Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sharing in abundance... Silverdale church assists financially struggling congregants
This is truly a wonderful story to focus on this Holiday Season with so many suffering, loosing homes, jobs, etc..
Thanks to one East Brainerd church and what congregation officials say is God's providence, more than 100 area families will have a bright Christmas in a rather bleak year.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Silverdale Baptist Church handed out a combined total of nearly $21,000 to more than 100 people who had come forward and indicated they were struggling financially.
"There was not a dry eye in the house," said senior pastor Tony Walliser. "Everybody was weeping."
The congregation was able to distribute the money because it no longer has a debt and because giving exceeded the church's budget this year.
"It was a great year for us," said executive pastor Ken McCoy, "but we've got some hurting people. As a church, we have not felt the impact. But some of our families have felt it extensively."
Congregation officials said the money -- $25 or more in each of some 350 envelopes that was hidden behind other material in the pews -- was distributed in all three of the church's morning services, which normally attracted some 2,200 people a week.
Mr. Walliser said people in their seats -- who found the labeled and sealed envelopes at his request -- brought them forward to the people struggling financially, many of them adding funds from their wallets and checkbooks.
"We said, 'These folks have humbled themselves before you and are struggling,'" he said. "We asked them to bring the envelopes up, pray for them and love them and hug them."
In addition, Mr. Walliser said, members added $4,000 to the church benevolence fund, from which money is quietly distributed to needy families throughout the year. The fund, due to the high number of needs, had been exhausted, he said.
In the three weeks since the service, he said, he has received twice as many e-mails from people who simply attended that day -- and give regularly through weekly pledges -- as from those who received help. The e-mails are saying, in essence, that it is better to give than receive, he said.
Mr. Walliser said, despite the "cool meeting with God kind of moment," he is under no illusion the money each family received will solve all their problems.
"If we were giving out $100,000," he said, "it wouldn't have met all their needs."
For those who were struggling, who were wavering in their faith, though, "it was like God saying, 'I see you, I know where you are,'" Mr. Walliser said. The spiritual and emotional encouragement were "greater than anything," he said.
The people who received the gifts, he said, have related stories about, among other things, being able to pay utility bills, finance an out-of-town trip for a job opportunity and give back to the church.
One man who just happened to attend, but normally didn't go to church because he thought they only asked for money, saw his attitude change, Mr. Walliser said.
Mr. McCoy said he and other pastors began to get an idea of the people struggling in the church when he first offered a Transition Bridge group for people who were unemployed last February and 48 showed up.
"We were kind of shocked," he said. "The numbers since then have come and gone, but it's turned out to be a support group."
The group has offered assistance on resumes and interviewing, experts to talk about finances, insurance and depression and shared opportunities for job placements, Mr. McCoy said.
The church's executive pastor said he was unemployed about 15 years ago and can relate to what some of the church's members are enduring.
"I can remember somebody putting an envelope in my hand to buy my children something for Christmas," McCoy said. "I don't think that will ever go away."
However, he said, "I don't think you go through anything God doesn't use."
Following the November service, Mr. McCoy said, students were given $1,000 and asked to help other people, and most recently attendees of the Transition Bridge group were given gift cards.
"We feel like God has his hand upon us and is blessing us," he said. "God is to be glorified in all this, and God's already given us the greatest gift of all. So we plan to do more of it next year."
Thanks to one East Brainerd church and what congregation officials say is God's providence, more than 100 area families will have a bright Christmas in a rather bleak year.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Silverdale Baptist Church handed out a combined total of nearly $21,000 to more than 100 people who had come forward and indicated they were struggling financially.
"There was not a dry eye in the house," said senior pastor Tony Walliser. "Everybody was weeping."
The congregation was able to distribute the money because it no longer has a debt and because giving exceeded the church's budget this year.
"It was a great year for us," said executive pastor Ken McCoy, "but we've got some hurting people. As a church, we have not felt the impact. But some of our families have felt it extensively."
Congregation officials said the money -- $25 or more in each of some 350 envelopes that was hidden behind other material in the pews -- was distributed in all three of the church's morning services, which normally attracted some 2,200 people a week.
Mr. Walliser said people in their seats -- who found the labeled and sealed envelopes at his request -- brought them forward to the people struggling financially, many of them adding funds from their wallets and checkbooks.
"We said, 'These folks have humbled themselves before you and are struggling,'" he said. "We asked them to bring the envelopes up, pray for them and love them and hug them."
In addition, Mr. Walliser said, members added $4,000 to the church benevolence fund, from which money is quietly distributed to needy families throughout the year. The fund, due to the high number of needs, had been exhausted, he said.
In the three weeks since the service, he said, he has received twice as many e-mails from people who simply attended that day -- and give regularly through weekly pledges -- as from those who received help. The e-mails are saying, in essence, that it is better to give than receive, he said.
Mr. Walliser said, despite the "cool meeting with God kind of moment," he is under no illusion the money each family received will solve all their problems.
"If we were giving out $100,000," he said, "it wouldn't have met all their needs."
For those who were struggling, who were wavering in their faith, though, "it was like God saying, 'I see you, I know where you are,'" Mr. Walliser said. The spiritual and emotional encouragement were "greater than anything," he said.
The people who received the gifts, he said, have related stories about, among other things, being able to pay utility bills, finance an out-of-town trip for a job opportunity and give back to the church.
One man who just happened to attend, but normally didn't go to church because he thought they only asked for money, saw his attitude change, Mr. Walliser said.
Mr. McCoy said he and other pastors began to get an idea of the people struggling in the church when he first offered a Transition Bridge group for people who were unemployed last February and 48 showed up.
"We were kind of shocked," he said. "The numbers since then have come and gone, but it's turned out to be a support group."
The group has offered assistance on resumes and interviewing, experts to talk about finances, insurance and depression and shared opportunities for job placements, Mr. McCoy said.
The church's executive pastor said he was unemployed about 15 years ago and can relate to what some of the church's members are enduring.
"I can remember somebody putting an envelope in my hand to buy my children something for Christmas," McCoy said. "I don't think that will ever go away."
However, he said, "I don't think you go through anything God doesn't use."
Following the November service, Mr. McCoy said, students were given $1,000 and asked to help other people, and most recently attendees of the Transition Bridge group were given gift cards.
"We feel like God has his hand upon us and is blessing us," he said. "God is to be glorified in all this, and God's already given us the greatest gift of all. So we plan to do more of it next year."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees come
in all shapes, colors,
themes, sparkle etc..
I love all the wonderful
different trees.
Here you will enjoy
several wonderful and
unusual trees!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
PINECONE PLACE CARDS
Dinner guests feel ever so welcome with these natural place cards by their plates.
From the book, 100 Crafts under $10
Bring nature to the table with these place cards.
What You'll Need:
Metallic acrylic paints in blue, purple, gold, copper, green, or other desired colors
Paintbrush
Pinecones
Acorns
Medium weigh paper scrap
Ruler
Gold metallic marking pen
1. Paint the pinecones the desired color. Paint the tops and bottoms of the acorns different colors. Let the paint dry.
2. For each place card, tear a 1 1/2 x 3-inch piece of paper. Wet the edges with water. Paint the edges of the paper, allowing the paint to bleed. Let dry. Write a name in the center of the paper using a gold metallic marking pen.
3. For each place card, set the pinecone in a position on a table to avoid rolling. Insert the paper place card in the top of the pinecone. Arrange the acorns around the pinecone.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
PT Pictures
PT at 19 weeks old. He is VERY smart and learning a lot! Still has some potty accidents but he's getting the hang of it. He is speaking to go outside to potty. He learned that from the other two dogs.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pecan Perfection
"Prep Time: 15 min.
Bake Time: 60 min.
Decoration Time: 10 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes 12 servings.
Ingredients:
1 pie crust (9-inch unbaked pre-rolled)
1 ½ cups pecan halves
1 cup chopped MILKY WAY® Bars
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream, optional
6 pieces DOVE® Brand Dark Chocolate
Aluminum foil
1 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom Cookie sheet pan
Instructions:
1. Unroll the pie crust and fit into the tart pan. Press the dough into the bottom and turn up sides, trimming the excess dough. Cover the dough with a sheet of foil.
2. Bake in a preheated, 350°F oven for approximately 12 minutes until just golden. Remove the foil and continue baking for 3 minutes. Transfer to a cookie sheet and set on a wire rack to cool.
3. Reserve 20 pecan halves for decoration. Roughly chop remaining pecans and combine with MILKY WAY® Bars, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs and salt. Pour into the tart pan, return to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
4. Melt 5 DOVE® Brand Dark Chocolates in a microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir until smooth. Spread a chocolate circle in the center of the tart. Place remaining chocolate in the center of the tart and arrange the reserved pecan halves around the chocolate circle. Serve with whipped cream."
Scarecrow Cupcakes
"Prep Time:20 min.
Bake Time:18-21 min.
Decoration Time:30 min.
Difficulty:Moderate
Yield:Makes 24 cupcakes.
Ingredients:
1 box (18.25 oz.) yellow cake mix
1 can (16 oz.) vanilla frosting
1 tube brown decorator’s icing
24 pieces graham crackers
24 pieces TWIX® Brand Caramel Cookie Bar Minis, unwrapped
4 shredded wheat biscuits
½ cup M&M’S® Brand Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies
24 paper cupcake liners
2 regular size cupcake pans
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the cupcake pans with the paper cupcake liners.
2. Prepare yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Fill each cup with 2/3 cup of batter. Bake for 18-21 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
3. Tint the vanilla frosting beige by blending it with a tablespoon of brown decorator’s icing. Spread the beige frosting on top of a cupcake.
4. To decorate the cupcakes, use the photograph as a guide.
Hats:
• Place a graham cracker half at the top of each cupcake, and top with TWIX® Brand Caramel Cookie Bar Minis to resemble the rim on the hat.
Hair & Neck:
• Arrange strands of shredded wheat under the hat and around the neck.
Face:
• Use M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies for the eyes and nose. Create the mouth with the remaining brown decorator’s frosting.
Tip: Consider using cut licorice laces or shredded coconut instead of shredded wheat biscuits for the 'hair'."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Rectangular Leafy Wreath
Rectangular Leafy Wreath
Update your traditional circular fall wreath with a new
take on shape. Leaf wreaths are sold in craft and
decorating stores, yet it's easy to make your own.
See instructions and tips below.
Materials:
Styrofoam wreath form (or a wire form)
Sheet moss
U-shaped florist's pins
Florist's wire
Hot-glue gun
Preserved fall leaves
Fall ornament (optional)
Instructions:
Create a wreath hanger at the top of the wreath using sturdy wire wrapped around the form and bent into a hanging loop.
Cover a Styrofoam wreath form with sheet moss using U-shaped pins to attach the moss. (On a wire form, wrap thin florist's wire all the way around the wreath to secure the moss.)
Next, use U-shaped pins or dabs of hot glue to attach preserved or artificial leaves all around the wreath.
If desired, hang a pumpkin ornament in the center.
How to Make a
Natural Wreath
For Fall
Natural Wreath
For Fall
A beautiful wreath can be a welcoming addition
for your front door. Here's how to make a wreath
from mostly natural materials to welcome fall.
It's a fun and easy craft project for you and the kids.
Things You'll Need:
large grapevine wreath form
orange or brown ribbon raffia
acorns
dried sunflowers and mums
dried berries
pine cones
hot glue
colored fall leaves
Instructions:
Step 1Prepare the leaves by drying them in a book so they will be flat. Spray with a shellac if desired.
Step 2Wrap ribbon around the base of the wreath and tie in a pretty bow at the top. Secure with hot glue.
Step 3Hot glue dried flowers around the wreath form. Space the flowers fairly evenly around the form.
Step 4Hot glue the berries, acorns, and pinecones around each section of flowers to make a nice design.
Halloween Wreath
This is my Halloween wreath I made. Sometimes
it's nice to work on other things besides bears!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Christmas Carol
My daughter's Drama class asked me to help with the backdrops for the play "A Christmas Carol." I worked on each backdrop for 3 days. I drew each backdrop on the computer and blew the picture up on a projector to trace and paint.
The school house Scooge attended for school
. I painted the doors red and left everything elso black and white.
. I painted the doors red and left everything elso black and white.Scrooge and Marly's workplace...
Scrooge & Marly's place of business...
The school room...
Drama Cast
Scrooge and the Ghost of Death...
Scrooge's house on the inside...
Cemetery
My daughter played the part of
"Belle" Scrooge's girlfriend...
CAPTION ZINFANGAR
I'm proud to announce that Captain Zinfangar won the Toby Industry's Choice & Public's Choice for 2009...
Also, a nominee for 2009 Golden Teddy Awards
Thank you to all customers, readers, collecters, family & friends for your votes!!
Captain Zinfangar 2009 URSA Major Winnerwww.bearsandbuds.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Scrapbooking idea with step by step intrections...
Honestly, how often do you scrap about yourself? How many layouts do you have about you, about yourself now, your likes and dislikes, your feelings and your own thoughts?? I know we all get caught up scrapbooking our children, our pets, our family and we don’t realize that we don’t scrap about us!!! So this is a prompt from me, a tutorial to document fun facts about yourselves, while using those glimmer mists and gesso you keep looking at and hesitate to use!
You will need:
Alphas: American crafts, Heidi Swapp
Brads: Petaloo
Cardstock: Bazill Basics
Die cuts: butterfly (K&Company)
Flowers: Prima, 7gypsies
Gesso: Golden
Glimmer mist: Tattered angels
Journaling tag: Memory Makers
Patterned paper: K&Company
Swirl: Prima
1. Take a piece of cardstock 12x12inches to work as your base of the layout.
2. Spay an imaginary line from top to bottom on the left third of your page. Make sure you do it from close range, so that distinct blots of your color will show. You can use glimmer mists, like I have done, or thinned ink or acrylic paint in a spray bottle. Leave it to dry.
3. Cut a strip of desired patterned paper 11x6 inches.
4. Distress the edges by rubbing them with sandpaper or any other distressing tool and ink with ink. It doesn’t matter if it will rip in some places, it makes it even prettier!
5. Glue it down in the middle of your cardstock.
6. Take a piece of cardboard and rip it with your hands to be approximately 6x6 inches. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square.
7. Damp the cardstock with water and rip a few parts of the top layer with your hands for a distressed look.
8. Distress the cardboard’s edges with ink.
9. Glue the cardstock on the left side of the patterned paper.
10. Take a rub-on stick and dip it in some modeling paste or thick gesso and rub it downwards on the cardstock. This leaves an uneven pattern on the distinct texture of the cardstock and gives it more dimension.
11. Glue down a photo of yourself or a photo of something that represents you or you love.
12. Embellish the left side with some flowers and bling bling!! I have also used some die cut butterflies to add a 3D effect.
13. Glue a journaling tag on the right side of the cardstock and write down 6 things you love and represent you!!
14. Attach 3 coordinating brads on your tag. Glue down your title. The use of different fonts makes always an extra interest to the page! To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.
My name is Elina Koutsouradi and I am from Athens, Greece. I first came across scrapbooking 5 years ago when I bought a crafts magazine in a trip to England and it got me hooked!! I had been doing baby scrap steps since then and major steps the last two years! I get inspiration and techniques from magazines, the internet and scrap-trips, and would love to see some day Greece scrapping some more (it is not yet very popular here!) I have never been published (though I would love to!!) my favorite product is by far thickers from American crafts and Prima bling bling!! My blog: http://elina.typepad.com.
Other Related Articles:
Cutting Negative Space for Titles and Frames
by Laura Lou Bashlor
Cropping Photos for Fun and Design
by Laura Lou Bashlor
Stitching in your Scrapbook (Part 1)
by Heather Kurilla
Buttons And Scrapbooks
by Arlene R. Mayer
Stitching in your Scrapbook (Part 2)
by Heather Kurilla
You will need:
Alphas: American crafts, Heidi Swapp
Brads: Petaloo
Cardstock: Bazill Basics
Die cuts: butterfly (K&Company)
Flowers: Prima, 7gypsies
Gesso: Golden
Glimmer mist: Tattered angels
Journaling tag: Memory Makers
Patterned paper: K&Company
Swirl: Prima
1. Take a piece of cardstock 12x12inches to work as your base of the layout.
2. Spay an imaginary line from top to bottom on the left third of your page. Make sure you do it from close range, so that distinct blots of your color will show. You can use glimmer mists, like I have done, or thinned ink or acrylic paint in a spray bottle. Leave it to dry.
3. Cut a strip of desired patterned paper 11x6 inches.
4. Distress the edges by rubbing them with sandpaper or any other distressing tool and ink with ink. It doesn’t matter if it will rip in some places, it makes it even prettier!
6. Take a piece of cardboard and rip it with your hands to be approximately 6x6 inches. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square.
7. Damp the cardstock with water and rip a few parts of the top layer with your hands for a distressed look.
8. Distress the cardboard’s edges with ink.
9. Glue the cardstock on the left side of the patterned paper.
10. Take a rub-on stick and dip it in some modeling paste or thick gesso and rub it downwards on the cardstock. This leaves an uneven pattern on the distinct texture of the cardstock and gives it more dimension.
11. Glue down a photo of yourself or a photo of something that represents you or you love.
12. Embellish the left side with some flowers and bling bling!! I have also used some die cut butterflies to add a 3D effect.
13. Glue a journaling tag on the right side of the cardstock and write down 6 things you love and represent you!!
14. Attach 3 coordinating brads on your tag. Glue down your title. The use of different fonts makes always an extra interest to the page! To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.
My name is Elina Koutsouradi and I am from Athens, Greece. I first came across scrapbooking 5 years ago when I bought a crafts magazine in a trip to England and it got me hooked!! I had been doing baby scrap steps since then and major steps the last two years! I get inspiration and techniques from magazines, the internet and scrap-trips, and would love to see some day Greece scrapping some more (it is not yet very popular here!) I have never been published (though I would love to!!) my favorite product is by far thickers from American crafts and Prima bling bling!! My blog: http://elina.typepad.com.
Other Related Articles:
Cutting Negative Space for Titles and Frames
by Laura Lou Bashlor
Cropping Photos for Fun and Design
by Laura Lou Bashlor
Stitching in your Scrapbook (Part 1)
by Heather Kurilla
Buttons And Scrapbooks
by Arlene R. Mayer
Stitching in your Scrapbook (Part 2)
by Heather Kurilla
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