40 Days of Prayer - Day 1: God's Gift

I know, it's the middle of July and I've got Pandora doing rounds of Christmas music, but I can't help it! I've got visions of a newborn dancing in my head and it just fills my heart with all kinds of happy. Isn't our Savior so good and wonderful to bring about such goodness?! I've been praying about how I may serve the Lord and grow closer to Him, while still remaining mindful and intentional in my relationship with Him. I've decided that during this time of pregnancy I need to set aside a time (40 days) to reflect and pray purposefully and daily about the joys and struggles of life. I've been encouraged by another friend Hannah, to pray for her and the babies growing in our bellies! I hope this will be a time of encouragement for those of you who read this as well. So let me tell what's been going on lately....

I've been reading through the book of James and I'm reminded of this verse in chapter 1: 16-17:
^"16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." 


Father, 
I thank you for your goodness that you've given us. Goodness that none of us deserve. Thank you for loving me enough to send your one and only Son to die on a cross for my sins. Thank you for blessing me with a wonderful, hardworking husband, who continually proves himself by serving us day in and day out. Thank you for a family that continues to support and love us no matter we need; families that put You first and lead us the best way by serving You, we hope to be shining examples of Your love just as they have. And thank you for bringing about this precious life living and growing inside me. You are good and the fact you sent your Son to die for me is more than enough proof. Thank you and praise be to You alone. 
Amen.  
  
**Next day here**

Sewing Endeavor #1

For my birthday back in November I requested a rather pricey item. I figured that if my parents, brother, and husband all pooled together then I'd possibly get what I wanted. And guess what?! I got it! What is it you ask? It is none other than a Singer Fashion Mate!

This little beauty is amazing! I simply went to the Singer website www.singer.com and searched their products. Well if you notice while you're there, you 'll see that each sewing machine allows for consumer reviews. Based on what I looked at and knowing what I wanted to use the machine for, I figured this would be the best one for me. It features "70 stitch patterns, an automatic needle threader, a top drop-in bobbin, as well as a 25 year warranty" just to mention a few.  And so far, I'm giving it two thumbs up and a 100% positive review! So if you're in the market for buying a sewing machine be sure to stop by and give this one a look over!

Ok ok, so you've got the picture. This sewing machine is awesome, but what exactly have you done with it? Well I'll be documenting my progress on each challenge. This post is about my first sewing endeavor. I bought copyrighted Redskin fleece material and made my father-in-law a pair of pajama bottoms out of them. Check it out:

Sadly, my mother (who took these pictures) failed to send me the one of the finished product. If I ever get it I'll be sure to post it on here, but just trust that it turned out GREAT! And yes, my father-in-law LOVES them, too!