Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! As a kid I remember trying to count the rings of tree stumps. I liked looking at the different rings, seeing the tree's story--the years of major growth and the years that the tree went through drought and tough times. If we could look "inside" others, we would see that we all have a story. Every person we meet has been through something, something that has changed them and helped them to become who they are. We need to take the time to see and understand each other's stories. All around us people are living out difficult circumstances. We need to seek out their stories, listen, recognize their pain, take a real and genuine interest in each other. When we know people's stories, we are humbled and we are better able to love each other. Take the time to ask questions, to look inside others and truly see them.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I love the mountains that surround our home in southwest Montana. Not only are they beautiful, they are constant, always there, and that is comforting to me. The snow levels or the cloud coverage on them may change, but they do not. Life is constantly changing. There are good days and bad days, times when we make the right choices and times when we do not, moments on the mountain tops and times spent in the valleys. But, through it all, God is constant and faithful. God does not change. The same God of the Bible, the one who rescued the lowliest of the low, the God who performed miracles, the Father who loved extravagantly and unconditionally still sits on his throne. When we trust God, live in his faithfulness and let him be a constant in our lives we can weather the changes in our lives.

Rustic Sunflowers

Sunny sunflowers make me happy. They are bright and cheerful and reach for the sun. I decided to paint some.

I call these rustic because they are imperfect and rough. I paint on pieces of plywood that are not smooth, using ONLY wood scraps as my paintbrushes. I started painting a dark blue, then aqua, then white for the background. I leave some spots bare wood so stain will fill those areas.

I then paint, layering colors. I started with black centers and light yellow petals. I then added a deeper yellow and a brown to the centers. I "shaded" and highlighted with whites and browns. I do a little sanding over the whole painting and then add a frame and stain.

These paintings have sold well for me, but better yet, I absolutely love creating them.

Why I Love Little Stools

I don't know if that post title makes anyone else giggle like it does me (maybe you are more mature and poop words don't make you laugh), BUT, I am talking about little wood benches today. I love 'em because they are so darn versatile. 

I recently came across a couple that needed quick makeovers to turn them into perfect little farmhouse pieces.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! You have maybe heard the saying "standing in the gap", but what does that mean and how do we do it? God has always used people to bridge the gap and to help accomplish his purposes. God doesn't need us, but he is moved when we intervene for others. We bridge the obstacles and difficulties for others by praying for them. When people are struggling, when they are hurting and feeling beaten down and helpless, when they feel alone and forgotten, when they feel distant from Jesus or don't have a relationship with him, we can intercede for them. It is no small thing when we say will pray for someone and when we do God's heart is spurred to action. Standing in the gap changes lives.

Happy Fourth of July

Thrift Store Summer Decor Pinwheels

Today I am sharing more summer thrift store decor ideas for you home that including an easy project.

Thrift Store Summer Decor Centerpiece

Do you all have a decor closet or cupboard or box? I have one cupboard in my laundry room devoted to smalls that I like to decorate with throughout the year. It has things like artificial flowers, jars, trays, different orbs (wire, croquet balls, seed balls, etc.), things to use for table runners, candles and candlesticks, and other things that are almost entirely from the thrift store or from garage sales. So when I picked up this great, vintage feedsack from the thrift store,

I knew I could go to my cupboard and put together a summery, fourth of July centerpiece in no time. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! We have a multitude of birds in our yard and I have become a bit of a birdwatcher. I love seeing the different species nest and spending time in our trees and bushes. There are many birds that I hear, but never see. Even though I may not know where they are, God sees and knows and keeps track of each and every bird just like he sees and knows our every need. It may not always seem like God sees us. At times it even feels like he has turned a deaf ear to our pleas and we feel like he has forgotten us. But, rest assured, even when it doesn't feel like it, God sees us and knows the desires of our hearts. He is always listening. Trust that hears us and will provide for us.

One Hour Wall Makeover

Y'all (no, I am not southern but prefer a good y'all to you guys), I have not posted a project in a month! The reason for my hiatus, I am not sure?? I have been busy and I guess needed a break from staging pictures, editing, and writing. But, I have missed sharing with you, so I hope to be back. 

And my first project to share with you is this quick, easy, inexpensive wall makeover.