Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

INTRODUCING!!!!

I'd like to introduce you to my 14 year old son's brand new business venture!!!!


He has been working hard making some wonderful creations out of 550 paracord! His shop is up and running-he sold his first item within minutes and is busy listing more as I type!!!

He will be donating some of his income to Missionaries with To Every Tribe and the rest will be saved towards his first car!! Gotta love his enthusiasm and planning ahead!

I'm so very proud of him and hope you will check out his new etsy shop and share it with as many friends as you can!!!

Here are a few samples of his work!!
Adult sized paracord bracelet with safety whistle

Child/small adult size desert camo bracelet
He has a few cool key chains listed with lots more items to come!

Friday, December 16, 2011

And the Winner Is!!!!!

#11 Pam Graham

Using Random.org #11 was chosen as this week's Thankful Thursday winner!
Congratulations!!
Please email or message me with your mailing address and your free bar of soap will be mailed to you!
Thanks to all who entered and shared this contest!
Thankful Thursdays will resume after Christmas..when I have more time to get on the computer! :)

Saturday, December 10, 2011

What can I say?????

Well- I am thankful even though it's not Thursday....:) Because one reader sent a message asking who won last week's Thankful Thursday.

I am sorry that I somehow did not post the winner here. I did remember to use Random.org and get a winner-and I posted it on It's A Blessing's Facebook (see copy of post below)

Have not forgotten about last week's Thankful Thursday! Using Random.org, just found out the winner is comment

#3!!! Holly!!

Congrats Holly-you just won a free flexi clip of your choice up to $15!!! Please email or message me with your address so I can mail you your certificate for a FREE FLEXI CLIP!!!! Hooray!!!
· · · Thursday at 12:42pm ·
and I even contacted the winner and have already mailed her prize...but...what can I say? No good excuses, but I did forget to post it here.

I'll do better next week and be sure to post the winner at the same time that I announce the new contest for the week!

If you haven't already...lots of time to enter for a free bar of wonderful soap from Vintage Homemade soaps!!!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thankful Thursday!!!!

How did Thursday get back here so quickly????
Well...never mind...time to take a minute and be thankful. 

I am very thankful for the Christian sisters who encourage one another via blogs...facebook...emails....
and even by supporting one another's home businesses.

Since I discovered the world of "blogging" I have been very blessed by reading amazing stories of God's mercy, grace and love!  

I have enjoyed making new "friends" as we share a little bit of each other's lives and even though having never met can pray for one another and speak truth to one another. 

This season of my life has me in a place where I don't have friends "in person" so that makes me even more thankful for communication and contact in this way.

One such friend is Heather over at 

She has allowed me to advertize my businesses on her blog and has done a wonderful job at supporting me in my home businesses.

I am thankful for that and her and in return would like to introduce you to her new business venture!! Heather has started making her own-vintage-handmade soaps!!!
Please visit her website here:
Where you will find beautiful-lovely smelling-great feeling-handmade soaps in very creative and unique combinations!
and....this week you can enter to win one for free!!!!
Heater has graciously offered to give one of her wonderful bars away to the winning
It's A Blessing reader!
Follow the easy steps by Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway!!

Just scroll down under this post to see the giveaway details.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I am SO excited!!!

I am SO excited to soon be revealing a whole new line of FERRABY crafts!!! And...they are not from me!!!

My two oldest children have been taking turns joining me each weekend at the craft fairs and what can I say....the crafty bug is either genetic or contagious!!!

My 14 year old will soon be introducing a whole line of products made with parachute cord-known as "paracord". Boy and girl bracelets, keychains, pocket knife fobs, compasses, necklaces and more!!!!

My talented 11 year old will be showing off her line of recycled paper necklaces and bracelets. Wait until you see them!!! You won't believe they are made with recycled paper and paperclips!!!! 

I hope to have some photos tonight and to show off their goodies very soon!!!! We may even be adding a new Etsy shop to our family business!!!

SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Thankful Thursday!!!!

Each Thursday...
(until I forget and a few Thursdays go by and I'm like, 
"Oh, man! I forgot to post about Thankful Thursdays!)

I'm going to tell you something I am really thankful for and to celebrate
I'll be giving something away for free!!!!!!

You'll have 6 days to enter to win the freebie-as the name will be chosen the
following Thursday when we start all over again!!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR LILLA ROSE!!! 
I signed up to be a consultant about a year and 1/2 ago. What started out as a hobby has grown into a successful business that is now able to provide the full monthly tuition costs for my two oldest children to attend a Christian school. 

This week's Thankful Thursday giveaway is a gift certificate for a 
free flexi clip of winner's choice up to $15.00 value!!!!

Entries:
1.1 Entry For liking my Lilla Rose Facebook page:
Face Book Lilla Rose
2. 1 Entry for sharing Thankful Thursday on your face book page.
3. 1 Entry for sharing Thankful Thursday on your blog (leave link please).
2.  1 Entry for leaving a message on my Lilla Rose Facebook page
telling me why you'd like to win a free clip
2.  2 Entries for signing up as a customer on my Lilla Rose Website
Lilla Rose
3.  3 Entries for any purchase from my Lilla Rose Website
Lilla Rose
(if you click on this link and it is NOT Shannon Ferraby's page-than you have already visited another Lilla Rose Consultant's page. If you are her customer...sorry-but you can't get extra entries for this one. If you are not yet a customer, use a different browser to pull up my site and I would be happy to welcome you as a customer.)
4.  Sign up as a Lilla Rose Consultant-(it only takes about 5 minutes!) by clicking become a consultant on my Lilla Rose Site and I will send you a free clip whether you win the contest or not...just as a welcome to my team!!! You must make sure you are on my site-Shannon Ferraby- and come back here to tell me you've decided to give consulting for  Lilla Rose a try too!

YOU MUST COME BACK TO THIS POST AND LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. FOR EXAMPLE:
I SIGNED UP AS A CUSTOMER #1
I SIGNED UP AS A CUSTOMER #2
I LIKED YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE
ETC. ETC.

THANKS FOR JOINING ME FOR THANKFUL THURSDAY!


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

When pain and sadness darken your doorway what do you do?

Do you sit in the darkness and cry to all who will here?
"It is so-o-o-o dark!"
"Why does it have to be so dark?"
"I wish someone would come and rescue me from this darkness!"

Do you cry and feel sorry for yourself because you can't see anything. You have no idea why your door has been darkened so and you can't see any light to free you from it?

Do you give in to the darkness and just lie down.
Feeling as if you can't see to escape so why bother trying?

Do you grope around in a panic? Screaming and yelling and destructing things that you come across? 

Do you curl up in a ball and ignore the help being offered
because in some way it seems safer and easier to just stay put?

When pain and sadness darken your doorway what do you do?

Do you pray?

Do you ask the One who is light to be your light?

Do you rest in His faithfulness while you wait out the darkness?

Do you remember that He is victorious over the darkness?

Do you speak truth into your own mind and allow Him to bring up what is hidden in your heart?

Do you listen when others remind you of His ways and to trust?

Do you take the hands that are reaching out to you?
 Do you rejoice always and give thanks for all circumstances?

Do you find joy in your salvation?

Do you give Glory to the One who has already rescued you from 
eternal darkness and knows what is best for you now?

Do you carefully manage the darkness while you find the 
source of light that has already been provided for you? 

If I found myself to be in literal darkness-initially the shock might frighten me, but I would not stay afraid. I would remember that I am prepared. That there are numerous flashlights in the house...extra batteries...candles and matches galore. I would know within seconds that the darkness will not last and even if the lights don't come back on..I have a source of light myself.
 I would carefully find my way through the darkness...holding onto to furniture mind you..I would realize it might be a bit precarious..but I would go none the less. I would not sit and cry or feel sorry for myself. I would not yell and scream and make a big fuss. I would not curl up in a ball and feel like all is over. And, if someone offered me their hand to walk me into the other room to get my flashlight-
I would gratefully take their hand and their help.

Why is it then...that in this season of my life, when I find my doorstep has been darkened with pain and sadness,  that I notice a tendency to hide in it. To avoid others who may just want to help. To sit in the darkness and feel sad and just wonder how long it will last but not really getting up or doing anything proactive to change the situation.

It's time. It's time to find my way into the kitchen. Open the drawer and feel around for the flashlights. It's time to shine it brightly-wave it all around and rejoice that the light pushes back the darkness and that the darkness can have no victory in my life! It's time to listen to that still small voice and start praising Him! To let my mourning turn into gladness and my weaping into rejoicing!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Deck the Halls it's time for Shopping!!! Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!!!

Please join It's  A Blessing  and many other lovely ladies who are helping to support their families with home businesses!! 

Do some Christmas shopping at this fun Christmas Market hosted by Heather at


She has gathered up some wonderful on line shopping opportunities for us all....AND....there are lots of great prizes to be won!!!!

Entering the contest is as easy as could be...so please...head over to the


Happy Shopping and thanks for supporting the home businesses!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Guest Post-Beautiful Mommy Feet

What an honor to be guest posting today on Melissa's wonderful blog: 


Each day this month, Melissa has been featuring a different blog author share about God's AMAZING love...his UNDESERVED mercy....his NEVERENDING compassion.....his PERFECT peace and more!!

Today I hope you will join me as I share about something that initially doesn't seem quite as MIRACULOUS but to me has been one of my 


Melissa is a dear, sweet sister in Christ and if you take a few minutes to read my story about rampages and chicken...take a few more to peruse her blog. You will find a true friend in Melissa-an encourager whose posts are filled with the stuff we all need to hear on a daily basis! 

Hope you will join me in rejoicing over our GREAT and MIGHTY God!!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Mommy and Me Christmas Blessing Bracelets!

What a special duo you and your little girl would be-wearing matching Christmas Blessing Bracelets this season!

You receive an adult sized (7 3/4 inch) and she a child sized (6 inch) but the meaningful beads remain that same.

Take the opportunity as others comment on your lovely bracelet, to model for your daughter how to share Christ's birth and love by explaining the meaning of the beads! You might even get to listen in while she tells a little friend what all the sparkly, pretty beads represent herself!


The beads represent the scripture passages listed below and with the purchase of these bracelets, you will receive the following printed out on pretty cardstock in red and greens.
Thanks for looking and be blessed!

Merry Christmas Blessing Bracelet
Christmas is a great time to remember the birth of Jesus.
Every day is a great time to remember his life-his death-his resurrection and
His gift of salvation to us!

Hearts: It is because of God’s great love for us that we can celebrate Jesus!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Star: Matthew 2:1-2 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” The star led the wise men to Jesus. His light shining through you could lead someone to Him!
Clear Heart: Jesus’s life was the perfect example of how we ought to live. Not just at Christmas-but all the time. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


Red Beads: The red beads remind us that as we celebrate his birth, we remember how he bled and died for our sins. Revelation 1: 5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.”
Cross: Philippians 3:10-11 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Green Beads: A remember of life-new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Jesus: While we yet live on earth, we have Jesus to guide us each step of the way-and still to come we look forward to eternity with him. Revelation 2:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Silver Oval Heart/Love: Jesus calls us all to love one another and to share his love with others and promises never to leave us. “Matthew 28: 19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Maybe you can't use this adorable set yourself...but I bet you can think of someone who would be blessed by it as a gift!!

Check it out on my etsy site at:

Thursday, November 17, 2011

It's BACK!!!

IT'S BACK!!!!! It sold out in less than 24 hours so Lilla Rose has brought it back-still in limited quantities and only for November!! If you think it's beautiful in the photo...wait until you see it in person! It is stunning! Brings out all the highlights in light/golden hair and the colors are amazing glittering against dark hair!

Visit my site today at:

to purchase yours today!

And..don't forget to enter my contest-you might win one for free!!! Couldn't hurt to have 2-you could give one as a gift! 

To enter the contest go to my Lilla Rose Face Book Page at:


Happy Fall!!!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Warming you up!

This news could warm you up in more than one way!!!!

On our etsy shop you will find some beautiful hand made Scripture Scarves with a lovely dangle of beads from one corner-that co-ordinate with various scripture passages.

Like:
The Favorite Verses Scripture Scarf....

The No Greater Love Scripture Scarf

and

The Salvation Scripture Scarf!!

Wearing one on a chilly day could warm you up....giving one as a gift could warm you up....sharing what the beads mean with someone could warm you up and the fact that I just lowered the price on ALL SCARVES BY $10!!!!! could warm you up! 

All scripture scarves are now $15.00 instead of $25!!!!! More to be listed soon. 

Visit us at:

for some warm shopping!!!

Let The Fun Begin!!!

 
 
Let the Fun Begin!!!!

Lots of ways to enter this give away for a free Medium sized Fallen Leaf-Exclusive November Flexi Clip! It sells for $16.95 BUT has been sold out since only 24 hours after it was introduced!!! So...this is the only way I know of you could get one!!! And-it would be my gift to you!!

Here's how to get chances to win:

* 1 entry for liking my new Lilla Rose Face Book Page (or saying you already do)
LIlla Rose-Shannon Ferraby

* 1 entry for sharing this giveaway on your facebook page

* 2 entries for sharing on your blog...be sure to leave the link to it. :)
( all comments and entries need to be left on my Lilla Rose Face Book page-not here on the blog. Thanks!)

* 3 entries for visiting my Lilla Rose site at: www.lillarose.biz/greateights
and signing up as a customer (no purchase necessary). It must be my page: Shannon Ferraby. (I would never want to try to take another Lilla Rose Consultants customers..so if you already have a Lilla Rose consultant, I am sorry but you won't be able to qualify for this and the last option.)

* 5 entries for making any purchase on my Lilla Rose site. (note: if you have ever even visited another consultant's site-your computer will remember the address and take you to that consultant. If you are a customer..please stick with your consultant..if not..you will need to erase the address from your computer or use a different browser to get to my page. If it says Shannon Ferraby...you found me!)

For each entry, go back to the give away instructions post on my Lilla Rose Face Book page and leave one comment for each entry. For example..for a purchase you would leave 5 comments ( I made a purchase #1, I made a purchase #2, etc.)

I'm already picturing how gorgeous this clip will look in your hair! I hope you win!!!!

Shannon

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

New Lilla Rose Face Book Page

I'd like to invite all our It's A Blessing Friends to "like" our new

In the past...our It's A Blessing Facebook page also contained posts and updates on Lilla Rose.
Starting today...we'll be keeping the two businesses separate on Face Book-though you will still find information for both here on the blog.


This beauty...which sold out in less than 24 hours...is going to be the PRIZE in our first Lilla Rose giveaway to help encourage new friends for that page!

Please pass this along to as many friends as you can...the details of the give away will be posted here and on 
later tonight!
Blessings!!
Shannon

Friday, November 4, 2011

Mopping with a new perspective!!

"Don't use that bathroom...I just cleaned the toilet!"
"Wait! You can't go in the kitchen..I just mopped and the floors are wet!"
"Can't you play upstairs? Mommy just straightened the living room."


And so it goes... day after day after day. I clean up. They mess it up. I scrub-they dirty. I organize-they dump!

Some days the race tires me to tears and I run ragged trying to stay ahead of the five blessings that God has given me - whose main purpose appears on some days to just destroy everything I'm working so hard to keep nice.
Eve....it must be her fault. You know, the one that bit the apple!!! I'll have to read Genesis again, but I wonder if I missed a part. I remember the curse on the man...that he would have to toil and slave over the ground to make food grow. I remember the curse on the serpent...to crawl on his belly, etc. And I remember parts of the curse on the woman. Her desire for her husband...pain in childbirth, etc. But, surely, I missed a part. The part where is says, "And you will desire to have a clean and pretty home but will never be able to keep it that way. Just when you think you are ahead, a little one will be sure to put you in your place and set you back ten paces. You will work and work and work but the tasks will never be completed because more always follows."

Poor me. So sad. I wash the dishes...more dishes. I launder the clothes, more dirty. I scrub the floor, mud on the shoes. The list goes on and on. Poor me.

Do you feel sorry for me yet? Are you sighing in agreement because you too have young children and can never keep the house the way you desire it for more than 5 minutes at a time??


Well...MOVE OVER PITY!!!!! Mama's got a whole new perspective!!! I've always thought when God called children a blessing, he didn't mean because they were such a joy 24/7. I think he teaches me a multitude about my sin through them and helps to grow and change me while I try my best to raise them in his ways. 
While mopping up muddy footprints, wiping yogurt off my wall and listening to the toys being pulled out into the "clean" living room the other day I think I finally got it!!!! I think I finally had an "ah ha!" to why God allows us stay at home Mommies to run so ragged and try so hard, but never ever be able to actually do it!!! 

Try as I might...work as hard as I can...I can't ever be who God wants me to be in my own strength. Just when I think I've cleaned up one "mess" (about myself) another one is right there waiting to be worked on. Just when I think I've conquered a bad habit or a sin in my life...another is waiting in the lurches to remind me of who I really am and how desperately I really need Jesus. I can throw all the mess in a closet so when company comes my house looks all cleaned up and proper-but I know the truth-I know what dirt is hidden and even if others can't see it-it's still there.


It's the same with my life. I can put on a good face and say all the right words and on the outside I might look like I've got it all together. But God knows my heart and has given me a peek or two and we both know the truth.

The truth is this. I can work hard night and day. I can try, in my own strength, to clean up the mess of me. I can run ragged doing and doing and doing-and-I might even fool some with an appearance of my accomplishments. But, I haven't fooled me or God. Only he can really finish the work he started in me. Only through him and in his strength will I be changed and the mess of me be cleaned up. Others will come along and mess up parts of my life that I thought were already finished. The worst of me will be dumped out and spread around so that it can be brought out into the light and God can really cleanse me and purify me. No matter how hard or how long I try-I could never do it for myself or by myself. It's really ALL GOD.

Mopping the floor took on a whole new perspective that day.


Loading and unloading the dishwasher for the third time seemed less of a headache. The toys I walked over that the children had dumped seemed not as frustrating. I saw the mess...the continual...never ending...always having to be worked on...job never over...mess from a different perspective. It became me!!! And I am so thankful the the beautiful mess of me that God is sanctifying and promises to finish. 

One day. In His time. For His Glory!!! 

It's ok that I can't do it all-or all at once-or-all on my own. I wasn't meant to and I am so thankful for the 5 little blessings that help keep my house in need of constant cleaning to remind me that God's ways are so much better and higher than mine!

I hope you have a blessed day-enjoying the blessings in your life!
Shannon

 Linked up at:
Far Above Rubies

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hurry! They will be gone in a blink!!!

HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!
This is such a great sale-on some of my favorite clips!!!
They are not only a great price..but they are retiring-so it's NOW OR NEVER!

Visit my site at:


to buy yours today! Click on shopping, then retiring, then 30% off to find the gorgeous styles you see here!

What a great chance to pick up some lovely Christmas presents or some new fancies for your Christmas outfit!

PS...if you click on my link and you don't see my name (Shannon) or my photo (same as on this blog) would you do me a favor and let me know??? If you have ever visited another consultant's Lilla Rose site...your computer has saved the address and will take you to them. You'll still get the great sale..:) No worries...I would just appreciate knowing if my link works, or directs you elsewhere. Thanks a bunch and happy shopping-whoevers site you get! :)

Blessings,
Shannon

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Find Joy Out of The Boat While Waiting with Beautiful Feet!

Phew! That title is a mouth full-but also a heart full! A heart full of love and trusting God and waiting on His perfect timing while seeking to share the love of Christ wherever you go!

It's A Blessing has recently listed four soft, pretty and wonderfully warm lap blessing blankets.

You can take a peek here but please visit us at:
It's A Blessing
if you'd like to purchase one of these blessing blankets or choose from our large selection of gifts to bless
and encourage the special people in your life!

Finding Joy Blessing Blanket   

Beautiful Feet Blessing Blanket
Get Out of the Boat Blessing Blanket
Wait on the Lord Blessing Blanket

Monday, October 24, 2011

What About Me!!!!

I'm sure you think I was cruel.
Did my words insult you? Did you find them mean and selfish and heartless?
Perhaps you shouldn't judge me so quickly. 
Perhaps, after reading only one line about my entire existence, it isn't really fair to condemn me.

Have you considered what you might have felt or what you might have said if you were in my sandals?


Have you ever had everything going your way and then it all ripped out from under you in one day?
From riches to rags....from blessings to curses.....from notoriety to nothing!

I've seen how you ladies react to the slightest change in your agenda. For example: You are typing away trying to polish off a new blog post when you hear a crash! One of your children has dropped a platter of food and made a dangerous mess all over! You are irritated and more times than not-you show it. This "accident" has interrupted your agenda and for that fact alone-you let the child know of your displeasure.

How about those of you whose spouses have lost a job? The fear-the panic-the worry that overcomes you instead of peace and waiting.  The crunching of numbers instead of just crouching on your knees. I know loosing a job can be really hard..but it's not the worst and yet it has brought the worst out of some of you.

When you are sick...do you ever wonder why or how you can possibly go about your daily tasks feeling so horrible? Do you ever feel sorry for yourself that you have to suffer so and continue to be Mommy even though sometimes you feel very unappreciated?


If you can relate to any of those examples..then please...cut me some slack 
because this is what happened to me.

One day my family was the most notorious in all the land! My husband was top dog! Head honcho! Leader of the pack! He was the one others came to for advice and wisdom and I was always so proud to stand by his side! My Man!! What a catch! Our children...all ten of them-were blessings from the Lord! They enjoyed their families wealth and status..perhaps a bit too much sometimes..but over all, I was proud and so thankful I was chosen to be their Mommy. The livestock...Oh! The livestock-too numerous to list! We were VERY affluent and never had a need that went unmet. What more could a woman ask for? Wonderful husband, lots of tremendous children (not to mention the grandchildren I was hoping for soon!), and every "thing" a person could want for! Doesn't it sound wonderful?

Then...BAMM!!! I'm at home baking fresh bread when I hear a moaning. More of a deep, painful, cry. I leave the kitchen in a hurry, rush outside, only to find that my entire world has been shred to bits! My husband has shaved his head and torn his cloak. He is moaning and waling and my heart and stomach sink as I know something beyond horrible must have happened to cause such a reaction in my strong man! I beg of him:

"What has happened??!! Tell me!!! What has happened to cause you such pain, dear husband??" After much time waiting for him to be settled enough to speak he breaks the news to me.

"They're all gone! All of them are gone!! All our servants...our animals and I am so sorry my wife-but our children. They are all dead!"

ALL DEAD. ALL DEAD. ALL DEAD. I heard nothing beyond those words. And I too..died that day.

My mourning for the loss of my loved ones hadn't even subsided a tad when my man was stricken with disease. Horrible, disgusting, painful sores covered his body. He was ravaged with pain day and night. Now, besides my position in society, my wealth, my help, my flocks and my children...it seems I have lost my husband.

The one who was always the most respected.

The one who I needed to be strong to help me through my pain and my loss. 

Now..he too is in physical pain and seems daily to be losing his battle to live. 

I not only have to try to manage to keep our home, find food to put on the table, and do all the work myself (since the servants have all died), but now I must try to comfort this ailing man who surely will soon leave this world and me!  I will then really be all alone. Everything I loved will have been taken from me in an excrutiating way and I am all but dead myself with the heaviness in my heart.



So...I am sorry if my words offended you. If I seemed cruel or unloving. I was not always that way. But, when I looked outside at who once was my strong, respected, righteous husband and saw only a crumpled up figure of pain- I couldn't help but think:

"God...just take him! Take him now and get it over with! All else is gone and in this state he might as well be!"

And so..I said what I said. My famous words that have to this day followed me and 
given me such a bad reputation.

"Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" 

You don't need to tell me why it was wrong. Even through his pain, my husband did as much when he replied,

"You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

I'm sorry. I'm sorry that though my husband did not sin in what he said that I did. I am sorry that when everything I cherished was taken from me in an instant that I did not hold my tongue and trust in God as my husband was able. I was hurting in way I had never hurt before. I was feeling alone and scared and without hope. On the brink of losing my mind and man in addition to all else...I just snapped. I am not asking for justification of my sin. Just that you might be honest with yourself and me and admit that I am not alone in my transgressions. That you yourself have sinned in your words and thoughts when much less was taken from you-and therefore- perhaps- I could be shown love instead of hate.

Maybe you are right. Maybe I was being cruel and selfish and mean. But maybe...just maybe..you haven't put yourself in my sandals before. Maybe...just maybe you too would have said what I did-or even worse.  

Maybe...just maybe..when all we know about a person is one little teeny, tiny line of one thing that they spoke...we shouldn't be so quick to judge. 

Maybe....just maybe...when someone says something really out of line, we should give them the benefit that perhaps they are hurting in a way we have never experienced and what they really need is a friend to love them and show them grace.

I would normally end a letter with my signature, but though many have judged me...they do not even know my name.


Yours truly,
Job's Wife

Sunday, October 16, 2011

I Don't Want to Do It!!!!

It's time. It's actually overdue.
I don't want to do it-but I know I have to.

I need to change my bio.



You might think (if you haven't had any big changes in your family-or your roles lately) what's the big deal?

But think about it. Really think about it. What do we say in our bios? We have a small amount of space to put what we consider to be the most important truths about ourselves. In this little paragraph we aspire to share with others a personal peek at the depths of innermost selves. We portray not only who we are, but also who we want to be, who we know we should be, and how we want others to see us. 

We classify ourselves as part of certain groups. Some list their qualities in order of most important to least. 
Others list their talents, accomplishments, or goals. We tend to add details that help others feel they are somehow connected to us....I'm a homeschooler...just like you. Or ....I'm a Christian...just like you. Or...I have a large family...just like you. Or.....I use all natural products and cloth diapers...just like you. 

These lists of things about ourselves is what often attracts others to read our blogs in the first place.
"Oh! She's a foster Mom? I think I want to do that, I'll read her blog and see what she has to say."
or maybe,
"She's been homeschooling for 16 years! Wow! I bet she has some great ideas to share that will help me!"

And so on and so on.

It's time. I don't want to change my bio but I have to.
I don't want to lose the identities I gave myself when I started this blog. It seems like admitting defeat or "un-joining" some unspoken club. 

I'm not quite sure how to "put my best foot forward" 
when I feel like both feet are in pretty sad shape right now. 

So-I'm just going to do what I often do. I'm going to put the truth out there.
I'm going to say it like it is, for better or for worse. 
I am sure my bio will not be as exciting or as impressive. It might be quite lame and boring-but-club or no club-it will be who I am and where God has me at this point in my journey with him. 

And one thing is certain...though the words may change and the focuses altered I will for a long time to come still have the same bio picture so the world can pretend (along with me) that I still look as stunning as I see myself that day in Hawaii over 7 years ago!!!!!!
Meet the "new me" in my bio shortly.


Friday, October 14, 2011

God Cares About Friends...and chocolate!

Those of you who have followed my blog know that our family suffered a crisis last month.
We're still not over it...as I mentioned, it will be a long road.

One of the things that has been really hard through this ordeal is the realization of how much I miss my Christian friends in New Jersey where we moved from 3 years ago. 
I know for a fact that many of them would have come to our side to offer support.

They would have shown their love by:
offering a meal or two
offering to babysit some kiddos
sitting and listening while I cried my heart out
praying with me-daily if need be
speaking the word of God and his truth into our difficult situation
In the past I have known these ladies to even offer to do some laundry-
clean a bathroom-whatever it takes to make the load a little lighter.
One night, when my heart was so heavy with hurt and pain and loneliness, I cried out to Jesus, "Please, Jesus, take this burden from me. It is SO heavy and I have no one to talk to or to help me carry this load." 
I don't doubt that the Lord has us in this "place" for many reasons-one of which may be that He would prefer me to call on Him then on my friends-as dear and wonderful as they are. 
And so...besides my wonderful husband (who I am not taking anything from-he has been super-but it's just not that same as a friend) I have been going at this struggle alone. 
I try to stop myself from having personal pity parties...I take my thoughts captive when I find I'm not being thankful....I trust that God is in control of it all...and yet...daily... I feel very sad and very alone.

And then...last night...something wonderful happened. God reminded me that, Yes, of course He is in control, and Yes, of course I should be leaning on Him and He is sufficient to meet all my needs BUT...He hears my cries and He knows my heart and He loves me. 

He loves me enough to send me a friend and some chocolate!!!

A woman who I spent some casual time with in a homeschool co-op nursery (almost a year ago and haven't seen or talked to since), stopped by last night. 
Carrying...you guessed it....a yummy homemade chocolate treat!
She said the Lord had put me on her heart lately and she wanted to stop by. 
She wanted our number, to get together. She wanted to know how we were doing (she had/has no idea about any of our situation at all), and to know how she could pray for me. 

I've been crying so much-I hate to admit it-after she left it all brought me to tears. 
However, this time, the tears were truly thankful tears. 
So thankful for the reminder that God loves me enough to send me some comfort 
in a form I recognize so wonderfully.

Thank you Lord-for always being perfect-for doing things in your timing-
for teaching me even through the hurt and for loving on me with some friendly comfort-caring-chocolate!!


Thursday, October 6, 2011

THREE DAYS ONLY!

For Three days only, you and your friends can enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all Lilla Rose orders
over $20!!!

What a great opportunity to pick up a few new clips to fancy up your holiday styles, compliment your fall wardrobe, or even bless someone with one for a gift!

Visi my Lillarose ste at

Lilla Rose/Greateights

You'll find wonderful new styles..videos to help you choose sizes...and of course..
A reminder of the FREE SHIPPING! Which..ends on Saturday. Hope you'll take advantage of this super special opportunity!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to all visiting from
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home!

If you like our etsy shop

It's A Blessing

 Don't forget to like our

facebook page

so you can find out about the latest listings
just in time for Christmas!

Some that are still to come are:

3 more Blessing Lap Blankets
A tremendous-amazing-beautiful (if I do say so myself :) he, he) Proverbs 31 Full Size Blessing Blanket
Christmas Blessing Bracelets
All Things Bright and Beautiful Blessing Bracelet-Keychain and Bookmark
Don't Worry Blessing Bracelet

The above are already made and just waiting to be listed!!!

Thanks for visiting us and have a blessed day!

Giveaway

I still haven't gotten back to blogging, dear friends..but I'm popping in for just a minute to ask you to visit June over at

Wise Woman

You will find encouragement-inspiration and a chance to win a $15 certificate for your choice at

It's a Blessing!
You might win and choose our new fall blessing bracelet

Or maybe use your certificate towards this warm and cozy Scripture Shawl:

Hope you are having a blessed day!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Too Much. Too Hard. Too Dumb

Some things are just Too Much to blog about.

Some things are just Too Hard to blog about.

And that leaves everything else that crosses my mind---

Too Dumb to blog about.

Still hurting...still healing...still praying. Tonight I had to pack all our foster son's things up for the social worker to pick up. I wrote him a long letter reminding him how God's plans for him are good and how even though we all made plans, God determines our steps and His ways are higher than our ways. I can only hope and pray that God's word has been hidden in his heart that he might know Him. I wrote the letter for him, but need the reminders myself just as much.Thank you for those who have been praying for him and our family. It's going to be a long road for us all.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

And then there were 5.....

Dear Friends,
We have suffered a crisis in our family. One that I can not go into detail, but involved our foster son, whom we were planning to adopt in 3 weeks.
This crisis, as if not bad enough on it's own, opened doors for conversations, which revealed a level of abuse he has suffered that NO ONE was ever aware of, all of his 5 years in this system.
These situations and revelations make it no longer safe for him to be in a family with young children.
Last night, he left our home and will not return.
Today, I am in mourning. For many things.
I don't know when I'll be back..but plan on me being gone for some time as I focus on prayer and healing in our family.
If the Lord puts us on your heart, we would appreciate your prayers.
Blessings,
Shannon

Friday, September 2, 2011

Mama Bear

Sometimes being a foster Mom is like being.....a mommy bird during nesting season. Running around, in a flurry..getting everything you need to care for the new one...preparing a place for him...making sure it looks nice and inviting and all the essentials are in place.

Sometimes being a foster Mom is like being.....a mommy dog. You think you have enough to care for all yours and enough to take in another who is not being cared for by it's own Mom.  Move over puppies..we can fit one more in! :)

Sometimes being a foster Mom is like being....... a mommy cat. You are filled with compassion for the hurting one...you desire to lick all the wounds and carry the babe gently in your mouth to a safe place.

Sometimes being a foster Mom is like being....a mommy lion! This child comes to you unprepared for the new surroundings and you have to teach him everything. How things work in your den...and how to survive in the real world. You spend a lot of time going over the same things and role playing and practicing. Just like a Mommy lion playing hunting with her cub.

Sometimes being a foster Mom is like being......a chicken. Birds of a feather flock together. When you introduce a new chicken to a flock that has been raised together, the flock do not always accept the new chicken. Sometimes they are down right mean to it-try to peck at it-and they are so scared by the intrusion that they might stop laying eggs for a while. Likewise, your children might be in a bit of shock and may try some pecking of their own!

Sometimes....like today...being a foster Mom is like being.....a mama bear. Anyone gets too close to my baby bear and GRRRRRR! You better watch out! Even a suspected danger can lead a mama bear to kill!!! Today, my foster son made a bad choice. It's not the first time. In fact, it's the third time something of this "personal" nature has taken place. There is no chance that he "forgot" the rules, or that he "just didn't know better". He remembers. He knows better. But, he made a bad choice and it was towards my 8 year old daughter and my mama bear instinct is running full force!

Our finalization to adoption is in only 3 weeks. Did you ever admire a foster Mom and think, "Wow, she's doing such a great thing. I could never do it, though." Well...I want to tell you that you could. Here's how I know: It is SO hard. And whatever it looks like on the outside is NOT what it feels like on the inside. Whatever you think when you see me "handling" my 5 kids and our foster son...is not what reality feels like to this Mama Bear! I struggle and I sweat and I want sometimes to just growl loudly and attack in order to protect my own little cubs. I know you could do it, because I know God would do for you the same he does for me. He stops this Mama Bear in her tracks. The holy spirit calls me to back off, cool down, retreat and remember- that though this danger is not my own cub...he is God's own cub. Then, I am reminded that my foster son is not the one who has done wrong-he was wronged and hurt and what I see are the side effects from a rough first 5 years.

I still want to-and need to- protect my cubs. I keep trying different techniques...I try very hard to never leave them unattended, I use monitors to listen in as much as possible. But..I can't be everywhere, all the time. I need to be diligent to reinforce what's appropriate with my own and help them learn how to protect themselves when Mama Bear isn't in the same room.

My biggest prayer, is that God will do a work in my heart so that one day soon-my foster son will feel like one of my own cubs. Then,  it will be easier to treat them all the same-love them all the same-and this Mama bird/dog/cat/chicken/lion/BEAR can trust her own instincts will be loving and fair for all the precious little ones God has intrusted to her!!!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Oooh! I really like it!!!

What a unique look..the mix of the flower fashioned from leather and the various colored metals. I feel warm and cozy and ready for fall just looking at it!!!

This stylish flexi clip is Lilla Rose's limited edition September clip. It is only available in limited quantities and only for this month! So....if you like it as much as I do....head on over to my site at


Sign up as a customer if you haven't already, and then happy shopping! 
Or, better yet...peruse my site a bit more and you might consider becoming a consultant yourself! 
If you have any questions about how to start your own business as a Lilla Rose 
Consultant, I'd be happy to help!