before and after.

While my parents were helping my brother move the other weekend, I received a call, wondering if I'd be interested in this:

 It's a side table, and, it's really hard for me to pass up such offers. So, I brought it home. The top was pretty beat up, but the wood was nice and I liked the challenge of it. 

It started with some sanding:

and a new layer of stain:

it was beginning to come to life. 

oh you just wait...

 that's a sheet of 3 inch foam. So, I didn't have a need for another side table, so I decided to get wild and try and turn it into a bench of sorts. 

 Here's a sneak peak of the fabric - kind of tribal (?) kind of ikat (?) eh?

I was at hobby lobby for some more DIY jewelry supplies and it caught my eye.

I folded up and with a staple gun secured the bottom and top first.  

Then pulled the sides together and treated the corners like you would when wrapping a present. 

 Easily removable if you wanted to use it as a side table again, or easily replaceable if you get tired of your fabric choice. 

 After the stain dried, I brought that baby back inside, flipped it upside down and screwed the frame and legs back in. 

 It's ok, right? 

 It's growing on me. I feel like I'm becoming more comfortable with having things around the house that have a story - not just pretty matchy things. 

 It's a little big - which made it difficult to find a place for it in our tiny little home, but it'll be used a "here, have a seat and put on your socks and shoes" bench. Also, a "hold our throw pillows while we sleep in the bed" bench too. 

 and there you have it. Next, I either want to de-rust and repaint our "bar cart" that sits on our porch, or make my own version of a tapestry. Now, I just need another lazy weekend. 

the chronological bible.

is a beating... am I allowed to call the bible a beating?

It's taken me a few years to finally get on board. Confession - I started this yearly chronological bible about 2 or 3 years ago, but this year I've been able to keep up to date. Today, I'm successfully on August 7th. It feels like years that I've been in the Kings and the prophets. I kinda realize why I've never ventured into the history of the Old Testament before, it's not exactly easy. I pray every time I sit down, simply and quickly for God to reveal himself to me, and for Jesus to be clearly seen in what I'm reading. By faith, I hope this works.

It's been quite a drought lately, just getting through day to day of this bible. This morning though, was kind of sweet. It's so nice to read God's heart for us in the midst of "you didn't listen or follow me, so now, I will destroy you" I think He knew I needed this now.

Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles.

"Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.  Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

One of my biggest struggles now, is being present I think. It's so hard to know in less than 2 years Blake will be done with medical school and we will start a new chapter, which will hopefully include a move.. outside of Texas!

I just know myself and I know that in 2 years, I'll be looking forward to the end of the next 4 years that marks the end of his residency...  And, to think my situation is anything like the Exiles... cmon Lauren. Puts it into perspective. I pray that this will remain my mindset. And, God knows Dallas needs work, needs prayer, needs His peace.