I was forced to do a bit of thinking about this blog when I went through the migration to WordPress. I had to make a few decisions on how I wanted things set up, and why I wanted them that way. It was a very useful exercise, as I thought about what I was doing with this blog, and where did I want it go. There were all these things I wanted to do, but they cost money. I prayed about it, and basically, I felt God said “no.” I pouted for awhile. I do that. A lot. I have such dreams as a writer, and I felt these things would be helpful to me attaining my dreams.
Then the more I just sat there and gleaned encouragement from the Scripture as I was looking for some comfort, or a loophole, or something, I felt it impressed on my heart that I need to love the readers I have. I need to love the people in my life better, and deeper. The goal isn’t to grow huge, the goal is to love the people well who God puts in my life. Growth happens when it’s supposed to happen. It’s not forced in children, gardens, or blogs. If I make a difference in the life of one, it is worth it.
That includes you.
So I brainstormed a list of things that I could do for you, dear reader, to love you well. The letter project, is underway. That was my favorite of all the list. I plan to be working on that from now to the end of August. I was also thinking of pursing a few more giveaways, to just get you guys beautiful things. One of my love languages is gifts, and I like to give things away. I have this whole cute story about a grandma of mine who does this, but that’s for another post.
When I come across something beautiful, if I really like it, I’ll email the creator, and ask if they want to donate something to giveaway to my readers, in exchange for me introducing you to their shop. Now, I get asked to giveaway stuff that I know nothing about, and asked to review stuff that I have no interest in. I like keeping it simple. I just want to share things that I love. It keeps it less “commercial” and more just friends hanging out and saying, “Hey have you seen…?”
So with that introduction, have you seen the site Gracelaced? Sigh. It’s lovely. I want everything in her shop. Her blog is equally as beautiful and meaningful. Ruth does these gorgeous watercolors, and calligraphy. I asked her if she’d like to giveaway something garden-themed for this season, and I was actually surprised that she said “yes!” This is what she sweetly sent me to give to you:
I love the multi-colored carrots…which is a feat we’ve attempted 2 years, and failed. (We have seeds for orange, red, purple, and yellow carrots this year.) Our soil is too heavy. This year, though, this 3rd year will be the charm. I’ll have a real live carrot bunch like that, I know it. I hope.
This verse is largely written on the wall next to the back door in our house, though not nearly as pretty. It’s one of my favorite verses about family and education, and what “religion” should look like, and passing down traditions, and teaching someone to worship. There’s just so much beauty in that verse, and I love the idea of gardening being paired with it.
Parenting, of course, is very much like gardening. There is so much preparation. There is so much work. Sometimes it is moving so slow. Other times it changes every day. There are so many things that are sometimes out of your hands. The consistency of the weeds makes you curse everything.
Oh, but the harvest. The harvest is so sweet, and there’s literally nothing like it. Nothing tastes like it, nothing smells like it. The goodness overwhelms you sometimes.
Yes, the words and pictures match up just beautifully.
So whoever would love to win this gorgeous 8×10 print, you can do any of the categories in the Rafflecopter below. Rack up as many points as you can. And, I am actually giving it away. I won’t keep it. I won’t keep it. I. won’t. keep. it.
(Just reminding myself that this is not mine…)
Friday is the last day to enter, and the winners will be announced next Monday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Gail M says
May 26, 2015 at 4:19 amThis print is so pretty…lovely giveaway! I have had a hard time with carrots here in Kansas but last year I succeeded. I read work the soil deep….once you do, don’t walk so close as to compact it again while they are growing. When you plant the seeds, plant radish seeds with them. The radish seed breaks through the soil first, making it easier for the carrot to break through. You will harvest the radish before the carrot needs the room. Also keep the soil somewhat moist. Blessings!
Kristen says
May 26, 2015 at 4:21 amGreat verse to remember when raising kids!
Libby says
May 26, 2015 at 4:50 amOh, thank you for sharing this artist, Gretchen ! I absolutely adored everything and I know what I’m asking for my birthday now ! My favorite might be “All Things Through Christ”, but I oohed and ahhed through them all.
Judy D. says
May 26, 2015 at 6:08 amThe print is absolutely gorgeous. I already have an 8×10 frame that would be perfect for the garden theme. I never win anything, but I’m going to give it a try. 🙂
Holly says
May 26, 2015 at 9:09 amHer shop is incredible! Can’t wait to explore the blog when I have time! My favorite item in the shoppe has to be the “Wherever you go” print.
Shari says
May 26, 2015 at 9:25 amHer shop is breathtaking. So much beauty in there. I think my absolute favourite thing though would be a family crest. Something that I had never thought of before but now I really would love to have!
Kirsten says
May 26, 2015 at 9:47 amThis is absolutely Beautiful! She is very talented. When I first say the watercolour and ink drawing with a “Thought” in the center in reminded me of one of my Grandmother’s who loved to do something similar, putting in a” scripture” or a “thought of the day” type thing. This always made me feel special. I have to say I feel that we have lost a lot in the computer age, one of which is just sitting down and writing a “Real” Letter. The difference for me , is a letter can be tucked away and reread. There is something about knowing that a person you love or care for, has touched that letter. Cared about the words written there. In short, It is A Treasure. I heard about a book, oh probably 8 years ago titled “The Art of Writing Letters” I am going to go back in my journals and see if I can’t find the authors name. I would love to get it and share it. Writing is truly an Art I hope we do not loose! We have lots enough already that enrich us as human beings.
I hope everyone receives a Letter this week, one that bring Smiles, Bills do not count!
Hope You and Your Family have a wonderful week!
Penny says
May 26, 2015 at 11:48 amWhat a beautiful giveaway! I think my favorite on her site is the peony journal. Peonies are such a beautiful old flower.
Angela says
May 26, 2015 at 11:55 amThis verse has continued to encourage me as a mom and homeschooling parent. Thanks so much for the opportunity to own this beautiful print!
Rebecca says
May 26, 2015 at 12:26 pmBeautiful! I too have had no luck with my rainbow carrots, but this year they are growing…in my 6 year old’s garden.
Amber says
May 26, 2015 at 12:57 pmI just recently found Gracelaced through another blog, and I’ve been admiring her prints. This one as well as the “Rooted and Established in Love” print were my favorites! Thanks for the giveaway!
Stephanie says
May 26, 2015 at 1:46 pmWhat a lovely print! Thanks for organizing a giveaway, they are always fun.
Kristin says
May 26, 2015 at 2:12 pmThere are 2 that I especially love in her shop: the All Things Through Christ print and the Think About These Things (navy) print. Both are constant reminders I repeat to myself in this season of my life. Thank you for the giveaway and for introducing us to this site.
Krista Bailey says
May 26, 2015 at 2:17 pmWhat a great blog site. I like the “To Him Who is Able” print.
Tiffany M. says
May 26, 2015 at 2:39 pmBeautiful print!! I would love to win. Thank you for the chance to do so!
Lisa says
May 26, 2015 at 5:11 pmAbsolutely beautiful!
Abi Craig says
May 26, 2015 at 6:49 pmI have seen her things before, and they are gorgeous. Flowers, feathers, lambs . . . all so beautiful and inspiring.
Shirley JB says
May 26, 2015 at 7:17 pmThe watercolor prints are beautiful!
Sheila says
May 26, 2015 at 8:35 pmRuth does beautiful work! That garden print would look great in my garden shed! I am inspire to work on my calligraphy skills!
Allison Morton says
May 26, 2015 at 9:12 pmThis is beautiful! What a treasure.
Cassandra says
May 27, 2015 at 2:21 amI would love to win this beautiful print. I think my favorite is A Hope and a Future. Thank you for a chance to win.
Sarah says
May 27, 2015 at 4:20 amWow, if Ruth agreed to giveaway something on my blog I would be so… honored! She’s like a real celebrity although I am sure she would totally abhor that word being applied to herself. I follow her posts on Instagram and Facebook and Feedly… I get a big dose of gracelaced in my life every day but have never been able to splurge the money on one of her beloved prints for myself.
If I won this giveaway I know exactly where it would go as one of my favorite verses too: in our recently reclaimed shed-turned-homeschool-room. So actually I might just end up deciding to buy it for that space as a treat to make the dark space lighter.
Love your blog, Gretchen, as always.
Wanda O. says
May 27, 2015 at 3:58 pmI really like her journal “Courage Dear Heart.” Also, I like her “I Prayed for This Child” print in the new products section. Really beautiful site!
Amanda says
May 28, 2015 at 12:40 pmWhat a talented gal! I LOVE the customized family crest. Each one is so different and yet so beautiful!
Lisa says
May 28, 2015 at 5:01 pmBeautiful! I love water colors that are so bright and bold.
Lauren says
May 28, 2015 at 6:05 pmI like the Ephesians 3 print.
Lynn says
May 28, 2015 at 10:06 pmSuch lovely art work! These verses from Deuteronomy are the name of an online UK Christian home-ed group!
Melissa says
May 29, 2015 at 9:16 pmI love her print of 1 Samuel 1:27. One of my favorite verses.