She Reads Truth: Justice Study

Last week I posted about the Noonday #StyleforJustice trip to Rwanda.  I hope you will take time to read that post here.  The trip consisted of a group of women with so many different gifts and talents.  It is amazing to me the web that their lives and commitments are forming.  I choose the word web in such a positive way....because here is what I started today out of that web.....

I am new to She Reads Truth Bible Study Plans.  You can visit their website here to learn so much more.  Here is what they have to say about themselves.....

The most important players in SheReadsTruth are God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as they speak truth to our hearts through the reading of God’s word. Beyond that, there is you – a vast and beautiful community of women committed to growing closer to Jesus by seeking His face.

As for us, we are a handful of women who manage the site and write the plans. We are just like you, dependent on the grace of Jesus and needy of the Holy Spirit moving in our lives. We are a part of this community and we are committed to reading God’s Word along with you.

Today, they launched a 14 day Justice Study.  What is even better is you can access this study from your iPhone in the She Rhttp://shereadstruth.com/2014/07/18/reads-truth-iphone-app/eads Truth App.  The Justice Study is $1.99 and $1.00 of every purchase is being given to the International Justice Mission.  AMAZING!

The site has several other studies you can join along with too.  Titus, Ruth, Nehemiah, 123 John.... I am so excited to have this access at my fingertips.  So the app includes: The Bible, Study Plans, Notes, Bookmarks, Lock Screens of Scripture for memorization, and a chance to comment on daily readings and see what other people are commenting.

The Justice Study will include posts and thoughts from the following: Gary A. Haugen (founder/ceo of International Justice Mission) Bethany Hoang (director of the Institute for Biblical Justice), Jessica Honegger (founder of Noonday Collection), and Jennie Allen (author).  See huge web from last weeks #styleforjustice trip to Rwanda.

I hope you will check out the She Reads Truth site and learn more for yourself.  And if you are ready to jump in download the She Reads Truth app and get started on the Justice Study with me and a TON of other women!

#Style for Justice {What Makes You Come Alive}

If you know me at all, you know I love the world.  I have an affinity for the nations.  My love for travel began at the age of 14 when I took my first trip overseas.  Since then my feet have trod the soil of Russia, China, India, Ecuador and Peru.  A few of these countries I have been to on several accounts and China was my home one summer between my junior and senior years of nursing school.

My life is forever marked by the time that has been so graciously afforded me around the world.  I was changed as a 14 year old teenager, who stepped on a plane 20 years ago, with limited knowledge of the world outside my homeland.

The last trip I took internationally was to Peru in July of 2009.  Deep down I knew it would be my last for a while.  I was desperately sifting through the pieces of a miscarriage and praying that life would begin in me the following month.  Little did I know, the life of my first born child would begin that month. And now it's July 2014, and I have 3 children ages 4, 3, and 13 months.  God has been faithful!

My heart is wrestling.  My mind is racing.  My feet are longing to jump on a plane and go.  There are tons of thoughts floating through my mind concerning: my husband, my children, location, timing, to do what, to go with whom....

I am currently following a team of moms, writers, minister's wives, photographers, bloggers, and creators who are in Rwanda.  I have followed Emily's blog for at least three years now.  I have read Jen's book 7 continue to follower her IG feed.  I worked through Jenni's CHASE study with a few of my closets friends and read her book Anything this past winter.  And right now, they with a few others, are partnering with Noonday Style for Justice.   

This summer, we're fusing fashion and justice as Noonday Collection partners with International Justice Mission for the #StyleForJustice Story Team Trip to Rwanda. Join us

as we journey with an influential group of storytellers and introduce them to Rwandan women who have overcome injustice and have been empowered through economic opportunity. By coming alongside these women and sharing their stories, our goal is to raise awareness for the vulnerable and inspire others to get involved and use their voices for good. 

I really love Noonday's Purpose

Noonday Collection's mission is to create economic opportunity for the vulnerable. We partner with artisans in the developing world, empowering them to grow sustainable businesses. By creating a marketplace for their goods, we create dignified jobs at living wages. This allows our artisans to earn more in order to support their families. We also offer no interest loans and make advance payments on orders. This way we are able to shoulder the costs of materials and build a lasting relationship based on trust. We offer scholarship programs and emergency assistance. Noonday Collection also donates a portion of sales to place orphans in forever families.

Noonday Collection is not a charity and we do not believe that providing a hand out is a sustainable long-term solution to poverty. We aim to be a sustainable business that gives women across the United States a way to make a lasting difference in the fight against poverty and injustice. This is what makes this movement so special. To learn more about Noonday's impact, click here: http://www.noondaycollection.com/impact

I encourage you to follow along this journey from the Noonday website or any of the #StyleforJustice Story Team Member's personal sites.  Their individual IG feeds are awesome as well as the Noonday IG feed.  Pray for these ladies. Pray for this country.  Don't you just love the goal of this trip......

 Raise awareness for the vulnerable and inspire others to get involved and use their voices for good. 

{via:jonesdesigncompany.com}

This trip is so encouraging to me right where I am in life: a mom of several littles, a follower who is hungry to jump in again, and a woman who desires to use her gifts to advance others.  My prayer is that you will be challenged and blessed along this journey.  I pray you will understand the beauty and uniqueness in the gifts you have been given.  My pray for you and for me is we would not transform to what we see as the "trending" thing right now, but rather, we would dig deep and find these words to be true of us.....

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs.  

Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, 

because what the world needs is people who have come alive".

 Gil Bailie 

So what makes you come alive?  And how can you use it to change the world?

A Few of My Favorite Things Lately.....

I did one of these post sometime last year so I thought it might be time for another one.  These are just random things that are my favorites right now.  And who knows....they may be your favorites too or some just might become your favorites through this post.

1.  Huggies Clutch and Clean Wipe Holder

{via: Huggies.com}

  My sister was recently here and introduced me to this wonderful little contraption made by Huggies.  It is a reusable wipe holder (functions much like a ziplock) and has a nifty little strap that can attach to your stroller, diaper bag or wrist.  I found mine at Target for 3.99 with wipes inside.  

I am a huge fan of Kirland brand wipes (Costco) but right now you can score 1160 Huggies wipes, a clean and clutch, and a wipes tub for 24.99.  The Kirkland's brand currently gives you 900 wipes for 24.99.  

2.  Cartwheel by Target App

{via: cartwheel.target.com}

I have seen this app A TON but have never used it until once again my sister was here and we were talking about stacking savings at Target.  I really wanted a pair of sandals that were on sale at roughly 16.99 and there was a 25% off Cartwheel coupon that I was able to stack.  So I ended up with these cuties for $12.74! (and PS they are now online for $10.00 SCORE)

Pretty much every time I am in Target, I see if what I have in my cart has a Cartwheel coupon.  You can load up to 10 coupons at a time.  And if you want to remove one so that you can add one that you really need in that moment you can.  You just hand the cashier your phone (with your barcode) and all your coupons are applied at checkout.

I look at it this way....if you have to buy it or want to buy it....using a coupon is free money to you!  And this app makes it so easy.  There is even a coupon for the Target Cafe where you can score % off popcorn and beverages (perfect for keeping kids busy while you shop)!


3.  Thirty-One Bags

I got my first Thirty-One bag last summer (a large utility tote).  Most of my friends used them for the pool and I really wanted to try one out.  It literally saved my life last year.  I hosted an online Thirty-One Party a few weeks ago and score the Deluxe Utility Tote (a little larger and with outside pockets) and a Zip Top Utility Tote.

I LOVE Thirty-One Products.  I can not say enough good things about them.  I have 3 little kids ages four and under and I only have 2 hands.  These bags help me get it all out the door and back in the door in minimal trips.

If you don't know a Thirty-One Consultant here is a link to my friend Summer's page.  She is awesome and is such a joy to work with and knows a TON about Thirty-One products and which ones would be right for you!


4.  Homegrown Vegetables

Last year my oldest got a 4x4 garden for her birthday.  I was great with child and we never got the garden planted.  But this year, I was determined to do it even if it killed me.  She wanted to grown pickles and carrots!  Ha!

We planted our garden....even though I really had NO idea what I was doing.  And I did NO research (which I don't recommend).  BUT we have vegetables....pickles AKA cucumbers, banana peppers, green peppers, red peppers, jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and carrots.

We are seeing the fruits of our my labor and the kids are having a TON of fun with the harvest.


5.  Melissa and Doug Toys

{via: amazon.com}

{via: amazon.com}

{via: amazon.com}

{via: amazon.com}

My mother in law has scored some awesome stuff through Melissa and Doug over the last several months.  We are loving these Water Wow reusable paint pages (no paint involved only water), and these Paint with Water pages with a strip of paint at the top of each page (so you don't have to keep up with watercolors).  And how about these magnetic dress up people for boys and girls.  My sister gave these to my kids for their birthdays and they can not stop playing with them.....which provides moments of peace for me in each day! Yay!


6.  Artwork made with my children's hands and feet

I posted a DIY Mermaid Canvas using your child's hands from my daughter's birthday party.  Since then we have made lobsters and butterflies using our hands and our feet and a little paint.  It does require some work on my part but the kids love it and we always do these project outside.


7.  Nest Photo from The Whatever Shop

I have a little ETSY shop called none other than THE TEAL EGG.  I put things in it that I create.  Things that make me happy.  Things that I would love for others to enjoy as well.  The Whatever Shop has this print that I discovered a few weeks ago.

Before I could order it, a sweet friend purchased it for me as an encouragement to hang in my "create" space.  Such a thoughtful gift that has deep rich meaning to me!


8.  Vintage Dressing Table for my daughter's room

I am finally putting together my daughter's big girl room.  It has just been in utter limbo the last few years.  My mom purchased this vintage dresser and I am excited to paint it and put it in her room.  Researching chalk paint right now and picking my sister's brain about her success in painting an antique hutch with chalk paint.


9.  No More Bottles in Our House!!!!!!

And perhaps my most favorite of all......NO MORE BOTTLES!  The baby is loving his sippy cup and momma is happy.  No tears to be found here.  I feel like I have a new lot on life!  So proud of him!!!!

A Mason Jar Full of Flowers

"And why worry about your clothes?  Look at the lilies and how they grow.  They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won;t he more surely care for you?  You have so little faith!"

Matthew 6:28-30

For the last several weeks I have been letting my oldest pick out flowers at the grocery store. A month or two ago we got to shop for groceries at Trader Joe's (it's a good distance from our house).  The moment we walked in the door her eyes filled with wonder and she walked immediately over to the flowers begging me to get some.  She carefully selected yellow tulips.  She was filled with JOY over this purchase and if truth be known, so was I.  

We brought those tulips home, cut the ends off, and placed them in a mason jar full of fresh water.  She put the mason jar of tulips on the center of our kitchen table and since that time we have continued to fill the mason jar weekly with a little flower JOY!

She talks to me a lot about the beauty of what she selected.  She talks to me about their need for fresh water.  She asks me why their life span is so short.  She tells me God made "her" flowers.  She is learning much about her Creator through a simple bunch of flowers.

Yes my grocery bill is a little higher than if I had just left them off, but the conversations I have with her over these flowers can never be bought with a price.  My daughter is the MOST thoughtful human being I know.  She genuinely cares for all people.  She loves deeply.  She is teaching me more about myself and living like Jesus than I ever knew possible.  She makes me want to be a better person.  

I pray I will always take the time to let her pick out flowers with which to fill the mason jar full.  I pray she will live in the confidence of knowing if God cared enough to dress the flowers so beautifully that He will surely dress and care for her that much more.  I pray the length of the flowers days will always remind her we are here for a season, live your life with His Kingdom in mind.

DIY: Silhouettes Made Easy

For the longest time I have been wanting to make silhouettes of my children.  My sister came last week and we got our craft on.  One of my friends says that silhouettes are a great way to freeze time.  I love that thought.  These silhouettes found the perfect place in our home and they are my newest treasure.

I searched MANY ways to make a silhouette.  Some suggestions included: publisher, ipiccy, 

pic monkey....  I downloaded ipiccy for free and honestly just got frustrated with my inability to really follow the curvature of their faces.

So here is how we did it.  It was not rocket science at all.  And, I am sure that somewhere in my search engine I could have found 100 people who would have suggested it this way. (I probably really should be on Pinterest).

Sorry the pictures are a little grainy....that's what happens when you snap with your phone!

Here is what you will need:
Camera
White Background 

(we used a white blanket draped over an air mattress standing on it's side)
Sunlight
Exacto Knife
Computer
Printer
Black card stock (we used black construction paper)

Mounting paper (I used brown and my sister used blue)
Double sided tape or regular ole scotch tape

Position your child in profile position with a white background behind them.

We tried a dark background but found that the white background worked best for detail.

Open the blinds of your windows to let the natural sunlight kiss their face.

Snap some photos

You might want to have someone stand right in front of them 

to keep their attention from looking over at you 

Load your photos on your computer (We used iPhoto)

Pick your favorite photo

Print at 8x10 (we printed in color for precision and detail)

Take your exacto-knife and cut out your child's profile.  You may want to practice cutting something else out if you are not familiar with your exacto-knife.

Tape your child's printed profile to a sheet of black card stock or black construction paper

Use your exact-knife to trace and cut around your child's profile.

Detach printed photo from black card stock 

(this will leave you with a black card stock profile as well as a color printed profile). 

Place a few pieces of tape or double sided tape to the back of the black card stock profile and adhere it to the center of your mounting paper (our mounting paper was 8.5"x11")

Then frame as you like!

Such a FUN, EASY, and QUICK project and a promise full JOY for many years to come!  These would be great mother's day, grandparent's day, father's day gifts.  Or just a special treat for you.  How fun would it be to surprise your friend with silhouettes of her children!?

I don't know about you but on the eve of America's birthday, I sure am thankful for the men and women who have given their lives for my freedom and for the opportunity to raise these sweet little children in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

**I hope you have a WONDERFUL 4th of JULY**