Why I Will never NOT Give My Children a Gift at Christmas

          This Christmas I have witnessed multiple posts on Facebook of people hating the gifts of Christmas.  They don't want to shop, they don't want to commercialize it, and they don't want to support the big companies and their millions.  There are also those who don't want to raise selfish children, but a selfish child is not made by Christmas alone.  I decided, a long time ago, that there would never be a Christmas without a present under the tree for each family member, including the adults.  Here is my story why.

      When I was growing up we didn't have much.  This is the beginning of the story for a lot of people in this world.  I am sure there are many who can relate.  I believe my parents did they best they could at times, and at times they were selfish.  My mother got into drugs, some harder drugs as I got older, and my father let her.  I love both my parents very much, that I want to make clear, and they are clean and sober today.  The realities of my youth have followed me in my life though, and I have needed healing for many things.  I wouldn't, however, change it.  The lessons it taught me are far more valuable to me than the pain that needed healing.  Anywho, back to the story.

     I have had more Christmases than I can remember where they were bleak, no presents under the tree, and several without a tree, but I can remember the good ones too.  I can remember the tree and the laughter.  I can remember Christmas cookies, and the fun of Santa and Christmas morning. Perhaps those good memories made the bad ones harder, or perhaps it helped me see better what Christmas really did.  I know it is about Jesus, and his birth, but we wouldn't be celebrating it the way we do if more didn't take place.  By more I mean the joy, the happiness, the laughter, and more than anything, the value we place on each other.

   I believe that is what I remember the most.  I remember a Christmas where we had no tree.  I was living with only my mom at the time and she was usually high or far gone in her world.  We didn't have a tree at all, and had no money for one.  This was before the day of Facebook and telling the world your woes and generous strangers would help out.  No one helped out this year.  My mom, however, in one of her rare moments of sanity, went about the neighborhood one day while I was at school and collected all the tree branches from Christmas trees that people had thrown out.  You know, those ones at the bottom or top that they trim off.  She brought them home, and placed them in a bucket and hung ornaments on it.  I didn't get a present that year, but I couldn't have asked for anything more.  My mom had remembered, and for that moment I was reminded that I mattered to her.

    I don't know how many Christmases my parents had my name on one of those trees you see in the grocery stores, but I remember receiving gifts at school (set aside for the poor), and I remember strangers bringing gifts over, strangers whom I now know were a part of those groups that help bring gifts to needy children.  More than anything, I remember the feeling that those gifts gave me, and the feeling that courses through me at the memories.  I remember being remembered.  I remember being important, wanted, and that to someone I mattered.  I was someone, and I was not forgotten.

     There were Christmases in my past, only a few that occurred when I was a teenager where I received nothing at all for Christmas.  Those were the hardest times for me because it was then no one remembered me.  I wasn't important enough for a small gift, even as simple as a candy cane.  I guess cause I was no longer a small child I didn't need my name on a tree, or I should get over the hype of Christmas.  It is just a big commercialized event anyway.  All of us can think on when someone, at some point, gave us a gift out of love and a good heart.  Even the least of us can remember the kindness of someone who handed us something at this time, not because of any obligation, but out of the joy of giving.  A card, a candy, a cup of hot cocoa to just name a few.  Nothing elaborate needed, just pure heart and love.  We can all remember the warmth, the happiness, and joy it brought us.  Why does it bring us such joy?  I believe it is because we are told, with every little gift, that we matter.

   The world likes to say that actions speak louder than words, the Bible likes to say that you will know people by their fruit (which is often the evidence of their actions).  I believe this to be true.  One of the greatest gifts you can give is any gift of joy, good heart, and purity that makes someone remember that they matter.  Give hot cocoa to someone waiting out in the cold, wrap some presents and hand them out to strangers who need a blessing, and a reminder that they are important.

     I will never not give my children a gift at Christmas.  I will always get them something they need, something they want, and some other odds and ends that make the holidays fun and memorable.  I will work to the best of my ability to remind them, in my actions, that they are remembered and that they matter.  If I want to teach my children to not be selfish there are plenty of opportunities to do such, such as picking gifts out for other children, handing gifts out to those in need, and more.  I believe everyone needs a gift, however small it may be, at Christmas, adults and children alike.


P.S.  If you don't want to support the big companies then shop local. There are always plenty of talented artisans who need the support of their communities to thrive.  You will never find the quality that comes from the real love of the craft in a big commercial store.

The New Etsy Shop!!

We have opened a new Etsy shop.

I have fallen in love with making my own soaps and bath and body products.  I love how the natural soaps feel.  There is nothing like it.

For a little background information:

All soap, when made, creates Glycerin.  Glycerin is a wonderful humectant, which means that it attracts moisture from the air and then draws that moisture into your skin.  The commercial soap industry discovered, a long time ago, that if they extract the glycerin from the soaps they made they could sell the glycerin separately and make more money than keeping the glycerin in the soap.  To make their soaps

feel like the glycerin was still in there, or at least the normal amount the soap would produce naturally, they added fillers and harsh chemicals that makes our skin feel (temporarily) like glycerin is still in the soap.  In essence, tricking us into thinking that their bar of soap was still moisturizing.  In the end, we end up slathering more lotion on than necessary to compensate for the loss.

This is were homemade artisan soaps come in the picture.  These soaps are glycerin rich and feel so different from the commercial bars of soap.  I have been using my handmade soap for quite some time now and have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin.  I also use my Sugar Scrub Cubes which have my

handmade body butter, grape seed oil, a bath whip base and melt & pour base added.  I love the melt & pour bases as well.  I hope to someday use 100% handmade ingredients in my Sugar Scrub Cubes, but the

bases themselves are super awesome and moisturizing.  You can't go wrong with them.  

Please take the time to check out my shop, and like my Facebook page for new items.  I am slowly building up my shop and hope to have more items added soon.  Share the shop as well, and buy some soap!! ;)

Divine Inspirations Etsy Store

Duck Tape Wallets

So, I saw these awesome Duck Tape wallets on Pinterest, and I am like "wow, how cute," but alas, I didn't want to actually buy one.  So, I made one.  Took me three hours but hey, I got it done.  This is just the outside. I made it a tri-fold with four bill pockets because I usually have everything but bills in there, and 12 card pockets and one see through id pocket. Room for everything.  

 It was my first.  I plan on making more because now I can have a wallet with every outfit.  Hahaha, no, I won't actually do that, but there are still some colors and designs I want to do.  My nephew wants me to make him one (without the ruffles).  I found some Justin Bieber Duck tape so now I am tempted to buy it and make him a Justin Bieber duck tape wallet, but then again, that might just be cruel and a waste of my time since he probably won't use it.  

Also, I am the WORST when it comes to updating my blog.  Like seriously, I am not big on online communication but I love to hear from people.  So, like always, I will be trying better, but don't hold your breath.  Someday, I just may surprise you. ;)

Crochet Symbol Font Circular Pattern Tutorial

Okay, well I finally got this made, after forever.  If you haven't figured it out yet, I am an awful blogger.  I try my best, but I must admit, I don't hate doing it I'm just bad at it, lol.

Anywho, let's get the show on the road.  If you haven't yet purchased my font please consider doing so, and if you already have a font please consider donating any amount.  It all helps :).

Thank you and God Bless

Husband Sick

I've been trying hard to make some posts, and some tutorials for my blog this past month as well as working on the tutorials for my crochet symbol font, but I haven't been able  to do much at all.  If you don't know yet my husband is quite sick and disabled due to Meniere's disease, as well as something else going on in his brain that they (the Doctors) can't figure out so they diagnosed him with Vestibular Migraines as well.  This past month has been very hard with his condition deteriorating significantly leaving him laying in bed in a dark room for most of the day and night.  He has little moments when he can come and sit with me or hold his baby, but it goes up and down.  He does get better one day, and then is back in bed the next, but this month especially has been very hard and we don't know 100% why. 

Changes in humidity can cause him to spiral down, and it has been especially up and down this past couple of weeks.  I ask for your forgiveness that I cannot post more, as I have so much more I wish I could share. 

God is preparing us for something great, whatever it may be, and my husband and I are holding on to that hope that it will be for His glory and we will be blessed beyond measure when this trial (extremely long trial) is over.

Thank you'
Anna Boyd

A Workout What!?

So, today for the first time in forever I decided I was going to work out.

Now, mind you, I just had a baby (7 months ago)ha, and I usually don't "work out."

Exercise to me is suppose to be natural, you know, like shaking your bon bon to Shakira or someone else who makes me feel like my bon bon is worth shaking, but for some reason (perhaps the layer of fat that has signed a lease around my midsection) I decided to go for some ab-look-sexy-in-ten-minutes routine.

It was going all fine and dandy, you know, stretch here...stretch there, and then I had to some sort of sit up thingie.

So I'm thinking, "Yeah, I can do this," and then I get to the second sit up and I find myself fighting gravity.  I must admit at this point I thought this wouldn't be that hard, but gravity is tricky.  It kinda pushes us back to the ground, or so I tell myself.  I'm determined however and beat gravity, at least for a few reps. 

Being determined I fight my way to victory!  Half way through and then OFF.  What!  My body apparently has a command override and just stopped moving.  I'm laying there thinking what the heck!  I was doing good.

I took this as a sign though that I went to far.  Slow down, Anna.  Of course now I was forced to.  So, as I sit here writing this I realize I need to go a little slower.  I'm not giving up, no, I'm stubborn like that, but for now I'm gonna kick back and have some cake as a reward!

Crochet Beaded Sandals Tutorial

A while back I did a tutorial on how to add beads to crochet thread easily...  I finally bring you the reason why...bahahaha

My thought for the day:

The greatest beauty about the gifts that God gives us is that they increase the more we give them away. When we hold on to our gifts, our anointing, our blessings, it is then that we will see them decrease and find ourselves struggling to find what once was. If you want more of something, than give it away.









Please comment: Leave your thoughts behind.  Would love to do more and would love to know it is appreciated.  Thank you
Anna Boyd

Easy Microwaved Box Cake in a Mug

Have you ever craved a piece of cake, but you don't have a cake let alone a piece of one?  Well, fear not dear friend I have an answer to your dilemma (as long as you have a box of cake mix).

What you need:

• 1 Box of cake mix in your choice (I'm doing white)
• Water
• Whisk
• 1/4 cup measuring cup
• Coffee mug-necessary for the whole "Cake in a Mug" thing.  I guess you could use something else, but that would totally ruin the point.

• Topping of choice (I've got strawberries and a cream cheese icing)

First, you want to take your mug and measure out 1/4 cup of cake mix into it like so:

Next you want to (or you should, can't make you but it won't turn out right if you don't) add 1/8 a cup of water to your mug.  I usually just add half the quarter cup cause I'm too lazy to find an 1/8 a cup, if they even make one, so....yeah.

Take your little whisk and whisk it together.  It should have a pudding like consistency.

Like so.  

Next put in your microwave and cook for two minutes on half power.

Allow it to cool for a bit and add some toppings (I tried to take a pic but there was too much glare, but you can see my topping ;).

And enjoy...

Pssst...don't forget coffee ;)

My Diva Cup Adventure

Ok, so just so you are warned odds are this post may contain a little bit on the side of TMI.  You've been far warned.

First off, the reason I wanted to dive into this personal experience is because I have a condition called Uterine Didelphs.

This is a Uterus

Notice how it is normal, well, if you didn't know what normal looked like then now you do.

This is Uterine Didelphys.  It looks like there are two uteri but the truth is that it is one that is in half, or better put, only half grew on each side.

Each uteri side has it's own cervix and vaginal canal.

Now, I don't have two vaginas people.  I get that a lot, no, I really only have one on the outside.

I'm a tiny bit different than what is pictured as my uteri are a little more connected with a wall that separates them, and my left cervix is smaller than my right.

Okay, now you know my medical condition lets move on to the Diva Cup.

The Diva Cup  is a menstrual cup.  More information on it exactly can be found at the Home Website for The Diva Cup

This will explain in good detail what the Diva Cup is and how it is used, etch.  

Okay, now into the more personal stuff.  I just had to start using the Diva Cup yesterday, and it's been about 24 hours since I started using it.  It took about ten tries to get it in right, but once I did I was very glad.  It takes some getting used to, but I found it so much nicer than tampons or pads.

Also, I have not been cramping the way I usually do.  Now, that may be too soon to say much because I had a new baby in December and just started my period the first of  June.  (Yes, I am still breastfeeding for those wondering. I only breastfeed).  I'm just one of those lucky ones who have a period while lactating.

I did have some issues with it last night, leaking over night but not until the morning.  I looked it up and this usually happens if not inserted correctly, so I figured that's what happened because I know it wasn't the cups fault. ;)

I'll have more updates as time goes on and I get a better hang of it, but I am already loving it, plus the money I'll  save not buying tampons or pads.

Let me know if you have any experience with the Diva Cup or just if you have Uterine Didelphys.  I love to hear from you. :)

Crocheted Barefoot Sandals Free Pattern

 

 

 

Triangle Fan Barefoot Sandals Pattern

Materials Used:

Iris 100% cotton embroidery floss in five different colors (the same color can be used), if doing five different colors, 1 of each color in the center and 2 of the border color, change color after each row by finishing off the row and adding new color.

Size 1/ 2.75mm crochet hook

Clear nail polish

No gauge

Abbreviations

Ch	Chain
Ss	Slip stitch
Sc	Single crochet
Trc	Treble/triple crochet
3chpc	3 chain picot-chain 3 Ss in 3rd chain from hook
5chpc	5 chain picot-chain 5 Ss in 5th chain from hook
*	Repeat-used in each row-do not repeat * from previous row

Pattern:

Chain 5

Row 1: Trc in 5^th chain from hook 4 times, Ch 4, *Trc 5 times in same chain as previous Trc, Ch 4* repeat * 1 more time, ss in 4^th chain from base chain 5 (do not turn)

Row 2: Ch 1 Sc in same space (top of chain 5), *Ch 3, Sc in top of next Trc and repeat across each Trc with 3 Sc in between (4 Ch 3 spaces total).  Ch 2, Sc in Ch 4 space, 5chpc, Ch 2 Sc in top of next Trc.*  Repeat * around and Ss to join.

Row 3: Ss up into Ch 3 space, Ch 1 Sc into Ch 3 space, *Ch 3 Sc into next Ch 3 space, repeat again for 3 Ch 3 spaces, Ch 4, Sc in previous 5chpc and then 5chpc, Ch 4* Repeat * around and Ss to join

Row 4: Ss up Ch 3, Ch 1 Sc in Ch 3 space,* Ch 3, Sc in next Ch 3 space, Ch 3 Sc in next Ch 3 space.  (2 Ch 3 spaces).  Ch 7 sc in previous 5chpc and then 5chpc, Ch 7 Sc in top of next Ch 3 space *and continue* around and Ss to join

Row 5: Ss up Ch 3 space, Ch 1 Sc in same Ch 3 space,* Ch 3 Sc in next Ch 3 space, **Ch 3, 3chpc, Ch 2, Sc in Ch 7, Ch 3, 3chpc, Ch 2**, Sc in 5chpc, Ch 7 and then Sc again in the 5chpc, repeat ** Sc in Ch 3 space and repeat * around Ss to join and finish off.

Triangle made.

For the Ch going over the toe, connect to one Ch 7 corner and Ch 20-30 depending on toe size.  You know your toes better than me, ;).  Sc again into the Ch 7 corner and finish off.

For the straps, in each of the last two Ch 7 corners Ch 150-200 depending on preference, finish off.

For each area finished off you can add a drop of clear nail polish to make the knots more secure.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask, this is my first pattern so I hope it makes sense.  A drawn pattern is included for reference if you have trouble.

For more FREE patterns consider donating :).  This will help me write more free patterns as my husband will be encouraged that I'm not wasting my time, lol.

:)  God Bless

Want to make your own symbol patterns??  Please check out my Crochet Symbol Font with tutorials to come explaining how you can create your own circular, linear, and triangular patterns.

Crocheted Flower Ring

So, while watching Conspiracy Theories with Jesse Ventura last night I crocheted a flower ring. Do you like? 

I'm thinking I'm gonna post a free pattern for this later. I'm still writing up the free barefoot sandal pattern and will have that later today (fingers crossed). I need to write up my pattern I'm selling cause I need the dough, but what can I say, I get greater joy in giving things away. ;)

Thought for the moment:

You are responsible for YOUR walk with God. You are not responsible for anyone elses walk. You can help and gently guide, but don't judge because their walk is not your walk and you don't know the path God is guiding them on.

To a dear friend who is loved by God with an Everlasting Love. True friends hold you in your trials, they never kick you when you're down.

Crochet Barefoot Sandals

So I find myself being inspired lately by the barefoot sandals of the summer and wanting to make my own.

I also need a way to make a little money until my husband gets disability, a fight that is hopefully coming to an end this summer (later).

Living with a MIL should have some advantages, like a babysitter but alas not always the case, especially when she doesn't think anything you do will work. But, I am not deterred.

Soon I will have a free pattern for the ones on my feet there below, and I will have a pattern to sell for the Rose Lace one. Will have it on Etsy, as soon as I make a new shop. I still have the old, and need to fix some things in that, but we'll see.

Let me know what you think. Positive feedback is encouraging.

:-)

Instagram Photos on PC

So, as I've mentioned before, I fell in love with Instagram.  Just how you can take your pics and then add a nice touch to them.  It certainly makes the ordinary, well, not so ordinary.

I found myself in a pickle the other day with the prospect of putting pictures from my camera (my camera camera) onto my phone simply to "instagram" them.  As much as I love instagram it does have some limits, and having every pic for all to see is not always necessary. 
Well, for the pics I just wanted for my PC I found Pixlr-o-matic, it's free and just plain cool.


Check it out, check it out, check...it...out...

Childhood Conspiracy

Child wants a bath.....

Mom says, "no, you had a bath last night."

After dinner child has chocolate pudding. Child's brain starts turning.

5 minutes later...

"Mom, I need a bath."

Mom turns around to see child covered in chocolate pudding.

Child gets a bath.....

It's a conspiracy...

Lessons From the Syfy Channel...

If there is a large man eating dinosaur running loose outside a building you are in, do not, I repeat,  do not run outside the building to get to the building across the street.
1) You are not a chicken
2) Odds are you will be eaten
A lesson you shouldn't have to learn by experience...

Prayer For The Church: Jeremy Riddle Chord Chart

Prayer For The Church

Jeremy Riddle

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

JEREMY RIDDLE


 A DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Where she is weak strengthen arms now, steady feet

DMaj7 A

 That she would care for, she would seek

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Welcoming Your lost and wounded sheep coming home to You

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7 (B.Gtr -A ‘groove’)

Where she is stained, bring Your healing, bring Your rain

 AMaj7 DMaj7

Wash away now her disgrace ‘till she shines in white, she radiates

 AMaj7 DMaj7

She now mirrors You

(We’re praying)

 A D F#min D

No more compromises, no more moral crises

 Esus D AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Tonight may she move and act as You

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7 (B.Gtr -A ‘groove’)

Where she is right give her courage for the fight

DMaj7 AMaj7

 Full of salt now, full of light

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7

Standing firm where truth and love collide, she remains in You

 A D F#min D

No more compromises, no more moral crises

 Esus D A D

Tonight may she move and act as You

A D F#min D

No more small divisions, no more lack of wisdom

 Esus D/F# A D

Tonight may she move and act as You

A D F#min D

 Now she’s shining, her light is blinding, as she sings Your name

Esus D/F # A D

 Now she’s beauty, up from the ashes, Your love is on her face

 AMaj7 DMaj7 AMaj7

Where she is strong keep her moving, pressing on

DMaj7 AMaj7

 Bringing justice, righting wrongs

 DMaj7 AMaj7 DMaj7 A D/A A D/A

Demonstrating now Your Kingdom come, she’s in step with You

 A D AMaj7 DMaj7 F#min Esus

CCLI#5351378

Instagram Love

So, I joined up on the Instagram bandwagon, and am thoroughly enjoying myself. Take a looksie.  Will have more as my addition grows. :)

Tablet Cover DIY

So, my mom got me an android tablet for my birthday  and I love it.  Now, it's no high end tablet, but it does a good job.

The problem with the tablet, however, is not necessarily with the tablet.  Have you seen the covers out there?  The ones that make your tablet look like a book?  Not very pretty.  So, I made my own.

And......wah lah...

Here's the inside...

I'm thinking of making a tutorial on how to do this easy DIY.  Subscribe to my blog or youtube channel and let me know if you'd like to see how to make this :)
Youtube Channel....HERE

A Shawl For a Friend

My friend found a shawl through pinterest that she loved, and really wanted.  So I'm making her one ;).

The shawl on Etsy could be found HERE.

Here is a picture of it

Beautiful isn't it.   Buttttt....did you see the price $475!!!!  Man, I really need to get selling on Etsy.  Who's with me?!

Despite the price, I'm not deterred, because I can make it myself :).

It's not a perfect match, but I'm working on "just as good" not "perfect."

Here's my progress.  I hope she is happy with it when I finally finish it. 

As always, God Bless you Always

Anna

A Piece of Heaven

There are just those moments in life where you take your child and you breathe them in like oxygen. You realize how close to heaven you really are when you lay close to them.

Life is only as full of those moments as you allow. Please allow.

God Bless Always