Sew Simple Dress Pants

Yesterday, I started sewing on this pattern to make myself a pair of simple dress pants. I got the front and back pieces sewn together and had every intention of getting the whole garment sewn up, but when I got ready to lay one piece on top of the other for pinning, this is what I found. 

My silly cat LOVES fabric so much. It's like she can immediately sense when I lay it out for cutting, pinning, or basting. She comes out of nowhere and lays on it.   So, I stopped here for the night. Maybe I will be able to do more tonight. 

Spring Inspired Sketchbook

You can see where my mind is these days...Spring. I made this little sketchbook from scratch using drawing paper, chipboard, recycled college course catalogues, watercolors, watercolor paper and mod podge. 

I am going to use it at work to draw classroom examples for my students. I love the bold colors and contrasts of black and white against the colors. The only thing I don't like about it is the messiness of the spine. I wish the paper designs were more fluid. 

The Whole Armor

Ephesians 6:12-13 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Anytime is the perfect time to pick up a Bible and read the word. I personally prefer a daily/yearly Bible because it keeps me structured. However, any Bible is good! The armor spoken of above comes with study, meditation, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of God's word. 

The Nightly Struggle

Almost every night Goldie or Molly struggle to lay and snuggle in my lap while I try to place my Kindle in a comfortable position for reading. There is never a real winner because we are all usually uncomfortable. 

This weekend I kept my nephew. So, not a lot in the way of Bible study or crafting got done. I did; however, cut out the pattern pieces for a pair of dress pants. I'm going to try to get them sewn up tomorrow. I'll post pics of the progress and product. This will be my first project since getting my poor sewing machine back from the repair shop. 

State of the Union Address

After Obama's prideful and boastful SOTUS two nights ago, my ears have been alert to the news and my mind has been thoughtful, and as we all should be, my lips have been prayerful. Despite its purpose of assurance, the SOTUS only made me anixious and worried for the state of our country for the duration the current administration. I feel as if we are not focusing on what is important right now: the ISIS/ISIL threat. To make matters worse, Obama refused to meet with the Israeli PM today during his trip to the US in March. Tradition or not, things are too tense in Europe and the ME right now for this type of behavior. Not to mention that we should be far more concerned with our Israeli alliance than any Iranian alliance. The only thing that makes any of these okay with me is that I know God has this under control for the saints. I came across this verse today during my Bible study, and it made me feel more at peace. 

Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.  Psalm 72: 11

So, despite what plans our govt. or other governments have, it doesn't matter because God's plan reigns supreme. 

Proverbs 18:10-11

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe. 

A little light sketching while watching the Patriots

Tonight while watching the Patriots defeat the Colts, I did a quick sketch of St. Patrick's Cathedral. I'm going to add a few fantasy details around it. I'm using it as a model for the New York Institute from the Mortal Instruments series. My plan is to use chalk pastels and prismacolors to finish it out. I'll post more pics of my progress as I work on it more.  

The Sun is Shining

After many days of overcast skies and at freezing temperatures, we finally have a sunny day in the 60's!  In honor of this momentous occasion, the hubs and I will be spending most of the afternoon outside!  Currently, I am standing in my backyard soaking up the rays, and looking at this poor, pitiful tree we need to cut down. 

Bless its heart. It is time for it to go!

Too much on my mind...

Tonight, I have quite a bit on my mind.  I had a fairly awesome day.  It ended with me helping a student with a video for entrance into an art program.  After three attempts, we finally got a great video for her to submit!  Later I talked with a friend about a subject that has been heavy on my heart for some time now: adoption.  It was great talking with her, though!  She really made me feel better about the subject.  I also have work on my mind.  We have a state standards visit on Tuesday, and I still have a good  bit of work to do in my classroom in order for it to be nice and tidy!  Hopefully, I will get it all done.

However, I'm not worried about any of it TOO much, because I know my Lord has it ALL under control!  

I'll leave you with this thought:

Jesus prayed for ALL of us before he was crucified.  He prayed for, yes, YOU, and ME without even knowing us almost 2000 years ago!  How do I know this, you might ask?  Well, here it is right here in John 17: 20-21:

        " I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;     

         that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in 

         Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me."

In these verses, "these alone" are the disciples and "those who will believe in Me through their word" is you and me!  We believe in Him because of their words!  The Holy Bible is the divine inspired word of God through the disciples, and other God chosen men!  How great to know that Jesus loved us and the Father so much that before he was sent to die he would take the time to pray for our salvation.  Amazing love!  On that note, good night! :)

Psalm and Proverbs

These verses on Psalm 71 struck me because so often we put our trust and faith in other humans, and are disappointed when they let us down. From these verses, I was able to see and understand God is the one true STRONG refuge. He alone is worthy to be trusted and praised. "Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Psalm 71:8

Lately, I've been struggling to work through some deep negative feelings regarding a situation I found myself in before Christmas. After reading this verse and reflecting upon it, I realize that very small mistakes can turn into full fledged disasters, if given the opportunity. As usual, I need to meditate first and speak with wisdom later. It is a daily struggle for me. I tend to open my mouth more than I listen. I am hoping with lots of prayer this will change. 

Manic Monday

As usual, I am super tired on a Monday. So, all have tonight is a daily Bible verse. 

Verse of the Day

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26-28

A long day of house work...ugh!

Today was fairly boring with one household chore after another! Now, I'm finally able to relax with my two loves. 

The Holy Spirit

Growing up, I was raised from the Pentecostal point of view. So, naturally believing in the Holy Spirit has never been an issue for me. My most recent daily devotional touched on the amazing power of the Holy Spirit, and I thought I'd share. It is the greatest thing Jesus had the Father send to us after his resurrection. 

The disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Now, the spirit of truth is with us forever. It's character and ministry has been described as:

Helper

Comforter

Strengthener

Pleader

Intecessor

He convicts of sin, leads to repentance, inclines us to trust in Christ, furthers our progress in Godliness, fills us with power and joy, and raises us from the dust of death at the end.

However, despite His awesome abilities, the world is closed to Him. Pride and unbelief blind men, so that in their fatal foolishness they resist the spirit instead of receiving Him. Sin dulls, distorts, and destroys the sensibilities of the sinner so that he has no appreciation of the things of God. 

Taken from the Devotional Daily Bible by Thomas Nelson. 

Week's End

It's FINALLY Friday! Thank goodness! I'm ending the week by relaxing with some DVRed shows and my knitting while snuggled up under a quilt!

1 Kings 18:21

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. 

Elijah's demonstration to the Israelites on Mt. Carmel is just like our daily struggle to choose between God and the world. We have to choose the right road (Matt. 7:13,14). We cannot serve God and money (Matt. 6:24). We basically have two choices: 1) Gratify self, confirming to the corrupt pattern of this age or 2) glorify Him who alone is worthy of worship. 

It is a hard path to follow, but the righteous one brings more peace and joy. The other path brings double mindedness and sorrow. (James 1:6)

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible NKJV by Thomas Nelson

Another Long Tiring Day

Today has been another exhausting one. Before it got started, though, I was able to take this awesome picture. 

God's Enduring Blessings

1 Kings 15:5

The good that a man does lives after him.  God continued to let his light shine in Jerusalem for the sake of David even though Abijam and his father were not totally devoted to Him. David's obedience ensured God's love and presence toward's his people even after his death. We should keep this in mind when voting for political leaders. Vote for the one committed to righteousness and justice for all so God's lamp will shine over our land. 

This is also a reminder to be mindful of our actions and what we leave behind on the world. 

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible NKJV by Thomas Nelson

First Day Back

Today was my first day back at school from Christmas break. Needless to say, I'm tired. Too tired to really focus on a post. It wasn't a bad day, but going over rules all over again is exhausting. Hopefully, I'll have a better post tomorrow. 

Mandolin

My husband bought me this cute little mandolin for Christmas. 

I bought the book Mandolin for Dummies a few days after Christmas. Last week I learned a few chords, and today I learned how to play tabs on it. I've begun to be able to strum out Ode to Joy like a teenager on the first day of beginner band! I know I have a long way to go, but I had a lot of fun tonight and hope to be able to play well enough to upload a recording of myself someday! 😊

Loving the Praise of Men...

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.  John 12:42-43

This verse was among my daily devotional today. When I read it, it stuck out to me for so many reasons. First, I need to constantly make choices based on God's word and boldly confess Him as the reason for my choices. Second, I feel as if it is saying to me once again, "It is NOT about you!" I get down in low places emotionally sometimes. When this happens, I feel sorry for myself. I look for reasons to glorify myself and the job that I do. I'm a perfectionist. So, naturally I feel like I'm always right and that I do my work very well. I love receiving praise from others over my artwork, crafts, job performance, ideas, and the list could go on and on for days!  I MUST remember to not worry about these frivolous cares of the world and put God first in all I do. The praise of men is NOT needed!

First Sketch of 2015

Today, I had a little bit of free time. So, I got out my sketchbook and created a very simple sketch of my version of Isabelle Lightwood from The Mortal Instruments series by Casandra Clare. Her face is AWFUL! But, I'm fairly pleased with it for my first sketch in a REALLY long time! 

Titus 2:11-12 Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.

This was my daily Bible verse today. After a large amount of meditation, I have realized that I let myself get caught up too much in the affairs of the world over the past two months. This verse is a reminder to me today to stay righteous by study and meditation of the word. When you cut yourself off from the Holy Spirit through the word of God, you create a life of torment for yourself when you know better. 

Psalm 25:15

My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

I have been neglectful of keeping my eyes on the Lord for far too long. I started the summer months and school year of 2014 out so well with good daily Bible reading and studying. Then, I got caught up in the cares of the school year and became tired and exhausted.  So, I started sleeping in each morning instead of getting up and reading my daily devotional Bible. Today, I strive to end this! I'm picking my Bible and notebook back up and getting into the word! We will be judged by the word, "he who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. John 12:48". We must be better students of the Word for it is the very essence of a good, pure life!  

Dillard's Annual Mad House New Year's Sale

Today I tried to go to Dillard's New Year's 50% off sale for the first time in my life. Needless to say, it was the worst experience of my life! Just check out these photos: