Amazing Love

Sewing Kit in a Mason Jar

How come mason jars are so cute? I think it is the old fashioned charm they give off. Whatever it is, I love them. I am so tempted to buy the mason jar mugs from Pottery Barn. Our wedding had a 'country chic' theme and we filled some jars with white sand and candles to light the way into the reception hall. Too cute!

When I saw this on Martha's page, I had to make one! But I recently found a full tutorial with pictures to walk you through each step. With just a small list of supplies: fabric scrap, jar with lid and band, cotton balls or fiberfill, card stock and glue gun, it's so easy and definitely a nice addition to your crafting room (or in my case, just a desk but someday :P). I think this would also make a great gift for friends, Mom or beginner sewers. Who wouldn't love to get one of these charming little jars?!

Weekend Update: 3-day Weekend Edition

That extra day off sure gave me a LOT more time to devote to some fun stuff that I don't usually have the time to do. That means craft time, of course!


My best girlfriend and brother & sister in law will be graduating in a few short weeks, so with my extra day off I made some very cute cards for them, if I do say so myself.

I've also started on baby gifts for my friend, Iris. I have so many ideas and can't seem to choose one so I will give a preview of all my creations when I get them all done. You never know what she'll need so in the spirit of the boy scouts, I will 'be prepared' with a gift for all her baby needs!

Early Monday morning, my Mom and my Aunt and I went to a local cemetery that is the resting place for some 5,000+ U.S. soldiers spanning from WWI to Vietnam and Iraq. We helped put a flag at each of the headstones in remembrance of their service and sacrifice to our country. What a joy to be able to spend that time with my family reflecting on what the generations before us have done to ensure our freedoms; that's what that day is all about. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend!

Service & Sacrifice

In honor of Memorial Day, let us remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women in the U.S. military who not only served but laid down their lives so we can live. We live in the greatest country ever, and we have a duty to live up to and preserve this nation for our children.

Help us also remember the service and sacrifice of the One who served and died for us, that we might live.

Journey

Proverbs 4:18-27

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

God is taking me on a journey. These last few months have been trying and God is working in me to turn me into the person He wants me to be.

When I first recognized the testing in my life, I became very impatient and wanted God to deliver me from it RIGHT THEN. What I failed to realize until now is that God works outside of time and is therefore not limited to our time table, when we think something should happen. I was doing some reading last night and was reminded that often times in scripture, God had His children wait on Him not just a few hours or days, but often times many years. The first story I thought about was when Jacob had to wait 7 years to marry His beloved Leah. Or the 40 year journey it took for the children of Israel to finally make it into the Promised Land.

"We must learn to move according to the timetable of the Timeless One, and be at peace." -Elisabeth Elliot

Ultimately I think the journey God is taking me on is one of trust. I think God wants me to trust in Him through everything, which is not as easy as it sounds. God is calling me to act. He wants me to do His work, to use what is in my hands, my life, for His glory. God is calling me to love. There is some bitterness and hatred in my heart that needs to be dealt with.

I am so thankful that God is so patient with me. I feel like a big screw up most of the time, but knowing He has provided the way for me and provided me with His strength, I am confident I will make it with Him and Him alone!

I'm sure we are all well aware of the story of the foot prints in the sand, and boy is it so true. The times when we only see one set of footprints, during the times when it was so hard and we felt so alone, Christ was there carrying us. We can trust in Him and His word. We can trust in Him and His comfort. We can trust Christ to be with us during the most trying times in our life, because He promised it."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13 As the proverb above says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." Set your eyes on Christ and He will be with you!

5-Star Chili

Do you want to make a delicious dinner that your family will LOVE? It's nothing fancy but it is oh so good. I served this at the game night we had a few weeks back with our friends from church and it was a hit.

The jalapeño peppers give it a kick so if you like spicy then this will make you a happy camper. If you don't like spicy then you can omit the peppers. My philosophy is: throw in or leave out whatever you want. Cooking is flexible that way and when you get back to the basics not only does it make it a heck of a lot easier, but it tastes fabulous!

What You Need!
1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
3 Tbsp. chili powder
1 can (14.5 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cans (15 oz. each) kidney beans, drained, rinsed
2 cans (15 oz. each) stewed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Make It!
BROWN meat in Dutch oven or large deep skillet on medium heat; drain, if necessary. Add onions and jalapeno peppers; cook 5 to 7 min. or until tender, stirring frequently.

ADD all remaining ingredients except cilantro and cheese; stir. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

TOP with whatever you like: sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, red onion, etc..

If you aren't in the traditional chili mood, you can try this delicious gem of a recipe. After you get past the fact that you are using Velveeta, you will enjoy a yummy dinner!

Coming Soon

My good friend, Iris, is expecting her first baby and I am thrilled to make all sorts of goodies for her and the little one on the way! One in the works is an adorable ruffle tutu onesie.


With the three day weekend coming up, I will be able to tackle a few projects on my list, including this lovely and a re-fashion re-do (but I'll save that story for next week!)