton

Motherhood: Building A Legacy by Cindy Rusthon

Winter White & Rosewood Baby Sweater from Jekuthiel’s Gifts

Handmaid of the Lord Custom Garment from Amy Aprile

The Art of Bread-Making from Franklin Springs

The Art of Soap-Making from Franklin Springs

The Art of Candle-Making from Franklin Springs

What is Snow from In The Hands of a Child

Basic Blog Package by Designer G’s

The Play Book by JoJo from Art of Eloquence

Pride and Prejudice DVD - 10th Anniversary Limited Collector’s Edition from Library and Educational Services

Winter Household Forms by Heidi Kemp

Homestead Simplicity: Natural Clean by Lisa Barthuly

Homestead Simplicity by Lisa Barthuly

Hard Times

You know those days in which you don't feel like doing anything? (Please say yes.) Well, I had one a couple of days ago. I've never been very self-motivated, and I'm a procrastinator (another word for lazy). But this was worse than normal. I had a hard time prying myself from my computer chair and, shamefully, groaned when my mom told me to do something. This attitude stemmed from: first, my sinful nature--but was exacerbated by something I was worried about. Ironically, I was worried about my sin, and in the process was adding sin to sin.

We can't just wait to do something until we feel like it. But there should be a joy in serving, as we are servants of our wonderful Lord. However, sometimes we don't have the joy we should. What to do? Can we force joy into our hearts? No. But we can pray for God to change us, to give us joy. We can remind ourselves of God's goodness, forgiveness, and the reward awaiting us in heaven. We can sing hymns of thanksgiving. By God's grace, soon we'll be wondering why we were downcast in the first place.

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. - Psalm 32:11

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. - Micah 7:7

Recommended reading: When I Don't Desire God - How to Fight for Joy

Antique Jewelry

As we were shopping with friends, I saw this necklace. My friend sweetly bought it for me. I had earlier bought the pin at a similar antique shop. Though we should not wear an abundance of jewelry or flaunt it gaudily or vainly (see 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4), I think some tasteful jewelry can be a feminine and lovely touch to an outfit, as well as (I believe) in agreement with other Biblical passages.

I found out from online sources that this jewelry may be from the 1950s, so it's not so very old, but it's still beautiful and charming.

Tea

I rarely take time to drink from a proper teacup, though I love the look of those intricately painted porcelains. There is a sweetness and ladylike quality to teacups. Miss Jocelyn (on the Growing in Grace web-site) wanted to see other people's favorite teacups, so this was the impetus for me using one--one with a lovely violet pattern (my favorite of ours). I drank Berry-Good tea by Bigalow.

Here are some of the other teacups that we have, as well.

Split Skirts

I first made my blue split skirt, and my friend liked it, so I made her one. Here we are wearing them. I did the ties on opposite sides. I used pattern 6626, but made the legs a bit fuller, and looser on the top.

Chicken Alfredo Fettuccini - Take 1

My family likes my chicken alfredo fettuccini, originally based on a recipe found online. Tonight I decided to experiment a bit...and we didn't have the usual Romano and Parmesan cheese, so I substituted Cheddar and pre-grated, canned Parmesan. I also added some canned pesto and did a few other things differently. It didn't turn out as well as usual, but still my mom and sister rated it about a 7 out of 10 when I asked. My brothers might be a little less generous than that...I didn't ask. ;) Maybe when I make it and it turns out better I'll share the recipe. For now, here is a picture of my 7 of 10 pasta.

A Fresh Start

I hardly needed to begin another blog, but there is something about a fresh start, a blank page, to revive the imagination. Is this a blog about clothing? Partially. But I hope to make it a place of warmth, beauty, and pictures that capture everyday life and the things God allows me to see and create.

I am not setting myself up to be the perfect housekeeper or seamstress--by no means!--but I am striving, by God's grace, to become more like the Proverbs 31 woman. And if anything I share can be beneficial to others and glorifying to God, I will be glad.

Please be patient with me as I dream and rearrange....I tend to be a sporadic and slow worker.