July Round Up - Continuing the Conversation

Solar Blinds Screens
In my Five on Friday post a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that we had solar screens installed and were now able to keep our blinds open on hot summer days. Sian, Alexa and Susanne all mentioned  not having or knowing about solar blinds in their comments, so I thought I'd clarify.

The solar screens were installed on the outside of the house, replacing the regular half-window screens that were original to this home. Solar Screens are exterior full-length screens that cover the entire window and help diffuse the direct sunlight. This stops the heat transfer through the windows to the inside of the house. The "blinds" I mentioned are our indoor window treatments (mini-blinds and plantation shutters) that I rarely opened to look out in the summer because so much heat was trapped between the windows and the blinds. The solar screens have made a huge difference in the temperature inside the house (and the air conditioning is on much less during the day).

All Lives Matter
In my All Lives Matter post, I shared some of my thoughts and feelings of heartbreak about all the tragic events happening our world. Mary-Lou said...Yes these are very difficult days to know what to do. So many angry people. I think one of the ways to help is to talk about this, not let it become just another news story. Not sure of the actual Bible verse & I am paraphrasing, but it does say prayer without action is wasted effort. My ladies group is having an open discussion about what is happening in the division of race, creed & colour - I think it will be a difficult meeting.

(I believe the scripture Mary-Lou refers to is James 2:14-18: What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.) 

I agree that we need to talk about this so that it doesn't just become another news story . . . and that these discussions could be difficult at times. With the idea of continuing the conversation on these issues, here are some additional comments I received.

Sandra said...Our world is so angry, it's a scary place. Ellyn said...I'm praying especially for those who are angry and bitter, that they would come to know Christ. Being with other Christians is a good thing, but reaching out to those who are hurting is even more important I think. Alexa said...Thinking of you all - we need empathy, compassion and the ability to listen to each other more than ever, I think.  Jane said...I have been following the events in the news, the world is a scary place at the moment.  

Karen said...It's so hard to know how to respond to this awful violence, not only here in the United States but around the world. Every day seems to bring another tragic story of revenge and anger. It's a frightening world right now. We were away from watching the news for several days as neither of my children allow the news to be on when their young children are around. I totally agree with that, but what a sad commentary it is on the world.  Cheri said...The whole Dallas thing made me so angry and sad. Hate only begets more hate. I want to live in a world where LOVE gets top billing. 

Susanne said...It is a scary time. We need less protesting and more praying. Chief Brown is right - getting involved in a personal way would be our default response.  Barbara said...I certainly do not know the answer either. But one thing I know for sure---you cannot pick and choose which life you will respect. ALL life needs to be respected---including the unborn! As you and so many others are saying, ALL lives matter.  

I mentioned in my post that I don't know what to do to be of help . . . except to pray and share the love of Jesus with others. I have been encouraged by how so many have taken action to comfort and encourage those affected by these tragedies and to try to show love in our world. Here are a few examples:

*Ellyn and others in a local quilt guild made quilt blocks that will be assembled together into quilts for the victim's families.
*Susie, the owner of Scrappin' Goodtime, sold raffle tickets for a chance to win three scrapbooking totes and donated all the funds to the local family of one of the fallen Dallas police officers.
*Many individuals have baked and delivered cookies and other items to local police departments around the country to show support for law enforcement officials.
*"The Free Hugs Project is an initiative that spreads love, inspires change and raises awareness of social issues through motivational videos." If you're not familiar with this project, check out the video and below - it will definitely  make you smile!

The Skimm
Cheri also said...I also don't watch the news as I find I internalize too much and it depresses me - there is so little GOOD that is reported. I get my "news" delivered to my email daily (weekdays only) via The Skimm which is just enough to keep me informed. I also receive and read The Skimm each weekday and find that it is just enough to keep me up-to-date.


Illustrated Bible Journaling
After seeing my patriotic illustrated Bible page, Mary-Lou said...We had a discussion at work today about writing/marking a bible. I still say you are so brave to mark your bible. Seems I am still the only reluctant marker in the group. I personally enjoy this hobby that allows me to use my creativity to dive into the Word, however I understand that it's not for everyone. My goal is to encourage everyone to seek God through His Word, whether that is simply reading and studying the Word or painting the page to illustrate what the Word is saying. There is no one "right" way, and I believe the heart's desire is what matters most, not the method of studying the Word.

Missus Wookie said...Like Karen I do daily reading but I rarely add art work or sketches in. However, when I do (and it is more often now I've added coloured pens etc. to my pencil case upstairs) I always think of your pages. I must admit that it makes me happy to know that my pages occasionally provide INSPIRATION to others in their time in the Word. I'm so blessed to get to share this FUN hobby through classes and blog posts! 


Free Online Classes
Missus Wookie also said...No, I didn't know there were any free classes at scrapbook.com. Oh yes, there are actually quite a few free classes at Scrapbook.com - everything from scrapbooking to card-making to Bible journaling and all kinds of crafty techniques! As I'm setting up my new craft room, I'm reading through the materials in the original Get Organized class and finding lots of ideas and INSPIRATION.


Thanks everyone for continuing the conversation!