Faith Creativity Life

Book Review: Victim of Grace by Robin Jones Gunn

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:00:00 PDT

Robin Jones Gunn is a highly successful author of several fiction series. She's ministered to many young women with her Christy Miller series, and to many adult women with her Sisterchicks series. A brand new book, Victim of Grace: When God's Goodness Prevails, is Robin's memoir of what it means to be what she calls a "victim of grace."

Let me introduce you to the concept of being a victim of grace. At first, it would seem backwards, as grace is a privilege, a gift. I tried to figure out how that was being a victim, which connotes something negative to me. The more I read, the more I understood.

Robin says, "My thoughts ran to a deep place. I considered how there is nothing I can do, nothing to make the rain fall or the wind blow. Unprovoked by any act o my part, God gives me breath. He opens his hand and gives and gives and gives. I don't control his faithfulness. I don't initiate his mercy. I can do nothing to earn his kindness. I don't deserve his gifts. The truth is, I am powerless to stop his love for me. I did nothing to activate his goodness toward me. I am incapable of deflecting the endless showers of blessings that come from his storehouses and rain over my life. It's all grace. Grace upon grace…I am a victim of grace" (pg. 15).

Then I understood.

This book is Robin's story, but it isn't just a biography. She cleverly weaves the memoir and story into an application that inspires the reader with a sense that we can be victims of grace too. As she talks about how God worked in and through so many details and how his plan brought her so much satisfaction and joy, I can see how God does that for me too.

Robin shares her journey into becoming a published author, a mother, a wife, and a speaker. I heard her share this story during several evening plenary sessions at a writer's conference in 2012 and I was inspired then. As I read the story again, I could hear her sweet voice, hear her smile, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ultimately, it's the story of how God took her dream and brought it to fruition in a more marvelous way than she imagined. She uses examples in each chapter from women of the Bible and truth from scripture.

The discussion questions at the end of the book help readers interact with the material and apply the concepts to life. Readers will learn to consider their own dreams, look at what obedience means, make peace with limitations, embrace each season of life, and look for God's grace in and through their own experiences.

I highly recommend the book, and it releases TODAY! It's also available in eBook.

I received an advance reader copy of the book from the Amazon Vine Reviewer program in exchange for my objective review. I was not compensated for my review or required to write a favorable review.

About Robin Jones Gunn

Over the past 25 years Robin has written 82 books with almost 4.5 million copies sold worldwide. To her great delight, Robin’s books are doing exactly what she always hoped to do – they are traveling around the world and telling people about God’s love. She is doing the same. Over the past ten years Robin has been invited to speak at events around the US and Canada as well as in South America, Africa, Europe and Australia.

Robin and her husband have two grown children and have been married for 35 years. They live in Hawai’i where she continues to write and speak in rhythm with her life verse:

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the LORD Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24.

Read the rest of Robin's story

Finding Hope in the Questions Amid National Tragedy

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:33:00 PDT

What are we to make of tragedy? What are we to make of moments when our fellow Americans fear for their lives and suffer deep loss? Do we move on with life as if nothing happened? Do we rivet our eyes and ears to the television for up-to-the-minute details, or do we shut it off and shut it out? How do we cope with the unspoken fear that burns in our minds, "If it happened there, could it happen here too?" What do we do with our fears?

So many questions.

This week, my heart stirred for the people in Boston who hunkered in their homes waiting for word of a captured killer. I grieved for those fighting for life and courage in hospital beds, limbs missing, bones broken, and skin marred from shrapnel.

But I also grieved for the people devastated by a fertilizer plant explosion in Texas. At the same time they were displaced and wondering when they would be able to get back to the shards of their homes to sift through what remained, the news media abandoned their story to focus on an American terrorist.

That prompted more questions.

USA Today Photo More info

Why does this person get all of this attention? Why are we focused on the motive behind his insane tirade? What of the people who lost their lives in the Texas explosion? Don't they get fair media time? What about the people who died in tornadoes in the South just a week before? How do we forget so quickly? Where is justice?

Questions might seem to us as a sign of a lack of faith. A sign of insecurity.

But, I don't think so.

Questions are a sign we still care. When we stop asking the questions is when we have given up hope. As long as we ask the questions, hope is alive. We're looking for a solution. Answers.

I have hope because when I ask the questions, I always come back to one answer.

God.

I ask, "Why? What can we do? Where do we go for help?"

He answers, "I am still here." No question in his voice. Just affirmation that he is still in charge. Evil may be present, but it will not prevail.

So, ask the questions. But then listen for the answer. Can you hear the whisper of hope? He is here. Let's not forget.

Book Review: Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:15:00 PDT

Do you ever wish you didn't come unglued when someone irritates you or life hands you a disappointment? What happens when you're tired or annoyed...when you can't resist the urge to criticize? Lysa TerKeurst wants to help you break the cycle of coming unglued.

In her book Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst deals with the subject of handling emotions without stuffing or exploding. In the Unglued Devotional, TerKeurst provides a 60-day guide for making progress on handling emotions. Borrowing subjects and some anecdotes from the main book, she provides a practical way to apply the content from the book in a daily devotional format. Some of the devotions give suggestions for an action step to take, others give inspiration from Lysa's story. All teaching is based on a key scripture verse and each day ends with a prayer.

The back of the book has an explanation of the different personality types in dealing with emotions. Readers will be able to identify themselves in the assessment, and then book encourages readers to do a deeper assessment on the unglued website.

I can see how it would be a more complete experience to have the book and the devotional book. However, this is a good interaction with the material, and I think it works well as a stand-alone. I appreciate that it isn’t gimmicky in any way that would make me feel obligated to purchase the whole resource package.

I heard Lysa speak recently on this subject at the Free to Fly women's conference and it was very good. In both this book and in her speaking, she's very open about her own struggle and in her transparency. I really appreciate how she comes alongside the reader and doesn't judge.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program. I am not obligated to give a favorable review and I am not compensated for reviews.

Want to find out your response type? Check out the assessment on the Unglued website.

Friday Inspiration: If God Cares for the Birds...

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:05:00 PDT

Captured one bird just as he was landing. I love watching them out my dining window!

Free Kindle Books - April 4

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:51:00 PDT

These books are free today for Kindle but several will go back to full price by April 5, so be sure to check the price at the time you click this link:

Unholy Hunger (The Lure of the Serpent) by Heather James (Revell, 2013)
The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris (Abingdon Press, 2012)
From Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough (Abingdon Press, 2011)
Surrender the Wind by Rita Gerlach (Abingdon Press, 2009)
Charlotte Fig Takes Over Paradise by Joyce Magnin (Abingdon Press, 2010)
Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller (Abingdon Press, 2010)

Big List of Free Kindle Books from Life Sentence Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 07:41:00 PDT

Life Sentence Publishing has many of their titles free this weekend. Remember, all books go back to full price after a limited time, so check the price at checkout to avoid any surprises. Find out more about Life Sentence Publishing

A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven (One Woman's Trip to Africa - My Story) by Chris Loehmer KincaidField of Blessing - Beyond Understanding (Holding on to faith in circumstances beyond understanding) by Elaine Ellis
The Book of Daniel (Closed Up and Sealed Until the Time of Fulfillment) by Russell Stendal
The Book of Daniel (Prophecy for Today From Daniel, David, and Haggai) EDITED by Russell Stendal
Rescue the Captors (True Hostage Situation. Colombian Marxist Guerrillas and a Missionary Simply Using the Experience to Share the Gospel) by Russell StendalRescue the Captors II (Faith Can Move Mountains) by Russell Stendal
God's Plan for Spiritual Battle (Victory over Sin, the World, and the Devil) by Russell Stendal
The Beatitudes (God's Plan for Battle) by Russell Stendal His Grace - A Battle Won (A Missionary's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph) by Dana McCutchen
Amish: Born Again the Same Way as Others? by Joe Keim
Excommunication & Shunning: Is it Biblical? (The Amish Way) by Joe Keim
When Love and Submission Ignite (Secrets to an Incredible Love Relationship) by Ken O. Griffith
Why You Really Can Memorize Scripture by Daniel Morris
Pilgrims with Purpose (The Inspiring Life Story of Two Missionaries to Mexico) by Elizabeth TolmanERADICATE - Blotting Out God in America by David Fiorazo
The Upside to Job Loss (Finding Hope for the Future) by Sheila M. Luck
My Baby's Feet (Choice, Death, and the Aftermath) by Sheila M. Luck
My Journey Beyond Being Catholic by Connie Limmex
Preaching with Evangelistic Persuasion (How to Preach to the Mind, Will, Emotions, and Conscience and Why the Bible Points Out this is The Essence of Authorative Evangelism) by Ben G. Rogers
Meditate & Declare (A Journey with the Apostle Paul) by Lynn Dehnke
Revival in a Graveyard: Spiritual Journey Through the History of the Church of God in Christ by C.M. Cole
God is More than an Aspirin (A Prophetic Perspective of Your High Calling) by Charles Wilsey and Robert Shipman
Beyond Pentecost (The Holy Spirit's Final Desire for the Church) by Clayt Sonmore
Beyond the Colorful Coat (Living Out Your God-Given Dreams) by Lydia Chorpening
Mobocracy (The Cultural & Political War to Destroy our Republic Under God) by Jake Jacobs

Some books are also available in a Spanish version if you search Amazon by the author's name.

One More Free Kindle Book Today: March 28

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:18:00 PDT

One more free book to add today (see post below for disclaimer about free books):

The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer (Tyndale House, 2012)

Free Kindle Books - March 28

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:07:00 PDT

These books were free at the time I posted this. Please check your shopping cart at the time you click the link to see if the price is still free. Books do go back to full price quickly.

Several of these are from my favorite authors, so I highly recommend checking them out:

Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips (Abgindon, 2012)
When the Devil Whistles by Rick Acker (Abingdon, 2010)
Beside Two Rivers: Daughters of the Potomac #2 by Rita Gerlach (Abingdon, 2012)
The Glory of Green (The Green Series #3) by Judy Christie (Abingdon, 2011)
Land of My Heart (Heirs of Montana Book #1) by Tracie Peterson (Bethany House, 2004)
Distant Dreams (Ribbons of Steel Book #1) by Tracie Peterson and Judith Pella (Bethany House 2009)
Back on Murder (A Roland March Mystery Book #1) by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, 2010)
Paradise Valley (The Daughters of Caleb Bender Book #1) by Dale Cramer (Bethany House, 2011)
Not a Sparrow Falls (The Second Chances Collection Book #1) by Linda Nichols (Bethany House, 2010)
Gods and Kings: Chronicles of the Kings #1 by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, 2011)

More coming tomorrow, so be sure to check back! I have a heads up from Life Sentence Publishing that many of their books will be free tomorrow.

Safe, clean fiction from trusted publishers...you can trust the links given here.

Free Kindle Books - March 25

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:38:00 PDT

These books were free for Kindle at the time I posted this. Be sure to check the price when you click the link to avoid unexpected charges.

Did the Resurrection Happen...Really? by Josh McDowell and Dave Sterrett (Moody Press, 2011)
Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House, 2006)
Paradise Valley (the Daughters of Caleb Bender Book 1) by Dale Cramer (Bethany House 2011)
But for Grace by Tracey Batemen (Barbour, 2012)
Perfectly Dateless (My Perfectly Misunderstood Life Book #1) by Kristin Billerbeck (Bethany House, 2010)
The Book of the King: 1 (The Wormling) by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry (Tyndale House, 2011)
Celibate Sex: Musings on Being Loved, Single, Twisted, and Holy by Abbie Smith (NavPress, 2013)

Independent Publishers/Authors
To Rise Above by Julianne Jones
Raising Godly Kids (Let's Get Real) by Carey Scott
Unconventional by J. J. Hebert

Beware the Ides of March

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:19:00 PDT

On March 15, I can't help but remember senior high English class and reading Julius Caesar. Again, this morning, as nearly every year, the phrase "beware the Ides of March" came to mind. The Ides of March is simply the middle of March, historically speaking. However, it has a second meaning because of Shakespeare.

I wish I could say I was a huge fan of Shakespeare plays, but it wasn't my favorite. For old times' sake, lets go back to high school English for a moment.

Julius Caesar Act 1, scene 2, 15-19

Caesar:  Who is it in the press that calls on me? 
I hear a tongue shriller than all the music 
Cry "Caesar!" Speak, Caesar is turn'd to hear.

Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March. 

Caesar: What man is that?

Brutus: A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

Caesar was warned not to go to the Theater of Pompey for a Senate meeting, but he went anyway. And [spoiler alert in case you never read the play], he was assassinated. His final words to his friend Brutus, "Et tu, Brute?" reveal the terrible betrayal of a friend.

The situation beckons a classic, "I told you so," but really, are we much different? It seems we often learn the hard way too. A friend cautions against making a huge relationship mistake, but we have to go there anyway. We know that a decision goes completely contrary to the Bible, but that doesn't stop us. The boss says, "If you're late one more time, you're fired," and a week later, we lose track of time and show up late again.

Whatever the situation, there's likely some kind of warning. If not from an external source, that little voice we call a conscience speaks up.

What's your Ides of March? What warning have you ignored against better judgement? Your March 16 could be a lot better than Julius Caesar's!

Book Review of 'Sent' by Hilary Alan

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:29:00 PST

Hilary Alan and her husband did what few people have the guts to do. They sold their home and possessions in an affluent community and moved halfway around the world to answer God's call to serve. It wasn't easy, and by most American standards, it made no financial sense. But when they obeyed the call, Hilary and her family discovered that God had a valuable lesson to teach them in trusting him.

The book Sent: How One Ordinary Family Traded the American Dream for God's Greater Purpose is a memoir/biography of the Alan family adventure. I enjoyed Hilary's story, and was inspired by her strength. The book reveals some of the realities over overseas missions work that many of us in comfortable suburbia forget. The stories were raw, and the author's emotional connection real.
The one thing I really wanted in the book was a strong takeaway for the reader. The epilogue is the place where it was really addressed, with the question "What are you waiting for?" However, throughout the book, I longed for something in each chapter to take away. I felt like an outsider looking in on the Alan's life, and while it was inspiring, I really wanted to engage more with the concepts that could be drawn from their experience. I also found the stories repeated a few parts that were mentioned earlier in the book. That made it feel a little disconnected, as if chapter 'xx' wasn't connected to chapter 'xy'.

The biggest positive about the book is that someone who is facing the decision to do something similar to the Alan's and serve overseas will probably have a strong sense of connection to the material. It's also a great reminder of ways that I could be praying for overseas missionaries. Hilary Alan is a good writer, and anyone who really enjoys biography will really like this book. God bless the Alan family on their continued faithful discipleship!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the Waterbrook Press. My reviews are objective and honest.

Reality Check: No Exaggeration Here

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:21:00 PST

I know that some people have problems with exaggeration. I'm one of those. It's almost impossible to be a humorist and not exaggerate to some extent. But for an atypical moment today, I caught myself minimizing.

Looking in the mirror, I noted a forest of chin hairs. Bear with me here. There will be a point.

"How in the world does one little chin grow so many hairs overnight?" I asked to no one in particular.

Perhaps you're thinking I was mistaken about minimizing as I just exaggerated about a forest of chin hairs. You haven't seen my chin. However, you may have missed that I minimized something else. One little chin. Have you seen my ~~chin~~ chins?

Little. Tiny. Petite. Not adjectives anyone has ever used to describe my chins.

What are you minimizing today? Is there something you have done to minimize the hurt you may have caused someone else? Perhaps, as I often have, you have convinced yourself that your words weren't that big of a deal. That your criticism didn't hurt.

Is there something you have rationalized that doesn't reflect how God would want you to act? It isn't too late for a reality check. And it's never too late to try to make amends.

See? I promised I would make a point.

New Repurposed and Upcycled Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:16:00 PST

I'm trying out a new app that I can use to blog when I'm away from my office. I've discovered a few glitches, but I think I figured it out now. You may have received an email about a post or two that was intended for one of my other blogs. That means, if I have removed the post and placed in on the correct blog by the time you read your e-mail, the link will no longer work.

For example, today, I posted a link to my new blog called The Repurposed and Upcycled life. It's a blog where I ask readers to share their stories of how God has turned trash to treasure in their lives. You'll find Robin's story over at http://repurposedupcycledlife.blogspot.com/2013/02/robin-journey-from-abuse-to-joy.html. Do you have a story to share? I would love to consider it for the blog.

Just drop me an e-mail and include "Story for Repurposed and Upcycled" in the subject line.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Book Review: Soul's Gate by James Rubart

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:33:00 PST

I'm a fan of James Rubart's first book, Rooms, so I was happy to review his second book, Soul's Gate. It's important that readers remember that these books are fantasy, and they ought not to consider the content literally.

Soul's Gate is a book about traveling inside another person's soul and engaging in spiritual warefare. It's about supernatural travel and a spiritual world that I've never considered before. In the book, Reece Roth mentors three others when they gather at a cabin in the mountains of Colorado. Dana, Brandon, and Marcus begin training that is a spiritual journey through their own past, a process of facing their deepest wounds, and a venture into their own souls.

This work of fiction invites the reader to consider what it would be like to be able to enter the souls of others. It isn't about considering whether or not it's supported Biblically. It's fiction. It might be easy to become distracted with an inner debate about whether or not the book is Biblical and miss the point of considering the spiritual battle for our own souls. It does a good job raising awareness of the importance of interceding in prayer, and it battling the forces of darkness. However, although the characters in the book embrace the concept after Reece convinces them there is Biblical support, transportation into the souls of others is not addressed in the Bible.

For me, there was something eerie about the idea. The plot had plenty of suspense and edge of the seat action. From a writing standpoint, it's well done and Rubart does a great job of storytelling. On the other hand, like some other books in the same genre (like Ted Dekker), it felt like the book went too far, pushing beyond simple fiction and delving too much into spiritual fantasy. It opens the door too wide in my opinion for people to consider the book too literally and experiment with something spiritually dangerous. Somehow, I can accept teleporting and time travel, but going inside a soul scares me.

I received my complimentary copy of this book from the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze program in exchange for my unbiased review.

Free Kindle Books February 7

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:07:00 PST

Free Kindle books today. Be sure to check the price at checkout. They go back to full price in a short time.

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols (Bethany House 2010)

Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake (David C. Cook, 2010)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Pinterest Project Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 PST

I hope you enjoyed the Pinterest Project. I'll continue to post projects from time to time, but this concludes the 31-day experiment. On a longer-term experiment, I have a feeling that even more of what is posted on Pinterest might not work out quite the same in my own kitchen and craft room. I chose to feature things I could either accomplish in a very short time, or things that I had supplies already on hand for. Someday, I'll tackle something bigger!

So, now back to normal blogging, posting freebies to Kindle books, and on to new things, such as promoting my own brand new book: The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure.

Thanks for letting me experiment on Pinterest along with you!

The Pinterest Project Day 31: Hash Brown Experiment

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:00:00 PST

I saw on Pinterest that I could make crispy hash browns in my waffle maker. Sounded like something I had to try. This photo on the Chow blog from a post titled "Common Appliances, Uncommon Uses" demonstrates how they ought to turn out.

Emphasis on ought to.

Mine didn't work quite as well. But first, I have to admit that I'm running short of time at the end of the Pinterest Project and decided to use an experiment I conducted a while back. And I didn't take pictures. So, I want you to close your eyes and imagine my waffle-maker. Now...

Oh, wait, you have your eyes closed, and you can't read the post anymore. Are you there? Anyone?

For those ignoring my request to close your eyes, here's how mine turned out. I used frozen shredded hash browns. They started turning brown, but that took a really long time. And in order to let them get more brown, I left them in longer. They still didn't look like the picture above. It sounds logical that more time would yield more browning, but this made them a lot more chewy, and they sort of lost their shredded shape and became a lot like chewy mashed potatoes shaped like a waffle.

So, I did it. Once. And that is the end of the story. A Pinterest fail.

I haven't tried the waffle iron to cook brownies yet. Perhaps, I give that one try too. Think it will turn out like the picture on the right from Chow?

The Pinterest Project - Final Score
Successes - 22
Fails - 4
Neutral - 5

The Pinterest Project Day 30: Digital Scrapbooking

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:00:00 PST

I've spent the weekend and a crafting and quilting retreat where I have worked on my scrapbooks. I've been transitioning from traditional scrapbooking with paper and large totes full of supplies. The digital version is very flexible on the outcome, and involves hauling a laptop. How is the outcome flexible? Digital scrapbookers can create a purely digital finished product on a disk. Or, they can print 12x12 (and other sized) pages to slide into a traditional scrapbook. Or, they can order fully bound books from sites such as Shutterfly and Snapfish.

Digital scrapbookers can choose from a host of programs to design their pages as well. I have chosen to use Photoshop Elements because it offers the most flexibility in design and editing. This means, I have to figure out where to get some cool graphics.

Pinterest has a heap of links to free graphics. One of the popular pinned sites is Granny Enchanted. The site has free downloads that can be used in designing pages. I follow the owner of the blog to get the most recent posts of free downloads.

Newsletters such as Collect-A-Kit and Scrap Girls offer daily freebies to download and store for future use.

Pinterest is full of page layout ideas, links to scrapbook sites, and more. It's a whole new phase of crafting, and highly addictive for the techie type. I know. Because I am one. And now, I shall go to Pinterest to see if they have a Digital Scrapbookers Anonymous.

The Pinterest Project Day 29: Organizing a Sewing Area

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:30:00 PST

Pinterest is a place for building envy if you aren't careful. The site is full of home sewing areas to drool over, and wish for. However, I don't have such a space in my home.

This room featured on the blog Sew Many Ways is awesome!

And the Creative Living Blog has this cute little closet turned into a sewing space.

On the day 28 Pinterest Project, I created a case for my iPad keyboard in 30 minutes. This is possible only because I have my space organized and ready to go when I need to sew something quick.

I have converted our old television armoire into a sewing center. I mounted an under-cabinet fluorescent light and mounted it inside. I also recycled an old cutting board and turned it into a pullout shelf for the sewing machine. At the time I made it (a long time ago), I didn't take pictures of my method, but basically, I used pieces of scrap lumber to create a frame on either side (like a groove) that would allow me to pull out the board and slide it back in.

The cabinet is in the dining room where I can pull open the doors and use the table surface. For big projects, I pull the sewing machine out and do the project on the dining table, but this is awesome for small projects and mending.

Pictures always make something look more cluttered! And that chandelier kind of got in the way. Someday, I'm going to paint the inside white. The doors are dark inside because I experimented before deciding on a faux finish for the outside. I went with the light color for the outside, but never fixed the inside.

In many ways, Pinterest is a dangerous place for wishing we had something we don't. But you can see from my example that adapting and flexing can be very satisfying. If I had a bigger space, I'd probably feel guilty for never having time to use it!

The Pinterest Project Day 28: iPad Keyboard Case in 30 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 08:55:00 PST

I searched Pinterest for a pattern for a case for a bluetooth iPad keyboard. I had been transporting it in the box it came in, just because my purse is a dangerous place for an unprotected electronic device. However, the box is too big to take on my upcoming vacation.

Nothing came up in my search. So I decided I need to create a post. In 30 minutes, because that's all I had between other tasks. That meant I didn't have time to quilt or cut anything from fresh fabric. So, I brainstormed a little about what I already had on hand, and I remembered two older pillow shams put away in a trunk.

I decided to experiment with the most worn pillow sham so nothing would be wasted if I didn't like it. And I would have more supplies to make a better one in the future.

I figured I could use a piece of the sham, and have leftover.

~~I began with precise measurements.~~ Ahem. I began by folding the fabric up over the keyboard to get an idea of how much fabric I needed. I allowed enough extra for a flap. Then I cut off the sham (about half of the sham) and hemmed the raw edge.

Hemmed edge.

I folded down the edge I wanted for a flap. Then, I folded everything in half rights sides together (see photo below).

The fold goes the long way, and at this point, the sham is still full width. Next, I laid the keyboard on top of the folded sham to measure the width. Note my precision. Cough.

I cut off each end, allowing a generous seam allowance. Then, I left everything as it was folded right sides together, and stitched both sides up. I never pin anything, which is one of my greatest sewing pitfalls. Pin if you are smarter than I am.

I double sticthed the edge for better durability.

Since the pillow sham had the extra layer from the pillow pocket, I used that as a place to put a piece of craft foam for extra protection. I wiggled it around to get it where it belonged.

Then, I turned everything right side out, and put the keyboard in, keys facing the foam for protection.

The built in flap provides enough closure, but it could have velcro or a button.

Because I chose the most worn part of the pillow sham, I did have to hand stitch a couple of places where the quilting was coming apart. My plan is to do this with new fabric sometime, but this will get me by on my trip.

Less than 30 minutes and I was done!

I'm calling this a neutral for the Pinterest Project Score, since there wasn't a pattern on Pinterest and I had to create my own design. Evidence that you can't exactly find everything you need on Pinterest.

The Pinterest Project Score
Successes - 21
Neutrals - 4
Fails - 3

Free Kindle Books from Christian Publishers - January 31

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:03:00 PST

If you've been here before, you know that I link to free Kindle books from Christian publishers when I discover they are available on Amazon. Often there are some that are free on and off. I don't always list those that are back on the free list again, just for the sake of time, and for the sake of readers who already have them. I know that Abingdon Press has several today, that I have featured before. If you go to Amazon and then go to the Kindle books and put Abingdon Press in the search box, then sort by price, lowest to highest all of the free ones will be at the top of the list.

These are new features. Remember, they are free when I post them. They may not be free anymore when you find click this link on my blog. Check it out first to avoid surprises.

Beside Two Rivers: Daughters of the Potomac #2 by Rita Gerlach (Abingdon Press, Oct. 2012)
Cooking With Hot Flashes: And Other Ways to Make Middle Age Profitable by Martha Bolton (Bethany House, 2004)
The Top Ten Leadership Commandments by Hanz Finzel (David C. Cook, 2012)

The Pinterest Project Day 27: Homemade Lotion Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:37:00 PST

I've been using natural skin care and cosmetics for over a year now. I love lotion bars because they are so great for my skin. If you haven't seen a lotion bar before, it looks like a bar of soap, but you rub it on your skin. Some come in something that looks like a deodorant stick, but others come in a little metal tin. I've been selling natural products on a small scale for a direct selling company, but even with my discount, the lotion bars were pricey.

When you use a lotion bar, the warmth of your skin melts off just the right amount of the lotion as you rub the bar on your skin.

So, I decided to see if there were recipes on Pinterest. The site did not disappoint. Since I knew I liked the ones I've been using, I looked for a recipe that used similar ingredients to the once listed on the tin. A post on a site called CoconutOil.com was the best recipe I could find.

I checked my local health foods store for ingredients, but they didn't have everything in stock. So I went to Amazon and found what I needed at a very good price. Since then, I have also discovered a site called Camden Grey Essential Oils that has everything I need, including empty deodorant containers should I decide to make these bars in stick form in the future. The shipping on the site is a bit high, so be aware.

Anyway, here is the recipe I followed, including the slight modification I made by using vitamin E oil that was also almond oil. I shopped carefully based on customer feedback regarding quality of product, including odor. I wanted it to smell good. The organic coconut oil has a pleasant coconut smell. The stuff I find in the grocery store does not, but it is more refined.

1/2 cup Coconut Oil (I used organic, but other kinds are available)
1/2 cup Shea Butter (my substitute Cocoa Butter)
2/3 cup Beeswax Pastilles or grated beeswax (I chose white, but you can use yellow)
1 teaspoon Sweet Almond with Vitamin E Oil (this really has no smell)
Optional: Essential Oils for scent

Directions: Measure ingredients into a double boiler pan. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a small stainless steel bowl over a saucepan. My set came with a pan, so I used that.

For utensils, I used a silicone spatula. In a saucepan that fits your double boiler (usually the medium sized pan), boil about 2 inches of water, then turn it down to simmer. Now, set the double boiler on top, making sure that your water is not boiling so vigorously that you get water in your lotion bars. Do not melt in the microwave. I don't know what it does, but the beeswax said not to melt it that way.

Part-way through the melting. It was soon clear.

It took about 5 minutes to melt, maybe 10. You'll have a clear, light amber colored liquid. I used a big plastic serving spoon to fill my molds since there wasn't a pouring spout on my double boiler. I purchased my silicone mold on Amazon. It's sort of like a short muffin tin (like a large sized Reese's Peanut Butter cup). This was the perfect size, since the recipe perfectly filled all 6 cups on the mold. Be sure to use a silicone mold so your bars pop right out.

Wait for the bars to harden for a few hours. The photo below is right after pouring them, so only edges are beginning to set.

That is not steam on the bottom right corner. The reflection created some sort of hologram on my camera. Hmm...spooky.

One note: The directions said something about melting the ingredients in a covered jar in a pan of boiling water. This is not safe, because of the pressure. It also mentioned a blender or shaking the jar. I found it melted nice and clear, no blending needed, so I'm not sure what that was about.

To give your finished bars as gifts, you can wrap them in cellophane, use Ziploc baggies, or purchase metal tins at your hobby store. A 2.5 inch diameter tin fits my mold size. If you make square or rectangle bars, you can get an Altoid-style tin, or recycle a tin. Also, some of the disposable snack-sized containers in the kitchen supply department would work well.

When I was finished making my bars, I used the hot water in the double boiler to pour over the utensils in the sink, along with some dish soap. The hot water helps get the residue off, and then I ran them through the dishwasher. I didn't want any of the wax or "butters" to gum up the dishwasher.

Total cost for the bars comes to about $1.40 per bar (had to guess because I can make more batches from some of the ingredients I purchased than from others. That's less than 1/4 what I was paying for them.

Ready to try your own? Feel free to blog about it and post a link to your results in the comments below.

The Pinterest Project Score:
Successes - 21
Fails - 4
Neutral - 2

The Pinterest Project Day 26: Texas Caviar

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST

I was in the mood for some Texas Caviar (also called Cowboy Caviar) for lunch. So, I went to Pinterest to see if there was a new recipe I could try. Uh, there were pages of recipes.

You see, this is the problem with Pinterest. It can be a little overwhelming if you're looking for something simple.

I browsed a couple of recipes, then decided to go with my standby, the one so easy I can do it without a recipe. And, I thought I would share it with you. Here is how I make it. Mine is vegetarian, but a friend I know puts chicken in hers. Everything is really to taste so adjust amounts as you prefer.

Texas Caviar

1 whole red pepper, diced.

1 whole yellow pepper, diced (may substitute green for the red or yellow peppers)

1 can black-eyed peas

1 can black beans

Chopped green onions, to taste

Chopped fresh cilantro to taste

1/8 to 1/4 cup of fat free or light Italian dressing

1-2 tsp Dijon mustard

Pinch of salt

1 T. lime juice

Mix all of the ingredients and serve as a salad, or serve with tortilla chips.

Some recipes have corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Again, adjust as you desire. Want to see how mine turned out?

Mmm!

The Pinterest Project Day 25: Tips and Tricks for Using Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:24:00 PST

Now that I've babbled about Pinterest for 24 days, it might be helpful to offer a little advice about what makes a good "pin." If you haven't connected with the idea of using Pinterest, it might be simply because you're overwhelmed because of how many people don't properly use the site.

Not to sound all snooty, as if I have the proper way to use the site, but let's consider some things.

Q&A About Using Pinterest

Q: So, I opened the site and signed up for an account. Now what?

A: Consider Pinterest as sort of a notebook. Let's say you are looking for ideas on a particular subject and you tear ideas out of magazines and paste them into a notebook or ring binder. It's sort of like that. Your boards should be topical to help you find things later.

Q: I see a bunch of ideas on the site. What do I do with this page full of pictures?

A: Each of those little images is really a link to something. They should be a link to a website (we will discuss below) but sometimes, they are a link to a photo. There is a brief description under each image. Sometimes it includes enough info that you don't need to click through to the website. But most of the time, when you click the image, you'll be taken to a website or blog post with details about the project or idea pinned.

Q: Do I really need to follow people?

A: Well, I guess not. But it's a social site, so being social helps. Also, I choose to follow people who pin things I'm more interested in. If I log in and only browse the main page in a category, I'm missing out on posts specific to my tastes. I follow some people I've never met because I love their tastes. This is very different from how I use Facebook and other sites.

Q: Do I have to follow everything a particular "pinner" posts?

A: No. You can either follow all of his or her boards, or you can choose just specific topics. If someone posts great sewing patterns on one board, but is also into tattoos and piercings, I don't have to receive all of the posts about the latter if I don't wish to. You can always go to that persons page and unfollow the boards you'd rather not follow.

Q: Do I have to have boards?

A: Again, not really. But then you'll miss out on the main point of Pinterest. I can't remember a blessed thing, so I have to have boards to pin the stuff I really like. Otherwise, I have nowhere to file it.

Q: How do I pin something?

A: You can either see something you like that someone else has pinned on Pinterest and you pin it to your own board. Or, you can install a little shortcut on your internet browser so that you have a button on your toolbar that says "pin it" and you can pin something from the internet to your own board.

Q: Is Pinterest only for women?

A: Nope. There is a lot of stuff on there. I am particular to DIY projects, cooking, crafts and decorating. But there is a ton of other stuff in other categories on there. I consider it a lot like a pictorial search engine.

Did you think of question I missed? Post comments below and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Now, for the tips on being a good pinner and posting useful content. I have created my own set of rules that I use. Perhaps you'll find them helpful.

7 Tips for Pinning Better

Pin only content that goes somewhere. Meaning, I check the link before I repin something. If the link doesn't go to anything but a photo, it isn't helpful. I don't pin unless I have clicked the link and checked it out.
Pin only content that doesn't violate someone's copyright. I'm careful about pinning to Etsy posts. This is because the person is selling the item. It is rude if I pin to it with the sole intent of copying that person's idea. Sort of like when I'm selling something at a craft sale and people are taking pictures and commenting about how they could make it at home.
Pin only to the actual permalink to a blog post. In other words, when I'm on the blog page, I make sure I click on the title of the blog post and then click my "Pin it" shortcut. If you click on the blog's main home page, when someone else clicks your pin a month or two later, it will take them to the blog home page, not to the specific post you pinned.
Change the wording in the description of the pin if the person who posted before me says something that doesn't sound at all like me.I do not say things like, "OMG, I'm dying to try these brownies. They are supercalifragilisticexpialidociously delicious!!!!"
Use keywords in your description. Sometimes, a pin will simply say "cool" in the description. How can anyone find that in a search. A better option would be, "Cool. These look like easy crafts made from recycled bottles." Now, when someone is searching for crafts made with recycled bottles, they find your pin.
Pin your own blog content. Want to get traffic to your blog? Go to your own post and pin it to your boards.
Use the like button to save ambiguous content. If I find content I like, but it doesn't fit these rules above, I often click "like". This way, I can find it again if I want to, but I'm not intentionally perpetuating the pinning of something that goes nowhere, or violates someone's copyrights.

Have some of your own rules? Please share!

For those pins that go to nothing, Pinterest is a big fail. But for those that are thoughtfully pinned, it's a fantastic site!

The Pinterest Project, a Little Delay

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:57:00 PST

I'm a couple of days behind in posting one the Pinterest Project. Tax preparation, a weekend away from home, and a writing deadline have all taken priority. I promised to deliver 31 days, so be ready for the final 7 projects coming very soon!

Michelle