My Seven Loves

I know it's not Monday when I usually post my devotional of the week, but this is a little different. Andrea at "The Parson's Wife" has passed along to me this award.


If you don't know Andrea, you are missing out. She is one of the first Christian women I met in the blogging world, and I never miss reading her postings because they show a sharp mind that looks deeply into God's word and a precious, kind spirit living within her. I can't tell you how humbling it is for her to give this to me because I admire her so much.

The rules that go with this award require listing 7 things you love that show your creativity, then link back to the person who gave you the award, and pass it along to 7 other bloggers.

So, here are my 7 loves . . .

1. I love in-depth Bible study. There is nothing that thrills my soul that working through Scripture and seeing a new meaning for the first time. You may be asking, "how does that show her creativity?" It takes a creative mode of thinking to understand the many layers of Scripture--"thinking outside the box" is one way of looking at it because my human way of thinking is so different than God's and boxes me in.

2. I love finding inexpensive ways to show my family I love them--from making homemade cards and creating scrapbooks to making decorative picture frames and taking creative photos of the kids (like when I dressed them up as angels with wings!), anything that says "I love you" more than something they don't need anyway.

3. I love to cook homemade meals (with a little help from jars and cans). There are few things better than the look on my husband's face when he comes home from a long day at work and finds the kitchen full of bubbling dishes emitting fabulous aromas, especially if one of those aromas is homemade basil pesto.

4. I love to bake cakes for any occasion. Cakes are my passion, especially bundt cakes so I can use my pans shaped like roses, wreaths, sandcastles, and pumpkins. Oh, and homemade frosting is a must. The canned stuff just won't do.

5. I love to flower garden. My always-chipped fingernails are proof that one of my passions is having my hands in dirt. There's something about running my hands through the simple earth and watching a seed turn into a beautiful blossoming plant that brings me closer to God.

6. I love to play the piano and sing. I'll never be good enough for a concert, but I know how to make a joyful noise. It's such a release to play both classical music and the hymns (especially when my children "sing" along with me).

7. I love being a creative shopper, making the best use of the money God has blessed me with. Thrift store, Freecycle, Craigslist, garage sales--I take pride in outfitting my family for less, especially when someone says, "Oh! Where did you get Amelia's dress!" or "What a precious pair of shoes Wyatt has!"

Now, I would like to pass the Kreativ Blogger award along to a few more blogs whose creative, God-filled words speak to me on a weekly basis.

Billy at "What I Learned Today"
Jennifer at "Getting Down With Jesus"
Sarah at "God's Not Finished With Us Yet"
Lyla at "A Different Story"
Bette at "Read, Relax, and Rejoice"

Please take a moment to visit them--you're sure to be inspired as well.