Cherish the Normal

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." "

-Mary Jean Irion

Sometimes it is the normalcy of our daily lives that grinds at us. Bless those times of refreshment, of lull, they are the days that prepare the mind, body and soul for the onslaught of activity that we call family life. Thank God for "normal" days!

Pocket Challenge # 2

This was actually my first idea for a pocket, but it was a much bigger project than I had planned...However, it is wonderful! I love my new music/writing area! Check it out!

WOOHOO! It's finally here!

I received my proof copy of my very first book today! I am so excited about it! I can't wait to get the final revisions taken care of so that I can tell all of you how to get one! ;)

I have already been asked by several people to do book signings and small speaking engagements around the release, and, get this...got contacted by a publisher today to pick up my little devotional! What? I haven't even fully distributed yet!

So be in prayer for me about this project and where to go from here with it. Many decisions to make. I just want to make sure God is in it and not me.

What else? Oh, I started earnestly fundraising for my mission trip to Brazil this summer. Committing to raise $4000 was a HUGE step of faith for me since quitting work to focus full time on Strings Attached Ministries has really put a crimp in our finances. Please pray that all is provided. On that note, I am desperately seeking donations (you can donate through paypal through the chipin link above or send a check to: ATTN Cari Kaufman, IG L&L Camp, PO Box 2547, Rogers, AR 72756. ANY little bit will help...

Hmmm...and I think that is pretty much it for me this week...you know...nothing big...just MY FIRST BOOK! Did I mention, I published a book?:)

Can't wait to see what all you other Company Girls are doing this week...if you would like to join us link up with us here at Home Sanctuary.

Pocket Challenge #1

Okay, so maybe my first pocket challenge was less of a pocket makeover and more of a total room overhaul. I haven't given up though. I will turn our little corner into a music area, just not today. That's a project for the weekend.

Instead, I chose to follow along with some other Company Girl's idea and makeover my kitchen table....and wow! what a difference!

Check it!

Before Pocket Makeover...wow...I swear there is a table under there!

After Pocket Makeover...I promise this is the same kitchen!

I'm Joining the Pocket Challenge...and for my first trick...

So a Company Girl friend mentioned that she had started a Pocket Challenge, to create little pockets of beauty within her home using items she already had around the house. I just love the idea, so I am joining her...(you can too! check it out here. )

My first mission is to transform a little nook that I have always loved the idea of in our bedroom, but that has become the ironing room. I will post a photo later. Charlie and I have both been messing around with our guitar of late, but don't have a place to play. I want to turn that space into our music/reading nook. I have some ideas, but the biggest thing that has to happen is that I have to get our ironing under control. This will take an action plan, and really isn't within the scope of the true pocket challenge...but it is a great way to motivate me, so here I go. I will put some photos (and maybe asking for suggestions soon!)