Let it Go...Or Don't {Weekend Link Love}

Yes, that tween anthem has been stuck in my head too + the snowman's song which is infinitely better if you ask me and my two year old.

There are somethings that we need to let go of and I'm learning more and more things that are worth hanging on to with a fierce might. Here are a few posts that made me stand between letting it go and hanging on this week. 

Please Don't Say, "They Are Poor But They're Happy" 

{Maybe we need to let this way of thinking go? Over at alifeoverseas.com by Rachel Pieh Jones}

Mental Illness Shows No Partiality  

{A post on letting go of shame over in the Velvet Ashes community}

Learning to Boil Water 

{A story of women in Cambodia on the Samaritan's Purse blog #RestoredMotherhood}

Letting Go of the Need for Approval 

{A radio interview with Jennifer Dukes Lee}

This tableware is the perfect way to hang on to every sweet bite 

{From Heirloom Home and Studio on etsy}

Dear Future Mom {Happy World Down Syndrome Day (it was yesterday)} This is for my sweet niece who is a ball of joy that was so unexpected to all of us, but for which we are humbly, incredibly, deeply grateful to God for. 



Spoken word with Amena Brown Owen and Ann Voskamp- YES! YES!


WWII Widow's Journey for Reconciliation- this will move and inspire you. Don't skip.

Worth A Second Look {Weekend Link Love}

There are those times in life that we just need a second chance, a second look, another opportunity to right something in a world gone wrong. Some of the most beautiful stories are ones about folks who shouldn't have made it, things that shouldn't have been accomplished.

This is probably impossible, but I'm gonna ask anyway  

{Let's be a part of the impossible made possible with Lisa-Jo, ya in?}

Celebrating Might Girl Heroes: 10 Women You Might Not Know But Should 

{This is a phenomenal list with women full of soul stirring stories.}

Norwegian 7 year old has the voice and soul of Billie Holiday  

{As a jazz lover this knocked me off my feet!}

When Two Lesbians Walk Into Church Seeking Trouble  

{Things that make you go "Hmmmmm"}

Boy's Adoption Story Brings Anchor to Tears 

{This video is a beautiful example of giving the least among us a second chance}

Some vintage items that will make you swoon 

{All of this beauty from Knick of Time on Etsy}

My week's anthem by the Rend Collective.


And because this Southern girl wants to leave you aching for some porch sitting and sweet tea sipping. This. 

Over the Rainbow {Weekend Link Love}

My mama's favorite movie was the Wizard of Oz and when I was really small I vividly remember seeing Dorothy's world go from black and white to technicolor. This week I stumbled across a few places on the internet that were moments of brilliance in my black and white day to day. Enjoy a few of them with me. 

Walking through Fire 

{Beautiful World Magazine article on the way Elisabeth Elliott Gren holds fast to Scripture despite her dementia}

On a Dishrag Kind of Day and the Friend that Turned it Around 

{Oh the truth that just seeps out of this one by the sweet Anna Rendell- a girl that I truly wish was my neighbor, but will settle for being long distance friends with.}

18 Things Highly Creative People Do Differently 

{This is a bit of a viral post, but it was inspiring to me this week so there!}

These prints just scream Spring! 

{Seriously, these prints from Pen and Paint on Etsy are so sweet!}

Pink knocked it out of the park with this!

And in case you need a little something more, remember this:

When You Want Something More {Weekend Link Love}

I'm craving Spring. My toes are aching for freedom from boots. I seriously thought I might lose it this week. We had a taste of Spring last weekend and then it vanished and a wee girl with an ear infection appeared.

Sometimes we want more than the status quo. We want more than the same old same old. We want the light to break in and push the truth deeper into our souls. Here are some posts that do that.

Good News For Girls: Valentines+Selfies+Empathy 

{Because I can't link to all of these posts and they are just too amazing not to share!}

Don't Send Your Used Clothing to Africa. Or Maybe Do Send Them 

{A thoughtful and informative piece from Rachel Pieh Jones}

I Think We May Be Missing Something Very Important 

{From Kristen Welch, she just keeps knockin' them out of the park lately}
This 4 Year Old Makes Paper Dresses With Her Mom 
{This is amazing! Way more than I could imagine!}

What You Need To Know About Her  

{Because I just love this gal and she speaks encouragement and truth in a way we all need.}
This gorgeous dress.
{I have been a fan of Atelier Signature since I got a dress for a wedding from her for a steal.}

I'm on a mission to make sure everyone sees this. Paul Rudd. We salute you. 

Spring is near. I can feel it in my bones. Happy weekend friends!

Seeing Things Differently {Weekend Link Love}

It's okay to change. There is your permission. Let your mind be changed, let your soul be moved, allow the Gospel to change everything about you. Sometimes the biggest thing we need to change is our perspective.

Here are a few links about perspective and change for your weekend. Enjoy!

The story of an unsuspecting teacher changing lives in and out of the classroom. 

{This is a beautiful story that I think is a  must watch!}

This Is What Happens When Hip-Hop Let's The Saints In 

{A great read over at Huffpost about the rapper Lecrae and what being a rapper who is a Christian means- maybe it means more for all of us then we realize?}

Our Sacred Scared  

{This series over at Momastery might just make your re-think the pedestals that you put some of your fave bloggers/writers on and might make you see your own fears a bit differently.}

Jubilee: Insight From The Next Generation  

{This was so insightful from Deidra Riggs}

How a Train Bathroom Taught Me About My Identity 

{A great read over at the Velvet Ashes community this week}

Mis-Matched Dinnerware  

{Oh how I love this vintage beauty from Top Drawer Finds on Etsy.}

On calling, unity and the whole Body: what it means to gather 

{This by Tsh Oxenreider. Truly a game changer}

Here is my most read post of the week in case you missed it:

 For Those Walking The Cliff's Edge {How to Balance in a Broken World}

{Here is a bit of Johnny Cash. Because he was one of those people that proved that we can change and that good music is good medicine.}

The Art of Love {Weekend Link Love}

There is the notion that the maddening rush of new love is the best. The notion that the love experienced then is somehow higher more fulfilling. The longer I spin on this planet the more I think that love is a layered oil painting. It changes as the years go and the light catches on the shadows.

While you're polishing off that box of chocolates I thought you might like a few good reads for the weekend. Here are a few that catch light in all the most beautiful ways.

Habits of a Hot Marriage in the Middle of Motherhood and Monotony 

{Kristen Welch over at Huffpost's Weddings section}

Use Your Words: Valentine's Day the Cheap Way 

{This was good inspiration from Mandy Scarr}
Six Words You Should Say Today 
{Because our words have power, especially in our children's lives}

How to get more passion in your life  

{In which Lisa-Jo Baker proves that scared is the new brave and starts a God-sized journey to build a community center in South Africa. Join Phase 1}

 "Fall in Love with the World Next Door" necklace
{$12 from the purchase of this necklace by Krafty Kash goes to support the building of the Maubane Community Center in South Africa. Choose from "Brave", "Family" or "Pray"}
My Granny's Chocolate Cobbler 
{I have shared this before, but if you want to let the chocolate lovers in your life know that you truly love them simply make this. I believe it can change the world.}
9 Real Life Love Stories That Are Better Than The Movies 
{Because most real life love stories are better than the movies.}
When God Does the Miracle We Didn't Ask For 
{Oh how He loves us even when we don't think He does.}

Click on over and back Phase 1 of the Pure Charity project to build a community center in South Africa.

Create Life {Weekend Link Love}

I've been thinking a lot about personalities and what each of us bring to the table. It seems to me that if we don't bring what we have then something will be missing. Your eye for detail. My constant internal dialogue. Your work ethic. My need to create constantly.

Those are good things. Things that can be used for the sake of the Gospel.

Here are some links to bring to put it all in perspective: 

THE GAP by Ira Glass 

{For all of us who feel like we are just starting out in our craft or even those who've been at it for awhile.}

When Satan Steals Your Motherhood 

{from Christie Elkins over at Letters From The Nest}

Blackberry Scones  

{I got a load of blackberries cheap so I am kind of on a kick}

10 Additional Uses For Nail Polish 

{I just thought this was a fun post. Might try a few of these ideas out myself!}

Dear Donald Miller  

{An interesting response...is the way out deeper in?}

Damn Vices 

{An arrow shot achingly beautiful and straight by Deidra Riggs as she reflects on {more than} the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman}

Occupy Life With Beauty {Weekend Link Love}

A sweet friend and all around inspiring woman posted on Facebook the other night a challenge to fill up the space with art and beauty. #OccupyFacebookWithArt was the hashtag and everyone who liked her post of Dega's ballet dancers were invited to post a piece of art themselves. I got Ansel Adams. One of my favorites as a girl who used to sleep under the stars for weeks on end.

Ansel Adams, Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite Valley 1942

It was a bit silly. I mean the one thing we need more of on Facebook is pictures, right? But here is the thing. I'm just so sick of all the talk bout polar vortexes, and Obama this or that, or how so and so did such and such at the Grammys.

I'm over it. SO OVER IT!

My simple act of posting Ansel Adams' photo of snow clouds clearing from capped mountains felt rebellious and good.

Here are a few links from the week that reminded me that the internet is still a good place to be.

 The Doctor Who Walked 6 Miles In The Snow To Perform Life Saving Surgery 

{We need more people to see their work, their lives like this}
 Compassion Bloggers in Uganda 
{The words of the writers in Uganda were supremely moving, heart-wrenching and hopeful. Take the time to give them a read.}
How To Find Your Creativity
{Sarah Markley's words were a gift to me this week. Slow. Turn down the noise. Creativity is found in those places.}

So you can now pre-order sweet Lisa-Jo's book Surprised by Motherhood 

{Que the squeeing for her!}

{Give this little ditty by Switchfoot a listen. Is this the world you want?}

Still Frame Studio 

{This is some serious hand-lettered beauty from some of my sweet irl friends.}

Easy Cheesy Potato Soup from the amazing Amy J. Bennett

{This week was cold. That meant we needed some warm soup. This recipe was really easy and GOOD! I've always struggled to find a good potato soup recipe. This will be my go-to from now on! Enjoy!}

When You Need More Than One Day For Thanks {Weekend Link Love}

This is the week that Americans set aside for thanks.

I don't know about you, but I need more than that. I need a mindset of thanks. A way to tune my mind to thanks 365 days a year.

This weekend make it a time to focus on the abundance of life that is every day. Here are a few links to help us along.

An Open Letter to My Sisters in the Suburbs 

 {This post was so important to me this week. If you've ever felt like you need to do more or be more or move somewhere to be in the center of God's purpose for your life...well...don't.}
Raising Grateful Kids in An Entitled World
{This. From Kristen Welch of We Are THAT Family}

Dressember  

{I'm going to be filling you in a bit more on this December project I'm a part of, but take a look at the site and think about how you might take part. Below is a sneak peek at what I'm up to.}

5 Ways to Take Back Thanksgiving 

{Another great one from We Are That Family}
Tips for Taking Photos for Christmas Cards
{For every frazzled mama who just wants her kiddos to cooperate and get a decent photo. This perspective from a family photographer over at Lisa-Jo's place}

Sausage, Dried Cranberry and Apple Stuffing  

{A recipe I started making in Liberia and can't go without on Thanksgiving now}
 

And what would any holiday be without my playlists? It would probably be fine, but I like to think that these tunes make them just a bit better. ENJOY!

Soundtrack to Thanks                                        Soundtrack to Cooking

For the Weeks That Didn't Go as Planned {Weekend Link Love}

We're on week two of the great Kenyan adventure. The wee girl and I have taken to the road to pass the time. Everything was going well until a stomach bug leveled me. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but you know what? You survive.

Here are some links to make your weekend a time to do more than survive. Let's thrive.

Downton Abbey MBTI Chart 

 {I'm an INFJ/ENFJ in case you wondered.}

10 True Things About the First Year of Parenthood  

{I'm loving this post from Girl of Cardigan}

It's a Wonderful Life Fridge Magnet  

{I'm a Jimmy Stewart fan. Swoon. I love these pieces by Blue Crab Magnets}

Creative Personalized Gift Giving Ideas 

{Great ideas from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam} 

Add one more stop to your weekend and come over to check out the all new Velvet Ashes community. A community to encourage women serving overseas. Check it out and share it with women that you know that could benefit from this community. 

Take Time to Find the Art {Weekend Link Love}

Sometimes the color seems like it is draining right out of life. The weekend can be a time to see, with new eyes, all of the beauty and color that is there. Even when we can't see. Enjoy a few links that will color your life, quite literally.

Realistically colorized historical images make the past seem incredibly real  

{This will stun you. Seriously, take a moment to take a peek.}

DIY Burlap wreath 

{Make something beautiful for your home- update the colors for a gorgeous holiday wreath.}

Labradorite Necklace 

{By RazzleBeDazzle on etsy}

The Vibrant Colors of India: 25 pictures that will take your breath away 

{Amazing colors from an amazing country}

Did you read my post on "The Real Art of Motherhood" over at (in)courage's Bloom Book Club yesterday? Thanks to those of you that came back here and commented and entered to win a signed copy of Emily P. Freeman's A Million Little Ways!

The winners are Heather McCool and Tonya Regular. Email me at handmedowngrace(at)gmail(dot)com so that I can get your book on it's way to you!

Make Your Weekend a Gift {Weekend Link Love}

Love em' or hate em' Uncle Si will make you laugh and eternally refer to Operation Christmas Child as "Operation Chipmunk Child".



Then go take a bit of his advice- not the part about the fireworks however- and pack a shoebox. Make it a family affair! National collection week is November 18-25!

I also want to gather up a group to pray for my friend Alia who will be winging her way with a gaggle of mama friends (including her very own mama!) to Kenya for 10 days. She's leaving the same day as my husband will be to go to East Africa and I figure I might as well roll my prayers for him into a bigger project of faith and prayer. So go check out what Alia and these amazing women are doing and pin them to your refrigerator for the next 10 days.

Whatever you do this weekend I hope that it is a gift. A gift of rest to your own soul. A gift of compassion and mercy to another heart. Whatever it is make it a gift.

Before Time Gets Away {Weekend Link Love}

My life is about to enter a season of craziness and right now I feel like I am chasing chickens. Yeah, you know how they dart around and you can't ever seem to hold them still once you've gotten your hands on them. Is it only me with experience chicken wrangling?

Well, anyways, here are a few links that might slow you down a bit and ease the stress of it all. {Sorry, chickens not included}

Enjoy.

Downton Abbey Hipster  

{This will make you spew water out of your nose so caution. I'm a DA fan and I have a strange fascination with hipster culture so it really got to me}

When You're Too Fat for A Fix 

{By my friend Alia Joy who just might be one of the most honest and real bloggers and women that I know. I appreciate this raw piece that rings truth and love.}

When Only Your Heart Gets to Go  

{By Gretchen Louise and for all of you not able to attend Allume this year. I'm going to miss some of you terribly. You know who you are.}

What Martha Stewart and Mr. Rogers Can Teach Us About Art 

{Emily Freeman made the list again. Surprise, surprise. This was something to ponder that I'm still thinking about two days later. Plus, I just love that Mr. Rogers video. Gets me every time.}

Jerry Springer Scones: A Love Story 

{A great write about peacemaking with pics of food to boot over at A Deeper Story}

Thankful Pillows  

{Really lovin' these for the season from Urban Style Stitches on Etsy}

Quinoa Banana Muffins 

{From The Sweets Life- They are protein packed and another great way to use old nanners and extra quinoa (so hipster I know)}

Slow it Down and Turn it UP {Weekend Link Love}

If you've had a busy week then take a minute to kick up your feet and turn up the music even higher. You might even take a minute to enjoy a few of these stops along the way. Dance in your seat a bit and give these a read!

20 Things Every Twentysomething Should Know How to Do 

{A post on Relevant Magazine's website- I agree with 75% of these things especially the ones about knowing how to interact with other people.}

What It Means to Be a Girl in Our World 

{Another one from Kristen Welch of We are THAT Family and can I just say? Spot on.}

When Life Feels Like It's Stuck on Repeat 

{This one was written just for me and of that I am certain. Another beauty from Lisa-Jo}

Dear Mom Who Can't Afford Organic Food  

{Erin from The Humbled Homemaker really speaks grace for so many of us in this post}

Politics, Social Media and More Important Things  

{An article on Christianity Today's website by Ed Stetzer that I yelled a big ol' "Amen" at.}

Gorgeous glass acorn necklace 

{Stumbled upon this beauty by Bullseyebeads on Etsy and just fell in love. Can we say "wishlist"?}

Fall in Love {2013} 

My fall playlist, finally. I know you were waiting with bated breath.You're welcome.

A Bit of a Getaway {Weekend Link Love}

This weekend my husband and I are headed away for a bit of anniversary fun- complete with a Grace Potter and the Nocturnals concert! Squeeeeeee!!!!!! Maybe you need to get away a bit too? A bit of a break from the 9-5 mentality?

Here are some things to peruse and ponder in the most beautiful of ways.

10 Ridiculously Easy Fall Projects over at Simple Mom
{I concur that 75% of these are doable even for my level of laziness and oh so cute!}

5 Reasons Marriage Cynics are Wrong 
 {Over on Relevant Magazine's site- seemed appropriate as my husband and I celebrate nearly 8 years this weekend!}

A Guide to Living Scared by Kristen Welch of We are THAT Family
{This especially spoke to me as my hubs heads to Kenya in a few short weeks}

Life is Freaking Brutiful
{Over at Momastery- this is just an amazingly honest and real piece of writing}

There are so many amazing 31 Days Series out there! Here are a few from dear friends of mine {forgive me if I left you out, you are no less dear.}

Karrilee Aggett {31 Days of Encountering God}
Kelly Mahalak {31 Days of Random Thoughts}
Becky Daye {31 Days Letter Writing}
Amy Tilson {31 Days to Change the World for Less than $50}
Reeve Coobs {31 Days of What Love is All About}
Amy Davis {31 Days of Art to Giveaway}
Rici Reid {31 Days of Loving My Mommy Body}
Crystal Stine {31 Days of Community}

Oh and here is a link to my own 31 Days: 31 Days of Extraordinary Ordinary

How to Make the Weekend Last {Weekend Link Love}

Sometimes we need to scrape together as much beauty as we can on the weekends to carry us through the week. Gather those you love close, light a candle, dance like a crazy woman, pick some apples, do whatever you can to gather joy for the road ahead.

Here are some stops for the journey...

100 thing I want to teach my daughter by Lisa-Jo Baker
{As a mama of a daughter this makes me shout, "Yes, yes, yes!"}

In which we can only testify by our absence from church a guest post by Anne Bogel over at Sarah Bessey's place. {Because this is reality for so many}
Believe the Best by Lisa Whittle
{I think we all struggle with this sometimes. Either about ourselves or about someone we know.}
Maybe start packing shoeboxes?
{We've been collecting items for a few weeks and I'm so excited to box it up and get it on it's way!}
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
{It's all about the fall right now and these cookies do the trick-perfect with cider! Believe me because they didn't have chocolate in them and I still liked them!}

Have you downloaded your free piece of art yet? It is my gift of beauty to you! 

What a Weekend Can Be {Weekend Link Love}

These days that cap each week- they can be pure grace. A respite from the storm of Monday through Friday. I hope that is what you are experiencing this week and even if this is the calm before the storm know that He is the same on Monday as He is on Sunday- ever faithful.

Here are some stops for your weekend...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, Thank You Food Network

{Because maybe just maybe you need to do a baking exchange with someone and these will fit the bill!}

How to Find (or Refind) your Passion by Amy Lynn Andrews

{This might help with the Monday-Friday blues}
An easy way to find time to study the Bible by Katie Orr on Inpired to Action
{Because what mama doesn't need a little help in this area? Katie so gets it!}
NS Pottery on Etsy 
{I keep gazing at the beauty. Feel free to get me a Christmas gift or two}
Prancercise and Pistachios

{When my friend Anna tweeted me this I almost fell over. Seriously Prancercise lady, way to make a career out of a bizarre personality and exercise routine. Give it a watch.}

My most read post of the week: Welcome to (in)motherhood! {There is still time to sign up for a group, but space is running out quickly so go.now. find a group that is just right for you!}