$5 Finds for Fridays [wall art]

So this is more of an upcycle/recycle than refurbish, however, it was still less than $5 for the initial object and under $10 for the over all diy. So here we go!

Everyone ends up throwing away countless empty toilet paper rolls. And sometimes you find yourself with a large empty space on your wall- yet most wouldn’t think that the two could come together in a way that would be desirable. By cutting down the little tubes and gluing them together in a fairly artistic way, you create an organic wall piece. I decided to spend the $2 on black spray paint to fit my decor.  All in all, I’d say that I really only spent the $2 plus tax since I only had to be patient to accumulate the amount of tubes that I needed and I’ve always got Elmer’s stored away somewhere. Happy hunting fellow bargainers!

$5 Finds for Fridays! [desk chair]

So, my recent adventures through garage sales and thrift stores has scored me some awesome deals for about $5! And I’m so excited with the results of the remodels that I’ve been inspired to share the progress through $5 Finds for Fridays. I’ll post a new before and after every Friday to show how a little cash goes a long way.

I picked this chair up at a garage sale with a friend for $5. I’ve been in need for a desk chair for my studio- It just needed a little sass

And this is the final product! All in all the chair cost me less than $10! I bought 1/2 yd of fabric that was on sale ($1.50) and a test container of paint at the hardware store ($2.50). You could also buy a .99 bottle of acrylic paint but I knew I wouldn’t like the texture of that paint on this type of wood.  So there you go, the first edition of great finds!

Lady in Waiting

Being that this is the month known for Valentine’s Day and all that love is, the ALO bible studies have been geared

towards relationships in various ways. And all this talk of what God has for us whether we are in a relationship or not has brought us back to studying the women of the bible. (which is not such a new concept for a Christian sorority, let me tell you). Nonetheless, I have found some new angles, or I guess have gained a deeper understanding of certain angles, of these woman that I hope to pull into my own character.

All this ties into a sermon I heard this last week given by a dear friend. He spoke on how Peter gave 6 verses to wo

men on how they are to conduct themselves within the relationship and only 1 verse to me

n. Slightly unfair don’t you think? But he gave the argument that while it would be difficult for a Christian man to lead an un-Christian wife, would it not be more difficult for a Christian woman to submit and follow her un-Christian husband?

The roles of actual gender are irrelevant to me at this point and one would have to simply put themselves on both sides of the coin. I know it’s like dragging a mule (or sheep if you prefer the more biblical analogy), trying to get an unmatched partner (partner in any area of life) to follow you, even if you were deemed to be the team leader. Even if the mule/sheep knew that you were doing something good for it, it would resist out its own stubborn character. But on the flip side, if you new the right path, if you could guarantee a safe journey to water, but your leader doesn’t listen a

nd insists on going in the opposite direction because ‘they know best’- as bad as the first side of the coin is… I’d take that any day over this. And I say that because the leader is the one who takes the fall, who is to carry all the weight and burden of the end decision so they call the shots. Yes, the one following has a say, they get to share their concerns and experience and might even object a little at times, but even then, the leader must lead.

I see this example played out with so many women. Doing unimaginable things in my eyes. Posing as her husb

and’s sister instead of wife.  Wandering around aimlessly for years upon years. Going behind enemy lines for a whole people. So many great things were accomplished in the end because these women followed their leader. Granted some might have been easier from this point of view than others, but still. I’m a plan person. I need plans. What makes me different from most plan people is that I’m okay with changing the plan along the way, which generally means that I’m perfectly fine with a not-so-great plan- just as long as there is a plan to move forward. But a not-so-great plan is not t

he same as a plan that includes lying, especially to someone who might kill me if they find out that I lied- great idea Abraham. And I’m not sure that Moses really had much of a plan after a while- he should have known that without

a vision the people perish. I think Ester was brave being that her

leader was a little more abstract that what we think of in this situation. But in the end, I think I can relate the most to Ruth. Going into a new culture, accepting the unknown. She had a plan. Her plan was to stick with Naomi- and Naomi’s plan was to go back home. And even that plan evolved as time progressed, but still, there was always a plan to be developed.  So I guess this lady must learn to wait while the plan is being formed.

In the Midst

It’s almost Thanksgiving and it’s just that time of year where everything converges into a massive ball of stress. Such a joyous time. However, I’m glad to say that there is peace in the midst of all the crazy mess that swirls around me and I’m excited about blogging more often from here on out.

I’ve made great progress in tracking down my ancestry- One of my newer discoveries is that one branch… a not too distant branch… happens to be gypsies! As of yet, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be thrilled or concerned, but for right now I’ll be glad to know a little something else about my family tree.

The sound of wedding bells is in the distance as I’m newly a bridesmaid for a wedding after the new year. It’s already become quite the distraction I’m afraid and it’s only been less than a week. I fear that I’m doomed.

ALO has come a long way since August and I’m proud to say that we have an addition here at Theta Ruth [Details to follow in a later blog]. But I am ecstatic that I had the opportunity to usher in another member, but even more so that it’s over and my life is a little more mine again

Now off to try to get to sleep… again

International Women’s Day- March 8th, 2010

So, on my way to class this morning, I was listening to the morning radio show and learned that today is International Women’s Day. It was initially established for women to campaign for better wages, the right to vote, etc. back in 1910. It’s strange to think about a time where a day dedicated to someone or something was started for a cause and is now recognized as a day to reflect on what all that group has done. To acknowledge all of their accomplishments.

I, for one, am quite proud of being a woman. I love that I can wear skirts and pants. I have Elizabeth Smith Miller, Amelia Jenks Bloomer (who started ‘bloomers’), and Frannie Wright to thank for that, being that these 3 are credited with starting that whole fashion trend in the early 1800′s in an attempt to aid woman’s rights. I also love that even today, it’s still a common understanding (though inaccurate) that men perform better than women in the workplace and the liking- which makes it all the more satisfying when I grind some guys work into the ground with my own. However, I don’t think that women rank higher than men, only equal potential. It’s only been the past 120 years or so that woman, as a whole, have even begun to stand head-to-head with our male counterparts- we got a late start in the game of history, but I feel that we have quickly made up for lost time.

Women like Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony made much of the Underground Railroad a success story for many of the slaves running for freedom. Amelia Earhart showed that the sky is no longer the limit for feminist aspirations. There’s Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton- all who had major roles in progressive works towards women’s rights in some way. And despite what many people believe about Hillary Clinton being the first woman to run for president, Victoria Woodhull Blood Martin (yes, she had 3 marriages- scandalous right?) actually ran in 1870, 50 years before women could even vote, yet there were African-American men sitting in on Congress and several State Legislatures- which I find odd, but a man’s a man I guess.

Harriet Beecher Stowe and Lucile Dupin (aka Georges Sand) blazed trails in historic literature. Sofonishba Anugissola was the first female to be acknowledges as a painter in 1559. Clara Schumann (wife of the more well known Robert Schumann) and Fanny Mendelssohn (sister of Felix Mendelssohn) were both greatly talented in musical composition like their male relatives. Yet, in all my years of piano study, I’ve never heard of them- new life goal: learn their pieces!

Women like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett helped pave the way for female comedians- while Sheila E made a name for chicks that rock (a personal fav of mine)

Another favorite group of woman claiming stake on part of the world are architects (duh). Eileen Gray’s work actually captured the eye of her archi-god, Le Corbusier (he ended up breaking into her home one night, which she designed, and painted an inappropriate mural on a large wall of her and her ex- he felt it lacked some color)- she wasn’t fond of his suggestion. Zaha Hadid is currently the most well-known female architect in today’s world.

So, in the end- there are many woman- tons more that I can’t continue to mention- that have made their mark on this world and changed the way society, of both men and women, view the female’s capabilities. For step one will always be getting the woman to see herself as something more than a housewife. Not to downplay the importance of that role, but to make her understand that she doesn’t have to stop there- that she has the potential for more. Nowadays more stay-at-home-women/moms are home-schooling their children, or have their own business run out of the house- or they are active in the arts- I think the ‘output’ part of our minds are important and that we need to exercise it constantly.

I say thanks to all the women before me who gave speeches to thousands or to one, who put their foot down, who said I am worth more than this- for if it wasn’t for them I would not be who I am today, nor who I will be tomorrow. I can only hope that I have the opportunity to have my own ‘stand my ground for what I believe in’ moment- even if it just affects my immediate surroundings.

A lesson to learn?

I attended my sorority’s annual weekend retreat last week only to come home to a house with a water leak and about 1/3 of our remaining boxes drying out in various places. At that moment, I realized that there must be a lesson of some sort to learn from this. I mean, what other purpose does all this serve? So being that it’s now Friday and we’ve had our water back on for less than 24 hours, I feel that I can look back at this situation and attempt to give a good summation of what I was intended to get from this mess of a week.

Earlier this week, a friend, who’s like my little brother, forwards me a message from an old high school band mate of ours whom I can hardly remember. Her message is to the point, but it’s easy to see the emotion coming through. In the same night that her grandmother past, the house that she was living in with her brother and their friend caught fire while they were at the hospital. It started in the room her brother and her share and they lost everything. Including 3 of their 4 pets. So in the midst if my personal life catastrophe, I thought, I’m lucky the guys didn’t burn the house down while I was gone, even though I came home to a leak, I still had a home to leak and my stuff was still here and in tact.

In response to my lil bro’s message, I sent out my own to my LifeGroup (or sunday school  for those of you who roll old school) to see if they could contribute to helping these kids get back on their feet. I’m proud of my group for their response to my call- so much so that I will think of them the whole time that I am attempting to mail all this stuff to Lubbock.

In the end, I can’t say that I believe that I was taking my life situation for granted, but I’m not the one to ask. However, I do know that I appreciate what I have more than before and that I’m glad we decided to have a ‘donations bin’ in our garage.

To inherit the earth…

My journey has began. It will be long and hard, but already I see the pieces fitting seamlessly together. This journey also has a name, Inheritance Ranch Children’s Home. I want this place to save children from the instability of the foster care system, the constant bouncing from house to house. I want the ranch to be a place to call home until adoption. A place for kids to learn values and how to set goals. An environment where they have opportunity to grow and see their potential for success. I want them to have a room that reflects their personality and their style- a room of their own. I want them to be able to dream and to know that even though a family might never come to embrace them, that they might be adopted and be given an inheritance far greater than this world. That is my goal. It is big, I know, but I can envision it, and that is the beginning.

 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth

matthew 5:5

L’hiver Tisse

So, in trying to earn a few extra bucks here and there around my crazy school schedule, I’ve decided to start something of a business. I really have enjoyed this new endeaver, I just hope it catches on quick!

www.winterweaves.webs.com

 {I have some summer styles too }

Our ‘walk into the sunset’

I always here the phrase ‘life has a funny way of working itself out’, or something that that extent… but really it’s that God has a funny way of rearranging our lives.

In the end, I absolutely adored our wedding, not to be boastful, but it was ideal- minus the lack of dancing- but at the time I’m not sure I had the energy for some twists, let alone any shouts. Everything went off without a hitch and my in-laws were behind the scenes, around the scenes, in the scenes working things out- heck, there were several times where for me, they were the scene- which made the day all the more enjoyable. Our good friend, Chase- who just so happens to be a missionary (ironic right?) performed the ceremony for us and had THE most beautiful ‘speech’ for the ceremony- I mean- talk about fitting into the ‘not expected’ category, this was far from traditional, but I couldn’t have picked one that better fit Daryn and I.

Only 2.5 weeks into marriage, I’ve got a new job, we’re looking forward to moving,  we might get a puppy, ALL of our bills are paid off ON-TIME… AND we have money in the bank to spare (and i’m not talking gas money either)… and our apartment is a complete disaster. It was clean, I promise. And I was finding places to put my clothes in the closet and the kitchen was all organized- then sometime last week after we had company things started to go down hill to where we are now… thus there won’t be any naps until something changes… I mean, who can nap in all that mess?!

Anywho- Life is good and I can’t wait for this Whittaker family to have it’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas… not to mention my birthday in there somewhere

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…

He is truly amazing, isn’t He?

I must admit that I am ashamed at my recent level of appreciation for my Lord. With all this wedding planning going on, medical trips to put my jaw back in place, and my multiple (resurfacing) family issues, I have started to notice a decline in the joy that I receive from knowing the Father. But in my pain and angst, He has brought me to a place of such awe and disbelief of His glory that I feel that I have surpassed my spiritual state prior to all this emotional wretchedness.

From all the inner turmoil that had been, which is beginning to seem unending, instilled within me from my family, I began to look towards my friends. Unfortunately, at that time, I became hard pressed to find a one in which, for just a moment, didn’t need advice with their own issues. Who wasn’t looking to me for guidance or prayer. I needed someone to be there for me and I was at a loss. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love helping people. I love seeing how God works in my friends’ lives- and you can never really know how much He really did unless you know all of what really happened. And my joy is even greater still if He chose me to carry His message, His word. If you haven’t experienced that type of blessing, I suggest that you pray that you will before to leave this world, because to this day I haven’t found a thing that can compare to seeing God’s handiwork come through you, and most of the time you have no idea that He did until after it’s all complete.                                                                                                                                                Anyway… I have been praying through this whole engagement that God would bring me the peace “which passeth all understanding”, and I think I am on my way to finding that peace.

In all honesty, this week has been terribly horrid. And that in itself is a major understatement. But when I was looking the most for the love of God in his people, in my time of greatest need, there it was. Out of nowhere (quite literally, I was floored when this happened), I get a call from a friend who’s practically going to ease my mind. She just picked up all this stuff and is dealing with it. It’s just, ….I am still speechless. Another friend has decided to give an incredible gift that I can’t even fathom accepting… however we’re practically identical so I am well aware that in the end she will win, even if I think I did for a while… she’ll still win. And yet a third friend, who, well quite honestly her love language is service so it just comes more natural to her, but still, I can’t express how proud of her I am as to how well she’s managed a lot of changes these past few months- she has found the time and energy to help in all this- she just told me last night, “Oh hey, by the way, I’m helping with this, so what to do think if we did it ‘this way’”. At this point my spiritual self feels as though my jaw is hanging so open that it’ll dislocate itself. I have no words to truly depict the love and charity that my friends have chosen to show me.

And so to deal with this roller coaster of emotions- all I have left in me is to just sit and breathe, for His grace truly is sufficient.

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” Job 42:10