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. 

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!

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)}

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!}

{Weekend Link Love}

What is on tap for your weekend? I hope there is a bit of rest tucked in between the to dos on your list. If you have a minute or two take a look at these lovely links.

We Don't Know How Powerful Our Story Is...Until We Share It by Jeff Goins

How to Make Your Own Scripture Tea by Rachel Wojnarowski
{I think this is a precious gift idea- super inexpensive too! So that is pretty much all my girlfriends will be getting for Christmas! Shhhhhh!)

The Marlboro Man Sandwich from The Pioneer Woman
(This is a buttery delicious once in a great while treat around my house and it is WOW!)
Indispensible by Greg Lucas
(Get your tissues out because this post will make you tear up as it challenges your boundaries. So worth the read!)
Children of 9/11: Discovering what terrorists could not steal away by Makoto Fujimura

Oh and this post that was just what I needed this week from Emily Freeman
The Kind of Movement that Makes a Difference

My most read post of the week: For the Older Ladies in My Zumba Class (My Take on What Miley Cyrus Needs)

If you haven't gotten a chance to read about (in)Mercy, take a minute to check out my post about how we are blessing Mercy House Kenya this fall! 

The winner of last week's giveaway was Alexas Jones! Congrats friend, enjoy! Also, the giveaway for this week is a bit delayed, but it is gonna be UH-MAZING (said in that sing songy Oprah voice) so don't miss it! I'll post it early next week!

{apologies for my flagrant use of exclamation points}

And the last thing! Sign ups for (in)couragers community groups for new members start on Monday! Curious about what I am talking about? Check out this post from a couple of weeks ago! I would love to have you in (in)motherhood or join another group that meets your need right where you are in life!

A Few Stops for Your Weekend {Weekend Link Love}

I hope that this weekend you're able to slow down. I hope that you're able to chase a late summer sunset or two to the horizon line. Along the way you might enjoy these reads...

Motherhood is Application by Rachel Jankovic 

Homemade Gummy Vitamins on Nourishing Joy (I mean who would have thought it is that easy?!)

5 Things We Must Not Say to Our Daughters by Kristen Welch of We are THAT Family

How the Boring Stuff Matters by Tsh Oxenreider on (in)courage this week. 

The Problem with Missions by my sweet friend Alia over at Narrow Paths to Higher Places

 My most read post of the week: The Only Lesson We Need to Know

My most beloved instagram of the week. No filter on these beauties and all this for $5? 

Words to dwell on: