More on Coloring

Words cannot express how much I enjoy my newest coloring book- Whatever is Lovely. The combination of Scripture and other words of encouragement throughout the book keeps things interesting while still being great for reflection and worship

It starts with this great image. Simple for those just starting, but still engaging. 

took a pause because I ran out of greens

I've been using both markers- Papermate Flair or Crayola- and colored pencils, which gives me a wide range of color and texture for my coloring. The paper quality of this book is great, and works well with markers, something that can sometimes be hard to find with all the coloring books that have been released over the past year or so. 

My favorite colors, and a great reminder!

I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are into adult coloring books. Meditating on one Scripture passage or something equally inspiration while coloring is very soothing.

Adult Coloring

Is an overly detailed coloring book for you?

My answer is yes. I've been working on the above image for about a week now, and I love it. Neither of the two previous pages were finished, but I needed the message of this page. 

My book of choice is 'Whatever is Lovely: a coloring book for reflection and worship'. It has proven to be just that. Using this book with my daily prayer time helps me to relax a bit and refocus. 

Peace has been my word for the last two weeks. First I was at camp, and now I am preparing for a new school year. Peace is definitely what I need.

Twofer

This past week, I kept busy by finishing two blanket projects. Neither were huge, but it still feels like a good accomplishment.

3x5 Sunny Spread 

My Monochrome Sunny Spread turned out quite lovely. I joined using a 2-dc cluster instead of my usual granny join. The border is 3 rounds of dc. While not a large blanket, I am hoping the recipients will appreciate the effort that went into its creation. 

22-row round ripple

Finishing (and declaring finished) the round ripple was a bit more difficult. I really wanted to add a few more rounds, but it was really getting to the point where I wasn't enjoying it. This one measures about two feet across, so for a baby, it's a good size. This one is for my sister-in-law who is due in November. I'm including with the gift a set of prayer cards.

Linking with Ginny.

Looking Forward and Back

As I sit grading papers, watching my students take semester exams, I am reminded of my own high school finals, and the differences between us.
It's been over 10 years since I entered high school. It seems odd to put it in that light. I was a shy teenager, and am still a close-to-the-chest adult. But, give me a topic that I have an opinion about, and I can talk your ear off.
I see bits of my teenage self in my students. The ones who are passionately interested in a particular subject. The ones who meticulously finish their work, but still have a bad day now and then. They are the ones that remind me every day of the joys of teaching, and the blessing it is to work in a Catholic school.

I'm discerning a job change right now. I love my students, my co-workers, my boss, but I have a little one at home, and driving nearly an hour to work takes its toll. If you would pray for me, I would appreciate it.

St. John Bosco is the patron saint of my homeroom-- each of the 8 homerooms has one. I will be praying for guidance from him as well as my patron saint, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. I would love it if you joined me.

Thank you & God Bless!

St. John Bosco, pray for us!

St. Margaret Mary, pray for us!

January 1, 2015

The first day of a new year doesn't always feel different. Last year, we already knew we were expecting a new little one in our lives. This year, I know I am hoping for something a little more low key. To be honest though, I don't have many expectations for this year. But I can have a few hopes and dreams...

• homeownership
• new job for my husband- or at least a promotion
• expansion of my home business
• a renewed teaching contract-- I'd love to work another year at my current job
• debt reduction-- college loans are still looming, and we'd like to get them down significantly this year, especially since we are still house shopping
• expansion of garden-- we grew a few of our own veggies this year, but because I was heavily pregnant/dealing with a newborn during harvest time, we were not as successful with our crops as we could've been. Hopefully we will be able to put more up this year.
• good health all around-- back problems and migraines have plagued me throughout 2014, and we'd like to find a solution for them soon

While I've  known other people to choose words or themes for the coming year, I've never done it myself, but this year one found me. I have a habit of writing quotes on notecards when reading, especially if something good strikes me. I found this one while cleaning:

Notwithstanding my weakness, I am no longer afraid. 

I have placed my confidence in God, who can do all things 

and from whom I hope all things, for I rely not on myself. 

~St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

So I'm adopting that as my theme for the year, and plan to continue to pray and reflect on how best to place confidence in God.

Blessings in the new year!

Love,

Mary

In Need

I'm really bad at asking for advice and the like. Today I have a huge prayer request. Over the weekend, I took out a deer with my car, and the shop we took it to thinks it's totaled. We were really hoping to get at least 2 more years out of it, and now that won't happen.

We have money for a car, and good credit if we wanted a loan, but combined with my husband's going back to school in the fall, we are on a tight budget. The coming baby doesn't help my budgetary concerns either. Our savings will go into school and a new car, which may seriously set us back in buying a house.

All of these issues combined with the depression I've been dealing with make for stressful times. I am in dire need of peace.

If you could pray for wisdom and peace for all of our situations, I would really appreciate the support. I know God is in this situation, but I'm struggling to see where.