Mercy

I just read Raising Homemakers post titled "Mothers of Mercy." It was all about first time obidience and how we need to remember that often, we don't FEEL like doing what God wants, but we do it because He asked. And that we then need to extend the same mercy to our children and understand when they don't FEEL like doing it, and help them find the heart of matter. Read it, it was well done.

Anyway, I needed it. I don't extend much mercy, and really, wasn't sure how. Being harsh and demanding, a line I walk too often, way too often, isn't right. But saying "Oh, I understand, I feel the same sometimes. Go do what you want." doesn't work either. This was a nice, seemingly biblical middle ground I can work with.

Then I read Romans 6 this morning, and this section caught my eye:

"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations." Romans 6:17-19

Lord, help me remeber my children are young, inexperienced humans and help me extend to them mercy. I am quick to extend it to myself throughout the day, more often then is right, may I learn to do for myself and them what is right in YOUR eyes.

Uses for branches... how fun!

My Favorite is cutting down a tree that, unfortunatly, had to be cut. So with all the branches in our yard, I wanted to see what was out there for crafts with branches. Will I do any? I don't know, but they all are so fun!

This is the picture that started all the madness. I have wanted curtains in my front room for 4 years now. But nothing I find fits the style I haven't figured out yet :) I love this. Hopefully we can make some of the branches work! Just google "tree branch curtain rod," it is posted everywhere, although I first saw it on Threadbanger's Decor it yourself, from Apartment Therapy. (threadbanger is a sewing video show, inspirational for DIY clothes, but not modest anything)

I thought this would be great for fall decor, maybe even the Shabbat table. I can see it full of found objects, acorns, fall leaves, pine cones, rocks.

Google "Childhood magic, tree branch tea set" and then make sure to hit the cached button, as the site is gone now.

Do the same for "Childhood magic, tree branch blocks"

A series of pictures using fallen branches/trees (the last picture is little boys w/o clothes, but they blurred anything unmentionable)

These Martha Stewart ideas are a bit out of my league for the moment, but I love the tables and even the wall.

These wall hooks are great fun too.

Wooden buttons anyone?

Thanks for indulging my day dreaming!