Do It Yourself Upholstery Repair

Well, there I was yesterday after just coming back from an invigorating morning walk in Suburbia, I was ready to tackle the housework.  I decided to vacuum.  Easy enough, right?  You'd think anyway.  There I was, vacuuming the living room, minding my own business, when I heard the dreaded sound of grinding motors and the faint smell of "somethin' burnin'!" I looked down to see the carnage. Believe it or not, it was my couch!  Specifically, the skirt of the couch.

Now, I must tell you, I bought the couch as part of a 3 piece living room set exactly 15 years ago as a showroom model for $800 (50% off!  That was a no-brainer!)  With a bustling family of 5, the couch especially has been through the ringer, but we (I) still find it just as lovely as the day they delivered it and it has held up extremely well.  Yes, it's "a little worn", but again, it's our big, comfy couch.

I'd been noticing for some time that the skirt was beginning to fray where it's rubbed against the wooden frame.  I guess 15 years can do that.  It doesn't help that I have rammed the vacuum into it for said 15 years.  However, when I rammed it this time, perhaps those aging fibers finally decided enough was enough.  Whether it be a suicide attempt or a means to make a break for freedom, I couldn't say.  Their unwitting accomplice, formerly named Hoover, provided the solution and up they went.

After the harrowing rescue, I assessed the damage.  Not too bad, I thought.  I can fix it! I got out my good ol' needed and thread, 2 metal clips and settled.  I folded the skirt back and clipped each end to the cushion to secure my workspace.  I sewed a stitched line straight across the tear and Voila!  Good as new!  Not a bad start.  Now, of course, I'll have to do the other side to ensure continuity, but it looks great!

Total Cost:  $0.00

How Has God Shown Himself in Your Life Today? Share Your "God's Clues"!

As I go through my life, I seek out reminders of God. Like fingerprints on a sliding glass door, I look for evidence that He's there.  Reassurance of His purpose for my life, that I'm following His will, or just a daily affirmation.    I like to call them "God's Clues".   Kind of like Blue's Clues, only better.

Yesterday, I was out in the backyard feeding the ducks.  Ducks visit me on a daily basis starting in the spring.  I've always loved nature and have a soft spot in my heart for animals.  Judging from the number of mallards I have managed to attract this year (4 sets!) I think they've instituted some type of "hobo code", advertising that my house offers "Good Eats, Safe House"not unlike the chalk markings on fence posts used by train-hopping hobos in the 1930s.

As I was feeding them, I was lost in thought, fretting about what many of us fret about...finances.  All of a sudden, I had a moment of clarity.   God spoke directly to my heart, "See these ducks?  They don't worry about money, mortgages, or even their life's purpose.  Yet, I take care of them." And then he reminded me how much more precious to Him I was.  With that, my worries, along with my duck food, disappeared.  

Some days I have to look harder than others, but I always, always find God's Clues.

What are your God's Clues?  

What's The Best Christian Blog of 2013? The Commit Manual by Stack Goings!

     I am always on the lookout for good, credible Christian blogs.  Blogs that I go to again and again to fill me spiritually.  One of the best Christian blogs of 2013 has got to be The Commit Manual by Stack Goings.  I mentioned this blog last year and for the 2nd year in a row I rate it as The Best Blog, again!  It just keeps getting better and better.  This thought-provoking blog offers a fresh perspective for Christian parents like me but also has some relevant advice for today's adolescents and young adults, which is great for my teenagers.
     I have one son in middle school and two daughters in high school.  My oldest daughter, who is currently researching colleges was considering attending a Christian college.  I just happened to be reading Stack's blog considering the question whether Christian colleges do a disservice to Christian youth.  Are they creating disciples for Jesus Christ?  Are they going against what the Bible teaches about being a good steward?  It really made me think.
     
 

Do It Yourself Articles of Interest

I thought I'd share a few interesting Do It Yourself articles.

Selected articles I've written for Buzzle.com:

To Join or Not To Join...Are Gym Memberships Really Worth It?

Here Comes The Bride, All Dressed in....GREEN?

The Secret of Wedding Success Lies With The Little Things

Eating God's Way, The Whole Nutritional Truth About Healthy Eating

Kid-Friendly Hiking Tips for Families on the Go!

Selected articles I've written for ConnectedPhotographer.com:

Do It Yourself High School Senior Portraits

How To Manage All Those Vacation Photos!

Planning the Perfect Scrapbook Layout

Chee-eeeeese! How To Take Great Photographs of your Family

Making Kid-Friendly Scrapbooks That Are A Hit With Young Children

Please let me know what you think.

As Far as Inspirational Christian Blogs of 2012 Go, The Commit Manual is Really Thought-Provoking!

If you want to really learn something about walking with Christ, then I suggest you visit The Commit Manual by Stack Goings.  His writing inspires me daily!  I'll let his writing "speak" for itself.

Do It Yourself Pet Rocks! It's Fun, and Whimsical!

I just recently started to paint rocks. How fun! I used acrylic paint and rocks that I find.  I pick them up and if I see something in it, I just what I see. I made an Ohio State rock, a Guinea Pig rock and a Mermaid rock so far.  One of my favorite words is whimsical.  I think these are really whimsical. Thanks again for reading and have a great day! God bless!

The Official Blog of "Do It Yourself"-ers and Other Whimsical Christian Stewards

This is officially my first day as a blogger.  As I try to become a better steward of what God has given me and my family, I will use this medium to share my creative alternatives to retail, store-bought, or any other pricey (my perspective) items that I need and/or want.  My prayer is to combine all of my time, talents and treasures to inspire others to use their God-given spiritual gifts and talents for His glory and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to be good stewards of what God gives us. Follow me as I take a new step in faith!

Thanks for taking the time to read this!
 Blessings!