God’s quieting love, thanksgiving banners and more!

 

I love this time of year. We are terribly busy running from obligation to obligation but then I get a day like today. A day to just “be” at home. A day to create or not, a day to play with my kids—homework free. A day to bake and do laundry (not that I enjoy the laundry part, but it’s nice to have it done). In a time that is so full of school and church activities, sports and volunteering, meal preparing and shopping it feels good to stop and just “be”. I recently came across an amazing verse that I  had never followed through to the end and really  owned it.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17.

How wonderful it is that our Lord will rejoice over us with singing! We worship, we sing, we praise Him. I know God loves me but never considered it brought Him to the point of singing, but why not? “He will quiet you with His love”. What an awesome statement! I know I need quieted, when my mind is running amuck with thoughts of the next art project for class, what can I do for my kid’s teachers this year, what dish should I make for homecoming, I really need a haircut, the vacuum cleaner is broken, did I remember the shin guards… The list goes on, but He can quiet those thoughts, and still my soul with His love. Hallelujah!

Now that I am off my spiritual ramblings, what I have been up to today. I have to say I am a little proud. I finished my first Thanksgiving banner and love it! Thanks to my lovely friend Brittany for cutting and stenciling in her spare time and another terribly crafty girl I know (Callie) for the inspiration. I love crafty goodies—but I am not the person that sees a pile of supplies and artfully whips up a center piece or fashions handmade clothing. I can however appreciate another’s amazing talent and borrow their ideas and make it work for my purposes. I have also ventured into some hair-bow making, I am in love with little twisted fabric flowers. I baked pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin rolls, and a pan of chocolate delight along with a crockpot dinner and homemade mac and cheese. In between, I have washed and folded (note:not put away) 10 loads of laundry. All while entertaining the kids. I forgot the best part my grocery shopping at 7am this morning was terribly successful! I saved more than I spent, which always puts a spring in my step. $68.34 for all my Thanksgiving and weekly needs and a savings of $76.97. I LOVE Publix.

Ansley’s Thanksgiving hairbow

 

Before and after, super cute gift that I received from a student and had to recreate for my kids teachers… Yes, that is toilet paper!

 

This will eventually hang on my mom’s mantle, but I couldn’t wait to see it all the way up.

Lovin’ my banner!

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever!