Favorite Things and What I’m Up To Right Now

It’s been a while since I posted my favorite things from around the web and a family update, so let’s remedy that, shall we? 🙂

The cranberry harvest is almost over. We’ve enjoyed visiting grandpa’s bogs and watching the process.

Some crafty pursuits included painting this burlap runner with cranberry stripes for my fall table,

pretty-ing up the house with fall leaves and throw blankets for the impending cooold weather, 

and simple reminders to Give Thanks in all things.

I’ve been working on this adorable chunky crocheted infinity ribbed cowl from Purl Bee. Its perfect for a forgetful, glued-to-the-pattern novice crocheter, like me. And, it’s ah-dorable!

I’m gathering ideas for our annual Dolls’ Christmas tea party, so I’ve been scouring Pinterest for cute winter themed ideas. My board is here, but look at these adorable snow globes from Pink Pistachio. Love, love , love this tutorial. They look super easy to make {bonus!} and they are just magical. They are most likely going to be our centerpiece of choice.

I’m really enjoying several books right now. I’m re-reading Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I love her faith, transparency and her obvious inner fight against her flesh.

I’ve currently read The Church Planting Wife: Help and Hope for Her Heart on the recommendation of a friend and she was right. One of the most encouraging, challenging books for ministry women out there. I love it when books treat women as people who want to change and not as people who are ruled by emotions. I love depth and theology and this books delivers both. It’s also like chatting with a good friend, style-wise.

I’ve been re-reading Contentment: A Godly Woman’s Adornment (On-the-Go Devotionals). Lydia Brownback is meaty and theologically sound. She cuts right to the chase and through all the veneers and gets to the heart. I love that.

You must read this article by Tim Challies entitled The Art and Science of the Humblebrag. Honestly, this article was as insightful as some of the character observations by Mark Twain or Charles Dickens. He nailed this one, with humor, at that.

Moms of little ones, did you catch this post on How to Handle Public Temper Tantrums? It was full of wisdom. And this post on Patient vs. Permissive Parenting Part 1 and Part 2 was well worth the read.

This thought provoking post “Friend or Faux” about online friendships by Darcy resonated with me. Let’s just say it: Online life is often so fake and obnoxious.  It can be so shallow. I want friendships where I can discuss ideas and encourage someone, not just “tweet know” people. It’s like living for a quick nod or glance from someone for who knows what reason. It’s a flash in the pan.  You can’t know thousands of people well. You just can’t. I want to have deep, meaningful relationships with a few. I want to sit with you over coffee. Okay, maybe I just want coffee, but you all know what I mean, right? lol

If you want a feast for the creative soul, visit Karen Andreola’s blog. She is not just a soothing soul, but a wealth of information on the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling.

Here’s a quote from a recent post entitled Mother Culture in Snips and Snatches that resonated with me, describing herself, the ever creative “Lady of the House”—

She has more ideas than she ever gets to. She has learned to live this way. It’s fine, really. It’s fine to entertain relaxing notions about what you might do with any spare time to do it. A little daydreaming is how the domestic artist uses her tired-time wisely. And when an idea grows larger and stays with her awhile, revisiting her while she washes dishes, folds towels, sweeps the steps; she will somehow make a little time for it.

Favorite quote:

“You are where you are for such a time as this — not to make an impression — but to make a difference.” Ann Voskamp

Favorite times: When Peter calls the kids to join him for prayer and devotions each night. It makes my heart thankful, that we can teach these kids God’s word and ways and pass along all of His good promises to the next generation.

That’s it for me. What about you? What are you loving right now? Feel free to share in the comments, and have I thanked you for commenting? I feel as though I know many of you because of your comments and insights. Thanks for that!