Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK

Proverbs 17:9 {In the Word Wednesday}

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9

How often do we repeat an offense that was done against a friend or family matter, "just so they know"?  When we repeat these things we are adding nothing to them, but instead we are seperating close friends.  We should instead be fostering these relationships with love.  If it is not necessary to someones safety, it is best forgotten or overlooked. 

Is it possible the action or words were an oversight?  Then overlook them.
Is it possible the action or words were spoken in forgetfulness?  Then forget them?
Is it possible the action or words have nothing to do with you?  Than do nothing with them.

(See Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9)
The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves.

And Proverbs 17:9 Love Covers from Radiant Church
It is a wise and loving person who seeks to “forgive and cover” transgressions. It is a choice we make to resist our fallen nature and to follow God’s example. Psalm 32:1 (NASB) 1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

Click the button to the right to enter your RAK for today.  Remember, the above suggestion is just that... a suggestion.  You can do your own unique RAK.

RAK's and $25 to Target



So, what's up with the $25.00 Target gift card you ask? 

Well, let's talk details!

For the next two weeks you will have one opportunity per day to enter to win!  Easy Peasy!  Each day I will post a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) idea, each day you can do the suggested RAK, or you can come up with your own.  Just make sure to spread kindess.  Spread kindness to your friends, your family, your neighbors, and complete strangers. 

Then, after you've done your RAK, just come back here to enter!  Entering is super easy, you just have to enter your name, your email address (just one time is fine) and what you did.  I can't wait to see what fun and creative things you all come up with!

If you desire, you can include one of these little cards with your RAK.

To enter, just click on the RAK entry button in the right column.
I've included it in this post too, just in case it's not in the column yet!

Busy Bag Links

After making a few busy bags at our meeting today I wanted to supply you with more ideas of bags you could made for your kiddos:

There are some great ideas on this link... this is a new link to me, and I'm wishing I had seen it sooner!

Another one: Tried and true

Like this one too... really like the paperclip and paint swatch one!

Pre-K Busy Bags

Through this link Modern Parents Messy Kids there are a few other great links (and the blog is just fun), including a link to her Busy Bags pinboard.

This is just a start... there are SO many more ideas out there.  Just google it (or go to the tried and true Pinterest)

OK, the more I look, the more I see:
Just a few more links...
this one is just a blog, I'm sure there are busy bag ideas, but there are lot's of activities and crafts on here as well!

Felt Board Ideas:
Coloring book images can be used to create quick felt pieces. Just glue a picture down to a piece of felt, and cut out around the outer edge.
Extra family photos can be used to create a felt version of your family.
Use a stencil to create uniform letters and numbers.
Sandpaper can also be used to back paper pieces.
Your felt creations can be embellished with glitter, permanent markers or fabric paint. Let your imagination run wild!

Laughter {In the Word Wednesday}

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.  Proverbs 31:25 ESV

That Proverbs 31 woman laughed!  She had confidence in herself and in her God and was able to look ahead and trust the provision of God and the wisdom of her preparations.

and then I read the Matthew Henry Commentary on this Proverbs 31 chapter (looking specifically for Proverbs 31:25.

She has the comfort and satisfaction of her virtue in her own mind (v. 25): Strength and honour are her clothing, in which she wraps herself, that is, enjoys herself, and in which she appears to the world, and so recommends herself. She enjoys a firmness and constancy of mind, has spirit to bear up under the many crosses and disappointments which even the wise and virtuous must expect to meet with in this world; and this is her clothing, for defence as well as decency. She deals honourably with all, and she has the pleasure of doing so, and shall rejoice in time to come; she shall reflect upon it with comfort, when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when she was young. In the day of death it will be a pleasure to her to think that she has lived to some good purpose. Nay, she shall rejoice in an eternity to come; she shall be recompensed for her goodness with fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.

So ladies... laugh today.  Laugh with your kids.  Laugh with your spouse.  Laugh with your parents.  Laugh with your friends.  Laugh with strangers.  Just laugh! 

Giving away $25 to Target? Don't mind if I do!

Don't Forget

click graphic to sign up

You are... {an inspired freebie}

Pick up this freebie in four different color variations over at my personal blog!  Click on the picture above for the link!  Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

{In the Word Wednesday}

I found this on Proverbs 31 and was amazed at how many times God speaks to me in a day... this is me COMPLETELY.  And, I've been working on this.  Along with a LOT of other things.  But this is one that God has been really laying heavy on my heart... and so, as usual, I share it with you... I can't be alone.  right?

I Choose NOT to be offended

by Wendy Blight

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

What did she mean by that? Why does she always hurt my feelings? Why does she treat me that way?

I didn’t realize these words played through my head on a continual basis until my daughter pointed it out. She ended many of our conversations with, “Why do you get your feelings hurt so easily?” Or, “Mom, you’re so sensitive.”

At first, her words angered me. But over time, I began to hear what she was saying. For years, I allowed people’s words to hurt my feelings. In turn, I harbored anger for those words. The anger took root. Satan fed the words to me over and over again. I re-played them in my mind. Each time the anger grew deeper roots.

Listening to a sermon in church, I would think, “I wish ______ was here. They really need to hear this!” Of course, the sermon by-passed my heart all together. The words of others consumed my thoughts and focus, and stole my time.

About this time, God called me to teach a Bible study on the book of Proverbs. I spent days and weeks absorbed in this amazing book of wisdom. One afternoon, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).

I had a choice. Up until now, I heard people’s words, jumped to a conclusion, and chose to be offended. But through His Word, God spoke and said, “Wendy, you can choose to look past their words and not receive them with an offended heart.”

I discovered that I needed to LISTEN objectively and ask: What is driving their words? Do they have a valid point? Do they have a deep hurt? Do they need something I am not giving? Are they generally just plain mean and negative?

The responsibility was on me to stop the words from entering my heart and taking root. I discovered in this process that I WANTED the approval of others. Yet, God’s Word clearly says that He is the only One whose approval I need. When I accepted this, my heart changed.

Yes, it took time, and I am a work in progress. But, now when someone speaks a hurtful word, I check it at the door of my heart. I hear the words, I recognize my issue, and I speak Truth over my heart. I literally say, “It is to my glory to not receive this as an offense.”

It is a win-win for everyone because I do not ruin the rest of the day by pouting and making it all about me or soaking in self-pity. And, each time, I sense God is pleased as I honor Him by choosing NOT to be offended.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am created in Your image. Thank You I find my identity in You. Thank You that it is only Your Word and Your opinion that matter. Lord, give me Your ears to hear. Help me not to be easily offended and easily angered. Help me lay down any offenses to which I am currently holding. Let me live in the freedom of Your love and forgiveness. Help me live not in my flesh, but supernaturally in the fullness and freshness of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Crafters Night/day/weekend!

This is a fundraiser for our M-LIFE program

Hope to see you there!  (Click on the top graphic to register or the button to the right!)

5 Fabulous Valentine Ideas

Chocolate Lip Gloss (from Meet the Dubiens)

This looks easy too, very few ingredients!

Valentine String Art from Make Grow Gather

Did ayone go to gap around christmas time (at Rivertown)?  They had string art on their wall, I know one said Joy in fun and bright colors!  I loved it!

3D Love Art from Brassy Apple

Seven Days of Love from the Dating Divas

Handprint Hearts from Meet the Dubiens

February Playdate - Van Kley Science Museum

click graphic to sign up

Gary Bower {M-LIFE speaker}

This friday we are excited to welcome Gary Bower as our speaker.  He is a father of 12 from the Traverse City area and will be speaking on "The Family Blessing". 

We ask you to pray for safe travels and good health for him!

When I last checked, it looked like we could use two more breakfast dishes for the meeting as well.  Would you be willing to help?  Sign up by clicking the button below!

JoyFULL & CheerFULL

O God, animate us to cheerfulness, may we have a joyful sense of our blessings, learn to look on the bright circumstnaces of our lot, and maintain a perpetual contentedness under thy allotments.
Fortify our minds against disappointments and calamity.
Perserve us from despondency (noun: a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage), from yielding to dejection.
Teach us that no evil is intolerable but a guilty conscience,and that nothing can hurt us, if with true loyalty of affection, we keep thy commandments and take refuge in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
-William Ellery Channing, American Minister (1780-1842) (Source: Prayers for Today by Kurt Bjorkland)

See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 also

Time to Sign Up {Mom2Mom Sale}

All the info is here and it's time for sellers to sign up for the Mom2Mom sale on March 3!  (To sign up click the button on the top of the right hand column)