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FUN/DIY

Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Music Renews

Music Speaks When I Can’t Find Words + My Favorite Christmas Music CD

Music is a powerful thing.  The music I am playing is stirring my heart and creating a longing that I can feel physically in the depths of my being, which made me just stop for a bit and listen.  I feel an almost a physical ache, a desire strong to speak praise to my Father God for sparing my life.

The song took me back to Christmas and New Years 2010.  I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction the week after Christmas.  I got home from the hospital on New Year’s Eve.

My dear friend Sharon came from Chicago to care for me and my family while I healed.  What a gift that was! A gift that brings a lump in my throat whenever I think about it.  It was a hard and painful, but oh- so- beautiful week!

She is a friend of my heart, and her care for me and my family was just such beautiful love.  She loved all over my girls during such a scary time in their lives.

All three girls said the hardest part of my cancer journey for them was that surgery weekend, knowing their Mommy was getting cut on, seeing me in the hospital and in pain, and watching me move slowly.  Sharon came and comforted them, and helped take the sting that cancer brought into our lives.  She was a soothing salve.

She calmed my heart when waiting for a key phone call that told us what they found during surgery.  She took me to the Word of God and read His promises to me, promises I still cling to.

She prayed with me, served me tea, played games with my girls, did my dishes, packed their school lunches, helped change my bandages, endured looking at my wounds and stitches and drains.

She held my hand when the news of that phone call was not what we wanted to hear.  She watched me break down and mourn that I might be facing even more chemo. She was just there.  Love tangible.


Andrew Peterson Behold the Lamb of God
{Gather Round–the opening song}

We played this particular CD quite a bit that week and the following weeks, even though Christmas was over.  The songs just brought comfort. This CD is one of my most favorite Christmas albums.

It takes one through the Old Testament up to the birth of Christ.  It is really neat to hear the story in the form of song, prophecy come to life.  The songs brought up wonderful discussion between my girls and I, and expanded our understanding of the Christmas story, that it did not just begin and end in that manger.

I especially love the words of the one below, which is called “So Long, Moses.” The song start with saying goodbye to Moses, and hello to the promise land.  It talks about the 12 tribes.  It touches on Saul & King David.   It talks of the prophets and speaks these comforting words of the Isaiah, prophet of Judah:

{So Long Moses}

{3:00}

So speak, Isaiah
Prophet of Judah
Can you tell of the One
This king who’s going to come
{3:20}Will he be a king on a throne
Full of power with a sword in his fist?
Prophet, tell us will there be another king like this?
Full of wisdom, full of strength,
The hearts of the people are his
Prophet, tell us will there be
another king like this?

{3:40–My FAV!}
“He’ll bear no beauty or glory
Rejected, despised
A man of such sorrow
We’ll cover our eyes

He’ll take up our sickness
Carry our tears
For his people
He will be pierced

He’ll be crushed for our evils
Our punishment feel
By his wounds
We will be healed.”


Gives me chills.  He knew sorrow.  He carries our tears.  He was pierced & crushed for us & by His wounds, the healing comes.  


And this song, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night:

{0:26}
“Fear not!” said he; for mighty dread 
Had seized their troubled minds 
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring 
To you and all mankind 

To you in David’s house this day 
Is born of David’s line 

Mighty dread and fear HAD seized my troubled mind back in 2010.  But the birth of this tiny baby, this God-man, brings a life joy that even cancer cannot take away.  

By His wounds on the cross, I am made whole and healed.  Even if God chooses not to heal me physically, completely, here on earth, I know I have an ultimate healing in heaven. Oh death, where is thy sting?  Jesus takes it, and through him, life on this earth is not all there is.  

There is final healing and eternal life with HIM!  This joy, a joy-peace, is what I am experiencing and growing in, & my heart overflows with thankfulness for every minute of this life I get to live!  

What more can I say?  My heart bursts forth in song, agreeing with the words of the Shepherds song chorus above; “Hallelujah, Christ is Born!  Oh Glory be to God On High and To The Earth Be Peace. Goodwill Henceforth From God to Man, Begin & Never Cease!!

2
Decorating/ FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ Kids/Family

Using Willow Tree Figurines For a Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape

My sister, Julie, has collected Willow Tree Figurines for years.  I have always drooled over her collection and found them so meaningful and beautiful.  When she posted a photo of her Thanksgiving tablescape on Instagram, I drooled even more, and was blown away with how simple and beautiful it was.  

If you are not familiar with Willow Tree Figurines, here is there website.  They make wonderful gifts to mark the most important and life-changing events in life.  I love that they address all areas of life, from the good (family) to the bad (illness) and create gifts that often times speak louder than words. 

Back to my sisters table, I am going to be sitting at that table later on this evening.  We are celebrating Thanksgiving a day early with my side of the family, and I CAN’T WAIT!  My sister has made it so easy on me this year.  While she has been cleaning, decorating, baking, cooking and planning fun family games, I have been relaxing and roasting a turkey.  Yep, that is all I have to do is show up with my turkey.

{My sisters pies ready to bake}
{um, YUM!}
Here is her menu. Oh, and that drooling issue I have? It is starting again as I type!

{Menu}
Turkey 
Stuffing
Sweet Potato Souffle
 Twice Baked Potatoes
 Crumb Topped Broccoli Casserole
Aunt Fannie’s Squash Casserole
 Corn Casserole
Rolls
 Deviled Eggs
 Pecan Pie
 Pumpkin Pie
Triple Berry Pie
Country Cherry Pie
Chocolate Chip Cookies
{I’m making Turkey, Lil’ Sis is making Deviled Eggs & Pumpkin Dessert, JULIE IS MAKING THE REST.} 
{Isn’t she beautiful?  Stop drooling…}

She is amazing at many things, but when hostessing our family for holidays she shines and does it better than anyone I know.  I love her dearly, and I’m afraid I just don’t tell her often enough what a gift she is in my life and how very, very thankful I am for her.  
She has always been there for me…ALWAYS…but when I went through treatment for cancer, she was by my side.  She lived an hour away, yet made that drive a bazillion times and was by my side through it all.  She saw me at my worst, my most sick.  I know it was hard for her to see, but she just kept showing up and caring for me.  I can’t think of many times  in my life when I felt such love.

On top of it all, she is one of the funniest people I know.  Her texts make me belly laugh, and she is always the life of the party on our ‘sister nights.’ 
I love you Jules, and I’m more thankful for you than words can say.  

3
Books

Seriously God? + A Giveaway

Last spring, I read the book Seriously God? I’m Doing Everything I Know To Do and It’s Not Working, and it changed me.  I wrote about it here, and I have not forgotten how the author, Jenny Smith, acknowledged the “nothing’s working” reality by taking us directly to what and WHO makes all things work together.  She does this by walking through 7 statements Jesus made about Himself, that start with the words “I Am.”

These “I Am” statements are what stuck with me and changed me. (I wrote my own thoughts under each statement.)

I am the Bread of Life

He knows what we need and meets them. “There is a huge difference in coming to Jesus to have our needs met, and coming to him because He is the only thing we need.” 

I am the Light of the World
“Light always brings security where darkness brought fear.”

I am the Door of the Sheep
His focus is on us.  He cares deeply & is aware of our needs and situation.  Our path.

I am the Good Shepherd
He will lead, guide & protect.

I am the Resurrection & the Life
He is both Divine & Human.  He gets it.  He gets us.  He knows our human emotions, & He also has the power to raise the dead & raise from the dead.

I am the Way the Truth and the Life
He doesn’t just teach truth, He is the Truth..He doesn’t represent life, He is Life.

I am the True Vine
Simply abiding, believing & obeying has the power to transform our lives. Will we become people who act on what they know or not.

I so appreciated this book, and I’m super excited that the author, Jenny Smith, has agreed to visit us here at New Nostalgia.  What an honor to have her written thoughts with us today!
//

From Author Jenny Smith~

As Christmas approached last year, I was in the midst of writing Seriously God? I’m Doing Everything I Know To Do and It’s Not Working. It had been an incredible hard couple of years, not months, but years. I know some of you are in the midst of the same kinds of struggles. I asked Amy if I could share a little of what happened as the knowledge of the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus sank into my heart.

During the months of writing I started letting those ‘I Am’ statements shape my thinking instead of what the culture says, and my heart started changing. They are small baby steps, but they are change. I started having this desire to devote my life to Jesus instead of a life devoted to Jenny. My reality didn’t change. I knew Christmas last year was going to be tight—more than likely the smallest Christmas our family has had—but it was different. I wasn’t crying. I didn’t feel abandoned. I knew Jesus was watching over us and making sure we will have what we need to celebrate his birth. He is the Good Shepherd.

In addition to the financial stress, we had the normal family tensions over extended schedules, and all the other stresses of the Christmas season. Normally, I find myself at one of two extremes-crying or in a rage. Last year, though, was different. Even though the family didn’t change and we didn’t inherit a windfall, I knew Jesus was watching me closely as I walked out into the world every day. He knew my feelings would get hurt. He knew I would be walking around the mall with a firm budget and a list for the girls’ gifts, trying to make them match. Knowing he’s the Good Shepherd caused me to be able to not let those things fester but to bring them to him and let him tend them quickly. On Christmas night, Chad, my husband and I said this was the best Christmas we have had in a long time—a very long time. The only real difference was my heart. I’m began to see how winning the conflict raging in our hearts, has a very real impact on my daily life. In ways I could have never anticipated.

If you are approaching Christmas and feeling abandoned, or maybe you already are feeling your emotions take over, it doesn’t have to be that way this year! If we can get our hearts focused on Jesus
regardless of our circumstances, we will celebrate with joy the birth of our Savior!

//

So  good, but the goodness does not stop there.  Jenny is offering a free copy of her book to 2 of New Nostalgia’s readers.  We have had a giveaway of her book once before back in May, and it was one of our most popular giveaways! Good Luck!!

2
DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ Homemade Gifts

DIY Personalized Canvas

 I have a good friend that signs his letters or chats off with the phrase “Love and Light.” That phrase has become a super special between the two of us, as it was weaved into a eulogy I gave for his dear sister, my sweet friend.  When the anniversary of her passing was approaching, I wanted to make him a gift that was meaningful.  I decided to make him a personalized canvas with his phrase, ‘Love & Light’ on it.  I wanted something super simple looking, not too fussy.  It was for a guy after all!  I was inspired by a pin I saw on pinterest.  The pin is actually linked to personal canvases that are being sold for $345.00!  Whoa.  I will make my own thankyouverymuch.
  
I started at the craft store, and was able to buy the square canvases in bulk, 4 for $20.00.  Not bad!  The craft store also had all kinds of fun wooden letters and shapes.  This project is really versatile. You can make it more holiday themed with the words “Merry Christmas!”  You could make one that said “Let It Snow!” and put white glitter on the letters.  You could put your child’s name and add little miniature wooden clothespins to hold special papers.  You could put a bride and grooms name and wedding date on one.  The possibilities really are endless.
I started with gluing on the wooden letters, by simply brushing the backs with glue.
Here is the brand I used.
Let the glue dry.  This didn’t take long.
Then simply spray paint, making sure to get all edges of the canvas and the letters.
I made another for myself with one of my most favorite words–Simplify.
Once the spray paint is dried, add a pearl finish to the letters which makes them catch the light and stand out a bit.  I love the effect this gave them.  I also recommend sealing with a clear gesso or some type of spray sealant.  I didn’t do this step, but in hindsight I think it would make for easier cleaning/dusting.
Let me know if you make on of these!  They can be any size, color, glitter added or not, any word or any wooden shape. 
DIY Personalized Canvas
1. Position wooden letters to canvas.
2. Brush with glue, glue into place, let dry.
3. Spray paint entire piece.
4. Add pearl effect to letters only.
5. Seal with spay sealant.
Let me know if you have any other fun ideas for this project in the comments!

Halloween/ Holidays/Parties

Halloween Pinterest

Cute Halloween Printable.  Print and frame for instant, tasteful decor!

Halloween tablescape idea.  Creepy!

Wreath made out of ping pong balls and googly eyes.  

DIY Halloween cut-outs.

Witch cupcakes.  Striped straws as legs.

Source: sirchef.com via New on Pinterest

Caramel apple bar.  Great idea for a Halloween party!

Cardboard bat! Use a loo roll.
Source: etsy.com via New on Pinterest

I love using pillows as a way to add a festive touch.  Love the simplicity of this one.

Draw a monster with your little ones.

Jack O’ Lantern Rocks
Source: bhg.com via New on Pinterest

Witch stocking fireplace decor.

DIY Halloween candy holders.  Dollar store vases & candlesticks, E600 glue & black vinyl.

Microwave munch.

Halloween nails. Black nail polish & goggly eyes.

An easy & cute idea.  Nice break from candy!!  Would be fun to put in your kids lunchbox.

Loo rolls, cut out eyes, stick in a glow stick and put in bushes to scare trick-o-treaters.

Make spider webs using Elmers glue and glitter.  Let dry on wax paper & peel off.
Source: wanelo.com via New on Pinterest

Spider web eye shadow.  A simple festive touch…who needs a whole costume?

Source: theidearoom.net via New on Pinterest

Hershey bar wrapped in white crepe paper & google eyes.
Source: mo-berlin.com via New on Pinterest

Beach balls painted to look like eyes and put in a tree.  Could use glow in the dark paint for even more fun!
Source: flickr.com via New on Pinterest

A clever Happy Halloween sign.
//
For another post on Halloween Pinterest ideas, click here.
To visit my Halloween boards on Pinterest, click here.

1
Music Renews/ Spiritual

Better Than A Hallelujah


“Better Than A Hallelujah” by Amy Grant
“We pour out our miseries…God just hears a melody“
Ultimately, God desires communion with us.  Relationship.
Not pasted smiles and raised hands and a forced “Hallelujah”
He wants us to come to Him raw and real.
Sometimes raised hands, smiles, and Hallelujahs are what is real.
Beautiful moments when we can’t help ourselves.
But other times, pounding fists and cries of “why?” and “help!!” are all we can give.
He wants those moments of ours, too.
Who better to take our fits to, who better to call out to, but the God of the Universe who can actually
do something with them?
bee96c8f78c28ae537348e427b391078
Source: via New on Pinterest
Last night I had a session of crying out to my Lord. I took a young lady whom I have grown to love so very much home, and the minute she and her friend stepped out of my car, a lump in my throat formed. I hurt for her.  I tell my Lord how hard it is to know the pain of a 13 year old girl who lost her Mommy to cancer. How amazing it is that she excitedly tells me her plans to honor her Mom as it has been almost exactly a year. What strength! How hard it is to know that this past year, she has had to be stronger than I could ever imagine being.
While it was still summer, she sings a song to me, one written for her Mom.  In it, she repeats over and over her desire to make her Mom proud.  It is the desire of her heart, a passionate, desperate desire.
Z-I KNOW your Mom would be so proud.  She would be so proud of the smiles you give and joy you bring.  She would be proud of that feisty spirit in you that yes, at times can make you stumble but you always get back up and gain perspective.  She would be so proud of your willingness to learn and grow.  She would love how you laugh at yourself, how you so vulnerably express sadness, how much you light up when you talk about her, how often you talk about her.  
 
She would be so proud of your nomination for the Empowerment program, of how your teachers have seen the leadership qualities in you despite your difficult year.  
 
There is no question in my mind. She would be so proud.
I cried a few tears to release the lump.  I accept that which I cannot understand.  I know I am heard.
11
DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ Halloween

Posts from the Past: 4 Fun & Easy Halloween Projects To Do With Kids

This is a past post from the New Nostalgia archives.  I love visiting post from the past, especially seasonal type posts.  It is a great reminder to me of what I love, and what was post worthy!  I will be taking a trip down “past posts” road occasionally in the month of October.  I hope you enjoy!
//
We have been having a ton of halloween fun here at the Bowman House.  My girls just  LOVE all things spooky, and have been creating all kinds of spooky fun.  I am not one who is creative enough to come up with a project, so I depend heavily on FamilyFun.com!  It doesn’t matter what the season, the Family Fun website always has great, simple ideas.

Here are a few that we tried recently:

Salt Dough Ghosts and Paper Bag Trees
I can’t believe we have never made anything with salt dough before!  It is a cup of flour, cup of salt and a half of a cup of water.  Mold into any shape and microwave until hardened!  So easy!  The plan was to just create ghosts, but my girls wanted to get more creative, which was great, it kept them busy the entire evening.  The paper bag tree is a cute idea, but all that twisting left my wrists tired, so we decided to make just one!  I think making mini trees with brown paper lunch bags would be much better for little fingers and wimpy wrists.

Apple Bites
Gotta have a snack in the middle of all this creepy craziness!  Apples and Almonds, can’t get much healthier than that!

These were so much fun!  My girls spent almost 2 hours at the table creating these, and every few minutes there would be a trio of giggles drifting from the dining room.  They just loved finding silly face parts to glue on to their bags.  Aren’t they funny?
What would I do without Family Fun?  What did moms do without computers back in the day?  I am very thankful for ours, its kinda SCARY thinking about doing life without it!

BOO!
*Disclosure: this is  NOT a paid post, I just love Family Fun.com!

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