His mercies are new every morning

...and we're off to start yet another week.  Monday morning is not my favorite morning of the week, that's for sure.  The to do lists, the week's worth of lunches to be made, the piano practicing, the homework to be reviewed, the groceries to be bought, and the other errands to be completed, it can seem over whelming some weeks.  *sigh*.  I'm off to a better start when I keep it in perspective.  Taking time to connect with my Father, and seek His will for my life one day at a time is never a waste of time.  When considering the tasks ahead for the week I find peace in what scripture tells us in the book of Lamentations...

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.” 

With that truth in my heart, and that wisdom in my mind I look forward to the blessing of another week on this earth.  More opportunities to love, and serve: as a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a daughter-in-law, and so on and so on.  When the temptation is to feel overwhelmed I will stop and remember that His mercies are new every morning, He is my daily portion, and in Him all will come to be as it should be.

Happy Monday friends!

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Last weekend of the month

Helloooo weekend, how happy I am to see you.  Well, mostly happy this is, if I'm being honest.  This is a very busy time of year for our family.   The kids' activities keep us quite busy.  If it's not piano, and the upcoming Composition recital, or Dance classes and the upcoming Manitoba Dance Festival or National Dance Championships, then it's church commitments, and/or birthday parties.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy watching each of my girls participate in these activities.  They are not over committed in any way, each one is only involved in 2 activities outside of school.  It just keeps my husband and I fairly busy.  We don't complain about it, and feel very blessed that we are able to provide them with these opportunities, and support each of them in their love of music, and dance, and serving in church.  The luxury of two vehicles really helps us divide and conquer, and the friendships we've made through these activities are sweet blessings.  So, even though there's Youth Group, Dance, Dance, more Dance, and Church activities this weekend, it's also the last weekend of the month.  That means that not only is March right around the corner, and hopefully Spring as well, but it's Date Night on Saturday for the grownups- yah!  For D and I, this is a big deal.  Having been married for 15 years now (I know, I can hardly believe it myself.  It wasn't all that long ago that we were only dreaming of marriage and family), we've become really familiar with the 'routine' of parenting and marriage.  Although partnering well is an invaluable asset to a happy married life, it's not what keeps a marriage rich, nor is it what keeps the romance, or Eros love, if you will, alive.  It wasn't too long ago that we realized this had become our reality.  We had forgotten about building into our relationship.  We were simply maintaining the family, being really good partners.  It's no surprise that eventually we found ourselves missing that 'special something' between us.  There was lots of efficiency, but not a whole lot of joy.  We realized that we'd put our our kids' needs, and the managing of our home ahead of our marriage.  In the midst of everything' we'd forgotten to tend to the nurturing of our relationship one to another.  We made a choice at that point to commit to an official Date Night.  The last weekend of the month means we get to slice out some time just for us.  It's not much, only a few hours on Saturday night, but it's all ours, no kids, or friends allowed.  A chance to connect, and talk about things other than the kids, work, lessons, bills, and the like.  A chance to dream about the future, take stock of how we're really doing together, and just enjoy one another's company.  The last weekend of the moth is all about us, nurturing our relationship, catching up on the other person's life over the last month: the ups and the downs, and simply living out Hebrews 10:25 which says "let us encourage one another."   So let the weekend begin!  Here's to some fun marriage enrichment.  I'll leave you with a layout I made depicting just how much fun we have when Date Night means going to a football game (only 4 more months until we can do that again).  Hope your weekend is fulfilling, and that you find yourself the recipient of a few kind words, a hug or two, and some good old fashion love & appreciation.  It wouldn't hurt to give some out either.

Happy Friday everyone.

Supplies used: mostly Crate, and MME products, some Jillibean, and a few miscellaneous elements

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Welcome here!

Hi there,

Welcome here.  For the longest time I've been a fan of other people's blogs.  Scrappy blogs, spiritual blogs, and others that catch my attention along the way.  I've always enjoyed getting to know someone new.  For as long as I can remember I've been an outgoing person who looks for the wall flowers in the room and tries to get to know a little bit about them.  To be honest, that habit, on occasion, has resulted in my being labeled as nosy.  It's not out of a sense of personal gain, however, that I seek to know others, but more out of a knowledge that we're all looking to belong.  We all want to know that we matter to the rest of the world, that our existence isn't simply for not: we're born, we live, we die.  No, at the core each of us hopes that we matter to someone.  So, that's how I live my life, seeking to really know the people with whom I come into contact.  In my profile I've written this "I am a girl who loves Jesus, and her family above all else. I love the power of story and believe we become a better place collectively when we choose to learn more about each other. Our unique story, with it's ups and downs, it's similarities and differences have the power to transform us into more loving, compassionate and grateful individuals. So this is my story."

I know there are a lot of blogs out there, many of which will be much prettier, and better laid out, more informative, and compelling, with writers who are seasoned in the craft, and who have more words of wisdom.  Starting this blog isn't for them, however.  Starting up this blog is for me.  A challenge in many ways to set push myself beyond my limits.  To allow others into my world, just as I seek to learn a little about theirs.  It's also a place where I will share my joy of scrapbooking, and what I'm learning in my relationship with Jesus.  If those are compelling enough reasons for you to want to stay and get comfortable, then I sincerely welcome you here.  For, the rest who are simply passing through, thanks so much for popping by and may you be blessed as you continue on your way.

 Here's to new beginnings friend.  In the meantime I'll leave you with a layout I completed recently about myself (that's a very rare thing indeed!)

Products: Webster's Pages papers, stickers, and feather/flower element, Cosmo Cricket alphas, and misc trim

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