Author: ObtainingMercy

This is What Happens…

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

…when you follow that time-honored advice,

"Don't try to create something that your customers will like.  Make something that you like.  Your customers will like it too."

I made this:

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and I like it so well, I can't sell it!!!

Copperleafbracelet5

It's that one stone that does me in!  If it were only the copper disks, rings, hook and wooden bead, I could let it go; but that one brownish-green stone simply has a hold on me.

Maybe this is my new "Precious"!!!

Bahahahahahahaha…

Ok, enough monkeying around…time for bed.

I pray you make it to the Lord's house tomorrow!

Alesha

Foto Friday

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Foto Friday

Until recently, I had never watched Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.

I know, it's astonishing, isn't it?

I decided to devote a Saturday to this movie.  Ok, not really, but since I just watched bits of it in between everything else I did that day, it sort of took up the whole day to watch it.  It was interesting.  I will be watching the sequels when they come up in my Netflix queue.

I watched the movie on Saturday.  I received an email the very next day, saying that my Kindle had shipped.  It arrived a few days later.

So, is it any wonder that I have walked around the last couple of weeks saying,

"Precious…My Precious!"?

DSCN1843(So NOT very far from the truth at all…I adore my Kindle!!!)

I promised K a picture of the pillow I made from the table napkins.  I thought I'd just let you see my whole new bedroom ensemble. 

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The color is very tricky.  It was called "silver" in the online description.  I think of it more as a "grey".  Ike's caregiver called it "green".  No doubt, if I ask Doug, he'd say something else entirely.  But it goes well with the black curtains I already had.  I bought the bed skirt and large pillow shams in black, and then added my cute little black pillow as an accent.  I like it.  It's very tidy when I walk in my room. :)  Here's a better view of the design of the quilting.  You can click to make it bigger.

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(You can really see the shimmer here, when I used the flash.)

Now, I know this picture isn't entirely self-explanatory, since the words wrap around the jar just a little too far, but this is my "Leather Couch Fund"!

If you've ever watched the Dave Ramsey dvds, you'll know he talks about buying a leather couch quite a bit.  He uses it as a comic relief bit, but the truth is that I really want a leather couch!!!

Since we are doing Dave's Financial Peace University via the dvds, I know that I can't just run out and buy one.  I must SAVE my money, pay off my debt, then SAVE my money again and pay cash for that sofa!  So…I thought I might as well get a head start.  I'm putting all my change in the little jar.

Leathercouchfund

(You'll notice, I'm also back to clipping coupons…every little bit helps, right?!!)

…and simply because a couple people asked, here's a pic of my hair cut…nothing new, just long overdue!  This is my "hey, it's still really early in the morning, and I am tired and I am not putting on make up just to take this picture for the blog" picture.  This was the smallest size I could manage.  It's clickable, but really…why would you?

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I pray you have a wonderful weekend!  And I am really tickled that you came here to read my blog today.  Thank You! =)

Alesha

Thoughtful Thursday

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Thoughtful Thursday

On this Thursday I am thinking…

  • No matter how "beginner" and "fully modified" this Pilates dvd is…it is still kicking my booty!
  • I'm so glad I felt inspired today:  I made a new bracelet, and photographed several new pieces of jewelry for my Etsy shop.
  • Risking driving to the beauty shop during the Tornado Warning was SO totally worth it – I love my hair cut!
  • Praise the Lord for keeping us safe today, during the crazy weather.
  • My heart breaks for those who were injured and for those who suffered property damage and I'm praying the Lord will comfort and heal.
  • I'm wondering why Isaac has not slept the last 3 night through…and I'm really praying that it's nothing serious.
  • I'm looking forward to figuring out my coupons tomorrow for grocery shopping this weekend.
  • Whew!  My sister-in-law's new Kindle suddenly went blank, and she could not get it to come back on.  I was able to search Amazon, and found a re-boot procedure that finally brought her screen back to life.  Again…Whew!
  • I am loving the new double umbrella that we got for Isaac!  What?  When he's not using it, it's fair game for me to use it, right?!! 😉
  • Every evening, I am listening to a new installment of a book I downloaded to my iPod:  Cleek: The Man of the Forty Faces by Thomas W. Hanshew. 

The lady who reads it for the Librivox site is an absolutely magnificent reader!  She has an accent and voice for every character in the book.  She switches so seemlessly from one to the other, it's easy to forget she is just one person.  I also found a Kindle version here that has a slightly different title, but I'm 99% certain it is the same book. 

OH, and just one hint:  don't skip the prologue, or the second part of the prolougue or the third part of the prologue OR the fourth part of the prologue!  LOL!!!  Yes, they really are important. 🙂

  • I have some fun "fotos" for tomorrow!  Here's a hint:

fotofriday

See you tomorrow!

Alesha

Foto Friday

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Uncategorized

We are planning to take Newton to the vet this weekend, and to the groomers next week for his summer haircut.  These are the "before" pictures.

(And in my house, with my camera, we have two choices:  dark, blurry Newton; or clear, demon-eyed Newton.  I thought you'd like to see both.  Ha!)

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What a fuzzy-wuzzy hound!  He will look so much better after his haircut!

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My beautiful lilies are in bloom!

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Last but not least, my handsome boy:

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His typical 10-year-old look of "Mommmmmmm…don't take my picture!!!"  And yes, he is just about ready for his summer haircut, too!!! 🙂

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That's it for Foto Friday! 

I pray you have a wonderful weekend, and that you plan to spend time in the Lord's House on Sunday.  I will be very sad to miss it if my back is not better.  Maybe you could pray that I will feel up to sitting through the service; and I will pray that you will be blessed by your church services on Sunday, too. 

Yep, that sounds like a win-win situation to me!

=)

Today’s Necessities

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Uncategorized

They say that

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

This proved to be quite true in my house, today.

I have a handy little device.  I call it my "grabber."  I believe it's actual name is the "Pikstik".  You can find it below at Amazon.

 http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=akconklisxang-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000H8VPNG

I have been using mine every day this week.  It is painful to do any bending, and even reaching to the side or above my head is causing me trouble.  So the grabber is proving to be very helpful.

The problem I'm having is carrying the grabber everywhere I go in the house.  It's rather long and if I carry it under my arm, I whack stuff  – knickknacks, pets, windows…you know, important stuff that shouldn't be "whacked"! 

I was also having the problem of carrying everything I needed and the grabber to my next destination.

Today, I came upon a beautiful solution.  I rummaged through my old purses, and found a detatchable purse strap with two snaps.  I ran the strap through the hole in the top of the grabber handle, and it worked wonderfully.

Grabber1

I strap it across my torso, so that it hangs under my arm, clear of knickknacks, but handy if I need it.

Here's a close-up of the strap:

Grabber2

Now, if I could just figure out a way to carry my smartphone through the house in a similar manner, I would be one happy camper. 

(I know they crochet and knit little pockets for cell phones, but just the thought of scratchy yarn touching my neck all day gives me the heebie-jeebies!)

I'm seriously considering cutting up a pair of my hubbies old jeans, and seeing what I can do with the glue gun.  I can always add a few sequins or crystals to it!  Ooooo…and maybe one in leather would be nice, too!

Have you seen anything like this for a cell phone?  I'd love for you to let me know if you have.  It would save me time, energy and burned fingertips, if someone else has already created this invention.

:o)

Oh, and one more little "invention" I have made in the past, and just updated this week:

I use storebought table napkins to make throw pillows for my bed!  I just pick out a set of two, in whatever color I need; sew them together; stuff with fiber fill; and throw it on the bed.

The first one I made, I think I used the glue gun.  (If case you haven't guessed, it is my favorite go-to tool for crafting!)  The second one, I used a very tight whip-stitch by hand in a slightly darker thread.  It made a nice contrast, and lasted for years.  This last pillow, I sort of cheated:  I had my mom whip it up on her sewing machine.  

However you choose to sew them together is fine.  They are already hemmed and make a nice square pillow, perfect for adding a little contrast to your bed, or to use in the living room on the sofa.

You could add ribbon or fringe to decorate, if you wish.  I have done both.  Your only limitation is your imagination.

So, has a necessity at your house led to an invention???  I'd love to hear about it in your comments!

 

 

 

Managing My Mondays

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Managing My Mondays

Managing my Monday took me out of the house today!

Isaac's caregiver held down things on the homefront, doing some laundry and dishes, making our carrot juice for the next few days, feeding and caring for Isaac and giving Newton (the dog) his treats when he went potty.  I am so blessed that my caregiver likes my pets!  She even gives Poppet (the bird) a treat when Newton gets one. 🙂

I hit the road with my mom this morning around 11:00.  We drove to Michael's so that I could pick up some beading wire to finish my current jewelry project.  While there, I was able to take advantage of a sale on some silver plated components.  Yay!

Next, we stopped at the grocery store.  My mom usually shops at the Publix in town, which is located south of our house.  Doug and I tend to shop at the Publix that is to our north.  Since we traveled north to go to Michael's, Mama shopped at a "new" Publix today.  We only had to backtrack for a couple of things, and their inventory is slightly different; but all in all, I don't think it was too difficult.

After we got home, I laid down on an ice pack for about 45 minutes before I took a trip to my chiropractor.  Whew — I was in bad shape today.  I was in quite a bit of pain before we did our shopping trip, so by the time we were done, I was truly miserable.

The chiropractor worked her magic, gave me a lecture and sent me on my way.  (And I totally deserved the lecture, so I didn't even mind very much!)

Now this evening, my management is confined to whatever I can accomplish from a semi-reclined position here in my room.  I ordered some pillowcases for my bed, shopped for Gospel tracts online, made a pillow and blogged.  A little later, I plan to participate in my online Bible study, shop for a phone for my hubby and catch up on Facebook.  (You have got to love technology, right?!!)

So, Monday has passed quickly, if painfully; and thankfully, once again, my God has been faithful to meet my every need.  Praise the Lord for His goodness to me.

Blessings,

Alesha

 

Sunday Thoughts

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

I've been thinking about this for several weeks, now…

How is it that sinners can stand in a church pew, some of them week after week, hear the Word of God proclaimed in power and clarity, and still not respond to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?

~~~~~

~I know that it's not because they are not hearing the Gospel.  It is preached every Sunday in my church.

~I know that it's not because it is too complicated.  Our pastor and co-pastor explain, illustrate, expound, alliterate…they do everything in their power to make the way to Salvation as simple as possible.  In fact, it is so simple that many a child has understood it.

~I know that it's not because our service is disruptive, unorganized or confusing.  We use a traditional format that would make anyone feel at ease and comfortable.

~I know that it's not because our people are unfriendly.  I watch every week as people greet and welcome, shake hands and show themselves to be friendly to everyone that comes in.

~I know that it's not because those who participate in the service are unprepared.  I am involved in hours of practice each week with the music ministry.  Our pianist, organist and orchestra members practice too; they are extremely professional and do a magnificent job each week.

~I know that it's not because our members are cold and uncaring about lost souls.  We have multiple programs each week, reaching out to our community with the Gospel. 

So…I have to wonder…

is it ME?

 - Have I quenched the Holy Spirit's work today?

 - Did I fail to greet someone?

 - Was I a distraction to others around me during the service?

 - When I spoke to a visitor, was I sincere?

 - When I spoke to a friend, was I Christ-honoring in my conversation?

 - Did I come to church to worship, or do I have some other agenda on my mind?

 - Have I prepared this past week to do my part in this service to the best of my ability?

 - Have I prayed for this service?  Did I spend any part of last week, begging for God's presence, power and convicting Spirit to be hindered in no way during this Sunday's meeting?

 - Did I smile?  Did I look like I meant what I was singing in the choir special?

 - Could others look at me and know that I was a Christ-follower – even in my church's worship service?

 - Did I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my heart during the service?

 - Have I responded to His convicting Voice during the invitation?

~~~~~

I had part of this conversation with my husband today.  He agreed as I went through my list of reasons, and my thoughts about the subject. 

I though about the visitors that I saw today in the service…those who were obviously miserable during invitation time, shifting back and forth, whispering to those around them, drumming their fingers on the pew, obviously biding their time until we were dismissed.

I said to Doug, "I just don't understand why someone would not want to become a Christian, after having heard it explained so clearly and so simply today…and it really bothers me!!!"

To which my wise husband replied, "And…it should."