Tuesday Tute: Mini Diaper Cake

Well, I'm getting old...or lazy...or both. Gone are the days where I made three tiered diaper cakes.  You can still find my recipe HERE.  They are easy but difficult to transport and the baby shower I'm attending this weekend is "into the unknown." The only person I know is the mother-to-be and she is a colleague of my husband's and I don't know her very well. But, that's no reason not to be crafty and totally cop out. So, behold...the mini diaper cake.

You will need:
1 mini pack of diapers.
1 pack wipes
1 set baby washclothes
1 pair baby shoes
1 set baby socks oops...scratch that and add wide ribbon.  My plan for sock rosettes was too large for a mini cake.
masking tape and scotch tape
scissors

Now, you'll be covering these two cakes...so, think "fondant"...use masking tape. It holds...'nuf said.

Again, thinking "fondant"...cover your "cakes"...and secure underneath with masking or scotch tape.

Stack cakes...adding several bubbles of masking tape as "frosting glue"...Use baby shoes as cake topper. "Ice" with wide ribbon and bows.

VOILA!

Methinks Monday: Anger

The archaic-sounding verb methinks, meaning it seems to me...seemed a cute way to share some serious stuff I've been pondering. A little levity with the gravity!

I was recently reading a convicting book written by a well respected theologian.  This book is painfully good...like I want to throw it across the room except this book tells me that I really need to repent of my unreasonable, unteachable anger.  Sigh...haha!  And...there's a whole chapter on critical spirits and judgmental attitudes...so, I guess I should tread softly on disagreeing with him.  I don't disagree...per se...I just think he overstated his point.

Methinks we should be honest with God regarding our anger...even anger towards God Himself.

The theologian didn't like the comment, "It's okay to be angry at God. He's a big boy. He can handle it." I assume it's because they were told it's okay.  But...if we are to deal with anger towards God we can't be shamed into stuffing it, or so worried about its obvious blasphemy, that we don't deal with it openly with God. I think we forget...He already knows out deepest feelings...even better than we could ever express them. Frankly, before a word is on our lips.

Methinks open and honest prayer will bring a true believer to God's character. 

We won't be able to bring any anger towards God for letting us down... when seeing and admitting His Sovereignty. We won't be able to say He's against us ...if we acknowledge His Faithfulness. And we won't be able to say He rewarded a life of service unjustly with cancer or pain... Instead, honest, Character searching prayer will make us see Jesus suffering for our sins so we wouldn't be doomed to suffer in hell forever.

Methinks fear of dealing with anger towards God leads to additional anger issues... like resentment and bitterness which are even more devastating than the original problem.

Now, make no mistake...the reason anger towards God is blasphemous is because it's a moral judgment that accuses God of sinning against us, through neglect or unfair treatment. It accuses God of sinning.  Totally agree with Mr. Theologian on this point!! 

But...

Methinks we should be gentle with those dealing with this serious issue lest they misunderstand God's ability to forgive.

I do not think it's okay to be angry with God...but too intense a reprimand may keep people from honesty in prayer. Instead, as with most issues, we should point to His character. It's so outstanding that we can't go wrong.

Funny Friday

Nekkid House Update

Well, I'm about halfway through THIS challenge...and it turns out that it's kind of hard for me to keep my house nekkid. I'm a born fluffer. So, let the confessions begin...

-I use my pyrex bowls to make fresh fruit decoration...yes, I do!!

My two new cookie cutters didn't get put away until Christmas...nope, they are showing off in the kitchen!  I'm so glad that my pyrex bowls and straws have color...phew...I'd be comepletely crazy by now.  Sometimes my eye twitches cuz I'm working so hard to not fluff my poor cold nekkid house.

And, biggest confession...this new plaque with fabulously put, yet painful saying....Nope, I couldn't wait. Hey, both kids are home, my schedule is nutsy...I NEED this reminder ya'll!!!

I had to chuckle the other day when a friend came over for coffee. She tried and tried but couldn't decide what was different. She thought I'd painted. HAHA! She's pretty observant so that surprised me.

I'm already counting down the days til I can put out stuff without guilt. I'm thinking "just three things per room" or some such rule might be in order. Maybe, only things patriotic? 

What thinkest thou?

Wednesday Re-potted Roots

I finally went through the mess of re-potting my plants. If you can believe it...this adorable green Fiestaware teapot was holding...

...this monstrosity of an aloe plant! Phew...everyone is so happy now! Ahhhh...you can just feel the roots stretching out.

"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit." Jeremiah 17:8

Tube Tuesday: T-storm!!

Hear It on Sunday, Use it on Monday: Father's Day from Daddy

I went to visit my family for Father's Day weekend; which means I sat under my Dad's preaching.  It is always a special treat...I swell all up with good pride...if I had buttons they'd pop.  I'm a Daddy's girl...can you tell?!

It was a Father's Day sermon...He started out with this...

"From a biblical perspective we are to honor our fathers, not because they are so perfect and worthy of respect, but because they occupy a place in our lives that represents God's fatherhood."

He proposed the thought that our relationship with God as our Father is key in our prayer life.  Using Luke 11:1-13 (Lord's Prayer) as a guide he showed how it was true.  Rather than go on down through the points for ya...cuz you could just download it for yourself HERE...I'll share what struck me most...and what I'm chewing on this Monday morning after my long tiring drive home.

Some good reminders for me...prayer is not a conversation between equals.  If God is truly my Fatherly Hero I must appreciate him and love him.  It must start with me recognizing God's character.  Hallowed be HIS NAME...Hallowed= exalted as holy.

A painful point for this little control freak was seeing that He is our Fatherly Leader...which means I have to admit His right to rule...me.  His kingdom starts in my heart.  I also have to realize His wisdom.  There are NO good choices outside of God's will.

I have admitted here before that I skew God into being more disciplinarian than anything else.  But that means I'm failing to see Him as my Fatherly Provider (my daily bread) and my Fatherly Protector (leads me not into temptation but delivers me from evil).  Oh, He is my Fatherly Disciplinarian...make no mistake.  But, that is something to rejoice over, not bemoan.  It breaks my pride and gets rid of the yuck so I can humbly serve Him.  I was struck that I need to really be more concerned about my sins (big and small)...enough to remember and repent.  Dad said, and it's so so painfully true, "things we don't repent of grow and gain the need for crisis removal."

But, I was most impacted by something that God's already been chipping away at in my life.  Purity of speech, thought, etc.  I must choose the good.  Dad said that sin is SIN-tilating!  Haha...but not so funny is it?  It's why we watch what we shouldn't and say what we shouldn't.  We make ourselves bait for Satan.  I'm going to start naming my temptations to God...so that it's clear what I should avoid.  I choose safety.

"Our Heavenly Father is the key to our prayer life!  He wants us to come to him.  He will hear and respond to our prayers. He will give us good things--just what we need (and just when we need it!)"

Father's Day Hodgepodge!

 

1. What do you think makes a good dad?
I have a great picture of Darren with a tiara on his head.  Of course, I can't find it.  He is a great Daddy...calm, consistent, fun, godly!!
2.  What's something you learned from your own father?
"Whatever you do, don't lick him first."  (Hilariously, I shared this practical advice with one of his employees when I was a kid.   She's probably still laughing.  Obviously, I had a Dad that could be a lot of fun.  He still is a huge tease.  He is also dedicated to God and very serious about following Him.)
3. It's your birthday-what kind of cake will we be having?
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

4. When you're faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?
I wish I wasn't...and I'm trying to do more praying before leaping...but I'm generally a go with the gut kind of gal.  Gets me into trouble or things I don't really want to be doing.
5. June is National Dairy Month. What's your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?
Coffee Ice Cream is my favorite.  I probably purchase milk or creamer most frequently.
6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910....what's something you've recently discovered or something you'd like to explore?
As a family we've recently discovered some wonderful parks in our area.  We are excited to keep looking to find these green treasures amid the buzz of city life.
7. Are you typical of your generation?
I doubt it.  I'm pretty odd for someone is their early 30s...I love to cook, quilt, make my own laundry detergent, read, read, read....
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
High gas prices and summer vacation make for a bummer feelings.  Sigh.

The Skinny On Evangelism

Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday!

Sometimes it doesn't matter if you've heard the story before. In fact, I'm pretty sure that the comment that Pastor said that made me cry yesterday, wasn't aimed at me at all. Funny how the Holy Spirit and God's Word are so effective that way.  Able to split the joints and marrow.  Sharp like a sword.

Man, do I see how people get upset with Pastors.  Poor guys probably aren't even thinking of you...they're just speaking what God laid on their hearts...and people accuse them of spying on them or addressing their sins in public.  HA!

The Scripture:  Luke 19...Parable of the the Ten Servants.

Highlights:
We are here for a purpose.  We have a responsibility to invest the gospel into lives.  We are to do the Lord's business.  Evangelism...share your testimony.  Edification...help others get back up when they fall.  Don't be blown about.  GROW UP!  Col. 3:16.  Okay, Pastor didn't exactly say "grow up" but it was close. Lol!

We've all been given the privilege of serving God.  If we see His gifts as valuable and from the King himself that should make us try our hardest.  We've all been given same opportunities (NO COMPARING!)

When the King returns we will all give an account.  1 Cor. 3:11...we're all building but will it last?  What are you doing with your free time was challenged.  Ouch.

The result of our service to the king will vary.  Sounds like a commercial, right?  Results may vary!  I must be faithful to what I have been called to do.  I will be rewarded according to my faithfulness.  (It's not a competition!!)  No quitting cuz really you've been competing and found wanting so now you're gonna pull back from ministries and pout.  Ouchity ouch ouch!

Failure to serve exposes the heart.  The wicked servant accuses God of being cruel and unloving.  Do I view God this way...as un-pleasable?  Do I care WAY too much what people think??

UNDERSTAND:  His graciousness in even given the gift (salvation).  And when we use what we've been given (share it, walk in it, etc.)...He gives more (blessings, comfort, encouragement, wisdom...).

Stop wasting opportunities to serve Him.

 

Paddle Along Hodgepodge Wednesday!

 

1. Have you learned more from success or failure? Explain.
I'm sort of betting that failure comes out on top with this question.  It seems that most people have to go to the "school of hard knocks" and very few learn from the great advice they are given.  I marvel at how God is the perfect parent...I'm especially struck by this on the days when I feel I'm royally screwing up as a parent...Makes me think of...Hebrews 11:9-11, "Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."
2.  What did you call your grandparents when you were growing up? If you have children, what do they call your parents? If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?
For a short time, I called them manga and manka.  When I actually spoke clearly, I called them Grandma and Grandpa...distinguising them by last name...Sharp or Denny.  It is probably good to note that I also grew up calling everyone Mr/Mrs So and so.  Very proper.
3.  You're invited to a luau.  In keeping with that theme, what dish will you bring to share?
We have a luau every February at our church.  I usually bring a Caribbean pork roast...think pineapple and allspice.  We have a SPAM competition...which is a hoot and a half.  It's not as gross as some of you might be thinking.  I made a Spam pate on cucumber slices that was evidently so good that someone asked me for the recipe so they could take it to their company party.
4. Besides Jesus, what one person's life story do you think everyone should know about?
I think everyone should read the life story of a christian martyr....I thought Bonhoeffer was excellent but it's SUPER LONG...be warned.
5. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Agree or Disagree? Why?
The older I get the more I agree.  When I'm old, my house is going to be very, very dirty...but it'll be super fun to hang out with me.  I'm mellowing ya'll.  Isn't that wonderful!?  Long gone are the days when I labeled the inside of my cupboards...hehehe. 
6.  June is National Rivers Month. When were you last on a river? What's the prettiest river you've ever seen? What's a river you'd like to see?
A few years ago Loverbrains and I took a half-versary trip and went canoeing on some river.  Of course, now I can't remember the name of it.  Very peaceful.  I grew up near the "wedding of the waters" in New York State...right where the Susquehanna, Delaware and other tributaries feed together in the heart of the Catskills.  I'd like to see that again...but it seems when we go for vacation we never want to take the extra hour to get there. 
7.  Speaking of rivers-paddling, fishing, swimming, or bird watching safely from the shore? Which activity would you choose? Yes-you have to choose.
Bird watching.  Yeah, that was easy!
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
My Loverbrains is flying home to me as I write this...woot woot! By the time you read this he should be landed and hugging me (and perhaps a few smaller sweet boobahs too!)
PS:
He's home...bearing gifts...yeah!!!

Nekkid House June

Why you ask...?

If you'd like to see the massive piles of stuff I put away check out yesterday's post HERE...the dog is worried!  She thinks we're moving...I may have even fooled a few faithful readers into thinking the same thing!  Hehehe....

What I'm putting away: All nicknacks be they from world travels or otherwise, all baskets unless serving a specific purpose, all pillows and throws. All pictures (except big wall art).  All the blue bottles in my front windows.

What I'm not putting away: A basket full of daily used art supplies for the sweet boobahs, a basket of my hand-sewing stuffs, the glass oil lamps I collect are full of oil and thus not going anywhere. I did spread them out and since they're clear glass it's not so bad. Plants...I'm plant-sitting a few and I'm not risking anyone dying so they stay where they are.

Biggest plus so far...I dusted ya'll! Woo hoo! I even un-cobwebbed the corners!!  My fridge is so bright without it's usually papered covering I do a big double take when I walk into the kitchen!

I shall miss my blue bottles. *sniff-sniff*  I have a plan for storage too. I'm going to get some clear containers and organize this stuff once and for all!!! Really!!!   Join me and the Nester...

The Dog is Worried...

What is going on...??

Wow do I have a lot of stuff!!

Good grief!!
 

Dusty dusty...achooo!
 

  Nope, we're not moving...but good guess!
 

 

Sew Saturday: Emma bean Skirt and Journal

When the weather looks like this...SEW!

Here is Emma's birthday (August) skirt and journal. She picked this fabric out herself. Butterflies and sparkle...ya can't go wrong!