Whatever hasn't killed me....

Whatever hasn't killed me, will make me stronger.
I'll be honest with you here...
There were times in 08' that I thought I might not survive.
Not really "physical" things...tho there were a few scares.
But the challenge of the mental and spiritual things.
I know I am not alone here.
Joy(savvycityfarmer) has had her share of mental anguish when her beloved lay in a coma this year.
Jenny(Prairie Farmeress) has had her share of heart hurts.
Amy (Apt. A) has had many upheavals this year.
I could go on and on.
And I would gander if I were to ask any of YOU how you survived this year,
most of your answers would involve
grace and mercy.
Grace and mercy from our God.

I LOVE the ending of an old year.
I make mental lists in my head of the changes I want to see.
I make written lists of what I want to accomplish.
I love taking down the old calendar, full of appointments, birthdays, memories passed...
and starting fresh with a blank slate.
Anything is possible this year.
There could be reconcilliation with family members.
There could be loved ones coming to a saving knowledge of the Saviour.
There could be new friends made.
Old relationships made stronger.
Anything is possible!

What are you hoping/believing/praying for?
What are some of YOUR goals for 09'?

Talk to me!

And if there are prayer requests...
let us join together to petition our Father.
Let's use this World Wide Web for HIS glory this year!
Love,
Cindy

The Word made flesh...

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18

Yes, indeed.
The Word, Jesus, was born of a virgin, some 2000 years ago.
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given.
And the government shall be upon His shoulder.
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The one to be ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting."
Micah 5:2
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,
and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

May you all come to KNOW the One who was sent.


Love,
Cindy

NIFTY THRIFTY GIFT IDEAS!

Earlier in the week I promised I would try to post about some of my homemade/handmade/thrifted present ideas, so here are just a few.
I know a little bit about a lot of things, and one little bit I know is how to put together earrings and bracelets.
I have in my collection vintage pieces picked up from tag sales or estate sales. Also, pieces I have inherited from my mom. Never to be worn in their present state, once taken apart and re-designed, they make wonderful gifts.
These pieces are for our daughter Gina, who loves jewelry...
especially big, chunky pieces.

On these cold midwest nights, I have been curling up in bed with my knitting needles and a super easy dishcloth pattern. I can finish one every couple of nights.
Have you ever used a handmade cotton dishrag?
Sweet!

Homemade laundry soap ingredients!
I saw this a few weeks ago on another blog (sorry...can't remember where) and thought it the perfect gift for several singles we know.
Who isn't on a budget these days?
And homemade laundry soap is an easy way to save a few bucks.
I pre-mixed 2 of the dry ingredients, so all they have to do is grate the soap and add hot water.
I've included one of my handmade dishrags and a sweet smelling candle.
I hope they like it!

More to come...perhaps early next week.
Meanwhile, I hope everyone is having a most blessed Christmas season!

Oh Christmas Tree!

The hunt for the "perfect" Christmas is a monumental task.
Much thought goes into which tree will be ours each year.
It typically takes us about an hour of traipsing through the tree farm, just up the road a piece from us, to decide on our tree.
Our grandson was with us once again this year for the tree hunt/cut/drag ritual.

Mission accomplished!

Tinsel, tinsel, everywhere!

Avery and Gina, having some fun "sisters" moments, with A still busy decorating.

Sam gets in on the decorating also.
We don't even have to insist on it!

I pray each of you dear friends are making precious memories this Christmas, and remember that...

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

I hope to be back later this week with some of my nifty, cheap ideas for Christmas presents!