Month: March 2014

Value: the human, the woman

While studying the history of humanity – their cultures, social formations, philosophies and their artistic endeavors – in a secular academic environment and Christian liberal arts college, I observed that women are both corrupted and glorified through cultural expressions. Interestingly enough, when sin insidiously spread through the good earth and warped it’s perfectly effervescent qualities, woman became cursed with this stark reality, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;     in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband,     and he shall rule over you.” This commentary by theologian John MacArthur explains that to mean, “Sin has turned the harmonious system of God-ordained roles into distasteful struggles of self-will. Lifelong companions, husbands and wives, will need God’s help in getting along as a result. The woman’s desire will be to lord it over her husband, but the husband will rule by divine design.” In other words – what we see every day in this 21st century society – is the demoralization of the human soul, the fragile woman. Her natural beauty …

DIY: Plywood Painting

Two years ago when we were planning our wedding, I really wanted to have a personal painting displayed for our guests to sign. My original intent was to paint this design. Alas, I ran out of time due to my bridal haze and due to investing more energy in preparing our new abode. But, several months later, the plywood board that I swiped at Lowes for $6 became the inspiration for another abode project. While staring at the wood square and trying to imagine other possible potentials, I noticed that the grains and shades formed a picture. My imagination is quite vivid, and it seems in my dreams that I am drawn to places. I am always drawn to calm, serene places. What I envisioned in the wood was the sunset over the ocean… I started messing around with acrylics and water to create a stain wash. I didn’t sand or prime this plywood piece; I just wiped and pressed the stain onto the raw wood grain, which required several coats. Great ideas come to …

DIY: Nature's Scraps

Project reveal! I mentioned the other day in this post that I’d finally completed one of my little crafty endeavors… It’s a winter wreath made up of “nature’s scraps”: I picked a bunch of pine branches from the backyard; stuck in craft feathers; wrapped the center in floral tape (left over from my wedding); and used craft wire to secure it. Since I already had most of the supplies, I think the total cost was $5. Voila!

Dreaming: RV Beaching

This wintery weather has outlived my cozy winter heart. The holidays have blown through with the chill, and the snow dumped after we watched White Christmas. It’s the 2nd day of March and we’re expecting 10 inches of snow tomorrow. I don’t feel so warm anymore; I’m just too cold now. That is to say, this is the time of year when I start dreaming of the beach… I LOVE summertime. I love everything about it: bright sun rays, sweltering highs, fierce thunderstorms, crickets roaring, shiny stars, gritty sand, casual volleyball, crashing waves, low tides, sea shells and sea creatures, raging fire pits, gooey marshmallows, colorful bikinis, flip flops…  Summertime, I am ready for you! In light of such love, I came up with a brilliant idea. When I’m a mom of a brood, every summer I’ll hitch up an RV, pack my dogs and littles, and drive till the map turns blue. My favorite summer camping spot has been Assateague Island… For the past four years I’ve visited with a clan of close friends. That island …

Saturday: Tactical Man & Yoga Wife

we’ve been so lazy, which isn’t the usual for us. despite it being quiet around here, i’ve made the most of my time creatively and thoughtfully, which actually isn’t always the usual for me. ian had a long night running calls and came home to frenzied barking and bedhead wife. welcome home, would you like to help me out? no such luck. we ate our breakfast and attempted halting conversation above the howls of a blonde tasmanian devil. ian sighed and wished me goodnight while the sun shone brightly on our table spread. i did not let that get me down. THAT is especially noteworthy  considering my nonstop week at the office from 9am-8pm nearly every day. could have crashed and burned today, but i chose to stay positive and purposeful. i worked on a project i’d been meaning to pick up this season… i’m not going to reveal it just yet, so take a sneak peek for now… ian is in the process of completing more military training; he had been away for a …