Unlikely Friends

They are the unlikeliest of friends, these two. But friends they are. Maggie {our rabbit} follows Lillie {our dog} everywhere! At first, I was nervous allowing these two near each other, afraid of what might become. But, to my surprise, Lillie actually likes Maggie. Not in a "yum, lunch" kind of way, but a motherly way! She nudges her with her nose and sniffs her. Protective of her like she was one of her pups! It's sweet, really!

Sometimes I think Maggie feels she is a dog. Constantly between the legs of Lillie causing her to trip many times.  Chasing her around the house and wanting to go outside with her when she goes. We get such a giggle out of watching them play!

The simple joys of owning pets!




As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. ~ Proverbs 27:17

Yarn Along {5} :: Frustration

As you can see, my knitting has gotten nowhere in the past week. In fact, I think I may be a few rows behind where I was in last weeks post. I did, however, learn a lot about myself. That being I do not knit well under pressure! I ended up ripping this little vest out twice! I have given up all hope of it ever being finished in time for Easter. But, I am still continuing on with it. I told myself that I would not give up. It is such a simple knit, but I think the pressure of wanting to have it finished by Easter is what caused me to make such silly mistakes {two slipped stitches that resulted in holes!!}. Ah well...I can always knit it a bit bigger and have him wear it next Easter, or continue on with the current size and he will have a sweet little vest for the upcoming fall/winter season, or continue at my current pace and keep hoping that it gets done in time! Either way, I will continue on!

The Owl's are the cover for my Kindle!

In book news, I finished It's Not Summer Without You. I have the final book in the series, We'll Always Have Summer, from the library, but at the same time that I checked it out, my hold for The Peach Keeper on my Kindle became available, so I have decided to read that first. I am about 75% of the way through it and really enjoying it!


Also, I finally checked out Extra Yarn from the library to read with my kids. What a sweet little book! I had never heard of this little treasure until participating in Yarn Along and reading what others are reading, so for this, I am thankful! My kids and I have read it, oh, three times already! Thinking I might have to buy a copy for our home library!


Today, we are forecasted for rain...perfect weather for staying in and knitting!

Linking up once again with Ginny!

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ~ Matthew 19:26

Building a Bible Library

Reading the Bible with my children has always been a favorite part of my day. Hearing them ask questions about the different stories and lessons being told. Requesting their favorites to be read...Jonah and Noah top the list! Learning about Jesus' love for us and falling in love with the whole story. The Bible is most certainly our all-time favorite bed-time read!


Now, reading straight from the Bible itself is of course the best way to learn God's word and His love and plan for our lives, but I have found that this can be a bit difficult with little ones. Their attention is just not there. Plus, I find that they have a hard time understanding the story as well. This is why I have really grown to love Bibles specifically for little children. Our favorite and most cherished Bible stories and Bible lessons are written in a way that is easier for them to understand. Some of our favorites have been The Jesus Storybook Bible and the My First Hands-On Bible.

 

 

The Jesus Storybook Bible is more like a paraphrase of the Bible stories whereas the My First Hands-On Bible is the actual chapter and verse in the easy to understand New Living Translation. Also, each story has activities to go along with the story to really help my kids understand what the story is about. Both of these children's Bibles have been read and enjoyed with both of my children whom are 2 and 5 years old.

Since we have read through these two Bibles a few times, I thought it was time to look into purchasing some new Bibles for my children. And, with Easter quickly approaching, what better gift to slip into their Easter baskets than new Bibles. I consulted my wonderful bloggy friend whom I trust for some advice on Bibles for children. She gave me a wonderful list and I thought that in case some of you were wanting to do the same thing, I would share that list with all of you!

Read with Me Bible

The Beginner's Bible

Adventure Bible Storybook

The next couple of Bibles are devotional Bibles!

The Beginner's Bible Book of 31 Devotions: My Time with God

God's Little Princess Devotional Bible: Bible Storybook

God's Mighty Warrior Devotional Bible

And a few for older children who are capable and ready to spend some time reading God's Word on their own!

Hands-On Bible NLT

Adventure Bible for Early Readers

Adventure Bible

I hope this list helps build your children's Bible library! I always said that one can never have too many Bibles in their house! If there are any that you have read and enjoyed with your children that you do not see listed here, would you mind sharing it with us in the comments?

What better way to show God's love for us to others this Easter than giving the gift of a great Bible to a little one {or bigger one} in your life?

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Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ~ Matthew 28:19

On Marriage

Not every marriage is the same. What works for one might not work as well for another. It is a process that never ends. Something that needs to be constantly worked at until death do we part.

No marriage is perfect. Every couple has disagreements - arguments - and if someone tells you they never fight, well I would truly question their honesty in that. For noone is perfect, which is why no marriage is either.

A Happy Marriage is the Union of Two Good Forgivers! ~ Ruth Bell Graham

In those arguments and disagreements is where, and when, we truly get to know one another. What is going to work and what is not. Figuring out how to truly make each other happy. For your marriage is worth fighting for!

Now, I am not a marriage expert by any means and my marriage, like I mentioned, is not at all perfect, but I am willing and wanting to work at it all the days of my life. To have fun together - laughing and crying together through the good and the bad. My best friend by my side through it all. Taking notice of how important the littlest of things are. Like when I am laughing myself silly at a game of Scrabble {yes, we have that much fun playing Scrabble!}  and I look over to see his eyes looking at me with an intensity and smile like he's seeing me and falling in love with me, for the first time. When he gives me a hug and a kiss goodbye before he leaves for work in the morning and calls me throughout the day just to see how we, the kids and I, are doing. Watching him love on our kids and having them see the way he loves me - teaching them how a man is supposed to treat his wife; his family! For me, these little things mean the world. They make me happier than any flower bouquet or expensive piece of jewelry! This is what I love about my marriage. The things that make it work. The things that make it stronger. The things that show me just how much I am truly loved by my husband. And I take notice of them, letting him know that they are appreciated acts of his love!

Marriage is becoming less sacred; less popular. Divorce is starting to take over. More people are getting divorced than are getting married. Noone is willing to work at it. Giving up and throwing in the towel when things get a little tough. But, God never promised or said it would be easy. But, I know this to be very true - if God is at the center of your marriage, your marriage will be good and fulfilling and will last until we reach eternity! For God also never designed for us to do it all on our own. Marriage, parenting, life! His plan was to be right there with us, leading us through.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" ~ Psalm 127:1

Invite God in. If you are in a rough spot right now, turn to Him and allow Him to work in your marriage. If you are happy in your marriage, invite God in. He loves spending time in your presence. He loves being a part of your marriage.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. ~ Matthew 18:20

I tell my husband all the time how I hope that he and I are that older couple walking hand in hand through the mall or park, just happy being in each others presence. I look forward to it, actually.  To say we've been married 50 - 60 - years! And I am willing to work for it, pray for it, so we achieve that goal!

When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. ~ C.S. Lewis

{from here}

My view this past week has been nothing but sun and blue skies. Enjoying springtime from the comforts of our little home. Laughing and playing, reading and relaxing. Saying thanks for the beauty that surrounds us. Enjoying it all. Not rushing through it. Allowing the moments to simmer instead of passing us right by.







And this weekend promises more of the same. Warm temperatures, sun, and family time outside. Trampoline jumping, finding buried treasures in the sand, playing with the ants and trying to think up names for every one of them that comes our way. Feeling the coolness of the grass between our toes. Evening Scrabble with my love on the patio before the sun sets for the night. Soft kisses and bedtime prayers before saying goodnight.





Yes, this is how we have been enjoying our Spring this week. And it only promises to get better! We are liking our view from {right} here!

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:18