The boys and I are finally diving back into homeschool this week! The idea of a consistent schedule and regular routine sounds heavenly to me right about now. There’s something about starting a new school year that centers me and helps me get refocused, which is much needed after an eventful summer with the kids.
So, if you don’t know this about me, I love decorating and especially love anything farmhouse style. I think there’s a frustrated farm girl living within me. If you follow my blog, you’ve heard me talk about petting the cows up the block from me. 
I’m sad to say, my favorite cow is gone. One day I went to visit my cow and she was gone. Weeks passed by and my son cruelly joked that she was somebody’s hamburger now. Boys! Then, one day, I was passing by and I saw my cow was back in the field. I called to her and she ran over to me like she normally does and I gave her a pat on the head. Oddly, I felt like even though she was back, she would be gone again, so I said my goodbyes this time and the next week she was gone again and a for sale sign was up on the property. So while I’m sad my cow is gone, I’m glad God gave me the chance to say goodbye this time. It’s like she was back for just that reason. Maybe it sounds silly to you, but I see God in everything, and I believe if God numbers the hairs on our head, then He cares about every little detail of our lives, even petting the cows.
I’m sad to say, my favorite cow is gone. One day I went to visit my cow and she was gone. Weeks passed by and my son cruelly joked that she was somebody’s hamburger now. Boys! Then, one day, I was passing by and I saw my cow was back in the field. I called to her and she ran over to me like she normally does and I gave her a pat on the head. Oddly, I felt like even though she was back, she would be gone again, so I said my goodbyes this time and the next week she was gone again and a for sale sign was up on the property. So while I’m sad my cow is gone, I’m glad God gave me the chance to say goodbye this time. It’s like she was back for just that reason. Maybe it sounds silly to you, but I see God in everything, and I believe if God numbers the hairs on our head, then He cares about every little detail of our lives, even petting the cows.Ok, back to farmhouse style… so I came across these plans to build a farmhouse table [here] and I decided I was going to build it. “I” meaning everyone in my house.
I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by this project, because we’ve never built furniture before. So, I printed out the “building plans” and studied them for a couple of weeks…I had to get my courage up! Next, I went to the store and invested in all the wood and supplies – I was committed now. 
And finally, we decided to start building. You can learn a lot about yourself and others when you work together to build something. One thing we learned pretty quickly is that there are a lot of character building opportunities when doing a project like this in the hot Florida heat…seriously. But it was good!
And finally, we decided to start building. You can learn a lot about yourself and others when you work together to build something. One thing we learned pretty quickly is that there are a lot of character building opportunities when doing a project like this in the hot Florida heat…seriously. But it was good!I also learned that my big guy is a pretty good carpenter. And…now that I know his secret talent….I have many plans for him (evil laugh). And my little (not so little) guys learned a lot and really did a great job, even though originally they were
reluctant to help. One of our favorite sayings as a family is, “teamwork make the dreamwork and this was a great example of that as we cut the wood and sweat and drilled the wood and sweat and put it all together and sweat some more.
We spent most of our day off building the table, and after it was all said and done, everyone was smiles and so proud of our work. The finishing work of sanding, painting and staining was left to me which I did over the course of several days. 
I had so much fun using my own creativity finishing it. I used stain and dry brushed different shades of paint to make it look more weathered and the style I like . I have to say, I really wasn’t sure how this table would turn out since it was our first time building one, but we all love it.
I had so much fun using my own creativity finishing it. I used stain and dry brushed different shades of paint to make it look more weathered and the style I like . I have to say, I really wasn’t sure how this table would turn out since it was our first time building one, but we all love it.Building this table was a lot of work, even more than we expected, but so very worth it! Actually, building anything worthwhile takes work. Relationships, dreams, community, a Godly mindset…you name it. A lot of times we want something, but let’s be honest, we don’t really want to do what it takes to get there. Sometimes it’s because of fear and insecurity, sometimes it’s because we don’t know how and sometimes it’s just plain laziness. But the truth is, we’ll never have all that God has created us for until we take steps forward and begin to work at it. The Bible says…”Faith without works is dead…(James 2:14-19).” This means that there are actions on our part that we must take in order to get to where God wants us to go. What do you desire to build? Stronger relationships? A closer walk with God? Financial freedom? A strife free, worry free, peace-filled atmosphere? A dream you have? A better marriage? A disciplined lifestyle? Whatever it is, ask yourself, “What steps can I take to begin to work towards building it?” Commit it to prayer, and then begin to work on it.
We don’t have to be afraid or intimidated, because we have the best “building plans” ever for success in every area of our lives – God’s Word! Yes, it will take some work, maybe even more than expected sometimes, but the final outcome is always so very worth it!
“Encouraging and Beautiful” …and the Table Is Awesome!
Thank you Tamaline!
Family stability ! A Christian family is one that lines up with what God has taught us, one in which each member understands and fulfills his or her God-given role. Please understand, family is not an institution designed by man. It was created by God for our benefit , and we have been given stewardship over it. When a husband, wife, and children all go about fulfilling their God-appointed roles, then peace and harmony will begin to reign in the home. But, if we try to have a Christian family without Christ as the Head or without adhering to the biblical principles the Lord has provided for us, the home will suffer. but, looking at these photo’s , ya,all don’t have much to worry about !
Amen! At the family goes, so society goes. Family is key! Thanks Phil! Have a blessed day!
Amen! As the family goes, so society goes. Family is key! Thanks Phil! Have a blessed day!
I love it!!! Your message on building is very encouraging. I needed to see this today…thank you!
Thanks Jacqui! Love ya!
Love you too, Jill!!!
Love this! I love the idea of building it together as a family❤️ Team work does make the dream work! Great Job and I love how God speaks through everything.
Thank you Leighann! Blessings to you!