"Life: Beautiful"

While we were over at my in-laws celebrating my father-in-law's birthday on Sunday, (Happy Birthday Jim!), my mother-in-law was gracious enough to let me take home a beautiful new magazine I was browsing through.  It's a Christian magazine called LIFE: BEAUTIFUL - Faith For Your Journey.  The pictures are gorgeous, the craft, gift, and recipe ideas are wonderful, and it's free from advertisements!  There are also some wonderfully encouraging articles in it, a monthly bible reading schedule, and it's filled with beautiful pics.  Hopefully I'll have a project to share from it soon!

This is the issue I have -

Thank you Carolyn!  (Don't worry, I'll be happy to return it whenever you would like. :)

Check out that beautiful ruffled pillow!

Who knew there was such a thing as "Mother-in-law's Tongue" pasta?!  It's that beautifully fun, striped pasta.  I found the following picture (and a delicous sounding  recipe - Spicy Garlic Rosemary Shrimp and Pasta at Don't Forget Delicious!) :

This picture accompanied a beautiful article on drawing near to Jesus, a topic that is close to my heart and quite a huge part of what God is teaching me right now!  My friend Amy over at New Nostalgia has written a fabulous post about her prayer bench here.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:5

Jesus and Gingersnaps

This post is two-fold: to share what is on my heart in this moment, and to bless you with an awesome recipe that blessed me last night.  Because I know you need the perfect snack to go with that Pumpkin Spice Latte!!!  Last night I had a few lovely gals over for the beginning of our next Bible study, "He Speaks to Me," by Priscilla Shirer.  I have been so excited to dig into this study.   But just before we got started I made the best gingersnaps ever, using Darby's recipe from the blog, "Fly Through Our Window."  YUM.  They were super easy and really awesome.  I have always wanted to make this, and I am so glad I did.  Check out the recipe here.

Now for the super sweet stuff.  I have heard it said before and Priscilla mentioned it again last night - often times when we think we are waiting on God, he could very well be waiting on us.  In my heart of hearts I want to be available to God; I want to be surrendered to however he might desire to use me to participate in what he is doing in the world.  Yet I am realizing more and more that when you take a step back, you'll see that the action is happening close to him.  Fruit is produced out of those connected to the vine.  He has designed us to be a part of his great plan, and yet he graciously allows us to choose to stay where we are, or get up and participate.  He invites us to draw near to him so we will be at the ready and in tune to his still, small voice when he asks us to act.  I certainly do not want to miss out.  I know he is pursuing me, but it is I that must take the action of moving towards him. I am becoming increasingly honest daily about my desperate need for him, and I am learning to run to the Word he has left for us, where I know he will faithfully meet me every time. 

So here I sit in my big comfy chair on this peaceful Fall day, knowing God has so much to share with me if I will get alone with him.  Several of the verses I am planning to read further about today have been prompted by the powerful Max Lucado book I mentioned yesterday.  He talks about how Peter spoke of preparing himself for the persecution that was inevitable as he followed Christ.  This is from pg. 81:

"Peter said it this way.  'Don't give the opposition a second thought.  Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.  Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy' (1 Peter 3:14-15 The Message)."

Referencing Peter's posture in this passage, Max says my favorite thing in the whole book so far:

"So how can we prepare ourselves?  Simple.  Imitate the disciples.  Linger long and often in the presence of Christ.  Meditate on his grace.  Ponder his love.  Memorize his words.  Gaze into his face.  Talk to him.  Courage comes as we live with Jesus."

I am going to do that right now...

Miscellany Monday and a 'Thank You' Giveaway!!!

Happy Miscellany Monday everyone!  I am so thankful for another beautiful weekend we have been able to enjoy over the last couple days.  Here's today's miscellany for me...

1.  My first giveaway!  Thank you, THANK YOU for being so supportive and encouraging of me on this little blog of mine.  I am so excited to have some lovely new followers.  I sincerely love the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged by people I have never met in person, but whose hearts I can totally relate to.  This little piece of the world-wide-web has blessed me with moments of sweet joy.  I set a goal to have my first giveaway when I reached 50 followers, and thanks to the lovely Laura from Just For Love, I reached this goal yesterday!  So here's what I'm giving away:

Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life

This book is crazy good.  A "full of powerful truth, gets you in the gut, calls you to action" kind of good.  All the proceeds go to World Vision, an organization that also sponsors and supports those around the world who need it most.  Each chapter of this book gets more and more convicting, calling us to live out the lives Jesus called us to, so in essence we grasp the opportunity to "out live our lives," or do something beyond our own personal, temporary desires and gains.  He highlights the joy and fruit of living for God's glory, rather than our own.  I am reading it, and would love for you to read along!!  Watch a video of the vision of this book here.

And, just for fun, the other part of this giveaway is one of my headband creations, in whatever color you would like!

Please be a follower to participate...I love blog-world friends! :)

3 ways to enter -

1. Leave a comment telling me the most recent thing you've read, heard or done that's challenged you to change the way you live your life.

2.  Leave a comment telling me what headband you like best so far.

3. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment telling me you did.

(You can do one or all three, depending on how many times you would like to be entered; each comment is a separate entry!)

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday, October 20th.

2. Sweet Saturday.  Last week I answered some "tag" questions about my perfect Saturday.  Well, this past one was pretty great.  After I slept in for a bit, Kevin and I loaded up Chai, our Bibles, a handful of books and headed down the road to a cute little cafe that is relatively new to the area.  We have never been there before, but it has a good chance of becoming our new favorite place.  After some reading, studying, drinking tea, and enjoying the most fabulous lunch, we walked to a close by walking trail and enjoyed a hike in the sunshine.  What a relaxing and fun Fall day we had!  "No make-up" days are the best.

(Kevin, trying to look pensive.  It's working for you babe.)

Mine was a roasted vegetable sandwich with goat cheese, asparagus, portabella mushrooms and roasted red peppers - Yum!

3.  Baby boy necessity?  I recently mentioned I have a new nephew, and I am thinking it might be cute to order some "pee-pee tee pees" for them, as this is their first boy.  But what do I know...have any of you ever tried these cute little contraptions, or are they not really practical?  It seems like a good idea...

PPTP on Etsy - On sale for $4.00!

Sprinkler Covers from This and That Etc. on Etsy - $14.00

4.  Ten Kids, No Pets.  If you are looking for a fun read-aloud, I love "Ten Kids, No Pets," my most favorite and memorable story that my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Escott read to our class.  was so excited to come across it at the library last week and start reading it to my student.  Such a cute story.  Of course Ann M. Martin has a special place in my heart, as I'm pretty sure I read every single "Babysitter's Club" book she wrote!  (I was an official "club member".) :)  Oh the joys of childhood!

5.  I have only had one latte from Starbucks in the last week!!  I am, however, drowning myself in green tea.  Espresso, I love you...but I have to learn to live without you.

Happy Miscellany Monday to you!!

Let Us Pray

I'm sure all of you have noticed how awesome this "date" in history is. October 10, 2010. It's crazy to think a day like this won't come around for 100 years!  Kevin and I have some friends due any time with their little girl, and I was so hoping she would come today!  I love the idea from Extravagant Grace to designate this day to prayer. I have experienced the power of prayer in my own life, I've seen God powerfully move through it in others, and I encourage you to speak boldly with your Savior as well.  I have friends and family struggling with illness, heartache, and pain, as I know we all do.  We also have so many reasons to rejoice and be grateful.  We are desperate for our Father in heaven, as he is the the great Healer and the ultimate Redeemer.  How awesome is it that we have the opportunity to "approach the throne of grace with confidence!" Do not miss this beautiful privilege.  I love Steven Curtis Chapman's old but great song, "Let Us Pray," which I've posted as an extra "Song for the Sabbath" today.

Also, to commemorate this special day in our history, devote 10 minutes today to praying for the first 10 people God brings on your heart.  I would also personally encourage you to ask God to lay on your heart how he would love to use you to minister to orphans, the poor, needy, or handicapped wherever you live.  Kevin and I participated in a life-changing event Friday night that I'll share with you soon.  It certainly brought my heart to its knees before the Lord and what he calls us to do.  Also maybe take a minute to meditate on Luke 14:12-14 and read the story surrounding it.  I am currently reading a book that highlights this scripture and once again, convicted me of how we should be living.  Through his word we can see that God clearly has great intentions for using his committed followers to loving on his children.  He calls us to reach out to the broken.  For his glory to be revealed.

"Then Jesus said to his host, when you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  But whenyou give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Luke 14:12-14

Happy 10-10-10!

Song for the Sabbath

"Jesus Paid It All" by Kristian Stanfill

A Little More Q & A

My lovely blogger-friend Venessa also tagged me, so here are my answers to her fun questions:

1.What is the one thing that you can not live without?

Jesus is not really a thing, neither are my husband, family, or dog....so I would say my Bible, music, and my toothbrush.  (That's 3 - I'm a rebel.)

2.What is your favorite childhood story?

I love hearing about the time when I was 2, my brother was 4, and my mom couldn't find me.  Darin was dragging around a suitcase and finally my mom got around to asking him what was in it...and it was me!!  At least I was a flexible, happy child! :)

3.What advice would you give to others that you live by?

Forgive quickly, give generously, celebrate others' differences, always tell the truth, find your value in God alone, put people before dishes

4.What is your favorite Christmas song/carol?

I love "What Child Is This?"  ....because it's one I so enjoy playing on the piano.  O Holy Night is a powerful one too.  Oooh, I also love LOVE Amy Grant's "Breath of Heaven."  I listen to that over and over.

5.What traditions do you want to pass on to your child(ren)?

Pray together, serve together, bake and sing a lot, read stories, write cards, adopt families at holidays, and go on yearly family vacations and regular mission trips.  Also pajamas as the Christmas Eve gift, and a meaningful ornament to represent each year.

6.Cat or dog lover?

Of course my adorable dog, Chai!!!  I'm not a kitty litter kind of girl.

7.What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

Get a pedicure or massage (very rare due to that crazy budget!), spend time with my hubby while he's rubbing my feet, or blog

8.What goal would you like to accomplish that you have yet to do?
 
I would really like to be a good mom.  I've also always wanted to run a marathon or at least a mini-marathon
 
Thanks Venessa! :)

My Turn at 'Tag'

A couple sweet gals from some fun blogs "tagged" me yesterday to answer a few questions of their choice.  I am certainly game for playing along and letting you in on a little more of my heart!  Thanks Megan from A Day in the Life and Leigh Anne from The Newlywed Swarbricks for thinking of me!  At the end of my post I created 8 of my own questions and tagged 8 of my lovely blogger friends to answer them.
First, my answers for Megan's questions:

1- If you could go anywhere in the world, and money wasn't an issue, where would you go?

For me right now, that answer is definitely Hawaii.  In an ideal, budget free world, I would love to enjoy a tropical vacation with my husband before we have kids.  Though when we were in Israel this past summer, I had a hard time imagining myself anywhere else if we were ever blessed enough to travel like that again.

2- What is your favorite thing about yourself?
My love for children.  I genuinely delight in them.  My husband also says I have a cute nose.

3- What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
Sleep in, meet for coffee with friends, walk my dog, read/write blogs, read books at Barnes and Noble, worship and rest.  I also greatly enjoy date nights with my hubby and trips to see my Grandma near Indy or my friends in Cincinnati.

4- Who is your celebrity crush?
I can seriously say I've never been a girl who has ever really gotten into autographs or posters of movie stars.  The only thing that pops in my head right now is the time I watched a great movie called, "Wild Hearts Can't be Broken" - the horse guy who loved the girl who went blind was so sweet, and wore a black shirt in one of the scenes.  I thought it was the best look.  Now of course, my hot husband puts him to shame...and will gladly be my 'man in black.' :)

5- Were you involved in any activities during your high school career? What?
Yes - I was a cheerleader and played tennis as a Freshman and Sophomore, then ran cross-country and track as a Junior and Senior.  I would have played volleyball, but refused to wear those hideous briefs.  Trust me, my thighs thank me.

6- What is the thing you miss most about college?
Instantaneous girl time and friends in such close vicinity.  Though I do not miss that tiny dorm room, the whole community aspect of that time of life is such a unique experience.  I definitely didn't enjoy it enough.

7- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Wow.  First and foremost, being more in love with my husband than ever, boldly following Jesus and serving in whatever ministry he has called us to.  My dreams also include being a mommy to many, an advocate for orphans, and an active encourager and mentor to young women.

8- What are your favorite kid names?
Unfortunately my husband has banned me from sharing these.  (Though I pretty much agree with his reasoning.)  We'll probably be the couple who keeps it all under wraps until the precious little one arrives.  Instead, I'll tell you the names of my favorite dolls as a little girl: Joy Lynn, Eric, and Pepper.  Though I am loving how people are naming their little boys Liam and little girls Ella.  So cute.

Now for my questions from Leigh Anne:

1. What is your most favorite thing about fall?
The color of the leaves and the feeling of the air.  Many days during this season just take my breath away and feel good to my spirit.  I want to photograph everything and be outside a lot.


2. How would you spend your perfect Saturday?
Sleep in until I wake up, find a latte waiting for me with a note from my sweet, productive-on-Saturdays husband, (OR meet a friend for coffee), do my bible study/have my quiet time by an open window, visit a Farmer's Market, get a pedicure and massage, sit outside with my dog Chai reading books and blogs, then go on a date with Kevin or stay in with him and watch a movie.

3. What is something you've learned recently?
How much I struggle with vulnerability.  I try incredibly hard to be tough.  Yet I am thankful this area is being refined in me through my marriage.  "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas is a powerful book about how marriage is intended to make us holy not happy.  I agreed with his insight in this book before I was married...but the experience of it is a totally different reality.  Trust me, Kevin and our relationship fills my heart with joy.  But a truly intimate, intentional marriage takes some serious hard work.  And just being married extracts the deepest parts of you that God wants to work on.
4. Do you like the seasonal drinks at Starbucks or stick to your year-round favorite?
I usually try the latest seasonal fad due to the excitement around me, then realize I'm better off sticking with my favorite - sugar-free caramel machiatto with soy.  YUM.

5. What is your favorite meal to make?
Baked chicken, (olive oil, salt, pepper, McCormick's chicken seasoning - 400 degrees for 25-30 min.), roasted asparagus, and baked sweet potatoes with a loaf of crusty bread and olive oil butter.

6. How do you spend your evenings?
Bible Study or small group on Mondays and Wed; other nights - blogging, walking Chai, making dinner, reading, hanging out with Kevin, lesson planning, an event at church...would like to be able to add working out and cleaning!!! :)

7. Are you passionate about anything? Why?
Definitely!!  First would be to be used by God to the utmost capacity possible.  I sincerely desire to live a life fully surrendered.  Secondly, my heart longs to be a godly wife and mom, and be an encouragement to women.  I have learned a lot from the struggles I've faced already in my 29 yrs, and I have always been passionate about sharing what God is teaching me.  In my lifetime I want to help other women discover and celebrate their value and worth.

8. If you were given $20 to spend on anything, what would you spend it on?
Craft materials, a journal, someone's fund to help them adopt a baby, dinner with Kevin at Mitchell's Fish Market or Outback (Okay, obviously I need more than $20!!)

So there are my answers!  Whew.  That took a lot of thinking.  Here are the 8 lovely followers of mine that I'm tagging and my 8 questions:

Venessa at My Crazy Blessed Life
Holly at Choosing Joy
Rachel at Simple Little Joys
Mariel at more than...
Kelly at Life in a Small Town
Hayley at Consider It All Joy
Rachael at Hey Rachie Kae!
Crystal at Life in a Day

1.  When in your life has a moment or experience taken your breath away?
2.  What is the best vacation you've ever been on?
3.  What is the last thing you read? (book, magazine, blog - besides this one.)
4.  What do you have an ache in your heart to do?
5.  Are you fashionable?  If so, how did you learn to be?
6.  What was your favorite thing to do as a little girl?
7.  If you could, how would you change the world?
8.  Who is the most generous person you know?

Pumpkin Soup

Yesterday I read a fun book to my student that we picked up at the library this week called, "Pumpkin Fiesta" by Caryn Yacowitz.  It is a super cute story about Old Juana and Foolish Fernando that teaches a lesson in hard work.  At the end of the story I was pleasantly surprised to find "Old Juana's Recipe for Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin."  I wanted to wait until I tried it out to share it with you, but I was afraid of when that might actually be!  Putting it in a post will be a great motivator.  Although now I'm thinking this would be quite a fun lunch for my student and I.  It sounds delicious!



Ingredients:



6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

4-5 cups pared pumpkin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 cup thinly sliced onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

5 peppercorns

1/2 cup low-fat milk, warmed

1 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley

1/8 cup toasted, shelled pumpkin seeds

Directions:

*Heat first 6 ingredients in a covered saucepan until boiling.

*Reduce heat; simmer for 40 minutes.

*Transfer pumpkin mixture to a large bowl.

*In a blender or food processor puree the pumpkin mixture in batches.

*Return pureed mixture to saucepan.

*Heat to boiling; redue heat.

*Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

*Stir warmed milk into soup.  Serve hot in a hollowed-out pumpkin that has been warmed 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Garnish with parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Serves 8.

Another cute children's book that includes a yummy recipe at the end is, "Pumpkin Soup," by Helen Cooper.  What a fun Fall activity to share with kids!

The Word

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12



I just completed a great day with my 4th grade homeschool student, Randall.   Let me just say to all the moms of curious, energetic, fun little boys...you will be blessed.  God is obviously teaching me something different every day through my experiences with the little guy.  It is truly a joy, but I am realizing every day how much more I need to desperately abide in Christ so that he can cultivate the fruit of patience in my spirit.  It is clearly more a reflection on me than on my student, which is quite humbling.  Every day this year has been a great lesson in learning to rejoice in the unique worth and character of every sweet child, and I am so thankful to be able to devote all my daily attention to this very special one.  Perseverance in teaching can sometimes be hard, (as well as remembering to be the adult!), but it is so worth it.

So back to today...a great example.  One huge blessing of my school year so far is Randall's love of whenever I read to him or teach him from the Bible.  He is enthralled with the stories of Creation, Noah's Ark, and how God has displayed His power throughout history.  It is a powerful learning experience for me to get to present this to him for the first time.  He is constantly asking questions, and he is amazed when we can look up the verse that applies to our discussion, such as Psalm 139 when talking about God's beautiful purpose and intention for his life, in contrast to the idea that we could have come from nothing.  I have been a slow learner, but am catching on to the fact that it makes a much stronger statement when I try to teach Randall with scripture, rather than my own words.  We've dealt a little bit with the issue of complaining, and today I strongly "encouraged" him to repeat a task until he could do it without complaining.  At first he was frustrated with me, then realized the joy that could come from hard work.  (I call it joy, he calls it relief!)  I learned how essential it is for me to stay strong through that frustration. 

This led me to look up a resource that would help me teach him Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing."  It is amazingly powerful how the Holy Spirit does his own work through scripture, when we submit ourselves to it.  When Randall says he can't possibly do something like not complaining, it gives me a great opportunity to tell him that he is correct - on his own, it is really hard, perhaps even impossible.  Yet if he continues to ask God to grow this in him, God will be faithful to do so.  Although he jokingly tries resists, he thought it was cool that I could find that verse for him.

(source)

My point is this -  God's word is powerful; alive and active, and we must be bold with others about the goodness he has to offer.  We should be running to it as our daily bread, as one of the most powerful ways we have access to our Father in heaven.  There doesn't have to be a perfect plan for doing so, or any sort of rules to follow; simply opening up the Word is life changing, and more importantly, life-giving.  And when we have the opportunity to impress it on the heart of a child, we have to remember that those little hearts are often softer than ours; primed and ready by the one who gave them life.  And though they might resist, when we demonstrate a gentle strength, they feel secure, loved, and led well.  Because I don't have my own children yet, I've only experienced a fraction of what "faith like a child" can look like.  I would definitely love to hear any advice you all might have about cultivating the heart of a child in this way.

My response to what God is teaching me is going to be to create a memory verse scrapbook with Randall, filled at first with simple verses that he can hide in his heart and build his faith on.  I'll let him write, color, or draw a portion of the verse and we'll simply glue in the rest.  I am going to let the verses I choose naturally flow out of the situations that come up in our "classroom."  I found the page I used today at Hubbard's Cupboard, where she has created many wonderful resources such as memory verse charts, and memory verses written to a familiar tune.  If you scroll to the bottom of her page, she links to some awesome online resources, including memory verse songs and cd's.   A few blogs that are also awesome resources for this are on my sidebar, such as Homeschool Creations and 1+1+1=1.  I also LOVE "The Excellence of Wisdom," the blog of an awesome mom with a beautiful family and an even more amazing heart for God.  Recently she linked to these two fabulous resources.  (Just as helpful for guiding adults as well as children!!):

(I found both here)

Though I'm not a parent, I do know God, and realize daily my desperate need for him.  My encouragement to you is to run quickly to him, realizing that it is out of abiding in Christ that all good fruit grows.  Not to make this any longer, but I have to link to an old song that I've loved for many years, as Amy Grant's music was a big part of my faith as a child.  Happy Wednesday!

Latest Creations

Here are some of my latest creations.  I am excited to share a new vision Kevin and I have that unites a couple of the passions God's placed on my heart.  (That's coming next week!!)  Until then, here is some of the crafty fun I've been having.  I made the pink ones with my nieces in mind, and I'm working on a special one for my niece Kaydance, who just became a 5 yr. old Indiana Elite gymnast!

Miscellany Monday

1.  Surprise Dates.  Kevin has been doing an amazingly sweet job of planning some super fun dates the past few weeks.  I've already mentioned our awesome horse-riding adventure, and this past weekend we went to the orchestra!  We got all dressed up, started with a delicious meal at Mitchell's Fish Market, then headed downtown.  It was a beautiful performance...though immensely sad at the same time, as it included an interesting twist.  It was called, "Life," and told the story of creation with the accompaniament of beautiful National Geographic photos, though it completely denied the Creator.  Obviously Kevin didn't know what it was about before we went, (so we shared a laugh about the irony!), but the panel they had after the performance was extremely eye-opening concerning the ideas that are being presented as "truth" in our world today.  Even in my own homeschooling adventures we have already had many interesting conversations as I've shared with him the biblical story of creation.  He has been faced for years with the story of evolution from what he sees on t.v.  The book, "Evidence Demands a Verdict," by Josh Mcdowell has been recommended to me for help in what I teach, and I have also been researching "Answers in Genesis."  As a teacher, and hopefully one day a parent, this is definitely an issue I am realizing how much I need to be further educated on.

2.  New baby!  We were so blessed to get to meet my adorable nephew Trace last week!  He is so precious, and his mom seems to be doing well.  Speaking of the fascination of Creation, whenever a new baby is born I am ridiculously amazed at how anyone could even want to believe that we could come from nothing.  I am so thankful I was planned with much more purpose than that!  And yes, I did love holding that baby! :)

3.  Special friends.  Friday night I enjoyed a very sweet evening with some wonderful friends and partners in ministry from church.  Thanks to my friend Marcie, who planned the whole evening, we enjoyed a fabulous evening at "Sisters' Tea Parlor," where they served us each a pot of tea, and both cheese and chocolate fondue.  Yum!  It was beautiful, and delicious!  I ordered the "Paris in a Teacup" tea, which was sweet with a taste of caramel to it.  So fun!

4.  Fun night out.  A couple weekends ago Kevin and I were invited to attend an event for the Police Foundation called "Boots, Badges and Bids."  That was the event I mentioned last Monday that I needed the western "duds" for, which required the dreaded 'Saturday shopping.'  My sister-in-law let me borrow her adorable boots, I found the brown dress in the Macy's junior section for $10, and the belt there for about $16.  I completed the outfit with some cute turquoise jewelry from Claire's.  It was so fun to get the opportunity to get dressed up and go to a fun event!  We had a great time.

5. Sweet student.  Finally for today, it was such a special treat for me to go see a couple of my students from last year run in their cross-country race!  I used to run, so I always love CC meets.  Claire was the sweet one who asked me to come.  I sure miss seeing her in class every day, but I'm thankful for opportunities to celebrate my former students in other ways this year!

That's all for me...can't wait to hear what's going on with all of you this week!  Happy Monday!

Song for the Sabbath

"Beautiful" by Mercy Me