Simple Woman's Daybook

My own version of the Simple Woman's Daybook for today:

Outside my window...it is cold again with some snow expected, but there are a lot of birds returning so I know spring is definitely on the way.

I am thinking...about our Supreme Court and the case they will hear this month that could change the definition of marriage for the entire nation.  Doing a lot of praying concerning that outcome.

I am thankful for...Today every need is met.  I could worry about provision for tomorrow, next month, the rest of this year, but instead I choose to be thankful that all is provided for today. 

From the kitchen...there is no inspiration.  I have chicken thawing but don't know what I'll do with it for dinner yet.  Any suggestions? lol

I am creating...cute Easter/Spring cards (photo below) for my Etsy shop.  I love bunnies!

I am reading...Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs. 

Around the house...laundry is in the process of being done.  A pile waits in the bathroom, a load is in the dryer, and another load waits to be folded as soon as I'm done with this post.

On my MP3 player this week...still playing the soundtrack to Mama Mia.  It keeps me on my exercise bike longer!

One of my favorite things: Real, hardcopy books.  I still don't have a Kindle, Nook, or any other kind of e-reader.  Someday I might, but I really do prefer the feel of a real book in my hands.

One of my least favorite things...noise.  It seems to be everywhere and with my sensitive ears, always seems louder than it probably is.  I love quiet.

A Simple Grace Note: Dear son received his acceptance letter to a local campus of Indiana University.  It was his first choice knowing the only realistic way we could afford to help with college was for him to live at home and commute.  Representatives from the university's school of music were at the state high school music competition where he received gold medals in both solo and ensemble (saxophone) and invited him to audition for their music program, which he did last week. We're waiting to hear if he is admitted to the school of music or not and whether any scholarships are forthcoming, but the director also invited him to come to their band practices now even though he isn't a student there yet.  (Edit: Just got the confirmation letter saying he's been accepted into the music program!)

Another grace note is that I was able to secure our local library's meeting room for Nate's graduation open house in June and discovered that because I am a former Library Board member, I won't be charged the rental fee.  Every savings helps and it was a blessing to find favor this way.

My simple devotion: "...what's most attractive about us is not ultimately the shape of our lips or the sensuousness of our bodies but the beauty of the soul we have.  Are we generous or stingy, patient or prickly, forgiving or faultfinding?  In the day to day, these are the qualities that either endear us to or alientate us from people. 

But wait.  What do such things have to do with righteousness?  To modern ears, the word sounds priggish and unattractive because we equate righteousness with self-righteousness.  But if that were so, why would Jesus commend those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?  To be righteous is simply to be in right relationship with God and others.  In stead of fighting God, we allow him to reshape us so that we become more like him.  ...True righteousness is not something repellant but something attractive and compelling, a shining of God's light and life into a dark world, desperate for his love."

From a devotional about righteousness by Ann Spangler in The Names of God Bible.

A Picture to Share: Bunny Cards