Merry Christmas and 2 Corinthians 9:15

Merry Christmas!  

As I write this, I am thinking of all of the different pieces that make up Christmas.  There are trees, Santa, presents, elves, family, parties, stockings, toys, bows, bells, mangers, wreaths, sleigh rides, and Jesus.  There are two that are the most important to me, Jesus and family.  What a savior we have in Jesus!  Remember Him and the real reason we celebrate Christmas this season.  And through all of the different parties we go to, the ones with family are the most important.  It's fun to look back on those moments when the kids eat nothing but sugar, grandpa is overly worried about the light on the roaster going off, mom is making sure everything gets done, a quiet hug is shared with dad, brother shows up to help unexpectedly, and cousins share in laughter.  Whatever those moments are in your family, cherish them. 

These centerpieces were for a family holiday celebration with my grandpa's side of the family.  There were seven original siblings and we were figuring that there were well over 100 people in four generations in attendance.  To have such a large family and so many of them in one place at the same time is a blessing. 

Purple Birthday Gift and James 1:17

This vase was given by my mom to one of her co-workers for her birthday.  The vase is a nice small vase about 6" tall, wrapped with sparkly black ribbon and a flower that I got from a craft show.  It is filled with a pre-made bouquet from Hobby Lobby.  The colors matched well and it was the perfect size so I thought I would give it a try.  I'm kind of bummed because this is the only picture I have and it doesn't do it justice.  It was super cute and the ribbon so sparkly!  

And now on a completely different note..James 1:17 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  ~James 1:17

There are so many blessings in this world.  Recently God has sent me a little girl named Gabby.  When I read this verse, I think of her.  She is filled with joy and giggles, and she lights up our classroom every time she's there.   She works hard and never forgets to give us a hug at the end of the day...she even runs back from the car if she needs to.  Next week is Gabby's last day in our class for positive reasons.  We are so excited for her, but are going to miss her dearly.  And as hard as it is to say good-bye, I will always remember the joy she brings wherever she goes.  She is one of God's perfect gifts.  Next time you think of someone who is a blessing in your life, make sure to tell them.  So often things go unsaid.  Make the most of this holiday by spreading the joy that is brought to you by so many blessings!

Tonight I thank God for you.

Peace and Joy.

Andrea

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention and Psalm 20

Out of the Darkness...

      For the past 4 years I have been involved in the community walk for suicide prevention in Grand Rapids, MI.  It is called the Out of the Darkness walk.  Each year it is growing and we are exposing depression and other mental illnesses that cause suicidal thoughts. We are bringing them Out of the Darkness.  And you can help!  Visit our walk page at Grand Rapids Walk.  This year for a door prize, I made a custom vase with the Out of the Darkness blue ribbon.  I collaged the ribbon with tissue paper and then used a Cricut to cut the letters out.  I know there's a glare, but it says, "Out of the Darkness 2011."  We filled it with Lifesavers and a gift card.  I love being able to fill some of the vases with things other than flowers! 

This year, a student of mine joined me with a friend and some family.  It was so special to have her there and for her to know that everything is going to be ok.  She got to know that she's not the only one going through what she's experiencing.  She's loved and so are all of you!  For some comfort, here's a prayer and a reminder in Psalm 20.  

Peace and Blessings.

Andrea

Psalm 20

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 ¹ May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
   may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
² May he send you help from the sanctuary
   and grant you support from Zion.
³ May he remember all your sacrifices
   and accept your burnt offerings.
⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
   and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy over your victory
   and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

   May the LORD grant all your requests.

 ⁶ Now this I know:
   The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
   with the victorious power of his right hand.
⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
⁸ They are brought to their knees and fall,
   but we rise up and stand firm.
⁹ LORD, give victory to the king!
   Answer us when we call!

Psalm 71:6 and my Mom's birthday!

~ From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. (NIV)   ~ Psalm 71:6

 

This weekend, I am sending up thanks for my mom.  She is one of the strongest people I know.  She's always been there for me, through ups and downs, joys and fears.  She is a kind, giving, loving mother and I wouldn't trade her for the world!  Love you Mom!

 

My mother's birthday is coming up on Monday and she's been wanting a plate or bowl with decorative balls for a coffee table centerpiece.  With a low centerpiece like this, my dad won't have to move it to see tv!  

It took me a long time to figure out what exactly I wanted to do for this plate.  This is going in her living room and the colors of the room are greens, tans, and a muted purple.  She pointed out that she preferred that I didn't use purples, soooooo I went with the other two!  Half of my battle was figured out, the other half was figuring out how to make it a little more meaningful.  

To bring more of a personal connection to it, I added words around the outer edge.  Words like "love," "faith," "family," "blessed," and "joy."  I used a black sharpie on the tan tissue paper.  It was important to use permanent ink so when the Mod Podge was applied, the ink stayed put.  

My mother suggested Pier 1 as a place to look for filler.  I checked things out there first.  They didn't have exactly what I was looking for, so I thanked the woman and continued shopping.  Well....just across the parking lot is a Marshalls.  I thought I would just stop in and check there.  Woohoo did I find exactly what I was looking for or what!  The three largest balls came in a set of 3 for only $6.  The rest of the pieces were all in a set that was on clearance for $5.  So...what was going to cost me a minimum of $30 at Pier 1, I got for the steal of $11!  And it was EXACTLY what I was looking for!

 

Enjoy your week friends!  And if you're mom is still with you, give her an extra hug today and tell her how much you love her!

Genesis 1 and God's Beauty

 

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. " - Genesis 1:31

As I am sitting outside today, I am enjoying God's beautiful creation.  I'm trying to block out the loud sounds of the construction equipment down the road and the helicopter circling above and focus on what's important.  As I reread the very beginning of the bible, I was thinking about how general some of it sounded, but how much detail lies embedded within this message.  Solely in God creating two great lights there is so much detail.  Yes the sun and the moon are these great lights, but take a moment and think of the moon.  There are craters and moon sand, gravity and tides, reflections and shadows, and so much more.  

So today I thank God for all of his detail.  Attention to detail makes things and people what and who they are, and I am so thankful for that.  Thank you God for making me unique.  Please bless my family, friends, and readers with Your beautifully painted world.  Help them to block out all of the annoying loud noises of the world and focus on Your beauty.  Help them find it in unexpected places.

This piece that I just finished is a "pencil holder" of sorts.  I show it with paintbrushes.  It was such a beautiful day outside here today that I took some photos outside.  I used shiny off white tissue paper and orange floral ribbon.  Then I attached two small white flowers to cover the seam in the ribbon.  Simple, but quite elegant.  Standby for more of these to come.  I have made a few more.

"Fear not, for I am with you." Isaiah 41:10 and a proposal

"Fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  ~Isaiah 41:10

For those of you who are struggling right now...finding out some horrible news, making hard decisions, feeling down, losing a friend, working your way through a tough recovery, or struggling with issues of faith.  I am sharing Isaiah 41:10 today because there are so many people - friends, acquaintances, family, people I don't even know - who are struggling.  We all go through ups and downs in life and no matter what you're going through, I'm here to be the reminder that God is with us and is our strength.  When you feel that you just can't do it any more, hand things over to God and let him hold you.  I have been there, to feel like you just want to give up, that there is nothing worth fighting for any more.  Those are the times that it is hardest to remember that He is there, He will take the reins.  Hopefully, this is just one of several reminders you have about God being our strength.  If it is the only one, write yourself notes, keep your bible nearby, talk with friends and tell them you need these reminders.  It is SO worth it!  God is there to help us all pull through emotionally, physically, mentally.  You just have to let Him.  

For all of you who are struggling, I pray that you find peace in God's strength.  I pray that you know you're not alone.  God hold my friends in Your hand and squeeze them tight.  We all need You now.  Remind us that You're here.

And finally, a proposal.  These vases were ordered from a woman who already owns one of my vases.  Her son is coming home from Afghanistan and is going to propose.  These vases were going to be a set to the hopefully soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  (Please don't pay attention the bad photos.  I didn't have time to do better photographs before they were picked up.)

Tashia's Shower Gift

Hello!  I've missed writing throughout the summer, but taking classes and doing homework assignments has actually been refreshing!  I took two preschool labs at Michigan State University this summer.  I've learned so much and cannot wait to get back into my classroom and use the skills I've learned!  Because of these classes and extra hours at work, I decided to take a break from blogging.  I know it seems a silly thing to take a break from but allowing myself to do that was a little less pressure!  

This vase was a gift for my friend Tashia's bridal shower.  I went to her registries and checked out her colors.  Some of her bathroom and bedroom stuff was a mix of lime green, blue, and brown.  I just happened to have a lime green vase sitting in the "workshop!"  I know it's appearing yellow because of the photos, but it's really lime green.  To this, I simply attached a brown ruffly ribbon and a periwinkle blue flower.  I filled it with some silk blue hydrangeas to bring out the blue a little more. 

Tashia and Adam get married in September and I wish them the best!  

Tashia and Adam~

Definitely keep God as the third strand in your relationship.  He is a constant guide and friend that will help you through any situation!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.