His will = my life?

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do great things,

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,

but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all women, most richly blessed.

 

// Author unknown. All photos copyright 2011 Lucia M. Please do not use without permission. //

p.s. (LAST day to enter the huge giveaway and the Marie Madeline studio giveaway, friends! 21 prizes await 21 winners..you have until midnight!!)

a monday of mondays.

Today was a Monday of Mondays. In Anne Shirley's footsteps, a rather.. "Jonah Day." Oh, it started out well enough--normal breakfast, normal day beginnings, normal lunch time...and then.

Oh, and then.

First of all, I was just reminded this afternoon of an essay contest for Homeschool Legal Defense I was planning on entering. It completely slipped my mind until then--and today, at 5:00, was the due date to have it post-marked. Of course, I thought that I could have it done in three hours at the most, so I plopped down and started writing. The intro came quickly, and so did the second paragraph, but then..

Okay, you know those days when you just can't write? Yes, yes, "writer's block," or whatever you want to call it, but...I simply refer to them as "days when I can't write." It is the most loathsome, despicable, horrid feeling in the world. The words just stopped. So, I sat there. And re-wrote. And re-wrote. And thought. For two hours.

Suddenly, at 4:45, the words came. But I knew it was to late. And I was disgusted.

Then.

My dad is currently in Tenessee, meeting with some people he works with (ever heard of the Downer Family?). He flew out on Friday, stand-by (my mom was originally going to go with him, but couldn't get a flight), and was going to return tonight. But, if you know how stand-by works--you only get on the plane if there is an extra seat. There wasn't. And it looks like there won't be for a good day, maybe two days, maybe even a week (okay, I'm really being optimistic here, aren't I?).  

Poor dad has to sleep in the airport for..who knows how long. Friends, would you pray he can get a flight?

Lastly: a cousin of mine, Mark, who lives down the road was driving his tractor out to feed his animals. He was turning a corner, and a car came behind him. It was dark, and the driver didn't see the blinkers, so--they crashed, and the tractor tipped over. Mark was taken to the hospital, and I think he's doing okay, but..prayers would be appreciated.

Anyways. o.O A Monday of Mondays, don't you agree? And I have a load of dishes to finish, a poem to write, a phonecall to make..

All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.

 (Romans 8:28)



lady of elegance

When I was younger, dress-up was my life. Pretty dresses, pinoeer bonnets--yes, even soldier uniforms. But mainly the pretty dresses. I miss those days. So, when I saw what day four of the Fall Fashion Challenge was, instead of skipping over to day six like was my intention (since I'm so behind :P ), I decided to go with the "Favorite Era" theme. Just because I had to show you this dress. ;)

>> A Lady of Elegance <<

fall fashion challenge // day four

My "favorite era?" I could really never decide—but there is something about the charm and magnificence of the Victorian era that makes me wish I could have experienced it. I think this lavender puffed-sleeves and ruffled dream gives me as much of a Victorian experience as anything!

lavander dress // hand-me-down

..Thank you to Shelbe for this lovely gown which truly makes me feel like a 'lady of elegance.' If I were five years younger, I would be in a dead faint over it. ;)

And now I must ask you:

what is your favorite era?

p.s. (I’m extending my giveaway’s ending date to the 15th! Just because I want everyone to get a chance to enter. So hurry, hurry, spread the word and get in yourself on the 21 amazing prizes!)