My Newest Idea!

~~ If you recall my mentioning in my last post, I *so* enjoy, and love-over fonts. =)

~~ I could scroll through fonts all day, if it were possible...<3

~~ But. To the point!

Every good blogger needs a pretty signature, aren't I right? =) It just...adds so much to your post, and who you are! I always love it when bloggers end their posts with a flourishing sig, or a whimsy one, or something cute and simple.

....Introducing:

~~I'll get to be making fun FREE signatures {or anything else simple you need} for you to enjoy! I don't, of course, have loads of time, and thus {also, since it's free}, I will not be availabe ALL the time, lickety-split. But, I will get your "orders" to you as soon as possible, and each signature will be made with utmost care, love, and uniqueness--with you in mind. =)

~~ I will be opening up a seperate page on here shortly, with all the info you need. It will be pretty simple...in fact, I'll explain here, too!

**TO ORDER YOUR FREE SIGNATURE:**

{Send me an e-mail at}

lmmorud@gmail.com

{...with this information filled out:}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Your name: ______________________________

Your e-mail address: ______________________

Your blog address: ________________________

What do you want your sig. to say? __________

_______________________________________

Colored Font {underline}? Yes  or   No

{If yes} Specific color for font? ______________

Preferred font? {no gurantee} _______________

Large, medium, or small? __________________

Do you want an additional illustration/3D design? {underline which}

         No      Yes, but surprise me!   or    Yes, I want  ______________________

____________________________________________________

Any other details? _________________________________________

....Spread the word, if you'd like! I can't wait to get to work...I already have, actually. Here are some samples of signatures I've done in the past for friends and fellow bloggers. Get some ideas for your own!

{Click for a larger view}

...So, what are you waiting for? Order YOUR free, custom, *cute* signature today, and spice up those posts! =D

A Family Sketch {Somewhat}.

....Isn't it kwoote? *loves* =)

I had fun making this lil "family tree" over here today! And isn't it adorable? And I just love the font {I'm a junkie for good fonts...swirly...curly...whimsy..elegant...you've got me!} I decided that, since it was so much fun, I would make an "outline" {welll, several outlines...hehehe} of even my 'extended' family for ya'll! No, it won't be boring, because ya'll know that you just love to gaze upon my "familys'" adorable, scetched faces...hmm. Don't mind me, just a little...happy, here! =D

..But seriously, why can't I resist this??!! I mean, it's just a dinky lil online thing-o-majig called Widdly Tinks (*diez at the cuteness of the name*) that lets you create silly little family things that are the cutest things in the world with pretty font and custom design for free and they only take about two minutes to make and--and--and---......uh. Break! TIME to show you moiy masterpieces. Heeheehee....=D







..Dontcha love it? ;)





...I didn't get into the cousins, as that would take all day even with this snazzy lil fast thing. =D But...if you get the chance, do try it! You could mayeb even print it out for a card, or something.

<3 Pardon this silly little post...will you, my dear readers? <3

When Your Heart Begins to Stray

You've given your heart to the LORD for safe-keeping. You've committed yourself to purity of emotions and soul as well as physicality. You know that He wants you to keep yourself whole for that one special Person in the future. You're willing to wait as true love does, and not let your heart and mind run away prematurely.


And then it happens all over again.


...That nice young man smiles at you, and is kind to you--holds the door open for you, and you find that your heart beats quickly every time you see him. Before you know it, you are in very grave danger.


"Oh, Lord, I can't do it. I want to honor you in this, but my heart wants to stray. I'm right back where I started!"


...Not quite.

Our Heavenly Father knows how hard it is for us, especially as girls, to remain solely focused on purity of heart when others in our lives are totally for the opposite. He knows we like compliments, sweetness, and--yes, people who hold doors open for us. *wink*

But He also knows what's best for us, and what's best for us is not letting ourselves succumb to what the world thinks is "right" and "natural."


Which we already knew before...we stumbled.


So what do we do when it happens? Are we horrible-people-who-just-can't-keep-promises, now? No! We're human beings--more importantly, ladies--who want to go the right way but lose track and start to fantasise like our little romantic selves like to do. =)

...And what can we do about it?

1. Pray. 

...God is always there, ready to take up our fight and do the battle for us. Remember when you first made your pledge? You knew you couldn’t do it by yourself, and it’s true. Without God, it’s impossible to remain pure all the time, try as we might!

2. Don’t beat yourself down.

Just because you stumble or nearly stumble, doesn’t mean everything’s coming down. Guarding your heart is difficult, and the World is totally against it. But with His help, all is possible!

3. Pledge Again.

...Renewing your pledge of Purity always is a good idea. No, it hasn't gotten "old," but reminding yourself in front of witnesses {like your parents or a respected friend} that your heart, mind, soul, and body are the LORD's, and His to keep forever, and His only to keep or to give away...is wonderful!

4. Never Give Up.

Your purity is too precious to give away prematurely to anyone who doesn't deserve it. Never give up--even if you fall.


“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life”

{Proverbs 4:23}


Blessings,
~Miss Lucia~

Fashion-Finders Friday:

Here we are again with "Fahsion-Finders Friday!" Sorry I didn't do it last week...things were busy!

Do you change your outfit more than once a day? Haha--no, not usually; unless I have somewhere to go later--then I change out of my everyday, somewhat dingy work clothes! But when I was little, I used to change my clothes *alot* during the day. =) Rather inconvienent, now, I'd say!

Do you care if the colors of your clothes are coordinated/match? Most of the time, yes...I don't mind wearing mismatched things, as long as they don't clash totally! But I prefer having color-coordinated outfits. =)

If it's a bright day, do you care wether your sunglasses are "cute," or would you just throw on any old pair? I don't usually wear sunglasses....but, I have to say I'd like to wear a nice pair if they're available! Sunglasses don't look too great on me, anyways...

Would you wear "bug-eye" sunglasses? ;) Depends on how "buggy," lol. Not the huge, huge ones you ee around...but I don't like tiny, flat ones, either.  

Are you a "hat person?" Sort of. =) Depends on what kind of hat...no baseball caps, or sunbonnets!

{If yes} What is your favorite type of hat to wear? I don't know how to describe it...but, something cute if it looks right!

Are you a jewlery person? Depends. I don't like clunky jewlery, and my ears aren't pierced...but a pretty ring and thin necklace/bracelt is nice with some outfits!

Something you would love to have:

...Found this dainty dress on Miss Anna's blog! Isn't it darling? *wants it*

Copy and paste these questions into your own post to spread the "Fashion Finders Friday" fun!

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

A Rather Discouraging Day. =P

..A few discomforts have come my way since I last posted. =P

For starters, yesterday while on a trail run with my Cross Country team, I tripped and fell over a root headlong...rolling my ankle. It only hurt a little and I was sure it was only a temporary soreness, but this morning, after icing/wrapping it, I woke up to a very swollen, aching ankle. =( So, here it is, wrapped duly and propped up as I strive to practice my piano in the mornings without a right foot for the pedals. Hmmph. If you wouldn't mind--please pray that it heals before Saturday! I have a race that day. *hopes*

This morning was definitely one of unpleasant discoveries--for I also woke up with a sore throat. Not terribly sore, but enough for me to drink gallons of tea and hope that it helps! Do any of you have some "special remedy" you use for sore throats? Let me know! *hopes again* ...And, please pray that this gets better, too. :)

~Just a small, unimportant, somewhat disheartening update. Blessings to ya'll!

In Him, The Sufferer, ;)

Miss Lucia

"Fall Mood" Giveaways--Hurrah!

Two lovely giveaways are going on in the blogger world just in time for Fall! With many fantastic "winnings" to be gotten.

First of all, we have Miss Awel over at My Designer Girl's celebration of her two year designer blog anniversary. Wow--two years making absolutley gorgeous designs! Congratulations, Awel. And what it she offering? Take a look!

..I, for one, am very excited about that!Just click on the button to see how YOU can get a chance at that. :)

Next, we have Miss Lindsay over at Content in Christ's guest giveaway: a lovely "brown sugar" fall scarf from Natashja's shoppe, and a pair of pretty earrings from Andria's shoppe. Wow--two in one! Head on over to Lindsay's place to enter, and see photos of the giveaway items.

~I can't wait to see who all wins these lovely giveaways, can you? ;)

Blessings,

Miss Lucia 

Friendship Quilting.

..I am priviledged to be taking a quilting class, hosted and taught by a sweet friend, Miss Nicole C. (someone whom I have learned just recently is also known byMiss Anna and Miss Michaela! Small world..:). We are having fun making a friendship quilt together, meeting once a week at our local homeschool co-op.

..Each of the girls made a hand-embroidered patch for each in the class, and we each have a patch also of a favorite fabric from everyone.  

...We are hand-stitching the quilt, and are at present working on sewing the patches together (each young lady is making her own small quilt). Then, we will move on to finishing and backing it! This has been fun--I do love sewing with friends!

Do any of you enjoy quilting?

Alas, since our camera seems to be lost for good, I am unable to show you any *real* pictures of my so-far quilt, but hopefully by the time it is finished I will have some sort of camera.

Goodness Me! Look What I Won...

So...I am SUPER-OOPER excited to tell ya'll that I won my sweet friend Maggie's...

 ..."Blog Makeover" by Awel giveaway!! Click on the link above to go to her fabulous blog, "Bliss." Wow--and check it out: it's valued at $45! I was so surprised to learn that out of 179 entries, *my* number (79) was randomly drawn. I feel so blessed!  So. You may have noticed that I have some new polls up--yes, YOU need to help me decide how to re-make this blog! I know, I know--I've been re-making this blog alot lately, and you may be getting tired of all the changes. But this will be permenant, and by FAR the kewlest, I promise! I mean, take a look: 

...Aren't they BEAUTIFUL?? I'm not sure if mine can be *as* fancy, =) but--we'll see! I'm really excited, if you can't tell. =D Anyways, please help me by voting on the polls on the sidebar...should I stick with the daisy theme? Have a photo of myself, or just graphics? :)

THANK YOU to Maggie Dear and Awel for doing this. Wow!

Blessings,

~Miss Lucia~ 

P.S. (If YOU want a chance to win a makeover, check out HayHay's 100th post giveaway! I won't be entering as I'm already covered, ;) but hurry on over there yourself!)

From the Kitchen: Applesauce, Applesauce!

...The ladies of this home have been busy as Fall progresses towards us, preparing jams, preserves, and canned items to store away. I just love being able to go down the road and pick a few crates of blackberries in less than an hour! :) Also, we are blessed to live by orchards, where free apples are available nearly every day. What to do with this plentiful supply of rosy reds? Pies! Bread! Salads! And most importantly (and sustainably): APPLESAUCE!

Here is an award-winning :) recipe that has been used by our family and heartily devoured upon, up for your takings. Use more ingrediants than the recipe calls for, if you want to feed a few for awhile! =) Also, use a little {or alot} less sugar than it calls for if you're doubling. Enjoy!


Ingredients (quadrupling/doubling with lots of apples reccomended for a family larger than four)


4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
 1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher. Store in tubs and jars; keep in refrigerator.

20 Movie Quotes: The Game is On! =)

...You may have seen this around: 20 movie quotes. Many of my blogging friends have done it! =) Incase you don't know about it, though, this is how you play a VERY fun game:

Review the quotes below--they are all from popular movies that I enjoy. :) In a comment below, post your guesses as to WHICH movies they are from! Sample comment:

These are my (Laurie's) guesses:

#1: Beauty and the Beast

#2: It's a Wonderful Life 

...In a few days, I will post the answers and the "winners!" I only did eight as opposed to 20, because I counldn't think of any more...our family doesn't watch a WHOLE lot of movies/tv. =) Ready? GO!!

>1. Character 1: "Oh! I can't seem to stop singing wherever I am. And what's worse, I can't seem to stop saying things - anything and everything I think and feel."

Character 2: "Some people would call that honesty."

>2. Character 1: "I didn't sell myself. I liked you then, but oh, do I hate you now!"


>3. Character 1: "All young ladies are accomplished. They sing, they draw, they dance, speak French and German, cover screens and I know not what."

Character 2: "But not half a dozen would satisfy my notion of an accomplished woman."


>4. Character 1: "Business, you know, may bring about money--but friendship hardly ever does."


>5. Character 1: So I'm not the first one you've been engaged to. Philanderer!
Character 2: What?
Character 1: Well, that's what you are.

Character 2: Yeah, but what does it mean?

Character 1: I'm not sure. But even if I did know I wouldn't tell you!


>6. Character 1: "My dear Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks, Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots!"
Character 2: "Proudfeet!"


>7. Character 1: "Why don't you give like the rest of the children?"

Character 2: "My mother say's we're not like the rest of the children!"

Character 1: "I suppose she's right."


>8. Character 1: "I ain't done nothin' wrong by speaking to the gentleman. I've a right to sell flowers if I keep off the kerb. I'm a respectable girl: so help me, I never spoke to him 'cept so far as to buy a flower off me."

..There you are! Have fun! =)

A Good Update for Ya'll! =)

It has been a good while since I did a really "around the home post," hasn't it? I know, I know...I haven't much to write about that would REALLY interest you, but, I will have a shot at it anways. ;)

Much has been occurring these past weeks, but I'll just fill you in on the past few days. Unfortunately, we are still in the dark about the whereabouts of our sad little camera, =( and thus I have no entertaining photos to share. *watches as half of her followers depart* ..I hope a few long posts will make up for that, and perhaps a couple of old{er} photos..? *hopeful face* =D

..Yesterday {Saturday}, we took a little road trip to visit some friends of ours. They live wayy out thar, and though it was a rather long drive it was fun to see all the pretty scenery/animals grazing along the roadside. :) Around 12:30, we arrived at their lovely home, just in time for lunch--which we ladies helped to finish preparing. While we were waiting for things to bake, Liv and I went out to the barn and got to feed their horse, "Jazz-" such a sweetie! <3 We spent a little while in the pasture, petting and feeding/leading her around, wishing we could ride, too, all the while! ;) Alas, the lady that actually owned her wasn't home, and so we had to be satisfied with a "next time." =)

After a delicious lunch of casserole, salad, fruit, and spicy muffins, we all hiked down the road to a little waterfall, and "explored" along the creek. We then decided to pile in the car and visit a LARGER waterfall a few miles away. That was beautiful--there is nothing that compliment's God's creativity and majesty more than a waterfall, secluded and surrounded by greenery! We spent a lot of time there, having a dinner of roasted hot dogs by the water, and then had to get back on the road for the long ride home.

Today was Sunday, and church. After the service and potluck (we have one every week at our church), we spent some time with a friend, carrying around a darling little baby and fighting over her most of the time. ;) Now, it is almost 5:00 and Liv and I just took a long walk down country roads, and made a blackberry cobbler out of the ones we picked on our way. In a few moments, our family is going to a nearby church for a missionary potluck; to hear a couple speak about their mission field in China. That should be wonderful!

Here are a few miscellaneous photos from months past--before our camera disappeared (*sob*)!:

My friend Ashleigh L. and I at a state Cross Country meet!

Our "wild kittens" that we found last year...all off to good homes, now, excpet for the one we kept, "Roo."

Mom and Dad two years ago..

Liv and I, Christmas 2009!

..Hope you enjoyed that little update! Have a wonderful evening--we're off to the potluck! <3

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

...Are You a TRUE Friend??

A True Friend...

...Gives instead of takes. Instead of always thinking of yourself and your feelings/preferences, ask your friend what they would like in the questionable matter.

...Looks past faults. Don't focus on your friend's flaws--more than likely YOU have just as many! =) Instead, focus on her talents and good traits, always striving to compliment her and uplift her.

...Doesn't love when fame strikes. Don't be a fickle friend! Many people ignore others until the one in question is suddenly featured/popular, and THEN shows favoritism. Bad idea!

...Refuses to assume. Many friendships are broken because of misunderstandings and "assumed" faults that were never there. Don't constantly say, "Did I offend you somehow? What have I done? Why were you so quiet yesterday?"...Chances are it's all in your imagination! =D

...Is ready to forgive and forget. If there is a quarrel, don't let the sun go down on your anger.  Be there for her and assure her of your forgiveness, even if it doens't go vice-versa.  

...Stands up for what's right. Don't back off if your friend is being made fun of. That's not true friendship!

...Is always a friend. Turning a stiff shoulder to your friend one day and talking warmly to her the next is confusing, and draws you apart.

...Always inludes. If you have many friends, one or two might feel left out at a gathering, or if one of your other friends is especially controlling. Make an effort to include ALL, and give hugs and invitations to next fun times all around!

...Controls her tongue. Bite back stinging remarks and put-downs, even if they are deserved. You both will regret it in the end, and it stirs up hornets' nests! =9

...Prays for her friends. Ask the LORD what you can do to strengthen your friendships, and heal broken bonds, while at the same time honoring Him in all you do and say to your friend.

"A friend loves at all times..."

{Proverbs 17:17}

Be a Prayer Warrior.

Please join me as a Prayer Warrior this day {and every day!} as we lift up:

Christopher Hitchens

...to our Heavenly Father.

Christopher Hitchens is a British man--and, summing it all up--a hard-blown atheist.

He wrote the now-popular book, "God is NOT Great," this year.

Also this year, he found out that he is dying (I believe of cancer).

He wants nothing to do with God, and is still totally against Him.

Does God love him still? Yes! He wants so much for Mr. Hitchens to turn to Him...and what can we do?

Pray for him.

Be a Warrior for Christ in prayer,  and lift this man up to the LORD.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

{John 3:16}

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

Want to spread this idea? Copy and paste the "Prayer Warrior" photo above into your own post, and spread the word so other Warriors can start changing the world!

I Want to Set the World on Fire.

I want to set the world on fire

Until it's burning bright for You

It's everything that I desire

Can I be the one You use?

I am small but

You are big enough

I am weak but

You are strong enough to

Take my dreams

Come and give them wings

Lord with You

There's nothing I can not do

I want to feed the hungry children

And reach across the farthest land

And tell the broken there is healing

And mercy in the Father's hands

My hands my feet

My everything

My life, my love

Lord, use me

--From "Set the World on Fire" by Britt Nicole--

Images (India) found here, (cross) here, and (prayer) here.  

THE WINNER IS...*holds breath*

I had so much fun seeing all the enterers for my 100th post giveaway this past week. THANK YOU, ladies, for your effort and support! I was excited to draw the lucky *winner* today, and out of 59 entries, the slip that came up had...

Johanna's

..name on it! =) Congratulations, my dear Johanna! Please, leave your e-mail address and home address in a comment below {it will not be published, no worries!} before 5:00 p.m. tomorrow evening, or--shucks! I'll have to select another winner. But, I know you will get here before then, so...I look forward to sending your three homemade cards off to you in the mail soon! I made them just today. *smiles*

Oh--another note: I won Libby's giveaway of some fun sewing things!! I am sooo excited--the second giveaway I've one this year--Praise the Lord! =D Thank you, Libby!

Thanks Again, and Love to You All,

Miss Lucia