Category Archives: Inspirational

Joy in the Ordinary

I’ve had zero time for projects or painting. Instead, my week has been filled with dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, diapers, more laundry, character training, scrubbing, trying to fit in some exercise, cooking, prepping for a garage sale, more laundry, kissing owies, grocery shopping, and yes… more laundry.

laundry  I  becauseiliketodecorate.com

 

dishes

 

Then I noticed a little grumbling in my heart when both the refrigerator and dishwasher broke down at the same time [face palm]. But, I have decided to choose joy!

Psalm 115:1  I  DailyBibleMeme.com

 

 

Lots of love,
Mary

Awesome things I found — kid’s edition

I can’t believe it, but as I’m typing this post I’m thousands of miles away from my home and my babies! They are well taken care of, but oh how I miss them so! And because I’m thinking about my children so very much, I thought it was appropriate to share with you some amazing web finds for the kiddos!

Check out this homemade play dough recipe from kidsactivitiesblog.com And made with only two ingredients!

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This is one of those, “why didn’t I think of that” moments. Thank you notes for the little ones to color! These cards are available on Etsy for purchase or as you can probably figure, make your own!

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Tastykitchen.com has a fabulous all-natural recipe for goldfish crackers!

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And because we all need a little laugh every now and then… (photo links to source)

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Lots of love,
Mary

Compassion or Selfishness?

I’ve been thinking about how I would jump in and start blogging again. Where do I start? How do I plan out my posts? Where to begin? … It’s been such a long time.

After this week’s tornado tragedy in Oklahoma, I got to thinking. I felt that I wanted to share my thoughts with you, so this is where I will start.

“The Most Important Things in Life Aren’t Things” ~ from Moore, OK debris. Image links to Pinterest source.

I don’t know anyone in Moore, OK. I used to live in the Tulsa area, so I do know a lot of people close to the action. Since the devastation is close to an area where I used to live, and I know people who know people affected, I couldn’t help but look at my children and think, “what if…?” Then it dawned on me – how selfish!

Moore, OK – May 2013. Photo links to source.

(Let me fill you in on my thought process here).

Are we selfish even amidst our compassion for others? Do we only care or give it a second thought if it’s our family, our state, or our country? Tragedy happens every day. Yet, are we only bothered if it’s highly publicized? Or, like me, do you find that you only empathize if it’s close to home?

And then I’m reminded of our own depravity as human beings. That right in the middle of our compassion and empathy for others, our sin nature shines bright, and selfishness ensues. We still only think of ourselves. My Feelings. My loved ones. Me. Me. Me.

Romans 3:10-12

It’s always a good thing to be reminded of our need for a savior. Thank you, Lord, for Your grace. Strip me of all selfishness, I pray. Help me to have compassion for those I cannot see — a true compassion that’s without selfishness or pride. Amen.

Lots of love,
Mary

Linked up at http://cornerstoneconfessions.com