project W, part 2

Okay, I shall now begin the craft lesson. Step 1: Gather your supplies.

I chose gloss Mod Podge and satin paint because I wanted the nice shiny, glossy finish. I used black paint, but obviously you can choose the color that is best for your project. White would be cute for a baby!

Now choose your paper! Have fun with it! Again, this is totally flexible with your color scheme. I would suggest mixing large and small prints so it doesn't look too busy or overwhelming. A solid color would also be a good option. And you should probably only do three different sheets because more than that might be too much! Warning: you may get overwhelmed by choices!! :) There really is something for every occasion. Oh, and I would recommend not using cardstock or heavy paper because I don't think it would work quite as well for this project. I used 12" paper.

Don't forget to buy the letter. It's kind of an important part of this craft. There are different sizes to choose from, but I would suggest not using the small ones because they would be difficult to work with.



Step 2: Paint your letter. Please follow the instructions on the paint. Disclaimer: I am not responsible or liable for injuries or damage resulting from improper use of paint, inadequate drying time, and/or inhalation of fumes.

part 3, coming soon!

project W, part 1

A few weeks ago when I was shopping, I saw a really cute idea and thought "I should make that for my friend who is getting married!" Before I go any further, I need to tell you a couple - okay a few things about myself that you may not know.

1) I am not an artistic, craft-loving, hands-on person. Just ask my mom. When I was a very young child, I cringed at the sight of glue (not to mention flip out if it actually got on my fingers gasp!), flat out refused to finger paint, and would rather work math problems or write a book report than color a picture. In spite of all this, I do love homemade items...and pinterest is a glorious thing. But I must have step-by-step instructions. Better yet, give me a demonstration and show me how to actually assemble something. For me to look at something and decide to figure out how to make it on my own and then give it as a gift is rather absurd. So I don't know where that voice came from.

2) I am a perfectionist. Enough said.

3) I don't have a lot of time on my hands. Working a full time job and trying to do school leaves me with little free time. In other words, I am not bored out of my mind and looking for things to keep me busy. So this project was worked on a little at a time for several nights after I had put in a full day of work and then study time (read: I was tired).

I really shouldn't show you the picture of the finished project first because I had to suffer through the whole process before I had the satisfaction of beholding this beautiful piece of (ahem - unfortunately slightly flawed) artwork. But because I am a very nice person, and because I know there are other people out there like me who have a hard time visualizing a concept, and because I am going to be even nicer and actually show you how to do this project...I will show you the picture. You are welcome.



Picture. Project W.

Just let yourself enjoy it's cuteness for awhile...I'll continue the craft lesson later! ;p 
Happy thoughts,
Lauren

the unexpected blessing

 After I got off work on Wednesday, I headed to my nearest Chick-Fil-A to show my support for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I knew it would be right in the middle of the dinner rush and my sister had warned me that I should be prepared to wait a very long time. I was okay with that. After all, it really wasn't about the food - even though it is quite tasty!

At first, my brother and I found a parking spot and walked up to get in the line that was bursting out the doors and winding around the side of the building. We had only stood in the 114 degree heat for a few moments before we decided to get back in the car. After all, we thought the drive thru may be faster.

The next challenge was finding where the end of the line was. There were cars coming from all directions in the adjacent parking lot and it looked like they all were intending to join the line. As we joined the jumble of cars that was slowly forming a line and merging into the Chick-Fil-A parking lot, I couldn't help but notice the attitude of everyone around me. In spite of the "inconvenience" of waiting in the heat, the other drivers, passengers, and even the people brave enough to stand in line outside were all smiling, laughing, and courteously allowing others to go in front of them. We all knew why we were there. We were all united. And it was happening all across America. The United States of America.

I was suddenly overwhelmed by the surge of support that I saw. There really still are people out there willing to show their support and back it up with their actions (and wallets!). I was encouraged and blessed just to be a part of it. There was a man who let me get in line in front of him, and I let a pickup do the same. I saw employees carrying out large sacks of food for people that must have catered something. I was celebrating everyone who was taking part. There were elderly people with walkers and wheelchairs, young families with kids, and young adults like me.

When we got up to the drive thru ordering spot (what do you call that anyway?), I saw my cousin and her fiance. We got their attention and they came over to talk. I offered to order for them so they wouldn't have to stand in line. They were happy to accept. ;)  I think after we ordered it was 5-8 minutes before we got to the window. As soon as we got there they started handing our food out to us so we didn't have any wait time on that.

They also informed us that the guy behind us was paying for our food. I was completely shocked and seemed to be frozen, holding my credit card out to them. I think I said something like "Are you serious??" and I'm pretty sure I said "oh my gosh" over and over again. They said "Yeah and he knew you had a big order." I know! He sat behind me and watched the whole exchange with my cousin.

Then I told them I wanted to pay for the people behind him. I had come to support Chick-Fil-A and there was no way I was going home without spending a dime. They said the guy had paid for those people too. What?!? I was so blown away that I was on the verge of tears. If you had caught my reaction on camera, we probably could have won some big money with it...and then donated it to CFA.

I finally relented, because those poor employees in there had enough to deal with so I vowed to myself that next time I would pay it forward. I asked them to tell the guy "thank you" for me. My brother and I waved to him and he acknowledged with a nod. Bless that man, whoever he is!

As we drove away, I told my brother that was the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I could feel God's smile and hear Him say, "that was just for you...from Me."

Pass it on.

P.S. I think our total time in-and-out was approximately 30 minutes. So worth it; I was ready to do it again!

choices

My friend forwarded this message to me today:

We always have a choice between hope and despair, no matter the circumstances. We always have a choice between fear and faith, no matter how bleak things may look. We always have a choice to give and serve no matter how little we may have.

My pastor preached from Psalm 1 yesterday for the beginning of a sermon series through Psalms. The comparison in this chapter between the righteous and the wicked should grab our attention.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We have a choice to delight in the instruction of the Lord. We have a choice to let it be in our thoughts throughout the day. Will we ponder and study?

Standing in the path where sinners walk is a choice too. It could be active (purposeful and intentionally) and inactive (unwilling to change your actions). Will we sit down to relax and rest where scoffers and mockers gather?

Charles Spurgeon said, "Sinners cannot live in heaven. They would be out of their element. Sooner could a fish live upon a tree than the wicked in paradise."

For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought). verse 6, Amplified

my weekend in photos

cake, a snake, and the wedding dress

I'm afraid the snake has been speaking to [many of us]. He's been sneaking up and whispering, "God is stingy. He dangles that beautiful fruit called marriage before your eyes and won't let you have it. He refuses you the only thing you need for deep personal growth, the one thing in all the world that would solve all your problems and make you really happy." ~Elisabeth Elliott

Last weekend, I had the privilege of helping host a bridal shower for my best friend from high school. How refreshing to see a couple follow God and seek His honor and glory. There is so much rejoicing in that! I cried tears of joy and happiness as we prayed over my friend, and was beside myself with excitement when I saw her dress for the first time. She will be a beautiful bride! I eagerly soaked up all the details and planning and preparations. My heart will be full on her wedding day. I am so overwhelmed to be a part of her special day.

It makes the contrast of my own life seem even harsher. I know that God's plans for my life are different than the plans He has for others. I cannot compare myself with other people. Even though it is the complete opposite of what I had dreamed of as a little girl, I choose to believe that God's plans for me are better than my own. Whatever He has in store for me is good.

I wouldn't want what the snake has to offer anyway. I have seen that path and don't want to be anywhere near it. I have fixed my gaze and will follow Jesus "though none go with me."

It is well with my soul.

not a typical week

I decided to let myself have a vacation this week. So I only worked 8 hours a day AND I got the whole day off on Wednesday! What a deal! I only clocked 32 hours; quite a break from the 45-48 hour weeks I have been working. Then I started thinking and I realized that I have only taken 7 days off this year. Five of those days being the week I took off for the mission trip in March. That was the only week I have had off for two years. That's crazy. Next week I will be back to my usual schedule. Lots of bills and deadlines!

Ah yes, the shoes. I have been shopping for shoes to wear in my friend's wedding. I am very picky, and I didn't want really tall heels because 1) I don't want to be 6 feet tall, 2) I do want to be somewhat comfortable and 3) I don't want to trip walking down the aisle. I tried on several pairs - like the ones I posted earlier and these Coach shoes that I tried on just for fun!

But here are the ones I fell in love with...

I call them my Cinderella shoes. I feel like a princess when I wear them! :)

It's a girl thing for sure.