paper dandelions

Laundry Makeup

2012-02-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ladies,

Imagine if our laundry rooms would actually look like this?

Ok, maybe yours does, but mine most certainly doesn't!

We live in an old war home. You know, the kind most people refer to

as a starter home. We love it. It may be small, but when I find myself

thinking about or rather coveting other people's large homes

I remind myself of this proverb:

" Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a

house full of feasting with strife"

Proverbs 17:1

We may have a smaller than normal home, but at least

we have a home rooted in Christ!

* * *

So, the other day while I was pinning...

I thought to myself: how can I make our laundry room

more welcoming? Most of our walls are decorated with

pipes, pipes and more pipes, but there was one patch of wall

left open with just the right amount of a space---

I've always loved wall decals and decided that I would try and make my

own. It's turned out to be relatively easy!

Here's what you'll need:

* a printer

* our printable

* carbon paper ( Staples sells 10 sheets for 2.99 and they are reusable)

* a pen

*paint- I used black acrylic

*and a paint brush

The final result:

Here's a step by step of how I made this wall decal and if you're interested in making your own; I've attached

a link to the printable here.

Is there Feminism in the church?

2012-01-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

Is our modern day church accepting a sugarcoated version of the feminist movement and if so why?

Is this 'biblical' feminism a weed in the church?

source

If your life has been one of the ones affected wouldn't you want know?

I believe almost every woman, and girl has been; myself included.

* * *

I invite you to join me on a journey. My journey began a few years ago after being convicted with the Scriptures. Since then it has been my desire to lead others to that glorious truth found in God's Word.

No matter what age you are, and regardless of what stage of life you are in; this message is for you! Why? Because it's God's message.

The following videos were originally aired at the Revive Our Hearts: True Woman 08 conference.

The message was simple: To restore the biblical definition of womanhood in today's feminist culture.

You may be someone who has heard all there is on this topic and this is the last topic you need to hear something on; but I really encourage you to come along with me just ONE more time.

Maybe you are someone who has never really thought much about biblical womanhood; I invite you to come along as well.

* * *

source

So please join with me as we study this wonderful topic.

The following speeches were given by Mary Kassian. This lady is someone who I have really come to admire. She is definitely not the typical speaker I am used to, she can be a little blunt, but she's to the point and better yet-

she is not scared to be biblical!

If you're interested in hearing more speeches from the conference on your own time, here's the link.

I personally own a copy of this dvd but to make things easier- I've posted the videos from You Tube.com
So here's the message entitled, " You have come a LONG way Babe."
Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Last Part

Some Changes

2012-01-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

I realize that my blog hasn't really had much rhyme or reason to it in the past:)

So I've started to do some organizing around here [insert cheer]

This is just a quick post highlighting the changes:

1. I've added some new tabs to the site:

Crochet Fun: Where I post every modern and stylish pattern I can find
(that's free of course)

I also hope to from time to time post my own patterns and crochet tutorials here.

*there is the start of a hook size search on the main page to make finding

patterns easier.

Paper Dandelion Fun: This page contains tutorials, crafts and DIY how-to's. I hope to start

adding more tutorials soon!

Blog How To: Links to resources that will help you learn how to customize your

own blog with your own style and flair.

Family Economics: This is probably the page I am the most excited about:)

I will be linking to family businesses that desire to glorify God and live the Biblical vision within their homes.

Should you have any recommendations: feel free to send them in. [for now just leave comment on this post].

I hope you enjoy the new look!

2012-01-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today I felt like designing something a little different.

I always love walking into homes that have Scripture decorating the walls. If I had my

way my whole house would be filled with

beautiful photo canvases and Bible verses. However ordering professionally printed photo canvases

doesn't exactly fit the budget for most people; so rather than wait until I have the money to

purchase one; I've decided I'm just going to print my own designs onto cardstock or photo paper and then frame them!

If you're the ambitious type however, you could always try and make your own canvases!

Here's a great tutorial that is stored in my brain's 'to-do' list:

continue reading post here

Want a blog makeover for free?

2012-01-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how to make your own blog button?

and how people make their own custom headers?

Maybe you have a facebook page,

but don't know how to

add a social media button to you blog

to connect the two?

My friend Jacinda just wrote up on nifty little E-book

entitled: "Blog Design on a Dime"

which isn't entirely true because if you

purchase this Ebook you

won't be paying a cent towards your

blogs new 'do'!

"Blog Design on a Dime" is an Ebook

meaning you don't have to store it on your bookshelf-

just your computer which allows you the ease of

customizing your blog at the computer without

opening a bulky book:)

Want to snag this resource for yourself?

You can purchase this Ebook by clicking
the photo on our right sidebar at the top of the screen
that looks like this:

It's hot off today's press!

just $ 4.99:)

Thanks Jacinda!

After Christmas Shabby Apple Sale!

2011-12-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

How About an Extra 20% Off our SALE SECTION?

20% Off the Sale Section at Shabby Apple and Free Shipping with Code 'WINTERSALE'

ENTER CODE: WINTERSALE
at checkout to receive 20% off our sale section and FREE SHIPPING (and just a heads up, free shipping is going away at the end of this year!)

20% Off the Sale Section at Shabby Apple and Free Shipping with Code 'WINTERSALE'

Modest and Trendy?

2011-12-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is a post that I have been wrestling with for sometime.

Any mention of the word 'modesty' has become a hot potato subject even within
Reformed Christian Churches. I've been

noticing an increase in exasperated and frustrated women who

truly have a desire to be modest, but feel as if their options are

-----none existent-----

[I'm not going to write a post on what it means to be Modest, but I would

encourage you to check out this link to the first of many messages aired by Nancy at

Revive Our Hearts Ministries on Modesty]

Modesty is Biblical, therefore a Christian has no other option than to be modest. If it
were a choice between being trendy or modest, God says choose modesty.

1 Timothy 2:8-10 - I desire then that in every
place the men should pray, lifting
holy hands without anger or quarreling;
likewise also that women should
adorn themselves in respectable apparel,
with modesty and self-control, not
with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
but with what is proper for women
who profess godliness—with good works.

But despite what cynics will say, it is possible to be modest and trendy,
-so long as our trendiness doesn't become showiness.

That being said, I would like to introduce our 'new' blog tab!

I've decided to put together a directory of sorts featuring Christian and Trendy
Clothing sites for both women and girls.

Source

This list is pitifully small right now so if you know of a site or would like to recommend a Christian and trendy clothing line- leave me a comment and I would be more than happy to look into adding it to my list!

Matthew 6: 28-30
And why are you anxious about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how
they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
yet I tell you, even Solomon in
all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. But if God so clothes the
grass of the field, which today is
alive and tomorrow is thrown into the
oven, will he not much more clothe you, O
you of little faith?

2011-12-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know who originally wrote this or I would quote them....

A great read. Some day I want to post this somewhere in our home.

The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my dad met a

stranger who was new to our small town. From the

beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting

newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family.

The stranger was quickly accepted and was

around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my

family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My

parents were complementary instructors: Mum taught

me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But

the stranger ..... he was our storyteller. He would

keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,

mysteries, and comedies. If I wanted to know

anything about politics, history or science, he

always knew the answers about the past, understood

the present and even seemed able to predict the

future!

He took my family to the football and cricket. He

made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger

never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mum would get up quietly while the rest

of us were shushing each other to listen to what he

had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for

peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed

for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral

convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated

to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not

allowed in our home ... not from us, our friends or

any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got

away with four-letter words that burned my ears and

made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol.

But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a

regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars

manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely

(much too freely) about sex. His comments were

sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and

generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about

relationships were influenced strongly by the

stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of

my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ... And NEVER

asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the

stranger moved in with our family. He has blended

right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was

at first. If you could walk into my parents' den

today, you would still find him sitting over in his

corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk

and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?

We just call him 'TV.'

He has a wife now,

... We call her 'Computer'.

it's december daily time!

2011-11-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

Who feels like joining me in the fun

of december daily?

Roadside Designs offers a free, digital template for

each day of December.

It's a fun way to document the everyday with

journaling and photos!

2011-11-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

check out this free pattern

from persia lou

my lovely sister in law just gifted me with

some super cute yarn in this colour

Vanna's Choice: mustard

a mustard coloured cowl is now on my project list:)

* * *

The cowl turned out great. I'm really happy with the colour and the pattern!

How to Quiet Your Heart at Christmas

2011-11-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Are you a believer? Are you frustrated
with the lack of Christ in Christmas?

Listen to this program from Revive
Our Hearts to gain encouragement
and helpful tips that
will help you bring Christ into the
focus of your home this Christmas season.

How to Quiet Your Heart at Christmas

2011-11-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

"Like" Jo Totes on Facebook and receive $15OFF their SUPER cute camera bags!

The coupon code is on their fanpage.

p.s.
This is the one I'm going to get- someday:)

2011-11-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

What is your favourite Christmas song?

another free owl hat pattern

2011-11-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Check out this adorable owl hat pattern

at Slugs on the Refrigerator

Kat has graciously included patterns for all the sizes

and has put lots of details in to

make sure this pattern is easy enough

for even a beginner crocheter to

understand

Gift to Grow Code

2011-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

5 free Pampers Gifts to Grow Points:

HOLIDAYGIFT2011

I like using my points for FREE

Shutterfly Photo Books:)

2011-11-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

This week we're hosting a giveaway on our other blog

featuring the fabulous work of

Dezignz by Liz

and a 10% discount to both of our Etsy Shops!
Oh-what fun!
So if you're looking for a

great Christmas present or a signature
Christmas Card Design
- come check it out!

2011-11-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce

Zulily to you!

It is a relatively new

site that offers great deals---

on everyday necessities.

For example: today 09.11.11 Crocs is selling theirs shoes for up to 70% off!

You never know exactly

what you'll find

—because the brands

they offer change every day.

It's like finding a treasure chest

full of cute stuff.

Membership is free and I

know you'll love it too.

*you get 90% off of top brands

and

*$15 to spend when you refer a friend

What fun:)

pinterest challenge day

2011-11-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

So today is Pinterest Challenge Day. A day in which we stop pinning and start doing.

Here is what I pinned from Little Miss Momma's Blog:

and here is my finished project:

Frugal Christmas Tip #1

2011-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Once the leaves have lost their vibrant colours and the frigid temperatures

return you will find our family cozy and warm inside our house. But being cooped

up indoors all Winter isn't always the most exciting either. There are not

nearly as many activities

to fill up our wintry evenings as there are our summer ones. We have found one activity

however, that we have yet to get sick of. Playing Board Games. I don't know

if you have ever checked out

the German BoardGame Company's website, but it is absolutely loaded with strategy games!

Settler's, Dominion, Ticket to Ride, etc...

they are all there! They also list the ratings and awards for each individual

game- which is extremely helpful because there

are so many to choose from.

Brad and I have made it our yearly family tradition to buy a new boardgame

as our Christmas gift to one another.

Surprise your husband buy using your Swagbuck Points to redeem a $50 Amazon.com

Gift Card and then secretly buy him a strategy game that costs you

a whopping $0 from your pocket! It was hard decision to

choose between the board game and the oh-so-many great books,

but I found out that when ordering from the States it is

actually cheaper to buy one expensive item and only pay for

shipping once than to buy a whack load of books and pay for the shipping costs individually.

* if you are Canadian and want to buy books- redeem the Amazon.ca gift card instead*

2011-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween. Come 6 pm tonight there will be

all sorts of eager little bunnies, pumpkins, princesses

and knights decorating our cities sidewalks to make their yearly rounds of receiving candy. Others will be attending

in-house parties with close friends and family to dress up and share candy without having to deal with the scarier side of Halloween. Being a stay at home mom with little kids I've been asked a number of times in the past month: 'so what are your children going to be for Halloween?' With the holiday of Halloween being so much a part of our culture it's a question our family and

every family has to answer. Brad and I had to prayerfully ask ourselves the question: Will our family also participate in Halloween? Is Halloween even biblical? When we applied the history and the principles of Halloween against the words of Scripture (when we are unsure of areas in our lives and whether or not they are glorifying to God the first and best place we can go to is Scripture) our answer became quite clear. We are called to 'look to Jesus', not to what others do, what the world says, or even to own selfish desires. God's Word tells

us to 'flee all forms of evil' and to 'keep ourselves unstained from the world'. When we're looking steadfastly at Christ, our eyes are focused on Him and we can not see the world.

Here are some great verses for reference.

Lastly, Here is a great article from www.christianaction.org. on the origin of Halloween:

THE BIBLE and HALLOWEEN

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”1 Thessalonians 5:21 – 22

A Celebration of Evil

Halloween is a religious day, but it is not Christian. Tom Sanguinet, a former high priest in Wicca has said: “The modern holiday that we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ new year. It is a time when the spirits (demons) are supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting planet earth… Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have, or will do, that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus.”

Day of Death

Halloween has strong roots in paganism and witchcraft. It began as the Druid festival of Samhain. The Celts considered November 1^st the day of death, because, in the Northern hemisphere, this was the beginning of winter, the leaves were falling, it was getting darker earlier, and temperatures were dropping. They believed that their sun god was losing strength and Samhain, the lord of death, was overpowering the sun god. The druids also taught that on 31 October, on the eve of the feast, Samhain assembled the spirits of all who had died during the previous year to return to their former home to visit the living.

Human and Animal Sacrifices

On Halloween, for thousands of years, druid priests have conducted diabolical worship ceremonies in which cats, horses, sheep, oxen, human beings and other offerings were rounded up, stuffed into wicca cages and burned to death. These human and animal sacrifices were apparently required to appease Samhain and keep the spirits from harming them.

Trick or Treat

To obtain these sacrifices, druid priests would go from house to house asking for fatted calves, black sheep and human beings. Those who gave were promised prosperity, and those who refused to give were threatened and cursed. This is the origin of “trick or treat.”

Jack-O-Lantern

The Jack-O-Lantern has its origin in the candle-lit pumpkin or skull, which served as a signal to mark those farms and homes that supported the druids’ religion, and thus were seeking the “treat” when the terror of Halloween began. The World Book Encyclopedia says: “The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of the Jack-O-Lantern is an ancient symbol of a damned soul.”

Dance of Death

While people and animals were screaming in agony, being burnt to death, the druids and their followers would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads. They would dance, chant and jump through the flames in the hope of warding off evil spirits.

House of Horrors

One of the popular heroes of Halloween, Count Dracula, was also a real person. Dracula lived from 1431 to 1476. During his six year reign, Count Dracula massacred over 100,000 men, women and children in the most hideous ways. He devised a plan to rid his country of the burden of beggars, the handicapped, the sick and the aged by inviting them to a feast at one of his palaces. He fed them well and got them drunk. Then he asked them: “Do you want to be without cares, lacking nothing in the world?” When his guests yelled: “Yes!” Dracula ordered the palace boarded up and set on fire. No one escaped this original “house of horror.”

Participating in Paganism

Instead of participating in paganism, walking with Wicca, being in harmony with Halloween, having our children celebrate cruelty, and dabbling in a day of death, we should focus our family and congregation on celebrating Reformation Day this 31 October.

Reformation Day Vs Halloween

It was on 31 October 1517, that Dr. Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of theSlosskirche (castle church) in Wittenberg, Germany. His bold challenge against the unBiblical practices of the medieval Roman papacy inspired the Protestant Reformation. All Bible believing churches should celebrate the greatest revival of Faith and freedom ever. The Reformation was one the most important turning points in world history. The energies that were released by the rediscovery of the Bible in the common tongue led to the most extraordinary spiritual Revival in history. The Reformation freed the Christians of Northern Europe from the decadence of Renaissance paganism and led to the greatest freedoms and scientific discoveries in history.

Every Bible believing Christian should celebrate the Reformation. No Christian should have part in celebrating the occultic Halloween.

We are in a spiritual world war. Cruelty to animals, vandalism and even murders occur with far greater frequency during Halloween. Every Halloween many thousands of animals, and even people, are sacrificed in satanic rituals worldwide, while millions of other people, including well meaning Christians, participate in Halloween celebrations. Halloween is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists. Many people have testified that they were introduced to the occult at a Halloween party. Halloween is very religious, but it is not Christian.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Choose Life

Next 31 October, take a stand against Halloween by mobilising your family and congregation to celebrate the Reformation, and to engage in spiritual warfare, earnest prayer, praying the Psalms, and sharing the Gospel with our friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be unthinkingly participating in this occultic celebration of divination, necromancy, human sacrifice and cruelty to animals.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole Armour of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Above all, taking the Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”Ephesians 6:10 – 18

win a FREE Christmas Card Design!

2011-10-26T06:08:00.001-07:00

Pin It

Cards By Meagan Designs is giving away a custom design of this Christmas Card (5X7) FREE in any colour when we reach 300 Fans on Facebook! Head over to our Facebook page to SHARE, and then LEAVE A COMMENT letting me know you have done so!

Blanket Giveaway

2011-09-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

Dezigns by Liz is giving away another item: this time a blanket measuring 17X17

Head on over here: to be entered for your chance to win it!

2011-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Need some Fall Decor?

Check out this free printable

from Cards By Meagan Designs

This week: Women's Black Apron under $10!

2011-08-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

Single Layer Sassy Black Aprons Under $10, valid 8/29 - 9/5

2011-08-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Toddler Sized Sock Monkey Hat [Girl Version]

24 months-3T

Materials:

*worsted weight yarn (I used grey, hot pink, and white)

*K hook or 6.50MM

*buttons for eyes

Terms:

CH- CHAIN

HDC-HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
SL ST-SLIP STITCH
SC- SINGLE CROCHET

*- repeat instructions for entire row

Directions for Hat:

Start with the white yarn:
Ch 2

Round 1: Make 14 HDC in the second chain from the hook (14)
Round 2: * 1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat around. (21)
Round 3: *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat around. (28)
Round 4: *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch*
repeat around (35)
Round 5: * 1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch*
repeat around (42)
Round 6: 1 HDC in the next 11 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat 3 times, 4 HDC (45) Sl st in next. Join in the hot pink coloured yarn in the same stitch as the slip stitch.
Rounds 7-8: HDC in each stitch around with the pink yarn. At the end of round 8. Sl st in next. Join in the grey yarn in the same stitch as the slip stitch. (45)
Round 9: HDC in each stitch around with the grey yarn (45)
Round 10: HDC in each stitch around. Sl st in next. (45) Join in a new colour yarn in the same stitch as the slip stitch.
Round 11: Ch 1, HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around with the new colour
Rounds 12-14: HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around. On round 14, sl st in next.
EARFLAPS:
Round 15: 1 HDC in each of the next 10 stitches
Round 16: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across.
Round 17: HDC decrease. HDC across until the last two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (8)
Round 18: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across.
Round 19: HDC decrease, HDC across until the last two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (6)
Round 20: HDC decrease, HDC in the next two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (4)
Round 21: HDC decrease twice (2) slip stitch, cut yarn and weave in ends.

Count across bottom of hat from the front of the earflap 12 stitches. Join with a slip stitch and repeat rounds 15-21 on the other side of the hat to create the second earflap.

Round 22: SC under both top loops around the entire circumference of the hat as a finishing round. Sl st to finish off, cut yarn and weave ends.

Round 23: Join in first colour yarn with a sl st. SC around bottom of hat to create a nice border. Sl st to finish off, cut yarn and weave in ends.

Mouth Directions:

Start with the pink yarn.

Ch 14

HDC starting in the 2nd Ch from the hook and continue with a HDC in each stitch until the end. Join in the next stitch with a SL ST. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Join in the white yarn in the same stitch as the slip stitch.

Work 1 HDC in each stitch around, but in the corners do: 2 HDC's per stitch. Slip Stitch in the next stitch to join. Cut yarn and weave in ends. Attach to hat.

Eye Directions:

Attach 2 buttons above the mouth for eyes with a regular needle and thread.

Ear Tassles:

Cut 12 pieces of coloured yarn about 30 inches in length.

I cut:

6 hot pink

6 white

6 grey

Divide the yarn in two piles so that you have (9) 30in pieces per pile. Each pile should consist of 3 pink, 3 white and 3 grey.

Gather the yarns ends together. Feed the end of the gathered yarn through the bottom stitch of the ear flap. Pull the yarn through until both sides are equal.

Separate the yarn and braid. I did 2 pink, 2 white and 2 grey per gather. Braid until you reach a desired length. Tie a knot.

Repeat on the other ear flap.

Cut the tassles ends- to your personal preference (length wise)

Flower:
For my flowers: I like to visit Teresa's blog here
There are so many free flower patterns to choose from:)

Enjoy your work of art!

Oh, I almost forgot about the ears:) I already posted the directions in this post

Crocheting patterns are so versatile. It seems like you need a new pattern for all the hats out there- but you don't:) Believe it or not the above pattern is the same as the OWL hat pattern I posted a while back- I just changed up the colours.

I'd love to see your finished hats- so post a link back so I can see how you made your hat unique!

Dezigns By Liz is having another Giveaway:)

2011-08-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

You can enter to win these here

2011-07-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

As you look on the church landscape, youth are leaving the faith in droves. The modern church, overall, is struggling to reach the next generation with the gospel. What has happened? Whether for good or bad, men, for many years, have been inventing solutions or brainstorming ideas without fully relying upon the foundation of God’s Word. God, however, is greater than man, and as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9). We have substituted the greater for the lesser – God’s wisdom for man’s ideas. Jesus said that he who hears His Word and does it, is like a man that built his house upon a rock, and when the storm came, it stood firm. On the other hand, he who rejects His Word, is like a man who built on the sand and when the storm came, the house fell (Matt. 7:24-25). Shouldn’t the church, as a whole, abandon the sandy ideas of man and shamelessly return to the firm rock of the Word of God? God’s Word sufficiently identifies how youth are to be reached. For more information on this issue, please see the filmDivided, which is a documentary on age-segregated youth ministry in America. Watch it for free (for a limited time) atwww.dividedthemovie.com. For an in-depth study, the book A Weed in the Church delves into the topic and more thoroughly handles the Scripture passages that address ministry to young people. For other details or to help spread the message, visit www.dividedthemovie.com.

Official Divided the Movie (HD Version) from NCFIC on Vimeo.

2011-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Toddler Crocheted Owl Hat Pattern

A few weeks ago I was searching around for a free owl hat pattern

and I found this GREAT newborn pattern written up by

Lauren from Daisy Cottage Designs.

(She has an Etsy Shop where she sells some of these cute hats, as well as others, if you're interested in purchasing an owl hat rather than making one)

Anyways, I was impatient. I know that Lauren is planning on posting free patterns for all the sizes, but I just couldn't wait to make these hats for our whole family.

So this pattern is derived from Lauren's. I did make some minor changes to the pattern. I hope you enjoy!

Toddler Sized Owl Hat Pattern

This hat should fit a toddler sized head 24M-3T

Materials:

*worsted weight yarn

* K hook or a 6.50MM

* buttons for eyes

Terms:

CH- CHAIN

HDC-HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
SL ST-SLIP STITCH
SC- SINGLE CROCHET

*- repeat instructions for entire row

Directions for Hat:

Ch 2

Round 1: Make 14 HDC in the second chain from the hook (14)
Round 2: * 1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat around. (21)
Round 3: *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat around. (28)
Round 4: *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch*
repeat around (35)
Round 5: * 1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch*
repeat around (42)
Round 6: 1 HDC in the next 11 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* repeat 3 times, 4 HDC (45)
Rounds 7-9: HDC in each stitch around (45)
Round 10: HDC in each stitch around. Sl st in next. (45) Join in a new colour yarn in the same stitch as the slip stitch.
Round 11: Ch 1, HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around with the new colour
Rounds 12-14: HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around. On round 14, sl st in next.
EARFLAPS:
Round 15: 1 HDC in each of the next 10 stitches
Round 16: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across.
Round 17: HDC decrease. HDC across until the last two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (8)
Round 18: Turn. 1 HDC in each stitch across.
Round 19: HDC decrease, HDC across until the last two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (6)
Round 20: HDC decrease, HDC in the next two stitches, HDC decrease in the last two stitches (4)
Round 21: HDC decrease twice (2) slip stitch, cut yarn and weave in ends.

Count across bottom of hat from the front of the earflap 12 stitches. Join with a slip stitch and repeat rounds 15-21 on the other side of the hat to create the second earflap.

Round 22: SC under both top loops around the entire circumference of the hat as a finishing round. Sl st to finish off, cut yarn and weave ends.

Round 23: Join in first colour yarn with a sl st. SC around bottom of hat to create a nice border. Sl st to finish off, cut yarn and weave in ends.

I used the same dimensions as Lauren's newborn pattern for the Eye, Beak, Ears, Braids, and Ear Tassels: You can find their directions: here.

I liked the hat so much I made myself one too:)

2011-07-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Oh so simple and fresh cucumber salad

What you will need:
cucumbers
vinegar
mayonaise
pinch of pepper

Directions:

1. Peel and cut up the cucumbers by hand with a knife or with a metal grater.

2. Place cucumbers in bowl and add vinegar and mayonaise (optional). *Our family likes our salad with extra vinegar and just enough mayo to give a hint of creamy. So adjust the ingredients to your personal taste.

3. Sprinkle pepper on top of salad

and you're done!

Easy, eh?

This salad goes well with burgers, warm potato & meat meals and just about anything else.

2011-07-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give all you readers

out there a chance to participate in our

Birth Announcement Giveaway.

You DON'T have to be pregnant to participate

as long as you know of someone who is:)

If you're interested in entering you can check out

the details on our site:

CARDSBYMEAGAN.COM

2011-07-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

this is beautiful resource simple enough to teach

children as young as two the simple

truths of the Bible.

Based on the Westminster Catechism

Carine Mackenzie's book

has proved a valuable wisdom-gaining

tool in our household

You can buy this little book for only

$3 at Reformed Book Services when

you click here

Deuteronomy 6:6 & 7

And these words that I command you today shall

be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your

children, and shall talk of them when

you sit in your house, and when you walk by

the way, and when you lie down,

and when you rise.

2011-07-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

This year I tried a method of gardening that
a friend (tanya:)
from our church uses to grow her produce:
Square Foot Gardening.

You should really 'swagbuck' it! I love

this method of gardening. One word to describe

it would be: efficient. Less weeds, less watering, and a

better yield.

One of the herbs I planted this year was Oregano; which is something I use a lot while cooking.

It bothers me to spend $2-$4 for spices so

I decided to make my own so that

once the harvest in over

I can still use the Oregano from

my garden throughout the entire winter!

So here is a tutorial called:

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DRIED OREGANO SPICE

Step One:

Pick your oregano stems off the plant. They will grow

back so you'll be able to harvest again and again until

it flowers/or dies.

Step Two:

Strip the stem of the leaves. We want only

leaves. The easiest way is to begin at the top and work your
way down the plant; going against the grain.
Remember: It's the leaves that savour the flavour, not the twigs:)

Step Three

Dry the leaves. There are fancy food dehydrator's out there, but you
guessed it: I don't own one and probably, neither do you :)
So here's what we do:
1. Take out that old picture frame that you've been keeping around for sentimental reasons (11x14 is the size I used) and rip it apart
until all you have is the frame.
2. Make a trip to the hardware store (or ask your husband to on his way home from work) and pick up some regular screen. An entire roll costs about a $1-$3.
3. Mount the screen to the frame to create your leaf drier. I just hot glued the screen to the bottom of the frame.
4. Let the glue dry and voila: you have a home made food drier of sorts!

Here's a shot of what my leaf drier looks like to give you
a better idea.

Step Four:

It's time to store or garnish your dishes with this delectable
spice!

You can keep your leaves whole in a freezer bag and crunch them
up finely as you're cooking
OR
You can chop them up finely with a coffee grinder or spice grinder
and fill your spice container up with them to use
as needed.

Fact #1 Oregano is more potent and bursts with flavour when fresh, so make sure that while your garden is in season that
you reap the benefits of fresh herbs.
Fact #2 The oregano will become duller in colour as time goes by
and it's scent will not be as strong. For a fun experiment:
take your home made spice
and compare it to your store bought one and you'll be sure to reap the satisfaction of a job well done!

Happy Spice Making!

Mia's Baking Party

2011-04-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well the big day finally arrived for Mia. I don't think I have ever seen

this little girl as excited as when her friends pulled up our street this morning.

Today was Mia's third birthday party and it was themed:

Mia's Bake Shop.

I made this chef hat from a free pattern located here. The pattern

includes sizes from baby up to adult. The flower embellishment

on the side of the hat is made from a flattened cupcake liner and

cut out pieces of extra material from the apron.

The chef hat looks great on little boys too!

Well I wanted to be ambitious and make full length aprons
for all of Mia's friends, but then reality hit and I ended up making only one
full length version- for the birthday girl apron
and the rest as half aprons. Here's a link if you're
interested in making your own!

The tissue paper flowers were a blast to make as well! Martha Stewart has a really

easy tutorial on her site: here. The great thing about these flowers is you can reuse them

for other parties or just hang them in bedrooms for a really unique, fun themed room!

and the cupcakes tasted quite 'yummy'. If you like

strawberries- then you'll like this recipe.

All in all it was a great party spent with some great friends!

2011-04-25T10:01:00.001-07:00

So I was reading this post at one of my favourite blogs and was met by a surprise!

Cute Spring Hat Pattern

2011-04-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

So I was looking for a new spring themed hat

to make for Mia for the season and I found a

link to this adorable, FREE pattern!

If you're a fellow crocheter- you're probably just

as excited as me to receive another pattern FREE!

and if you're not a crocheter- you should give it

a try- YOUTUBE has some great tutorials.
I never used to like anything like crocheting, knitting or sewing,
but I'm starting to love them because of their
challenge and the end results. These hats would
make great baby gifts along with a gift card to Cards By Meagan (hint hint:) for

custom birth announcements.

This pattern was originally created by Anneliese from the Aesthetic Nest.

2011-03-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ruffles.

Yes, here we go again.

Is anyone else out there addicted to the let's-see-how-many-places-we-can-add-ruffles trend?
I've seen dSLR camera strap covers retail on
etsy for close to $40!

I love taking pictures and making my own camera strap makes

me even more excited to pull out my camera

and start a clickin'.

Yes, I know what you're thinking.... Um, where's the tutorial?

Soon. There's a certain close friend of mine who I know would

just love for me to

make her one of these for her camera.
So in a few weeks
I hope to post a complete tutorial- start to finish of how I made

this camera strap cover.

Until then!

Layered Flower Tutorial

2011-03-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

I bet you've been seeing flowers like these everywhere you go lately, haven't you?

They are definitely the style right now and I'm going to show you how you can make them for pennies.

Materials:
marker that is close to the colour of your fabric ( I just used washable)
any synthetic fabric
scissors
candle
cup of water
needle and thread to match fabric
a button embellishment

Synthetic Fabrics: Any of these fabrics will work great. The reason I say use synthetic fabrics is because when you hold the edge of the fabric up against the heat of the candle, it will melt and curl to give your flower a fuller look.

nylon
acrylic
acetate
latex
polyester
rayon
spandex

I found my synthetic fabric at Walmart. About a month back they had two metres on sale for 50 cents. Not bad considering I could probably make 60< flowers out of that!

Step One:

As you can see, I wasn't too picky with the drawing of the petals. Just free hand each one and your flower will look great- don't worry! For each flower I drew up 5-6 petals in this shape. Two large, two medium and one or two small sized petals.

Step Two:

Cut each shape out with your scissors. I like making more than one flower at once, that is why there are so many petals and different coloured fabrics in this picture.

Step Three:

For this step you will need three things: your cut out petals, a candle and water nearby for safety reasons. If you are anything like me- you will burn your fingers and will be happy to have the water close on hand. Hold each petal just above the flame until it's edges begin to curl and then continue by rotating the petal around the flame until the entire flower is curled. When curling the edges, you will probably notice that they will curl both up and down- not a biggie. Once you have finished curling all the petals edges. Blow out the candle:)

Step Four:

Layer em' up! Like I said, I generally use 5-6 petals for each flower. Start with the largest petal on the bottom and place the rest of the petals on top in a layering method. Rotate the petals around until you are happy with the look of your flower. Next, take your needle and thread and sew the layers together. NOTE: I usually turn the flower over and pinch the middle of the layers together to create a ridge and sew the petals together that way- this creates more body in the shape of your flower. Sorry I don't have a photo of it:(

Step Five:

Take your button and sew it into the middle of your flower. The button really brings the whole flower together.

After this step I usually hot glue my flowers onto hair pins so that I wear them on hats, headbands or clothes. These also work great as photography props for little babies or toddlers and they can really finish off a wrapped up present nicely!

And you're done!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

2011-03-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan March 14-20

Monday

Fusilli Cassarole

Cucumber Salad

Tuesday

Mushroom Sauce and Rice

Tossed Salad

Wednesday

Mashed Potatoes

Porkchops

Beans

Gravey

Applesauce

Cucumber Salad

Thursday

Stirfry (Veggies, rice, chicken)

Friday

Chicken Burgers

French Fries

Saturday

Last minute planning- Saturdays are just like that:)

Sunday

Jacinda Soup ( as Mia calls it:)

Flirty Apron Sale- Quick Before They are Gone!

2011-03-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

All Flirty Apron's Irregular Aprons are now 60% off

I would go quick though because their aprons are going quick!

FLIRTY APRONS

Menu Plan March 7-13

2011-03-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Monday

italian breaded porkchops

mashed potatoes

green beans

gravey

applesauce

Tuesday (Opa W's 90th Birthday Dinner)

Roast Chicken

Mashed potatoes

Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Gravey

Apple Sauce

Cucumber Salad

Wednesday

Sourcream Mushroom Sauce with Rice

Thursday

Pan Fried Chicken

Roast Potatoes with Herb Spices

Corn

Gravey

Applesauce

Friday

Chicken Burgers

Saturday

At my mom's for her birthday (go figure she's cooking me supper?)

Sunday

Dutch Vegtable Soup

Crescent Rolls

2011-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

If you would like to win a free crochet pattern like this go here:

Home Sweet Homebodies is also having a spring sale on their Etsy Shop here
Here is a special code for 25% off of everything in my shop! Feel free to share it with your friends! Use HSH25OFF at checkout!

Slouchy Hat Pattern and Monkey Ear Pattern

2011-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is by far one of my favourite hat styles. Slouchy hats are comfortable, modern and versatile. And if you know how to crochet, then you can even choose the perfect colour yarn to match any outfit! Maybe crocheting is something you've never tried, or is somewhat new to you... If that is the case, check out Teresa's blog here. I learned all the basics of crocheting from her. Her blog is a great learning tool, with step by step instructions and links to youtube videos that lead you every ~~step~~ stitch of the way!

Just click on the image below to take you to the free pattern
for this slouchy.

Start by making a magic circle.
SC 6 in the circle (don't join)
Round 1: SC (2) in each stitch around.
Round 2: * 2 SC in next stitch, 1 SC in next*, repeat around
Rounds 3-4: SC around. Sl St to join. Cut yarn. Weave in ends
and attach to hat.

Ruffle Shirt One

2011-02-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

For the longest time I have been aching to try out this tutorial.

So today, since Brad was working all day anyways, I decided I would make my very own ruffle shirt!

Near my mom's home in Rexdale there is a lovely Stitches outlet store that has been selling regular crew neck t-shirts for $2 each. So a few weeks ago I bought two shirts in hopes of trying this tutorial.

It took longer then I imagined it would, but I was surprised at how easy it is to make your own elegant shirt!

The other day the kids and I took a nice long walk at the mall and I did some window shopping at RW and Co. Their spring line is out and yes it is bursting with, you guessed it: ruffles! The price tags run anywhere from $48-68 for a ruffled t-shirt. Crazy I know! To spend that kind of money is just unjustifiable for someone brought up to be dutch; even if the shirt is super cute:)

So if you want to be in style, but don't want to spend all the money- here is a great tutorial to try!