Getting Back To Normal…

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 - Amy 3 Comments

The following is a guest post written by one of my very closest friends, Amanda Bell.

The past two weeks have been some of the most devastating weeks of my life. On Labor Day, 2014, I helped one of my closest friends give her husband a tattoo he’d been wanting for years on his right wrist, with a sharpie marker. My friend and I tucked her into bed next to him, wrapped his arm around her, and left them alone together. Less than five minutes later the Lord took him home.

Five days prior to that day, Jayson had surgery to remove a brain tumor. He had the very same surgery four years ago when they unexpectedly discovered a tumor. Four years ago surgery went well, the tumor was benign, and life went on. In July of this year an MRI discovered the tumor had returned. On Wednesday, August 27th, surgery went well. There were a few small pieces of the tumor they were unable to get out, but it was considered a successful surgery. Jay was eating, talking, laughing, and walking by that night. He even felt well enough for a visit from his six year old daughter the next day. Then things began to change. He became violently ill and was in unbearable pain. The next day they discovered that he was having some abnormal bleeding and swelling in his brain. They also got the devastating news that this tumor was cancerous, and aggressive. And within hours he was hit by a seizure so violent that is stopped his heart twice and he had to be put in a medically induced coma. For the next three days we slowly watched our friend slip away. And then he was gone.

The following days were a blur. Planning for Jay’s service, getting pictures and belongings together, financial planning, appointment scheduling, and trying to comfort Kelly and the girls the best we knew how. Kelly never ceased to amaze me with her strength and faith. Even in the depths of unimaginable pain, she has walked with strength and grace. She praised God in a darkness I can’t imagine, and through watching her I’ve been able to witness what true faith looks like.

I wasn’t always so strong, and I wasn’t always so Christ-like. I had some moments of ridiculous peace that were clearly from the Holy Spirit, but I’ve also had despair, immense sadness, and extreme anger. One afternoon while I was getting ready for Jay’s service, a well-meaning friend stopped me to offer condolences. He had seen the events of the past few days on Facebook. With good intentions, he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t worry, things will get back to normal in a few days’. I bit my lip, forced a smile, and walked away. But the words rang in my ears. ‘Back to normal in a few days’. I remember feeling like I couldn’t breathe, and like throwing up. The conversation was short, but the words have been on repeat in my mind for days.

Because he had inadvertently vocalized my worst fears – the exact opposite of the harsh reality we face. Things will never get back to normal, this side of heaven. There will be a new and different normal, some day, but normal will never look like it did. There’s no normal when a wife doesn’t have her husband, and two girls don’t have their daddy. Sure, the chaos of planning a memorial service will subside, but once the busyness subsides, real life sets in, and there’s nothing normal or okay about real life at the moment.

All week long I’ve milled this over. Even though it broke my heart, I knew what my friend meant. I’m sure it was something along the lines of ‘things will calm down and it won’t be so hectic’, or something, and I’m sure his intentions were not to be insensitive. But I can’t move past it. Those words hold a dangerous warning.

Because the truth is, for the rest of us, we could potentially get back to some sort of normal. We could go on with life, missing Jay when we allow ourselves to think about it, and thinking what a shame it is that Kelly is now a widow at age 32, and that a 6 and 2-year-old little girl don’t have a daddy. We could tell ourselves that there isn’t anything we can do for our friend, and that we don’t want to overstep our boundaries, so we will give her some space while she grieves and maybe send an occasional text to let her know we are praying for her.

But for our friend, there is no normal. Her partner of the last fourteen years made it to Heaven before her. And while she rejoices for him, she is faced with the reality of raising two girls on one income as a single mom. While she struggles through her own grief she has to parent her daughters through theirs. There’s nothing normal about that.

So after soul searching and ugly crying and seeking Jesus for days, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t ever want to get ‘back to normal’. Please God don’t let me ever get back to a normal where I take the people who are most dear to me for granted. I want a new normal.

I don’t want to waste time being irritated with my husband over things that don’t matter. I’m going to make it right. Now.

I don’t want to rush bedtimes with my babies. I’m going to soak in every second.

I don’t want to waste time on social media. I’m going to get face to face with those who matter most.

I don’t want to let insecurity hold me back. I’m going to embrace life fully.

I don’t want fear of awkwardness to stop me from sharing the Gospel of Jesus with people who are desperate to hear it. I’m going to be brave.

I don’t want to worry more about what people think of me than what the Lord thinks of me. I’m going to believe truth.

I don’t want to hide away because I’m afraid of what someone might say. I’m going to reach out, and be bold.

I don’t want to live in maybe, someday, or what if. I’m going to start today.

My friend, Jayson, lived his life for the glory of the Lord. He loved big, smiled bigger, and changed people’s lives. He impacted more people and won more souls to Christ in his 32 years on earth than some people do in 90. For the honor of my friend, and for the sake of the gospel, I pray things never get back to normal. I’m ready to embrace the new normal. And it starts now.

When His Plan Is Different Than Ours

September 8, 2014September 8, 2014 - Amy 2 Comments

I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago when I was having trouble dealing with some things that didn’t go the way I wanted them to go. Since I wrote this, a very dear friend of ours passed away. Him leaving this earth so early was not in anyone’s plan. It certainly was not in his precious wife and daughters’ plan. I could not have known this was going to happen and I find it so amazing that God put these words on my heart that day for such a time as this. Dear God, we know that you have reasons for things that are beyond our comprehension. Your foolishness is wiser than any human wisdom and your weakness is stronger than our human strength. Thank you for your peace, your joy in the midst of pain, and for surrounding those in need with comfort and love.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Roman 8:28

I slowly opened my sleep-filled eyes. I felt fully rested and I wondered how long until my alarm would blare its obnoxious tune at me. I decided to take a gander at the clock. Seven o’clock am on the dot. Wait. Seven o’clock? I get up at Six fifteen! NOOOOO! The bus had gone by five minutes ago, but I could still get my daughter to the school on time if I hurried.

Trying not to kick it into freak-out mode, I woke up my younger daughter who I’m pretty sure was in deep REM sleep because she wouldn’t move a muscle for the first five minutes of my attempts. I threw on my flip-flops (still in my pjs mind you), grabbed a couple of twinkies (for breakfast? yes, I’m a horrible mother), and loaded everyone up and headed for school. Not a single person’s hair in that car was brushed, let alone their teeth. Two of us were still in our pjs, breakfast was less than nutritional, and all of us were half asleep, but by golly my daughter was going to make it to school on time!

I couldn’t help but think that this is the way that my life always seems to go. I can make a perfectly laid out meal plan that we won’t stick to. We have a budget and then our van needs a major repair that wasn’t in said budget. I can make cornbread, but forget the baking powder and it’s now a corn cookie.

We all have our plans don’t we? It surprises us when things happen differently than we planned. I planned for that alarm to go off and make sure that we were all ready for school. I was extremely surprised to wake up much later than I should have.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes the best thing we can do is give our plans to the Lord and trust that they will turn out the way He intends.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. – Psalm 37:5

In the end, God’s Will reigns supreme. He is in control even when we lose that control. It’s hard. It’s messy. Sometimes we white knuckle those plans in our fleshly attempts to regain the control from God. Learning to turn them over in the beginning makes dealing with the outcome so much easier. #preachingtomyself

Whatever we face, even in the change, we can take comfort knowing that our loving and sovereign God has the ultimate plan. And sometimes it may involve your cornbread being a rock-hard cookie instead.

Five Things A Daughter Needs From Her Father

August 29, 2014August 29, 2014 - Amy Leave a comment

This one is for all the fathers out there. It seems as though there is a lot of emphasis on the role of a mother in a family. But today I really want to focus on fathers. Specifically, a relationship between a father and his daughter. A father has an impact on his daughter’s life the way a mother cannot.

This planet is such a influencing place. A strong male role model is so important in a daughter’s life. From birth all the way into adulthood, women are essentially shaped by the relationships they have with our fathers. Without a father’s influence, a girl will look to the world to find her identity and reassurance for herself and this can leave permanent effect on her life. Her behavior, self-esteem, emotional stability, and mental health can all depend heavily on the love from her father.

The Bible paints a clear picture of how important a daddy’s love is with how we are loved by God himself. God sent Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for His children. I can’t think of a bigger gesture of a father’s love than that. And we are to live as close to his example as we can.

While a mother certainly has her place in a daughter’s life, nothing can compare with a father’s love. It’s never too late to put these things things into practice.

1. Love Her Mother

One of the biggest things a father can give is an example of love towards his wife. Daughters watch these things and learn from them. She watches for the way he expresses his love for his wife. Spoken words, gestures, tones, affection, respect. Theses are all ways that she learns what a loving relationship looks like. They become the example she goes by when looking for a husband later in life. Believe it or not, this will also shape the way sees intimacy when she is married.

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. – Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

If there is a divorce involved, the best thing a dad can do for his daughter is to be respectful towards his ex-wife. There is nothing worse for a girl to hear, than negative comments about her mother. Respect is key.

2. Presence

A daughter needs her father to be involved in her life. Not just when she is young, but also as a teenager and even an adult. Simple conversations with her and interest in activities. These are opportunities to really dig in deep to help out with her physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Isn’t that sneaky? She may never know that this time invested is shaping the way she perceives herself and the world, but it will make a HUGE difference in her life.

Daddy-daughter dates are great ways to catch up with each other. Find out what’s going on in her life and be intentional in creating a firm relationship. Take this time to go out and have fun making memories. Teach her to ride a bike. Let her paint your nails! Ok come on, let go of your manly pride for 10 minutes so your princess can paint your nails. Take her for driving lessons when she gets her permit.

And most importantly, show up to all of her firsts and big events. It will mean the world to her that you are there to support her. From the first day of kindergarten to her wedding day and every little-big thing in between, share in the excitement of things she will remember forever. Cherish every moment.

3. Verbal Affirmation

Daughters naturally want the approval of their father. Not necessarily the “you are the most amazing and gorgeous daughter that ever walked the earth” kind of approval, but genuine and simple words that remind them that they are loved. They want to know that they matter. That they are accepted no matter what. That they are enough just the way they are.

Daughters need their fathers to tell them that they are valued even when the world may not. Simple encouragements like “you are so creative!”and “I’m proud of you” go a long way to boost a girl’s self-esteem. Each positive affirmation a stepping stone that leads to confidence and good self-esteem. It will become what she believes about herself.

A father’s love will make a big difference by what he says and doesn’t say.

4. Know She Is Beautiful

This is a HUGE part of building confidence and self-esteem. A daughter needs to know that she is beautiful in her daddy’s eyes. Beauty is not just skin deep. Girls need to know that they are beautiful inside too. The world likes to define beauty as a certain body type, hair color, etc. Fathers help to make sure that those things DO NOT define her beauty. This is so essential in the development of a healthy body-image.

Most importantly, tell her that she is perfect just the way that she is. Let her know that God made her perfectly.

I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works,
And that my soul knows very well. – Psalm 139:14

Compliment her smile. Verbalize that she is beautiful. She needs to hear this from her father.

5. Protection

A father’s protection is so crucial in all stages of life. In the beginning there’s bad dreams, stranger danger, and bullies. Later on, that protection is needed for her heart and emotional needs, too. Whether girls realize it at the time or not, they are depending on their father to help them develop morals and value themselves. Fathers protect their daughter’s value by showing them how special they are. Know who she is spending time with. Be there when she needs you to listen. Point her in the right direction when she is having trouble on her path.

Daughters need their fathers to cover them in prayer. In the trials she will go through she needs a strong spiritual leader to lead her to Jesus and pray over her. The enemy is afraid of the powerful prayer of a father for his daughter. What a great time of teaching and example this will be for her to learn how to pray.

The Minister Mom

August 25, 2014 - Amy Leave a comment

The following is a guest post written by my dear friend, Amy Ford.

Have you ever found yourself doing nothing you always thought you would do?

You know, that list you made in your freshman year of college with all the things you’d accomplish by twenty-five, by thirty: the charming husband, the master’s degree, the Mediterranean cruise, the book, the baby, the office, the perfect dress size? Have you ever looked at that list which so succinctly quantified success in your eyes and felt like a deflated balloon?

Have you ever found yourself doing everything you never thought you would do?

This is the other list: the mental one. It is full of the judgments and vows we put on ourselves when observing the rest of the world. “I’ll never be that kind of wife/mother/employee/woman.” “I could never live that life.” “I cannot take that kind of risk.”

Whoever first vocalized the adage, “The surest way to make God laugh is to tell Him what you’re going to do (or what you’re not going to do),” was, quite possibly, the wisest person ever.

Okay, I do like to exaggerate, but grant me some poetic license.

This proverb, dear readers, is the story of my adult life. And there are days, honestly, when I look at my life and wonder what my role is and what I am supposed to be doing. Am I doing everything the Lord wants? How do I advance the Kingdom when life and motherhood leave me in survival mode? Behind the endless cracker crumbs and diaper changes and recitations of Pat the Bunny, did I lose the person I thought I was?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9, NIV

In the swirl, I do not feel chosen, nor royal, holy, or even special. But I do know that I have been called out of darkness into wonderful light, and for that, I have a purpose: to declare the praises of him who called me.

In a worship meeting, as this verse marched through my mind, I remembered the priests of my childhood Catholic church walking down the aisle, like a bride, carrying a silver pot of incense, swinging from a chain. The fragrance permeated the sanctuary. Even if you could not see the priest, you could smell the incense.

We are a priesthood, you and I. Not just your pastor or your husband – you. And if we claim no other calling, we must embrace this one. A priest tends the flame. A priest keeps the fragrance burning. A priest welcomes the presence of the Lord. In fact, he (or she) never leaves His presence.

In my upside-down place of wondering where I fit in, what I should be doing, I, we, must find our place as priests first. My children should see me tending the fire on the altar of praise between the simple walls of my home. My neighbors should sense the sweet perfume as they pass us walking the dog. In my church, in my community, across oceans, and wherever God calls me, I find rest for my soul in my job as priest, and I pray the incense of my life permeates the places I tread, drawing others to Him.

I find that the fragments of identity and purpose fall into place when I focus on a life of praise. I pray that we all embrace this, our calling. If we can do nothing else for God, this is our sufficient destiny! We are chosen ones, holy ones, keepers of the flame and carriers of the Divine presence. We are lifters of praises.

Amy is a writer, Christ-follower, wife, mother, and recovering middle school English teacher. She lives just south of her native Nashville with her husband of eleven years and her two gorgeous and brilliant children (she also wrote this profile herself, in case you couldn’t tell).

Amy has a passion for youth ministry, the arts, and teaching. She looks for the good, noble, lovely, and true in everything — for that is where God’s imprint is found.

Read more from Amy at her personal blog, Epiphany.

Review: Mercy Rule DVD

August 18, 2014August 23, 2014 - Amy 9 Comments

We have family night every so often around here. These family nights include a movie, playing a game, or riding bikes. We can’t forget the ice cream sundaes or really sugary junk food either! I can’t tell you how excited the girls get when they find out we’re having a family night! They know they are going to stay up past bedtime and eat junk food. Who wouldn’t get excited about that?

It’s hard to find family-friendly movies these days. Or ones we haven’t seen a bazillion times. *cough Frozen cough* We are protective with what the girls watch. Ratings for both TV and movies have become so lax these days. Seems like PG-13 has become the new Rated R. With all the foul language and sexual innuendo, it’s hard to trust even the ratings.

I was excited when Family Christian gave me to opportunity to review the new Mercy Rule DVD. Obviously, we immediately planned a family night! I made us some homemade cobbler topped with ice cream and we watched the movie together. Lights off, blankets and pillows galore, and it was a fun night.

Mercy Rule had a good story line with some suspense and even some baseball action. The whole movie was centered around baseball, which my family has no interest but that didn’t make us like the movie any less. I think the main point of the film was not to quit or give up. And also to know that no matter what the outcome of a situation, as long as you have love and family, you can get through anything together.

The film did have some references to smoking and drinking in it, which wasn’t expected, but we didn’t think it was too inappropriate. There were times when it was slow to getting to point. They used slow motion a LOT in the movie, so be ready for that. I’m sure it was for dramatic effect, but was a little confusing at times. Tim Hawkins (hilarious) is in the movie and he kept us laughing. It didn’t scream Jesus and spread the gospel like some would expect, but it is good clean family fun. Overall we really liked the movie.

I am so excited to give one of YOU the opportunity to have this movie for YOUR next family night! They are providing me with a copy to give away to one of you.

Mercy Rule DVD Giveaway

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This giveaway will end on Friday, August 22nd at 8:59pm CT. I will contact the winner on August 23rd and they will have 24 hours to respond. If I have not heard from them in 24 hours, I will name a new winner. This giveaway is open to those in the US only.

I received a copy of Mercy Rule for the purpose of review by Family Christian. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Blessed By God, Hated By The World

July 30, 2014August 7, 2014 - Amy 2 Comments

I was on Facebook the other day. Shocker really. And I happened across a poll about the new movie (from the books) Fifty Shades of Grey coming out. It was a poll asking whether people thought it was considered “porn” or not. Aside from what I thought, I read through some of the comments just to see what others were saying.

I’ve never read the books and don’t intend to.

I came across a comment that left me encouraged in my faith, believe it or not. On a poll about porn, no less. Yes God! Even you are there.

The woman stated that she began reading the first book and became convicted by the Holy Spirit so she stopped reading. She said that if Jesus came back today, she wouldn’t want to be holding that book. In her opinion it was porn and she would have no part of it.

I began reading through the replies to her comment/opinion and watched as people began to leave negative remarks about her. They were making fun of her “religious” views and even criticized Christians in general. She stuck to her faith and beliefs and never once said a negative thing about anyone who was bashing her. Many times saying “Jesus loves you” or “have a blessed day”.

In the midst of persecution, we are also blessed!

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
– 1 Peter 4:14

How many times do we let the world’s view overshadow what we truly believe? Are there opportunities that we miss because we are afraid of being insulted or persecuted? The Bible says that we are BLESSED in these circumstances.

Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
– Luke 6:22

When I am hated, insulted, and rejected- I am actually blessed? It’s true! When we stand against the world in the name of Christ, we are renewed and blessed.

It’s funny how a silly Facebook poll can inspire us stand firm in our faith. I love how God can use the world to show us not to conform to it.

Gathering Recipes: Homemade Ice Cream Cake

May 23, 2014 - Amy 3 Comments

My daughter’s birthday was a couple of weeks ago and the theme was none other than that of the movie Frozen. If the chorus of Let It Go is currently going through your head now, then I’m sorry. No I’m not. It’s a good song.

Just a teensie bit played out by the millions of fanatical princess-loving girls (and everyone on earth) out there. My husband begs us to let go of that song.

Naturally, at a Frozen party you’ll want to have a frozen cake. AKA ice cream cake. I’ve made them before, but with nothing but ice cream sandwiches. I thought that I might try something a little different this time and see what I was really capable of. To my surprise, a cake that looks like it came from DQ itself is actually really, very easy to make! It’s even better to eat than it looks.

One thing that you will need is a springform pan. Not everyone has one of these, but if you don’t I highly suggest that you get one. I think they are the key to making any food look fancy. Amazon has a CuisinArt 9-Inch Springform Pan for $13.95. Or look at your local thrift store! They have them all the time. I saw them all the time and thought they looked like some crazy cooking contraptions that I’d never figured out. Look at me now!

Start by coating your pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then place a strip of wax paper around the edge. This makes it easier to remove when it’s all done. And beautiful.

Fast-forwarding with the magic of blogging, cut ice cream sandwiches in 4ths and stand them up around the edges. This is what it will look like once you’ve gotten all the way around.

After creating an easy Oreo crust, you layer 3 flavors of softened ice cream in the middle. Let freeze a bit before adding the whipped topping and sprinkles of cookies.

It was almost too pretty to eat!

Almost…

Homemade Ice Cream Cake

2014-05-23 11:20:01

A simple yet amazingly beautiful ice cream cake made in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

18 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
1 tbsp milk
8-10 ice cream sandwiches (depending on the size of your pan)
3 pints ice cream of your choice
1 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

Begin by removing your ice cream from the freezer. Let thaw and once its soft around the edges, transfer to bowls so the middle can thaw. Give it a good stir.
Meanwhile, throw 15 chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor to crush finely. You can also do this by hand if you don't have a food processor. I usually do this ahead of time to save time when assembling the cake. Once crushed, mix in the tablespoon of milk to create a crust mixture.
Coat the bottom and sides of a springform pan with cooking spray. Cut a thick strip of wax paper and place it around the edges of the pan. The cooking spray will help it to stick. Cut any excess off the top.
Cut each ice cream sandwich into 4ths and place standing up around the edges of the pan. It will appear like a wreath.
Using your created crust mixture, press into the bottom of the pan evening it out all the way around.
Pour your softened ice cream into the middle of the pan. Smooth out evenly. Continue with the other 2 pints of ice cream.
At this point, I like to place my cakes into the freeze for about 30 minutes or so to firm up a bit before adding the whipped topping.
Take out of the freezer and using a piping bag and tip or simply a ziploc bag with the tip cut, fill with whipped topping and add dollops all of the top of the cake.
Crush your last 3 chocolate sandwich cookies and sprinkle over the top.
Freeze for a couple of hours (or best overnight) and serve!

By Gathering Grain

Adapted from Family Circle

Regarding Grace http://www.regardinggrace.com/

Motherhood and Hamster Wheels

May 21, 2014May 21, 2014 - Amy Leave a comment

It’s been one of those days. It’s really just been the second half, but that half felt like an eternity so we’ll call it a full day. One of those days where you’re just so thankful that it’s really over. I’m supposed to be finishing up my post on my ice cream cake, so I apologize if you were on pins and needles for that. It’s totally worth the wait.

Do you ever feel like a mean mommy? Like all you ever say is no, and stop that, or you’re in time out? In my head I imagine motherhood as this picture of a loving embrace followed by encouragement and topped with a side of smiles. But sometimes it’s not all rainbows and butterflies is it? Ahem, uh…no.

There are temper tantrums, spats, poopy diapers, back-talk, fits, arguments, vomits (hey, it’s nasty but true), broken expensive electronic devices, sleepless nights, head-butting, literal head-butting, forgotten lunch boxes, filthy floors, answering the why question a hundred times a day, doling out money like it grows on trees, never having a clean car, screaming, peeing when you sneeze (like even 2 years after you had your child), cleaning your house only to have it destroyed again in 2.5 seconds, and the most important thing that real motherhood is…

…the realization that perfection is unreachable.

How can that be possible when I try so stinkin’ hard to achieve it? I give 110% each and every single day to avoid each and everything listed above. Come on, making up the lunchbox the night before has got to count for something right?

Wrong.

Wait. I’m confused.

So even if I give 1,000,000% to my children, I’ll still never get it perfectly right?

Right.

Well, that’s a complete bummer. I mean that is one high bar, dude.

As a mom of 2 younger girls, I am being tested everyday with this concept. It’s a little hard to accept for us moms isn’t it? It can feel like a hamster wheel. The customers at the pet store are just staring at us, snickering to themselves because they know that we aren’t ever going to get anywhere.

And yet you can’t help but wonder what the purpose of the wheel being there actually is. Am I right? I mean I can’t help but think how silly these teenie, tiny, little fur balls are justa running their tails off going in a circle. Here’s an interesting perspective…

The reason hamsters adore hamster wheels is easy: The tiny rodents are born to run. It comes naturally to them. Hamsters truly enjoy running, plain and simple, and their species as a whole are very energetic and lively.
According to the ASPCA, hamsters in their natural habitat might run up to 5 miles every night in their quest for sustenance. (source)

So you’re telling me that hamsters run up to 5 stinkin’ miles every night because they simply enjoy it?

Hamster wheels are 100 percent vital for keeping hamsters happy, healthy and physically fit. These creatures absolutely need to run. If you want to make sure your tiny pet remains in glowing health — not only in body, but also in mind — a hamster wheel is the way to go.

Getting absolutely nowhere and just enjoying the run is vital to the life of a hamster. How is it that God is using a hamster to speak to me tonight? He sure does have a sense of humor.

Even through the difficult days like I’ve had today, I’m reminded of God’s grace. Grace that means a furry little rodent running for miles only to end up where he began is still joyful. Grace that means even when I have a bad day I’ll get a fresh start tomorrow. And oh Jesus, it’s grace that means that even though I will never (ever, ever, ever) achieve perfection in this motherhood thing, I really can let go and enjoy the journey with the freedom that the 110% that I give is enough.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

DIY Napkin Nappies (Diapers)

May 9, 2014May 9, 2014 - Amy 3 Comments

Ok so first off, a “nappy” is the British term for diapers. No, I’m not British. I do, however, have a very big love for everything British and one day hope to go back just to hear them talk.

And second off, EVERYONE is pregnant! Maybe not everyone. Certainly not me. But there are many who are expecting little bundles of joy soon!

I got the honor to make some of these Napkin Nappies for a shower recently to put nuts and mints in. I think that my favorite part about these, besides the fact that they are so darn cute, is that they are so inexpensive to make. You might even have the materials already on-hand! So cute for any shower, both boy or girl! When I was making these, I kept walking around saying, Would you like some nuts from a nappy?

I grabbed the blue napkins at Dollar Tree and also some safety pins since I can never find those at home. Those are one of those things that I tend to buy each time I can’t find them and then end up with 20 packages of safety pins when I’m not looking. Thermometers are in the same boat. I have 10 of them…

Here are the steps that even an ape can do!

Start by folding the napkin in half into a triangle.

Next, fold the tip of the triangle up until it reaches the top edge.

Then, take the right corner and fold it in towards the middle, overlapping the middle by a little.

Fold the right corner into the middle as well, overlapping the left corner like so.

Using a safety pin (watch your fingers!), pin through all layers starting on one side and pushing through to the front again.

And there you have a simple, yet adorable way to serve little goodies for your baby shower!

Have you ever made these before? If you plan to try, let me know how it goes!

Coleman Cooler Bundle + $15 Coupon Book $24.97!

May 6, 2014 - Amy Leave a comment

It’s time to go camping! Or pretend to anyways. Even if it’s in your backyard..

Walmart has a deal on a cooler set today. This Coleman Cooler Bundle is just $24.97 and comes with a FREE $15 coupon book as well! Bundle includes:

Coleman 48-Quart Cooler (holds 63 cans plus ice and is tall enough for 2L bottles)
1/3 Gallon Jug (has a wide mouth, screw-on cap and flip-top spout for easy pouring)
5-Quart Cooler (holds up to 6 cans)
Coleman Cooler Summer $15+ Value Added Coupon Book includes coupons and special offers from brands like Coleman, FoodSaver, Vlasic, Pepcid, Milo’s Kitchen, Dixie, Ball Park, Kingsford and Kibbles ‘n Bits

Select in-store pick-up to avoid shipping charges!

You can shop through TopCashBack.com to get 4% cashback on this deal as well!