To My Father: A Poem

I am a little bird -

Do You see me when I fall?

Oh - that You do -
I am heart-wrenched & broken

And bid Your eyes turn from me.
But they stay -

And are grace eyes -
And I can scarcely breathe.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father."

-Matthew 10:29

Love,

-Bess-

'Cause I Kill All the Plants {DIY}

Yes, I admit it.  I'm a cold-hearted, ruthless plant killer.  Well, actually, that's not really true.  I'm more of a "How could I have forgotten to water you?!" sap kneeling by the dying plant's grave in sorrow.  Either way, growing green things & I don't have the best track record.  That's where this DIY stems from {I couldn't resist}...

& everything you need can be found at the dollar store!

I found all the goods above at my local Dollar Tree!  All you need to do is fill your glass container with decorative pebbles {I actually only used 1 of the 2 bags, but depending on your container size you may need more}.  

My faux succulents came inserted in black styrofoam in plastic pots, so I took them out, & snipped 'em down a bit so they'd fit in my glass bowl easier.  Then, I nestled them down in the pebbles.

While some don't do "faux" {which I totally get & would rather have a green thumb, by the way}, it's easier to sleep nights knowing these guys won't be my next victims.  You know the whole talking to plants thing {to encourage them to grow}?  It's still okay to talk to faux plants, right? =)

Crafty Love,

-Bess-

Currently {March}

+Reading... Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.  This raw & vulnerable memoir is touching me deep & blessing my soul.

+Listening... to Matt Hammitt tunes, especially "All of Me" & "Let Go."

+Thankful... for the astounding gifts He bestows on me daily + His loving patience towards me.  How often I forget to see them.  Help me, Father God, to have eyes to see & a heart that speaks continual gratitude to You, the giver of all good.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

+Praying... for purity, a hunger for my Maker, & to be more like Jesus & less like me {the sometimes scary prayers}.

+Learning... to trust {again & again & again}, because He is good & for me {& I am a stubborn mule}, & I am completely forgiven, & to relish the unexpected season I am in {seasons are fleeting & this one will not last forever}.

+Loving... sitting on my favorite boulder perch, feet dangling over the river, & walking old & new trails with my Abba, Father.

Love,

-Bess-

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

One of Those Days...

Ever had one of those days where everything goes wrong & you feel like, well… if you’re honest, life just stinks?  Of course you have.  We all have.  Mine just happens to be today...  It can look grim, dismal, & downright discouraging from the easy perspective of “right now,” but truthfully my life really doesn’t stink at all.  In fact, I have more blessings than I can count!  And while, yes, this moment doesn’t smell too great, it’s only a moment & God is still at work working all things – yes, even this – for my good.  

I trust You, heavenly Daddy, help me to keep the faith when the going gets rough!

Love for the Mess,  Stress, & Disappointment,

-Bess-

Song Love {March}

"When I'm With You" by Citizen Way {This came on the radio while I was driving around the other day, & it really felt like just what I needed to hear. Hope this song, & the others, speak to you, too.}


"God is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down


"Just Breathe" by Johnny Diaz

Music Love,

-Bess-

"Love Without Limits" Book Review

Love Without Limits by Nick Vujicic 

with Kanae Vujicic

If you’ve never heard of Nick Vujicic, the Australian guy born without arms or legs, who now goes around the world proclaiming the love of Jesus, where have you been?!  Nick is definitely a dynamic evangelist, & now, husband & father.  Sure, many didn’t believe this would ever be the story of his life, at times he admits he didn’t believe it would turn out so beautifully himself.  But, that’s the mighty, loving, working all things for our good God that has reigned forever for ya!

In Nick’s recent book Love Without Limits, which he coauthored with his lovely wife Kanae, a beautiful love story – complete with comic twists & turns – is told, along with advice from the newlywed couple.  The married couple found themselves on the road to parenthood with Kanae’s surprise pregnancy just a few short months after "I do."  Thus, the book covers parenting advice & family life, as well. 

The story of the two’s meeting, getting to know each other, long-distance relationship, proposal, & marriage is a joy to read.  The honesty the couple shares with readers about struggles & experiences is refreshing, yet the advice at times feels somewhat small in its depth of insight – which isn’t too surprising as the couple are still very little-traveled on this marriage road, as they both readily admit.  Still, this book can be a beneficial resource & delight to many, especially young couples who may see many of their struggles & joys reflected in Nick & Kanae’s life, & those who follow Nick’s remarkable story.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

*I received this book free of charge through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.