It's a Deal

A couple weeks ago, I was at Target and saw this sign...

OOPS! SORRY FOR THE BLURRINESS OF THIS PHOTO.

I am a bargain hunter. Especially when it comes to shopping for clothes. I always start by looking at the clearance rack and dislike paying full price for anything.

SKIRT & SHIRT:  TARGET (CLEARANCE)

SCARF:  FOREVER 21

SHOES:  TARGET (SIMILAR)

When M and I were first married, the first thing I would do after coming home from shopping would be to tell him how much money I had saved. His question, "But, how much did you spend?" 

In the case of this entire outfit, my out of pocket cost was less than $30. I purchased all items on sale or with a gift card. 

Does getting a good deal make you proud? Or, it is just me?
Behind the post:  My photographers of the day decided that, in addition to taking the photos, they wanted to be in them as well. O was ready for school, sans shoes. A had put on shorts, so that she would be able to go outside, but was still wearing the top of her pjs.

These moments and smiles help me to remember that normal life is resuming. We can walk through a storm and come out on the other side, virtually unchanged. I can continue to put one foot in front of the other, and do life without much fear. 
Thanks to all of you who left encouraging comments and sent me messages after Monday's post.  I am truly grateful for all of your prayers and support!


Linking up with Shanna, and Lindsey.

Summer Mantle

We have lived in our house for nearly eight years. When we first moved in, we had grand plans, many of which have not been accomplished. One example is the fireplace in our living room. Although we had a custom mantle made before our first Christmas in the house (in 2005!), we have yet to tile the surround.

M and I have been talking recently about the changes we want to make to our home. After eight years, in addition to completing the unfinished projects, there are many things that we would like to change. Most of those changes would be big, like new flooring, paint and furniture. Unfortunately, making these changes will cost money and take planning. Plus, we also have to agree on color schemes, style, etc. 

Because I have been battling this need for decor change and had a desire to do something fun and creative (especially after my unexpected first week of summer vacation), I decided to update my mantle for summer. 

I searched Pinterest and found some inspiration mantles. You can check them out here and here. 

I knew I had some items I could use already in my home, like shells, books for stacking, candles, and candle holders. Since I didn't want to spend a lot on this project...after all, summer only lasts a few months, I headed to HomeGoods on Saturday morning. 

Here is what I found, all for around thirty dollars.

I began the project by taking out all of the items I had purchased. Then, I went through the house, cupboards and closets, searching for other items that would fit the color scheme. I wanted to keep it neutral and simple, since I wasn't planning to change any of the other decor in the family room.

First, I covered the mantle with some burlap I had left over from Christmas. Then, I grouped the items together. I went through several different grouping combinations before I found the ones that I liked. 

The last addition was the flags on the old window. Since I didn't have any really tall items, I felt like I needed something on the window. I used scrapbook paper and ribbon I already had to create a flag banner, similar to one of my inspiration photos, that fit with the color scheme. 
To me, this mantle represents summer. Here is the finished product:

Do you make changes to your decor with the seasons?

Walking Through

Has fear ever caused you to do crazy things? Things that are out of character for you?

My first week of summer vacation did not go as I had planned. Instead of enjoying our new freedom and the beautiful weather, I was stuck inside all week with two sick kids, a lot of Lysol, and an abundance of anxiety. 

I won't go into details about the week, except to say that it was very difficult for me. I struggle with anxiety in many areas. Unfortunately, I experienced one of my extreme phobias last week. Is it irrational? Yes. Yet, it is still real. For me.

This anxiety made it very difficult for me to sleep. One night, when I experienced this anxiety-induced insomnia, I wrote the following...

***

I have experienced paralyzing fear this week. Fear of the unknown. Fear that is irrational and crazy. So much fear that I have not been able to sleep, eat or even leave the house without panic.

In fact, as I write this, I should be in bed. Sleeping. But, instead, the place that should bring me calm and rest is a place where I experience the most anxiety, which is both emotional and physical. 

I read until I finish my book. Until I am sure I can fall asleep, but it does not work.

So, I pace. Around the kitchen. I pass my Bible. I should pick it up, but I am afraid to even do that. Finally, the call to do it is so great. I search "fear" in the index and concordance. I find these:

"Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage! I am here!" (Mark 6:50)

...but he called out to them, "Don't be afraid. I am here." (John 6:20)

The Lord who created you says, don't be afraid...I have called you by name, you are mine... (Isaiah 43)

I also read John 14:27. About the gift of peace of "mind and heart" that Jesus has given to me. God says to me, "Accept this peace. Allow it to fill you."

Then, I flip to Philippians 4:6,7. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. The words my husband said to me earlier in the day resonate with me, "Have you prayed about this?"

I am worn out, weak, exhausted, broken. God says, "This is not what I want you to be."

***

Although it is a new week, and life is beginning to return to normal, I am still walking through my anxiety. I'm not sure how long it will take to leave me. I have asked God to lift this burden from me, many times. Yet, I keep taking it back. It is within my power to release it. In it's entirety. So, why am I still holding on? I must let go. Completely.

It is time to turn my ...

Worries into prayers.

Anxiety into petitions.

Suffering into thankfulness.

Limitations into requests.

Uncertainties into opportunities to listen.