//transforming the useless//+ DIY braided headband

      Transforming the ugly into something beautiful is an unmatched wonder. Picking up the broken pieces of a failure, and recreating success. Utilizing the useless.
      Historically, this concept is far from being new. Jesus accomplished the same miracle. We were the broken vessels shattered with the deadly blows of sin. Gently picking up the useless pieces of shame, he offers to transform our lives. The Potter bending down to reshape the ugly pottery. He looks through the rosy lens of love, and sees the beauty of potential. The uselessness of our broken souls, he transforms into a life of purpose.
    Living in this divine plan is a daily challenge. His hand holding ours is the only way we can pull through the victor. Thankfully he portrays perfection. He is perfection. Exemplifying his model of vying the useless with potential, we take another step down the path of righteousness. Viewing everyday castaways with his rosy gaze of "what they could be", is a step towards perceiving people with his eyes.  As I close these ramblings, concentrate on this beautiful truth: It is feasible to transform the useless.

Beautifying everyday castaways: //DIY braided headband//

//materials//

three good length fabric scraps

needle and thread

scissors

 hair ties

                                      

                                                                          

//directions//

   Here is a way to put to use those useless scraps of fabric to good use. Pick out three coordinating colors. They can all be different, two can be matching, or all three pieces could be the same. (Lace is always a wonderful addition.) 

   The fabrics should be a pretty good length depending on the size you want your braid. Cut them into pieces an into strips one inch wide and twelve inches long. (You can customize the length).  

   Tie the three together at the top and start braiding until you only have a bit left at the bottom. 

  Grab your hair ties, (9in of elastic will also work. The length depends on the head. make sure to hold it up and test it.), and snip off the ties, so you have two pieces of elastic. Tie them together in a neat knot.                                                                               

  

Here comes the sewing part. Don't worry, it's beautifully simple. 

Fold one end of the headband over the elastic and sew securely. Then repeat the process with the other end. It's almost like making a taco, and the elastic/hair tie is the filling.

Hopefully at this point you will be pleased with your creation. It should fit comfortably, but snugly;) A beautiful boho touch to add to any summer outfit.

Look for potential. Find beauty in the mundane. Transform the useless.

Please comment and let me know what you think. Feel free to ask questions.

//gratitude//

 What amazing gifts our amazing God gives us. New moments, new chances. Moments to enjoy life and glorify the one who created it. The gratitude which should flow from our hearts is unceasing. Joy spews forth contagiously, after we fix our eyes on the beauty. The beauty which God inserts into every moment, and can't wait for us to find.
A few of the moments I recorded in 2014:
Pajamas and blankets, blessed comfort. 
Physical water quenching thirst. 
Spiritual water, which satisfies and and bubbles into blessing. 
Comfortable comradeship, around a table filled. 
Sweet relief of home after long absence.
Cold weather, contrasting to a warm room.
Adventures.
       When we count our blessings in thanksgiving, we open our hearts to joy. This year is a new opportunity to feel gratitude.

      It is so easy to get caught up in the swirl of life. When we step back from the chaos we can see how numerous are the Lords gifts to us. Watch for the hand of God.
     Ann Voskamp enters into this topic of thanksgiving and fulfillment, in her bestselling book, "One Thousand Gifts." This beautiful work has helped open my eyes to the importance of thanksgiving and continually searching every moment for the blessings God gives you.
    This year I challenge you to approach every moment with an attitude of thanksgiving. Look for beauty. Count your blessings.
-Addie M

Recipe #1

I am all about holiday concoctions. I love eggnog, cider, anything which reminds me of fall and festivity. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Enjoy!

Soothing Apple Cider:

Ingredients-
7 cups of Apple Juice
1 cup orange juice
Two Good Earth tea bags
Water
2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
Clove extract (Actual cloves will work also)
One Orange

In a large pot on stove, add apple juice and orange juice. Fill two mugs with hot water, and brew the tea bags. Add in cinnamon sticks and add 1-3 drops of clove extract (If using cloves add 1teaspoon of whole cloves) to the pot. When tea is brewed, pour tea and tea bags into the pot. Simmer until hot and flavors are blended. Add sliced orange for garnish.
Serves 8-10
Enjoy!

//behind the curtain//

 You might be wondering what this blog is really about and who is really writing it. I hope this brief introduction is helpful....

    To begin with, here is a short summary that about sums me up:
 I'm an aspiring high school girl with a head full of dreams and a heart full of God. I've been raised in a Christian home, I'm not perfect (far from it), but I love Jesus.  I am familiar with teenage girl struggles and would love to encourage other high school girls.

     I'm also homeschooled and proud of it! 

           

            Delights include: thrift shopping, cooking, practicing photography, reading, sunsets at the beach, lattes, and playing the piano.
       And nothing is more beautiful than sitting by the fire with a book and tea.
      I'm hoping to make a difference for others through this blog as well as in my own life! Half the things I will write about I still struggle with everyday. But I desire to share how God can work through our struggles. We are each born to glorify God, and when we give our lives to him, he will transform us and mold us to fit his purpose for us.  The joy comes when we align our dreams with God's dream for us. This enables us to live life abundantly. I wish to catalog the beauty and lessons I find in each moment.
I'd love to be connecting with my audience so please give me feedback.
~

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
-1Timothy 6:6

"He came so we may have life and have it abundantly"
-John 10:10