7 Things To Do In October

Happy October!

Here's some things you might just want to try this month...

1. Make a super-easy black cat beanie!

2. Use decorative studs to jazz up pumpkins.

3. Print this free Anne of Green Gables October art quote.

4. Try your hand at painting pumpkins!

5. Print this (or this) free print & give to someone you're batty over.

6. Make this simple art using brown wrapping paper + a fall quote!

7. Create your own easy-peasy personalized Sharpie mugs.

October Love,

-Bess-

Bye-Bye, Blog-tember!

Can you believe it's the last day of September?  It's funny how when we're going through our days they can drag on, & yet we still feel surprised with their swiftness, too.  It's a mind-puzzle, that.

Thank you to all who stopped by & visited during 
Bailey Jean's Blog-tember Challenge!

Here's to October & all that it holds!

Love,
-Bess-

10 Blog Topics for October

Need more blogging/journaling prompts once Blog-tember ends?  Try these 10 ideas...

1. What's something that scares you?  How do you deal with your fear?

2. What do you love to do, eat, attend, experience, celebrate, etc. in the fall?

3. Share a favorite childhood memory.  Go ahead, get nostalgic!

4. Which do you prefer: snail mail or modern technology methods {texts, e-mails, etc.}?  Why?

5. Describe autumn using only colors, smells, sounds, &/or textures.

6. Choose a favorite Bible verse & tell why/how it speaks to you.

7. Choose a favorite song & tell why/how it speaks to you.

8. Share a favorite fallish recipe or DIY.

9. What has surprised you about your life so far?

10. Create a list of random acts of kindness you'd like to try.

Writing Love,

-Bess-

This Is Today

Super busy.  Super excited.  Nervous girl {me}, trying to play it cool.  And, by the grace of God, succeeding.  Today, I started a new job I am praising God for!  I mean, in my mind, I'm doing cartwheels & the high-pitched squeal of glee.  Outwardly, I'm smiling & cool as a cucumber {I hope & pray}.  

So, today was not a typical day.  It was special.  God has blessed me with a maternity leave position for the rest of 2015 teaching 4th grade science, social studies, & writing {my fave}!  And... it's in a good school!  Don't get me wrong, I have loved all of my past students, but I've never got to experience "normal" - I've only dealt with the bad parts of town where students come crying inwardly & outwardly, hiding pain & stories most would find hard to believe.  I am thankful God put me in those neighborhoods & hurting hearts.  I am thankful & say it was enough if He used me in one of those precious lives He gave me the privilege to cross.  And, now, I wait to see what He will do with me where He has put me this time around.  There is still much to be done to love on these kids with the more "normal" lives.  God grant me strength & may all the glory be Yours.

That was my day, moving furniture, observing classrooms, & getting ready for Wednesday when they will fill up my room.  I am so thankful & God is so good!

Love,
-Bess-

Current Wish List...

I want:

• peace like a river
• joy no matter what
• trust when I'm in the darkness & the light
• grace that covers my frailty
• love not dependent on outward things
• hope for tomorrow
• strength to keep marching His straight & narrow
• comfort for fear
• healing for brokenness
• forgiveness for my wretchedness
• a jar for counting the tears - that they be not wasted
• beauty in the chaos
• purpose in the perpetual in between
• glory for the One who is the Giver of all good things - may it be unto Him

Love,

-Bess-

Reading List

You know how those who work at Dairy Queen {or other like establishments} say they become {Dare I say it?} sick of ice cream?  Well, since I've been working at a library, my bookish appetite just hasn't been what it used to be.  Today is actually my last day there, so maybe I'll be craving books again soon!  Here's a peek at my current reading list...

Recent Reads...

• the book of Acts in the Bible
• It's Not About Me by Max Lucado {I highly recommend this encouraging/gently-convicting read!}

Currently Reading...

• the book of Joshua in the Bible
• Revealing Jesus daily devotional by Darlene Zschech

Planning to Read...

• You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado

What's on your reading list?

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

Song Love {September}

"To Those Who Wait" by Bethany Dillon


"Open My Hands" by Sara Groves


"Oh Fear {My God is Near}" by Moriah Peters

Music Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: This is one of my favorite lyrics 

{from "Open My Hands"}:

I am nodding my head an emphatic 'yes' 

To all You have for me

That verse packs a sermon!  May it be said of me, that I said 'yes' to Him.