As I go...

Have you seen the
door prizes for the
Mother's Day Blog Bash?
Don't miss your chance
to enter this giveaway!
The party begins
May 8th!

NEW WINNERS HAVE BEEN
DRAWN!!!

The winner of the $10 gift card
from Peas & Carrots is

Christine

ichoosethisday.blogspot.com

and the winner of the custom
dress from Trendy Tot is

Laura
my-three-ring-circus.blogspot.com

Congratulations!!!

Today's Thoughts...
As a stay-at-home mom, it's easy to lose perspective, forgetting that my greatest area of ministry is to my own family...these cherished ones living under my roof.

Praying for my husband as he heads out the door for the office...
Heating another bottle...
Changing another diaper...
Washing another load of laundry...

Each act, if done out of love, is my realm of ministry for this season of life.

In her book, Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World, Joanna Weaver writes, "Jesus didn't have a luxurious corner office on Jerusalem's east side with a brass doorplate that said 'Messiah'. He didn't have a multi-acre campus to base His ministry. He just ministered as He went along. On His way. He went out of His way. In all kinds of ways." [Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Waterbrook Press, 2000), 92.]

May I never allow the monotony of this season to blind me to the ministry that He has entrusted to me.

Today's Tips

Manage: Learn the truth about teens and credit cards from financial expert, Dave Ramsey.

Create: Make these adorable cloth baby shoes. (Tutorial by Stardust Shoes).

Simplify: Organize your office supplies with this idea from Vanilla Joy.

Today's sweet shoppe...

Enter "nest1" in the "notes to
seller" section at checkout, for
a 15% refund on your order
from Starbugaloo Designs!
Offer expires 6.1.08.

~ my picks ~

{Circle Circle Polkadot Smock}

{Spring Day Smock}

Don't be afraid...

Our daughter is going through a fearful phase and we're making a conscious effort to get her out and about so that she can learn to enjoy the world around her without being afraid. When I see that look in her eyes, I find myself wanting to "fix it" by removing her from the situation and I'm having to learn to step back and let her discover for herself that there really is nothing to fear. I also realize that it is unhealthy for me to become her sole source of security, and as she grows, she will ultimately have to learn to rely on her Heavenly Father for her protection.

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!...[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler...For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. Psalm 91:2, 4 & 11

Grow: Subscribe to this online bi-weekly Bible Study from Women of Faith.

Save: Find available discounts at thousands on online stores from RetailMeNot.com.

Create these marble magnets. (A tutorial from Not Martha).

Share: Explore these volunteer opportunities from Christian Women Today.

Today's sweet shoppe...

~ my favorite picks ~

{Baby Tales Kit}

{Veronica Mommy & Me Mat }

~ to see previously featured shops, click below ~

For the next generation...

When I was very small, my mother began keeping a journal, a practice she continues to this day. She recently reminded me that her purpose was to leave a record of God's faithfulness to her children. What a gift!

"...We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done" (Psalm 78:4).

Nurture: Just as my mother has done, you too can leave a legacy of the Lord's faithfulness to your children. If journaling isn't your thing, there are other ways. You could simply start a list of answered prayers. If your family enjoys visible symbols, you might start a collection of stones in a decorative vase, each one symbolizing a specific instance of God's faithfulness to your family. (You can write the date on it with a permanent marker). Better yet, come up with your own creative idea!

Create this easy-to-make accordion book to organize all those scraps of paper you have lying around...perfect for coupons, newspaper clippings, notes, etc... (instructions and supplies from PaperSource).

Save on restaurants with Restaurant.com! Enter your zip code to find participating restaurants in your area. You can purchase gift certificates at great discounts!

Today's sweet shoppe...

Concerned about the safety of her own personal care products, Stephanie Greenwood set out to create alternatives made from only the purest ingredients. Her background in chemistry, the help of others, and many hours of hard work led to the birth of Bubble & Bee. Today, the company offers a unique line of organic lotion, soap, lip balm and even deodorant! Get 15% off your first online order from Bubble & Bee Organic! (www.bubbleandbee.com) Just use promo code "mynest1" at checkout. (This offer will self-destruct on May 31st, 2008!)

~ my picks ~

Organic Sunflower Lotion Stick

Organic Unscented Lip Balm

~ to see previously featured shoppes, click below~