On Mission in: Haiti

     Hey everybody! Wow, let me blow the dust off my blog here.. Sorry I haven't posted in so long, but now I'm back! ☺ I have plenty of things to share in coming posts, but I figured I would start off sharing about my recent trip to Haiti! 

     September 7-14, I was in Haiti on a mission trip with a team of ten other people. It was an amazing experience, and yesterday I learned I may be able to go back next summer! There are so many things I could share about the awesomeness of God, He was definitely with us every step of the way- from getting bags checked to traveling by tap-tap through Jacmel. God is so good! 

     I will share some photos in this post, all of scenery and I will update again later when I have more time! 

     The last evening we were in Haiti, our hosts, Tommy and Joy Schwindling of the Alabama House in Jacmel, Haiti, took our team out to dinner at Caplamandu. All of the following photos were from the restaurants balcony.

The view from Caplamandu.

Sunset

Beach

Flowers

Sunset

  And here's one of me and one of the sweet children I met while there.

   Though Haiti has many devastating parts, it was indeed a beautiful country. God is moving there, His grace and His mercy are enough.

Belt of Truth Hanger

If any of you are like me, you have belts galore with nowhere to hang them. Mine were actually rolled up inside a bucket tucked away in my closet... Out of the way, but also out of mind because I never saw them. Now, I've seen this particular craft done before and I love it! But this really came together when my best friend brought me a few oddly sized canvases. I looked them over and picked the long skinny one and said, "I have just the plan for you!" This craft is very simple and takes just a few minutes, so even if you're a crazy busy college student like me, you can probably find a moment to do this!

The scripture pulled is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 6:

The Armor of God- Ephesians 6: 10-20
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Supplies You Will Need:
- Long, skinny canvas
- Paint and/or Scrapbook paper
- Small hooks that can screw into the canvas
- Marker or sticker letters 
- Decorative stickers (optional) 

The canvas I used was 4 inches by 12 inches, so long and narrow.

Long and narrow!

The hook will be screwed directly into the side of the canvas!

Roll the canvas in the scrapbook paper and screw the hooks through the paper!

See? Easy, easy, easy! Now you have just the place to put all those tangled belts!

All done!!

Clothespin Crosses

Today I thought I'd share with you a simple, yet oh so pretty craft made of clothespins. If your laundry is like mine, you probably have more than a few extra clothespin laying around. This craft is the perfect way to put them to use! (Click on any of the images to enlarge.)

Figure 1- All the supplies you'll need!

What You'll Need:

-8 clothespins
-2 large Popsicle sticks
-Elmer's glue, wood glue, or a hot glue gun
-Artificial flowers
-Scrap ribbon

(1) Lay the Popsicle sticks in a cross position and glue one on top of the other.

Figure 2

(2) Take two clothespins separate the parts (as seen) and they will be laid out in a fan shape.

(3) Step two will be done to both left and right sides, and the top of the cross.

(4) The bottom of the cross is a little different. Take a clothespin and separate the pieces and put them together like the middle of step 2. The large part will be near the center of the cross with the pointed tip going down.

(5) Take another clothespin that has been separated and put them against the pointed tip as show in the center of figure 2. The bottom of your cross should touch as seen.

Figure 3- Fan shape

(6) Take the artificial flower and/or greenery and glue it into the center of the cross.

(7) The scrap ribbon will be used as a hanger on the back. (See figure 2). Glue the ribbon in an X fashion onto the back on the top of the cross.

Figure 4- Finished!

(8) Hang on the wall and enjoy your new cross!

And believe it or not, this craft was done at a youth VBS and even the teenagers enjoyed it!

(Can be found for purchase here.)

Easter Blessings

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter, and that you didn't forget the real reason we celebrate. It's not about the chocolate bunnies or the marshmallow chicks, but about how our Savior rose from the dead to give us a way to eternal life!

This year, just like the last two or three years in a row (I've lost track- it's so inevitable now..), I dressed up as the Easter bunny for my church's annual egg hunt. I'm not going to say I don't enjoy it, but when children who normally love me run away to hide behind their moms' legs.. It kinda makes you feel bad. I scare children. Every year. At a family egg hunt. That is my confession. Oh, and I'm not the real Easter bunny. I had one child bluntly call me a fake and that the real bunny's name is Peter Cottontail. Oi.. There is always at least one. But it's still fun and it makes just as many kids happy as it does scared, so I'm having my suit dry-cleaned and stored for next year- when I'm sure to pull it out again.

Aha! A baby who was not afraid of me!

My favorite two-year-old!

 So, again, I hope your Easter was amazing!
From: The Not-So-Real Easter Bunny

Book Post- A Walk to Remember

This book is so good! If you've never read it, but enjoyed the movie, you're sure to love it!

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

 

There was a time when the world was sweeter....when the women in Beaufort, North Carolina, wore dresses, and the men donned hats.... Every April, when the wind smells of both the sea and lilacs, Landon Carter remembers 1958, his last year at Beaufort High. Landon had dated a girl or two, and even once sworn that he'd been in love. Certainly the last person he thought he'd fall for was Jamie, the shy, almost ethereal daughter of the town's Baptist minister....Jamie, who was destined to show him the depths of the human heart-and the joy and pain of living. The inspiration for this novel came from Nicholas Sparks's sister: her life and her courage. From the internationally bestselling author Nicholas Sparks, comes his most moving story yet. -as on Amazon.com

Words of Wisdom

Happy Friday everyone! It's also Good Friday! This is Easter weekend and let's not forget why we celebrate this time. It's not about the jelly beans or goodie baskets, it's about Christ's triumph over the grave!

He is not here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. -Matthew 28:6

And this weeks Words of Wisdom:

An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that its going to soon launch you into something great.

Book Post- For Women Only

Or For Men Only. Or For Young Women Only. Or For Young Men Only. Take your pick! These books are helpful in understanding what your spouse, child, or friend may be thinking and feeling. Several variations are available for whatever stage of life you may be in. There is even one for parents: For Parents Only!

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2004

 

What’s going on in a man’s mind? From their early days, every woman has struggled to understand why males behave the way they do. Even long-married women who think they understand men have only scratched the surface. Beneath a man’s rugged exterior is an even more rugged, unmapped terrain. What bestselling author Shaunti Feldhahn’s research reveals about the inner lives of men will open women’s eyes to what the men in their life—boyfriends, brothers, husbands, and sons—are really thinking and feeling. Men want to be understood, but they’re afraid to “freak out” the women they love by confessing what is happening inside their heads. This book will guide women in how to provide the loving support that modern men want and need.

The Truth About His Inner Life He Desperately Wants You to Know

What's going on in there? Ever been totally confused by something your man has said or done? Want to understand his secret desires and fears, his daily battles that you know nothing about?

In a woman-to-woman conversation you’ll never forget, Shaunti Feldhahn takes you beneath the surface into the inner lives of men. This book is about the things we just don’t ‘get’ about guys. With findings from a groundbreaking national survey and personal interviews of over one thousand men, For Women Only is full of eye-opening revelations you need to not only understand the man in your life, but to support and love him in the way he needs to be loved. Grounded in biblical hope, you will discover how to love your man for who he really is—not who you think he is. -as on Amazon.com

In a Tux

 Class  of 2012

 My little brothers.. That's right, my little brothers. They're not so little anymore, are they? I know that they annoy me- endlessly.. But I do love them to death. They'll be graduating this year and starting college, and I can't believe it! Where did the time go? I still remember when they were cute and small! I know they think they're grown, but they're not- especially not to me. It just won't sink in that this is their last year of high school.

They are nearing adulthood, and I'm a proud big sister. I hope they get everything they desire out of life and look to God for guidance and understanding. Only by His grace can they reach their full potential. They'll always be my little brothers, no matter how big they get. ☺

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on

your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Book Post- The Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a great book for couples! And I don't just mean married couples. Even if your just dating, this book will help both of you in understanding each other. Of course, there are also several variations to this work, such as The Five Love Languages Singles Edition or The Five Love Languages of Children. So take your pick and start reading to understand the people in your life!

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

 

Marriage should be based on love, right? But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language—quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch.
By learning the five love languages, you and your spouse will discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in truly loving each other. Chapters are categorized by love language for easy reference, and each one ends with specific, simple steps to express a specific language to your spouse and guide your marriage in the right direction. A newly designed love languages assessment will help you understand and strengthen your relationship. You can build a lasting, loving marriage together.

Gary Chapman hosts a nationally syndicated daily radio program called A Love Language Minute that can be heard on more than 150 radio stations as well as the weekly syndicated program Building Relationships with Gary Chapman, which can both be heard on fivelovelanguages.com.

Book Post- Redeeming Love

This is an amazing read by Francine Rivers. It's such a very sweet book, and it's very enjoyable. 

Book Description

Publication Date: May 11, 2001

Can God’s Love Save Anyone?

Bestselling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel’s life to draw her into the Savior’s redeeming love. This remarkable novel has sold over a million copies and is among the top twenty on the ECPA fiction bestsellers list for four years running. A six-part study guide, suitable for individual use or group discussion, is included in this bestselling novel. - as on Amazon.com

All of God's Little Critters

One of my all time favorite shots! I took this while on a mission trip in West Virginia, around New River Gorge. We had already done our hike up to view the bridge and this was in a flowerbed outside the museum. I love all the colors!

Photography by EKM

This is my furry friend, Bug

Another fur-ball, Casey