~A Simple Tradition That Should Never Die~

Think back with me for a minute, back before 2005 or so, back before emails and social media took off, do you remember, a neighbor has had a baby, a friend had been to the hospital, someone moved in next door, there is a new pastor, anything worth mentioning happened. 

Every one was talking about it.
                               Mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends, would be sending cards, or taking a covered dish,    
 or a simple basket filled with toys or books.

Children would be making 'get well soon' 'welcome home' or  'nice to meet you' cards.                      Everyone was involved. 

       A house plant might be in order, or just a simple 'hello.'

Where did those times go?

 Are we too caught up with technology that we can't take a minute to welcome a new member of society, in person? 

Or send a nice letter or handmade card?

 Or make a meal, and bless a new mom, or new home owner, or new friend?  

Where did those simpler times go? 

Blessings
Abigail Joy

~Merry Christmas! ~

Luke 2:1, 4-20 KJV
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...

 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

  And when they had seen it , they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Merry Christmas! May your year be filled with joy, peace, and laughter!
          Abigail Joy.

~Recycled Mason Jar Band Wreaths~

Recently, I was reading The Enchanting Rose's Blog Post  and this dear sweet lady made these adorable wreaths.
Being crafty as I am (or try to be), I wanted to make them, but soon found out my lack of wreath circles or curtain rings, so I thought to myself, 'Why not make them with mason jar bands?' I tried it, and it worked! So here I am, thrilled to show you how to make your very own

Recycled Mason Jar Band Wreath.

Supplies You'll Need: 

Hot Glue Gun 

Red and green fabric (a yard or less should be good enough. You may need more, or less.) 

Mason Jar bands (they don't have to be new, you can use some old ones you might have laying around the house.)

 Duct Tape. 

Scissors 

Ribbon.

Here's what to do. 

The band is too cold to glue anything to, so put a small piece of duct tape on it. 

 Cut a strip of fabric, red or green,

 Glue the fabric onto the tape, and start wrapping the fabric around the band, putting a small dab of glue to seal it in.

 

Once you have the fabric all the way around the band, cut (and glue if necessary.) 

 

Next,

 Cut a few fabric strips

 and then cut them all the same desired size.

 

Next, start tying the strips to the band. 

After half of the band is covered, take all the ties in one hand, and pull gently. (This brings them closer together, do the same for the other side. You may need to cut more strips.) 

Tie some ribbon on one end, and it is finished!






There you have it! I have already made three of these, so here are some pictures of my other wreaths.







 Thank you for stopping by and reading! I hope you will make these one day. They are very easy to make.

  Abigail Joy.

~This..Is Satisfaction.~

This... is satisfaction .

An empty sink.

Clean kids ready for church.

A quiet school time.

Toys put up nicely, or just put up.

Kisses from an earthy mouth.

'Flowers'

Drawings featuring me.

'I wub you!'

An untouched dessert on the counter.

Whispers then laughs.

Brothers coming in with smiles.

When sisters help cook.

Tiny shoes, socks and clothing.

zdthnfgzxfshfhgfh

'I'm helping you type' hands.

No cow-licks.

When little ones brush my hair.

Compliments that don't make sense. (You smell yummy!)

Painting tiny nails.

Matching clothes.

This... is satisfaction.




I wrote this when I was 15, and it still applies today. I hope this blesses you today.
A. J. 

~Seasons~

Pink Lemonade on a Spring morning,
Sweet Tea on a Summer noon.

Apple Cider in the Autumn,

Coco in Winter, gone too soon.

See a cherry bud in the orchard,

And the sweet smelling grass, freshly mown,

Taste the produce brought raw to your table,

Feel the coolness of men made of snow.

Each Season has it's own virtue,

It's own signature mark, if you will,

To me, each season is special,

and they always shall forever be still.

For the memories made in a moment,

And the laughter we keep in our heart,

The  feel of the loved ones around us
That not even Time can cleave 'part.

Yes, each season may bring different feelings,

Different Thoughts, different sounds, different taste.

But every season that's spent with your loved ones,

Are the times and memories stayed. 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

I thought of this as I was enjoying a walk on an Autumn afternoon with my sweet youngest brother. It is not perfect, but it tells my feelings about the seasons. Whenever I get asked what time of year is my favorite, I can't help but think of all the wonderful memories each season brings, and new ones that are made. And I always say, 'I don't have a favorite.'

With Love,

Abigail.

~Welcome to Becoming Virtuous.~

Welcome to Becoming Virtuous.

 Here you will find a wide variety of articles, 

from thoughts I have about the Bible, to recipes I love, 

maybe some tips and tricks for exercise, ramblings, 

sewing, knitting, and crochet crafts, 

and many other posts.

I hope you will stay a bit as I share my adventures to become virtuous. 

I will post as the Lord leads me, 

and keep up this blog for the encouragement of others, and myself.

With love,
Abigail.

                    "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

{Proverbs 31:10 KJV}