A Gal After My Own Heart!

Who doesn’t love to find new blogs? I know I enjoy finding new blogs to read, especially if they have the same burdens and desires as I do. So today, I am really happy to have Lauren from MercyInk sharing a little about herself today!

Good morning, sweet friends! My name is Lauren and I’m so very excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself here at A Proverbs 31 Wife today. Kendra, thanks so much for inviting me!

I am a follower of Jesus, blogger, coffee addict, business owner, self-taught graphic designer, oh, and I’m kind of a mess

But first thing’s first: I’m a wife and mama, so let me introduce you to my wild and crazy crew:

I’m a New England gal that married this Southern youth pastor.

Six years of marriage + six moves + a lot of years pregnant = this

{one of our first days as a family of 5}

And here’s the crew more recently:

That’s us in a few quick pics. Can you tell we’re a mess? We so are. God’s grace is our lifeline.

Now, about the blog.

I have been blogging since my oldest was born, nearly six years ago. At that time, blogging was a place for reflection on motherhood and my faith journey. Last year, I began a second blog as a creative outlet, documenting the story of turning our house into a home, one thrifty find and budget craft at a time.

Just this past June, I made the decision to combine my two bloggy worlds into one place, mercyINK.

mercyINK (the blog) is all about living life inspired, inside our homes, in our walks with Christ, and in the world.

I truly love creating a beautiful home on an {itty bitty} tiny budget, so I share a lot about homemaking and budget decorating.

I love featuring other faith-filled women and what home means to them in The Home Stories series (you should come read Kendra’s featured story there, by the way!).

Occasionally, I share what I’ve been up to in my graphic design, and every now and then I make freebie scripture printable for mercyINK readers (like this one):

You can also join in mercyINK’s weekly (HEART)&(HOME) link up, open every Tuesday morning through Sunday evening, for all things related to your Christian journey, parenting, faith, and homemaking. Would love for you to join us!

If I had to sum up my heart and the heart of mercy(INK), I would tell you it’s a Proverbs 31 kind of thing (Kendra is on to something, I’d say ) The passage embodies much of what I desire to be and do as a wife, mom, believer, and business woman. The wife of noble character works with eager hands to provide for her family and to meet the needs of those around her. She trades, she sells, she sews, she cooks (ok, that one is not my favorite– I’m working on it ), she cares for her family, she gives, she loves those in need.

Oh, and speaking of those in need, one last thing I want you to know: the least of these are my passion. In October, I will be blogging through my trip to Guatemala with Operation Baby Rescue. If you don’t read my blog or follow me on facebook, or tweet with me, I’m OK with that: I just ask that you might do this ONE thing, and click over here to learn more about the rescue. It might mess you up… but I believe you will be blessed.

I guess that’s me in a nutshell.. Can’t you tell I’m so simple and not at all complicated?

If you are OK with real, messy, and imperfect, I invite you to follow along my journey of redemption and restoration at mercyINK. You can connect with me at the blog, on facebook, on twitter, or in the shop.

Kendra, once again, THANK YOU for the opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. And readers, thanks for welcoming me.

Look forward to getting to know some of you on your next visit my way You can connect with me at the blog, on facebook, on twitter, or in the shop.

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Alright guys, can you see why I love this gal? Seriously, her blog is an awesome source of encouragement and inspiration.

Oh and don’t forget to check out my home story which I shared over at MercyInk on Saturday!

I have been known to link up to these totally cool and awesome linky parties! Why don’t you see which ones you can link up with today?