Obtaining Mercy

Here a Link, There a Link

Oh my goodness, y'all!  I really think Autumn is on its way to Florida.  As I put on Facebook last night, I was able to sit outside yesterday evening without sweating AND without getting mosquito bites!  THAT is wonderful, let me tell you!

My buddy Newton hung out with me for a while out there.  It was nice. :)

 

Here are a few links I think you might find interesting.

I have been reading this book during my devotions, and it has been a real blessing to me!

 

 

 

This article - about whether or not Christians should adopt embryos - really surprised me.  I had never even considered the right or wrong of it.  In fact, I didn't even know people were adopting embryos!!!  Is Embryo Adoption Immoral?

 

We receive a magazine called "Israel My Glory".  I find it to be fascinating, relevant, pertinent and sometimes absolutely shocking.  If you would like to read things from a Christian pro-Israel position, this magazine is definitely worth the subscription price.  You can click the above link to check it out.

 

This book has gone on my wish list!  I've always wanted to learn to solder, but the torch and the tanks??? {shudder}  This lady uses the small hand-held torches for her work, which she explains in this book; AND it comes with a DVD!!!  Oh yeah! :)

 

 

 

I like to work my way up to the glorious music of Christmas slowly, limit myself to just one or two cds, until the season gets in full swing, which to my mind begins on November 1!  With that in mind, I have been thoroughly enjoying this cd this week:

 

 

 

For my final link, I'm sharing my Etsy shop with you:  Alesha Kay Jewelry    If you use this coupon code  ITSFALLYALL  you will receive 25% off your entire purchase! :)

 

 

I pray you have a great day,

Alesha

A Link or Two or Three

I think everyone at our house may - possibly - be recovering from this latest malady - finally!

Isaac actually woke at a normal time yesterday, was happy and noisy most of the day, then slept all night.  He had gotten into the habit of waking up around 3:30 a.m. each morning for the past week or so.  Of course, that played havoc with everyone's sleep patterns.  Last night was much better.

I surprised myself last night and stayed awake until after 1 a.m. reading a book.  I thought since going off all caffeine, I would conk out every night; and so far I have done that, around 11:30 p.m.  But last night I finished one book and started another around 11:00 p.m.  I knew better than to start a new book at that late hour, but...I don't always do what I should do. (heh heh!)

So, yeah, I am blurry-eyed and dragging a bit this morning (but am enjoying the new book!).

Let's see...Oh, I have a few links to share with you:

I watched this movie over the weekend, and enjoyed it very much!

I have set up this page as my home page on the computer, having abandoned this page when it - astonishingly - had not one article about the Chick-fil-A situation that took place a while back. 

I loved the format of the old page, but really - You claims to post all trending articles, but conveniently filter out a hugely controversial national story???  I think somebody is not being very honest!  (I know, why am I surprised?)  At least The Christian Post tells you exactly what you are going to get - Christian news - even in its title.  I can live with that.

Doug baked these cookies over the weekend.  They were so yummy and just the "taste" of fall that we had been craving. 

Of course, now Doug is determined to bake his mom's fabulous pumpkin bread next.  It is honestly the best pumpkin bread we have ever had.  I just love the balance of spices in her bread.  So, I suggested we do the pumpkin bread, but also make the caramel icing from the other recipe!!!  Pumpkin Bread with Caramel Frosting - now doesn't that have a nice autumn "ring" to it??? ;)

So, how about a verse for today?  Here's one I read this morning:

 

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

 

Now, there's a good bit of comfort in those words, when you dwell on them a while.  Are you meditating on a specific verse of Scripture today, or maybe this week? If so, I'd love to hear about it. :)

Wishing you a Happy Wednesday,

Alesha

 

 

A Song of Praise

 

We are all doing better - Yay!  Doug's energy is returning.  Isaac was very vocal last night, singing with the radio and fussing when he dropped his toys, so I'm thinking he's feeling better too! ;)  I am also feeling a little bit better, and think I might just live through this.  When I do, I think I deserve a t-shirt:  "I Survived the Flu 2012!", don't you?!! :)

 

 

I have a song swirling around in my head this morning.  My sweet friend sang it at church last night, and as I watched the service via the internet, I was so touched by the truth of the song, as if it were the first time I was hearing it.  I thought it might be a blessing to you too. :) 

This is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, the first group I ever heard sing the song.  Damaris Carbaugh is the soloist.

 

 

 

Dwelling on His faithfulness today,

Alesha

Going to a Shop Hop!

Good morning!

I'd honestly like to spend about 3 paragraphs bewailing my computer blues...but I am resisting the temptation steadfastly, because...well, really, who wants to read a rant?!!  Sometimes what I want to write is NOT what other people want to read. ;)

 

Since I am still limited in my blogging ability, I though I'd link up to a fun little "Shop Hop".  Evidently, Bonnie at the Bonn Bonn Boutique hosts these each Thursday.  I am so glad I've run across her blog, and I can't wait to get to know her better.

Her guest blogger today is Sarah from Fontenot Four. I follow Sarah on Twitter.  Sarah has a special kiddo, too, and so of course, she caught my interest immediately when I visited her blog during the 2012 Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. 

Sarah has recently opened a shop and she introduces it on today's Shop Hop. 

 

Now that I've blogged about the Shop Hop, I am popping back over to Bonnie's blog to link Alesha Kay's Shop too. :)  If you have a shop, you should post and link up, too. :)

By the way, you can use the coupon code SIZZLIN12 to receive 12% off any purchase from my shop today!

 

 

If you do not have a shop to link, just pop in to have a look at all the great shops represented.  I am constantly amazed at what bloggers are making these days!  There is a market for just about everything!

So, see you over at the Shop Hop!!!

HopeFULLy,

Alesha

 

 

Another Customer Service STAR

 

I'd like to share with you another wonderful company that I've discovered!  This gem of an Etsy shop I found on Pinterest...imagine that!

The shop is called "Francesca Baby" and is owned by a sweet lady named Sally Webber.

I was so intrigued by the lovely baby things in her shop that I contacted her to see if she would be willing to make something for Isaac.

Not only was she willing, but she also quickly sent us 3 handsome bibs for Isaac to try.  I chose the Dr. Seuss print.  You can see for yourself, they are fabulous!

 

Isaac looked so great in that yellow "Thing 1" print...or is it "Thing 2"???

Here are the other 2 prints:  Rainbow and Red Thing 1...or 2.

 

 

Each bib has a very strong snap at the back.  (Yay - no more tying on bandanas!)  I have seen Isaac pull on these bibs, too, but he has not been able to unfasten the snap!

 

 

The back of each bib is "Oh So Soft Minky" which makes the bib incredibly soft and wonderfully absorbant.  I have not seen any dribbles on Isaac's shirts while he was wearing these bibs.

 

 

He really seems to enjoy them.  There is much less material bunched around his neck than with the usual bandanas.

 

 

Sally is giving my readers with special needs children a special deal, too! 

She is offering us 1 bib for $9-$10, depending on the size.  Isaac weighs almost 70 pounds, and his bibs measure as follows:  13 inches from the neck to the bottom tip and 15 inches around the neck opening. (This is substantially larger than her baby bib size, so that's good for those of us with big boys and girls!)

 

 

If you are interested in ordering a *special* bib from Sally, please email her at the email address on her business card above:  sfwbaby@gmail.com

Be sure to tell her that you read about her bibs on my blog!!!

By the way, the Dr. Seuss is not her only prints for the baby bibs.  You have to check out her modern, whimsical, and elephant/giraffe bibs too.  She also has bib and burpcloth sets and wet bags.

(The baby bibs were so adorable that I could not resist picking up a couple for my newborn girl cousin, too!  This is one of the few times that I was wishing Isaac was a girl - SO many CUTE prints!)

I'd love to hear if you order a bib from Sally.  They are a truly quality item and I believe that you will be completely satisfied with your purchase.

Blessings,

Alesha

Are You Thirsty?

 

Another great idea for the New Year

I finally treated myself to a new copy of my old favorite:  Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman. 

 

 

This is the copy I bought.  Although the book has been updated, this is the original version, and it's the one I recommend.  The original copyright of this book was in 1925, which tells you quite a bit about the language it contains.  It is rather poetic and antiquated in some of its phrasing, but I love it. There is a real beauty to it that I find refreshing.

Of all the goals you could set for yourself for this New Year, I pray that one of them is to spend more time in the reading, studying and meditation of God's Word.

No other practice will affect change, promote success or encourage your heart like that will.

Blessing to you today,

Alesha

 

Friendly Friday

 

I just wanted to share these pretty Scripture thoughts with you today.

 

They are from Brandie over at BranMadeTags

 

 

You can also "like" her on Facebook and see when she come out with new tags.

 

This last one is for you, my bloggy friends! Thank you for praying me through this season of pain and illness. 

I continue to have a little more movement each day, although the pain is continuing.  Eventually, though, I know I will survive, thanks to my praying friend like you!!!

Happy Weekend!

Alesha

Helping the People of Japan

 

If you have decided to give to the relief effort in Japan, I would like to recommend my friend Laura's blog. If you send supplies to Laura and Jerry, I personally GUARANTEE you the supplies will get to the people who were hardest hit by this tragedy. The best part is that along with the supplies, they will be taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Japan, as well!

I will be getting detailed instructions from Laura, probably this evening when she wakes up (they are sleeping right now - it is already Saturday night there.) :)  So if you have any questions, let me know, and I will do my best to find out the answers for you.

Creative Spark Friday and Announcing a New Blog

Becky Caldwell, over at The Gritty Bird, has started a fun challenge for jewelry designers (and other like minded crafty people) to create a new and exciting piece of art each week.

THE WEEK'S (7/16-7/23) SPARKS ARE-

1. *Creative Spark* Color(s)-

Teal and/or Orange 

2. *Creative Spark* Word or Phrase-

Float

3. *Creative Spark* Wire or Stringing Material(s)-

Brass Wire and/or Ribbon

4. *Creative Spark* Bead Type(s)-

Ceramic

5. *Creative Spark* Shape(s)-

Oval

and for my mixed media gals..

6. *Creative Spark* Mixed Media Art Medium(s)-

Wood and Paper

This is what I came up with: 

 

 

 

I had so much fun with this "spark", and it just so happened that I had the supplies on hand to join in.

Thank you, Becky, for such an exciting, creative challenge!

~~~~~~~~~~

I realize this is quite a different post than you are used to reading here.  I decided that I don't want to inundate you, my dear, faithful bloggy readers with too many "jewelry" posts. 

So, I did what bloggers do...

...I created a new blog!!!

Alesha Kay's Jewelry Blog

You will see a permanent link to it, up on the tabs above this post.  There are links available on that site, if you wish to subscribe by blog reader or by email.  I certainly won't have my feelings hurt if you do neither! ;o)

I hope you do go check it out, though, and give me your thoughts about it.  I always value your input.

I pray you have a great weekend.

Blessings,

Alesha

P.S. I have lost another 4 pounds, bringing my grand total to 31 pounds.  Yay!  We are feeling so much better now that we are back to eating well again. :)

P.P.S This necklace will be up in my Etsy shop this weekend!

One More Giveaway Post

...I hope you don't mind. :)

I think the title says it all:

The Best Bead Giveaway Ever!

If you've ever been tempted to try your hand at jewelry making, perhaps now is the time!  I will certainly be leaving a comment for this giveaway!!! :)