thrift store finds...just what I needed

My heart pitter patters over a good find at a thrift store the same way another girl's heart might skip a beat at a good sale at anthropolgie.
don't get me wrong...I love antrho.
it is just that my wallet doesn't.

I have been really searching for a good book club or bible study in my area.
I have even contacted another sweet blogger for advice on finding one.

I still haven't found a perfect fit but I think my weekend finds are a good sign.
I have been searchng crosses on etsy, but nothing really caught my eye.
then I found this vintage cross. it is perfect.
next I was checking out books and found this daily devotional. it was a sign.

and I also scored this Charles Dickens book.
it might go in my etsy shop.
or it may go on my coffee table.

I have really been talking to God the last few days.
and HE surely has sent me a few signs of encouragement.
it is just what I needed.

Happy Re-new Year!

When I googled an image for RENEW, I found this picture from a church website and thought it was appropriate.

I have decided that my word for this year will be RENEW.

I will renew my relationship with GOD.
I will continue reading Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity along with Calm My Anxious Heart.
I am the type of person who loves lists, loves writing things down on a calender.
So I will begin writing down excerpts from the Bible for me to remember.

I will renew my relationship with my HEALTH.
I have started eating clean (again!).
I will use my brand new treadmill that my hubby bought me for Christmas.
I need to do this for my family as much as for myself.

I will renew my relationship with my HUBBY.
Sometimes things get so busy day to day, we don't take the time to have a meaningful conversation.

I will renew my relationship with my HOME.
I am so grateful to God that He has provided us with a home.
I want to make sure I really spend the time cleaning and doing necessary projects and improvements.

And I am thankful to GOD that I do not need to renew my relationship with my GIRLS.
They have always been my number one priority and they will continue to be!

Grace and Gratitude

I have to be honest
If it were not for Edie's loss, I would not know who she was.

She would just be another blog, another face, out there in blogland.

I first read about her just last week.
Like so many of you, my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Since then, I have been heading over to her blog
reading her posts little by little.

This morning, I cam across her post from November 22nd.
The title is "Thankful for Home" Have you read it?

Words cannot express her loss, but I am GRATEFUL I have found a new friend and I just know God has big things planned for Edie and her family in the new year.

Soul Searching

A few weeks ago I was reading a blog post that eerily could have been my own words, because it expresses EXACTLY how I have been feeling lately. One of the things I have been trying to deal with is realizing the fact that I have grown apart from many of my friends. We no longer have the same interests and goals. And I have been feeling sad and lonely.

I though once I grew up, had my husband, home and two children, I would not feel this way, but I do. I feel like a school girl trying to be accepted by her peers.

So many of my fellow bloggers, GET IT. But so many of you live far away. In other states. Across the country. You and I have the same interests.

We love thrifting, decorating, crafting, laughing, drinking coffee, sipping tea, talking to God, just having fun. And I don't get to share that with nearby friends, because that is not who they are.

And so, as one friend who does GET IT puts it, I am soul searching. I am reading Calm My Anxious Heart and So Long Insecurity. I didn't think a 30-something stay at home mom would need this, but you know what? I do and that is ok.

And I keep praying to God that I find my Soul Sisters too!

Change is coming!

(Photo from mochatini.com)

I really had a lot of things swimming in my head today. I really need some positive changes and I know it will only come if I seek God. And do you know what? HE already answered!

First, I went to the lovely Lissa's blog Humble Pie and her post today was exactly what I needed. Yes Lissa, God is AMAZING! And please check out her blog to see her inspiring new artwork she picked up this weekend.

Next I went over to my friend Tara's blog, blondiensc. She also has a wonderful way with words and her post is very powerful today.

Finally, my childhood friend Lisa has a quote today which I want to share with all of you:

"When life gives you LIMES, adjust the letters and share a SMILE."

Change really is coming!