Melissa Runcie | Madabella

Sacred Summer + Printable Summer Mini Album

When my daughters were much younger, I raced against the clock to meet their needs. Whether to bathe them, read stories at bedtime or play board games, I always had something more important to accomplish, a more urgent request to fulfill. Time with my daughters became one big rush hour.

However, summer taught me the sacred of motherhood where time ceases to exist.

Several years ago, I slowed my life to catch up to theirs. I learned to capture my girls as they truly were rather than who I wanted them to be or what I wanted them to do. No longer going head to head with Father Time, I simply began to see. To look around and fellowship with my precious little ones.




I saw laughter and delight.
I saw beauty and love.
I saw needs and fears.
I saw innocence and vulnerability. 

That summer, I saw them with a renewed passion and wanted to soak up every minute rather than wish them away for the sake of reaching my own goals.



What a beautiful day it was to be with my daughters without looking behind me to see what I missed or looking ahead, overwhelmed of all that is left to do. I no longer walked ahead of them, calling for them to catch up, behave this way, do this right, don't do that. More often, I sat in their shadows, followed their footsteps and let them lead me to a magical place of joy that only a child truly knows. 

This summer, I want to remember the sacred. The sacred of being present. Most of those moments will be snapshots sketched in my mind, but sometimes I'm quick enough to bring my camera along to simply capture life.

To honor the stillness of time ushered in by summer, I created a 10-page Mini Album to catalogue the gift of our days. The album contains a cover page and 10 distinct, whimsical pages for you to add photos and remember the sacred. 




To download the 10-Page Summer Mini Album along a "Days of Summer List" to write down your dreams for the summer, click here at MODSquad, Mothers of Daughters, where I write about my perspective on motherhood each month.

Enjoy creating and capturing life's sacred moments! 

Mother's Day DIY: Chalkboard Pots + Herbs

Create a functional and versatle way to keep fresh herbs at your fingertips while cooking in the kitchen! This is a fun, simple and incredibly easy project to make for the special mothers in your life.

 

Supplies:
- Clay pots
- Fresh herbs
- Chalkboard paint
- Paintbrush
- Chalk

Instructions:
1. Dust, clean and dry the surface of the clay pots.
2. Paint the pots using chalkboard paint and let dry for three hours.
3. Label the pots with chalk.
4. Add the herbs and water daily!

The great thing about the pots is you can erase the chalk and create new labels if you need to. 

Explore a few more DIY gift ideas... 

Mothers of the Bible + Bookmark Printable

 

This week I’ll be exploring motherhood by sharing what I glean from, “Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today” by Kathi Macias and offering creative DIY ideas for Mother’s Day gifts.

As mothers, don't we learn along the way? Mistakes teach us about grace as we partake of its abundance during each stage our children face. Sometimes their very words strike a chord, compelling us to trust even in the Holy Spirit who resides in their hearts. Other times its the sound words of those who have gone before us.

I love the power of story. Jesus taught through story and the Bible is filled, from Genesis to Revelation, with stories of when God came down seeking fellowship with His people. So when I happen to come across the book, "Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today," I didn't have to read the back cover to know I wanted it. Stories of mothers, their lives written for all to see.

God's Word and His truths stand the test of time. I was not disappointed when I began to pour over this book, gleaning from women God chose to become mothers. Already I have learned about Hannah's persistence in prayer and Mary's sacrifice. I've related to Eve's mistakes and Sarah's impatience. 
Each woman had a sacred calling. The same calling as mine, even as I fold laundry, cook meals and look for my lost keys! Along with character studies on each woman, you'll find journaling prompts to weave together their purpose with yours.

If you are a book lover, buy this book and download these bookmarks, reminding you of how blessed you are to be a mother! These bookmarks can be gifted to friends, family, neighbors and any other mothers in your life.

 
:: Click to Download Mothers Day Bookmark (PDF File)

Blossom in Prayer :: Desktop Background Download

Moments prior to the steep climb to Calvary, Jesus prayed for all believers to have unity. More than 50 years later, the echoes of that prayer reached Rome. Paul prayed believers would be in one accord and one voice to the glory of the Father.

Unity is not found in denominations or philosphies of faith. It is not defined by the churches we call home or doctrines written on our statement of faith. Unity is only found in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Paul taught Christian unity develops from a deep and profound belief planted in individual hearts. For us to be of one mind, our mind must be focused on Christ.

Today, may the seed of Paul's prayer blossom in our lives. Be of one accord, with one voice, toward one purpose of glorying God.  

 

When you log onto your computer, use this desktop background as reminder and guide for your own prayer life.

:: Click to Download "Blossom in Prayer" Desktop Background (1280x800)

"Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 5:5-6, 13

Planted in Prayer :: Desktop Background Download

"Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22

What a promise! If we are to be firmly planted in our walks, we must be planted in prayer. Like drought, winds and erosion that threaten to uproot trees not properly planted, prayerlessness can cause us to be tossed to and fro. As a result we can forfeit blessings, become weak in temptation, have anxiety or close our ears to God.

 

I created this desktop background as a prayer guide for the duration of this study.  When logging onto your computer, be reminded to pray for God to ground you in His love that you bear much fruit.  

:: Click to Download "Planted in Prayer" Desktop Background (1280x800)

Special thanks to Creative Designer, Promise Tangeman for the inspiration to create this. Check out this "Pray for Kate" desktop background and join the thousands praying and fasting today for this precious 7 year old who has been battling brain cancer since, July 2009, with a new spots recently discovered on her MRI. While you are praying for Kate, will you also pray for Brielle Murray and Daisy Merrick who are battling childhood cancer.

GIFTED Day 1:: Oh Christmas Tree DIY Project

Gifted: 12 Days of Handmade features various ideas for making handmade gifts, homemade decor, gift wrapping ideas and also includes free downloadable projects to print.

Trimming the tree is one of the most exciting times in our home during Christmas. However, we usually wait until the second week of December to buy a tree. Here's a simple way to get a head start on trimming the tree, literally.

Oh Christmas Tree DIY Project

Supplies:

Small handsaw
Various sized twigs and one thicker branch for the base
Tacky Glue
Vintage earring clip or brooch
Frame
Holiday Paper

Instructions:

1. Gather various sized twigs and using a small hand saw, trim each twig slightly shorter than the previous one. No measurements here! Just start at the bottom and work your way up.

2. Saw a small "stump" from a thick branch for the base of the tree.

3. Use tacky glue or a glue gun to adhere the twigs to the holiday patterned paper.

4. Top off your tree by gluing a vintage earring or brooch.

5. Remove glass from the frame and insert your Christmas Tree!

 

 
As Isaiah foretold of the coming Messiah, we have been GIFTED with the Branch.

"In that day shall the Branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent..." Isaiah 4:2

 
 Subscribe now to receive more Christmas DIY projects via email or feeder.

Gratitude No. 1: In the Crevices + DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards

God works big wonders in the small crevices of life.

This season has cultivated an acute awareness of God's provision over our lives. More than miracles of radical transformation, healing power or material abundance, we have found God in the faintest whisper. Under-the-breath thoughts have risen as prayers and Most High God has answered.

My husband and I remember the early days of our marriage. He drove a rundown truck that "required" passengers to lean forward to make it up a steep hill. Sometimes I frantically waved my hands out the window to give it an extra push. Or perhaps I was just having fun. With minimal responibilities, we lived in an apartment and our careers were just beginning to launch. No children. No mortgage payments. No car payments.

Life was simple and carefree. Just us, getting by.

More than eight years later - that is one house, two children, four cars, and five jobs later - we find ourselves in the same place financially as when we first married.

We've come full circle, having the same humble salary and one truck that putt putts up the hill. Yet, I have discovered the simple faith I was raised on. God always provides and wants His best for us.

We have no need.

Overflowing abundance has come from random offerings of help, anonymous checks in the mail, unlikely refunds, timely emails and dinner parties with friends. The body of Christ has surrounded us with more love than we know what to do with.

And we tell our stories.

We cast ebeneezer stones in the water and set up invisible altars of remembrance for our children.

Mommy put in a prayer request about trusting God for provision during an exceptionally hard month and the next morning a check arrived for the exact amount we were short. And the day after that, a friend brought enough chicken to fill our entire freezer!

Mommy was wondering how to do all these 12 Days of Handmade crafts without any extra supplies. As soon as I finished thinking that, Daddy tossed me a piece of mail. It was a Michael's gift card from a friend.

Remember how we drank Orange Juice for dinner last night because we were out of milk? Well, this morning, a friend emailed me, "Do you need milk!" She gave us two gallons!

And more and more stones are cast into a deep ocean, sending ripples of God's grace to all who remember.

"Is it because we are good Christians?" my youngest daughter asked one afternoon while pondering the ways God's mighty hand has reached down.

No, Honey. We aren't good Christians. God doesn't keep a holy honor roll. It's His grace. It's His tender care for us, His children.

We are grateful God is watching over us.

We have no need.

As a matter of fact, we have more than we've ever had before.

::

Share heartfelt gratitude for those seated around your Thanksgiving table this year with these "Bounty of Blessings" place cards. Click to Download. (896 kb, PDF)

This week I'm sharing thoughts on gratitude. Don't miss GIFTED: 12 Days of Handmade launching December 1st. Subscribe now to receive posts via email or rss feed.

DIY: Mom's Advice Book

 

One of the favorite gifts I still peruse eight years later is a collection of handwritten notes representing decades of wisdom from the women in my life. Each note reveals a small part of these precious women who, for a moment, pondered what it meant to be a mother and offered golden nuggets of advice to pass along.

Admittedly, I didn't post the cards on my refridgerator, tape them next to the bottles or tuck them in my diaper bag. Rather, every now and then I recalled the faithful (and sometimes funny) words of a friend and reassured myself I was doing a good job at my first motherhood gig.

I created this mini book for a friend and if you have a soon-to-be mama in your life, I'm sure she'll enjoy this gift from the heart.

 

:: SUPPLIES

1 Small Kraft Paper Bag
Small Colored Treat/Gift Bags (can be purchased at local craft store)
2 Rings
Hole Punch and Circle Punch
Odds and Ends papers, ephemera to design cover
Rub on or Sticker Letters
Silk Flower

:: DIRECTIONS

1. Cut out sides of the kraft paper bag so only the "front" and "back" of the bag is left with handles intact. You will have two separate pieces.

2. Prep the small colored bags by punching a half circle at the opening of each bag. This ensures easy access of advice cards. If you have rub-on or sticker alphabets, you can add names of everyone offering a note.

 

3. Align a stack of small colored bags with the brown paper bag and punch 2 evenly spaced holes at the bottom.

4. Decorate the cover of the album. Pictured here are random papers, buttons, a small bunting flag made from vintage school book papers, bingo card and flower adhered with a glue gun.

5. Cut small pieces of various patterned paper to fit inside small envelopes. I added a button to the ends of each paper.

6. Put album together by inserting pages to the rings.

 

6. And advice cards, wrap a ribbon around the handles of the bag and pass along to mama-to-be!

Looking for DIY ideas for the holidays? Subscribe now to receive GIFTED: 12 Days of Handmade via email or rss feed.

DIY + Printable Name Cards: Sufficient

The anecdote for worry is knowing God not only sees, He provides. He is sufficient to meet every need. May that compel us to trust in and cling to Him!

Enjoy these last set of name cards and rely on His provision!
 
Instructions: Print card on cardstock or photo paper, cut and place in a wallet insert.

Download: The link below is to a PDF (543 kb) document. If download is slow, right click and select "Save Target As" and save to your computer.

:: Click to Download God of Sufficiency Name Cards

Forgot to download the name cards in the series? God of Power name cards are here. God of Character name cards are here. God of Brilliance Name Cards are here.

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Thank you for embarking on the lifelong journey of pursuing the knowledge of God. I hope His renown was stirred in your hearts and that you continue to trust Him for all He is! If you'd like to view past studies, Renown will be archived in "Studies" section.

Next Monday, I'll be announcing more information on December's DIY Series, "Gifted" and February's Online study, "Planted!" I hope you'll stay tuned!

DIY + Printable Name Cards: Brilliance

Our approach to the Word and God this week has been to simply bask in the glow of His brilliance. We will never fully understand His majestic ways, but even so, isn't He beautiful?

Enjoy these name cards and meditate on His splendor!

 

Instructions: Print card on cardstock or photo paper, cut and place in a wallet insert.

Download: The link below is to a PDF (570 kb) document. If download is slow, right click and select "Save Target As" and save to your computer.

:: Click to Download God of Brilliance Name Cards

Forgot to download the name cards in the series? God of Power name cards are here. God of Character name cards are here.

RENOWN is a 4-week Bible study series. This week is God of Brilliance.

View an overview of weekly lessons, begin week 1, God of Power; begin week 2, God of Character or subscribe now to receive via email or rss feeder.