Tonight I’ve got nothing to complain about, nothing to wish away, and nothing to steal my peace.
Sure, there’s still lots to do and problems to solve but I’ve had a sweet talk with my love and prayer with God, and my heart is thankful. All my hopes, to- dos and desires can wait till tomorrow. Thank you God for all you have done for me and my family.
May you be filled with thankfulness, Stephanie
I used to struggle with finding real value in my work, in design. At times, it seems frivolous. Not really important in the eternal. Honestly, it can be a struggle not to get bogged down in trend. But, Thanksgiving brought me right again.
I’ve been telling you, but not really showing you the changes to our Stewart Ranchito House (W House Reno). It’s consumed my thoughts and finances for awhile, and it was all worth it. To be able to sit down together, our whole extended Mississippi Family and eat, laugh, and comfortably stay together was food for my soul.
When my husband cranked up the music and we all started singing along…pure joy!
So, it may seem silly, but when design ushers in a way for family to get together, Thanksgiving to be a real family event, and one of my dreams to be met, then it’s valuable.
Christmas is coming. Are you ready?
Jones Design Company has these super cute, free printables for Christmas. Go check them out!
Are you looking for some fresh encouragement? I’ve been listening to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast.
I’m hoping to listen to #65 today!
Happy Wednesday!
Stephanie
I’m selling the rug that used to be in my Baby girl’s nursery. I don’t have a spot for it anymore. It’s a wool, 5 foot round rug, in good condition. It originally cost $100+. Selling for $45.
I was asked to write Azarhia’s Christmas Gifting note! What an honor to be asked- plus I got to write about my Grandma and her famous cake!
I hope you are having a great day. If not, make this 7 up cake!
Steph
This was my first present this year, and I love it. Holly gave this to me and our friends. My Grandmother told Holly about it, and I’m so glad she did.
On Christmas Eve this devotion was so helpful. It brought all our circumstances back into the light of who God is. Also, I don’t know about you, but I have a bit of a need for Justice, and God’s truth always brings that under control.
Christmas brought EARLY morning construction projects ( vintage pink kitchen, drum set, and train set ). We had a good time working together to get the kids presents together.
After eating this baked French toast ( which was loved by all) we ventured into the front living room to open gifts. It was fun, sweet and a little chaotic. I began to realize the urgency and necessity of a bigger family room. Hoping to start that addition soon.
I hope that you have had a joyous Christmas and that this new year is filled with the Lord’s provision and peace.
P.S.- this holiday has allowed us to get together with friends. We always have a good time together!
I don’t really know why this has been on my mind so much today, but the thoughts of lost ones found, and the love, violent enough to bring them back.
I think it maybe started with our Christmas Card. I was composing our card on snapfish (to get the best deal) and some of the phrases from the Jesus Storybook Bible kept going through my mind. There happened to be a spot for lettering on the format I was working in – so I decided to add some phrases. This is from the end of the “Wise Men” chapter: “The wise men had heard about this Promised Child and now he was here. Heaven’s Son. The Maker of the Stars. A baby sleeping in his mother’s arms. This baby would be like that bright star shining in the sky that night. A Light to light up the whole world. Chasing away darkness. Helping people to see. And the darker the night got, the brighter the star would shine.”
Because of my salvation experience, I never really identified with Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.” (keep reading – I’ll explain)
I committed my life to Christ when I was 5. I knew then that I wasn’t good and needed God. It was a commitment, my hearts desire, but didn’t feel like a wild and dramatic saving from drowning waters. So, my life has been characterized by commitment and I know what it is. I don’t take it lightly because I know myself and I know to whom I am committed. I value my relationship with the Lord, our time together is powerful because I am fully known and STILL loved.
As my life has progressed swirling, raging waters have caught me. I had a choice to let go and drown or reach for God’s hand and swim. So, now I understand Romans 5:8 more. I do see in life how amazing a gift God gave us.
The lost ones coming home makes sense now as I have lived more and see God’s restoration power at work in my life and the lives of so many friends.
God bless you on this journey through life. It’s hard, but He makes it bearable.
*my family all together*
*our Christmas Card*
I’ve had a lot of fun lately working. Well, it’s a little different in that it’s for family.
Bought Furniture & picked out more fabric for my sister-in-law.
The lamp and side tables are not part of the scheme and there is another piece if artwork that matches the one on the wall. We also selected fabric for the pillows on the couch today ( those pillows went with another couch).
I worked on Rin’s room yesterday ( it’s not all done though)
The little owl lamp is an unexpected favorite.
We also had a wonderful thanksgiving at my sister- in- laws house. The kids loved playing and running around her house. Claire my niece had decorated and cooked! Really, she’s a doll.
Then we started decorating for Christmas! daddy and I had a little bit of a scare with the tree, but it all came together and only one of my fingers is smashed ;). Only kidding
Little man bad wanted the colored lights somewhere and the boys room needed some more cheer. I think it turned out cute.
I hope y’all had a great Thanksgiving.
Steph
So, I’ve been thinking a lot more about Little Sister’s room. Mulling it over and I’ve come to some new decisions.
I ordered this fabric on Joann.com (they are having a huge sale right now – 50% off any 1 item). When you are buying cut fabric, they consider the whole cut length as one item, so I got this great Robert Allen fabric for 4.99 a yard!!!
I plan to pair it with a cute pink pattern
and maybe a bolster out of this-
I have a pink duvet cover from Ikea that I’ve always liked and I’m going to revamp it for her bedspread.
Then I want to make a short canopy kind of like this
Then, I hope to paint the mats and frames on the artwork in her room Gold or Gold/Pink. I kind of like this look too.
Then I’m thinking about fun projects for the Art’s Group here in town. Aren’t these ornaments cute!
Y’all have a great weekend.
steph
We have a cute lime green mini tree that my Sister- in-law gave me a few years back and also the advent “Jesse tree” ornaments to go on it. We love it. We read one story each night, sing hymns and talk about what God did by sending Jesus to the earth. This year we hope to expand on our celebration during the days leading up to Christmas by using our beloved Jesus Storybook Bible. Here is a link to the reading list
Silent Stubborns 