Tuesday, December 31, 2019

2020 Tag


Well, well, well...

I had a lovely, relaxing Christmas break. So relaxing as a matter of fact that I never finished my 12 Days of Christmas. Guess what? I am going to finish them and get a jump start on next year! How nice will it be to open my Christmas boxes in 2020 and see some fresh decor items? Got a little more Christmas crafting in you?

Today's quick project would really be Day 12 and I would have shared it weeks ago if I was on top of things. But, we have established I was not this year, so here is my 8th project for my 12 Days of Christmas Projects.
stencil a tag for the new year

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Sunday Verses

invite others to the table
Happy Sunday! Our Christmas dinner was a small crew this year, no need for extra leaves in the table because there were only four of us. But, I made sure to let my kids know that if they had any friends who needed somewhere to celebrate Christmas, they were welcome to join us. We did have friends join us for our family's various Christmas Eve traditions. I have always said I would rather include than exclude. Jesus was definitely an includer. He ate with tax collectors, he invited prostitutes in, he welcomed cheaters and robbers to the table. We don't need to go across the ocean or even down to the local homeless camp (although you certainly can) to find people who are in need of a meal and companionship. There are hurting, down, or alone folks in our lives that are looking to spend time with others. This new year let's let go of perfection and expectations and simply invite some people to the table and into our lives. Pick up a take-n-bake pizza or box of ten tacos (actually, better make it twenty) and share your space with someone who might need some fellowship.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Sunday Verses

devotional about choosing love over all else
Happy Sunday! As I headed out Friday to hopefully finish up my Christmas shopping, I vowed to remain cheerful and to spread joy despite the crowds and lines and traffic. Before I even made it to town I was giving a driver a thumbs down (as opposed to other hand gestures) for forcing me to the shoulder to avoid a head on collision with her because she was passing when it was not clear. Jesus calls us to do EVERYTHING in love. That includes driving, interacting with others, responding to those who anger us and hurt us. I fail at this daily. I am short with people, judge others harshly at times, spew impatience and irritation. This verse is becoming my mantra--it is short and the perfect one to tuck inside your heart and mind, to speak over yourself and others. Reminding ourselves to act in love, to CHOOSE love first will make our homes and workplaces and communities a little bit better and more peaceful.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

12 Days of Christmas Day 7 Cute Christmas Coasters

This giveaway is now over. Winners are: Sandy at Primitive Skate, Marie at Interior Frugalista, and Linda at Itsy Bitsy. You'll be contacted shortly to claim your wins!

Many thanks to everyone who entered and visited these wonderful projects!

Today's project is perfect for a last minute gift idea! These cute coasters take minutes to make and are perfect for your favorite holiday drinks.

diy last minute christmas gift

Sunday, December 15, 2019

12 Days of Christmas Day 6 Christmas Tree Art

If you have been following along with my 12 Days of Christmas, you know that I am sharing ideas made with two of Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils.

(affiliate link)
Funky Junk's Christmas Countdown Stencil
And when I chose the Christmas Bingo Stencil  (GET IT HERE)I promised to show you some fun ideas that aren't a countdown calendar at all. 
Here is one of those ideas that was born out of the need for something else on my Christmas gallery wall.
Old Sign Stencils for Christmas decor

Sunday Verses

Devotional on The Value of Rest
Happy Sunday! If you are a parent you know the value in the stillness and quiet of an early morning. The wee morning hours have been utilized by mamas for centuries as a time to rest, be still, and renew. Even with only one birdie left in the nest (and who is soon to fly the coop), I enjoy morning peace and quiet, alone time at the beginning of the day. And oh, how God knows the value of rest. He sent Jesus to this world to bring us rest--rest from trying to earn his love and salvation, rest from jumping through the hoops, rest for the weary world. In this season that seems to be about anything but stillness and repose, take time to come to Jesus, to lay down your burdens, to pause, and rest in his peace. 

Friday, December 13, 2019

12 Days of Christmas Day 5 Shelf Decor

Christmas is 12 days away, and yep, I am only on day 5 here( day 4 was the stenciled tray I shared for our fun blog hop!). Oh well, so goes life. Thanks for your patience! Day five's project started at as ornaments, but...
Stencil Sweet Christmas Signs in Minutes
I decided to use them for shelf sitters instead. 

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Christmas Tray with a Thrift Store Find and Old Sign Stencils Plus a Giveaway


Cookies and cocoa and cocktails...oh my! That is a just a few things that will look great served up on this adorable Christmas tray.

Christmas Tray with a Thrift Store Find and Old Sign Stencils

I am joining up with FIVE other FABULOUS bloggers to bring you some quick and easy Christmas ideas using Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils. PLUS, we have a giveaway for YOU!

Blog Hop with Old Sign Stencils


Sunday Verses


Devotional on Shining Light in Other People's Lives
Happy Sunday! Christmas lights are my very favorite Christmas decoration. Christmas lights on trees symbolize Jesus coming as the light of the world. Jesus is light, light for all. And because he gives us his life freely, we are able to and called to shine in other people's lives. This doesn't have to be hard or overwhelming. Don't try to be the biggest, brightest bulb around, think more of a simple strand of fairy lights. Uncomplicated gestures sometimes shine the brightest. Interact with those placed in your path, encourage people--cheer them on, build relationship, get your hands dirty working along side them, spread joy. This season when we see so many lovely lights, let them remind you of the Light of the World and the life he gives us so that we can shine love in other's lives.

Monday, December 2, 2019

12 Days of Christmas Day 3 Christmas Countdown Calendar

12 Days of Christmas Ideas
I love a good Christmas countdown calendar (because if you have kids, you know a countdown calendar so helps!), and this one is easy AND can be used year after year. 
(affiliate link)
Christmas Countdown Calendar

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Sunday Verses

Devotional on Loving Imperfect People
Happy Sunday! We are at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend and frankly, many people are feeling let down, frustrated, and exhausted. We have spent time with family and friends and for many, with people who are hard to love (if you aren't sure who the challenging one is, it might be you 😉). People are messy. Like snowflakes, each person in our lives is unique and sometimes that makes loving them hard. We struggle to understand how each one of us is wired differently. The only perfect love is God and the rest of us have to strive to love and accept others for the individuals that they are. If you are feeling let down, that is okay. Breathe, rest, and soak in Jesus' unconditional love. Continue to work (and it is work) to see the best in others and to actively love and appreciate their distinctive qualities.