You shall write them on the doorposts of your house...

I love this Wood Carved wall hanging from Dayspring !  DaySpring is a Christian division of Hallmark.  Their products are awesome! 

This carved Ichthus symbol of Christian faith is made from beautiful mango wood.

"Ichthys consists of five letters from the Greek alphabet: I-ch-th-y-s. When these five letters are used as initials for five words, we obtain this Christian Declaration: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter. This is an acrostic for 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.'"

Holding it in my hands I realized that the picture online truly does not do it justice. It is very sturdy, somewhat heavy, with quality intricate carvings.  It is solid.  To be honest, I thought it looked small on DaySprings website until I actually held it.   (Product Details: Size: 20" x 14"; Weighs approximately 6 lbs.; Brackets on back allow for hanging vertically or horizontally...for this month only it is on sale for $29.99)

It is beautiful.

I traced my fingers over the fish....

Due to persecution of early Christians, by Romans and Jews, it became dangerous to be a Christian.  This symbol was a safe way to connect to fellow believers.   I hope believers, and non-believers, will have a secure feeling in my home too.  There is a saying, "Out of sight, out of mind."  I want my kids to see reminders of faith all over our home.

My husband's 'trophy' fish are proudly displayed on our den's walls.   And although, to be honest,  I haven't always loved appreciated his contribution of decor into this room, this piece does go nicely with the fish theme.....

"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a $20 Gift Card to Dayspring.  {Gift code does not apply to shipping charges and will expire August 31, 2011.}

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
{2} Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you did.
{3} Share a link to this post on Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.
{4} Sign Up for FREE email updates.  Leave a comment and let me know you are a subscriber.

*Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Also, be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you, either linking to your blog or with an email. I will randomly choose the winner on May 31st. 


This month, two of DaySpring’s beautiful wood carved wall hangings are on sale. Ask, Seek & Knock is only $17.99, and the Ichthys hanging is just $29.99. In addition, an ornate metal collection featuring a cross is on sale. You can get the pressed tin cross for $7.79, the cross serving tray for $17.99, the cross napkin holder for $11.99, the cross trivet for $6.59 and a set of coasters for $11.99.  For more information go to DaySpring Online Store.

Details and Disclosure: Giveaway will end at 3pm EST on Friday May 31, 2011 and will expire August 31st. Winner will be selected at random. You will have 48 hours to respond to claim your prize. 

I received a sample product  in exchange for honestly reviewing this product, however, all reviews and opinions are mine and are not influenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience. 

Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

 (This scripture is the theme for the Inspired Deals this month over at (in)courage.)

Thanks for visiting!  Have a Super Ultra Mega Awesome Day!

Motherless

My mom, Sheila, at about the same age I am now.

She was sick at my wedding, unable to be there for the birth of my first daughter, and passed away two days after we conceived our second baby girl.   She missed so many of the highlights of my life. 

It is, however, the small seemingly unimportant memories that I cherish.   I am purposing myself to make these kinds of memories with my girls.

Simply, I miss her and the miracles, milestones, and even mistakes we can no longer share.   I do feel blessed to have had her as long as I did.  It will be 13 years this July since she died.

There are so many unanswered questions.....

Did I have growing pains when I was little?  I remember my big brother did.  And all three of my girls have had them.  Did I?

She used to sing in a silly Italian voice, bold and inviting, every time she would make chicken catcciatore.  Her voice and the smell of chicken and garlic would draw me to the kitchen from the back of the house and makes me smile just to think about it. How was I to know that recipe was in her head and not in the dozens of recipes I went through after she died?  I have tried and tried to make it like she did.  But it isn't the same.  That recipe went to the grave with her.

And so many other, personal, meaningful questions will forever be unanswered.

Sometimes when I get an extraordinary deal at a yard sale, there is a small part of me that wants to tell her about it somehow...even now.  I imagine her silently cheering me on.  We reveled together yard- saling before she got so sick.  Now, my oldest daughter shares my excitement.

I have the most unbelievable friends in the world but they can't take the place of a mom.   They have, however, made an impressive attempt at filling that hole.   It was my mother-in-law that made my veil, helped with the wedding, and decorated our first home with curtains.  And it is my aunt who has replaced my mom when I need to talk or need encouragement.  I hope they know how much it has meant to me over the years and still does.

This post is to remember the mom who sang, told me she loved me everyday, and was my biggest cheerleader;  For all the moms who read this experiencing loss;  For The Most Beautiful Mother I Know;   And to honor all the Godly women who make remarkable attempts at filling these 'holes' for other women.

"He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces;..."  Isaiah 25:8

Consider yourself hugged if you are missing your momma today too. 
{{HUGS}}

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give. "
- David 0. McKay