Pink Paper Peppermints | Christian Printables Bible Crafts Recipes Homeschool & Mom Stuff

The Big Announcement - The Pep Talk Podcast!

 

The Lord put something on my heart several years ago and it's been brewing there, getting richer and fuller and waiting for when He said,  "now".

And after He said now, I have to admit to you that I was a little scared. 

okay, a lot scared.

 

I WILL BE WITH YOU

Remember when we talked about Moses and how he asked God in Exodus 3:11,

"Why are you choosing me for this?  I'm really not qualified."  (um...that's the Melissa paraphrase)

And God gave Moses this wonderful, detailed answer full of all the reasons why Moses was qualified to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt? 

Ha!

No, actually God's response was,

"I will be with you."

That's it.

Just, "I will be with you".

And the implication was, "you don't need to know any more than that."

That's where I've been. 

 

FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE

I've been just taking one little step of faith at a time, repeating to myself, "He will be with me, He will be with me."

And it has been amazing to see, how He has opened doors, and taught me and well, (imagine this) been *with* me.

He is a good God.

 

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

So it's finally time to tell you what I've been working on and I could not be more exicted!

It's a Podcast!

I'll be speaking to amazing, inspiring women (and some men) from all over the blogosphere about their passions, goals and dreams and how the Word of God is directing them through all of it.

 

I would be so humbled and honored if you pinned this ➚  and spread the word!

 

I'm calling it, "The Pep Talk Podcast" because my hope is that it will be a weekly pep talk for you, full of encouragement and inspiration (plus you know...the peppermint thing...heh-heh).

I have been so overwhelmed at the graciousness and kindness of the authors, speakers, artists, moms, homeschoolers, muscisians and more that I have contacted to be guests.

You are truly going to love hearing from them.

 

HOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE PODCAST

There are so many ways you can be a part of this new adventure! And I would love for you to participate!

* Guest Requests

As you can see in the graphic above, I have a number of guests scheduled to record already, but I would love to hear from you. 

Who else would you like to get to know better?  Send me an email, a tweet, or just leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas.

 

* Questions

What do you want to know about these guests? Our guests on the very first epidsode are:

Amanda White from OhAmanda.com

and

Jessi Connolly from NaptimeDiaries.com

What would you ask them if you had them on the phone for an hour?  Do you want to know about their blogs, their families, their missions, their passions?

Ask your questions in the comments here, in a tweet or an email and soon you'll  be able to call in your questions and be on the podcast yourself!

 

* Spread the Word

Pin, tweet and post to facebook, the graphic above, to let others know about the podcast.  This would just bless my socks off! 

 

* Prayer

Remember how I said I was a little scared in the beginning.  Well truth be told, I'm still a little scared.

okay, a lot scared.

But I've heard that being brave doesn't mean not being afraid, but being afraid and doing it anyway.

So here we go.

We begin recording at the end of this week and I would so appreciate your prayers as I follow the Lord's leading and listen for His voice.

 

THANK YOU

So that's it!  I'll keep you updated here on the blog of what's happening and any changes, so be sure to subscribe if you're not already, so that you can follow along with us!

And thank you in advance if you are able to participate in any of the ways above. 

It means the world to me to have you be a part of this. 

I appreciate you more than words can express.

Have a wonderful, blessed week!

 

Grace and Peace,

♥ Melissa~

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"Then those whose lives honored God got together and talked it over. God saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God’s presence...with the names of the God-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored God’s name."   -Malachi 3:16

 

 

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A Secret, Starbucks, Scrapbook Goodies & Party Favors - It's the Ultimate Blog Party 2013!

 

 

 

It's the "Ultimate Blog Party" time!!  Woot!

I'm participating in the "5 Minutes for Mom--Ultimate Blog Party" again this year and I even have prizes & party favors plus a fun announcement about a secret I've been keeping!! (photos below!)

I always meet so many new bloggers and have such a good time at this virtual party. 

I'm really looking forward to mixing & mingling with you (& maybe even winning some prizes myself!) 

 

I'm Melissa -  welcome to my party!  Grab a hat & whistle!

And I hope you like to dance because I even have a....

Disco Ball!!! 

{can you hear the music?   wooo - wooo.....disco inferno....wooo-woooo}

Also, of course....there is PINK CAKE & ICE CREAM!!

And it wouldn't be a party without my friend and yours:

So grab a snack and mingle here in my pink lounge!  I can't wait to get to know you!

               

 

My Story

If you're new here you can find out what makes me a one trick pony , 100 things about me and what in the world Pink Paper Peppermints are by peeking in this room.

(just step around the giant pink pinata - that's for later - it's filled with chocolate and scrapbook paper).

 

The Art Studio

In my art studio you can check out my 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days tutorials, 12 Things God Wants You To Rember embroidery pattern series and more craft tutorials and patterns!

 

My Office

If you're a mom, homeschooler or scrapbooker you might want to check out my office where I keep all the printables.  I've got lots of freebies for you in there, including  journaling cards, a 2013 calendar, coloring books, a menu planner and more!

 

Quiet Corner

To really know my heart you can go over to my quiet corner and read the best love letter I've *ever* received.  It's in the heart-shaped box next to my bible {swoon}. 

{HINT: If you click on the play button a deep, handsome voice will read it out loud to you.}

 

Prize Factory!

 If you're in the mood for prizes then check out this goodie basket that's up for grabs!

There are tags, twine, tickets, flowers, gems, sequins, ribbon, pom-poms, appliques, die cuts, buttons and wire, not to mention a $10.00 Starbucks card, all in a pretty, felt basket!

 

All you have to do to enter is head over to 5 Minutes for Mom and fill out the prize entry form!

 

The Big Announcement & A Party Favor!

 

 

 

 

 

<< Sneaky Peeky

 

I can't wait to share with you what I've been working on since the beginning of the year!  It is so exciting!!

And I also would love to send you a thank you note and a party favor for coming to my party!

So if you'd like to get the scoop (and a special printable party favor) in your email next week, just leave me your name & address right here:

 

Find out the Secret!
(Plus get free updates & exclusives - sign up for the mailing list!)

Email Address

First Name

(no need to worry, I would *never* share my friends personal info with anyone!  It's just between me & you.  *pinky promise*)

Well, I guess that's about it.  (don't look in that closet in the hall...it's just junk) 

Thanks so much for coming to my party!!  I can't wait to come and visit you at yours!  (so don't forget to leave a comment with your blog address, k?)

 

Party on Chickadee!

{wooo-wooo....wooo-wooo}

♥ Melissa~
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"But you'll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight."
-Psalm 5:11 (the message)

Life-Giving Energy for St. Patrick's Day

Creative Easter Tips & Ideas + A printable "Jesus is Alive" coloring book!

My Mom always made a pretty big deal out of Easter when I was a little girl. 

My brother and I would wake up on Easter morning to find giant Easter baskets filled with chocolate and bunnies and all kinds of goodies waiting for us.

We would color Easter eggs, make Easter crafts, play Easter games and listen to our "Here comes Peter Cottontail" album over and over...it was an event.

Mine all Mine!

I have a vivid memory of Easter morning when I was four years old.

I was wondering how my baby brother would eat that chocolate bunny when my mother announced that I could have his Easter basket too, and I thought there was no better day in the world than that day.

My baby brother and me (can you believe people used to put their babies in those??)

 

I would dress up in in a new dress, hat & shoes and we would go to church...'cause that's what you do on Easter.

But I never really understood what it was all about. 

Who Jesus was...what He did.

Not until years later did I learn the True meaning of Easter.

 

Beyond Bunnies and Baskets
(the real meaning of Easter)

That's why I designed this little coloring book to tell the story of the Resurrection.

I hope that with it, you'll be able to help the little ones in your life understand Who Jesus is and the amazing thing He did for them...for all of us.

 

What's Inside

You can take a look at this video to see the inside pages of the book:

There are two versions of the book to download. 

One is a 5.5x8.5 coloring book and the other is a tiny 2x2 mini book that is the perfect size for Easter eggs! 

I wanted it to be economical for a Church Ministry or Sunday School teacher to print for an Easter outreach or big Easter Egg hunt so the mini book has two complete books on one page (printed front and back).

 

 Download them both here:

Printable Easter Books

 

More Ways to Teach
the Real Meaning of Easter

If you're looking for more ways to reach a child's heart this Resurrection Day, I've got some fantastic links for you!

 

 

ohAmanda.com

First up is my friend Amanda White, at   ohAmanda.com. If you haven't been there be prepared to stay awhile.  She is encouraging and inspiring!

You'll find all kinds of wonderful Easter ideas on her blog (like this Easter Basket Alternative), but even better, she is sending out a special Easter newsletter! Sign up to get all the best ideas, tips, traditions and crafts that she has to offer sent right to your inbox!

You can scroll down her sidebar to sign up or just click here.

 

OurFamilyforHisGlory.com

I absolutely *love* the Easter Egg Prayers activity that Jessica at   Our Family for His Glory came up with.  She also has lots of other fun activities & ideas for keeping Jesus the center of Easter.

 

WeAreThatFamily.com

Kristen at We Are THAT Family.com has a marvelous roundup of  Ten Fun Ways to Keep Easter About Jesus.  I also love her DIY Mini Resurrection Garden  (the rest of her blog is amazing too, spend some time there, she's a favorite).

 

Well that should keep you busy for awhile!  I would be so thrilled to hear about it if you use these printables with your family or in your church or ministry.

And I'd also like to hear if you have other great resources for teaching our kids the true meaning of Easter.  Let me know in the comments!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

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"But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?" -Romans 10:17

 

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6 Sweet Vintage Journaling Cards {a printable present 'cause I luv you!}

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

I'm a new project life fan and a little obsessed with journaling cards these days so I have a present for you!

It's a set of journaling cards especially sweet for telling the story of your {heart} day!  Of course you could use them for any sweet story at all.

 

Click here to download the printable .jpg in a zip file.

 

And because I like to name things I named this set "Vintage Love Song".  

They're made up of vintage playing cards and some vintage flannel & fabric scraps that I found at a thrift store, in a tiny town in Arkansas last summer.

I hope you have fun with them, and I hope your day is filled with love and happiness.

I love you!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

PS  If you wanna read the best love letter I've ever received click here.

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"Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart..."  -1 Peter 1:22

Just Who Do You Think You Are? {aka a pretty cute, free 2013 calendar printable for you}

Happy New Year!

 

I hope your holidays were wonderful!  We are just now getting back into the swing of things around here. 

(there may or may not be Christmas decorations in the dining room still, just sayin')

I've been spending time thinking about who the Bible says we are in Christ & decided to make myself a calendar with a different reminder of who I am in Christ each month. 

(edited to fix the typo - *twice* -sorry!)

I thought you might like to have a copy of it too.

You can download the zip file with all 12 months here:

2013 Calendar

Each month is a printable, 4x6 .jpg image so you can have it printed at your favorite photo printer or just print it at home on your computer.

I purchased a clear, 4x6 photo frame at the dollar store to place mine in, but you could also just hang it on the fridge or your bulletin board with a binder clip.

 

I hope you enjoy it and it remindes you what an amazing God we serve *and* that you are created in His image, which makes you amazing too!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

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"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are." -1 John 3:1

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--December--I Will Bless You

 

 

As I prayed about this month's promise to remember, I felt the Lord wanted us to focus on His Word. 

"In the beginning was the One
    Who is called the Word.
The Word was with God
    and was truly God.
 From the very beginning
    the Word was with God.

 And with this Word,
    God created all things.
Nothing was made
    without the Word.
Everything that was created
     received its life from Him,
and His life gave light
    to everyone.
 The light keeps shining
    in the dark,
and darkness has never
    put it out....

The Word became
a human being
    and lived here with us.
We saw His true glory,
the glory of the only Son
    of the Father.
From Him all the kindness
and all the truth of God
    have come down to us."

-John 1:1-5 & 14

 

His Word is powerful and alive (Heb 4:12) and will change you and His Word is really the only gift that matters. (John 3:16)

His Word tell us that He wants to bless us and how. (Isaiah 30:18)

Meditate on these Words from the Lord and let Him bless you.

 

  "The Lord God is waiting
    to show how kind He is
        and to have pity on you.
    The Lord always does right;
    He blesses those who trust Him."

-Isaiah 30:18

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

-Jeremiah 29:11

 

 “From the fullness of His grace we have all
received one blessing after another.”

-John 1:16

 

“Jesus said, ‘Blessed are those who have not seen Me and yet have
believed.”

-John 20:29

 

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

-Ephesians 1:3

 

 "Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous;
    You surround them with Your favor as with a shield."

-Psalm 5:12

 

 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

-John 14:27

 

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

-Matthew 11:28-29

 

"You are wonderful,
    and while everyone watches,
You store up blessings for all
    who honor and trust You."

-Psalm 31:19

 

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply
all your needs from His glorious riches,
which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:19

 

"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."

-Romans 8:39

 

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

I Will Bless You

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
   with favor You will surround him as with a shield.

                                                               -Psalm 5: 12

  

The Pattern

 

Click  here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the twelth thing God wants you to remember, "I will bless you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

 

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Lazy Daisy (used this for the bow on the middle present)

♥ French Knot (used this on the snowflakes in the snowglobe)

♥ Back Stitch (Used this on everything else)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

I pray this month that you will immerse yourself in God's living Word.  That He and His Word will become alive to you and change you and bless you!

I hope you all have a wonderful and merry Christmas!  I'll see you back here next month to finish off our project for those of you who want to create a sample with a title.

I love you!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.  Blessed are you who run to Him."  -Psalm 34:8

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--November--I Will Be With You

 

 

When my little boy and I cross a busy parking lot, or through a crowded mall, I always grab hold of his hand, to make sure he's near me, he's safe. 

Sometimes at bedtime, after all but the nightlights have been turned off and we're making the long, dark trek from the kitchen (to get that last glass of water) to the bedroom (to say our goodnight prayers), I feel his little hand slip up to hold mine. 

It's a bit of a scary walk for him and holding my hand assures him of my presence, makes him feel safe, gives him peace 'til we get to the end of our nightly journey.

When my husband and I go to sleep at night one or the other of us will always reach for a hand.  We fall asleep most nights, holding each other's hands. 

It's something I appreciate so much about him because he knows that it makes me feel loved and safe.

Did you know that as believers, God is always holding our hands?  David said in Psalm 73:23-24

"...You hold me by my right hand.
            You guide me with Your counsel..."

He wants to assure us of His presence, help us to feel safe, to feel loved, cared for.

....to know we're not alone.  He's with us.

 

If you meditate on this, you will begin to see how extraordinary it really is. 

The God Who created the universe is with us.

Everyday, during every mundane task as well as every celebration, every sadness...

He is there. 

Holding our hand, saying,  "It's ok, I'm right here.  I'll always be here."

 

 When God asked Moses to go and confront the Pharoah of Egypt, Moses was afraid, and I think astonished, that God would ask him to do such an important thing. 

In Exodus 3:11 Moses asked God why He would ever think that he (Moses) was capable of doing such a thing.

And you know what God's answer was?  Nothing about Moses.

Not even a reason for choosing him.

His reply was, "I will be with you."

Whether you're struggling with something painful or scary right now or about to start a new journey that you're anxious about, remind yourself that your Creator is with you, the One Who is called

Wonderful,

Couselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father

and the Prince of Peace is holding your hand.

 

 

Your Hands by J.J. Heller

 

 

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

I Will Be With You

“And remember that I am always with you
until the end of time.”
                         -Matthew 28:20

  

The Pattern

 

Click  here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the eleventh thing God wants you to remember, "I will be with you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

 

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Lazy Daisy (used this for the clouds face, it's really half a lazy daisy, I guess)

♥ French Knot (used this on the flowers, trees, and bushes)

♥ Split Stitch (Used this on the cottage door, the tree trunks, the round trees and the busshes to give them depth)

♥ Back Stitch (Used this on everything else)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

This week I pray that you will feel supremely aware of God's presence in everything you do,  and for those of you celebrating Thanksgiving with me, that as you thank Him you will know that He is with you.

I love you!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from Your presence?
 If I go up to the heavens, You are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there Your hand will guide me,
    Your right hand will hold me fast."
                                        -Psalm 139:7-11

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--October--I Will Strengthen You

 

 

Hello Friends,

How are you all enjoying Fall?  I am *loving* it.  I'm hoping to bake my first loaf of Pumpkin Gingerbread this weekend, albeit a revised version, I think. The original has *a lot* of sugar & vegetable oil (I'll share if I revise it...and..um..if the revision is good...ha!).

I have such good intentions of spending more time with you here, but there is so much to do everyday and so few hours in which to do it!  I know you understand.  

This month's scripture has carried me through some difficult times and I hope it will bless and encourage you too.

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand."

                                                         -Isaiah 41:10

 

When my first son was 18 months old he broke a vase and was cut right over his eye, on his eyelid.  It was one of the worst moments of my life as a parent.

At the hospital he was so frantic and afraid that the doctors and nurses couldn't keep him still to even look at the cut, which eventually needed several stitches. 

They had to place him in what they called a papoose, which was essentially a device to wrap up his little flailing arms and legs and restrain him so that they could treat him. 

stock photo

 

It was so awful as a mother to watch them wrap him so tightly, and see him give up struggling and just look up at me with those confused, sad, little eyes.

When I was praying about this month's pattern and scripture I was reminded of this incident.  I thought about how it was only after my little one had completely given up the fight that the doctor was able to examine and help him, the nurse able to administer pain reliever, and the healing process able to begin.

When we feel alone, defeated, at our weakest point, that's when God is able to strengthen us most. 

I think sometimes, however, we think by "strengthening us", God means He will make us *feel* strong, but actually the Word says in 2 Corinthians 12:9,

"My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

So instead, I believe He is waiting for us to *feel* weak, to stop struggling against Him and just relax and let Him do what we need, in us and for us.

Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians,

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, *then* I am strong."

If you've been struggling with something for awhile now, maybe it's time to let go, let God wrap you up tight, stop fighting against Him and let Him fight for you.

 

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
                                                               -Exodus 14:14

 

No Fight Left by J.J. Heller

 

 

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

I Will Strengthen You

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand."

                                                         -Isaiah 41:10

  

The Pattern

 

Click  here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the tenth thing God wants you to remember, "I will strengthen you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

 

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Split Stitch (Used this on the pumpkins to give them some depth)

♥ Back Stitch (Used this on everything else)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

I'm praying for each of you that you'll give up the fight and rest in the Lord.

I love you!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"The Lord’s eyes scan the whole world to find those whose hearts are committed to Him and to strengthen them."  -2 Chronicles 16:9

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--September--I Will Answer You

 

I am thrilled that Fall is almost here, how about you? 

I love the colors, the smells, the fresh start of a new school year, the hint of the coming holidays, everything about this season.

We've just started our 4th grade homeschool year and we're already having fun (and learning so much!). 

It seems to get more intense as the kids get older, and each grade takes more planning than the year before, and I love every bit of it.  I hope to share some details about what we're doing for school here on the blog in the coming months.

September's pattern was partially inspired by our school planning.  One of God's promises is that He will always answer us.  Of course the answer may not be what we're hoping for, but He does answer.

He requires something on our part though:

 

To seek Him with *all* of our hearts:

"And you shall seek Me, and find Me
when you shall search for Me with all your heart."
                                             --Jeremiah 29:13

And to clean up our act:

"THEN you will call out, and the Lord will answer.
       You will cry out, and He will say, 'Here I am.'

    "If you stop making trouble for others,
       if you stop using cruel words and pointing your finger at others,
    if you feed those who are hungry
       and take care of the needs of those who are troubled,
    then your light will shine in the darkness,
       and you will be bright like sunshine at noon.
 The Lord will always lead you."

                                            --Isaiah 58:9-11

 

God is always there, always wanting to answer us, but so many times He can't get through because our line of communication with Him is blocked.

Think of it like a clogged pipe, in order to get water flowing you have to clean it out.

 

The stuff that is blocking our hearts from communicating with God, according to Isaiah, isn't hair and blobs of toothpaste (although just as gross to God I'm sure) but gossip, harsh & unkind speech, judgmental finger-pointing (rooted in pride), and selfishness that stops us from helping other people.

ouch.

So what do we need? 

Well, a holy plunger, if you will, of repentance and some cleansing water of forgiveness.  Water Photo by Hilde Vanstraelen / www.biewoef.be

 

"So turn to God!
Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven."
                                                       -Acts 3:19

 

He says once we do that we'll be "bright like sunshine at noon". 

 

The Message put it this way:

"Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
    your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
    I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
    firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a well-watered garden,
    a gurgling spring that never runs dry."
 --Isaiah 58:11

 

Now that' what I call an answer.  :)

 

If you've been around awhile you know that Keith Green was one of the most annointed Praise & Worship leaders & song artists since David.

If you haven't been around awhile, then go take a look at some of his youtube videos.  You will be blessed.

 

 

And now for the stitching:

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

 

 

I Will Answer You

"Then when you call, the LORD will answer.
    ‘Yes, I am here,’ He will quickly reply."
                                                   -Isaiah 58:9 (NLT)

  

The Pattern

Click  here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the ninth thing God wants you to remember, "I will answer you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

Pretty simple stitches this time!  Just backstitch mostly with a little stem stitch on the chalkboard and a partial lazy daisy for the apple's eyes & mouth. 

You will probably notice when you're tracing the pattern that the line over the chalkboard (under the alphabet) is a little crooked (under the the Dd and Hh).  I just stitched straight across and then lengthened my letters to meet the line.

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Back Stitch

♥ Lazy Daisy   (I used a partial Lazy Daisy for the apple's eyes & mouth)

♥ Stem Stitch (I used this for the chalkboard outline) 

♥  French Knot (I used one strand of thread to make a tiny french knot to dot the i in "will")

 

Thanks to each of you who've emailed me about the patterns.  It is such a blessing to me to know that you're enjoying them!

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

I'm praying for each of you that you'll open up your communication with GOd and recieve the answers you need.

I love you!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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 "And you shall seek Me, and find Me when you shall search for Me with all your heart."--Jeremiah 29:13

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--August--I Will Give You Rest

 



Hello Friends!

The summer is in full swing here and I am *still* unpacking, and organizing and painting and painting and painting. 

Every room in this house had been painted brown and this sort of greeny-beige that made my eyes hurt, and I just couldn't live with that any longer (you may have noticed that I like bright colors).

So, I'm painting a turquoise art room (yes a whole room - joy!), a lime green sunroom, a silvery grey family room, sky blue ceilings and more!

It's slow-going and I am working muscles I had not previously been on speaking terms with by climbing up and down ladders and squatting and reaching but it looks so bright and happy (I can't wait to show you photos!) and it is keeping me incredibly busy because I am determined to have it all done before we start our homeschool year (nothing like putting a little pressure on yourself right?).

So all of that to explain why things are kind of quiet around here. 

Hope you're all enjoying the patterns and having a wonderful summer yourselves! 

I'm praying for you each to experience God's rest.

 

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

 

 

I Will Give You Rest

 

        "Come to Me, all you who are struggling hard and
carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."
                                                                --Matthew 11:28

photo credit: Fran Flores Dima-ala via stock xchange

 

 

 

Rest - Big Daddy Weave (Music Video with Lyrics) from crkc.net on GodTube.

 

 

The Pattern

Click  here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the eighth thing God wants you to remember, "I will give you rest" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

For the log that the nest is sitting on I took two strands each of cream and dark brown thread and twisted them together, then I used a split stitch with them to creat a knubby, woodish look.

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Back Stitch

♥ Satin Stitch (I used this to fill in the flower petal eyes)

♥ Lazy Daisy   (I used a partial Lazy Daisy around the eyes to outline)

♥ Split Stitch (I used this for the chain on the moon and the nest) 

♥  French Knot (I used these for the polka dot tummy)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!" -Jude 1:2 (the message) 

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--July--I Will Deliver You

 

Hello Friends!

It's time for this month's free embroidery pattern!

 

 

If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.

 

 

I Will Deliver You

 

"We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
    The trap is broken, and we are free!"
                                               --Psalm 124:7

 

A lot of things come to mind when one of thinks of "deliverance" (a super creepy movie for one thing), but the word simply means "the act of being rescued or set free".

When I was 16 I said a prayer that changed my life and the one feeling I remember washing over me was that of freedom, like a weight had been lifted from my chest and I could finally breathe. I felt it for weeks, like I was floating on air.

 

There have been a lot of ups and downs since that day, I have found myself on my knees many times, and each time God has come through for me.  Not always in the way I expected or hoped for, but He was there.

"He led me to a place of safety;
    He rescued me because He delights in me."
                                                  --Psalm 18:19 (NLT)

Did you know that God delights in you?

"...the Lord’s delight is in those who fear Him,
    those who put their hope in His unfailing love."
                                                           --Psalm 147:11 (NLT)

When I said that prayer at 16, I was putting my hope in His unfailing love. 

If you've done that, if you hope in Him,  He *delights* in you.  Isn't that amazing?

You know what's more amazing?  If you haven't done that, and you want to, you can just call on Him and He will be your rescuer too.

"For everyone who calls on
         the name of the Lord will be saved.”
                                                --Romans 10:13 (NLT)

(If you're not sure how to do that, check out that prayer I told you about.)

He delights in you.

Don't forget that. 

Reach your hand out to Him and let Him set you free.

 

 

 

 

The Pattern

Click on the image above or here to download the free pattern.

There is a copy with the seventh thing God wants you to remember, "I will deliver you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

The Stitches

For the banner ribbon I took one strand each of red, white and blue thread and twisted them together.

I used  the following stitches on this pattern:

♥ Back Stitch

♥ Seed Stitch (I used this to fill in the stars)

♥ Lazy Daisy   (I used a partial Lazy Daisy on the birdies' eye)

♥ Chain Stitch (I used this for the chain on the birdcage)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"You have rescued me! I will celebrate and shout, singing praises to you with all my heart."  -Psalm 71:23
 

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--June--I Will Provide For You

 

Hello Friends!

It's time for this month's Free embroidery pattern!

 

If you're just joining in, here is the link to the overview page:

12 Things God Wants You To Remember

 

 

12 Things -- #6 "I will provide for you." Philippians 4:19

 

God's provision is something that I believe in with all my heart, but I know, based on experience that it can look very different from what we expect. 

It can be late when we think it should be early, and be small when we think we need big.

He provides for us, like everything else that He does, in His own way and in His own time and for reasons that sometimes, only He understands.

And our part, like with everything else in our relationship with Him, is to respond in faith. 

No matter what the situation may look like we are called to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

 

If you need God's provision right now, study His word, find every scripture you can on His provision and His love and worship Him. Turn on praise & worship music every chance you get and just soak up His presence. :)

I pray for you today that you would believe Him when it seems hopeless and cling to Him when it seems fruitless and that He would make Himself known to you in just the way that you most need today.

 

Start your "soaking up" with this song, it's special. 

 

The Video is by Worship Mob, according to their site, the worship sessions are live and simultaneous.  so cool.  Check them out here: Worship Mob

How He Love Us
lyrics by John Mark Mcmillan

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

 

Download the free pattern here: June Embroidery Pattern

 

There is a copy with the sixth thing God wants you to remember, "I will provide for you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. 

 

(it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 


I used a mish-mash of brown, beige and rust embroidery threads to create the messy, nest look.  Other than that the stitches are basic backstitch and seed stitch.

♥ Back Stitch

♥ Seed Stitch (I used this to fill in the nest)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"...And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.."  -Philippians 4:19

crochet makes me happy -- this week's crochet square -- peach rose

 

So this week I worked on the Peach Rose square from Jan Eaton's Book, "200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets Throws and Afghans" * (last week was the chocolate box)  and I really like the lacy feel of it.

So far the chocolate box is my favorite though.

I have to tell you that giving myself the assignment of one block a week has been so fun.  I actually *make* myself sit down and take the time to crochet and it's nice. :)

I have already started on next weeks' block, a pretty, puffy popcorn stitch flower..in pink!

Can't wait to show you!

 

What are you working on this week?

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

 

*P.S. I'm experimenting with the amazon associate program so the link to Jan's book is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on it and buy it (which you *totally* should cause it's wonderful) I will get a little blessing in my amazon account.  I see this as a win-win. You get an awesome book, highly recommended by a friend, and said friend (me) gets to buy more goodies to recommend to you without ruining her budget and making her hubby sad.

See?  win-win.

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"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing." -Proverbs 31:13 (msg)

Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--May--I Will Heal You

 

 

Hello Friends!

It's time for this month's Free embroidery pattern!

 

If you're just joining in, here is the link to the overview page:

12 Things God Wants You To Remember

 

 

12 Things -- #5 "I will heal you." 1 Peter 2:24

 

 

If you need healing whether it's physical, spiritual or emotional, I pray that you would seek God today and that He would hear you and answer you.

 

I love this song by Michael W. Smith that talks about God's healing rain:

 

 

 

 

Here is the pattern:

 

 

Download the free pattern here: May Embroidery Pattern

 

There is a copy with the fifth thing God wants you to remember, "I will heal you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the frame if you'd like to use it again. 

 

(it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed.  Get it here for free)

 

I used a silver metallic embroidery floss for the "steam" and twisted it with a plain white floss to make it a little easier to use.

The stitches this month are:

♥ Lazy Daisy

♥ French Knot

♥ Back Stitch

♥ Seed Stitch (I used this to fill in the heart)

 

I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us!  Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"...for it is time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you."  -Hosea 10:12

crochet makes me happy

My mom gave me a copy of the awesome book "200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets Throws and Afghans" * by Jan Eaton for Christmas.  I have just started working though the book and practicing the squares and it is sooooo fun!

I love how she has color suggestions with each square and the directions are really clear and concise so I don't get confused as I'm going along.

This one is called Chocolate Box. ♥   

I'm really enjoying the color gray mixed with bright colors lately, so I used that in place of her brown.  Next I want to try it with some pastels.  I like this square so much, I don't know if I'll be able to move on to another square!

 

What have you been making this week?

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

 

*P.S. I'm experimenting with the amazon associate program so the link to Jan's book is an affiliate link, which means that if you click on it and buy it (which you *totally* should cause it's wonderful) I will get a little blessing in my amazon account.  I see this as a win-win. You get an awesome book, highly recommended by a friend, and said friend (me) gets to buy more goodies to recommend to you without ruining her budget and making her hubby sad.

See?  win-win.

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"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing." -Proverbs 31:13 (msg)

tuesday morning sunroom love

There is nothing sweeter to me these days than sitting in our sunroom, with my little guy in my lap and reading our science books as the morning sunshine streams through the windows.

We are studying zoolology at the moment, (Apologia, Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day) and more specifically birds and eggs and nests.

In the perfect little gift from the Lord we have had not one, but two pairs of wrens build nests in the eaves on either side of the sunroom.

 

(Having God for a Superintendent of your school pays off...He can arrange field trips like no other...heh-heh)

We are beside ourselves with joy at the thought of lots of little baby birds chirping outside our school room soon.  I hope I'll be able to capture it in pixels for you (is that what we say now instead of "capture it on film" ??)

 

Hope you're having a wonderful day of spring sunshine yourself.

 

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~

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"Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them." -Matthew 6:25