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My Heart Breaks.

Today my heart is breaking for two specific things.

One, Haiti. The devastation, the tragedy.

Two, my immediate family. Specifically my mom and my 16-year-old sister, Abie.
For years, my mom has struggled with depression and the past few months, she has hit rock bottom. It is something to do with the chemicals in her brain. I won't go into all of the details, but I will say, she is in desperate need of a change and our prayers.

My sister Abie was also recently diagnosed with depression.

{It breaks my heart in a way I can't explain}
I hate to see them hurting.
Believing lies.

It's the things which seem so helpless and moments which seem so lifeless and hopeless where I realized and I am stunned by the power of prayer.

Here I am, Father. Seeking You, asking You to bring a peace which surpasses all understanding, hope where hope is lost and truth where lies have been spoken.

I ask Father you help Haiti, my mother and my sister to find peace in you.
And to dream again.

They are in Your hands, Abba.

DIY Project: a "Popping" Picture

Buy a frame from a thrift store. I found this old school one for 2.99 and 1/2 off!

I painted it black.

I did not place the photo behind the glass, but in front. Making everything "pop" out.

I used modge podge and superglue to attach paper, photo, tissue paper, etc.

This photo I took of my sister was the inspiration for this specific gift.

{Find an inspiration}

Click photo to enlarge.

This gift was for my sister Abie. I also added a part of a quote from Streams in the Deserts.

"All thoughts of sorrow fled away and joy was my visitor that day."

Supplies needed:

a frame

photo

paint and brush(es) - if you need to paint it.

glue

paper/tissue paper/whatever you want to add

quote, saying or verse

you can also use:

buttons

ribbon

things associated with memories

Vintage Ornaments & Journal.

Our pre-lite 3' faux Christmas tree for $3 at Goodwill. Below are pictures of the ornaments I found at the ARC for under $2! I love the vintage look!

I also found a bag of mirror ornaments for $1 brand new. They add so much!

This reminds me of the Nutcracker Ballet.

I love these mirrors.

This is one of my faves.

Our cozy little basement home.

One of mys gift from Ted was this very old journal which was made in Japan.

I am in love with it... and him of course :)

DIY Project: Homemade Books.

This is a little glimpse of the book I made Ted 3 years ago this upcoming Christmas.

Enjoy, then make one for someone you love!

(Supplies needed list below.)

Buy an old book from the thrift store.

You can paint the outside of the book or sew/stable on a fabric cover.

Write down a summary of what you want this book to say or show.

Go through the pages and decide the layout.

Then begin.

For this book I choose things associated with a memory.

Hence the Sugar in the raw and honey packet.

I used an old guitar string packet for a pocket. You can also use envelopes.

Or you can make your own lil pocket with paper, a needle and thread.

I used some of my journal entires or poetry in his book.

 You can use a letter, scripture, poems, famous quotes, lyrics, etc.

Add photos.

After you finish a page, sew it to the next page to add something more and some bulk.

(Remember when choosing a layout for the book, skip every other page so you can sew pages together.)

Lightly draw a design and carefully trace over your design with a needle and thread.

Use fabric! It's kind of blurry but I used fabric to make 3 flowers.

Walaa.

The end.

Well of that book anyway. :)

I am currently working on another book for a different loved one.

It's a good christmas/birthday gift. You can also add a page or two encouraging them in their giftings or passions! It can be a great tool to encourage and remind those you love of just how much they mean to you.

Helpful tip:

Over time I've collected/saved random tissue paper, magazines, quotes, photos, newspapers, fabric, random scrapbooking things, stickers, strings, etc. If you label a box named arts and crafts (or something) and fill it over time, you will have a lot to work with!

Supplies used:

An old book

paint- for the book and pages

needle and thread- for stitching in designs or the pages together

pencil/pen- for drawing a design or writing

magazines- use to cut out words or pictures

photos- if you sign up at shutterfly, seehere or kodak you can get prints free :)

scissors

fabric- for either a cover or for decorated the pages

rubber cement or photo slips

Scrapbook paper plain or with designs

My mind is going blank. Add questions if you need to!

Down in My Heart.

Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy,

Down in my heart.

Abigayil Reed

My youngest sister.

She's quite the girl. Seriously.

Me.

Me, dos.

Abie's sunlight jump.

I adore her.

She's a little piece of joy, deep down in my heart.

Love you Abs.

Always, Sometimes, Never.

I Always...

Want to blog about something.

Had the desire to be a momma.

Think family should come first.

Find a reason to take a picture.

Seem to lose to ruin the cell phone I own.

Enjoy thrift store shopping.

Love sweets.

Prefer laundry to cooking.

Feel really proud when Ted introduces me as his wife.

Seek truth and justice.

Discern.

I sometimes...

Am reminded of Thailand in the little things around me.

Waste my time and regret it.

Wish I was better at the things I am passionate about.

Talk gibberish with my baby boy.

React before thinking.

Wound easily.

Forget to send the Thank You's I write and find them much, much later.

Have terrible nightmares that I can't shake.

Run errands in sweat pants.

Head to the home decor section and wish we had a long term home to decorate.

Keep silent when I have something to say.

Wonder if I am parenting Chase right.

Cry.

Try to be an extravert at YWAM then come home exhausted.

Think I live in a bubble.

I never...

Realized how selfish I am until I was married (and now with a baby).

Thought it would take so long for me to get pregnant.

Expected labor to be so painful. (I really thought I was dying a few times.)

Had more than $4,000 in our bank account as a couple and that was a one time deal :)

Like confronting people.

Feel completely secure in who I am. (Working on that.)

Want to forget what Christ has done for me.

Want to forget the things I am most passionate about.