1LW Wednesdays #9

Hello everyone! Chrissy is here with us this week. I have to say, a lot of what she talks about today resonates with me. Hopefully we can all keep each other motivated!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey there again friends.

It's starting to feel like my second home over here! 

How are you doing? How is your 1LW going?

I would say mine is going okay...

I wish I could say great but i have dropped the ball in a few area's

The worst is my time in the Word.

I have not been doing good with this. 

I am really behind on my reading the Bible in 1 year plan. 

Source: google.com via Chrissy on Pinterest

I have to remember to not beat myself up over it. 

It's hard not to though. 

I feel like I am doing better with communication.
I am returning calls, answering emails, and responding to texts more often!

I will be honest when I am having a bad day (due to my crohn's) I ignore all calls and texts.
Sometimes it's hard to muster up anything nice and it's probably better that I don't say anything at all!
I knew you would agree with me.

I am looking forward to this Lenten season.
It's kind of a hot button topic i found out.
I am trying to find the right words to express why we participate in lent.
When I find those words I'll be sure to share them with you!  HA

This week we are memorizing...
E - Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

I cannot believe we are on E already.
My 10 yr old has most of A-D memorized! Yeah!

Well friends, I better run. See you next week! 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks, Chrissy!

Alright, I want to hear from you!

Remember,this linky party is meant for posts about how you are living out your One Little Word. I love all of your crafts and projects, and I'm sure you are super proud of them, but this isn't the party for those! If you're looking for somewhere to link those up, my parter-in-crime, Chrissy, has a great one on Tuesdays!

Don't know what a One Little Word is? Check out THIS post to find out more. 

Haven't picked a word yet? Go ahead! This is not a time sensitive challenge! Pick a word, write about it, and then come tell us!

Please link back to this post if you're playing along!

Grab a button:

<br /><center><a href="http://itsourlongstory.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/heather-kate/th_OLWbutton.jpg" /></a</center><br />
A text link is fine too, if you prefer that!Be blessed!

Sunday Worship

You can purchase this album HERE. No pirating, please!

Introducing...

The Kids Co-Op!

I found this group via Pinterest, and have been lucky enough to join! Every week we will host a linky party for kids activities. If you have something fun for kids...we want to see it! If you link up here, your link will show up at all of our co-hosts sites as well. How cool is that?!
I've also been given the opportunity to contribute to a few of the co-op's Pinterest boards. There is some great stuff being added to these boards on a daily basis, so go check them out!

The Parent Water Cooler
Growing Creative Kids
Lifetime Love of Learning

Make sure you check out this week's co-hosts!

Imprints from Tricia It's A Long Story RainbowsWithinReach Life & Love Expressed Train Up a Child B.Inspired Mama

No Time For Flash Cards My Creative Family Toddler Approved Rainy Day Mum Dirt and Boogers Mum of Twins a Toddler and a Teenager

PlayDrMom The Mommies Made Me Do It Reading Confetti The Good Long Road Ways2Play Smiling like Sunshine

A guest post

Hi everyone!

I'm guest posting over at Mess for Less today! I'm so excited!!

It's the first of a series that I'll be moving over here next week, so go check it out and get excited with me!

1LW Wednesday #8: Ash Wednesday edition

Hello friends!

Before we get to 1LW Wednesday, I want to share our most viewed post from last week!

Katie from Intentional Pursuit wrote a beautiful post about her 1LW, Wait.

If you haven't read it already...you should!

I don't know if all you celebrate Ash Wednesday, but I do. For any one who may not know, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar, which is the 8 weeks leading up to Easter. Some denominations practice the act of either giving something up, or adding a new commitment to their daily lives during these 40 days. It is meant to be a season of sacrifice, with the intention of growing closer to God. 

                                                                          Source: Uploaded by user via Heather on Pinterest

In all honesty....I've had a hard time being as intentional as I would like these past few weeks. I'm not sure why it's been a struggle, but it has. I am hoping that I will be able to take this Lenten season to really improve that discipline. I need God's help, I know that for sure! Obviously I don't need a calendar to tell me when to cry out to God for help, but I'll take the reminder while it's here!

This year, I will be giving something up, as well as adding in a discipline. It may be a bit ambitious, but I need it!
This year, I will be giving up fast food for Lent. It will help me to be more intentional in a few areas that I have been losing focus in:
1. What I put in my body: I am trying to treat my body better, and filling it with junk is not helping with that. My body is a gift, and I need to get better at treating it as such.
2. What I spend my money on: We are working very hard towards getting out of debt (more on that another week). Blowing money on food that isn't good for us is not going to get us closer to that goal! With what we spend on fast food, Matt and I could be going on a nice date each month! I would certainly rather spend that money toward meeting our goals and feeding my marriage...not my cravings!

As for what I'm adding in...some friends from church and I are all going to be doing the 40 bags in 40 days Challenge!

Source: littlelucylu.com via Heather on Pinterest

I won't be doing quite this list, since I have different locations in my home, but the point is the same! I think it is so easy to get lost in our stuff, and this season is perfect for clearing out the clutter!

I am truly looking forward to Lent this year. I know that God is doing work in me, and I can't wait!

Alright, I want to hear from you!

Remember,this linky party is meant for posts about how you are living out your One Little Word. I love all of your crafts and projects, and I'm sure you are super proud of them, but this isn't the party for those! If you're looking for somewhere to link those up, my parter-in-crime, Chrissy, has a great one on Tuesdays!

Don't know what a One Little Word is? Check out THIS post to find out more. 

Haven't picked a word yet? Go ahead! This is not a time sensitive challenge! Pick a word, write about it, and then come tell us!

Please link back to this post if you're playing along!

Grab a button:

<br /><center><a href="http://itsourlongstory.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/heather-kate/th_OLWbutton.jpg" /></a</center><br />
A text link is fine too, if you prefer that!Be blessed!

Sunday Worship

Hello, everyone! I'm starting something new here on Sundays. Worship music is such a powerful tool for me, so each week I want to share a song with you. Maybe it is an old favorite, or maybe something that has been speaking to me this week. I hope you're blessed by it!


This album is available for purchase HERE, as well as iTunes.
No pirating, please!

1LW Wednesday #7

Hey there it's a long story readers.
I am honored that you came back again to hear how my 1LW challenge for 2012 is going.

check out the following posts if you need to catch up:
If you want to know why i chose this word head {here} 
If you want to see what changes I have already made read {here}
If you would like to learn about some really powerful words read  {here} My most recent struggle with words {here}

During my Bible study this morning we were discussing a passage in Matthew that really convicted me.

Matthew 5:14-16  

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Source: lisamarie22.tumblr.com via Ashton on Pinterest

we were discussing what this looks like in our lives and i really liked how my NIV study Bible explained the ways in which we hide out light.

1. being quiet when we should speak
2. going along with the crowd
3. denying the light
4. letting sin dim our light
5. not explaining our light to others
6. ignoring the needs of others

 after looking over that list I was hit by how much our words can effect our light

• by denying Christ and what he has done for us...
• by not giving God the Glory...
• by being proud and boastful, taking credit for great deeds...
• not sharing the truth...

I have been contemplating all day about the areas in my life that need to shine brighter. 
For me, I need to be more bold in sharing my faith with others.
Sure on my blog and I can write about it until my fingers fall asleep, but saying it to people faces.. now that's uncomfortable.You may respond and want an immediate answer... Yikes!

I need to get over not feeling smart enough and just share what the Lord has laid on my heart. I need to share about the work he has done in my life, and present the gospel to more people. I love Jesus and want everyone else to too. But that's not going to happen if i keep covering up my light and going on my merry way.

Time to make a change...

Source: mycakies.blogspot.com via Avery on Pinterest

Thanks, Chrissy!!

Alright, I want to hear from you!

First, let me clarify a few things. This linky party is meant for posts about how you are living out your One Little Word. I love all of your crafts and projects, and I'm sure you are super proud of them, but this isn't the party for those! If you're looking for somewhere to link those up, my parter-in-crime, Chrissy, has a great one on Tuesdays!

Don't know what a One Little Word is? Check out THIS post to find out more. 

Haven't picked a word yet? Go ahead! This is not a time sensitive challenge! Pick a word, write about it, and then come tell us!

Please link back to this post if you're playing along!

Grab a button:

<br /><center><a href="http://itsourlongstory.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/heather-kate/th_OLWbutton.jpg" /></a</center><br />
A text link is fine too, if you prefer that!Be blessed!

Felt Food, I need some!

Abbey got a play kitchen for Christmas, and she adores it! I knew we were going to give her one this year, and I had visions of upcycled tv stand kitchens dancing in my head, but when you find a nice one at Aldi for $30, you jump on it.

Now, what good is a kitchen without food? Sure, I could go to Target and buy a tub of  plastic play food, but that's no fun! Let's see what kind of crafty goodness is out there...

I've had these pinned forever:

Source: ohcrafts.net via Heather on Pinterest

They are super cute, all hand stitched and adorable, but let's face it...that's just not going to get done. I'll get, like, 2 orange slices and a doughnut done and quit. Just being honest...

Dana over at MADE has some super cute felt food tutorials that are much more in my range of attention span crafting abilities. I love the ideas in this post.

How cute are these grapes? They pull apart and everything!

Maybe buttons for the grapes instead of felt? Who knows, but they're definitely on my to-do list!

Dana also has some super cute cookie ideas

These aren't too far off from the cookies in the cookie game in Abbey's Quiet Book, so I know I can handle these, haha!

It doesn't get any easier than Lil Blue Boo's pasta...

And while I love making things at home for Abbey, I also know when I just can't beat a good price. Have you seen the play food at IKEA??

Abbey already has the fruit.

via

but the veggies, and the breakfast foods are on my list! For $8 per set, I just can't beat it!

via

via

This post isn't sponsored by IKEA, I just really love these toys! Don't even get me started on the play pots and pans that my mom brought home last week! Too cute!

Be blessed!

1LW Thursday? And a FREEBIE!

Hello Everyone!!

Welcome to week 6 of  One Little Word Wednesdays Thursdays (oops!)!  Yesterday was just one of those days! I really do love this linky party that Chrissy and I have going. I am always so inspired by everyone's stories, and it keeps me accountable!

That's what this is all about, keeping each other accountable as we make little changes in our daily lives. 

I can't wait to see where each of us are at the end of the year!

You get to hear from me this week! Woot! I even have a little present for you, but that will have to wait. I want to share a bit with all of you about how I am trying to be more Intentional in my daily life.

There are people who live to make lists. 

They get this little buzz out of writing things down and checking things off.

I....am not one of those people.

At least not naturally.

However, I have discovered that my life goes more smoothly when I at least have some sort of plan. This is not my natural mindset. If anyone knows anything about Meyers-Briggs, I am the P to beat all P's! I have to work at this whole list-making, life-planning thing. It is work worth doing though.

That being said, I love it when I can find things that take some of the work out of the process. 

I would love to have a Home Management Binder.

 Source: abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest   

I am slowly but surely working on finding systems that work for me and getting my binder put together. Hopefully someday soon I'll be able to share it with you. It's a work in progress. 

One piece I know will go in my binder is a chore check list.

Source: motherhoodonadime.com via Heather on Pinterest

I found this one from Motivated Moms on Pinterest, and it is great! She even has an option for getting a checklist that has chores and daily scripture readings! These are both things I struggle with, so that will be awesome!

Another thing that needs some serious organization is this little ol' blog. Somehow I doubt that my current system of "hey, what have I got pictures for? Yeah, that sounds good!" is going to work for very much longer. I found this fantastic FREE printable over at Infarrantly Creative

Source: infarrantlycreative.net via Heather on Pinterest

Not only does it have pages for project ideas, but it also has a monthly page for scheduling posts. I think this will be incredibly helpful, in both planning and keep track of things!

One more thing that I know for a fact is helpful to me is meal planning. There is something about knowing what I'm making for dinner each day that just makes the whole day feel more organized. I found these great week-at-a-glance printables over at Artsy Fartsy Mama. I just discovered her, and I'm in love! 

Source: artsyfartsymama.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

I like that these pages have a little spot for planning meals and a grocery list, as well as little blurbs for each day. I think these will be perfect!

And now, on that note, I have a present for you! I made this meal planner to print out and keep on your fridge. Laminate it, or put it in a page protector and you can use it over and over again!

I made it with a cute kit by LauraMarie Scraps

You can download your own meal planner HERE.

Alright! That's how I've been working on my One Little Word this week, I want to hear from you!

First, let me clarify a few things. This linky party is meant for posts about how you are living out your One Little Word. I love all of your crafts and projects, and I'm sure you are super proud of them, but this isn't the party for those! If you're looking for somewhere to link those up, my parter-in-crime, Chrissy, has a great one on Tuesdays!

Don't know what a One Little Word is? Check out THIS post to find out more. 

Haven't picked a word yet? Go ahead! This is not a time sensitive challenge! Pick a word, write about it, and then come tell us!

Please link back to this post if you're playing along!

Grab a button:

<br /><center><a href="http://itsourlongstory.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/heather-kate/th_OLWbutton.jpg" /></a</center><br />
A text link is fine too, if you prefer that!Be blessed!

Simple Stamps

Who needs fancy stamps? Not us! Not when we've got toilet paper tubes and potatoes!

A little finger paint...

Some "sprinkles"...

(We've been making cookies a lot lately, can you tell?)

Seriously, this couldn't be any easier. I'm SURE you have some toilet paper tubes lying around, and I'm no artist, but I managed to make some pretty decent potato stamps. Don't lie, you're totally impressed by that heart one. I was too.

I present to you...a masterpiece:

At some point Abbey realized that this project meant potentially mess hands, so she switched to a paint brush just to be safe.

Whew! Dodged a bullet there!

Be Blessed!

Printable Valentine FREEBIE!!

Hi friends!

I have a present for you today! With everyone getting ready for Valentine's Day parties at school, I thought I would whip a little something together for you.

Each valentine is 3x2, perfect for passing to friends. I made them using this fantastic digital scrapbooking kit by Amy Stoffel.

Isn't it gorgeous?! I loooove it! You can buy it HERE

(She's also the brilliant mind behind my blogwear!)

I've got a printable page with 3 of each valentine ready for you. I would recommend printing it on cardstock.

You can download them HERE

Enjoy!

1LW Wednesday #5

Hi Everyone! I can't believe it's already February! I hope you've all had a great first month living out your 1 Little Word!

Chrissy is here to share with you this week...take it away Chrissy!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey friends. I am glad to be back here today.
I have been really enjoying this 1LW thing.

Source: theamateurwriter.com via Ginger on Pinterest

I can honestly say it has kept me accountable so far this year.
For those of you that are new, or the ones who forgot (how could you)
my word for 2012 is WORDS..
If you want to know why i chose this word head {here} 
If you want to see what changes I have already made read {here}

today I wanted to share with you some words that came to a new light for me today...
I am participating in a Bible study with 4 other women and we are studying the book of Matthew.
Today we focused on chapter 5 but mainly the beatitudes...
I found this website that broke down the beatitudes in a way that was more understandable..

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

            We must depend on God’s unconditional love.

2. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Those who are in anguish due to sin, sickness, death, poverty, war, or injustice will find their comfort someday.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. (meek meaning humble/gentle)

We must realize our abilities inherited from God and then in doing well for others.

4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

We must work for good relationships with our neighbors to promote peace among   nations.

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

We must instill compassion on others and learn to forgive those who have hurt us.

6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

            We must be pure in our thoughts, acts and deeds. We must do the right thing.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

            We must bring about peace with others, even if they are our enemies.

8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Those who are condemned for the right thing will gain the courage and strength for as long as Christ lives in their hearts.

  I just love how it gives us modern day application.
Having my focus being on Words has had me in THE WORD so much more this year!
I am loving it and love learning all that God has to show me.

thanks for having me friends!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks, Chrissy! If you guys haven't already, make sure you pop over to Chrissy's blog Boerman Ramblings. I totally stalk love it!

Alright...let's play! I want to hear what you've been up to!

Please link back to this post if you're playing along!

Grab a button:

<br /><center><a href="http://itsourlongstory.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/heather-kate/th_OLWbutton.jpg" /></a</center><br />
A text link is fine too, if you prefer that!
Be blessed!

1LW Week 4 Round Up

Hello friends!

I've got this week's 1LW roundup for you! We had some incredible posts this week. You ladies inspire me every single week.

So, here we go...

Heather's Pick

I loved this post by a new linker, Christine, over at Grateful for A Coffee Break.

She wrote a beautiful post about the pace of life, and how it has changed for her. So much of it resonated with me on so many levels. 

Chrissy's Pick

I really related to Natassia's post because I too struggle with believing in God's timing. Sometimes I try to take the reins and get things done. But every time this happens there is road blocks. But when i sit and wait for His timing, His PERFECT timing everything works out.

via

And here it is....our most viewed post for the week:

Lani, from It's My Life!!

Lani wrote an incredible post about the idols we put in our lives. It certainly moved me, and made me think long and hard. If you haven't already gone over there and read it, you definitely should!

Thanks so much for playing this week, ladies! This week's linky party will go live this afternoon. Can't wait to play with you!

Be blessed!