Blankets, blankets, everywhere.

 Well...maybe not everywhere.  One of the kids requested a blanket because they didn't have a "mom-made" blanket.  After making that one a few of the other kids put in requests for blankets.  So far, I've made 4 blankets.  The first one I made I used the C2C (corner to corner) method and while I love the look there were so many sections of different colors and ends to weave in.  The next two I used the single crochet mosaic (or grid) method.  This method made for a tighter texture but I like the cleaner look since there aren't as many holes.  I recently found a tip for making a C2C blanket with smaller holes so I may try that at some point.  The last blanket was made using a simple pattern of alternating single and double crochets; we've dubbed it the "Nemo" blanket since it is reminiscent of a clown fish.  I'd love to hear about the craft projects you're working on this year!

Book Review: A Wind in the House of Islam

 

There are very few books that I would say "every believer should read this" but this book is one of those.  Garrison does a thorough job of investigating the different Christian movements in the Muslim world.  I was challenged in 3 ways by this book:

1) I was challenged to PRAY for our Muslim-background brother's and sisters.  When they choose to give their lives to Christ they know that there is a very good chance they will lose family, community and even their lives.  Yet many choose to stay underground in their communities in order to share Christ with those they love!  What is also amazing to hear is that they speak of such an overarching joy and peace they have in Christ, even in the face of earthly dangers.

2) I was challenged to be more bold in witnessing to others, even those who don't look or act like me.  As Western Christians most of us may face ridicule, rejection of what we're sharing but what is that compared to eternity?  Every unbeliever, including Muslims, in our own communities need Jesus, reach out with His love and kindness.

3) I was also challenged to evaluate how I have let  Western Christian culture invade what the Gospel truly is.  Just because others may not worship like us or may have very different conversion stories does NOT mean that they are not brothers & sisters.  It's ALL about Jesus!  The Gospel is belief in Christ by faith thru Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) confessing our need and proclaiming Christ as Lord & Savior (Romans 10:9-10)...that's it!  Setting aside our preconceived ideas of what things "should" look like and keeping to the Gospel is so important. 

My heart hurts for what many are facing for Christ but I rejoice in what they are teaching me through their testimonies, I rejoice in the privilege to pray for them and in the knowledge that we will all one day rejoice together worshipping our Risen Savior for eternity. 

The Mother's Day gift that kept giving.

 Can you believe that it's already June!  This year is just flying by; which is why this Mother's Day post is just now getting put together. This year I received an extra special Mother's Day gift that became even more special over the following week.

As some of my readers know, my oldest daughter is quite the artist.  She draws, does digital art and has recently moved to trying her hand at painting.  She is planning to attend art school after high school but already blesses many with her talents.  This Mother's Day she gifted me this original painting.  I love the colors and fun flower print.  

Later that evening I was texting with my sister-in-law and shared how I thought the print would make a lovely purse but had no idea how to turn this print into fabric.  She told me that JoAnn Fabrics has a service where they will print custom fabric using an image.  I poked around their website but couldn't find where she had seen this information.  Enter Google!  After a simple search I found this site but quickly figured out that sewing my own purse just wasn't something I felt confident to do.  While I love creating things, sewing has always been something I'm not confident with; I just hate the feeling that if I make one wrong cut I could ruin beautiful (and costly) fabric.  However, as I looked around their site more I discovered that you could order a custom printed tote directly from them!  You simply upload your image choose the bag you want and use their online tool to make it look exactly how you'd like.  I chose a leather tote; I needed to replace my purse and had been looking for a leather bag since they hold up better than many other fabrics.  The price was really no higher than a name brand bag; although certainly still a splurge.  I showed the preview to my husband and he thought it was so cool too.  Check out the tote!  I think they did a beautiful job and the quality is wonderful.  

*disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with this company nor receiving any benefit from this post; I'm simply sharing a very cool site & service. Please always check with the artist before using any original art..and be sure to compensate them well if they let you use their art!

Check out my daughter's instagram @wolfyyy_05 she's got a lot of cool things posted!