Sunshine Award...And my blog nominations...

  
I was recently awarded this Sunshine Award from my friend at Faith & Fibromyalgia.  She has such a lovely blog and is so gifted in bringing awareness to this chronic illness that we share, fibromyalgia.  I appreciate the lovely things that she shared about me when nominating me for this award.  She is just an amazing young lady.  


This award is given to "bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the "blogosphere".

Here are the rules:
1.  If you are nominated, you must blog a post linking back to the person/blog that nominated you.
2. You must answer some questions, nominate ten fellow bloggers and link their blogs to the post!
If you do this, you get the award! You can use the image above to either put on your post or on your blog itself!
3. You should comment on your nominees' blogs to let them know you've nominated them.


Here are my questions:

1. Who is your favorite philosopher?

I don't think that I have a favorite philosopher...sorry.  

2. What is your favorite number?

My favorite number is 7.  

3. What is your favorite animal?

My favorite animal is VERY SPECIFIC...it is the Yorkshire Terrier.  My little Bailey is a Yorkshire Terrier, and he is the perfect companion.  He is an amazing cuddler when I am sick, happy to see us when we come home...just like a part of the family!  What can I say...he has us wrapped around his little paw!

Awww...isn't he the cutest thing ever???

4. What are your Facebook and Twitter urls?

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ChronicChristianCrafter 
Twitter: I do not "tweet"...I opened a twitter account at one time.  However, the account was hacked fairly soon thereafter. I kept forgetting to "tweet", etc.  So, I decided to stick with social media that I understood and enjoyed using.

Getting To Know You Series....Vacations

It is that time of the week again when I link up with Stuff I Love so that we can, as bloggers "get to know one another" better.  Or, if you're not a blogger and you're reading, you can get to know me better as well ;)  I've enjoyed this series, because it lets others see me on a more personal level...tell me what you guys are thinking of this series of post so far.  Plus, it provides a chance to make new friends...why, yes, of course I'll participate!!!

Getting To Know You: Vacations

1) What has been your favorite vacation?

This is a rather difficult question.  Why?  Because each vacation in and of itself has a special place in my heart.  However, of ALL vacations that I've EVER taken, I guess I can narrow it down to 2 separate vacations: my honeymoon, which was spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (it was simply beautiful...we were married right after Christmas...so LOTS of snow...just gorgeous).  And, then, I loved New Orleans as well.  The architecture, culture and the landscape of New Orleans is unique to itself.  It is an experience that I loved.

I can't decide between the two...both bring back a flood of memories as well...I wouldn't flutter an eyelid if given a choice to return to either one.

The beautiful Grand Tetons...they are breathtaking!!!

Another view and picture of the Grand Tetons!

Some of the gorgeous architecture in the  French Quarter...just beautiful!

2) What was your most exotic vacation?

I haven't really gone on any "exotic" type vacations.  The closest thing to "exotic" I guess would be going to the beach...wow!  I've gone to a few beaches a handful of times; however, they have never been "exotic" in nature (i.e. Hawaii, Bahamas).  I guess this is one of those "bucket list" type items!!

3) What was your worst vacation?

My worst vacation occurred last year...and, it had really ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the vacation itself.  However, the vacation became the byproduct.  My husband, my mom and stepdad, and I traveled to Edisto Beach, SC (neat place, by the way).  This is about an 8 hour drive for us.  We arrived and were there for 1 day.  That night, in the middle of the night, we were awakened to learn that my uncle passed away suddenly.  So, we left early in the morning (after we had repacked and checked out of the condo) and returned home to the most unexpected funeral.  The ride back was excruciating because we were all numb.  

Due to the suddenness of my uncle's death...this was obviously the worst vacation...I will always associate this vacation to it.  Like I said, the memories of the vacation are simply a byproduct.  

One of "3" pictures we were able to take of the ocean  on
our trip to Edisto Beach, SC.  Lovely Beach...memories...not so great.
However...nothing to do with beach itself.
Love and miss my uncle.

Jewelry Organizer from Free Yard Sale Find

"One man's trash...another man's treasure."  Isn't that how the saying goes?  

While I don't enjoy the heat and humidity of the summertime, I do enjoy one thing... yard sales!  I really enjoy looking for treasures from someone else's "trash".  One weekend this summer, I really scored BIG...I mean, I had a car load by the end of my day.  One of my scores...a free cork board.  Let me tell you...it was not a looker (however, I had big plans in mind).  

While I have a small jewelry box to house my jewelry, my necklaces just didn't have adequate space.  Plus, they weren't displayed well.  I had scoured Pinterest for ideas to remedy this problem.  Then, while I was yard sale shopping and I saw this bulletin board (for free mind you), I knew I could turn it into a jewelry organizer for my necklaces and bracelets:

I am conscientious of budget; so, I try to be thrifty as much as possible.  This project was no different.  I used a limited amount of materials on this project (most of which I had on hand), so here's my material list:

• I used some black and white tweed material that I purchased at an estate sale for $2 for several yards (used to cover the corkboard). 
• I used a  black and white skirt that I picked up from a yard sale last year (for free) for the outer edge to make ruffles. 
• I used A LOT of hot glue and my glue gun to adhere all of the fabric to the cork board for this project
• I trimmed out the seams with some braided trim (the most costly part of the project...more expensive than all of the other materials combined). (Not pictured)

Getting To Know You Series...Transportation

Do you remember last week when I joined in with a series that encourages bloggers to connect and learn more about each other (last week's topic was about siblings).  Well, it's already time to "get to know me better" again....I love this concept! It lets people see me on a more personal level.  Plus, a chance to make new friends...yes, please!!!

Getting To Know You Series: Transportation

1) What is your favorite mode of transportation?  Since I utilize my car primarily for any type of transport...I would state it is my "favorite".  

2) What was your first vehicle?  My first vehicle was a 1984 Chevrolet Cavalier...I paid for it out of my own money.   And, it served me well, too.  I drove it through high school, college, and most of graduate school.

3) What is your primary means of transportation now? Like I said before, I definitely rely on my car for transportation.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a car to jump right into to take me to places/errands that I need to go.  I drive a Honda Accord.  I love that it is so dependable.  I don't worry about it due to its safety and dependability.

4) What is your craziest vehicle story?  Other than narrowly going over a cliff on the interestate due to being involved in a bad wreck...probably a crazy/funny vehicle story would center on my first car, the Chevrolet Cavalier that I drove my college years.  I lived a little over 3 hours away from the college I attended.  I was assisting with orientation at the beginning of school one year, so they wanted those of us that were going to be helping up to school even earlier.  Well, I had a specific exit that was/still is about half way between the college I attended and my home that I would use as a "stretching, rest stop, snacks, etc.".  So, I stopped as usual (my car was packed because it was the beginning of the school year) and as I was getting off of the road...something hit just the right spot so that while I was in the gas station/restaurant combo...ALL of my oil leaked out.  I was about to start my car...but, thankfully a guy ran and stopped me from doing it.  Long story short, I just happened to have a relative close to that exit that hauled my car to his house and he was a mechanic and fixed it....how did I get to school?  There also just "happened" to be representatives from my college making presentations in that city that day...so they picked me up when they were finished.  


It was terrible to break down...but, it was like divine intervention that I broke down at "just the right place" for help and "just the right time".  Any other day, the representatives wouldn't have been there...I guess you might consider that a little crazy???

Wedding Lyric Canvas Project

I've been working on this post for months (literally).  You can say that it has been a labor of love.  I was inspired by a lyric canvas art project that I saw on Pinterest several months ago, actually around Christmas of last year.  It ended up inspiring my husband and I to completely change the theme within our master bathroom.

Since this inspired a mini makeover in our master bathroom, I will have a before and after post following the project tutorials that I did to transform our bathroom (which there were several).  I will go ahead and state that we previously had chinese sayings/orchids/etc. as decor (which I had grown tired of), and we have now transformed to a personalization theme.

When I saw this idea on Pinterest, I fell in love.  Here is where I addressed my desire to do this project several months ago here on this blog.  I knew I wanted to do something similar.  While I didn't do mine like my "pinspiration", I am glad they got my creative juices flowing.  I discussed with my husband, and we settled on doing the song "Valentine" by Jim Brickman.  This was in our wedding.  I've also explained the significance of this song in several past posts, such as here.  Here is a close up look of the finished project:

Materials for this project included:

• My Silhouette CAMEO
• Coordinations Scrapbook paper
• Sander (to sand scrapbook paper)
• Distress Ink and sponge 
• Sharpie
• 12" x 12" Canvases
• Mod Podge (to adhere scrapbook paper to canvas)
• Picture hangers 
• Enamel Spray

Getting to Know You Series....Siblings

Today I am participating in a neat series with one of the blogs that I follow, Cover to Cover...and Everything in Between.  I believe this is such a neat idea, and this is the first time that I'm joining in.  The rules are simple:

1. Fill out the questions for the week-being creative because everyone wants to see the "real" person
2. Include photos if wanted
3. Grab the link up button
4. Check out others and make new friends!

This was so unique...I just had to try it out.  I think one of the funnest and most rewarding aspects of blogging is when we pull the proverbial curtain back on the author of a blog and get to know them.  Then, it is just icing on the cake when we are able to make a new friend!  So...I'M IN!!!  This week, apparently we are discussing siblings!

Getting To Know You: Sibilings

1) How many siblings do you have and what are their names?

I have one brother, and his name is Joshua; however, I call him several different names. JB, Bradley (his middle name), Josh as well Joshua are all names that he "goes by".  Both of my parents remarried when my brother and I were older (I was college age and older with both, my brother was high school and older)...so, we weren't really raised with our step brothers and sisters.  However, we do have several.  Due to our parents both remarrying, we also have 7 step siblings; however, we only see them occasionally if rarely.  Here is a lovely picture of my brother, JB:

Josh showing off while we were getting our wedding pictures
made in front of the Washington Monument...typical!!

2) What is the age range among the children in your family?

My brother and I are five and 1/2 years apart in age.  I am the oldest of the two.  If you were to take into account step siblings...the range increases dramatically.  There are several older than me, but my brother is still the youngest.  

Josh and me @ a family reunion...after playing a game of cornhole!

3) In what ways are you like your siblings?

Josh and I are actually very different in many ways. However, we do have a lot of core qualities that are the same. He has a warm, caring and loving heart, even if he doesn't want to admit it sometimes.  He values family and has a strong sense of family.  He has an incredible work ethic, and is EXTREMELY smart (especially when he puts his mind to something).  We share all of these traits.  Now don't get me wrong...there are traits we don't share...no two people are alike!  And, I'm sure there are things I'm not thinking of...

Josh has truly matured over the years, and I'm one VERY PROUD SISTER!

Our little family...Mike (stepdad), Mom, Josh, Me, and Michael (Husband)

Patriotic/4th of July Wreath

I know...I know...the fourth of July was last week!  And, I hope that everyone enjoyed theirs as much as I did.  Each year for the past four years my husband and I have gone to the firework show and concert that our city, Nashville, Tennessee, puts on.  We tend to have different friends and family go with us, and sometimes it is just the two of us...but, normally it is a foregone conclusion that we will be downtown Nashville on the fourth.  The fireworks show is AMAZING!!!  This year, there was the sweetest family that sat down beside us...and, they were visiting from Alabama.  The father stated that Nashville's show was rated in the top 4 shows in the nation...I CAN BELIEVE IT!!!  I also love how our grammy winning Nashville Symphony plays patriotic songs to the fireworks in the background....it simply takes my breathe away!

I have stated in previous posts that this summer has thrown me a few curve balls and I know that my wreath is a little tardy.  I've simply not been able to do things exactly as "expected".  I did want to share my wreath, however.  Since we are about to have a big event...you might have heard about it...the Olympics...coming up the end of this month, I plan to use the wreath throughout the month of July, and throughout the Olympics, in support of USA.

A lot of this wreath was created with imagination, common household recycled materials, etc.  Here is the list of materials used for the wreath:

• Grapevine wreath (purchased @ Dollar Tree-like I've always said, one of my favorite craft stores)
• Blue Spray Paint (to paint the wreath)
• Toilet Paper Rolls (2-for base of fireworks)
• Scrapbook Paper (for fireworks)
• Thick Cardboard Box (used to cut out different sized stars)
• Paint (I used a red, white and blue-combined the blue with white to make a baby blue for contrast)
• Paint Brushes 
• Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun (@ first this is the only thing I used to adhere everything; however, when the wreath got to temperatures over 100 degrees, the glue reheated and heavy materials did not want to stay...so)
• Super Glue (extra security on heavy objects for hot days)
• Wired beading (to form fireworks)
• Tissue paper 
• Twine
• Wooden Letters (I purchased a set of the whole alphabet @ Hobby Lobby with a coupon for very cheap knowing that I can use for many projects)
• Picture Frame 
• Chalkboard Paint
• Washi Tape
• Chalk

Wow...once I typed out all of the materials it really looks like a lot.  However, I decided to begin this wreath pretty late one night, and believe it or not...I had EVERY LAST ONE of these items here @ my home!  So, while the list looks intimidating...it really isn't.  I mean...come on...toilet paper rolls?  Those are TOTALLY FREE!  I'm going to show you some close ups, and then give you a little more details.

A Merry Heart...Good Like Medicine

Photo courtesy of Photobucket

Suffering...pain...hurt....chronic illness.  While these are uncomfortable words to read; every human being experiences some of these at some point due to mankind's choice to disobey God in the Garden of Eden.  These are all words that I live with daily...HOWEVER, I choose to not let it define me.  I have let my pain, suffering, and chronic illness humble me, teach me and bring me closer to God.   And I have let it help me define his purpose for me.  Each day, I'm continually learning and allowing change and growth.  There are many examples throughout the Bible of suffering...prime examples being Job and of course Jesus himself who made the ultimate sacrifice.


When experiencing pain (especially chronic and continual), suffering, hurt, etc....most individuals will often journey through a variety of emotions.  (Anger, depression, acceptance, etc.).  I admit experiencing all of these emotions as I began living with chronic illness.  And, even though I grieved my former life and adjusted to the new...by trusting in God and his promises...I HAVE HOPE!  Everyone is subject to pain until God brings "a new heaven and a new earth" and he promises that "there shall be no more pain" (Revelations 21: 1. 4).  I have a promise of something better...eternal life!

Suffering, pain, etc. allows us to not become attached to this world.  This world is not our eternal home...Heaven Is!!!

The Bible correlates pain with joy.  Paul and Silas prayed and sang while they were in pain, and they were delivered and saved their jailer's household's (Acts 16: 23-25, 34).  Of course,  Christ suffered the ultimate price for you and me so that we may share eternity with Him in Heaven.  These are just two of many examples of pain correlating with joy.

Photo courtesy of Photobucket

One of my favorite verses to remember when things seem bleak: 

"A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones." (Proverbs 17: 22 NKJV)

That is what I strive for..."a merry heart".  A merry heart is good like medicine.  Wouldn't you rather receive healing powers that only God can provide over dried up bones?  But, you may ask...how is that possible?  How can I have a merry heart while experiencing chronic, daily pain; or, what if you are suffering the loss of a close family member or other hurts?  How can I have a "merry heart"?

I think the answer to these questions are best answered from scripture.  We are told we are sojourners that experience pain and hardships until we reach our final destination.  (We will also experience many joyful, fun and happy experiences as well).  In addition, we are told throughout the New Testament that our life on earth is but a vapor.  Let's look at some of God's promises that relate:

"The victory for righteous people comes from the Lord.
He is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them.
He rescues them from wicked people. 
He saves them because they have taken refuge in him."  (Psalm 37: 39-40)

"The Lord is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusted him, so I received help.
My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song,
The Lord is the the strength of his people and a fortress for the victory of the Messiah."  (Psalm 28: 7-8)

"I will allow everyone who wins the victory to sit with me on my throne, as I have won the victory and have sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelations 3:21)

This life IS but a vapor.  God promises that the pain, suffering, heartache, hurt, etc. that accompanies this life will cease for the righteous in eternal life.  So, why not have a merry heart?  I'm a child of God, so as long as I obey his commandments, I have a promise of eternal life!!!  AND, it is promised that there will be no tears and no suffering in Heaven...What a wonderful place that will be!  I desire to have a "merry heart" (regardless of my circumstance that I might find myself in)...do you?

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  (1 Thess.5: 16-18 NKJV)


Blessings,

 If you enjoyed or were blessed by what you read in this post, I would love for you to subscribe and follow me. You can follow and contact me via any of the following:








Each week I may link up at the parties located at my tab located on my blog love tab here. Feel free to check these lovely sites out!

Illuminating Blogger Award

I am so honored!  I was recently nominated by CJ @ Food Stories Blog for an amazing new blog award...the "Illuminating Blogger Award". The Illuminating Blogger Award is to be passed on to fellow bloggers for "illuminating, informative" blog content.  I feel truly honored that the actual originator of the award felt that my blog fit this description...thank you very much, CJ.  You made my day!!

As with most blog awards, this award comes with a few rules (but, let's face it...the rules are great in the fact that it allows us to get to know each other better, and we get to acknowledge and spotlight others!).  Just follow the steps below:

1. The nominee should visit the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) and leave a comment indicating that they have been nominated and by whom. (This step is so important because it’s the only way that we can create a blogroll of award winners).
2. The Nominee should thank the person that nominated them by posting & including a link to their blog.
3. The Nominee should include a courtesy link back to the official award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) in their blog post.
4. Share one random thing about yourself in your blog post.
5. Select at least five other bloggers that you enjoy reading their illuminating, informative posts and nominate them for the award. Many people indicate that they wish they could nominate more so please feel free to nominate all your favorites.
6. Notify your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog, including a link to the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/).

Opening up shop...

Through the encouragement of some close family and friends, I've prayerfully decided to begin making and offering some of my crafts for sale.  I started this blog and sharing of my projects originally as an encouragement and to provide inspiration (which I still plan to do); however, recently I've been approached to recreate some of the crafts I've shared for purchase...whether for gifts or for others to keep for themselves. So, I have decided to begin selling a few items that I've had great response to, as well as items that are special requested.

I've added a tab onto my blog titled "My Shop" where I will be putting both samples as well as completed items for sale.  You will probably notice this tab to the top right of the blog page now (at this time it looks mostly like what you are reading, with a few modifications).

I am uploading examples for reference, and I will take custom orders (if I can at this time).  I will price custom orders as I receive them.  If I have one for sale here on the website, the price will be listed.  I will also be adding different types of items too that aren't even on here at this time.  Regardless, here are some of the items I have/can make to sale:

Book Page Wreath

SAMPLE-Large book page wreath with antiqued book pages;
Twine and book page flowers; Twine leaf accents; Pearl accents

SOLD-Book page wreath with antiqued book pages;

Purple Irises and flower sprays added.

(I have a large silk flower collection, and can customize most wreaths to  personal preference).

Toot Your Horn Party #18 Features...and Important Announcement!!

PLEASE READ THIS POST, EVEN IF YOU NORMALLY DON'T READ ALL OF THE FEATURE POST INFO...PLEASE READ ALL OF THE BOLD PRINTED INFO...IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!  


My favorite part of the week again...Feature Time!!!  I love visiting the link-ups each week, meeting and being introduced to new blogs and being inspired by the projects that are linked up to each Toot Your Horn Party...it has been such a blessing to co-host this party with my friend, Debbie.  However, I did say I have an important announcement...


If you have been following me for more than about a month and a half, you would know that I've had a rough go the past few weeks...without going into details I'll just say surgery, family issues, death of a very close family member as well as ongoing chronic illness (which has been aggravated by all of the above).  ANYWAY...when I started this blog, my primary purpose was to encourage and inspire others...whether via a short encouraging/inspirational type post or via crafts/recipes/home decorating that I enjoy doing when I feel well enough (which helps keep mind away from pain).  Obviously, events of the past few weeks have occupied some of my time and taken me away from being able to focus as much on developing the types of posts that I use to pour MANY HOURS into.  HOWEVER, I continued to diligently bring the Toot Your Horn Party and Features each and every week...throughout this whole time.  I have a healthy respect for anyone hosting link parties (especially those that comment on link-ups to their party, because not everyone does)...because it requires a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes; and, I had an amazing co-host.


Since I have been having to devote SO MUCH time into the party, and not being able to develop my blog toward my original purposes and goals...I began praying and contemplating whether I should continue co-hosting the party or maybe not blog?  I've prayed and prayed...not wanting to make a hasty decision.  I have had several e-mails, personal comments, etc. regarding how my posts (before I began co-hosting the party) made a personal impact...however, I feel like I've neglected my followers that began following the blog due to its original purpose (in fact I've lost some...and, I believe it is due to this very fact).  But, due to everything going on, I've basically only been able to post the party and features, and no encouraging/inspirational posts or even craft/DIY, etc posts.  The only posts I was able to develop for the blog recently (at least for the past month or so has been related to the Toot Your Horn Party).  This makes me sad.


So, after much prayer and careful consideration, as well as discussing this with my husband to obtain an outsider's point of view, I have decided that I will no longer be co-hosting Toot Your Horn Tuesdays.  Today will be my last feature post, and I will not be posting a link up to the party tonight.  Debbie has all the contact information for everyone that has been linking up, so if you were linking up via my blog, you will now need to link up via Debbie's blog @ Debbie Does Creations if you want to join the party.  I will still support this party completely as I believe it is one of the best, and Debbie is one of the sweetest around!!!  I just want to be able to "get back to basics" I guess you would say!


Thank you to ALL OF YOU!  I appreciate your sweet comments.  You never know how much that means sometimes.  I look forward to bringing you some projects and some encouraging posts within the week!  Those of you that I've met via the party...I'm SO GLAD!!!  Thank you to each of you for your support!  Much love to you all!


Now, onto the great features from last week's party!

Don't forget that Debbie and I each do separate features.  So, head over to Debbie's blog @ Debbie Does Creations to check her features and see if you were featured with her as well.

Please remember if you would like to "pin" any of these features onto pinterest, please visit the individual blogs and pin directly from there to ensure proper creative credit.  Do not pin from this blog post.

I love this jute webbing mat tutorial that Aimee @ Twigg Studios posted.  Aimee always shares amazing tutorials, and this one lives up to all her others.  I love the natural materials that she used.  I envision so many different uses for this mat...LOVE IT!!

I LOVE playing cornhole, and I've been wanting a set for a long time.  However, people ask an arm and a leg for these sets...not in my budget!  Anyway, I was truly excited to see Crafted Niche shared her cornhole saga, with a link tutorial...YEAH!!!  Maybe I (i.e. my handy husband) can build my cornhole set after all...on a budget no less!

I appreciated the posts that Simply Living Loving Learning shared last week, and I really enjoyed this post regarding "What are your dreams?"  I appreciated the insight, encouragement, and applied knowledge shared...a must read and great post.

I've stated over and over again that I love sayings and quotes/typography throughout my home...so, of course I fell in love with There Was a Crooked House's post regarding her DIY laundry room art.  Love the simplicity and the use of typography...so cute!

Love Grows Wild shared what looks to be one of the most delicious muffin recipes I've seen in a while...my mouth is watering!  I'm definitely going to have to try out this Chocolate Chunk Muffin recipe as it looks divine!  YUMMY!

Congratulations if you were featured, and a big "thank you" to each of you who linked up!  Hope you enjoyed the features.  Grab your featured button from my sidebar to display on your blog!

If you enjoyed what you have read here, feel free to subscribe to the blog (if you haven't already).  I would love to have you!