Wednesday Link Love

Ah yes, the Valentines edition! So, how about this cake?!

Need a quick little treat that even the kids could help make?

Here’s a whole list of adorable free printable Valentines. One of my friends was telling me that at her kids’ school, they have to make their Valentines. Wish I had had this list to share with her earlier!

I think these are so so so cute, and if I had a printer and sticky paper, I’d be all over these.

Ohhhhhh I’m pulling out all of those old album covers! I see a family picture coming on!!

Have you seen those videos where someone takes a picture of themselves every day for a year or whatever? Here’s a fun way to make that happen, if you are so inclined.

I fantasize about having a kitchen like this. I want all drawers and no more deep unusable cabinets!

I wish this shed was in my back yard. Instead of the shed we have- filled with lawnmower and tools and bike parts and paint cans…

Fun little game to play if you plan to host an Oscar Party this year.

What a pretty table these would make!!!

Joanne has the sweetest blog called The Simple Wife. One month ago, this beautiful young mother had a massive stroke. Her husband has been faithful to keep her blog going, many have been faithful in prayer for her, and she has been faithful in pushing herself further than they even thought she could. Can you imagine how Joanne must feel when she wakes up to this room? What wonderful friends and family she has to fill her room with so much love! Will you pray for Joanne?

A Little Treasure for Tuesday

I’m taken with this video. There is a follow up to it too. Check it out.

Music Monday

My friend Paul at church last week.  Thanks Dan!

Fidelity

We finished up a series on Fidelity at church today, and we had each been invited to share an example from our lives. There were some very tender stories of aunts and parents and church staff members and friends who have been faithful on a number of fronts.

I have been a witness to Fidelity- in the lives of so many I cannot even count them all and could never do them justice. The example that was on my heart this morning though was of the man who was my father’s dearest friend. One of the last things my father ever said aloud while laying in a hospice bed was to point to him and say, “That’s my BEST friend.” His name is Mr. Hawkins. A kinder, more gentle man would be hard to find. And he has walked the long road of Fidelity.

His faithfulness is far flung and steady and at times unmerited, often times thankless. He has loved his sweet wife since they were teens, with a love that is both tender and fierce. He is a wonderful father, even though I’m sure it was a rude awakening for both of his kids to get out into the world and find that not everyone is as kind or as helpful or as intelligent as their dad. He loves and cares for his church and church family, with that love made real in transporting widows, coaxing an ailing air conditioner compressor back to life, or sitting beside a family who waits while a loved one is in surgery. His faithfulness comes full circle from tilling to planting to harvest to table, and no visiting preacher or family in crisis has ever gone hungry if the Hawkins had anything to do with it.

Even in the face of his own diagnosis with an aggressive cancer and on days when his energy is clearly diminished, he continues to quietly serve others, blessing those whose intent was to bless him.

To use the title of a Eugene Peterson book, Mr. Hawkins has indeed exemplified A Long Obedience In The Same Direction. I think my dad, another great example of Fidelity, chose his best friends wisely.

Six Word Saturday

What a long and delicious Saturday!

Warmth and good cheer

 

In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.

Brian Tracy

Wednesday Link Love

I always delight in the images Andrea captures!

Lots of fun ideas for a Valentine party here, class party or otherwise.

Sweet little calla lily Valentines

I love this plate wall!

I’d like a tree of happy little bull finches.

Oh my oh my oh my, what a cutie!

This houseboat! In Amsterdam! So sweet!

Food on sticks….again!

Definitely have to give this a try.

I am and always have been a sucker for pretty colored bottles!

For a second, I almost think I could create art like this just by seeing the technique. Just for a second. But her art is so beautiful!

Sweet sweet video. Hanky alert.