This I know.

I read the best post, this morning, by Jon Acuff. He writes the blog Stuff Christians Like and it usually has me rolling on the floor with laughter. Thanks, honey, for getting me hooked. Today's post was titled The little girl's tattoo and it really struck a cord with me. At the end of the post, he ask the question, "What's a mark you need to let go of?" And it really got me thinking...What is that one thing that I've gotten so caught up in, that I feel changed me...that I let define me? The one thing?

Acuff writes~

I wish that single event was enough to forever shake off the bad marks I’ve got on me, but it isn’t. I still doubt. I still believe the lies of the marks. I still, like lots of other Christians, forget who I am. I still give other people’s words too much power. I don’t have it all figured out. Instead, more than anything, life feels like it’s been a long series of believing that I am not who other people define me to be, I am a son of God. I am God’s work of art. And the more I have been open to believing that, the more He’s shown me it’s true.

 

 



 

I'd like to think I haven't done anything to permanently screw him up. He's three, so preciously three. So curious. Asks a million and one questions in that tiny high pitch voice that I pray I never forget. Oh so wants to please. So quick to forgive. Never holds a grudge. So tender...So very tender. I think he's still in the forgetting stage, right?...Right? I wish that I could keep my kids in a protective bubble for all time. Our house feels so safe. A window's good enough, right? I could be sure no one hurts them or tries to define them by any single thing. Mama's here. Lately I've been feeling an overwhelming responsibility to pray for their future. They're under our roof for just a blink (or until we kick them out at 18. Yes, that's how we roll)and the responsibility we have as parents to equip their minds and their hearts with the knowledge of the living God who loves them fiercely is one of the most important things I will ever do in life. I know this.

 

 

Beloved.

Dining table

My friend Brittany asked me to transform a dining table that was given to her. Free! Don't you love free furniture? I find it's extra special when it's free :)

Her family of five is about to move. They are selling their current dining table and was looking for more of a farmhouse-style table for their new home.

Here is a picture of their current dining table. You'll see that this is a totally different step for them. An exciting one it is!

I am so honored to have been able to paint the table where so many wonderful family memories will be made...stories shared...a table where three little brothers will grow up around. I love it!

Here are a few pictures of the transformation process...You can't tell from the picture, but this table was covered in glitter and stickers :)

 

Distressed, waiting for a nice, clear coat of wax.

And here it is complete. What a beauty she is.

I encouraged Brittany to write each of the boys names in sharpie underneath the table where they will sit. Each boy is sure to make their "mark" in their very spot with sweet little rub marks. I need to do this :)

Thanks, Brittany! This was a fun project for me.