Creations By Cindy

Thrifty, Thrifty, Thrifty

2012-02-16T09:22:00.002-05:00

Love it when I find some sweet deals!

Join me as I join Leigh over at
http://lbratina.blogspot.com

I don't get to go as often as I'd like but when I can I do love to do me some Thrift store shopping and hit the yard sales.

I thought I was in heaven when I spotted this beautiful solid wooden bowl with these ball ornaments. Price tag....$3.00
Yard sale

Cute little clock! Loved it! Guess where I have it????? In my bathroom on my shelf! Looks so adorable there.
Price Tag: $1.00
Yard Sale Find

Yep, found this bag of ball ornaments and snatched them up!

Price Tag: $1.00
Yard Sale Find

Ooh, I loved this! It is so pretty and this picture does not do this plate justice.

Price Tag: $1.00
Yard Sale Find

And got to have something to put that pretty plate in....right?

Price Tag: $1.99
Thrift Store Find

This little precious heart ornament with the birds just caught my eye! It actually has just a tad of shimmer on it. If I decide not to keep it I thought it would be lovely to attach to a bridal gift.

Price Tag: $.50
Yard Sale Find

Easter is right around the corner and I love decorating for Easter so needless to say I was tickled pink with this find!
Easter Egg Ornament Tree...

Love the little bunnies!

The eggs were glass.

Price Tag for Tree and eggs: $3.00
Yard Sale Find

And who can't use extra plastic bowls with lids!!!

Price Tag: $.25
Thrift Store Find

You gotta love this next piece! Did I say I love decorating for Easter? I didn't really notice that it had a cross on the top till I got home with it. Love this!

Price Tag: $.50
Thrift Store Find

Material, material and material! Ooh La La!
A bunch of material at that!

I see Aprons for my granddaugther's, Spring Dresses, Etc....
That one piece of turquoise was approx. 9 yards alone!

Price Tag: $2.50 (FOR ALL THE MATERIAL)
Yard Sale find

Ooh and just wait till you see this next eye candy!!!!!

Here is a closer look for you!

Price Tag: $3.00...yep, that is what I said....$3.00
Yard Sale Find

And..........

Nope, didn't find her at a yard sale but isn't she just the cutest???

Hope you enjoyed my goodies today! I've sure enjoyed sharing them. Now take a minute and browse some of the others that have linked up that are sharing their eye candy!

Hugs and Blessings, Cindy

St. Patricks Day

2012-02-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

Well now that Valentine's Day has passed we must be thinking about St. Patrick's Day! A few shares today to get you headed in that direction.....

Beautiful Tablescape

www.roomzaar.com

Nice Broach

www.momtastic.com

Yum...Pizza

www.makethebestofeverything.blog

Love this little hair style...

www.cutegirlshairstyles.com

Looks easy to make!

www.katydiddys.blogspot.com

Cute craft

www.rebeccacooper.blogspot.com

Ooh, Fruit!

www.sarahjasonjamesnathan.blog

Love this wreath!

http://tatertotsandjello.com//search/label/crafts

This looks yummy!

www.lovefromtheoven.com

Love this printable...

http://www.christianpreschoolprintables.com/Pages/StPatricksDay/StPatricksDayTrinityCraft.html

And....SHOES! I love em'.....

www.weheartit.com

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Tablescapes to share.

2012-02-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

I love looking at pretty tablescapes. Oh If I only had the time and the money.....Here are a few that I wanted to share this week that caught my eye!

http://hazelnutphotography.com/blog/tablescapes

http://www.sandralee.com/gathering/every-day-tablescapes/rustic-comfort/360#6

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-to-98th-tablescape-thursday.html

http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/parties-food-bliss/fresh-ideas-for-your-spring-tablescapes/86671/

http://reneebrock.com/blog/2011/07/06/summer-tablescapes-for-simply-buckhead/

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

http://stonegable.blogspot.com/p/tablescapes.html

www.zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

www.anita-faraboverubies.blogspot.com

www.happytodesign.blogspot.com

Hope you enjoyed looking a these beautiful tablescapes with me. Now...get busy and create your beautiful tablescape!

Hugs and Blessings, Cindy

CRAZY LOVE

2012-02-13T01:00:00.003-05:00

As I was looking at different posts on FB (which I do enjoy FB) but for the life of me I cannot imagine why anyone wants to share their drama on FB (okay, let me get off of that subject) I saw several posts pertaining to Valentine's Day. Some were negative posts stating how Valentine's Day is over-rated and too commercialized. (Which, what isn't anymore?) Some posts were lovely expressions of the Love that Jesus has for us...HE is our Valentine! I'm not here to get into the rights and wrongs of Valentine's Day. I want to share with you some words from Crazy Love that brings not just Valentines Day into perspective but EVERYDAY!

Crazy Love has got to be one of the best books I've ever read. Matter of fact I am on my 3rd time of reading it.

The very fact that God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing. The wildest part is that Jesus doesn't have to LOVE us. His being is utterly complete and perfect, apart from humanity. He doesn't need me or you. YET, He wants us, chooses us, even considers us His inheritance. (Eph. 1:18)

The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us.

The Holy Creator has set us apart as His Treasure!

What amazes me personally is that Jesus doesn't need me...yet HE WANTS ME...HE DESIRES ME...AND HE LOVES ME!

Do you want to know what Valentines Day truly is to the Christian?

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-02-10T10:07:00.002-05:00

YES I DO LOVE BROWSING AND PINNING ON PINTEREST! WANT TO SHARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK.

Love this Watermelon Tea pot! Cannot wait to try this!

http://www.watermelon.org

Love this cute little button headband.

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com

Love the makeover here! Wire basket and cake stand!

http://thegatheringplacedesign.blogspot.com

YUMMO!

http://www.willcookforsmiles.com

This is such a cute idea for a teacher! Love this!

http://www.eventtrender.com/blog/2011/11/a-is-for-apple.html

Love this for Easter

www.marthastewart.com

These look simple enough to make.

Mini Pineapple upside down cakes.

bigmamashomekitchen.blogs

What a great idea! Here you have your drinking cup, napkin and silverware...all in the same place!

asoftplace.net

And here is my favorite quote for today!

I hope you have enjoyed my Friday Favorites!

Hugs and Blessings, Cindy

CABBAGE AND SAUSAGE SOUP

2012-02-07T13:04:00.000-05:00

I love all kinds of soup and I love soup all year round.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH THESE BABY CABBAGE?

First let me say that I am not one to give very good cooking directions. Half the time I don't measure anything...I am quick to make up my own recipe...and well, I just do it!

I diced up my little baby cabbage (out of my garden)

Depends on how much soup you want to make to how much of everything you use. I make a big pot because we love leftovers!

I had an onion and some carrot chips! Gave them a spin in the chopper. (carrot chips are easier to chop)

Next I gathered up the spices I like to cook with. You use whatever you like.

A little overview of what I used. Of course salt and pepper. Decided to use just a tad of onion powder since I was using a whole onion already. A hint of garlic. Good sprinkle of lemon pepper. A good shake of crushed red pepper (my bunch likes things with a kick to it) A good shake of Mediterranean Herb seasoning and a generous shake of Natures seasoning in which my pantry is never out of! Love this seasoning! I would normally use chicken broth for my stock base but didn't have any! However I did have some Chicken broth cubes so just made my own broth.

Had a little bacon and you gotta have a little fat in your soup to make it good!

Well, maybe a lot of bacon! Hee-hee!

Tossed about 6 cubes in some water and added my seasonings. When that came to a boil I added my carrots, onions and bacon.

While that was cooking some I diced up my sausage. I love to use Nettles but decided to use deer meat that we had made into sausage.

Oh mercy the aroma of all those spices was soooo good! You want to smell?

When the carrots and onions began to become a little tender I tossed in the sausage (which was smoked). Cooked a few minutes and then added the cabbage.

Gave it a quick stir and let it cook till cabbage was tender.

I did manage to let it sit for just a little while to savor all those flavors before grabbing me a bowl full.

Now this is what I am talking about! Good, filling, and plenty for leftovers!

A little hint....it's better with a hunk of corn bread!!!!

Hugs and blessings,

Cindy

Nana Day with the grandbabies

2012-02-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

I had all four of my grands Friday and we had a Valentine craft day, made heart shaped brownies and had ice cream and well, done a little bit of everything! The great thing was that we were not on a time schedule, if we felt like brushing our hair we did and if we didn't...oh well! If we got dirty playing and chocolate on us from the brownies we didn't care! All that will wash out but the memories will be there forever! Grands are 7, 5, 4, & 8 months old. Needless to say...this NANA fell asleep on the couch after everyone went home!!!!
Let the crafts begin!

These two cousins are 20 months apart. One minute they loved each other and the next minute...well, lets just say they would have disagreements!

The oldest grandchild is 7 and such a little mama to the others.

Yeah, we had glue everywhere! But nothing that GoGone want take off! Love that stuff!

I think I have swept up enough of beads and etc. to have another day of crafts!

While some of the crafts are drying it is time for a break! A pillar fight breaks out with two of grands....YEP, my pillars off my couch!

The baby is so excited just watching them play!

This little craft was dry so we had to get a picture! Even the baby had her own craft!

It is time to make the brownies!!!!

Everybody had to have a part in the brownie making. One cracked the eggs, one added oil and water and one had to do the mixing!

And then the fun part began!!!!! LICKING THE BEATER...AND THE SPOON!

All I know is THANK the Lord for Spray and Wash!

Time for a little outside play!

And the 4 year old granddaughter has managed to have a stray dog come to her house so she too found her way to Nana's!

Her name is Rapunzel by the way!

Of course Mom and Dad are hoping Rapunzel's owners will claim her soon!

This little one doesn't care what any of them of them are doing. She is just before going to sleep! And she does and sleeps for one hour "just a swinging".

Time for more crafts!

Time for a picnic on the porch!

Time to show off some crafts and have brownies and ice cream.

I hope you have enjoyed our Valentine Craft day with us. We sure had lots of fun!

It is the little things in life that bring the greatest pleasure!

Hugs and blessings,

Cindy

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-02-02T17:48:00.000-05:00

LOVE ME SOME PINTEREST! HERE IS MY FRIDAY POST OF SOME OF MY FAVORITES FOR THE WEEK! I HAVE ALSO LISTED THE SITES FOR YOU AS WELL.

FIRST THING THAT CAUGHT MY EYE WAS THIS DARLING TURKEY PLACE CARD USING A COOKIE CUTTER! THIS COULD BE DONE WITH BASICALLY ANY TYPE OF COOKIE CUTTER FOR ANY SEASON! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THIS?????

hatterandhareevents.blogspot.com

LOVED THIS NEXT PIECE! WINDOW PANE WITH A MENU WROTE ON IT FOR A WEDDING OR WHATEVER THE EVENT IS YOU ARE HAVING! GREAT IDEA!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/457222

HASHBROWN-EGGS IN A MUFFIN TIN!

http://thevillagecook.com

SUPER BOWL CHEESE BALLS

http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/01/30/fried-bocconcini-with-spicy-tomato-sauce/

EASY PEASY SCARF

http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2012/01/fleece-scarf-tutorial.html

THIS IS THE CUTEST IDEA FOR A TEACHERS GIFT. NOT ONLY SCHOOL TEACHERS BUT SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AS WELL.

http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com

WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT TURNING YOUR OLD CRIB INTO A DESK?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/turn-an-old-crib-into-a-work-b-155012

I REALLY LIKED THE IDEA HERE OF DOING CHICKEN POT PIE IN BREAD PANS. GREAT IDEA! WOULD MAKE NICE LITTLE GIFTS TOO!

http://kokocooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/chicken-potpie.html

SUCH A GOOD IDEA AND CHEAP!

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/blue-patchwork-prints--set-of-9/paintings-prints/pattern-prints/11876

I LOVE THIS TABLESCAPE!

http://stonegable.blogspot.com/p/tablescapes.html

IT OUGHT TO BE AGAINST THE LAW TO MAKE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS THIS GOOD! PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE!!!

http://www.susannahskitchen.com/2012/01/recipe-chocolate-peanut-butter-cupcakes.html

LOVE THE IDEA OF A TUTU AROUND THE PUNCH BOWL!

http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=3357&categoryid=35

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST... WHEN I SAW THIS QUOTE IT CRACKED ME UP SO I'VE GOT TO SHARE IT WITH YOU TODAY!

I HOPE THAT YOU HAVE ENJOYED MY FRIDAY FAVORITES.

HUGS AND BLESSINGS, CINDY

Revisiting an old post but love these dishes

2012-01-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

My Tablescape is very simple, yet I find it what I call "Low Country Charm" . Instead of High Tea, we're having low tea. First of all let me say that my grandfather built my table and benches for me in 1994. It is so heavy it took about four men to get the table in the house. It isn't anything fancy but my papa built it just for me and I love it and will always treasure it. Anyway, was going to put a table cloth on it but to be honest I just wanted it to be simple and I wanted the wood to show. Besides it takes two tablecloths for this size table unless I want to make one!

First of all I must share a little history about these dishes. In 1984 we lost our home to a fire. At that time that was probably the closest thing I had ever come to that was in the sense of experiencing a death in the family. Those of you that have went through that will know what I mean....

Anyway, an elderly lady that lived about 5 miles from me came to see us one day bringing a box of dishes. She told us that she had had these dishes for a long time and didn't really need them and wanted us to have them. I have had these dishes all these years. I cannot even begin to tell you how she (through those dishes) ministered to me in our time of need. Over the years I have added to my collection through thrift stores. Recently I was in my friend Paige's store (Three Palms and Resale) and there sat three pieces that matched my set. A large platter, gravy boat and creamer! Needless to say I was in dish heaven! So I call this my "Miss Lossie" Tablescape. Old, simple, plain but yet truly speaks to me of the gift of giving!

I probably have enough of these dishes now to set up for at least 20. I've added to my collection

No table cloth...just the pretty table my papa made.

I just love love these little gold spoons I swooped up at a yard sale..both for 25 cents!

Love my little jewels sitting on the saucer. Just sorta gives the tea cup life!

Had some old material and drug it out and made some napkins. Decided to make what they call the "tea cup" napkins. Not too big and not too little!

Wanted to give it just a little tad of color and decided to use my newly yard sale purchase for $1....Cheese board with cloche with a few lemons and limes.

Who can have a tablescape without candles??? Just love them. Instead of goblits decided to go with tea mugs! I love these glasses!!!!

I really loved how my centerpiece turned out. The wooden bowl I also found at a yard sale for 25 cents! I am telling ya'll, I am the Queen of Cheap! Filled it with roses I already had, added a few lemons and topped it with a votive cup and candle. Oh, one of my granddaughter's added the butterfly.

Everything on the tables is things I've had and collected over the years, bought at thrift stores, GW or yard sales or things I just had in general with exception of the napkins I made.

I have two old wooden chairs, one on each end of the table. Used a rose I had leftover with a piece of greenery and done a very simple chairscape.

I used some of my dessert dishes for coasters!

I've sure enjoyed sharing Miss Lossie's Tablescape with ya'll today. It's been fun!

Red Lights And Stop Signs!

2012-01-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

There isn't anything any worse at times than to be running late, in a hurry and you get STOPPED by a red light. Or, we are just about to make it on time but here we drive up to that STOP SIGN. URR! I don't know about you but I need some Stop Signs and Red Lights in my day at times. If I am not working outside the home I am working inside the home and just need a break from doing things...Regardless of whether I am answering the phone on my job or sitting for hours at my sewing machine. We all are busy people! I don't know anyone that isn't busy! Our busy schedules need to interrupted with a little leisure or time of reflection.

Sometimes we just merely need to STOP and breathe!

Take a minute out for yourself and away from the busyness of life....

There are two ways of making it through our busy life. One way is to STOP thinking....the 2nd one is to STOP and think! Many of us live the first way! We tend to fill every hour with activity.

Let us Stop and think about what is important in our life and if being so busy being busy is really necessary. Look at the interruptions in your life as maybe the Lord nudging at you to STOP and rest in Him a moment. Or to STOP and reflect on His goodness.
STOP, and enjoy a cup of tea or cup of coffee and say, "This is the day the Lord has made; lets be glad and rejoice in it". Psalm 118:24

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-01-27T13:30:00.003-05:00

I love Pinterest! Matter of fact you can look on the right side of my page here and follow me on there!!! Hint..... I've added the links for you to check these sites out!

So wanted to share some of my Friday favorites with you from Pinterest. Hope you enjoy!

Movie Night Party! (I love me some popcorn)

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/01/childrens-party-table-for-movie-night.html

Super Cute Idea for back of a chair!

http://maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-heart-chair-backer.html

Looking for a Housewarming gift?

http://www.marthastewart.com/273462/housewarming-bucket?xsc=eml_org_2011_03_21

Cute idea for your daughter or granddaughter's sleepover!

http://ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/2011/10/pajama-party.html

Love some ribs but really LOVE it when I cook things in my crock pot!

http://www.mmmisformommy.com/2011/09/easy-barbecued-ribs.html

Looking for home inspirational decorating ideas? I love this one!!!!

http://clarendonlane.blogspot.com/2012/01/looking-back-and-looking-ahead.html

Ooh this looks so good. Think I will try this one!

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/the-gangs-all-here-jalapeno-cream-cheese-crescent-poppers/

I made this little apron last week for one of my granddaughters and it turned out so adorable! Pattern on this site for you!

http://www.livingwithpunks.com/2010/07/free-pattern-mini-me-apron-set.html

If you like reading this is one of the best books I have ever read! I've read it twice now!

http://www.christianbook.com/crazy-love-overwhelmed-by-relentless-god/francis-chan/9781434768513/pd/768513?event=HPF1

One day when I get rich I am going to buy me a place in the mountains! And stay for a while!!!

http://www.standout-cabin-designs.com/log-cabin-interior-design.html

Yes, I love to hunt so next season I will have this shirt....

http://www.buckwear.com/WomenHunt-Ladies-Hunting-T-Shirt

And last but not least I just love this saying....

Hope you have enjoyed my Friday favorites.

Hugs & Blessings, Cindy

FLIP FLOP CAKE

2012-01-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

I'd had several ladies ask me about the flip flop cake I done for my oldest granddaughter's birthday so I found the link for you.
This cake is so simple and can be decorated anyway you'd like.
I used the template from the link. Everything on the cake was editable except for the silk flowers. I used twizzlers for the straps and candy to decorate the sides of the flip flops. My granddaughter was having a luau party so needless this say this fit right in with her theme and really did turn out cute.

Here is the link: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/flip-flops-cake/c7a5c9c1-1978-4871-b275-38a1240358db

It Don't Get No Better Than This!

2012-01-24T11:26:00.001-05:00

There is nothing any better to me than to sit down with my cup of coffee in hand and read, journal, study Bible study and just relax. Love it! I have many devotionals that I pull from but one that I use on a regular basis is "Experiencing God" by Henry & Richard Blackaby. I've not only taken this study but have taught the workbook. This is a book or workbook study that I think every Christian needs to take. I have the paper back book of this as well and I use it so much for devotionals. I've referenced to it so many times that I actually know the page numbers of some of the things I want to go back and look at. This morning while doing my devotional I came across something that just sort of jumped out at me! I've read it many times already but this morning it LEAPED off the page! God is so cute like that isn't He? He knows what we need when we need it.

With coffee in one hand and my book in the other God began speaking to my heart.....

The piece I was reading was speaking about when the Holy Spirit speaks something to our hearts then it's our job to do something with it. We are not to just sit and 2nd guess God nor allow what He has spoken to us to just lay dormant. We are to act upon it. If we don't we give Satan time to steel that away from us. "What you do after the Holy Spirit speaks will have enormous consequences for you and THOSE AROUND YOU!
Did you see that? So many times we launch ourselves into a debate type of discussion with God questioning the correctness of His directions. We are so busy debating with Him that we miss it! And guess what? That means someone else will miss it too!

If God speaks to your heart that you need to call someone today and invite then to church... Do it! If you don't then someone else probably will. And it may not a Bible, Believing, Teaching, Church!

If God speaks to your heart that He has a ministry for you to do at church or in your community....Do It! That ministry for the Lord is not only for you but for so many others! Someone may come to know Jesus as their Savior ONLY because you chose to be obedient!

If you feel the leading of God telling you hug the un-huggable then Do it! That may be the only HUG that person ever gets!

Whatever His voice is whispering for you to do for HIM do not hesitate! What we DO and DON'T do affects us and others.

A former Pastor's wife said once, "When God Speaks move quickly....if you don't then you give Satan opportunity to step in.

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Need I say more!

2012-01-22T17:33:00.000-05:00

Jeremiah 1:4-5

The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knewyou,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 139: 13-18

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 127:3

Behold, children are a blessing from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like armies in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

Precious one - So small, so sweet
Dancing in on angel feet
Straight from Heaven's brightest star
What a miracle you are!

Hugs from Cindy

THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE THIS WEEK!

2012-01-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share a few "EYE-CATCHTER'S" this week as I was blogging around, browsing on Pinterest and just GRAZING.

Hope you enjoy looking too!

This would be an easy DIY item!

Isn't this just the cutest idea for baby shower?

I just feel in love with this decoration. Looks like boxes wrapped in fabric maybe with ribbon and floral pieces. Looks so simple!

Too cute for the back of a chair! And it's different!

I love different!

This really caught my eye! Love the music notes! Could be done easy I would think!

I really loved this tablesetting and the centerpiece.

Ooh, Blue, White and Yellow!

This is so simple but what really caught my eye here was the use of various size cans spray painted!!!!

Shower Curtain rings to hang your scarves on!

What a cute Idea!!!!

Hugs...

FAMILY

2012-01-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

WHAT IS FAMILY?

A group of kindred or closely related individuals. 

My heart is burdened today for families.   

The American family is falling apart. Consider the following statistics.  In 1950, about one out of every 20 children born in this country was  born to an unmarried woman -- and there were very few abortions. By  1990, more than one out of every 4 children was born to an unmarried  woman -- and hundreds of thousands more were aborted. Approximately half  of all marriages that take place this year in the U.S. will end in  divorce. 

What is wrong with families today? The Biblical answer is clear: We  have believed society's lies and ignored Biblical truth. 

What are some  of these lies? Here are three:

Society's lie #1: Men and woman are essentially the same. The Bible tells us that, while equal before God, we are different in important ways

Society's lie #2: We need to stand up for our own rights  and demand that our own needs are met -- even if that means breaking a  solemn marriage vow, deserting our children, or rebelling against our  parents. It has been stated that; "Fewer than half of all adult  Americans today regard the idea of sacrifice for others as a positive  moral virtue." What does the Bible tell us? "He who seeks to gain his  own life will lose it" and "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

Society's lie #3: Children are a burden, or, at best, an  ornament, or, perhaps, an experience. It's useful to have one in order  to go through the experience, but take care that you don't spoil your  life prospects by having too many. The Bible says: "Children are an  inheritance from the Lord; the fruit of the womb a reward from him. Like  arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." (Psalm 127) Children  are God's; we "inherit" them from him, to bring up and hold in trust.  They are gifts, rewards; our lives are filled by being poured out for  them.

(1) What were men and women created to do? How do we differ?

(2) What is the relationship between husband and wife in a marriage founded on Biblical principles?

(3) What is the relationship between parents and children in a family founded on Biblical principles?

In all honesty...if we would LIVE this scripture: Deuteronomy 6:5

New International Version (NIV)

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.(then we could love FAMILY)

Get out your Bible and search the scriptures...God's Word is True and His Principles for FAMILY are found in the Living Word Of God!

Spring PJ's & Funny Faces

2012-01-14T11:45:00.000-05:00

This 4 year old granddaughter of mine is nothing short of a FUNNY mess! I had whipped up a pair of "Spring" PJ's for her out of some scrap material I had laying around. Needless to say she spotted the PJ's and JUST had to wear them! ALL DAY!!!!!!!!! I told her, "Mallory, Nana made those for you to wear for Spring". She said, "Nana, what is Spring?". I decided it wasn't worth even trying to explain. Then she proceeded with her photo shoot....she is too funny! Wanted to share one my precious grands with you today and of course the cute and easy PJ's she loved!

And of course her funny faces!

God Keeps His Promises

2012-01-12T07:10:00.000-05:00

The Bible is the word of God and is powerful and life changing. The promises of God start with 2 Timothy 3:16 when God tells us that all Scriptures in the Bible are inspired by God. With this promise of God in hand we can then be assured that what we learn in the Bible comes from Him!

There is so many promises in His Word that Christ has given us but one of my favorite promises that has affected my life greatly is;

Romans 8:37-39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Love the lyrics of this song.....

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Have a blessed day and trust the Promises of God!

Be blessed, Cindy

52 week challenge..better known for me as ACTS OF KINDNESS (AOK)

2012-01-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

My 52 Week Challenge is called AOK (Acts of Kindness) The challenge is simple and yet very challenging at the same time. Each week I will do something "extra special" for someone. It might be as simple as sending a card to someone that needs an extra special touch, a pan of cookies for no reason, a plate of food, a wrapped gift, or whatever! The ideas are endless. WHY? Everyone desires kindness. Even if you are the type of person that loves giving to others and you do that regular this is a different type of challenge. This is to challenge us to really think and pray for guidance. "Who needs what this week Lord? I can assure you that you will get the bigger blessing. My challenge with AOK started on January 6th. I am excited as to whom God would like me to bless this week. How about you? Are you up for the challenge?

Happy New Year

2012-01-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

I have been like many others making New Year Resolutions that had to do with life style changes in the past and for the most part have not succeeded. Things such as, “Eat healthier, exercise more, loose at least 10 lbs, learn to say NO, and etc! I can assure you that the things I just mentioned are still much needed in my life. During the holiday season my goal was to be more of a Mary instead of a Martha. I actually succeeded with this goal though I must admit that there was a few days that I struggled with this. However with that mind-set I thought about the New Year and what I would like to be better at. My goal is to practice the 5 love languages...If you ever get the chance to read this book by Gary Chapman I highly recommend it.

1: Speak words of affirmation...have positive things to say instead of negative. Speak words of encouragement to others. Build one another up with our words.

2: Quality Time...spend more time with others & especially those that are near & dear to my heart. Like my family & close friends….we tend to take those people for granite.

3: Giving Gifts...which is basically a noun that denotes acts or actions. A gift doesn’t necessarily have to momentary. Bake someone a pan of cookies for no reason...mail them a card of encouragement….etc...

4: Acts of Service...most of the time our acts of service involves something we like to do or do not mind doing...but...what about those acts of service we might not like very well?

5: Physical touch: Though some may not like to hug and that is alright but it never hurts to simply pat someone on the back for comfort, encouragement, job well done or just to show kindness. Physical touch can be simply to hold another sisters hand as you pray for her...

What would you like to accomplish for this brand new year of 2012? Life is short, time is at hand so let us strive to be more Christ-like in every area of our life!

A few pics from a recent Wedding

2011-11-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

A few favorite of mine

2011-11-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one struggling to keep up with a blog these days? Mercy! Wanted to share a few of my favs with you. Hope you enjoy browsing.

THRIFT STORE FINDS

2011-10-18T10:29:00.000-04:00

Haven't Thrift Store Shopped in a while but decided to stop at a few and ran across a few goodies.

Found this cute little outfit for $1. Mint condition. Washed that cutie up and grandbaby has a play outfit!

When I come across cute little outfits for the granddaughters to play dress up in at my house I always try to grab them if the price is right...and the PRICE WAS RIGHT!

75 cents for this one!

50 cents for this one!

This little precious dress is just that...precious! I am not a Name Brand person...if I like it I get it whether it is name brand or not. However I was delighted to find this adorable Bonnie Jean Of New York dress for my oldest granddaughter. It is too big for her now but she can play in it for the mere $2.99 I paid for it.

Look at the detail on this dress.

Found this cute little gold basket holder. Perfect to hold my Luncheon napkins in for the holidays. Especially when all I paid was 25 cents for it.

I love me a Bunny! Saw this cute little piece I plan to use next Spring displayed on an easel. Yep, it's a Dollar Tree Item and had the price tag of 75 cents on it but ask me what I paid??????

10 cents! Yep, I said 10 cents! There was a whole bin of items marked "Special of the day" for 10 cents. This was the only thing I found in the bin I wanted but for 10 cents......

Hope you enjoyed looking at my little treasure today! You know the old saying, "Another persons trash is someone's treasure!

Two Blogs that really inspire me!!!!

2011-10-14T13:30:00.002-04:00

Inspired, Inspired and Inspired! Wanted to share with my friends.

http://thisismeinspired.blogspot.com/

http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/

PRINCESS TEA PARTY

2011-10-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

TURN YOUR VOLUME UP AND LISTEN AS YOU WITNESS SOME OF THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM OUR LORD......OUR CHILDREN!

Princess Tea Party Pictures are ready to see! What a great time we had. It was lots of fun but I must say, this NANA was wore out! Someone asked me, "Why would you go to that trouble and expense? Well, LOOK AT THESE PICTURES and you will see why! I loved it!

The little girls loved the makeup needless to say. I had three ladies help to put their makeup on. The pink gloves you see laying on the stand belonged to my oldest daughter who is now 32 years old.


The Candy Buffet was the hit! The dress on the dress form was one of the many proms dresses that belonged to my middle daughter. Of course my all-time favorite little tea set.

The pretty tablescape I used with the tea pots and snack dishes really gave it the TEA PARTY feel! The ladies had the cloth napkins but I used paper napkins for the little girls and instead of using ribbon I used a ring to go around each napkin. The little girls loved it! At each setting for the girls they had a wand, and a goody bag filled. They could hardly eat for wanting to get into the goody bag!

Another view of the tablescape along with the tissues balls I had hanging and prom dresses hung all over my porch! Of course with 3 daughters and all of them with dresses I couldn't possibly hang them up all.

The front door held the sign and the lounge seat held all the little gifts the girls received from the Queen! Which so happened to be me! It was my party after all!

Queen Cynthia of Conner's Pond (It was so much fun to dress up in my one my daughter's old prom dresses)

Another look at the Candy!!!! Big hit with the girls...Not so sure about the mama's though!

Beautiful Princesses

This was my youngest princess.....

And my oldest Princess....

Now the fun begins with the makeup session

I love this picture. These cute little girls are being so patient as they wait their turn!

The girls had tea party guests; Miss Queenie and Princess Puppy!

Or...we could take the bows off and you'd have; King &Prince.

And of the course the HEAD QUEEN showing off her pretty crown & glitz!

Each girl received a small gift to open. You would have thought it was Christmas time!

Yep, either she is REAL EXCITED or this is down right scarey!

This was the cutest thing to me! I had placed a glass slipper (plastic) on each gift and Kiley was trying her best to see if the glass slipper fit! Of course the girls had just had story time...None other than Cinderella!

Then the Fashion show begins. The girls had a variety of clothing, jewelry, shoes, purses and etc. to pick from. Then each girl came out and paraded around for us. So cute!

I hope you have enjoyed the Princess Tea Party with me. .....dreams STILL do come true!