Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Tiffani and I drove out to the desert this afternoon after CBS, so she could attend her Theology Book Club and I could meet with my MaryMartha group. We are always so thankful and filled up after meeting with the special people in these groups. That's why we can't let go of them (for at least this school year!).

If you haven't read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, we'd all hightly recommend it. Joanna Weaver has this amazing ability to teach by using personal story and images to create a new awareness in her reader. I'll be honest I bought this book, because I was compelled by the title and thought it was going to be one of those easy reads that I call a "bathtub book." You know...a good book, but easily read without pen in hand...good reminders and confirmation, but nothing really deep.

Was I in for a surprise when I attempted to read the first chapter in the bathtub without a pen! I had to put it down. And it was several months before I picked it back up...when Bethany suggested that we moms, who meet while our children discuss their books on Thursday night, should also read and discuss a book that would help us grow.

I suggested Ms. Weaver's book and we spent the summer reading, meeting and discussing it. And our time together has been so lovely! Filled with insight and hardship and joy and prayer. This little group of women has turned out to be one of the most precious groups in which I've ever participated. What an incredible blessing!

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

A new friend (thank you, Randy!) showed us a "secret" place close by that sells bags of organic juicing oranges for $2/bag.

It's so cute! You turn into a little driveway, walk into the small, covered fruit stand right next to the orchard, choose your bags of oranges and ruby red grapefruit and leave your payment in the box.

These oranges are not pretty, but they are DELICIOUS!











In an organic system you don't waste anything. We need to educate the consumer to accept a tiny blemish on an orange.
~ Robert Patterson

Mystery Flower

We were in for a new floral treat today in the backyard...Enjoy!

And thanks to our Anonymous Commenter, we know the name of this flower...

Wild Iris Dietes grandiflora

Stony Paths

I found a card to send off to a friend today, with a quote from Corrie ten Boom. If you have not read Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place, this is another "must" read. I've read it twice and will certainly read it again. It is a heart-changing and life-changing book.

If God sends us stony paths, He provides strong shoes.
~ Corrie ten Boom


We know that life isn't easy, but we know that if we remain "connected to the Vine," that we need never give into worry.

California Quail

While sitting upstairs in the Den this afternoon, with the windows open, we were startled by the sound of a flock of California Quail. We immediately turned our attention to the canyon hill in the backyard and they were everywhere! Under the shrubs, on the lawn, walking the fence like a tightrope. It was so fun to watch them, busying themselves here and there.

Detours

PHOTO CREDIT: HIKE NOW
I was replying to an email this morning from a sweet sister, who was sharing that she calls upon the Lord each morning to see what she should do and to give her the strength to do so. And these verses were laid upon my heart...emphasis mine.

2 Corinthians 12:
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

May we go through each of our days, asking Him to author them. Being flexible and not worrying about the little detours in our plan. God's plans are better than our own.

Our Lord bless you and keep you...today and all days...Joy!

Saving Beautiful Puzzles

Years ago, we were visiting Lindy C. and noticed what her family did with puzzles after putting them together. Instead of breaking them up and putting them back in the box, her family puzzle-glued them to poster board.

So we started to do the same thing...with puzzles that were just too beautiful to take apart.

Here are two of our favorites...

Garden Party

by artist Sandra Kuck

Cat Afghan
by artist Linda Picken

It's so easy and we have our own technique now:
1. Place the puzzle on Foam Board. [We tried Poster Board a couple times, but it always warped.]

2. Use Modge Podge from your local craft store. Pour it on top of the puzzle and spread it all over with a gloved hand...we keep disposable gloves on-hand (no pun intended!) for messy crafts and kitchen recipes. It will look scary at first...all white and gooey, but it does dry clear. Make sure that all of the "cracks" in the puzzle are filled with the glue. The glue will seep through to the Foam Board below and adhere the puzzle to the board.

3. Let sit for 24 hours.

4. Voila! A beautiful, inexpensive, and special wall hanging...that you've created as a family.

***Note: If you like a certain artist and can't afford an original or copy, just find the piece of art in puzzle form. You can even frame the finished puzzle artwork. We did this for Grammy with one of her favorite Thomas Kinkade winter scenes.

Traci's Office & Tiffani's Studio

This room is just a beautiful space in which we can be creative...we couldn't have asked for anything better. Fragrant air flows from the open Den windows in the back of the house. We have gorgeous natural light all day long. And plenty of empty floor space allows us to maneuver easily around.

We love our old Lazy-Boy rocker. We bought it when I was pregnant with Tiffani and we've spent many cozy hours rocking in this chair...feeding, reading, bonding, comforting...it's a "perfect fit" for OUR room.


So thankful for all the built-in storage. We haven't even filled it up...yet!

Here's my office space...plenty of room for my desk, files and bookcases. I'm missing a shelf...Tiff needs it in her room for another couple weeks until she gets her new bedroom set.

A close-up look at Tiff's Studio space. Our big glass table is dwarfed in this room...it took up so much space at the last house. So glad it works well here...it's perfect for big projects...like the 1000-piece puzzles we enjoy so much!

The principle goal of education
is to create men who are capable of doing new things,
not simply of repeating what other generations have done -
men who are creative, inventive and discoverers.
~Jean Piaget

Kitchen

I'm enjoying this kitchen already! Sink looking out to the backyard. Work space & storage close to sink and stove. A mighty dishwasher and double ovens. About half the size of my last kitchen, but a "perfectly designed" space...for me!

Lots of fabulous meals coming right up! I'm inspired. :-)



View to backyard...

Living Room

From the kitchen...


Toward the backyard...

I love the lavendar wall!
Works perfectly with our neutrals, greens and plums.

From a hall...

Wood-burning fireplace...


There is no place more delightful than one's own fireplace.
~ Cicero

Music Room & Dining Room

From Jeff's office...


From the top of the staircase...

From the first landing...

Our Home for Awhile...

Entry...




Seating in the Music Room...

THE Staircase...Tiffani's been talking about living in a "house with stairs" since she was a little girl! Here we are. She sees them as fun...I see them as exercise equipment. Hee hee!!

...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
~ Joshua 24:15

Laguna Beach

Time for a break!
We headed out to Laguna Beach today.
It was a gorgeous day!












We love interesting Trees...

LOL! Had a giggle when I saw this cacti! Dani gave me a small cactus as a "remembrance" of the desert and here's cacti at the beach. :-)