Sparkly Glue Pictures

Looking for a fun little project to break up a ho hum day? This week, the little ladies and I had some fun trying out a new art project...

 

SPARKLY GLUE PICTURES

 

 

 

 

What you need:

Cardstock or any other thick paper - we actually used watercolor paper

Glue

Salt

Watercolor paints

Small paintbrush

 

What to do:

 

Make a pretty design on the paper with the glue. While it's still wet, sprinkle with salt. Using the paintbrush, dab watercolors all over the sparkly glue. Allow to dry completely. Pretty!

 

 

Abel's Field

 

 

 

About Abel's Field

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

 

 

Wow, just wow. I loved this movie! This film shattered all of my preconceived notions. If you're expecting a cheesy, so/so clean, but corny movie in Abel's Field, SORRY! Not here. I read the teaser, looked at the cast of characters, and thought I had it basically figured out. The main character- Seth, plays his role beautifully; the motherless teen caring for his young sisters, struggling, bullied, treated unfairly, yet pressing on through it all.

I expected a young kid with the usual chip on his shoulder, who then meets with the cliche gruff older father figure, and then sees the error of his ways...blah, blah, blah.

I was impressed to see a good clean movie with good acting, and a Christian message that while subtle, stood out. I was rooting for Seth from the start.

Kevin Sorbo plays Abel, the quiet groundskeeper who seems to be one of only a few to "get" Seth, and gently steers the teen toward the Truth. The film reaches the height of tension as both characters look as if they will lose everything that they have been fighting to save.

I really enjoyed the play on the movie's title towards the end. It was an unexpected twist that kind of tied everything up in a satisfying manner.

I'd love to tell you what that twist is, but what fun would that be? Go get this on DVD and watch it this weekend!

Website: http://www.abelsfield.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelsField
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelsField
 

 And now it's giveaway time! I have one copy to giveaway to one lucky person. All you need to do is comment below anytime between now and Friday, February 1, 2013.
 The chosen person will be announced on Monday, February 4, 2013. Enter now!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Abel's Field in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

The 5 Money Personalities

 

 

 

 

 

Hey everyone, I have a great new book to share with you! The 5 Money Personalities is not your average "How to Manage Your Money In So Many Steps" book. It's really not even about putting a budget together. Nope.

This book explains how we all have a unique "money personality" which affects the way we relate to our spouse. And...how we make money decisions every day without thinking about it.

 

The book is meant to be read together with your husband or wife, with the goal of coming together in unity over your financial life.

 

The journey begins with an assessment of your personal money style, and then discovering that of your mate. Just identifying those alone can help pinpoint why both parties often clash.

You'll find out if you fit best in the role of  Saver, Spender, Risk Taker, Security Seeker, or the Flyer.

 

Do you know what financial infidelity is? The 5 Money Personalities will show you. You'll also discover what the Opposite Dynamic is. This may all sound a little mysterious, but if I reveal too much, there won't be much reason to read the book for yourself.

 

The bottom line is that if you commit to putting these principles into place, you will have gone a long way towards either healing a strained relationship, or strengthening a good one.

I found the book to be a refreshing read. It was helpful- and at times convicting for me personally, as I began targeting financial areas that need attention.  

 

Now here is some good news. The publisher has graciously provided a copy of The 5 Money Personalities to give away to one lucky reader! 

 

If this sounds great to you, you can enter by liking the author's Facebook page and leaving me a comment. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you are chosen.

 

The winner will be selected on Friday, February 1, 2013, and notified by Monday, February 4, 2013.

 

 

Website:http://themoneycouple.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheMoneyCouple
Twitter:https://twitter.com/themoneycouple
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/themoneycouple
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/The-Money-Personalities-Speaking-Language/dp/0849964784/

About The 5 Money Personalities

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money.

Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.
Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.
It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?
 

About Scott & Bethany Palmer

"The Money Couple", have dedicated their lives to helping other strengthen their relationships with the 5 Money Personalities. With 43 years of combined financial planning experience, they launched "The Money Couple" and are regulars on national TV and radio and speak internationally about love and money. Scott and Bethany enjoy an active lifestyle in Colorado with their two young sons, Cole and Cade.

 

 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The 5 Money Personalities in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

 

Veggie Sammies

Going meatless at least once a week seems to be a popular trend these days. I like to try for several times a week, although that doesn't always happen with my meat lovin' group. The following recipe is one of my family's favorites.

Veggie Sammies

You'll need:

Your favorite whole grain bread of choice
Romaine Lettuce
Tomatoes
Hummus
Cucumbers
Mayo
Caramelized onions
Feta Cheese

I think the directions are self explanatory since we're talking about a sandwich. Assemble the ingredients, adding or deleting to suit your tastes. Eat and enjoy!

Pray it Down

Every time I walk through the doors of our church, I am overwhelmed with a rush of gratitude. I am so thankful to be a member of a church that unashamedly proclaims Jesus as Lord, and is committed to teaching the Bible. This past Sunday was no exception.

The key verse that our Pastor focused on is in Philippians. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ( vs.6)

The point that stood out to me was, as Pastor put it, "praying down the anxiety". There are many many circumstances in our lives that daily threaten to consume our peace, but God's word clearly commands us NOT to be anxious about....ANYTHING. Umm...that can't be right, can it? I mean, if God knew some of the situations that I'M dealing with...
Nope, sorry, He tells us not to worry about anything. Is it easy? Not always. But He is God, and He knows what we need, and He will meet us and provide for us. It may not be in the way that we had expected or hoped,but He will be there.

I know that for me personally, I have a few "chronic " situations that I continually have to bring before the Lord and "pray down my anxiety".
I can always tell when I have gone to God still determined that He get on with MY agenda, rather than the other way around, because the peace doesn't come. When I do get before Him and humble myself, and allow Him to show me wrong attitudes, my sin, I feel that beautiful peaceful presence. Not deliverance from my circumstances, as much as I would love that.

In fact, tonight, after the kids have gone to bed, I know that I need to get with the Lord again and do some praying down.

Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Alrighty. January 1, 2013. A new month, a new year. So I'm embarking on my year of healthier habits, and I will be checking in regularly to post my progress.

I'm on my way to cutting out- or at least most of the refined sugar in my diet. I am allowing myself a sweet here and there, within reason. I'm also cutting wayyy back on the dairy and wheat, which is a lot easier for me than the sugar.

Today was a pretty good day as those goals go. I am definitely a stress eater, and one emotional moment had me wanting to eat all the Christmas cookies that I could get my hands on, but I stayed strong. Sugarless gum is becoming my best friend ;)

I also have spiritual goals for this new year. The past few years have been rough quite honestly, and I feel like the Lord is stripping away everything I've held onto. I've done a lot of questioning, crying, and pondering of all of it, and I feel like He's doing something big in my life. Not that I think I'll be doing something huge and public that will bring me fame and celebrity, but in the sense that God is getting rid of all that I have held onto, so I can see Him more clearly. I'm seeing more and more that the treasures of this world ( and I'm not speaking of the material necessarily), mean nothing compared to knowing Christ. I have so far to go, but in His mercy, He's showing me more little by little.

I wonder if my failures are actually successes in a way, because it is allowing me to see the futility that comes when I try to live apart from Him.

I'm restarting my devotions to go through the one year bible, and today I bought a prayer journal. Little things that I hope will spur me on in my walk this year.

I'll check in again soon. Happy New Year!