5 Life Lessons I've Learned From My "Fur Baby"

Our pets...they are a source of unconditional love and forgiveness.  And, I have found that my sweet little "fur baby", Bailey, (pictured)...has taught me some wonderful life lessons.  Today I'm going to share with you five life lessons Bailey has taught me:

1.  Unconditional Love- This is probably the most important lesson that I can learn from Bailey.  He loves me unconditionally.  Through his eyes I am perfect.  He does not care what I look like...if I have created the best blog post, the prettiest blog, created the most "pins", obtained the most followers, etc.  He doesn't care if I stayed in my pajamas all day (I could go on and on with imperfections, but you get my point :)...all he wants is my unconditional love in return. 

There is a great biblical truth to this.  This is exactly the same kind of love that my Father in Heaven displayed by sending Jesus to this earth to atone for my sins.  He loves you and me unconditionally.  I can and will "mess up"...eventhough I am a Christian, I am still a sinner...however, if I continue to walk in the light, I can feel safe and secure in my eternal Home.

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  1 John 1: 7-8

2.  Making Right Choices and Consequences- Bailey is not the perfect dog...he does things that gets him into trouble.  He will get into trash (most common and worst offense); will not ask to go outside and instead find another place to use restroom in house (quite frustrating but rare); pull stuffing out of toys...okay...let's just say he is NOT PERFECT!!!  But, neither am I!!!  You know what...when he does these acts...he knows that he has not made a good decision.  Now, I know that since I don't exactly know how animals think, I don't know if he knows BEFORE or AFTER he "does the deed"...but, regardless...HE KNOWS!!!  How do I know...afterwards, when the "spoils" of his bad decision are left for us to clean up...all we have to do is ask him "did you get in trash", etc. (whatever he did wrong)...and, normally he self punishes by going and hiding under our bed (sometimes for up to an hour or longer)...NO KIDDING!!!

We, as individuals, also have consequences for not making the "right choices".  Sometimes they are immediate within this  lifetime...I don't have to list them.  And, sometimes, it is hard when you see people around you making what are considered "wrong choices", but not reaping "wrong choices" consequences.  But, Bailey reminds me that a divine inheritance will be awaiting me for faithfulness and for making "right choices" here on earth.  I might not always reap the benefits of "right choices" here on earth...but, I have been promised an eternal Home in Heaven  by following God's commandments.

"That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4: 22-24

3.  Forgive and Forget-  After Bailey gets in trouble and punishes himself, he will come out with his tail between his legs and slowly come over to see if he is "forgiven".  Of course we will say "it's okay"...and all is "forgotten"...the slate has been wiped clean in his eyes!!!  He is back to loving and cuddling again...all is well in his world.  (Insert mental picture of tail going 100 miles an hour...he can't hide his excitement...EVER!!!)

This is a HUGE lesson for me, and I don't think I'm alone.  Most people have heard the statement..."I'll forgive them...but I won't forget it."  Although it may be hard to "forget" the wrong...the ONLY person truly being hurt by holding onto a grudge is the one continuing to hold onto it.  Forgiving and forgetting, like Bailey does (and as scripture directs) is a such a big lesson that I plan to go into more detail in another blog post of it's own...for now....I will say...Bailey is AWESOME at forgiving and forgetting.  Me...I'm still working on it!  I have to say I have improved leaps and bounds.  I pray about this, and when I struggle...I give to Him.

"Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ."  Ephesians 4: 32

4.  Dealing with Illness-  As my title of my blog suggests, and if you have read/followed some or most of my blog...you would be aware that I am a "survivor" of a chronic illness...Bailey has been "surviving" with me every step of the way.  In fact, he has been fighting a seizure disorder for several years now.  This may seem silly to some...but, studies have shown that pets can improve your chronic pain symptoms, due to various factors.  Some...due to factors listed in the paragraphs above.  But, I can state that Bailey is VERY perceptive when I have a day that is "worse" than others.  He can provide distraction from the pain (sometimes) due to funny things he might do or simple caretaking tasks he might need; he can increase mood due to increased cuddling (very perceptive); or increase my heart health (studies show the simple act of petting my dog increases heart health) or just general overall health on other days....just to name a few.  When Bailey himself suffers from seizures...this simply breaks my heart. 

A life lesson that I can take from this (don't laugh...maybe a little bit of a stretch) is that regardless of my circumstances (or yours)...we can all be an encouragement to others.  That is my primary goal of this blog...is to encourage others!!!  I hope I am!  I strive to live my daily life as an encouragement to others...just as Bailey daily "encourages" me to keep on "fighting the good fight".  (FYI-I have other "encouragers" too...but, since this post is about my "Bailey Bug"...I'm focusing on him...just wanted to say he is not the ONLY one...my other encouragers are GREAT, and I truly appreciate EACH and EVERY one!!!)

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

5.  Trust-  Bailey trusts my husband and I wholeheartedly to take care of his basic needs, to not hurt him, to return home when we leave the house, etc.  He trusts us...but, let someone else come into the equation, come to the door and ring the doorbell, etc...different story!!!  Now, he is very friendly...but, protective!  Bailey TRUST that we will meet his needs!

In the same respect, I should TRUST that God will meet my basic needs as well.  Much can be written on this topic as well...so for now, I will say...I "trust" that God will meet my needs and as long as I continue to "walk in the light"...I TRUST that I shall dwell with Him in Heaven.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3: 5-6 

So...there you have it...five life lessons that I have learned from my precious "fur baby" Bailey Bug....the cutest, sweetest, loveliest little dog in the world!!!  I hope you have enjoyed the list and have found some inspiration/encouragement from my little "fur baby" as well.  I can think of more lessons...but maybe I will save that for another date/post...hope you all have a wonderful, blessed week.

Which of these life lessons did you find the most encouraging?  Do you have an encouraging "fur baby"?  What life lessons have you learned from your "fur baby"?  I would love to hear what you have to say...

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Love and Marriage Series...Unselfish Love

Well...just as I promised...here it is...my husband has composed an amazing post for me to share on my Love and Marriage Series regarding "Unselfish Love".  I hope that it blesses each and every one of you that read it.  Here is his post, in his words:

First off, I want to thank my wife for allowing me to share my two cents about love. It seems to me that many people view love a lot like they do life. Each can seem so complicated at times that we’re unable to wrap our brains around it, and sometimes it can seem so simple. Why is that? A question that I have asked myself many times when one or the other seemed resolute.

I heard recently that “natural laws don’t have constitutions”. And while it may be true that natural laws aren’t governed, they still must follow a set of guidelines in order to hold true. What do I mean by this? Well, we can’t tell Mother Nature that she can only snow on our trees and grass during the winter, and not the roads. Mother Nature’s guidelines indicate that when there is enough moisture in the air and the temperature is within a certain range, it will snow. …And who knows, it may just snow in the atmosphere, and not ever touch the earth. There is nothing we can do (outside of a lab) to change or manipulate natural laws like snow, gravity, inertia, Love.

Wait, how does love fit into that?

Love, too, has its own set of rules, and we continue to fool ourselves and others into thinking we can manipulate them. I mean, clearly the concept of love or being loved is so prevalent, that it consumes every part of our lives. Any “good” story that we read about, or see a movie or play about, involve love. Over half of all songs ever written deal with the subject, and we even have a special holiday devoted to it. It’s something that we all have a built in desire for in its truest form.

The very unfortunate part is that we are all taught (sometimes very differently) at an early age what love equals by watching those around us. We’re taught unknowingly how others attempt to govern and manipulate the rules of love, and it seems that most of us were shown that love is a very selfish act.

I have noticed recently that when young people get married (and I’ve had to include myself in this), they tend to enter it with a selfish concept that they will be benefiting from their union because someone else will be “taking care of them”. For instance, they might think they will have someone to always cook for them, or someone to constantly fix things around the house for them. In other words, we try to govern the rules of love by imposing on the other what our conditions are for feeling loved. Our love therefore looks like this.

We are taught to give when given to, to be kind when receiving kindness, to forgive once forgiven, apologize once apologized to, and to never let anyone get one over on us. As a natural law, love cannot be governed in this way and therefore, by default is not love. These are not rules that pure love lives by, and for that reason, each of these actions have its own natural consequence; usually to hurt and push people away.

Pure and beautiful snow can only exist when you have moisture and cold just like pure Love can only exist where there is a selfless heart.

You may have heard “Pure love casts out fear”. It casts out fear because its recipient’s know that they will not be taken advantage of, treated harshly or unkindly, and they are free to open themselves up to its rewards without fear of hurts or regrets. True love’s arrow does not go both directions, because it gives without expecting to receive. It gives without trying to control. It gives freely, thinking only of benefiting the other person.

Now, I’m not suggesting that any one person can love perfectly all the time. I’m a prime example of that. But I do try every day to criticize less and encourage more; complain less and help more; desire less and give more; to be less proud and more humble. I want true love to have its way in my life, and I want to be free from the natural consequences of selfish and controlling “love”.

And through this process I’m finding that pure love is patient with those who are not loving (selfish, prideful, mean spirited), and that it does not take their negative actions personally. Rather, it recognizes that people generally feel so bad about themselves that they feel it necessary to act in an unloving manner. It allows others to act the way they feel is necessary to deal with a particular situation with an amount of sympathy for not understanding the way real, pure love truly acts.

This is the Love that I strive for and hope that you will as well. So I say, let it snow, and let’s enjoy the pureness of a natural, ungoverned, un-manipulated love in our hearts.

Give a shout if this was helpful to you in any way or if you have questions or comments.

Michael


How thought provoking...huh?  He and I have discussed this on several occasions...and we are always striving to live an unselfish, pure love...although we sometimes falter.  Feel free to leave a comment if you were blessed by this post...questions...comments.

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Love and Marriage Series...God's Plan

Source: domestically-speaking.com via Erin on Pinterest

God's Plan for Marriage is sometimes overlooked in our society...often overlooked in the media, mainstream television, songs, etc.  However, we live in this world...but we are commanded to not be products "of this world".  I hold my marriage most sacred, and I want to guard it.  Yet, sometimes, this is certainly hard.

What is God's Plan for Marriage?  He introduced his plan for marriage as early as Genesis:

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2: 24


He also repeated his plan in the Gospels in Matthew 19:5 and in the Epistles in Ephesians 5:31.  He wanted a lifetime commitment.  He never intended for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18).  And, God created man and woman in his image (Gen. 1:26).  

As we enter into our partnership and marriage, we are commanded to "leave" our family of origin and "cleave" to our spouse.  This refers to a strong, enduring bond...making one unit bound together by unconditional commitment, love, and acceptance that will result in a unit that is much stronger together than each individual unit is on it's own (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12).  I know that I am much stronger due to my husband's love, support and affection.  Due to his support...we have "tackled" lots of adversity and battles the past few years by God's will, and I believe that our two were much stronger than one.

There is not another human relationship that is meant to supersede the relationship between a husband and his wife...not the parent and child relationship...not friends...not siblings...etc.  

Marriage is a special promise and vow made before God and the partner to not only love and endure the ups and downs of this life....but to love and live in a lifelong exclusive relationship with their partner, trying to edify one another...in hopes to encourage everlasting life.

In order to do this...both partners must be open, honest, transparent in their love and trust of each other.  In addition...both partners must submit to the Lord's Plan in Marriage and have faith that "His" Plan is the "Perfect" plan for marriage.

This life is not easy...however, we have choices daily.  I chose to submit to my father in heaven's plan for my marriage with my husband.  Am I perfect....Absolutely Not!!!  Do I trip and falter?  Absolutely!!!  Do I continually ask for his guidance and try to continually submit to his will?  Absolutely!!! I believe there is no other way.  We must seek His Guidance in all areas of our lives...ESPECIALLY when it comes to one of the most important areas of our lives...Our Marriages.

Source: google.com via Erin on Pinterest

I hope you will come back for my last post in this Love and Marriage Series....as my husband has agreed to write a post...I'm so excited to share...I know you will be blessed!  I can't wait to share with you! 

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In Honor of Valentine's Day...Love and Marriage Series

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In honor of Valentine's Day...I thought I might do a mini series on Love and Marriage. If you have been following and reading any of my blog post, you are probably very aware that I really like quotes and sayings...especially inspirational quotes and sayings...well...hold on tight...cause I'm going to be sharing some of my favs that I've found (believe me there are lots to be found out there)...and, I just might have a VERY SPECIAL treat at the end of the series...so feel free to come back if you enjoy!!!

I am going to sprinkle in a little bit of personal info and comments here and there...but some of the quotes simply speak for themselves. I will first start out by stating if this is your first visit...you can hop over to my "About Me" tabs section...I am married to my best friend, Michael...and, we just celebrated our fifth anniversary in December. I love being married to my best friend, but if I had to give only one piece of advice to someone that is about to get married it would be this:

We can't expect our loved one to be more, do more, love us more, forgive us more, etc. than we are willing to be, do, love, forgive them.  Granted there are some ebbs and flows in marriage...sometimes I might have to do more of the giving and sometimes my husband might have to do more of the giving....and vice versa.  Sometimes I might be doing more of the taking.  However, it should and will all even out in a healthy relationship.  "Be" the characteristics you want your partner to be.

This sounds simple...but, sometimes this is HARD...yes, I said it.  But, just as this says...we can't expect more than what we are willing to give.  Hollywood has a good way of putting very unrealistic expectations on both men and women...we, as Christian men and women, need to be open and honest with our spouse in our expectations and needs, and always remember to be willing to meet our spouses needs to the best of our abilities.  In addition, we have some great guidelines set forth in scripture:

Source: tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

I think these are great rules to live by as a Christian couple.  In addition, another important principle is:

For most people (me included) forgiveness does not come easy...but, forgiveness can benefit both partners.  I have learned that I benefit from forgiveness as much or more than the person I am forgiving.  And, in order to have a successful marriage...one will have to learn the art of forgiveness...or both partners will suffer silently...brewing over past hurts and mistakes.  And, this isn't any way to live.  Don't we all want to be happy?

Finally, I will wrap up my post today with one of the most quoted scriptures regarding love as well as a small reflection. 

Source: craftionary.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Of course this quote holds great meaning to me (used in our wedding)...one day I plan to devote a whole blog post to this complete quote.  In the meantime...when you think about what it says, and REALLY think about how true it is...if both partners TRUELY promise to live by these premises (being kind, not envying, remembers no wrongs, never stops trusting, never quits, etc.) then..."Love never fails". 

Now, I will state a disclaimer: I do not have a pollyanna view on marriage.  I grew up in a single parent home, with a mother that struggled to make ends meet.  However, witnessing this struggle encouraged me to dig deeper in scripture on how I could improve myself so that "I" could prepare myself to be a better spouse...how I could prepare myself if/when that day should come. 

Do you know why?  I didn't want to struggle and suffer through the same struggles that I witnessed.  I feel, as young ladies....this is the best thing that one can do...be the best "you"...and the best "him" that loves the best "you" will find you.  Hope this makes sense?

In my next blog post...maybe I will share a little more about "our story"...as for now, I hope you enjoyed the beginning of my series on love and marriage (goes together like a horse and carriage...sorry, ever since I typed the title it's been going through my head!)...Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day...come back for more of the series....Much Love,

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Cereal Box Organization...WHAT?!?

So…I completed the most amazing storage solution…cute, inexpensive, and helped on those items that (at least in my household) tends to clutter spare drawers, countertops, etc.  (You know…menus, schedules, calendar of events…etc.  Things we need to hang onto…but, don’t have a great place to put.   My “simple and inexpensive” solution: cereal box, scrap book paper, mod podge…and “a little creativity”.

So, a picture of my materials: 

Then, after a little cutting, a little mod podging, and a little hot glueing of twine of the rough edges….this is what I ended up with:

I also mod podged on top to give it a more "finished" look.  Finally, I put some of my extra magnets on the back and hung it on the side of my fridge, and now those “loose items” find their spots in my pretty little caddy instead of “playing” on the counter, or loosely in drawers, etc. Much more organized…and DEFINITELY cuter (in my humble opinion)!!!

What do you think…can you think of other uses for these? What other types of projects do you think this could work with…I was thinking office organization…but, I guess the possibilities are endless!!! Would love to hear your comments!!

This is a simple, inexpensive organization solution...and, I was so happy with my finished project! I love anything that helps with organization...We all know how those loose papers can just overwhelm in no time!!!

 

"Let all things be done decently and in order."  1 Cor. 14: 40

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Estate Sale...SCORE!!!

Most people know that craigslist, estate sales, Goodwill, etc. are great places to score a great deal...Well...I've scored MANY in my day.  Some people have even asked me to shop for certain things for them (and I have successfully).  Anyway, in one of my latest estate sale finds, I scored this wonderful little vintage stand mixer:

I've been wanting one of those fancy schmancy ones (you know, the expensive ones) for a while...but, it also comes with quite the price tag.  I scored this one for...wait for it...$10!!!  And...it works like a charm...it came with attachments and 2 bowls...couldn't ask for anything better...except for...well...it didn't quite look right in my kitchen.  The paint was peeling in places, it was a little dirty...and, well...my appliances are stainless...NEVER fear there is Rustoleum appliance stainless steel spray paint to fix my mixer right up!!!

Well...we have had some unseasonably warm weather for winter here...so, I took advantage of one of our "spring" winter days...and, I headed outside to "fix up" my little beauty!  Here are the supplies that I needed for this project:

First, I had to prep the blender by doing a little sanding, and a little cleaning.  Then, I taped off places that I didn't want painted with painters tape as so:

Next, I spray painted with very light swipes...I had never used the appliance spray before.  (Not a novice with spray paint...)  But, I was AMAZED at how well the appliance spray covered in just the first coat...I really had little to no touch ups to do after the first coat!  It was AMAZING!!!

So...the final reveal...here is my little beauty, after her facelift:

The paint covered the blemishes and rust great...and, I love the "retro" look.  But, you know what I love the best...that I only spent about $15 on her...now that makes me happy as can be!!!  Now, she matches all her other friends in the kitchen, and she doesn't feel left out...and, I have a stand mixer...just like I always wanted...without the pricey tag that I didn't want!!!

Isn't that great?  Hope you are having a lovely and blessed day,

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Hope...Don't Quit!!!

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Hope...I wonder what my purpose/goal would be if I didn't have hope of an everlasting life.  On days that nothing is going right...when it seems everything I do is working against me (you know those days)...I STILL HAVE HOPE!!!  On days that I'm in pain, and I've been in pain for several days in a row...I STILL HAVE HOPE!!!  On days that I feel like I'm not measuring up to the standards I have set for myself (or that society likes to set for me)...I STILL HAVE HOPE!!!

"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose the courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." Martin Luther King Jr

Coming from a background in social work and working with individuals in my former social work roles, I can readily state that when one no longer has "hope" for a better day..."hope" that things can turn around..."hope" in eternal life...and when all "hope is lost...Well, lets just say that social work intervention with these individuals is difficult...

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15: 13

Our attitude and thought process is a choice!!!  No matter what this life throws at us, we CHOOSE how we want to respond...the Lord provides hope all throughout scripture.  He promises eternal life for those that obey his commands and those that are faithful.  So...in that manner, we can have "HOPE"...no matter what we are facing in our day to day walk here on earth...as long as we continue to walk in the light...we have the promise of eternal life in Heaven...and, isnt that AWESOME!!!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40: 31 

"Be joyful in hope."  Romans 12: 12

"Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption."  Psalm 130: 7

We must continue to have Hope...we must continue to extend Hope...We must not give Up!!!  We might be the one to communicate Hope to another...maybe a gesture....maybe a word...maybe a prayer.  Regardless, we can not give up on Hope!!!  He never promised that this world would be easy...but...he did promise that city set up on a hill!  And finally:

Don't Quit


When things go wrong as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when you're feeling low and the stress is high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when worries are getting you down a bit by all means pray and don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out, God's hidden gift in the clouds of doubt.
You never can tell how close you are it may be near when it seems so far.
So trust in the Lord when you're hardest hit. It's when things go wrong that you must not quit!
© 2003 Abbey Press

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Feeling the Love...."My" Valentine Mantle

Well...I gave in to the pressure...I decorated my mantle with some Valentine decor.  Growing up, Valentine was never a big holiday/occasion in my home...so, I guess that has carried over into my adulthood years you could say.  Sure, my husband and I will celebrate...but, no big production here!  In addition, with no little kiddos and just my hubby, me, and the little fur baby..."going all out" on the Valentine decor seemed a little excessive.  I mean...I just got finished putting up my favorite decorations (Christmas!!!)...But, since I have seen all these wonderful ideas floating around in the blogosphere and on Pinterest...why not spruce up the mantle for the "love" holiday?

So...here is a picture of my Valentine mantle:

See...I didn't go "all out"...but, when my hubby came home from work after I got finished decorating, he noticed it right away.  First thing I have to say...I invested very little money into this makeover.  Second thing I have to say is...I didn't have to invest a ton of time as well.  So...this was GREAT all the way around!!!

I found the two clear vases with various "Love" fonts at the Dollar Tree ($1/piece), and a bag of red decorative beads at the Dollar Tree (still have leftover to use on other projects).  As for the wreath and bows around my candlesticks...those are red cocktail napkins...also purchased at the Dollar Tree.  I purchased the wreath form for a $1 at the Dollar Tree as well.  Here is a picture of the materials I used to make the wreath:

I first wrapped the wreath with some of the cocktail napkins just to ensure that none of the wreath form showed through (pinned them in the back with a sewing pin).  Then I twisted each napkin as in this picture:

Next, I poked a hole in the wreath form with a pen and filled it with hot glue, so that it would stay in place after I placed it in the hole that I made in the wreath form from the pen. Then, I just added a bow to hang it with. 

I believe in total, this project took me maybe an hour to one and half hours max.  I really didn't pay attention because it was super fun and easy.  Afterwards...the wreath was full and I believe very lovely!!  I plan to make more of these with more holidays due to the inexpensive cost and the ease of it!!!  What do you think?

What simple and inexpensive ideas have you incorporated for Valentine's Day or other holiday decorating?  I love that this was simple, inexpensive...yet added a punch of color and showed a lot "love" to the Valentine holiday!

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."  1 John 4: 8

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Easy Peasy Script Lampshade Update

If I said it once...I've said it twice...I LOVE YOU PINTEREST...well...once again...my love affair has inspired another quick, easy and oh so cute update to one of my lampshades...First...here is my pinspiration, by Margo at Joyful Homemaking....so adorable:

Source: margo-joyfulhomemaking.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

She made the transformation from plain lampshade to what you see so very easy...I had to try it out myself on one of my lampshades that I have been wanting to change out myself.  I purchased this lamp at a garage sale for next to nothing because I loved the lamp...lampshade...ummm...not so much.  I had considered replacing the lampshade until now.  Even if I messed it up, I knew it couldn't have been any worse...but, I wasn't disappointed!!!

This is seriously one of the easiest projects EVER...but, such a great impact!!!  So, here is a before shot of what I had to work with:

Since the directions are fairly self explanatory, no in between shots.  But, I simply chose scripture that I wanted on the shade (I chose some some of my favorite scriptures regarding hospitality and fruits of the spirit in the Bible).  (If you are wanting to repeat this project...you could choose scripture/poem/song, etc.).  Then, beginnig at the seam at the top of the lampshade, I began writing with my Fabric Sharpie in Black, and simply continued around the lampshade...until the end.  After I was finished writing all of the scriptures, I hotglued three rows of jute twine on both the top and bottom edges for extra decor...this was just my preference...So, HOW EASY is that.  It took maybe 1-1.5 hours to do this...all while sitting and checking out a show on television!!  Here is the finished lampshade pix:

So...quick, easy, and cheap...can't beat that!! My kind of project!!!  What do you think?  Thanks once again Pinterest!!!



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