24

No, this post is not about Jack Bauer.

Today is my birthday and in honor of turning 24, here are 24 factoids about me ;-)

My mom's water broke the evening of April 1st, but she didn't have me until later in the day on the 2nd. I could have been an April's Fool baby, but I wasn't. Thanks Mom!

I am 1/4 Japanese, dad's side.

I've never colored my hair (only gotten highlights once).

I like making lists.

Actually, I love making lists.

I have vandalized school property. Intentionally. In a minor fashion, but it was therapeutic.

I have become more introverted the older I've gotten. I talked a lot when I was little. Like, a lot.

When I was 4, I founded "The Prissy Club." Only Virginia Taylor and myself were members.

I am published! Two of my devotions appear in the book "Big Dreams from Small Spaces," published by Group Publishing. My ultimate goal is publish a devo book for little kids.

Drowning/suffocating and snakes are my biggest fears.

And thanks to this last winter, I now loathe driving on ice.

#teamsweettea all the way. And no, unsweet tea with "sweetener" is NOT the same thing.

In the last year, I rediscovered my love of reading.

I was homeschooled. 

If you don't know me well, you read that and thought "Wow! But she's...normal!"

Or maybe you didn't. That's okay too.

I have a weakness for cosmetic bags and office supplies. Both obsessions started young.

Grammar Nazi. 

I met my husband on a blind date...a mutual friend set us up...after she had dreamed (repeatedly) we were married. We were engaged in 8 months. When you know, you know!

Psalms, Hebrews and Romans are my favorite books of the Bible.

Anchors are my life symbol. Hebrews 6:19

I love checking the mail.

When I lived with my parents, one of my main household chores was to do the dishes. I was nicknamed "The Dish Fairy." I can't wait to have a kid who can be my dish fairy. Haha!

Speaking of nicknames, I didn't really have nicknames growing up. I was just Samantha. That's still my preference. A select few get to call me Sam or Sammi ;) And they know who they are.

Love,
Samantha

.listen.

Periodically, I feel the Lord leading me to spend a week quiet in His presence.

Truly quiet. No wrestling with decisions. No distracted praying.  

Just... listening. 

Listening for His voice in my soul.

"Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward."
Isaiah 51:4-5

Do we really know how to listen? Remorsefully, I think about how often I fill the time with me and God with words...so many words. Not all bad ones. But do I stop enough to listen to Him? Do I pause long enough to hear His voice?

"Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear..." 

James 1:19

In any relationship, there is talking and listening; giving and taking. Why should communicating with God be any different? We've been in those conversations that are really monologues. You can't get a word in to save your life, and if you happen to eke out a few thoughts, it's obvious the other person is just waiting for your mouth to stop moving so they can pick up where they left off.

Are we carrying on a monologue with God?

Our society puts much emphasis on words. Fill the void with words. They don't even have to be helpful or true it seems like...just produce words. We can't let that mentality bleed into our relationship with Jesus. If you find yourself (like me) lacking on listening, don't hesitate to relax in God's presence, close your eyes, and just listen. Whether He has something to say to you or simply wants to bless you with His nearness, let Him have the floor.

God has so refreshed me this week. I have felt His arms wrap around my soul.

He is eager to do the same for you.

Fresh Air

Hello all!

Spring is here, or at least I heard someone say that she was and that always brings fresh air and fresh ideas. I've been reading lots (on my 12th new book since January 1st) but now I'm ready to do some writing again!

I got the itch to do some crafting this past weekend, after inspiration via a lovely blog. I found some of Liz Marie's projects on Pinterest after finding her recipe for homemade laundry soap.

This is kind of a bucket list item. I don't have deep personal convictions on wanting to make my own soap. I just want to try it and if I can save a little moola in the process, no complaints here.

I've linked her original projects in the text below.

So making laundry soap is on the to-do list, as well as sprucing up some planters for sweet little succulent plants I think someone is getting me for my birthday ;) Stay tuned for those projects.

I made the cakestand and twine bowl (first and was decently pleased with the results for being a novice crafter. The afternoon did result in burned fingers, a broken bowl and candlestick, but when the hubby carried me out of the kitchen so I wouldn't step on glass, again- can't complain ;) 

Below are the finished projects.