Decorative Duct Tape Bible Recover

My Bible cover's gotten really worn over the years.  In fact, little specks of colored leather flake off at will.  The Bible was actually a Christmas gift from my mom over a decade ago in high school.  It's been well used & though the cover is rough, the inside Truths are still rock solid.  So, I decided to take some decorative duct tape I snagged at the Dollar Tree & fix it up.  I tried as best I could to let the design on the tape match up with each strip I applied + I was extra careful with the spine, edges, & corners.  I'm pleased with how it turned out! 

"A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

-Charles Spurgeon

It's not always the case for me, but I pray the above is true more & more & more.  We are works in continual progress, & He is so gracious to me.

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: I'm working through this Bible-in-a-year plan {above} that I started this month.  They say June's the new January, right?

P.P.S.: Have you ever used duct tape on a Bible or book or some other craft project?

Currently {June}

+Waiting... for a baby boy to make his entrance {my sister's due very soon}!

+Watching... reruns of Chopped & The Great British Bake Off with my mom.  I'm really getting into this cooking/baking thing {miraculous, really, for the girl who lived in her 1st apt. more than a year before turning on her oven}!

+Wearing... lots of SPF lip balm & t-shirts.

+Wondering... why I'm so quick to forget that everyone's broken & flawed {Romans 3:23}, instead of listening to the enemy's lies that it's just me.

+Wanting... to continue to de-clutter & organize my closets {especially the bedroom one}.

+Wishing... girls {& guys, too} would dress modestly this summer.  It can be a challenge, but it's worth it to help each other stay pure in mind, body, & soul.

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What are you up to lately?

Happy Father's Day

It's been about 15 years since my incredible dad went to be with the Lord.  I miss him every day.  Whatever your Father's Day looks like, remember there's an amazing heavenly Father who accepts you as you are, loves you unconditionally & unmerited, & will never leave you.  Praying you have a blessed Sunday!

Love to the Dads,

-Bess-

Song Love {June}

"Where the Light Is" by Dan Bremnes


"Exhale" by Plumb


"Where I Am Right Now" by Jared Anderson

The lyrics of these 3 songs have been speaking deep & ministering to my weary heart here lately.  I pray they do the same for you.

Music Love,

-Bess-

Sweet Summer Gift Tags {FREE Printable!}

Nothing's tastier on a hot summer's day than a sweet & cool treat!  Watermelons, popsicles {the banana ones are my favorite, by the way}, chocolate covered ice cream bars... these all inspired me to whip up this free printable tag set for ya.  Add a tag around a vintage-style fruity/cream soda, a brand new pair of shades, an actual watermelon, or whatever you're gifting this summer.  Enjoy!

INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the tag set above & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste}.  Open in a word document, resize if necessary, & print on card stock {or printer paper & then glue down on cardboard for stability}.  Cut out your tags, punch a hole, add some twine, & tie around a summery gift for a friend!

Love for the Printing,

-Bess-

P.S.:

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!

My Summer Staples

Today I'm joining Kiki & the gang for The Circle Linkup & sharing some of my summer staples & faves.

Here they are...

1. sunless tanner

I'm all about the tan, but I'm not all about baking in the sun's harmful rays.  Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer gives me the color I crave gradually & safely + moisturizes.  Make sure you give it a few minutes to dry {15-30} after applying before it comes in contact with clothing or furniture - often I find it easiest to apply it to my legs before my bedtime routine.

2. SPF lip balm

Hopefully you remember to apply SPF to your body, but do you find you forget your lips?  I apply {& reapply} Softlips SPF 20 lip balm daily.  It's super slim tube makes it easy to fit in your pocket & take along wherever.

3. beach bag

I love a good tote to stash, carry, & toss all my goods in!  Whether I'm headed to the beach, pool, park, packing a picnic, or going on a road trip I find a beach bag to be perfect carrying for summer.

4. favorite summer flick

I can't remember the first summer I watched Disney's Tuck Everlasting {I'm thinking late high school or sometime in college}, but it became an annual ritual... & now it just doesn't feel like June unless I've witnessed Tuck tell Winnie she shouldn't fear death, but rather the "unlived life" {somehow I never tire of it}. =)

5. flavored sparkling water

Sparkling ICE waters are 0 calories, caffeine free, & contain vitamins & antioxidants {like biotin, green tea extract, & several B vitamins}.  So much tastier than plain H2O!  Some of my favorite flavors include: peach nectarine, coconut pineapple, & crisp apple.

What summer staples are on your list?

Summertime Love,

-Bess-

   

I'm Back!

Hello!  It's been forever, huh?

Life's been busy.  Crazy.  Strange.  Lovely.  Hard.  Several different adjectives really.

Here's a quick recap: I landed a maternity leave 1st grade teaching position for a couple months in the spring; I'm in a new relationship with a godly guy; searching for employment for the fall; & my sister is expecting a 2nd baby boy in a couple weeks!

This little old blog's been neglected, but I'm back & so glad to be!  Hope you'll return with me, too!

Love,

-Bess-