Heart Choices: 2011-11-06 -->

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Not a DIY Diva ~ A Must Read



Not A DIY Diva is an eBook written by Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room.  I began following her blog several years ago and this book is a natural extension of her philosophy of finding beauty and contentment in our homes.  She is such an encouraging person and has reached out to me several times just when I most needed it.  Thank you Melissa!

Melissa is all about being authentic.  She readily admits that she's not the best 'do it yourselfer'.  She recognizes that you can't do it all perfectly.  After all, she's a mom to three children, a wife and a writer.  

I had to chuckle at the tag line "How to Create an Authentically-Inspired Life in a Pinterest World".  I love Pinterest but it does have a a tendency to distract me and increase my wishlist when I don't use it as an organizational tool.  At least, that's what I tell myself.  (But it really does organize my recipes.)


The eBook is divided into two parts.  The first part is about overcoming obstacles on your journey to authenticity. The second part is about staying inspired to continue living authentically.

Here's a sneak peak into the first chapter:

How many of you can identify with this?  I'm raising my hand for sure. I don't know about you but looking at some of those beautiful homes in magazines sometimes causes discontent with what I have.  

Melissa is a dreamer (like me) but she shares what she's learned along the way.

I’m still a dreamer in search of a fairy tale, but now I’m on the road to creating
the kind of dream life that was meant just for me. In learning what it means to
live an authentic life, I am finding greater purpose, fulfillment, and contentment.
Instead of chasing a life meant for someone else, I’m endeavoring to embrace the
life I have without excuses or unrealistic expectations.


I found Not a DIY Diva engaging and easy to read.  At times, I found myself laughing in agreement.  But I also began to think long and hard about my own uniqueness.  What truly inspires me?  What 'home inspiration words' describe my family?  Melissa gave me much to consider, including the courage to simply be myself.

Whether you live in a beautiful mansion or a small apartment, I will guarantee that you will finds pearls of wisdom from reading this eBook.  You will love Melissa along the way too.

And did I mention that the cost of this eBook is ...only $3.99!!!!

It's less expensive than one of those glossy magazines with all those beautiful homes.

So, check out the website and find out more about Melissa Michael's Not a DIY Diva.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this eBook by Melissa but was not asked for a review.  I simply couldn't help myself.  :)

Blessings and love,



QuickEdit

The Blessing of Joy


Blessings come in all shapes and sizes.  But they can be so easy to miss when I'm focusing my mind on all of my difficulties or all that's wrong in this world.  It's very possible I could miss something beautiful right in front of my eyes.

Google Image
This morning I woke up to rain outside.  Now that may not seem like a big deal to many of you but it is a rare sight in Phoenix.  Finally, the fall season has arrived and I can begin to wear a sweater.  Woo hoo!

I don't know where my umbrella is but frankly, I don't even mind getting a bit wet.  The rain feels good.  I sat on the back covered patio in the dark so I could hear the raindrops as they fell to the ground. And I thanked God for the rain.

#212 Much needed rain

#213 The sound and the smell of the rain


Friends of mine are missionaries overseas.  Pete and Susan are on furlough but return to Taiwan soon.  I attended a gathering on Saturday evening so we'd have the opportunity to spend time together.  What a joy that was!

Here are a few photos:

Susan and Annie
We laughed, we sang, we ate, we praised God, we shared testimonies, and we were served the Lord's Supper.




What a blessing to be among life long friends.  We all met many years ago in church.  Each one of us has been on a journey with a story to tell.  I  noticed that in our sharing time, each one gave praise to God even in the midst of trials and difficulties.  It's not always been an easy road following Christ.  But it is so worth it. How thankful we are that He never gives up on us!

Helen and John hosted the evening.  How blessed I felt to be a part of this community of believers.  And of course, I had to post a photo of my friend Helen in her kitchen.


And finally, here's Pete and Susan sharing a kiss.  How cute they are!


#214  Spending time with life long friends

#215  Hearing about the faithfulness of God

#216 Praising God in song

#217  Sharing Communion with my friends

#218  The sound of laughter and joy

#219  Having FUN

So how about you?

Are you counting those everyday blessings yet?

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience.

 

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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