Coffee with my Lord | Resting In His Unfailing Love

Hurrah for sticking with a post series!

(No, really ... HURRAH! I hardly ever stay consistent with my endeavors.)

Today, dear friends, I am sipping a cup of black coffee and rejoicing in the God Who makes all things new. Recently, I came to my beloved and asked him to forgive me for a few pre-marriage offences I had committed against him. I was amazed when he asked for my forgiveness for the very same things. My eyes filled with tears as I gave my handsome man a hug and we both praised God for working in our hearts individually before bringing us together over the same issue. What a good God we serve. He is always faithful to chasten His children. Unlike us, He will not overlook sin. He knows that the cost will be far worse in the end. I am so thankful that He means for us to be truly holy, righteous, and pure -- praise God for Jesus' unspeakable gift of being able to live like we should!

Today, I aim to lift my eyes to the hill and rejoice in the God Who fights for me, for us, and rest in His finished work.

What has the Lord been teaching you over your cup of coffee? I would love to hear!

With love,

 

Tea and Me | On a Cold October Evening

|| Put the Kettle On can be found here ||

"The cup of tea on arrival at a country house is a thing which, as a rule, I particularly enjoy. I like the crackling logs, the shaded lights, the scent of buttered toast, the general atmosphere of leisured coziness." P.G. Wodehouse

Tea.

It's not normally for me.

Because I prefer my coffee ... in a cute mug ... hot and fresh and black.

But my consumption was exceeding the proper amount.

When my husband came home and found me floating in a sea of hot, brown deliciousness (again) he asked me to consider the alternative.

Tea.

Ew, I said. It will have to be filled to the brim with milk, I said. Impossible, I said.

Yesterday's cup was awful, plum awful. It was too weak, too diluted, too cold. Never again, I said.

And then today came with its cool weather, fresh, homemade cookies, relaxed schedule, and mocked me. I had to find a caffeine free, hot beverage since my coffee consumption had already been had at 10 am -- so I gave tea one more try.

And somehow I enjoyed it.

So here's to my new relationship with tea -- may it never overstep the strong memories coffee and I have and may it always be there on cold October days.

p.s.

Here's a bit of cheesy/romantic/tea fun ... I'll be sure to try this out on my hottea tonight. ;)

|| here ya go ||

A Photo Gallery and a New Home

Hello, dearies!

Yes, that's right -- we've left our bungalow for a one mile trek across town and a two room rental that nests at the end of a street. Brown walls and creamy white trim have been making Dalton and I feel warm and comfortable in this new space. There are no leaky sinks, no leaky roofs, and no leaky sewage pipes -- blessings indeed! Though we loved our last place, our honeymoon home, it is so nice to have a dependable landlord and the knowledge that, unless the Lord moves us, we can plan on settling in.

So without further ado, (and because I'm about to put my feet up, turn the Disney music up, and drink my coffee up) show yourself around!

Our living room is so spacious! Perfect for guests and (maybe one day) babies to wonder around in. There is so much room in comparison to our last rental that we are able to enjoy ample seating space -- both couches and ottoman fit nicely! 

 
Of course you want to see the toilet room -- don'cha? This bathroom is such a treat to Dalton and I -- the walls are not crumbling and the vanity isn't moldy -- two aspects we were happy to leave behind and there is plenty of space for us both to get ready. Although, I do miss the "closeness" our tiny bathroom seemed two bring. ;)

The bedrooms are very roomy and we're loving the carpet! These shots are of our room ... isn't that closet dreamy? The little signs hanging from the closet say good night -- the prefect touch of shabby/rustic/romantic. (Can you spot the creeper? ;)

 

 

I know what you're really thinking ... "Very nice, Frannie. But where do I sleep when I come to visit?" (Because ya'll know you're cordially invited if ever you happen to be scadaddling through Jefferson City.)

 

Well, sweet friend, there is no where for you to rest -- at least not now. The spare bedroom (which I am so loving!) is currently overflowing with crafting materials/innumerable sets of glass dishware (from our generous wedding guests)/work out equipment. However, it is my goal to have this room tidied and ready for happy, visiting souls by tomorrow. :)

 



As you tour the last bit of our happy home you'll find yourself in the kitchen -- and what a fun place to be in! I am loving the fresh cupboards, the pretty counter top, and the deep sink ready for washing dishes. I must confess that I do miss (very much) the lovely cabinets my beloved painted in our previous rental. They were beautiful labors of love! All in all, I am very much enjoying my updated kitchen -- I cannot wait to have family and friends over for coffee made in this very room.

We are still so overcome with awe at our living in this home -- our last place, though very dear, had become a sort of burden with the many maintenance issues and our landlords lack of dependability. We are so honored and praise God for sending us on in His way and timing! Thank you, Lord!

With love to you all!

 

The DIY Bug and 6 Awesome Cures

I've been bitten by the DIY-bug -- you know, the one which seems to bite when the craft budget is low, possibilities endless, and your sewing machine rests 153 miles from your aching fingers. Thankfully, we don't let limitations hold us back (do we?) from accomplishing the making of beauty. It may mean hemming with a hot glue gun, crafting cards from the most obscure cuts of paper, or repainting a frame with chalkboard paint but we get it done (unless, of course, a couch, bowl of cookie dough, and Les Miserables happens to be available ;).

In honor of the crafting-bug I present you with several amazing sites and my favorite tutorials -- read 'em, enjoy 'em, and marvel at the creativity bursting from your screen. I promise these ladies will spark the DIY flame in you. Maybe then we will avoid gobbling cookie dough this afternoon ... then again, maybe not. ;) 



 

 

11 Magnolia Lane

 

 

|| I am crazy about this no-sew burlap curtain -- what an adorable way to dress up a window! ||

 

 

Making Home Base

 

 

|| I love Chelsea's site and as a renter I love her down-to-earth advise on sprucing up your home! ||

 

 

Shanty 2 Chic

 

 

|| I loved these curtains and plan on trying my hand on them soon! ||

 

 

Perfectly Imperfect

 

 

|| Open, rustic shelving has been on my mind a lot and I love these beauties! ||

 

 

The Blissful Bee

 

 

|| Don't you just love this drum light made from basics like canvas and embroidery hoops? ||

 

 

My Life and Kids

 

 

|| Yes, I'd love to learn how to make adorable and affordable curtains! Wouldn't you? ||

 

What sort of "bug" has bitten you lately? The travel bug? The holiday decorating critter? Or maybe its something as great as the Anne of Green Gables bug? Whatever it is I would love to hear about it! 

 

Coffee with my Lord | Starting Up

There is nothing better than a clean, joyful, loving relationship with Jehovah God. And early mornings and hot coffee and good friends -- wonderful blessings I enjoy. And that is why I am beginning a new (and hopefully consistent) series on Of Mess and Glory. I want to share what the LORD is doing in my life (and hopefully hear what He is doing in yours too!).

Lately, the Lord has been gently spanking me; chastening me into a closer walk with Him. His word says in Hebrews 12,

" ... My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

Having grown up in a home where Mr. Spanky (the household spanking rod) was a regular, well known member, I know that spanking hurts. But nothing aches more than an uncleared, sin-filled conscience; nothing is heavier than a heart burdened with sin; nothing destroys more than a lack of justice.

Thankfully, our Abba Daddy always pursues us. He faithfully chastens our proud and stubborn hearts desiring that we allow His proddings to lead us to repentance and freedom.

Last night, as Dalton and I watched a movie about Cain and Abel, we marveled at a new thought for us. After murdering Abel, Cain was rightfully punished for his sin; yet, God still showered mercy upon him by placing a marking upon him and promising to avenge him if ever another man killed him. Even in sin, God maintained a relationship with Cain. It was Cain who left the presence of the Lord. Sin requires a punishment ... it always has and always will. But, in His tremendous mercy, God has met the requirement of our sin -- through the death of Jesus Christ. Justice was met. My punishment has been given ... to Someone else who willingly stood in my place.

I am so thankful that I can repent of sins and be forgiven ... because God mercifully and justly provided a sacrifice for me. I am also thankful for God's chastening hand -- even though it often hurts, His faithful proddings sow seeds of revival and repentance in my heart.

So, dear friends, how has God been leading in your life? What new lessons have you been taught? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Hoping your coffee is good and your heart at peace,