Change part 4

In case you haven't been reading here on my little 'ol blog for long, let me bring you up to speed on parts 1, 2 and 3 of this "change" series I have going on...

1. August 2013: I submitted paperwork to extend my visa to live in Canada. I knew that sometime in the near future I would have to make a change (hence the name of this series!) and find a different visa that would allow me to live in Canada longer.

2. October 2013: I found out I was denied an extension on my visa and had to get out of the country that very day. So I left and came back to the States. (It is hard to believe this was over a year ago...time flies!)

3. July 2014: After many months of searching, praying, and working on getting a new visa (including meeting with a lawyer) I find out that I do not qualify for any visa in any stream of immigration. This leads me to the decision and realization that God has a plan for me right here in Maine for the time being.

It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since I got kicked out of Canada. So many changes have come about since that time, as I catch more glimpses of God's plan.

At the time of my last update I was living with my grandparents, working a few hours for a Christian couple, and enjoying spending time with family I had been away from the last 8 years.

I had an UH-MAZING summer. It was such a treat to be able to have tons and tons of family events, parties, outings...you name it! We did so many fun things, the summer was jam-packed full!

But all play and no work...wait, is that how it goes? ;)

Towards the end of the summer, I was made aware of a part time job opening up at a health food store just across the river from my other job...less than a mile away! I applied with much fear and trepidation...did I want the responsibility of another job? Would I like it? God, do you want me to do this? Is committing to living here for a while your perfect plan for me?

I didn't get the job. I had a pretty good chance of being called in for an interview, but they hired someone else before they even got to my name (darn being at the end of the alphabet!)

So I left for a long-planned trip to Nova Scotia. Due to my other job I could only stay a week, but it was nice to go and visit just the same!

Just before coming home I found out the job was available again...apparently the other person didn't pan out that well.

Long story short: I applied and this time I got the job. I also felt more at peace with the step the second time around...I believe that was God saying, ok, I'm going before you on this decision! The timing worked out so well too, since I already had that trip to Canada planned. I love how God works out all the details!

This job has been such a blessing on so many levels:

Not only is it just around the corner from my other job, I also moved to our family's farm and now I live just 5 minutes from both jobs.

You know that for years I have been reading, researching and getting my feet wet in the areas of whole foods, healthy eating and green living. Now I have two great jobs that support all of those interests! I am so excited about what I am learning and the changes I have made to my eating habits and lifestyle - more on that in another post someday. :)

Do I miss Canada? I sure do. Life there was easy and slow-paced and restful. I had always wanted to live on the ocean, and I am glad I got that experience for 3 years. Being 11 hours away from my family is hard. But my new life is good too...I am busy with my jobs, spending time with my family, teaching piano and being involved in ministries at church. I'm excited to see how the Lord is going to use this period of my life and what the years ahead might hold for me...because as I very well know, unexpected things can crop up at any moment!

Thank you for your care, concern and prayers for me over the past year. I'll be sure to keep you up to date if any other exciting things happen!


Shared at the Weekend Wind-Down party

Change, part 3

If you missed Change Part 1 and Part 2, you'll want to get caught up and then come back to this post.

I has been 6 months since I got kicked out of Canada.

via

The last 6 months have held lots of questions and wondering about what was to come. They have also held countless blessings as the Lord has met every need and provided in ways I never would have dreamed possible. And I'll be honest...while I am repeatedly thanking the Lord for the way he provides, I am even more repeatedly asking Him, "why me?" I don't think God minds if we ask Him "why," but we must be content to wait and be content with His answer.

And I cling to these verses:

Feel free to use/download/share/print that photo, just please give credit back to this post. The background picture was taken by yours truly in Lockeport, NS

And so I've been waiting. Waiting to see the goodness of God. Waiting for His will to be evident. Waiting for my heart to be strengthened. Because goodness knows there are moments days when it needs strengthening.

And then an answer I was waiting for.

I found out that the stream of immigration that I working towards applying for has been closed permanently.

In plain English, this means I don't qualify for any visa to live in Canada at this time.

Although it was abrupt and harsh and not exactly the answer I expected, it was a blessing in so many ways. I was about to dump several hundred dollars into an English test required to get a visa. Later on I would have dumped several more hundred dollars into the visa itself. So I am very thankful that I hadn't paid any money yet, only to have my visa rejected or discover another hoop to jump through.

What does this mean for my future? 

Great question! I'm asking it all the time. :)

I can't tell you exactly what it means, but I will tell you this: God has made the way so abundantly clear up to this point, even if I don't understand it or don't expect it, so I am 100% confident that He will continue to make the way plain if I am willing to walk in it.

There is a song (that I don't necessarily endorse, fyi) with these words:

"When I look back on every season, I can find there's ten thousand reasons
To trust that YOU will work all things for good."

That describes me. When I get discouraged at life or overwhelmed at the unknowns that are ahead, all I have to do is look back. Even in my relatively short life there have already been ten million reasons to trust Him. I just have to remember to take it to Him and leave it there.

So for now, I'm working part time for a Christian couple. I'm teaching piano and always trying to grow the So Sew Organized shop. I'm involved in the local church I grew up in and I'm having a blast being with family after 8 years away. God has literally given me a car, a new-to-me computer, a cell phone and countless other little blessings over these months.

I'm not sure what the future holds, but it's ok...well, most of the time I believe it's ok. :) I'm just going to continue to wait and continue to trust that He will work all this for good. Thanks for following along with my crazy journey and for supporting me through it all!


Linked up to the Lou Lou Girls

Blogging Growth and a SCARY New Opportunity

The bundle referred to in this post is no longer available. No previous affiliate links will generate any sales or income. Be sure to subscribe to my blog to learn about the next Ultimate Bundle! Read on to learn about a fantastic opportunity I have as a blogger.

Like most bloggers out there, I am always looking for ways to grow and learn as a blogger. I like trying new things, whether it be in blog design, social media, or challenging myself in my writing. There is always a sense of accomplishment when I finally get the hang of something new - like the time it took me two hours of being buried in my HTML to figure out the picture flipping-thing in this post. Seriously, how fun is that!!!!??? The picture flipping-thing I mean, not the two hours of HTML. :)

That is one of the main reason I am so excited about the blogging books offered in the Ultimate Homemaking eBook bundle.




There are some fabulous books here that I didn't even know existed before the bundle, and I can't wait to learn from these authors who have so much to share. I'm already using some of the printable pages from the Blog Planner by Sarah Avila, because seriously, they are just so cute! I love using cute printables in my planning!

Just these blogging books alone are worth $38, but in this bundle I got them for only $29, PLUS 73 other eBooks PLUS 10 freebie products!

This deal is absolutely, positively worth it to me, especially in light of something exciting that happened last week. Yep, I have some pretty exciting, this-is-a-huge-deal news to share with you. This is the second reason why I am so excited about these blogging books!

Wait for it...

I was asked to hold a workshop at a Writer's conference. On blogging.

Little 'ol me, speaking on blogging??? I'm seriously like the smallest most insignificant blog in the entire World Wide Web, and they want me to talk about it????

I don't mind telling you, I kinda freaked out and got scared and nervous all at the same time. But I'm also really excited...excited that this will push me and stretch me to do something I've never done before. I think it will be a help to my blogging overall, and give me the push I need to bring my blog to the next level.

I'll be using the helps and books from the bundle over the next few months as I organize my thoughts and decide what exactly to speak about. I'm so thankful for those that have gone before me in the blogging arena that I can learn from!

Today is the last day to purchase the bundle. These eBooks and courses will never be available again in this form or at such a discounted price.

The kind folks that run these bundles have graciously made it possible for you to buy now and pay on May 1st instead of today. So if the money is just not available for you until payday, you can still get the bundle! Here is their official statement:

"You asked, we listened. We've heard from many who want to buy the bundle, but simply don’t have it in the budget until May 1st. Since the sale ends for good on Monday, April 28th @ 11:59 PM, we’ve come up with a way for you to have your cake and eat it, too. From now until the sale ends on Monday night, you can choose to order the bundle but defer payment until May 1st.
By completing this payment form, you are purchasing the bundle today, but your card will be charged on May 1st, 2014 in the full amount of $39.97 (Kindle version) or $29.97 (PDF version). Once it has been processed, you will receive access to your bundle."

There is another way to purchase the bundle for even less than $29! You can buy 3 of The Ultimate Homemaking bundles for the price of 2. That means each bundle only costs $19.98. This would be a great way to give the bundle as a gift, or you can go in on it with 2 friends and you all can get the bundle cheaper! If you don't know of 2 other people that want the bundle, let me know you are interested and I'd be happy to pair you with some other people that have requested the bundle.

Go here to get the bundle now before it is gone. Remember, it ends at midnight tonight! Be sure to let me know what you think of the bundle and what your favourite resources are from it.

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle - 78 eBooks are 95% off, starting today!!

This bundle is no longer available. No affiliate links will generate any sales or income. Be sure to subscribe to my blog to learn about the next Ultimate Bundle!

By popular demand, 100+ homemaking bloggers are bringing back The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle, and it's better than ever!

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is a complete library of great eBooks on homemaking—a truly valuable knowledge base you’ll use for many years to come.

Unlike a library, though, you don’t have to spend years building it up. The Ultimate Bundles team has done the hard work for you, searching the web to find the very best eBooks from top homemaking authors and combining them into one essential collection that you can buy in one simple purchase.

Act now to get the ultimate eBook collection on homemaking at a once-in-a-lifetime price.

I'm confident you won’t find a more comprehensive set of homemaking resources anywhere -- and certainly not at this price. Bought separately, they’d cost a total of $698 (not including $200+ in bonuses!). But you can have all of them for just $29.97!

Or, for just an extra $10, you not only get the full set of PDF files, but also a bonus set of Kindle editions, perfectly formatted for easy Kindle reading. This has been a popular request over the years and I'm excited to say it's now available!

I believe it’s the best deal on homemaking eBooks anywhere on the web. But it will only be available for six days. So grab yours before it's gone!

This huge wealth of information and guidance will be right there on your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or Kindle, whenever you need it.

Here's what you need to know about the sale:

When? 8 a.m. EST Wednesday, April 23 until 11:59 p.m. EST Monday, April 28

What? 78 eBooks, 2 eCourses, 2 audio files, and 2 printable packs PLUS over $200 worth of bonus products you'll really use!

Where? Purchase the bundle here.

How much? Well now, that's the best part. The entire package is worth nearly $900, and it's selling for less than $30. Sweet deal, right?

What's in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle? ($698 value!)

Homemaking

• DIY Natural Household Cleaners: How To Make Your Own Cleaners…Naturally by Matt & Betsy @ DIY Natural ($9.99)
• Filling Hearts While Cleaning Homes: Five Minute Devotions for Families by Jenn Thorson & Lindsey Stomberg ($8.00)
• Hospitality: The Duty of the Christian Home by Kathy @ Teaching Good Things ($4.97)
• How to Build a Strong Christian Home by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($4.99)
• Life Your Way Printables Download Pack by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($7.00)
• Sewing School 101: Simple Tips to Get You Stitching by Nicole @ Gidget Goes Home ($11.99)
• Taming the Laundry Monster by Angi @ SchneiderPeeps ($3.99)
• The Best of Visionary Womanhood: Volume Two by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($4.99)
• The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)

Food

• Bliss Balls for Beginners: 21 Recipes to Get You Started by Luschka @ Keeper of the Kitchen ($3.50)
• Dairy Free 101 by Becky @ For This Season ($5.00)
• Just Making Ice Cream: Over 70 Delicious Recipes Made with Nourishing Ingredients - 2nd edition by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)
• Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop + Cookbook by Lisa @ WellGroundedLife ($29.00)
• Meal Planning Made Easy by Kelly @ The Nourishing Home ($6.99)
• No Cook Freezer Meals by Kelly @ New Leaf Wellness ($5.99)
• Simplified Dinners by Mystie @ Simplified Pantry Cooking ($12.99)
• The ABC’s of Freezer Cooking by K.M. @ KMLogan.com ($2.99)
• The Healthy Lunch Box: Sandwich-Free Secrets to Packing a Real Food Lunch by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)
• The Sweeter Side of Candida: Desserts for the Holidays, Special Occasions, & Everyday Sweet Treats by Paula Miller & Sarah Ives ($14.95)
• {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals & Snacks by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)
• Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($18.97)
• Simple Cooking to Save You Money by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)
• The Frugal Secrets of Real Foodies by Shannon Miles, Sarah Nichols, Kristen Smith, Kate Tietje, and Katherine (Katie Mae) Stanley ($9.97)

Motherhood

• Discipleship & Discipline: Practical Parenting Help for the Desperate Mom eCourse by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae ($17.99)
• Pieces of Mommy: Putting Yourself Back Together by Sarah @ SarahStrausbaugh.com ($7.99)
• Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood by Jamie @ Steady Mom ($9.55)
• The Cherished Home: Protecting What's Important by Mary @ The Encouraging Home ($14.99)
• The Pursuit of Motherhood by Caroline Allen, Jennifer Allen, Mary Clendenin, Kelly Crawford, Jasmine Cucuta, Sara Elizabeth Dunn, Jacqueline Fitzgerald, June Fuentes, Heather Knopp, Melinda Martin, Richele McFarlin, Melanie Moore, Amy Roberts, Lindsey Stomberg, Jacinda Vandenberg, and Melanie Young. ($7.99)
• Undivided Mom: Finding Christ in the Chaos of Motherhood by Kayse @ KaysePratt.com ($4.99)

Marriage

• 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ LIFE by Ashley Pichea ($7.99)
• Dear Wife: Letters from a Help Meet by Misty @ Beautiful Ashes ($2.99)
• Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband (A 31 Day Devotional) by Crystal @ Serving Joyfully ($3.99)
• The Ultimate Marriage Vow: 21 Days of a Life-Long Commitment by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)
• To Love, Honor and Vacuum Audio Download by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($2.99)

Faith

• A Heart Prepared: A Simple & Effective Scripture Memory System by Jami @ Young Wife's Guide ($9.95)
• How To Manage Your Mouth: A 30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge by Connie @ Smockity Frocks ($5.97)
• Restoring the Lost Petal: A Journey Through the Loss and Restoration of Sexual Purity by Danielle @ More Than Four Walls ($8.99)
• Set Apart: Becoming a Woman of Virtue in a Modern World by Anjanette Barr, Whitney Cornelison, Jennifer Fountain, Virginia George, Crystal Hatcher, Sarah Nichols, Rachel Marie, Ashley Roe, Kendra Stamy, Danielle Tate, and Karli Von Herbulis ($3.99)
• The Homesteading Wife's Christian Devotional: Finding Biblical Truths on the Farm by Susie @ Our Simple Farm ($3.99)

Faith {For Kids}

• Be Thankful: Cultivating Year-Round Thankfulness by Amanda @ The Pelsers ($7.99)
• Character Badges by Caroline @ The Modest Mom Blog ($9.99)
• God Gifted Virtues by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($8.95)
• Learning to Speak Life: Fruit of the Spirit Family Devotional by Michael & Carlie @ Learning to Speak Life ($9.99)
• The ABC's for Godly Boys/The ABC's for Godly Girls by Lindsey @ The Road To 31 ($19.98)
• The Warrior Weekend: Helping Dads Raise Boys to Be Godly Men by Patrick & Ruth @ For the Family ($4.99)

Financial Stewardship

• 5 Days to Budget Breakthrough: Change Your Money - Change Your Life by Kimberlee @ The Peaceful Mom ($5.95)
• 76 Free Things to Do with Kids: A Real Mom's Guide by Shannon @ Growing Slower ($5.97)
• Advanced Penny Pinching: Stockpile - Strategize - Save by Tabitha @ Meet Penny ($3.99)
• Cash Flow Your College: Knowledge in Your Head Without Getting in the Red by Kayla @ Renown and Crowned ($2.99)
• Christian Wealth Building by Michael @ MichaelPink.com ($77.00)
• It's Me or the Coupons: How a Busy Mom Can Win the Grocery Budget Battle by Beth @ Eat Better Spend Less ($10.00)

Health + Wellness

• Healing With God's Earthly Gifts: Natural and Herbal Remedies by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)
• My Simple Healthy Life: A Minimalist Approach to Herbal Remedies, Beauty & Natural Cleaning by Tammie @ Simple. Healthy. Tasty. ($5.95)
• Simple Natural Health: Wellness Made Easy by Nina @ Shalom Mama ($10.00)

Holidays + Special Events

• 100 Days of a New Year 2014 eBook by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt.com ($8.00)
• Christmas Printables for Kids by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($2.50)
• Feast! Real Food, Reflections, and Simple Living for the Christian Year by Daniel & Haley @ Carrots for Michaelmas ($7.99)
• More Than a Holiday: A 25-Day Christmas Devotional for the Whole Family by Scott and Sarah @ Simple Life Abundant Life ($7.95)
• More Than Candy: A 25-Day Christmas Countdown that Counts by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)

Homeschooling

• 101 Independent Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers by MaryEllen @ Imperfect Homemaker ($4.99)
• 1777 New England Primer Cursive/Manuscript Printable Alphabet Sets by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($5.98)
• A Simple Homeschool Planner by Tsh @ The Art of Simple ($4.00)
• The Charlotte Mason Way Explained by Dollie @ Teachers of Good Things ($7.99)
• The Preschool Journey by Angela @ Teaching Mama ($6.99)
• Weekly Homeschool Planner by Jolanthe @ Homeschool Creations ($20.00)
• You Can Read by Carisa @ 1+1+1=1 ($10.00)
• Write Through the Bible: Exodus 20 (KJV, Manuscript) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Pregnancy + Babies

• Baby Ready: Preparing For and Adapting to Life with Baby by Monica @ Happy and Blessed Home ($7.99)
• Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More! by Jennifer @ Growing Up Triplets ($10.00)
• Cloth Diapers: A How-To Handbook on the Basics of Cloth Diapering by Rachel @ Intentionally Simple ($5.99)
• The Breastfeeding Lifeline: A Guide to Navigating the Newborn Days by the authors at Breastfeeding Place: Anjanette Barr, Michelle Ferguson, Jennifer Fountain, Trisha Gilkerson, Sarah Harkins, Shary Lopez, Kristen Smith, and Rhiana Wackenhuth. ($5.95)
• The Minimalist Mom's Guide to Baby's First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($4.99)
• Topical Devotions for Pregnancy: 13 Devotions to Nourish Your Soul by Becky @ Purposeful Homemaking ($3.99)

Self-Care

• 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($4.99)
• Equipped: Because You've Been Made to Live On Purpose by Elisa @ More to Be ($6.99)
• Live for Him: A Grace-Filled Look at Planning by Leigh Ann @ Intentional By Grace ($2.99)
• The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days Through the Homeschool Years by Heidi @ The Busy Mom ($10.00)
• Your Retreat: A Guide to Giving Yourself a Personal Planning Day by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker

Working from Home + Blogging (I'm so excited about this section!)

• Blog Planner 2014 by Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life ($4.99)
• Blog at Home Mom: Balancing Blogging and Motherhood by Christin @ Joyful Mothering ($4.99)
• FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose, and Profits by Alyssa @ AlyssaAvant.com ($4.99)
• Monkey See, Monkey Do: A Tutorial to Using PicMonkey with Professional Results by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($8.00)
• The Blog Planning Kit: A System to Maximize Your Blogging Efforts by Kat @ How They Blog ($15.00)

What are the Ultimate Homemaking Bonus Offers? ($200+ value)

In addition to all the amazing eResources, this bundle includes the best bonus offers it's ever had. These deals are worth over six times the price of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. So you’re up on the deal right away!

1. DaySpring—A FREE 10-pack of Premium Greeting Cards. ($20.00 Value. Standard shipping applies.)
2. HopeInk—$15 HopeInk store credit to be used towards anything + a FREE 8×10 Art Print with order. ($39.00 Value. Standard shipping applies.)
3. Redeeming Beauty Mineral Makeup—3 FREE eyeshadows of your choice from Redeeming Beauty. ($16.47 Value. Standard shipping applies - only ships to US and Canada.)
4. Marie-Madeline Studio—A $15 store credit for anything in Marie-Madeline Studio's online store. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies.)
5. Once a Month Meals—A FREE One Month Pro Membership from Once a Month Meals. ($16.00 Value. No shipping required.)
6. Dizolve—FREE 64-load pack of Dizolve Laundry Strips for you PLUS a Free 64-load pack of Dizolve Laundry Strips for food banks. ($25.98 value. Standard shipping [$3] applies. Only ships in the US.)
7. TrilLight Health—Get a FREE 2 oz. bottle of a liquid health formula OR $15 store credit from Trilight Health. ($15.00 Value. Standard shipping rates apply.)
8. ListPlanIt—Free 3-month membership OR 3 free ePlanners from ListPlanIt. ($15.00 value. No shipping required.)
9. Bulk Herb Store—Instant download of the instructional video Making Herbs Simple Volume 2 for FREE from Bulk Herb Store. (up to a $15.00 Value. No shipping required.)
10. Fit2B™ Studio—FREE 2-Month Online Fitness Membership at Fit2B™ Studio. (up to a $20.00 Value. No shipping required.)

Remember, this bundle is available for 6 days only, from 8 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 23 to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 28th.

Disclosure: I have included affiliate links in this post. Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle - coming to you tomorrow!

This bundle is no longer available. No previous affiliate links will generate any sales or income. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for the scoop on the next Ultimate Bundle!


Tomorrow is the release of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. I can't wait for you to get your hands on this fantastic resource!

This bundle includes:


There are 78 eBooks, plus 10 bonus offers that include free products. Just the free products alone add up to a total value of $197.45, and you get all that plus 78 eBooks for less than $30!!

You may wonder if it is worth it to purchase this bundle. After all, these authors are also bloggers and the information in the book is all from their blogs, right? WRONG! We've been discussing this on our FB group with the authors, and they've assured us (and our readers) that these books are full of new content...in fact, this bundle is the ONLY way you can get some of these books!

Here is a run-down of things you need to know for tomorrow:

1. There are two bundle options, one with just pdf. files and one especially for Kindle. The bundle for your Kindle cost $39.97, and includes the pdf. versions as well.

2. All you need to own this bundle is a computer. Once you've downloaded the files (took me less than 5 minutes to do!) you can transfer them to your other devices if you prefer.

3. You can pay with PayPal or a credit card.

4. If you have trouble ordering the bundle tomorrow, relax. There will be a high, high number of people trying to purchase it, which may slow the site down. There is a limitless quantity of this bundle, so you don't have to worry that it will "run out."

5. This bundle is only available for 6 days, so purchase your bundle early and then tell your friends all about the great resources inside!



If you have other questions or concerns, feel free to ask me here or read through this FAQ page. I'll be posting again tomorrow at 8am to give you the links where you can purchase your own bundle! Then throughout the week I'll be sharing the specific resources I've enjoyed from the bundle so far, plus giveaways and other fun stuff. Hope you'll stick around!

Coming Soon: A Homemaking eBook Bundle you won't want to miss!

**Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. That means when you make a purchase through those links, I receive a compensation. This helps support this site and the time it takes to keep it running.Thanks!**

Hang on friends, because you might be blown away by the fabulous resource I have to share with you today! There are $850 worth of books and resources available at a 95% discount. Read on!

Last year I participated in promoting a similar eBook bundle, which had over 35 ebooks available at a highly discounted price. These year, bloggers and writers across the continent have gotten together an even bigger and better bundle at the same discounted price!

What will you get in this fabulous bundle??

As an affiliate for this bundle (meaning that I am helping to promote these books and authors in exchange for a percentage of the sale) I was given access to the bundle ahead of time to review and share with you all. I purchased my own copy of the bundle yesterday, and I am already so excited about what is included!! We're not allowed to share the specifics just yet, but there are books on Faith, Homeschooling, Parenting, Working from Home/Blogging (yelp!), Food, Financial Stewardship, Homemaking and much, much more!

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle will be available for purchase on April 23 at 8am EST. 

That is less than a week away! The cost is $29.97 for the PDF version, and $39.97 for the Kindle version (that includes the PDF copies in case you have multiple devices!) I'll be back throughout the next week with lots of other information including what to do once you've bought the bundle, what devices you need to be able to read these books (spoiler alert: just a computer will work!) plus lots of giveaways and online parties!! It will be a week of fun here on the blog that you won't want to miss out on.



I hope you'll stay tuned for the rest of the details in the coming days! You can click any of the pictures above to learn more about the bundle, and check out the FAQ's here.

What part of this bundle excites you the most?

Blog Interview

Happy Friday! I just wanted to let you know that the Blogging On the Side girls have interviewed yours truly. The interview is posted today on their blog! It is not very long, but it will help you to get to know me a little bit better..where I've come from in the blogging world and where I'm headed. Hope you'll head over to the interview and take a peek! Give the BOTS girls some love while you're there! =)

News + a SALE!

A couple matters of bloggy business to attend to this Tuesday!

First up: Linky party

This Friday we'll be holding our monthly linky party geared towards your home improvement projects! This is a time for all you creative peeps to share what you’ve done this month to improve your home or your lifestyle! YOU are all so smart and I love seeing what things you accomplish and what changes your life for the better!

Last month I was away and I sincerely missed not having a linky party. I'm so excited to see what you all have been up to during August! So get your blog posts ready - remember you can link up any from the month of August - and come join us this Friday. Be sure to tell others who may want to join as well!

Second on the agenda: Shop sale

There are some lovely prints left in the shop that would make great gifts - for yourself, or for someone else! With 20% off they are even more affordable. Just use the coupon code Summer20 to get that discount, and snag some lovely items! This offer ends Saturday, September 7th.

Hope to see you all over at So Sew Organized! =) And I'd love to know: what end-of-summer events are going on at your place?

Change

One of the main things that keeps this baby blog of mine up and running is YOU. That's right, you the reader! I blog to be a help and encouragement to you in any way that I can. If I blogged for myself alone, I would have stopped long ago.

Perhaps that is the reason I sometimes hesitate to share too many personal details. In past years I didn’t share too many life updates, and you rarely see me on the other side of the camera.

This year I’ve tried to do better. I shared way too much info about myself on my birthday, I sometimes share monthly family recaps {except for lately when life has been too busy to recap...gotta get on that} and lately I’ve been trying to document our days a bit better as fun things happen.

Today I’m going to try to share my heart more - a current burden that I hope you’ll pray about with me. It is not necessarily easy for me to share this type of thing publicly, but I feel that writing this out will help me. And many, many people that know about this situation already have asked, so this is a good way to update everyone all at once. Thanks in advance for listening, understanding, and praying!


Next month marks the end of our 3rd year as residents of Canada. It is a pretty exciting milestone, but it also marks the end of our visitor’s visas.

Here is how our immigration to Canada works - in it’s basic form:

For us, we are classified as “clergy” {my dad is a pastor} so he was allowed to come in to “work” for our church. We all were allowed in as his dependents. They gave us a 3 year visitor’s visa.

When that visa runs out we either a) leave the country, or b) get permanent status, or “landed immigrancy.”

Which is all well and fine, and should be rather simple since the church has called Dad to be their pastor - but being over age 23 I’m kind of in a mess.

When we first came in the country, I was not yet 23 years old. Now, I’m a couple years past that mark, which means I can no longer qualify as a dependent under my dad.

So, I’m on my own. Which, in case you haven’t figured it out, is SCARY business!

I’ve been researching for months what my options are for staying in the county, and to be honest I’m still not sure what my best bet is. But for now, I had to do something or my visa would run out.

So I’ve applied for an extension of my current visa to give me time to apply for something permanent.

The paperwork has all been submitted, so now everything is in the governments hands, which would be scary, if I didn’t know that God controls governments. {Proverbs 21:1} I got everything in in plenty of time, so I should find out in the next month what the verdict is.

I’m really nervous about it.

I know that whatever happens, God has a plan for the next year of my life, and beyond. He has the perfect place and ministry waiting for me. And truth be told, either side of the border is special to me, so either way I know I’ll be ok. I love my ministry and the people here, and would hate to have to leave them, but at the same time, I have lots of family and friends in the States, and know of countless ministries there that I could be involved in as well. I sort of feel like I get a win-win situation either way!

So why am I nervous then?

I think it is because this decision means change. And I hate change. I always have. As a child I hated when my mom rearranged my bedroom furniture. Change has never been easy for me. And this visa is demanding change in my life on some account.

It has been easy to live here in Canada….I’m just one of the “preacher’s kids” doing church stuff most of the time. There is a slower pace of life here, which has been great - it has given me the time to develop a handmade shop which is what I love to do. I’ve made many friends here and have several different ministries I help out in. And for pete’s sake, we live on the ocean. Life here is easy and good.

But to stay here will require a change. It may require a more permanent job or studies or teaching. I’m not entirely sure yet. Leaving for the States will obviously require a change - and what awaits me on the other side is yet to be determined as well.

Change.

Whether I like it or not, its coming.

And I wish you’d pray with me about it.

That the Lord would accomplish His will for me through the hands of government officials.

That the Lord would give me wisdom to know which permanent visa to pursue if my current extension is accepted.

That I’ll claim the peace that passes all understanding in the next few weeks of waiting.

Thank you.

Maine in August, 2013

We recently were able to make the trip over to Maine to visit family, and boy what a fun time we had! It is always fantastic to spend lots of hours visiting, soaking in family time, and feeling your feet planted on good old US soil. =)

Here is a rundown of our whirlwind trip. Even though we were there a week, it seems like just a couple of days. We managed to cram in two family picnics, two different churches, and much more.

We took the ferry from Digby, NS to St. John, NB, then drove the remaining four hours to our destination. Taking the ferry is always so nice, way better than taking the 11 hour trip around the bay!

The weather was perfect for the ride, and we were even able to spend some time out on the deck!

This was just a random couple that didn't know I was taking their picture, but aren't they cute??!!

A seriously beautiful day for a boat ride!

My aunt lives in an amazing 200+ year-old farmhouse. We stay there each time we visit, which is a treat in and of itself! There are cousins that live nearby, so each day feels like Christmas as we all spend time together!

Since our last visit, some work had been done inside, and “my” bedroom had a makeover. What my aunt has done with some of these rooms is just beautiful, and I often said that I felt like I was sleeping in “the very sparest of spare rooms.” {Can you name that movie?}

This view made me smile every.single.day!

The very first morning we were there, two of my cousins invited me to make a couple batches of scones with them. They were easy and fun to make, and tasted oh-so delicious! We made pumpkin chocolate and blueberry lemon. Yum!

A friend owns this cute business called The Parsonage House. She does catering and family-style meals, plus teaching cooking classes. She invited us to use her kitchen for our scone-making party, how fun is that?

Wouldn't you take the opportunity to cook in an industrial kitchen if you had the chance??

Don't I have the most beautiful cousins?

I wish I could convey to you how much time my siblings spend with their cousins. They literally take advantage of every minute they can...even if it means being up until 3am!

The curly hair slays me!

Visiting the family farm means we get it on the work, too!

To be honest, I have to say I spend a fair amount of time with my cousins as well. ;) Living away from them for 8 years+ has really made our time together more meaningful and appreciated. It wasn't all that long ago that I was the kid cousin, so it is fun to go back now and be able to do the "big-kid" stuff!

For instance...homemade cappuccinos to wash down the left-over scones. I literally dream about these cappuccinos sometimes!

And I already mentioned that we squeezed in two family picnics. I didn’t take many pictures, but the first one was accomplished despite a complete downpour! It rained buckets most of the day, but that didn’t stop us from utilizing the covered porch and having a good time anyway.

There was lots of food...it involved lobster. There are definite perks to having a chef in the family!

Thankfully the weather for our second picnic was sunny and perfect!

Well that is a recap of our week, though we crammed a few other things in as well. It was a great week of relaxing, visiting, and wishing it didn't have to end!

What is your favourite part of a week away from home?