The first time I scoped out my old house, it was with an eye to "fix it and flip it." You see, the designer in me had a dream of giving a boost to some of the neglected old homes in town. Fortunately, my local banker friend liked the idea–and my business plan–and so an offer was made on the house... and accepted. The old gal had some issues, but as far as I was concerned, she was entitled to them. After all, it was September 2005, and she had been standing in that same spot since 1907. She'd experienced a little "remuddling" but nothing substantial, so mostly I was facing original elements. Usually that's fantastic, except original knob-and-tube wiring doesn't fall in that category. But I'm getting ahead of ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Downsize to Upsize (Part 2)
I can't get it off my mind... The comment I made last week about downsizing my life to upsize my faith. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered just what I'd have to downsize to make that allow that to happen. I already told you we'll be downsizing the house–which, of course includes our "stuff". That was Risk #1. Surely that's enough. Could there be more. Should there be? And so I began another list... A list of things in my life that *could* downsize–not necessarily things that *will*. And then I added more things I've struggled with in the past that kept my faith from growing–because even if they're not dragging me down today, I might need the reminder tomorrow! I wonder if you ... Keep Reading...
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The Notecard Party: Practicing the Discipline of GRATITUDE
It's mid-January and time for another Notecard Party at A Haven for Vee. I always enjoy seeing what's on participants' minds every month. Are they looking back ... or ahead? Are they hungry ... or working on a project? You never know what kinds of notecards you'll see! And I never know what kind I'll share! This month, it's gratitude that's on my mind. I so enjoyed having Renaissance Man home during the holidays! Even though he traveled a lot in December, it's been really nice having him around. So when he left this week on his first trip of 2014, I didn't want to miss thanking God for my husband – and my husband for being such a wonderful, faithful spouse. These inspiration boards all have an earthy, ... Keep Reading...
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Something everyone needs at the end of the day to know they’re loved…
[pe2-image src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-waaRCVdyKK8/Txs9HO4wyBI/AAAAAAAAQDc/7ALVMqewDmw/s144-c-o/18422262240.jpg" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/SallyList#5700216947832047634" caption="Valentine's Day" type="image" alt="18422262240.jpg" ] When I heard about this project, it immediately went on my Sally List. Immediately. It's such an easy way to make a big difference! My friend, Kelley, is a missionary in the Philippines and sometimes ministers at the National Children's Hospital. Her 80-year-old mother-in-law enjoys sewing pillowcases. Sometimes it doesn't take much to birth an idea! Between now and December 1, 2014 Kelley is collecting new, standard-size pillowcases ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Downsize to Upsize
That's what blogger Amy Sullivan has challenged us to write about: risks we're taking. And she suggests we write once a week for the next four weeks. You can read the challenge HERE. I immediately picked up pen and paper and started making a list of risks I'm facing in this new year. There are many; some more "risky" than others, but risks nonetheless. When I told you what I was doing wrong as a Christian woman, I didn't tell you my first "next step" ... Renaissance Man and I are preparing to put our old house on the market. We continue to feel the need to de-clutter "stuff" even more and to downsize our living space–because the comfortable lifestyle has become less and less comfortable. No, we're not taking a ... Keep Reading...
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The Christian Woman I Will Never Be Again. What I Was Doing Wrong.
I hope you've gotten off to a great start in this new year; this period of 365 days that stretches out before us full of... What, exactly? What will 2014 look like? What do you want it to look like? What will you do over the next twelve months to make the year ahead better, easier, more productive than last year... to be more thoughtful, compassionate, attuned to needs in the world around you? I have my own list of things I'm choosing to focus on differently this year. I want to be the "new and improved" version of me when 2015 rolls around. In some areas, it's way past time... You don't have to know what's on my list–and I don't have to know what's on yours–but we can still encourage each ... Keep Reading...
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Light: A Christmas Theme
Today is the final post in the Themes of Christmas series. Some of you would like to keep going, but I know some of you are more than happy to move on. How about this? I'm going to swear off of 31-day series until at least next October; I'll reconsider then. But today, I have one important post I'd like to share with you as we end 2013 and look forward to a new year. I've thought a lot about Light over the past few days... ever since receiving an update from Brazil. I've shared with you about the new work Hope Unlimited for Children is beginning with the boys' prisons in Vitória, but last week we were asked to begin working with girls, too. I've told you how we've prayed for that opportunity, but we had no idea the ... Keep Reading...
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Bells: A Christmas Theme
Bells are one of my favorite elements of the holiday season, so I can't get to the end of this Themes of Christmas series without including them! Just think how many Christmas songs have the word "bells" in their title... Jingle Bells Silver Bells Carol of the Bells I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Jingle Bell Rock Come On, Ring Those Bells With Bells On (Don't know this one? It's an old favorite performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton back in 1984, and in my neck of the woods, we don't forget Dolly!) Can you think of others? A Bell theme is another one of those easy, don't-have-to-plan-ahead themes. Aren't those nice? All you need is BELLS. Bell ornaments, figurines, linens, music, wreaths, ... Keep Reading...
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Royalty (The Wisemen): A Christmas Theme
As promised yesterday... Today's theme is Royalty. Like the Shepherd theme, this one may come as a surprise to some of you, but it does have its place: Epiphany/Twelfth Day celebrations Your house features a different part of the Christmas story in each room Dinner party tables/serving stations feature the personalities in the nativity I couldn't decide between purple (the color of royalty) or gold... so I did inspiration boards for both! I'd love to do a lavish purple table, but I wanted you to see a more casual version – since not all of you like "lavish". Me? I like "lavish" ... a lot! I guess you won't be surprised to know this one's my favorite, will you? Elements to consider for a Royal ... Keep Reading...
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Stars: A Christmas Theme
Stars is a quick-and-easy theme because there are lots of ways to interpret it – and lots of stars available! (Peppermint was another super-easy theme in this series.) If you want your projects to be time-consuming, they certainly can be... but it's absolutely not necessary. Whew! Just be sure to sprinkle a little stardust all around... Stars are one of those shapes that provides visual rhythm while still being "simple". I love that! Does that make sense to anyone besides me? Sources: Cookies, wreath, ornament It's not hard to find sparkly, glitter-laden stars ... and rustic, grapevine-entwined stars ... and everything in between. What kind of "star party" would you like to ... Keep Reading...
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Angels: A Christmas Theme
An Angel theme has a lot in common with some other themes in this series: Nutcrackers, Santa Claus, Cardinals, Teddy Bears, Snowmen... even Peppermint. Wanna know how? Angels make for an easy "star of the show" – and they don't require a lot of complementary elements to pull off the theme. Angels, from simple styles to elegant, are perfectly happy adding their silent presence to our homes... decorating our Christmas trees... and attending our holiday dinners. They're an easy graphic for Christmas cards and invitations... Angels are important to the Christmas story because they played important roles in the early family story of Jesus: An angel appeared to Zechariah and foretold the birth of John ... Keep Reading...
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Shepherds: A Christmas Theme
Shepherds? As a Christmas theme? Hear me out... It's true the shepherds are just a tiny part of the Christmas story. It's also true that to focus solely on them would not present a clear and true picture of Christmas. BUT... I can imagine times when shepherds would be the perfect theme. What if you featured a different part of the Christmas story in each room of your house? Yep. One room would need a shepherd theme, wouldn't it? What if you hosted a dinner party and featured various personalities in the nativity at the different tables (or serving stations)? Uh huh. Shepherd theme. Elements to consider for a shepherd theme: Rough ... Keep Reading...
