27 February 2012

I remember first delving into the world of photography and wondering what “aperture” was and how could a “wide aperture” be f/1.4 and a “narrow aperture” be f/16 – when the numbers seem to contradict their name?

Or why would I shoot manual – I’d just be adjusting the settings all the time, right?

If you’re in that spot, do not fear. Enter…

“The Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography”, an eBook by Lauren Hope which offers wonderfully helpful information which you can apply to improve and excel in photography.

Although this book was not available when I started learning about photography (as much as I wish it was), it is available now as a most valuable tool for all of you who are interested in portrait photography (even if it’s just a hobby!).

A snippet from the foreword, which Lauren so graciously gave me the opportunity to write:

[Lauren] covers the basics from the technical side of camera functions, to helping your subjects feel comfortable and relaxed, to making the most of your surroundings for captivating and engaging portraits… read more.

Click here to learn more about this tip- and technique-filled book! Save 25% through February 29th and purchase this eBook for only $6 – just a couple days left to save!

Keep smiling and keep practicing,

[4] Comments » | Categories: Life, Photography, Reviews

20 February 2012

…you know someone put him there.”

This is a handmade turtle. Breezy created it using reference photos of Painted turtles, foil, paper maché, gesso, and acrylic paint.

The main purpose of the turtle was to be a prop for a talk Dad gave at work, focusing on the sovereignty of God and His Providential hand. “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know someone put him there”, was the concluding remark as he placed the handmade turtle on a fencepost.

Now we get to have Mr. Turtle stick around longer than any of our previous wild “pet” turtles who needed to find new homes… he currently sits atop one of our bookshelves. (And, as much as I like turtles, when I forget he’s up there – or find him somewhere else – he takes me by surprise.)

[20] Comments » | Categories: Family, God's Creation, Handmade, Inspirations, Life

16 February 2012

I had my doubts about this one. Hamburger – yes! Quiche – yes! But, spinach? In a quiche?

It wasn’t until two years ago when I went gluten-free that I started branching out of the standard American diet (which, in my case, was almost veggie-free).

My mindset when it comes to food has entirely changed since then. The Lord has amazingly adjusted my appetite and attitude towards nutritious eating. But there are still occasional times (such as when it came to a spinach quiche) where I wonder – can that really be good?

But this recipe, like so many up to this point, proved my hesitation wrong.

This is delicious! A new family favorite. It may even make it onto our weekly menu. We’ll see.

Hesitating? Go ahead – try this recipe and enjoy! (Updated link – we simply leave out the crust, making it wonderfully gluten-free!)

[23] Comments » | Categories: Food, Gluten-Free

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.

[24] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Handmade, The Home

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] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations, Life, The Home, Vintage

6 January 2012

A new year. A new slate. A fresh start.
Really?

As I pondered these things, I skimmed over my “growing journal” which contains prayers, Scripture, thoughts, questions, quotes, words on character, etc. that I had recorded over the past year.

Nearly every sentence I read surprised me. For example:

“How often do we lose heart, fear man, worry about the outcome of the current/upcoming circumstances? God is sovereign. We must not fear, but stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. He will fight for us. We need not rattle on, but instead be silent and wait on the Lord — fearing Him all the while. [Inspired by Exodus 14]”

Humorously, it seems strange that I would be surprised since I did write them all. So, what surprised me? It was the realization that a new year does not mean “a new slate.”

The calendar year has changed, but we still have a foundation to work from.

Every area where we grew, reformed, changed, learned, etc. are still there for our benefit. They don’t get thrown out and forgotten when we flip to a new page on the calendar, each lesson needing to be learned over again. But rather we are able to take higher steps from that groundwork that has been done in the past twelve-plus months.

Isn’t the Lord gracious to give us that groundwork? To learn from the past, be sanctified in the present, and reform in the future?

Let us not forget from where we came or where we’re going.

Hello, 2012! (And thank You, Lord, for foundations to work from!)

[24] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Inspirations, Life

27 December 2011

[8] Comments » | Categories: Food, Gluten-Free, Inspirations, Life, The Home

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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[14] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Handmade, Inspirations, Life, The Home

9 December 2011

“Then I [Wisdom] was with Him, like a master workman,
and I was daily His delight,
rejoicing before Him always,
rejoicing in His inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.”
(Proverbs 8:30-31)

Striving, with the strength of Christ to daily:

• Work diligently in excellence with willing hands
• Delight in the Lord (at all times)
• Rejoice before and in the Lord
• Rejoice in God’s creation
• Delight in those made in the image of God

Oh, how I desire wisdom! These verses are inspiring instruction to be diligently working and evermore delighting in the Lord, rejoicing in the Lord, and loving the Lord and the work of His hands.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
(Proverbs 9:10)

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
(Proverbs 31:30)

[10] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, God's Creation, Inspirations