Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Looking Back {2013}

It's New Year's Eve, guys!  I decided to jump on the bandwagon & do a quick year in review post.  I was surprised at how much I did here on my little ole Bag as I started looking over old 2013 posts.  Here's some highlights...

I made lots & lots of printables & crafts.  So fun!






Here's some more of my favorites.  Read the snippet & click the link for the whole enchilada!

"Somehow in my years I’ve mistaken “trust” with “everything’s good & working out smoothly.” But that’s not trust – trust is continuing to believe when nothing makes sense & the trail markers are long gone.  After deep prayer & stillness, sometimes you have to step out into the mysterious – not sure if it’s the right way or not - & trust. No matter what it will be okay with Jesus."  

"It was an elderly lady, mid-sixties Maggie thought, wearing camo & a red sweatband on her curly gray head with a bow in hand & arrow tips sticking out of a long skinny satchel on her back. As she approached, Emma stammered under her breath, “Y-Yo-You don’t suppose she’s the Cupid Killer I read about on the Internet, do you?” Maggie shook her head, “Wasn’t that reported on another continent, Em,” Maggie whispered. “Hello, airplanes!” Emma declared as if they were a new fangled invention." 

"[I've often wondered] if I wasn't made for a simpler time, when "tweets" only came from birds & nooks were just cozy corners {& that was enough}... but, truthfully, there has been confusion & drama in the world since Eve took that first bite of forbidden fruit all those thousands of years ago {no technology required}."

"When I think of the word trust, as in “trust God,” it implies a trait that I must have ownership or mastery of. But, the word trustworthy, as in “He is trustworthy,” takes away all my striving. My Father is trustworthy, & because of this I can trust Him completely with everything."

"Some days I look in the mirror at reddened eyes from tears the night before, & feel less like I’m on the beauty trail & more like I’m lost out in the desert. It’s then that I remind myself this is a time of beautification of my spirit. You only need to have tried Nair once to know to beautify isn’t a painless process {Isn’t that an understatement?!}!" 

"Once upon a time there was a girl with a glowing smile, who would twirl her frilly skirts in abandon, & grin at every clicking camera with an ever-obliging “cheese!”  As time went on, however, enemies slowly invaded her castle. Ever so slowly they came in such a way that she welcomed the foe as friend, not knowing the danger that awaited her… Her princess stories were replaced with teen magazines, her fancy whirly dresses all but disappeared, she hid from any & every flashing camera, & her smile – when she did smile – was often put upon her face like a masquerade mask."

"There's a unique camaraderie born when a group of people share in like experiences.   Chowing down on Ramen Noodles, burning the midnight oil cramming for an exam, & living in the commune known as dorms is part of that fellowship that is quintessentially college life."
 
"If I surrender the pen {i.e.: past, present, & future outcomes of my story – not evaluating my own next to anyone else’s} to His hand through prayer, reading His Word, & seeking His will, then my story will be sweet & speak of His redemption, power, mercy, & grace… that doesn’t mean it will be easy or full of fairy tale-ish escapades where knights pack up their chainmail, hitch up the dragon, & cross kingdoms just to dwell in my neck of the enchanted {or not-so-enchanted} forest."  

Love & Happy 2014!  Thanks for reading Bess' Bag!
-Bess-

Sunday, December 29, 2013

{Free} New Year's Printable

There's something unnameable I adore about New Year's day.  It's a sweet concoction of hope, a fresh beginning, a clean page for God to write His story, dreams & plans of new adventures to be lived out...  In honor of all this, I've created a little printable for ya!  {I'll let you choose whether you want the one with or without the tag "the best is yet to be."}
INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the image you choose & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste}.  Open in a word document, resize if necessary, print, & frame {or you could turn it into a card/invitation, etc.}! 

CONDITIONS OF USE: My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them on Pinterest provided you credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag}.  If you want to blog about these printables, or share a project you created using them, it would be fabulous, just be sure to credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag} (feel free to use 1 or 2 of my photos, but please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it).  Thanks & enjoy!


Happy New Year,
-Bess-

P.S.: I made this printable using PicMonkey Royale.  Haven't tried it yet?  Click here for a free day trial!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Try PicMonkey Royale {For Free}

I love PicMonkey!  If you haven't tried it before it's a super fun way to edit & embellish photos & more!  The best thing is that it's free, however they do have an upgraded membership with more snazzy stuff to use.  I've always opted for the free services, but now you & I have the chance to try out PicMonkey Royale for free!


Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: Here's some printables I made using PicMonkey!





Wednesday, December 25, 2013

O Happy {Christ}mas!


Merry {Christ}mas to you & yours!



Thank You, Father, for the greatest gift ever given... Jesus!

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: This is my favorite Christmas song!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Song Love {December}


"Just a Girl" by Brandon Heath


"Jesus is Alive" by Josh Wilson


"Christmas Makes Me Cry" by Mandisa & Matthew West

Hope you were blessed by some of my favorite Christmas songs this year!

Musical Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: What tunes are you loving this season?

Sunday, December 22, 2013

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like {Christ}mas!


Welcome to my Christmas-y nest!  I put up my tree on Thanksgiving night, but I've been so busy since then that I'm just now getting around to showing it off...  {Click here for how to make your own easy Christmas art like mine above!}



Last year I picked up this musical nativity at a thrift store for an amazing price {it plays "Silent Night"} .  This is the 2nd Christmas of having it nestled under my tree {a new tradition of mine}. 





With my Bible open to the most extraordinary {true} story of love ever written.


The sign of a hopeless romantic.  Oh, dear.


One new addition this year are my snowy mason jars & little glass boxes.  Did you know Epsom salts make dreamy snow?  They do!  Just add a bottle brush tree or 2...




{Christ}mas Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: Sorry it's been awhile!  I've missed you!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

So Thankful

So Blessed
Happy Thanksgiving!  Count your blessings {& remember to say thanks to the One who gave it all}!

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving & extol Him with music & song."
-Psalm 95:2 NIV

Love & Thankfulness,
-Bess-

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A New Gig

"Make Do & Mend"

Last Friday I had a major surprise at work & I've got a brand new gig in about 2 weeks - &, yes, it's actually what I went to college for!!!  It's going to be a challenge {which is probably an understatement}, which had made me very hesitant to try it - I had actually withdrew interest from the position.  But, I kept praying that if it was God's will that He'd make it clear & make a way.  I stopped by the cemetery {which happens to be on my way home from work} where my dad's buried 2 days in a row to seek out a bit of quiet {sometimes teary} prayer.  Then on Friday He made it clear through an unexpected plea from one of my boss' - {my current job is at the same place as my future position} I didn't even have to interview.  God definitely opened up the door for me & I took it!  Thank You, Lord!  Now, I'm fully relying on His strength to help me succeed... all the glory goes to Him!  Please pray for me, I go from crazy excited to scared out of my wits quite frequently!

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: No, my position has nothing to do with sewing, but a whole lot to do with making do & mending - clear as mud, right.  Sorry I'm such a mysterious blogger... maybe one day I'll drop the mystique.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

"Give Thanks" Bunting DIY


What are you thankful for this year?  I have something unexpected & new to be thankful for as of yesterday - I could hardly sleep last night!  {No, it's not a guy!} =)  I'll fill you in soon!  I'm actually excited, thankful, nervous, & a whole lot of scared!  Nothing like making stuff to calm your nerves, right?  Actually it may have keyed me up more...  Prayer is the best remedy I've found. 


I created this bunting using chipboard books {with a woven front} from Michael's {they were in the dollar section & I had to buy 2 to spell out all the letters in "THANKS"}, plus some acrylic paint {Apple Barrel brand via Walmart in Nutmeg Brown #20521}, a paintbrush, & some twine.


I free handed the word/letters, threaded twine through the holes, & used some skinny strips of duct tape to attach it to my pretty much non-existent {though I'm good at pretending} mantle.  I love it!


Happy Thanksgiving,
-Bess-

Thursday, November 14, 2013

"Pieces" by Meredith Andrews



Loving this song!  It's just what I needed to hear tonight - I hope it makes your evening/morning/whatever a little brighter, too. 


"Pieces"


Love,
-Bess-

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Precious Time {On My Birthday}

It's Your Birthday!


It’s that day when I turn one year older… 
 You know, life is unpredictable & we don’t know when our last day on earth will be. I attended a funeral visitation tonight, & even though it was for an older gentleman, his passing was very sudden with little to no warning. He had attended church on Sunday morning & given me a hug – nothing appeared wrong or out of the ordinary – the next day he was gone. We do not have an unlimited time bank on this planet. We need to say, “I love you” & “I forgive you” now while we have the chance. We need to spend time with what matters: people & people’s relationship with their Creator.
Carpe Diem


I have to say it was hard going to the funeral home because of my own father’s passing & because I had loved this man. I shed some tears. I truly didn’t want to be teary-eyed & sniffling in front of all the people there, but you know what? It’s all right to let it out. I was leaking out tears for something that mattered – a loved one that will not be with us again this side of heaven & for a tear stained faced wife left behind who is hurting. After I got home this verse came to mind {thank You, Jesus} “…Weep with those who weep.” –Romans 12:15. Lessons learned: time is precious & it’s okay {& biblical} to show honest emotions. Not exactly what I would have planned for my birthday, but it’s definitely put things into perspective.

Love,
-Bess-

Monday, November 4, 2013

Song Love {November}


"Holding On" by Jamie Grace - Sometimes all you can do is hold on to what you know... Jesus is with you.


"Let Me Rediscover You" by Downhere - Stirring words that make me want to dive into the deep.


"What Are You Afraid Of?" by Kerrie Roberts - Yep, I struggle with fear - so I love what these lyrics have to say.


Musical Love,
-Bess-

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Nov. 1st Rambles {Posted on the 2nd} {Sheesh!}

November Rambles

November has snuck upon me once again.  On the 5th I'm gonna be older than the hills - at least that's how it feels {no offense to any that are currently that age or older}... it's just how it feels to me, & I'm rambling now, aren't I?  Sorry, friends, it must be that old age thing coming on.  But in all sincerity {I think I just unintentionally quoted a bit of a Jamie Grace song - no copyright infringement intended} - Where was I?  Oh yes, in all sincerity, my age isn't all that old at all - & I can't help but wonder if it would feel quite as old if I was married & burping babies right now.  When society {i.e.: people/TV/church folk/the world/random strangers/family/music/etc.} deem it the "thing" to do... & I start to believe it & thus feel abnormal/left behind {minus Kirk Cameron}/etc... that the normal progression of events is to be married soon after college {if not during} & starting a family soon after...  Where was I, again?  

Anyhow, I think my light bulb moment paralleled the instance where I asked myself {cause I talk to myself quite a lot, in general}, "Who cares what this world thinks?  Isn't God in charge & taking care of all that?"  The answers can be freeing... especially to the latter pondering.  But, yet, people will try to yank my chain & obliterate {don't think I've ever used that word on here before} my light.  I just gotta remember to guard that switch & when it's compromised {cause, hey, it's pretty much a certainty that it will (multiple times, I might add (sadly))}to reach up in the darkness, feel for the cord, & turn it back on.  I know I've rambled & fallen through some rabbit holes like Alice, but whatever you're going through that's just plain ugly tough, remember to ask yourself (like I did), "Isn't God in charge & taking care of that?"  The answer is yes, even in the dark, sister.

Rambly Yours - The Almost One-Year Older,
-Bess-    

P.S.: Here's that Jamie Grace song...

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Fraidy Cat Treat Tag {Printable}


Here's a free printable tag I whipped up just in time to tie around sweet October treats!

INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the tag & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste}.  Open in a word document {copy & paste multiple tags to print many at once}, shrink down, & print!  Don't be scared!

CONDITIONS OF USE: My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them on Pinterest provided you credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag}.  If you want to blog about these printables, or share a project you created using them, it would be fabulous, just be sure to credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag} (feel free to use 1 or 2 of my photos, but please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it).  Thanks & enjoy!

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: I've got a black cat fetish going on here lately.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Black Cat Beanie DIY


I don't know about your neck of the woods, but recently where I live it's begun to feel very autumn-y, & even downright cold!  This hat idea had been in my mind for some time now, & I'm happy to say I've finished it just in time for all the end-of-October festivals & activities, not to mention the turn in the weather.  It's a fun alternative to a complete head-to-toe costume.  I think I'll wear it to my church's fall festival this weekend! 


Click the image above to enlarge & see the supplies you need for this craft.  SIDE NOTE: My beanie came from the Dollar Tree.  Knit hats {like the one above} are best if you choose the no-sew option.

what you do:
Cut out 4 large triangles of the same size from black fabric for your cat ears, leaving enough room to hem & attach to your hat...  

sew:
If you can sew, take your needle & thread {or machine} & sew 2 sides of each of the triangles, right-sides together.  Then, reverse each ear, so the right sides are showing & sew to hat.  

no sew:
If you can't sew, or rather wouldn't, you can take your hot glue gun & carefully glue your 2 triangles together, folding the raw edge to the inside - & repeating for the 2nd ear.  If you have a knitted/crocheted hat, you can poke your ears through the natural holes in the hat & secure with a small amount of hot glue.  If not, you can carefully attach your ears to the top of your beanie {less hot glue is more, in this case}.


Love & {Lots of} Meows,
-Bess-

P.S.: I think I'm about to chop off my long locks!  I'm nervous, but if you could have seen the amount of blond hair I pulled from my vacuum {after running it unaware & nearly burning it up} the other day, you might understand why I'm ready for short {or, at least, shorter}.  I honestly think I could have made the Guinness Book of Records with the amount of tresses I pulled/cut away from the underside of my sweeper - it was about 2-3 years of accumulation!  Ugh!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

"Comparison is the Thief..." Printable


This printable is birthed out of yesterday’s post.  Enjoy!


INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the image & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste}.  Open in a word document, resize if necessary {& center}, print, & avoid the 'compare snare' trap - your story is your own & God is & will be faithful & trustworthy in every chapter.

CONDITIONS OF USE: My printables are free for personal use only.  Feel free to share them on Pinterest provided you credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag}.  If you want to blog about these printables, or share a project you created using them, it would be fabulous, just be sure to credit & link back to http://bessbag.blogspot.com/ {Bess' Bag} (feel free to use 1 or 2 of my photos, but please don't share the actual printable on your site - just add a link to it).  Thanks & enjoy!

Love for the Printing,
-Bess-

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The Compare Snare

The Compare Snare


I looked a mess – wearing a gray hoodie, jeans, & a sloppy ponytail + a sniffling red nose {thank you allergies/cold ick} – when I saw her. She had been my 7th grade teacher & the mom of my best friend from middle/high school. I hadn’t seen or heard from my back-in-the-day bestie for forever, & here was her mom strolling through Walmart looking teacherly chic… Did I mention I was wearing a hoodie? There was nowhere to hide; we made eye contact & somehow I found myself pushing my cart over & saying hello.

We chatted. I asked about my friend. She’s moved to our state’s capital & has some government job that sounds super snazzy & complicated. My old teacher asks about my marital status. My friend isn’t married either, but has a beau that moved just so he could be near her. I stood there listening & sniffling intermittently, eventually forced to pull out a ragged tissue on its last leg to aid my relief. I left with my old friend’s phone number in tow & a feeling of dissatisfaction & envy brewing in my chest {Or was that the onslaught of pneumonia?}.

I sat in my car with the blue & white plastic bags piled beside me, & in the quiet aloneness wondered what was wrong with me that I had never invoked such a stirring in a guy that he packed all his belongings & traveled anywhere just to be with me. I had yet to even arise enough enthusiasm to get a good man to ask me out. And, oh how thankful I am that my teacher didn’t ask about my work situation! I had fallen deep into the compare snare pit!

Some days that snare of comparison is so wide {or so well hidden in good intentions that go askew}, that it’s hard not to fall into the trap. When Satan plants the pitfall of dissatisfaction {i.e.: the compare snare} & we take the bait, our trust that our heavenly Father God knows our needs & desires & is seeking our greater – no, best good is all but forgotten. The evil one wants to destroy our knowledge of the truth: that God is trustworthy & for us & working in our personal story that may not seem as glamorous or “perfect” as the next person’s, but is the one that He has given us for a purpose – His purpose… &, as certain as God is the author of mankind, we will all experience chapters of mountaintop & valley seasons – good & bad.

I drove home, knowing full well that I had fallen headlong into the compare snare & it was time to make the painful climb out & into the light of the Truth. God is working in my story. If I surrender the pen {i.e.: past, present, & future outcomes of my story – not evaluating my own next to anyone else’s} to His hand through prayer, reading His Word, & seeking His will, then my story will be sweet & speak of His redemption, power, mercy, & grace… that doesn’t mean it will be easy or full of fairy tale-ish escapades where knights pack up their chainmail, hitch up the dragon, & cross kingdoms just to dwell in my neck of the enchanted {or not-so-enchanted} forest.

Our stories are not the same, though we often find kindred spirits who have lived some of our chapters {in their own way}, as well. I think God speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT), “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Yes, even in the troubled painful passages of our stories, God can work to show His peace & strength as we comfort others as we have been comforted, & thus share the love of our trustworthy Lord with others. This brings to mind Romans 12:15 (NIV), “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” I’ve heard it said that it is easier to weep together than to be happy with the happy. At first this made me think, “no way,” but as I pondered it I saw the truth, as I recounted the compare snare moments that had come after hearing another’s good fortune, like with my friend.

So, as I type this up, my friend’s number lies somewhere in the bottom of my purse, undialed. It’s time to call her up & rejoice with her on where she is in her story & to tell her about mine. I’m holding to the fact that I have a trustworthy, all knowing Author God, who is working on my future chapters even now & I am trusting it will be for His, not my, glory & that will be the sweetest story I can imagine.

Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: I’ll put up a “tweet” after I call her to let you know how it went!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Sweet Little Owls {Inspired by "A Beautiful Mess"}


The other day I spied the most adorable owl DIY over at "A Beautiful Mess" {click the underlined link to visit & see Elsie's owl babies for yourself + her tutorial}!


It's hard to believe these owls started out as junk mail wadded up & covered in duct tape! =) This is definitely a green project!


I covered mine in felt I had lying around.  For the time being, I decided to not add the stick/twig feet to my flock - maybe later. 


Love these owls scattered about for fall! 


Hoot Hoot {Owl Love},
-Bess-

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

3 Easy {No Carve} Pumpkin DIYs


Here's 3+ easy, no-carve ways to embellish a pumpkin {be it real, or faux}...

1. Chalkboard paint!  Confession time: I didn't use true blue chalkboard paint for the pumpkin above.  No, I just used plain old black paint, but I found it works just fine for this project - since I won't be erasing/reapplying chalk often.

2. Washi tape!  It's removable & comes in a variety of designs!  Super easy!

3. Permanent marker{s}!  These work great & are pretty resistant to the weather if you place your pumpkin outside.  The metallic ones {like the gold one I used above} add a bit of fancy!

More Ideas:
-add thumbtacks or decorative brads
-paint
-melted crayons
-glitter or faux gems
-stickers {letter stickers spelling a word would be nifty}
-fabric

Here's another idea I came up with last year...
Click here for the full instructions. 


Pumpkin Love,
-Bess-