Having Fun Isn't Hard...When You've Got a Library Card!

So for those of you who don't know...that silly title is from my dear ol' pal Arthur from PBS Kids! Need an introduction? Here is the song itself: 

Well, thanks Arthur --for putting it so well! Having and utilizing our library card is something I love doing, no matter where we live! In fact, it was one of the first things we did once we moved to South Florida -- make a trip to our local Broward Public Library to pick one up! All we needed was a local ID, and before we had ours we used a simple utility bill to prove we were county residents.

When did the love for libraries begin?
I grew up going to library story-time as a kid, checking out all of the children's arts and crafts books or anything related to animals or being a veterinarian and browsing through the super cool American Girl Magazines! One of the best things about the library I grew up going to [shout out to Springdale Public Library] was participating in fun classes about wildlife as well as going to the park to swing and feed the ducks!

photo from Springdale Public Library Facebook

Why do I still love the library?

Nowadays I enjoy our local library:: 

• to check out artistic or craft books...that hasn't changed (I even brought a stack of them to our Art Journal Connect Group for inspiration)
• pick up DVDs [1 week for FREE, people...plus you can usually renew for another week!]
• make copies or print for minimal cost [ours is 15 cents] (we don't have a printer...so we've actually printed a time or two, when in need or a big value coupon!)
• weekly toddler time to get little man out to play with other toddlers, and to meet-up with other moms ... or his Pops (see photo! too cute!) :) --we have songs, stories, bubbles, parachutes and toys -- all with NO membership fee, of course, because it is the li-li-library! Makes my heart go pitter-patter!
  
• aaaand my BIG favorite -- DOWNLOADING FREE AUDIO BOOKS ONLINE! I don't even have to check anything out in person. I just download the FREE OverDrive App, entered my library card info BAM! I had access to wonderful Audio and E-books [they have a over million titles!] aaand can access them from the same place I left off even when I change devices...pretty cool if you ask me!
• PLUS options for so much more -- movie nights, Freegal Music downloads, CD checkout, language learning software, common interest classes, discount book sales, special guests and book clubs for all ages and genres! 

What do you enjoy about your local library? Do you have story-time memories of books and puppets from your childhood?

Enjoy that library card, best plastic card you'll ever add to your wallet!

NEW MUSIC: Janelle Monáe

The weekend is here --and I've got a few things to share!

1. Oh my soul, I love listening to new (to-me) music and sharing it with you all! My hubs and I were watching some Hulu and came across THIS performance! I couldn't resist sharing this electric lady! There is tons to learn from her in regards to stage performance, energy, dancing skills, expression, uniqueness, engagement, and amazing vocal chops. I don't know about you, but I couldn't help but smile the entire time and want to sing along! Janelle Monáe is a ball of fire at 5'0 and all suited up for being noticed.

Janelle Monae - Electric Lady (On The Maya Rudolph Show) (Live) (2014)

After watching that first performance, of course I went onto a YouTube frenzy and came across a eye catching and brilliant video that is SUPER fun (minus the creepy hooded weirdness) and shows of some sweet dancing skills!

2. For those of you who have not yet noticed I've been learning about essential oils! Today's topic: Orange Oil!

3. I have some new buttons on my left side, here! I'd like to welcome Our Yellow Door and Homegrown State of Mind to my little blogging circle! Check these ladies out! They have encouraged and inspired me already to keep writing, adapt my blog to make it better, get creative and pick up tips as I go along through the web! Thank you both already :)

4. I'm gearing up for an Open Door Traders GIVEAWAY! Look out world -- teethers are coming your way PLUS a few other baby goodies! Check out their website HERE and let me know which 2 wooden teethers are your favorite and I will request those animals! You're comments matter!

5. Subscribe to follow Mitchael Journey so you won't miss an update!!

What do you think of Janelle Monáe? What new music have you been listening to?

Orange Oil

Hey everyone! I'm excited to teach you a little more about Essential Oils today! 

Today's Oil:: Orange!

I've always been a big fan of oranges! They are so refreshing and energy boosting-- we would always down a couple of oranges each on the sidelines of our JBU Ultimate club tournaments! Little did we know the rinds that we peeled off have even more to offer!

How is Orange Oil made?

Orange oil is made from cold-pressed orange rinds from the USA, and packs a high dosage of the power of an orange in one little drop! 

Why would I want Orange Oil?

• It can be added to laundry to freshen the stinky load!
• It is known for the purifying and cleansing properties that it naturally gives
• The aroma can be diffused and has a refreshing sugary-sweet citrus smell throughout the home that helps invigorate and energize! 

Anything else I should know?

You can use orange oil without dilluting, but =

It's pretty amazing what God's creation can do!

Questions on essential oils? 
Please reach out to [ifrog4fr(at)gmail(dot)com]! 

*Remember, I'm not a trained medical professional and would encourage you to read those labels! These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[remember that other brands of essential oils are different (and I cannot recommend them for the same uses!)

Art Journaling Intro

I used to journal all of the time as a kid ... log my day and tape in what I found as a souvenir to mark my experiences. I was dedicated, writing about my school work, amphibian habitats and field trips :)

I recently began co-hosting a women's small group - She Reads Truth - Art Journaling and have reconnected to journaling creatively. I had lost touch with getting my ideas and musings on paper. Something about life getting in the way. But I have to say, it has been freeing. Mixed media is my favorite -- I can get as crazy and jazz it up just as I'd like!

I thought it would be fun to share some of my journals as we continue this summer. Here is my page from last night!

I started with the idea of a few of my favorite things and wanted to get back to the core of what I love --things that get overlooked or pushed out of focus...and this was the result! A mix of words [your turn to play I Spy on the image above!], song lyrics [such beautiful poetry] and prayerful questions --infused with cardstock, tissue paper, pen ink, paints and washi tape. 

Have you ever created an art journal page? What inspires you?

To view lovely pages from our small group in particular we've been tagging a few photos each week as #srtartjournal on Instagram

Sharing is caring! PIN on Pinterest

HomeFront Check-In - CONTENTMENT

We now are nearing the end of June's 30 Day Prayer calendar and I would like to check in once more with a final pairing of two of my favorite Spiritual Parenting resources, HomeFront Magazine and Seeds Family Worship music! 

There are tons of fun family activities, stories and recipes in the June Issue and even marriage devotions. 
Sunday is a great day to bring the family together and focus your hearts on the Lord! I encourage you to listen to new music and spend some family time together -- now is the time to instill these values in your kids (and to set your heart on things above as well!) 

Today's topic is one that is sure to strike a chord in your family--For me it is something that is a fairly consistent measuring stick. Am I content with my living situation, my position (when I worked outside of the home), our family's finances, our generosity, what I have and what I don't? Am I content with such things as I have, for he himself has said, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you?" Hebrews 13:5 

And again here in our verses today, discover why we CAN be content. A hard lesson to let sink in!

Today's word: contentment

The passage today is:: 

 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want. 

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

New International Version (NIV)

Seeds Family Worship has another song that corresponds with the passage of the day streaming free HERE called The Secret from Philippians 4:12-13! HomeFront made the suggestion of choosing one verse from the week and memorizing as a family. I believe that this song is a great way to start your week! One really neat aspect about order a physical CD from Seeds Family is that you actually receive 2 -- one for you and one to share with a friend! --what a great way to spread God's Word!

What are your favorite ways to connect spiritually as a family?

Check out my previous posts from this month's HomeFront prayer calendar with corresponding music from Seeds Family Worship
Peace: HERE
Compassion: HERE
Grace: HERE

NEW MUSIC -- The Ember Days

Thanks to some new and wonderful friends, Josh and I have been introduced to some new music! 

THE EMBER DAYS

We Chromecasted the YouTube video up on our TV and just stared, smiled, and soaked it in! We played song after song from their new LIVE album: More Than You Think. The album was recorded and filmed live. The honesty and the authentic heart is clear in the voices and the music. I love to go back to the videos and am again taken to a place of worship and transcendence.

“When the engineer pulled up the session and pressed play, our jaws dropped. We were hearing the songs functioning as they had been designed to. We were hearing a band playing some songs, and thousands of people having a moment with their Savior.” 
-The Ember Days  

I pray that you will be encouraged and uplifted in worship to our God throughout the day, and while listening and singing with this band. Preview their album on Spotify and download to purchase and support on iTunes!

Get acquainted with the band and what led them to this captivating album HERE. Where, in their words, they became "a band stepping out of the way to let the spirit do the talking".

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HomeFront Check-In - GRACE

This month we are going through the prayer calendar as a starting point to focus our hearts on the Spirit of God! I've been pairing two of my favorite Spiritual Parenting resources, HomeFront Magazine and Seeds Family Worship music! 

When I was looking at today's topic and verse I was excited to find another overlap in these resources. Saturday is a great time to listen to new music and spend some family time together, so check it out!

Today's word: grace

The passage today is:: 

 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-- and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God--not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

Seeds Family Worship has another song that corresponds with the verse of the day streaming free HERE called Grace from Ephesians 2:8! HomeFront made the suggestion of choosing one verse from the week and memorizing as a family. This song would be a great place to start! When you purchase a CD from Seeds Family Worship, you actually receive 2 -- one for you and one to share with a friend! --what a great way to spread God's Word!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Check out my previous posts from this month's HomeFront prayer calendar with corresponding music from Seeds Family Worship
Peace: HERE
Compassion: HERE

Josh Mitchael Music - and thoughts on worship

Let me introduce you to my husband, Josh! He serves as a Worship Pastor at Coastal Community Church in Coconut Creek, FL. This summer, Josh is co-leading a music Connect Group to join together in song writing and creativity. I can't wait to hear the results! I am so thankful for this community and Josh's heart for our Savior, Jesus.

He has has released a single on iTunes. We'd love to have your support!  To download YOUR GRACE, click HERE! 

I would love to share some of Josh's thoughts on worship::

One of the most influential things I’ve learned about worship is that it does not stop. We’re always worshiping something. Harold Best says in his book Unceasing Worship, “When we sin, worship doesn’t stop. It changes direction.” When I sin, I take my eyes off the cross of Christ and become an idol worshiper. Regardless of my struggles and failures, Jesus is my Savior, Healer, Rescuer, Redeemer, and my King.  I long to see people come to know Jesus and take their passions and use them for his glory. Just as Jesus invested in a very focused group, I long to be in a community that is sharing each other’s joys, sorrows, struggles, practices the spiritual disciplines necessary for a growing relationship with Jesus, keeps each other accountable, and carries each other’s burdens. I dream of a group like this that lives to be like Christ and shares his message of salvation and eternal life. In the words of singer/songwriter Jon Foreman, “I wanna thrive, not just survive.”

-Josh Mitchael 

Follow Josh Mitchael's music and ministry updates on Facebook HERE! 

Thanks for listening, 

HomeFront Check-In - Compassion

 

On Monday I introduced you to my favorite spiritual parenting resource-- HomeFront Magazine!

The magazine is a FREE monthly resource for families. Click HERE to check it out!
This month [JUNE 2014] We are going through the prayer calendar as a starting point to focus our hearts on the Spirit of God!

Today's word: compassion

The verse today is:: 

 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience Colossians 3:12

English Standard Version (ESV)

Seeds Family Worship has another song that corresponds with the verse of the day streaming free HERE called Put On Love from Colossians 3:12&14! This would be a great choice for a family verse of the week! 

Happy Thursday!

Check out my previous HomeFront post HERE

HomeFront Check-In

I love learning while browsing through the HomeFront Magazine from David C Cook's TRU Children's Ministry Curriculum. The magazine is a FREE monthly resource for families:: http://homefrontmag.com/

This month [JUNE 2014] I really thought it would be a great opportunity to go through their 30 day prayer calendar. Each day has a verse and a theme attribute or fruit of the Spirit to pray through and incorporate as a family. 

Today's word: peace

The verse today is::  

You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast, 

because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

New International Version (NIV)

Seeds Family Worship has a wonderful family tune streaming for free HERE called The Rock Eternal from Isaiah 26:3-4! This is a wonderful way to help you and your kids remember and be encouraged by the Word of God throughout the day.

Blessings on your family!