Timing

When I was younger we sang this song in church all the time that sounded like something straight out of a Southern Baptist Church. The song was called "On Time God." I struggled with this song, not only because it was a corny song but because, I didn't like to think time was out of my control. If you know me at all you know I'm a little bit of a control freak... Admitting the problem it the first step...

I didn't like waiting and trusting that the waiting was necessary. If something good was coming I wanted it then and if I was in the middle of something bad I wanted it to hurry up and end. The truth is God is in control and He has a perfect time for every thing. This is one of the many things that God has been teaching me down in SC. It's a concept that has been brought up many times this week and then this morning at church the message seemed to solidify every thing that has been going on. If you have a spare hour this week I would highly encourage you to check out this week's sermon, it's a message for everyone. (It's the one dated 1/29/11)

The first verse we looked at, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, has actually inspired many pop culture references including this song that has been stuck in my head all day. Usually this verse is used as an encouragement to say that good things will come and that the bad things are only for a time and while that is true it also means the God has divinely placed each season in your life for a reason. Not really something I wanted to hear... Truth be told, moving down here has not been easy and I have faced many trials and struggles and have continually asked God, "WHY???" but it's all for His glory and his purpose. I don't need to know why, I just need to trust that He sees the full picture and I should be praising Him for using me in His plan. James tells it like it is chapter 1:2-4. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I read that and think, "Dang, ok... Your will, not mine."

There are a lot of things coming up in my life, new possibilities and directions. I have no idea where they will lead or even when they will come but I am trying as hard as I can to stay where I am and wait for God to say, "Go."

If you think to pray for me this week pray that I have the patience for and the certainty of God direction. I miss you and love you all. Many blessings!

P.S. When I refer to church "this morning" I wrote this on Sunday,just hadn't posted it yet. :)

Home Decorating

Now that Christmas is over (and most of the presents are done) I figured I could make something for myself. The idea originated from this pin on pinterest, but I took some creative freedom and used a map instead of a poster as an ode to my love of travel.

I bought an antique style map from Barnes and Noble and headed over to A.C. Moore (not my usual craft store but I had a gift card). Due to a misinterpreted sign I was able to get canvases that were already on sale for an extra 50% off so each 11x14 canvas cost me $1.50. (Hooray for poorly worded signs!)

I cut the map up and began to mod podge it onto the canvases. I started with a homemade version of Mod Podge but the consistency wasn't right so I ended up going back to A.C. Moore. I bought to many canvases so I returned two and bought the real Mod Podge to complete the project.

I painted the edge of the canvases to blend in with the map. I would highly suggest doing this part first, it's a pain to do it after the paper is on there.

I think it came out splendid and once I take my Christmas tree out of my living room I will be hanging it. All together is cost me less than $20, if you were to find something similar in a store you could expect to spend anywhere from $50-$100 and besides, this is way more fun!