June Caedmon's Blog, page 79
November 9, 2013
Inspired by. . . my desk calendar
Inspired by. . . my desk calendar
Look around. Whether your "workplace" is a desk, a car, a kitchen, or some other place, do you surround yourself with objects, pictures, or sayings that inspire you?
I do.
Here are a few things from my desk top. Maybe they'll inspire you, too.
Seriously, who can look at that face and not be happy? My niece, Sophia, inspires me everyday!
This inspiring quote proves itself everyday in my world.
This calming candle and sweet card from a friend inspire me and remind me to be thankful for the special people with whom God has blessed my life.
Close by, just out of the picture is a figurine of a woman releasing a butterfly. It's inscribed with these words:
"You are an amazing woman."
I'm really not. But my husband thinks I am, and this figurine is a visual inspiration to me to live up to his belief in me.
(Oh, and yes, that IS another picture of my precious niece in the background. LOL!)
There is one more item on my desk that I'd like to share with you. Maybe you have one, too.
Textured with Kim's 123
My desk calendar.
The pictures are all mouthpainted by people with disabilities.
'Nuf said.
What's inspiring you today?
With gratitude,
Sharing inspiration here:
November 6, 2013
Inspired by . . . intentional gratitude
Inspired by . . . intentional gratitude
Being intentional about being grateful makes every part of our life better!
While it's true that this is something we should try to be all the time, people tend to be more demonstrative about their thankfulness in the month of November.
The trendy "Thanksgiving Tree" is just one of the ways you can be intentional about being grateful every day!
There are a lot of great ideas out there. Here are some of my favorites:
Julie, over at Savings by Design has some great ideas for the kiddos! With a large thankful tree and a thankful turkey, too!
Rebekah over at Simply Rebekah did a similar wall-tree. Here is her version – isn't it great!
I love these curly willow branches that Darcy Miller used for her family's tree!
I like this idea of using pictures, of people we're thankful for, as tags on the tree. I found this idea on pinterest, and it links to Aunt Ruthie's, but I couldn't find the picture once I got there. Maybe you'll have better luck!
Here is a neat idea that uses the tree as a centerpiece as well as an activity for your guests on Thanksgiving day.
This one, by Mindy Starr over at Creative Juice, was by far my favorite!
I love how Mindy and her family focused each day on what they were thankful for before hanging the leaf on their thankful tree! Great idea, Mindy!
There are a lot of great ideas on Pinterest, so I encourage you to have a look for yourself!
There's still time to join our online Bible study group! You can learn more about it HERE.
With gratitude,
Sharing inspiration here:
November 1, 2013
Inspired by . . . easy dinners
Inspired by . . . easy dinners
We were looking for something different for dinner last tonight, so I pulled up my Pinterest "food" board, to see what I might find.
A recipe from Melding Magic caught my eye.
I changed it a bit to fit what I had on hand, and also cut down on some of the fat.
CREAMY TUNA CASSEROLE
Source: Originally adapted from a Kraft Recipe by www.meldingmagic.com
Further Adapted by: Inspired by June
INGREDIENTS:
1 package (12 oz) Velveeta Shells & Cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tsp garlic, minced
3 T butter {or 1 T extra virgin olive oil}
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/2 a link of skinless beef sausage, cut into bite size pieces {we like Eckrich}
1 can (12 oz) tuna (packed in water), drained well
1/2 cup mayonnaise
panko
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare Shells & Cheese according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, in small skillet, sauté onions, red peppers and garlic in butter {or olive oil} until soft. Add this mixture
(including butter) to Shells & Cheese, along with all remaining ingredients. Mix well. Spoon into lightly
greased 13 x 9 x 2-in baking pan.
4. Sprinkle panko over the top, as desired.
5. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 40 min., or until thoroughly heated.
6. Remove foil and bake a few minutes more until top browns to your liking.
I'd never tried Velveeta Shells and Cheese before, but I'm sure that's what made this casserole so rich and creamy. This was an easy, one dish meal that everyone enjoyed.
I bet it will make great leftovers, too!
Have a wonder-filled day,
Sharing inspiration here:
October 31, 2013
Inspired by . . . an embrace
Inspired by . . . an embrace
Bonnie's prompt for this month's Photo Art Friday is: EMBRACE
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." ~ Audrey Hepburn
The figurine in this image is Willow Tree's Promise figurine. My husband gave it to me for my birthday. If you're familiar with Willow Tree you know that the figurines have no facial features. They don't need to. Looking at this figurine you can clearly see the tenderness in the couples embrace. This man cherishes his wife, and in turn, his wife trusts him.
It is a beautiful example of my husband's love for me, and mine for him. He could not have picked a better gift.
I combined this image with a picture of the carnelian heart we bought, together, for our anniversary. It's a beautiful stone, with real value. Another symbol of our love for each other.
Together with Bonnie's lovely Aged Vignette texture I think they make an intriguing collage.
For those who are interested, I listed my process below. Please take a moment to check out the other art in the gallery.
With gratitude,
Layer 1 - embrace image 64% opacity
adjusted levels/brightness
Layer 2 - Bonnie's Aged Vignette (exclusion 100%)
Layer 3 - embrace image 33% fill / 76% opacity
Layer 4 - heart image
Layer 5 - Aged Vignette color burn 100%
Sharing inspiration here:
October 27, 2013
Inspired by . . . gratitude
Inspired by . . . gratitude
Fall is one of my favorite times of year and, if you know me, you know it's not because of the cooler temperatures!
For me it has always been a time of reflection. A pause, if you will, before the headlong rush into the holidays. Nature herself reflects this as many plants die and animals prepare for hibernation during the winter months.
Textured with Kim's quest texture
While many of us are far removed from doing any literal "harvesting" {we've done our "harvesting" all year long}, I think taking this time to reflect on that "harvest" is beneficial. Focusing on what we've been blessed with, rather than what we lack, is good not only for us spiritually but physically as well.
Textured with Kim's 2110 texture
I think we could all agree that a heart and mind filled with gratitude is much healthier than one filled with discontent.
That's why I'm so excited about this upcoming bible study being offered by Good Morning Girls!
Good Morning Girls exists to inspire, encourage and equip women all over the world to get into God’s Word through their online community. They utilize social media to keep individuals connected and encouraged. Each group can choose how they want to stay connected; via Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.
They're offering two "mini" {two week} studies over the next couple of months and the first one is. . . you guessed it!
If you've never done an online study with GMG before - like me! I think this is a great way to get our feet wet! Not only that, but this study is the perfect opportunity to focus our hearts and minds on that for which we should truly be thankful.
Will you join me?
I'll be posting my insights here during the course of the study, and I've created a closed group on Facebook where members of our group can safely post comments and encourage each other throughout the study. {Only members can post and see what has been posted.}
The main point of being part of a group is accountability. Members will be encouraged to check in each day, comment and encourage other group members, but how much each member participates will be up to them.
If you're interested, or have questions please email me directly or leave a comment below. I will contact you with more information, the free study materials, whatever you need to get started!
With Gratitude,
Sharing inspiration here:
October 24, 2013
Inspired by. . . a safe place
Inspired by. . . a safe place
Since I last posted about Kitty I've learned that she has a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. Thankfully, and this was one of my main concerns, the condition does not worsen with age. I already knew she wasn't in any pain (also a main concern) and I was able to confirm that as well.
Knowing that she can't easily defend herself against predators or unwelcome guests (i.e. male cats), I started researching cat enclosures. Talk about sticker shock! I'm in the wrong business, that's for sure ~ha! Just when I was about to give up, I found this website:
Catandcaboodle.com and their ingenious idea for a "homemade" cat enclosure!
Kitty was a bit skeptical at first, but once I started putting the panels together she became interested!
The panels went together easily, and I had the enclosure complete in a couple of hours.
The kitty house I'd ordered came the next day. It has a thermostat controlled heating pad for those cool Texas nights, and an opening on both ends for safety. It's also waterproof. During inclement weather, we put a cover over half of the enclosure for added protection. It's very warm & cozy!
I leave the enclosure open during the day so Kitty can get plenty of exercise, although she never goes more than a few feet away from the house. At night I close her in to keep her safe from unwelcome visitors. We get lots of cuddle time during the day.
If you've been looking for an economical cat enclosure I encourage you to check out the catandcaboodle website. They have three pages of pictures showing many variations in design. Mine is very basic compared to what most people have done. If you build one, drop me a note, I'd love to see what you come up with!
Have a wonder-filled day!
October 12, 2013
Inspired by. . . what we found
Inspired by. . . what we found
. . . in Eureka Springs.
A unique & comfortable place to stay – corner room 4th floor
Textured with Bonnie's etched in stone texture
One of three steam engines to survive the building of the Panama canal.
Textured with Kim's the ladder texture
The most delicious hamburger.
Textured with Kim's serious magic texture
Money.
Actually, it's a money plant {Lunaria annua}... but I'm thinkin' I should have brought some of those seeds home with me {smile}
Textured with Bonnie's Vellum texture
A charming main street and friendly people.
Textured with Kim's autumn burst texture
And maybe a second home? we'll see....
Have a wonder-filled day,
Sharing inspiration here:
October 3, 2013
Inspired by. . . clouds
Inspired by. . . clouds
When Bonnie announced this months theme {sky} I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I've always loved clouds. They stir my imagination and encourage me {somehow} to think of things above.
Living in Vermont, I remember many lazy summer days spent sprawled on the grass, gazing up at the billows of puffy white overhead. Finding pictures in the clouds.
When I moved to Arizona, well, let's just say, you stop taking clouds for granted. There aren't any 99% of time.
Now that I'm {home} in Texas it seems like the perfect mix. Especially this time of year.
I don't sprawl on the grass anymore {smile}, but I still look for pictures in the clouds.
Can you see the angel?
During the past month, as I was taking pictures of clouds, there were days when I would head outside with my camera only to find a cloudless sky. It was rather disappointing, but it made me appreciate the clouds all the more when they did reappear in the sky.
Can you see her now?
I've been thinking about the things and the people that are in my life every day. Big things like my family, water, food. And little things like my hairbrush, my favorite lavender lotion, fancy clothes. It is so very easy to take these things for granted.
So I've been asking myself: What/who am I taking for granted? am I so focused on the things I want or don't have that I miss out on the things I do?
What is my attitude toward the things I have? Am I thankful? appreciative? caring? or do I have a sense of entitlement – after all I deserve these things, etc.
I have found that when I take things for granted, they become ordinary, boring, worn. I lose the JOY and excitement that the person or thing brought to my life.
However, I have also found that when I cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and intentionally seek to be thankful for everything in my life, even the ordinary, every day things, something magical happens. There is another dimension to living.
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:18
I challenge you to experience that other dimension.
Have a wonder-filled day,
Images used to create the images above:
Sharing inspiration here:
September 29, 2013
Inspired by. . . my Protector
Inspired by. . . my Protector
Textured with Kim's sweettart and way textures
I love the thought of God being my van-guard and rear-guard; going before me and coming behind me.
The Alpha and Omega. Protector on all sides.
Coming behind me to lovingly deal with my mistakes. Clearing a path before me, and turning to fight any foe that might pursue me.
He is the first and He is the last and we are caught up in between in His great loving arms.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
September 21, 2013
Inspired by . . . freedom
Inspired by. . . freedom
A movie poster claims, "Everyone is driven by something."
If that's true, then it's worth asking the questions,
"What is driving me?"
And...
"Is it positive?"
"Or enslaving?"
Jesus answered them, "I can guarantee this truth:
Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin." John 8:34
Textured with Bonnie's medieval magic
I think about things in my past that have driven me, or perhaps more appropriately, held me captive. Most of these strongholds boiled down to a drive, a basic need for approval, manifested in a serious of bad choices and just plain sin.
I think it's important to call sin - - sin. Rationalizing it, or pretending that it's not as bad as it is just gives the enemy the power to hold us tighter. To control us longer. Only truth can break the chains of sin. Only truth can free us from the suffocating, paralyzing weight that sin brings upon our soul.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free. John 8:36
I am often overwhelmed when I look back and see who I once was, compared to who God has made me today. Overwhelmed. Astonished. Humbled. Grateful. Unworthy.
Textured with Kim's justbe
Free.
The freedom I have in Christ, the victory over sin, the feeling of the emotional fetters falling from my hands and feet is. . .
. . .inexplicable.
There are no words to describe it. One must experience it to fully understand.
Christianity - a life lived with and for Christ - is far from the ball and chain that many believe it to be.
Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom.
Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don't become slaves again. Gal 5:1
And if you are a Believer currently living a life of dos and don'ts, may I humbly suggest that you spend some serious time getting to know your Savior.
You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again.
Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted
children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" Rom 8:15
But now you know God, or rather, God knows you.
So how can you turn back again to the powerless and
bankrupt principles of this world? Why do you want
to become their slaves all over again? Gal 4:9
While nothing replaces simply picking up your bible and reading His Word, I have recently found some tools that you might find helpful.
YouVersion is simple, ad-free Bible that brings the word of God into your daily life. They offer several reading plans to help get you in the Word daily. I'm currently doing the Major Beliefs plan, along with some of my friends at Goodreads. Won't you join us?
Good Morning Girls offers online bible studies. You can join an existing group, or form a group of your own. The main purpose of joining a group is for accountability. I'll be participating in their upcoming Gratitude study, and the Advent study. If you're interested in joining our group, send me and email and I'll send you the group info.
And last, but by no means least is e-sword. If you haven't checked out this resource, stop what you're doing and go there now! Seriously.
Oh, did I mention that all these resources are. . .
. . . free. . . .
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
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