27 April 2012
Joy is more than a smile, it is an attitude of the heart which permeates your entire being. It affects all of life, how you handle situations, and how you reach out to others. As Mum said, “[joy] is internal and eternal.” And there’s only one place to find and have true joy – it is found in the Lord.
“You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
—Psalm 16:11
Click here to read Mum’s post about cultivating and filling our days with joy.
This month’s free pattern from Clementine Patterns features several delightful graphics for Joy – download the PDF pattern for free and embroider your own version of “Joy”! (For personal use only. This PDF pattern is available for free download for two weeks – now through May 12th.)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
—James 1:2-3
Don’t miss out on next month’s free embroidery pattern…
you can subscribe here to be notified when it’s released!
P.S. Missed last month’s “love” pattern? No worries – it is now available as a PDF download in our Etsy shop!
12 April 2012
Every spring I look forward to snipping lilac bunches from our bush for an overflowing bouquet of purple lovelies. It’s amazing to see how much beauty God puts into a single lilac with its breathtaking aroma.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
—Isaiah 40:8
P.S. Six Angles is back!
29 March 2012
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
—Galatians 5:22-23
This is the first in our series of embroidery patterns based on the fruit of the Spirit.
Every month – over the next nine – we’ll be offering a free pattern based on a fruit of the Spirit! They will accompany my dear mum’s posts at Raising Homemakers.
This month’s post is on love.
Brought to you by Clementine Patterns, each embroidery is a beautiful reminder to diligently cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. (They also make for perfect mother-daughter projects!)
This month’s pattern features several graphics for Love - download the PDF pattern for free and embroider your own version of “Love”! (For personal use only. This PDF pattern is available for free download for two weeks – now through April 12th.) UPDATE: Now available here!
Make sure you don’t miss out on next month’s free embroidery pattern by subscribing here!
26 March 2012
Have you ever planted seeds in eggshells? This spring we’re trying a new-to-us way of starting seeds inside. We’ve tried other ways in the past, all to no avail – this time we’re hoping the story will end with a “happily ever after” (plants growing strong, maturing, and bearing fruit in season).
The process of planting was most enjoyable. (Excepting, of course, for the centipede squirming around in the bucket of dirt.) A few easy-to-come-by “ingredients” were needed:
- Eggshells & Egg-trays
- Bucket of dirt
- Seeds
- Water
We filled the shells in the kitchen – and even our dog Bently seemed to enjoy the process by sneaking a few bites of dirt. (Perhaps he’s low on some minerals?)
Following is a pictorial version of the seed-planting process…
A hole was poked into the bottom of each one so that any excess water could drain. When it comes time to transplant them to the garden, we will simply crunch the shell so that the roots can exit and plant the whole thing.
It’s fascinating to think that something as small as a seed will grow into many meals come summertime. God works wonders!
Have you started planting your garden? Do you start your seeds inside or outside?
7 March 2012
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting friends for a time of delightful fellowship. While we were there, we met their farm’s latest additions: lambs.
The mothers ate while the babies watched us in their own cautiously inquisitive way.
I became fast friends with this wee one. He was most charming
and enjoyed a good, long rub on the noggin.
Mrs. Mendenhall petting my new friend.
Spring is here with new life – beautiful new life!
P.S. Did I mention that the owner of these darling lambs has an Etsy shop & blog? I think you will like them.
25 January 2012
Our latest embroidery pattern is up in the shop! Mum did a lovely job stitching this one, wouldn’t you say? It is a beautiful and cheerful reminder to…
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!”
—Philippians 4:4
We’re looking forward to rearranging the art, pictures, and handiwork on our walls to make room for some of our latest embroideries.
12 January 2012
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.”
—Proverbs 11:25
[ Paperwhites | the gift of bulbs from a friend has grown into a sweet winter beauty ]
19 December 2011
JOY, noun: The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Mirth; festivity; happiness; felicity.
“Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present
or assured approaching possession of a good.” —Locke
—Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
“You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
—Psalm 16:11 (emphasis added)
If you find the fresh smell of pine pleasureful, you’re welcome to write with your own twigs and needles! (And if you take a picture, please share a link in the comment section – I’d enjoy seeing what you come up with!)
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